Handheld Pharmaceutical Detection Using Multi-Wavelength Optical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting counterfeit pharmaceuticals are costly, require bulky equipment, and are often performed in laboratories, making them unsuitable for portable, on-site authentication, especially at customs inspection points, where they can be difficult to distinguish from genuine products due to similar appearances.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held device using a plurality of light sources emitting different wavelengths, combined with image acquisition and processing capabilities, allows for in-situ detection of counterfeit pharmaceuticals by comparing the illumination and reflection of suspect products against authentic references, utilizing visible and non-visible light to reveal differences in composition and packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional detection methods (vibrational spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, chromatography, mass spectrometry) are used, then detection accuracy is improved, but device portability and cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and chemical analysis systems (spectroscopy, chromatography, mass spectrometry) with an optical detection system using light sources and image capture devices. This substitution enables portable, handheld detection while maintaining accuracy by using optical properties to identify pharmaceutical characteristics without requiring laboratory equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates optical copies or images of the pharmaceutical product under various lighting conditions and compares these images to reference data. By capturing and analyzing light reflection patterns, the system replicates the functionality of complex analytical instruments through simpler optical imaging, enabling portability while preserving detection capability.
2Reliability
If traditional laboratory equipment is used, then detection reliability is improved, but ease of operation and accessibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automated image capture and analysis, comparing the captured images against stored reference data automatically. This self-service approach eliminates the need for highly skilled operators to perform complex manual analysis, while the automated comparison ensures reliable and consistent detection results. The device handles the entire detection process autonomously, from illumination to identification.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources with different wavelengths are used, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple light sources with different wavelengths (UV, visible, infrared) within a single handheld device, enabling it to perform multiple detection functions. Each wavelength range targets different optical properties of the pharmaceutical, allowing the device to adapt to various detection needs while maintaining a unified portable platform. This multi-functional approach enhances versatility without requiring separate specialized devices.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device provides a cost-effective, portable means to differentiate authentic from counterfeit pharmaceuticals and packaging by observing color and brightness changes under specific light conditions, enabling quick identification without the need for skilled operators or laboratory equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light sources configured to emit light at a plurality of different wavelengths so as to illuminate an object
Implementation Method 2
at least one image acquisition device for receiving light returning from the illuminated object
Data Source
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AI summary
Featured are a device (20) and method for the detection of counterfeit pharmaceuticals and/or packaging therefore. Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are detected by visual inspection upon exposing a suspected counterfeit pharmaceutical to one or more light sources having different wavelengths, and observing the differences in color and/or brightness between the suspected counterfeit and a genuine pharmaceutical/packaging. In further embodiments, a image acquisition device acquires an image showing color and/or other visual effect (s) brightness of the suspect counterfeit and this image is compared to an image of a authentic pharmaceutical /packaging.