Pinhole Aperture Camera for Lateral Flow Assay Quantization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for evaluating lateral flow assays (LFA) are complex and costly, making them unsuitable for end-users, and require batch and test-specific calibration data, which is difficult to implement in inexpensive systems, limiting their accessibility and accuracy for quantitative and qualitative assessments.
Innovation Solution
A simple, camera-based measuring device with a pinhole or slit diaphragm for imaging, using a CCD line and microcontroller, which is inexpensive, intuitive to use, and capable of evaluating multiple test lines, with wireless transmission of test-specific data via RFID, allowing for quantitative and qualitative analysis without additional optical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If camera-based devices are used for evaluating lateral flow assays, then measurement accuracy and reproducibility are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into functionally independent modules: a simple optical system with LED light source and photodetector array, a microcontroller unit for signal processing, and a display interface. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve professional-grade measurement accuracy without requiring complex integrated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs inexpensive optical components such as standard LEDs and simple photodetectors that can be easily replaced or manufactured at low cost. The device is designed to achieve sufficient measurement accuracy for consumer use without requiring the high-end, expensive components found in professional equipment, making it suitable for single-use or limited-life applications.
2Reliability
If professional calibration systems are implemented, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device includes pre-stored reference data and calibration information in its memory that corresponds to specific test types. When a test is performed, the microcontroller automatically retrieves and applies the appropriate calibration parameters, eliminating the need for manual calibration procedures or complex real-time calibration systems while ensuring measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic self-calibration and quality control by comparing measured values against stored reference data. The microcontroller automatically adjusts measurement parameters and compensates for variations based on pre-programmed calibration algorithms, allowing the device to maintain reliability without requiring external calibration equipment or complex manual intervention.
3Device complexity
If simple optical systems are used to reduce cost, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces complex mechanical scanning systems with a stationary optical arrangement using an array of photodetectors that simultaneously detect multiple test lines. This substitution eliminates moving parts and mechanical complexity while maintaining measurement precision through parallel detection, achieving both simplicity and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single photodetector that scans across the test strip in one dimension, the invention employs a photodetector array that detects multiple positions simultaneously across the test strip width. This dimensional expansion from point-by-point scanning to parallel array detection maintains measurement precision while dramatically reducing device complexity and measurement time.
4Measurement precision
If batch-specific calibration data are required, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically identifies the test type and retrieves the corresponding batch-specific calibration data from its stored reference information. The microcontroller seamlessly matches the inserted test strip with the appropriate calibration parameters without requiring the user to manually select or input calibration data, maintaining measurement accuracy while preserving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic feedback mechanisms where the microcontroller detects which type of test strip is inserted and automatically loads the corresponding calibration parameters from memory. This closed-loop system ensures that the correct batch-specific calibration data are applied without user intervention, combining measurement precision with user-friendly operation.
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 achieves high measuring accuracy and resolution, similar to professional readers, is cost-effective, and can be used for various tests, eliminating the need for batch-dependent calibration, providing clear and reliable results for end-users.
Implementation Method 1
A simple, camera-based measuring device with a pinhole or slit diaphragm for imaging
Implementation Method 2
using a CCD line and microcontroller, which is inexpensive, intuitive to use, and capable of evaluating multiple test lines
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for the photometric quantization of lateral-flow rapid tests using camera imaging. The core concept of the invention is an assembly comprising a pinhole with a slot-type aperture integrated into the main body of the housing, in which assembly the imaging is optimised with respect to diffraction, image scale and integration behaviour and the lighting elements and all components are arranged in a housing that is cost-effective to produce, thus permitting a sufficiently accurate quantization of conventional LFA rapid tests for the test user. The device can transmit test-related data via a transponder in an automatic, contactless manner with the aid of electromagnetic waves (RFID) and is therefore suitable for various tests and for the quantization of LFAs.