Portable Faecal Imaging Kit for On-Site Parasitic Infection Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing internal parasitic infections in cattle are labor-intensive, costly, and often result in over-use of anti-parasitic drugs due to the need for laboratory-based faecal analysis, leading to drug resistance issues.
Innovation Solution
A portable kit and method for on-site detection of parasitic infections using a faecal sample preparation device, digital imaging module, and wireless communication to transmit images for off-site analysis, enabling rapid and accurate determination of parasitic infection characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laboratory-based faecal analysis is used to diagnose parasitic infections, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate due to manual processing and transport delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy (image) of the faecal sample that can be transmitted electronically to a remote laboratory for analysis. The imaging module captures high-resolution images of parasite eggs in faecal samples, which are then transmitted via communication network to remote laboratories, eliminating the need for physical sample transport while preserving diagnostic accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic process is segmented into two independent parts: sample collection and imaging performed on-site by the farmer, and analysis performed remotely by laboratory specialists. This segmentation allows the farmer to complete the sampling and imaging steps immediately, while the laboratory processes images at their convenience, significantly reducing the time loss associated with sample transport and manual processing.
2Reliability
If whole herd dosing with anti-parasitic drugs is practiced, then reliability of infection control is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to drug resistance development
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to farmers about which specific animals are infected based on image analysis results. This feedback enables targeted treatment decisions, allowing farmers to treat only infected animals rather than the entire herd, thereby reducing unnecessary drug exposure and the development of drug resistance while maintaining effective infection control.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging module is designed to be portable and easy to use, allowing farmers to perform parasitic infection detection themselves on their own farms without needing to transport samples to laboratories. This self-service capability enables rapid identification of infected animals, facilitating timely and targeted treatment decisions that reduce overall drug usage and resistance development.
3Measurement precision
If manual faecal analysis is performed in laboratories, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to specialized equipment and trained personnel requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging module creates digital copies of faecal samples that can be analyzed remotely using standard laboratory equipment. This approach replaces the need for complex portable microscopic analysis equipment while maintaining diagnostic accuracy, as the digital images can be viewed and analyzed using ordinary computers and specialized software available in remote laboratories.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of direct microscopic examination requiring specialized laboratory equipment with an optical-digital system. The imaging module uses a camera to capture images of parasite eggs in faecal samples, which are then transmitted electronically for analysis. This substitution eliminates the need for complex portable microscopy equipment and trained personnel to perform manual analysis in the field.
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
This solution allows for rapid, on-site detection of parasitic infections, reducing the need for widespread anti-parasitic treatment, thereby minimizing drug resistance and improving the efficiency and accuracy of cattle health management.
Implementation Method 1
a portable faecal sample preparation device (typically configured for use on-site to receive faecal matter from the mammal and a faecal flotation fluid, mix the faecal matter and faecal flotation fluid to provide a suspension, and filter the suspension to provide a filtrate)
Data Source
AI summary
A portable kit for generating a digital image of a faecal sample suitable for microscopic analysis, comprises a faecal sample preparation device configured to receive a faecal sample and a faecal flotation fluid, filter a suspension comprising the faecal sample and the faecal flotation fluid to provide a filtrate, a translucent faecal sample support, and a portable digital imaging module. The portable digital imaging module comprises a housing, a camera/microscopic lens assembly configured to generate a digital image of the faecal sample on the sample support, an illumination system, a seat for receiving the faecal sample support disposed between the camera/microscopic lens assembly and illumination system, a memory for storing the digital image, a communication system for communicating the digital image to an off-site image processing module via a communications network, and a battery operatively connected to the camera and microscopic lens assembly, memory and communication system.