Portable Fluorescence Analysis System Using Mobile Device Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fluorescence analysis systems are not economically, promptly, or conveniently applicable for point of care testing due to the need for expensive and complex optical instruments.

Innovation Solution

A portable fluorescence analysis system comprising a fluorescence strip with a detecting area, a fluorescence excitation device with a sleeve and an excitation light source module, and a mobile Internet device with an image capturing module, which captures and analyzes fluorescence images to estimate analyte content without requiring expensive optical instruments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional fluorescence analysis systems are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluorescence detection accuracyVSAvoidoptical instrument complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the core fluorescence detection function from complex conventional systems by using only essential components: an excitation light source module, a fluorescence strip, and a mobile device with image capturing capability. This extraction eliminates unnecessary complex optical instruments while maintaining detection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs disposable fluorescence strips that integrate the sample, reagents, and detection elements in a single-use format. This approach eliminates the need for complex reusable optical systems while maintaining measurement precision, as each strip is optimized for single-use fluorescence detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Measurement precision

If conventional fluorescence analysis systems are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluorescence detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem operation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the fluorescence detection system with a mobile device that everyone carries daily. By integrating the image capturing module, processing unit, and display into a smartphone or tablet, the system becomes as easy to operate as taking a photograph, while maintaining scientific-grade fluorescence detection precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs automatic image capture, processing, and analysis without requiring manual intervention. The mobile device automatically captures the fluorescence image, processes the data through algorithms, and provides results, making the operation as simple as placing the fluorescence strip in the holder and pressing a button.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If portable design is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidfluorescence detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical optical systems with a digital imaging approach. Instead of using sophisticated optical components, filters, and detectors, the system uses the mobile device's camera to capture fluorescence images and processes them digitally, achieving both portability and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system compensates for potential precision loss in portable conditions by using image processing algorithms that analyze fluorescence intensity, color, and distribution patterns. The processing unit adjusts for variations in lighting, distance, and angle to maintain measurement accuracy despite the simplified portable design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables economical, prompt, and convenient fluorescence analysis suitable for point of care testing by using a mobile device to capture and analyze fluorescence images, reducing the need for complex equipment and making the system more accessible for point of care applications.

Implementation Method 1

The excitation light source module is arranged to the side of the second opening for providing an exciting light irradiating on the detecting area of the fluorescence strip so as to excite the fluorescence probe to generate a fluorescent light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS9689869B2Fluorescence excitation device and portable fluorescence analysis system with the same
Publication Date: 2017.06.27 NATIONAL TSING HUA UNIVERSITY
  • US9689869B2 patent drawing
  • US9689869B2 patent drawing
  • US9689869B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A portable fluorescence analysis system comprises a fluorescence strip, a fluorescence excitation device and a mobile Internet device. The fluorescence strip comprises a fluorescence probe configured for detecting an analyte within a specimen. The fluorescence excitation device comprises a sleeve and an excitation light source module. The fluorescence strip is arranged at the one open end of the sleeve. The excitation light source module is arranged at the same opening side of the sleeve and configured for providing an excitation light to excite the fluorescence probe to generate fluorescence. The mobile Internet device comprises an image capturing module and configured for capturing a fluorescence image of the fluorescence strip via the other opening of the sleeve and analyzing fluorescence intensity of the fluorescence image to determine the content of the analyte. The above-mentioned system can be applied to the point of care testing.