Portable Fluorescence Detection System for Point-of-Care Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fluorescence analysis systems are not economical, prompt, or convenient for point-of-care testing due to the need for expensive and complex optical instruments, limiting their implementation in settings like consulting rooms, emergency rooms, and home environments.

Innovation Solution

A portable fluorescence detection system that includes a housing with a light source module and an image capturing module, integrated with mobile electronic devices for wireless communication, allowing for fluorescence analysis without the need for expensive optical instruments, and featuring a non-transparent housing to block external light and a reflector to enhance image capture.

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 replaces complex mechanical optical instruments with a simplified system using a mobile device camera as the image capturing module. The housing with light source module excites fluorescence in the test unit, and the camera captures the emitted light, eliminating the need for sophisticated optical benches, filters, and detectors while maintaining detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the camera's image sensor to capture and copy the fluorescence signal as an image, which is then processed to extract quantitative information. This digital copying approach replaces direct optical measurement with a more versatile and less complex imaging-based detection method

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluorescence detection accuracyVSAvoidportability and convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the fluorescence detection system with a mobile electronic device, combining the light source module, housing, and image capturing module into a single portable unit that interfaces with the mobile device's processing capabilities. This integration enables point-of-care testing in consulting rooms, emergency rooms, and home environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system leverages the mobile device's existing processing power, display, and connectivity to perform fluorescence analysis, making the system multi-functional and adaptable to various testing locations without requiring dedicated laboratory equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If conventional fluorescence analysis systems are used, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluorescence detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs disposable test units with integrated fluorescence probes that are inexpensive to manufacture and use. The test unit is discarded after a single use, eliminating the need for expensive reusable components, calibration standards, and maintenance while keeping the overall system cost low

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

By replacing expensive optical instruments with a mobile device camera and simple housing structure, the patent dramatically reduces the bill of materials cost while maintaining sufficient detection precision for point-of-care applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 utilizing mobile electronic devices for image processing and analysis, reducing the need for complex equipment and improving the accuracy of analyte detection through fluorescence intensity analysis.

Implementation Method 1

The light source module is disposed in the housing opposite to the receiving area and projecting light towards the receiving area so as to excite the fluorescence probe to generate a fluorescent light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

a reflector disposed opposite to the light source module in the housing so as to reflect the fluorescence light generated from the test unit to the image capturing module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10048259B2Portable fluorescence detection system

Publication Date: 2018.08.14 NATIONAL TSING HUA UNIVERSITY

AI summary

A portable fluorescence detection system for a test unit comprises a housing, a light source module and a image capturing module. The housing has a receiving area for accommodating the test unit. The light source module is disposed in the housing and projecting light towards the receiving area. The image capturing module is disposed in the housing and receiving fluorescence light from the receiving area so as to capture an image. The above-mentioned system can be applied to the point-of-care testing.