Portable RDT Reader Using Mobile Phone Camera and Modular Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) face limitations in resource-limited settings due to complexity, requirement for training, and portability issues, while existing mobile integration solutions are often bulky and require additional equipment for image processing.
Innovation Solution
A portable RDT reader system integrated with a mobile phone, utilizing built-in camera and illumination sources for image capture and processing, allowing for on-device analysis of RDT results and remote data storage and monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RDTs are used in resource-limited settings, then diagnostic capability is improved, but device complexity and training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the RDT reader, illumination sources, camera, and image processing capabilities into an integrated mobile phone attachment. This merging eliminates the need for separate complex equipment while maintaining diagnostic reliability, directly addressing the contradiction between improved diagnostics and reduced complexity in resource-limited settings
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile phone serves multiple functions: it acts as the imaging device, processing unit, data storage, and communication tool. This multi-functionality replaces traditional dedicated equipment, reducing device complexity and training requirements while maintaining diagnostic capability in resource-constrained environments
2Weight of moving object
If mobile phone integration is used for RDT reading, then portability is improved, but image quality and processing capability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs specific illumination sources (LEDs with wavelengths of 450-480nm for fluorescent RDTs and 560-590nm for colorimetric RDTs) positioned to illuminate only the test strip area. This localized quality control ensures optimal image quality for the specific measurement task while keeping the overall device portable and lightweight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces controlled illumination sources as intermediaries between the test strip and mobile phone camera. These illumination sources ensure consistent, high-quality imaging by providing appropriate lighting conditions, compensating for the limitations of mobile phone cameras while maintaining portability
3Productivity
If automated image processing is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile phone's built-in processor and software automatically perform image capture, processing, and result generation without requiring external equipment or expert intervention. The system self-services by using the phone's existing computational capabilities to execute automated analysis algorithms, improving productivity while avoiding additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual interpretation of RDT results with automated digital image processing. The mobile phone camera captures the test strip image, and software algorithms automatically analyze the results, substituting the mechanical/manual process with an automated digital system that improves productivity without significantly increasing device complexity
4Loss of information
If remote data transmission is enabled, then monitoring capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables periodic or on-demand data transmission through the mobile phone's wireless communication capabilities. Rather than continuous transmission, data can be sent periodically or when needed, reducing energy consumption while maintaining outbreak monitoring and surveillance capabilities in remote areas
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 efficient, user-friendly, and portable RDT analysis with rapid result generation and remote data transmission, improving healthcare access in resource-limited areas by simplifying the diagnostic process and enhancing outbreak monitoring capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The portable rapid diagnostic test reader system includes a first illumination source disposed in the housing so as to illuminate the rapid diagnostic test
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A portable rapid diagnostic test reader system includes a mobile phone having a camera and one or more processors contained within the mobile phone and a modular housing configured to mount to the mobile phone. The modular housing including a receptacle configured to receive a sample tray holding a rapid diagnostic test. At least one illumination source is disposed in the modular housing and located on one side of the rapid diagnostic test. An optical demagnifier is disposed in the modular housing interposed between the rapid diagnostic test and the mobile phone camera.