Reusable Infection Passport Device with Photo Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
The spread of Covid-19 is exacerbated by the lack of affordable and readily available testing, with current tests being single-use, costly, and prone to manipulation, and lacking a system for validating Covid-19 status as a 'Passport' for infection status.
Innovation Solution
A personal and reusable infection status passport device configured to test for Covid-19 and infectious diseases using photo and color analysis, with interchangeable test strips, an imaging module, a light source, a scanner monitor, and an on-board processor to ensure test validity and timestamp accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If single-use test devices are used, then test results can be obtained, but testing becomes costly and inventory is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The test system is divided into two segments: a reusable main device body and disposable test cartridges. This segmentation allows the expensive electronic components (imaging module, light source, processor) to be reused while only the consumable test cartridge is discarded, significantly reducing per-test cost and improving inventory efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the entire test device after single use, the system recovers and reuses the main device body while only discarding the test cartridge. This recovery approach maintains test validity through the reusable supervised testing system while reducing overall consumption and cost.
2Reliability
If single-use test devices are used, then testing can be performed, but testing frequency is limited due to cost
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into reusable and disposable parts, the invention enables frequent testing. The reusable main device can be used repeatedly with different cartridges, allowing users to test as needed without the prohibitive cost of discarding the entire device each time, thus increasing testing frequency and productivity.
3Reliability
If standard test devices are used, then testing can be performed, but there is no system to validate Covid-19 status as a Passport
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs multiple functions: it conducts the actual test, validates the result through supervisory controls, timestamps the result, and generates a digital passport certificate. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into one integrated device, managing complexity while providing comprehensive validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the testing function, validation function, timestamping function, and passport generation function into a single integrated system. This combination creates a comprehensive solution that provides both test results and validated status certification without requiring multiple separate systems.
4Reliability
If standard test devices are used, then testing can be performed, but results can be manipulated and falsified
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through the scanner monitor that continuously monitors the testing process and provides supervisory checks. The system gives feedback on whether the test procedure was followed correctly, validates results in real-time, and prevents falsification by requiring proper procedural completion before accepting results.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanner monitor acts as an intermediary between the test cartridge and the final result validation. It supervises the testing process, verifies that procedures were followed, and mediates between the raw test signal and the validated result, preventing manipulation by introducing an independent verification layer.
5Reliability
If standard test devices are used, then testing can be performed, but there is no timestamp for test verification
Solution Approach 1:
The processor performs multiple functions including test result analysis, timestamp generation, validation supervision, and passport creation. By making the processor multi-functional, the system adds timestamp and validation capabilities without proportionally increasing overall system complexity, as these functions share the same computational hardware.
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 provides quick, frequent, and cost-effective testing, ensuring accurate and validated results that act as a virtual 'Passport' for Covid-19 status, reducing the risk of disease transmission and facilitating compliance with health regulations.
Implementation Method 1
the photoelectric sensor comprises a photoelectric resistor. In some embodiments, the light that penetrates through (or is reflected back from) the test strip on the interchangeable tray is detected by the photoelectric resistor
Data Source
AI summary
A personal and reusable infection status passport device is disclosed that is configured to test for Covid-19 and infectious disease using photo and color analysis. The personal and reusable infection status passport device provides a supervisory testing unit/system to ensure testing is current and accurate. The quick and ease of use will allow for frequent testing so the individual will know their status without spending hours at a clinic or large sums of money on many single use tests. The test units are easier to produce and use with the main device. The device is capable of using a time stamp to ensure the test is current. The included processor and software will create a “status passport” system that will allow users to share their Covid-19 status as needed to comply with state, federal, local, and OSHA.