Secure Assay Device with Optical Encryption Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic testing assays lack confidentiality and security, as results can be easily interpreted by users, and existing solutions are either costly, require complex development, or have limitations in stability and applicability.
Innovation Solution
A secure assay device with a multi-layer coating that blocks user visualization of optical changes, combined with a specialized reader for secure and confidential result transmission, applicable to various existing assay technologies with minimal adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the test results are made visible to the user for immediate interpretation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the confidentiality and security of the test results deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (optically encrypted coating) between the test result and the user's visual perception. This coating allows the test to be performed and read by a authorized party with appropriate equipment, while preventing unauthorized users from directly viewing the results, thus maintaining confidentiality without completely eliminating readability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the test result display by applying multi-layer coatings that alter light transmission and reflection properties. These coatings encrypt the visual information so that it can only be properly interpreted with specific illumination conditions and reading equipment, transforming the results from openly visible to conditionally visible based on optical parameters
2Loss of information
If the test results are hidden from the user to maintain confidentiality, then the security is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (optically encrypted coating) between the test result and the user's visual perception. This coating allows the test to be performed and read by a authorized party with appropriate equipment, while preventing unauthorized users from directly viewing the results, thus maintaining confidentiality without completely eliminating readability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the simple visual reading mechanism with an optical system that uses specific illumination wavelengths and multi-layer coating interactions. Instead of direct visual inspection, the system uses light-matter interactions at specific wavelengths to reveal or conceal information, substituting a complex optical mechanism for simple visual observation
3Productivity
If the assay is designed to allow immediate reading by the user, then the productivity is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential misinterpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (optically encrypted coating) between the test result and the user's visual perception. This coating allows the test to be performed and read by a authorized party with appropriate equipment, while preventing unauthorized users from directly viewing the results, thus maintaining confidentiality without completely eliminating readability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the simple visual reading mechanism with an optical system that uses specific illumination wavelengths and multi-layer coating interactions. Instead of direct visual inspection, the system uses light-matter interactions at specific wavelengths to reveal or conceal information, substituting a complex optical mechanism for simple visual observation
4Loss of information
If the test results are kept confidential and require specialized reading equipment, then the security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the optically encrypted coating system to be compatible with multiple types of assays and test formats. The same coating technology can be applied to different test platforms, and the reading equipment can potentially read multiple types of encrypted tests, reducing overall system complexity through standardization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the test result display by applying multi-layer coatings that alter light transmission and reflection properties. These coatings encrypt the visual information so that it can only be properly interpreted with specific illumination conditions and reading equipment, transforming the results from openly visible to conditionally visible based on optical parameters
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
Ensures secure, accurate, and cost-effective transmission of diagnostic test results to authorized parties, maintaining confidentiality and extending the validity of assays beyond initial interpretation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one multi-layer coating that at least partially covers the assay membrane, the assay device or a combination thereof, wherein the multi-layer coating blocks or impairs the user visualization of the optical change
Implementation Method 2
the multi-layer coating blocks or impairs the user visualization of the optical change, the at least one result
Data Source
AI summary
A secure assay device is disclosed herein that provides: an assay or a test device that provides at least one result, wherein the assay or test device comprises at least one surface which exhibits optical change in response to at least one target particle, at least one marker or a combination thereof; and at least one multi-layer coating that at least partially covers the assay membrane, the assay device or a combination thereof, wherein the multi-layer coating blocks or impairs the user visualization of the optical change, the at least one result or a combination thereof. A secure reader and method of utilizing the secure assay device and secure reader are disclosed herein.