Smartphone Lateral Flow Quantification With Light Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lateral flow immunochromatographic tests provide semi-quantitative results due to subjective visual interpretation, influenced by various factors, and are not suitable for accurate quantitative point-of-care diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
A system and software for mobile devices that analyze transient image data from a lateral flow test, focusing on the region of interest, correcting for alignment and light conditions, and determining the intensity ratio of test and control zones to provide quantitative results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual readout of lateral flow test lines is used, then the test can be performed and interpreted, but the results are subjective and semi-quantitative at best
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual interpretation system (human eye and brain) with an optical-digital system (camera, image processing software, and automated analysis algorithms). The camera captures the test strip image, and software automatically analyzes the color intensity and position of test and control lines, eliminating subjective visual interpretation and providing objective quantitative results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary digital image processing system between the lateral flow test and the final result interpretation. This intermediary layer captures the visual output through a camera, converts it to digital data, and processes it through algorithms that compare test line intensity to control line intensity, thereby transforming subjective visual information into objective quantitative measurements.
2Measurement precision
If conventional visual interpretation methods are used, then no additional equipment is needed, but accurate quantitative results cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the universality of standard smartphone cameras and processing capabilities to perform quantitative analysis. Instead of requiring specialized medical imaging equipment, the system uses widely available consumer technology (smartphone camera, screen, and processor) to achieve accurate quantitative results, making the system accessible and reducing device complexity barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the smartphone to perform multiple functions: capturing the test strip image through its camera, displaying the image on its screen for proper viewing, and processing the image data through its built-in processor and software. This self-service capability eliminates the need for separate specialized equipment for each function, reducing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple image processing steps are performed, then measurement accuracy is improved, but data processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by capturing a high-quality image with proper lighting and focus before analysis begins. The software then uses this pre-captured image for all subsequent processing steps, including converting to grayscale, determining control line position, measuring test line intensity, and calculating results. This preliminary image capture avoids the need for repeated imaging during processing, reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image processing into distinct functional steps: converting to grayscale, locating the control line, measuring test line intensity, and calculating the result. Each segment processes a specific aspect of the analysis independently, allowing for efficient computation and avoiding redundant processing. The segmentation enables parallel processing of different image regions and reduces overall processing time.
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 precise quantitative analysis of analytes using standard smartphones, reducing data processing requirements and minimizing errors, suitable for point-of-care diagnostics and telemedicine.
Implementation Method 1
The technology is based on a series of capillary beds such as pieces of porous filter papers or a porous material on a membrane which each have the capacity to transport fluid by capillary action.
Implementation Method 2
By the time the sample-conjugate mix reaches these lines, analyte has been bound on the labelled immunoreactant to form an immunocomplex and the immobilized capture binds the immunocomplex.
Implementation Method 3
The fluid migrates to a second bed—the conjugate pad—containing conjugate, a dried immunoreactant coupled to a marker, which is in a salt-sugar matrix that contains everything for an optimized binding reaction
Data Source
AI summary
An analyte testing system for quantifying the presence of an analyte in a specimen by lateral flow chromatography. The system comprises a test cassette with a lateral flow chromatography and a mobile hand-held processor device comprising a digital camera, a source of light and a processor, which software and hardware are configured to determine automatically the distance between camera and object and the measures of light in the region of interest of the lateral flow chromatography prior any retrieval of image data for further analysis and quantification of the visual signals.