Smartphone Optical Adaptor for Colorimetric Assay Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional biological and chemical assays, particularly in diagnostic testing, face challenges in achieving simple, fast, and sensitive measurements, including imaging, due to the need for expensive equipment and specialized personnel, and limitations in accurately quantifying color changes in colorimetric assays.
Innovation Solution
The development of optical adaptors for smartphones that convert them into versatile microscopy and colorimetric readers, enabling bright-field and fluorescent microscopy, and providing consistent illumination for colorimetric assays, using modular designs that fit various smartphone models and incorporating features like collimated light sources and diffusers to reduce noise and ensure uniform illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional microscopy and colorimetric assay equipment are used, then measurement precision and sensitivity are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy of professional microscopy and colorimetric assay equipment using smartphone cameras. The optical adaptor system replicates the imaging and illumination functions of expensive laboratory equipment through a modular attachment that uses the smartphone's existing camera sensor, thereby achieving comparable measurement precision without the complexity and cost of traditional instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical adaptor system serves multiple functions through a single device: it enables both microscopy imaging and colorimetric assays, supports multiple illumination modes (bright-field, dark-field, fluorescent), and works with various smartphone models. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require multiple specialized instruments into one universal platform.
2Measurement precision
If conventional microscopy and colorimetric assay equipment are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to perform professional-grade assays themselves without requiring specialized training or personnel. The automated image capture and analysis features, combined with the intuitive smartphone interface, allow end-users to conduct complex biological and chemical assays independently, eliminating the need for trained laboratory technicians.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and optical systems with software-based solutions. Automated image processing algorithms, machine learning models, and smartphone-based data analysis substitute for manual measurement techniques and complex mechanical instrumentation, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining precision.
3Ease of operation
If simple and low-cost assay methods are used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical adaptor serves as an intermediary between the simple smartphone camera and the requirements for precise scientific measurement. It provides the necessary optical components (lenses, illuminators, filters) and software processing to bridge the gap between consumer electronics and laboratory-grade measurement capabilities, enabling accurate quantification through a user-friendly interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves improved measurement precision by optimizing various parameters: illumination intensity and uniformity, focal distance, exposure time, and image processing parameters. The adjustable LED illuminators and configurable camera settings allow fine-tuning of these parameters to maximize measurement accuracy while maintaining ease of use through automated optimization routines.
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional imaging equipment is used, then imaging quality is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs cost-effective optical components and a disposable or reusable optical adaptor that can be manufactured at low cost. The modular design allows for economical production using standard components, and the system can be discarded or replaced without significant financial loss, achieving high imaging quality at a fraction of the cost of traditional microscopy equipment.
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
These solutions allow for low-cost, user-friendly, and accurate biological and chemical assays that can be performed by anyone, with enhanced sensitivity and precision in imaging and color change quantification, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
an LED illuminator configured to emit light
Implementation Method 2
an optical filter configured to transmit light of a second wavelength
Implementation Method 3
a lens configured to focus light from a sample onto an image sensor of the camera
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to devices, apparatus and methods of improving the accuracy of an image-based assay. One aspect of the present invention is to sandwich a sample between two plates and add reference marks in the sample areas of the plates, with at least one of the geometric and/optical properties of the reference marks being predetermined and known, and taking images of the sample with the reference marks, and applying a machine learning model in the analysis of the image-based assay.