Compact Smartphone Optical Sensor for Rapid Assay Analysis

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing biological and chemical assays require complex and costly equipment for sensitive and rapid analysis, particularly in imaging and spectrophotometry, which limits their accessibility and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The development of compact, smartphone-based optical systems that integrate spectrometry and imaging capabilities, including a sample holder that can manipulate samples quickly and accurately for measurement, enabling simple, fast, and sensitive assays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If complex and costly equipment is used for sensitive and rapid analysis in imaging and spectrophotometry, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassay sensitivityVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses smartphone cameras to capture images that replicate the functionality of complex imaging equipment. The smartphone camera captures spectral information and imaging data that would traditionally require specialized spectrophotometers and microscopes, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through computational methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical optical systems with computational imaging methods. Instead of using sophisticated mechanical spectrophotometers and microscopes, the system uses smartphone cameras combined with computational algorithms to perform spectral analysis and imaging, substituting mechanical complexity with computational processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If complex and costly equipment is used for sensitive and rapid analysis, then assay reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassay reliabilityVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses smartphone cameras to capture images that replicate the functionality of complex imaging equipment. The smartphone camera captures spectral information and imaging data that would traditionally require specialized spectrophotometers and microscopes, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through computational methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables users to perform reliable assays using their own smartphones without requiring specialized training or expertise. The computational imaging algorithms automatically process the captured images to generate reliable assay results, making the system self-sufficient and easy to operate while maintaining scientific reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If complex and costly equipment is used for imaging and spectrophotometry, then measurement precision is improved, but accessibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral measurement accuracyVSAvoidaccessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses smartphone cameras to capture images that replicate the functionality of complex imaging equipment. The smartphone camera captures spectral information and imaging data that would traditionally require specialized spectrophotometers and microscopes, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through computational methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes spectral measurement and imaging capabilities universally accessible through smartphones, which are already present in most people's lives. The system can perform multiple functions including spectral analysis, imaging, and assay measurements using a single smartphone device, thereby dramatically improving accessibility while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution provides a cost-effective and portable means to perform biological and chemical assays, enhancing accessibility and efficiency while maintaining high sensitivity and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

an optical system for measuring the spectrum of a beam of light, an optical system for measuring the spectrum of two beams of light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpectrometry: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentUS12265019B2Compact imaging-based sensors

Publication Date: 2025.04.01 ESSENLIX CORP

AI summary

Disclosed is an optical system for interrogating a sample, an optical system for measuring the spectrum of a beam of light, an optical system for measuring the spectrum of two beams of light, a compact imaging-based sensor or sensors, and combinations thereof.