Test Pad Detection Using Image Recognition for Urinalysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated chemistry analysis techniques, such as urinalysis, often result in false negatives due to missing or sheared pads on test strips, which are not effectively detected by existing methods.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize an image recognition system to detect sheared or missing pads on chemistry test strips by illuminating the test pads with a light source, generating a pixel-based color image of the ink zones, and determining the presence of the pads by comparing consecutive pixels against a predetermined threshold, using fiducial marks and color differences to identify intact or sheared pads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated chemistry analysis techniques are used for high throughput urinalysis, then productivity is improved, but false negatives occur due to missing or sheared pads that are not detected
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of pad presence and integrity using image capture and analysis before the chemical analysis proceeds. The processor captures an image of the test strip, identifies pad locations, and verifies pad integrity (checking for shearing or missing pads) before the test results are finalized, preventing false negatives from occurring
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary image analysis system is introduced between the test strip and the analysis result. This intermediary layer captures visual data of the test strip pads, processes the images to detect pad presence and integrity, and uses this information to validate whether the chemical analysis results should be trusted
2Device complexity
If existing detection methods are used, then device complexity is kept low, but the ability to detect missing or sheared pads is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a multi-functional approach where a single image capture device serves multiple purposes: it captures the visual appearance of test pads, enables detection of pad presence, identifies pad locations for chemical analysis, and detects pad integrity issues such as shearing. This universal imaging system achieves multiple detection functions without requiring separate specialized devices for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy (image) of the test strip pads and analyzes this copy to detect pad presence and integrity. By working with image copies rather than directly manipulating the physical test strips, the system can perform repeated analysis and validation without consuming the actual test samples
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 solution effectively identifies sheared or missing pads, reducing false negative results and improving the accuracy of chemical analysis by ensuring the presence and integrity of test pads, thereby enhancing the reliability of urinalysis and similar chemical analysis processes.
Implementation Method 1
illumining at least one test pad with a light source; detecting reflected signals from the test pad
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention encompass systems and methods for detecting the presence of a test pad on a test strip. Exemplary techniques involve receiving a test strip having at least one test pad, where individual test pads have a pad width with ink disposed on two ink zones at two opposing sides of the width of the pad, illuminating the at least one test pad with a light source, detecting reflected signals from the test pad, generating an image comprising of pixels of the two ink zones based on the reflected signals, detecting the presence of each of the ink zones by comparing the number of consecutive pixels against a predetermined threshold, and determining the presence of the test pad on the test strip if two ink zones are detected within the pad width.