Test Strip Image Analysis for Accurate Reaction Line Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Medical practitioners face high misjudgment rates in visually observing reactions on test strips for diseases like pneumonia, flu, or diabetes due to non-obvious reactions, relying solely on vision and intuition.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus and method that identifies positive and negative reactions based on numerical differences between representative values on a test strip image, using a processor to determine test results by analyzing differences between axes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual visual observation is used to judge test strip reactions, then the operation is simple and quick, but the misjudgment rate increases due to non-obvious reactions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of test strip judgmentVSAvoidaccuracy of test result identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual visual observation mechanism with an automated image processing system. The processor captures the test strip image and automatically analyzes the reaction lines by comparing pixel values at different positions, substituting human visual judgment with computational image analysis to eliminate subjectivity and improve accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary image processing apparatus between the test strip and the final judgment. This intermediary system captures the test strip image, processes it through coordinate transformation and pixel value comparison, and provides an objective analysis result, serving as a mediator that bridges the gap between simple visual observation and accurate result identification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If automated image processing is used to analyze test strip reactions, then the identification accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of test result identificationVSAvoidcomplexity of image processing system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the test strip image into distinct regions of interest (reaction lines) by defining specific coordinate ranges and positions. The image processing system divides the overall analysis into discrete steps: capturing the image, transforming coordinates to align with the test strip orientation, identifying specific line regions, and comparing pixel values at predetermined positions, making the complex analysis manageable and systematic

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the test strip image through coordinate parameter changes to align the image coordinates with the physical test strip orientation. By applying coordinate transformation equations that adjust for rotation and positioning, the system converts the captured image into a standardized coordinate system where reaction lines can be accurately located and analyzed, simplifying the subsequent processing steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12518386B2Image processing apparatus and image-based test strip identification method

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 WISTRON CORP

AI summary

An image processing apparatus and an image-based test strip identification method are provided. In the method, multiple representative values on a first axis of a test strip image are determined. The test strip image is obtained by capturing a test strip. A second axis parallel to a test line or a control line of the test strip is perpendicular to the first axis. A test result of the test strip is determined according to a difference between a first representative value and a second representative value of the representative values. The test result includes a positive result and a negative result.