Test Strip Reading via Mobile Imaging and Coded Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test strip reading methods are either subjective or require expensive dedicated equipment, and existing non-dedicated devices often need prior knowledge and calibration, limiting their accessibility and usability.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a reading device with an imaging capability and software to analyze coded test information and optically responsive portions of a test strip, allowing for image-based determination of test parameters and response without prior knowledge or calibration, using a generic reading device like a mobile phone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated reading device is used to measure test strip response, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables a mobile phone (generic device) to function as a test strip reading device by capturing images of the test strip and processing them through specialized software. This allows the same device to serve multiple purposes - both as a communication tool and as a medical testing device - thereby reducing the need for dedicated expensive equipment while maintaining measurement precision through image analysis of the test strip's color changes.
2Device complexity
If existing non-dedicated reading devices are used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requirement of prior knowledge and calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The test strip itself carries encoded information (such as a barcode or QR code) that contains calibration data and test parameters. When the mobile phone captures an image of the test strip, the software automatically reads this encoded information and uses it for calibration and analysis, eliminating the need for the user to manually input calibration values or have prior knowledge about the test protocol. The system serves itself by extracting all necessary information directly from the test strip.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration information and test parameters are pre-encoded onto the test strip itself before use. This preliminary action of storing calibration data in the test strip eliminates the need for users to perform manual calibration or have pre-loaded calibration data in the reading device, significantly simplifying operation while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Device complexity
If subjective eye analysis is used to measure test strip response, then device complexity is eliminated, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical act of visual inspection with an optical imaging system. Instead of using the human eye to assess color changes, a mobile phone camera captures digital images of the test strip, and software algorithms automatically analyze these images to determine the analyte concentration. This substitution of mechanical visual assessment with optical imaging and computational analysis significantly improves measurement precision while keeping the system simple and accessible.
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 accurate, quantifiable analysis of test strip responses using a generic reading device, eliminating the need for dedicated equipment and prior knowledge, and allowing for the use of generic software, thereby improving accessibility and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
recording, by a reading device, an image of coded test information associated with the test device, determining, based on the image of the test information, one or more test parameters, recording, by the reading device, an image of one or more optically responsive portions of the test device
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of analyzing a response of an analyte test device, comprising recording, by a device reading device, an image of coded test information associated with the test device, determining, based directly on the image of the test information, one or more test parameters, recording, by the reading device, an image of one or more optically responsive portions of the test device, and determining the response of the test device based on the one or more test parameters and the image of the one or more optically responsive portions of the test device.