Universal Optical Imaging System for Multi-Format Test Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical imaging and processing systems for analyte detection are limited by their application-specific nature, lacking flexibility to handle diverse test architectures and protocols, leading to a multitude of disparate devices with different operation protocols, which complicates on-site investigations and diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
A test media reader module with a transparent membrane and optical imager that can image and analyze test media through a reactive region, capable of responding to proximate conditions, and interface with various test media formats, including RFID tags, to provide objective and quantitative results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If application specific diagnostic devices are used, then diagnostic capability for particular analytes is improved, but device versatility and cross-field diagnostic capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal optical imaging system with a standardized adapter interface that can accommodate multiple test media formats (stick, card, bookmark, cartridge). The system uses a single optical imager and processing platform to perform diverse analyte detections across different fields including medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and food safety, eliminating the need for multiple application-specific devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the test media (disposable test strips, cartridges, or bookmarks) from the diagnostic instrument (reusable optical imager and processing platform). This segmentation allows the instrument to remain universal and reusable while the test media can be specialized for different analytes and applications, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple disparate devices with different operation protocols are used, then coverage of different analytes is improved, but operational complexity and difficulty of use deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a universal optical imager with standardized mechanical and optical interfaces that can read multiple test media formats through a single adapter. The processing platform provides unified software control and result interpretation, allowing users to perform diverse analyte detections without learning multiple operation protocols, thus maintaining both versatility and ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If subjective visual interpretation of test results is used, then device simplicity is improved, but measurement precision and objectivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/subjective visual interpretation system with an optical imaging system coupled to digital image processing. The optical imager captures images of the test media, and the processing platform automatically analyzes color changes, line intensities, and other visual indicators to provide objective, quantitative results, eliminating human subjectivity while maintaining system simplicity through automated processing.
4Measurement precision
If a multitude of disparate limited devices are created, then specific diagnostic needs are met, but loss of time and efficiency in on-site investigations deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple application-specific diagnostic functions into a single universal platform. By combining various test media types and analyte detection capabilities into one instrument with standardized adapters and unified software, the system eliminates the need for investigators to switch between multiple devices during on-site investigations, significantly improving efficiency while maintaining specific diagnostic capabilities.
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 flexible, objective, and quantitative analysis of multiple analytes across various fields, improving diagnostic capabilities and maintaining a chain of evidence by reducing subjective interpretation and enhancing cross-field compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
The optical imager is located interior to the housing and is configured to image the test media located on the exterior side of the window along an optical path extending through the window and the membrane
Implementation Method 2
The membrane is transparent to a wavelength useful for imaging test media in the test media adapter
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is directed to a test media reader module including a housing, a membrane, and an optical imager. The housing is configured to receive a test media adapter and has a barrier wall configured to separate the test media adapter from an interior of the housing. The barrier wall includes a window having an interior side and an exterior side. The membrane is transparent to a wavelength useful for imaging test media in the test media adapter. The membrane has a reactive region and overlies at least a portion of the exterior side of the window. The optical imager is located interior to the housing and is configured to image the test media located on the exterior side of the window along an optical path extending through the window and the membrane.