Universal Substrate Reader for Assay Test Strip Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chemical, biochemical, and biological testing methods rely on visual inspection, leading to interpretation errors and lack quantitative measurements, and existing automated devices are limited to specific assay test strips or analytes, resulting in inefficiency and lack of universal use.
Innovation Solution
A substrate reader is designed to capture images of assay test strips, analyze them for qualitative, semi-quantitative, and quantitative results, and is customizable for various test strips and analytes, using image capturing devices and lighting systems that adjust based on the specific test strip and analyte, enabling universal use across different applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If visual inspection is used for assay test strip reading, then the device complexity is low, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to interpretation errors and lack of quantitative measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual inspection system with an automated image capturing and analysis system. The device uses an image capturing device (camera or scanner) to capture images of the assay test strip, and a processor to automatically analyze the images and determine analyte presence/quantity, eliminating human interpretation errors and providing quantitative measurements.
2Measurement precision
If specialized devices are designed for specific assay test strips or analytes, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as devices cannot be used universally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal substrate reader that can accommodate multiple types of assay test strips and detect various analytes. The device includes adjustable components such as movable platforms, adjustable lighting systems, and configurable software that allow it to adapt to different test strip formats, sizes, and detection requirements, enabling a single device to perform multiple testing functions.
3Productivity
If automated devices are introduced to eliminate visual inspection, then measurement precision and productivity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the device automatically performs image capture, image processing, and result determination without requiring manual intervention. The processor automatically analyzes the captured images, compares them against reference data, and generates test results, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminate the need for technician interpretation while maintaining high productivity.
4Device complexity
If standardized devices are used for all testing applications, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates for specific analytes requiring specialized detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates dynamic and adjustable components that allow the device to adapt its configuration based on the specific testing requirements. The platform can move to position different test strip types optimally, the lighting system can adjust intensity and wavelength, and the software can be configured with analyte-specific parameters, enabling a single standardized device to achieve specialized detection precision for various analytes.
Data Source
AI summary
A device including a light source, one or more actuators, and an image capturing device. The device is operable to receive a request to capture image data of a sample, determine at least one of an analyte being tested within the sample or a container holding the sample, position the image capturing device relative to the sample based on the analyte being tested or the container holding the sample, illuminate the light source based on the analyte being tested or the container holding the sample, capture the image data, and send the image data to one or more computing devices for image processing.