Urine Test Strip Color Analysis Without a Backup Machine

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Solution Overview

Problem

Preparing backup machines for analysis devices is costly and burdensome due to high costs and space requirements, necessitating an analysis device capable of analyzing test strips without requiring a backup machine.

Innovation Solution

An analysis device with a measurement unit, imaging unit, and analysis unit that allows switching between modes: the measurement unit measures color states directly or the imaging unit analyzes captured images of test strips, enabling analysis without a backup machine.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a backup machine is prepared for analysis device measurement, then measurement reliability is improved, but device cost and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The analysis device integrates both measurement functionality (measurement unit) and image analysis functionality (imaging unit and analysis unit) into a single system. The switching unit enables the device to operate in either measurement mode or image analysis mode, allowing one device to perform multiple functions and eliminating the need for separate backup machines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device creates an image copy of the test strip color state through the imaging unit, which can then be analyzed independently by the analysis unit. This copying mechanism allows the device to preserve measurement data in image form, enabling re-analysis without requiring the original physical measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If a backup machine is prepared for analysis device measurement, then measurement reliability is improved, but installation space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating both measurement and image analysis capabilities into a single analysis device, the system eliminates the need for separate backup machines. The switching unit enables seamless operation between measurement mode and image analysis mode, reducing the physical footprint while maintaining measurement reliability through multiple operational pathways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If visual reading by human is used for urine test strip analysis, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoiddetermination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces human visual reading with automated optical measurement (measurement unit) and digital image analysis (imaging unit and analysis unit). The switching unit enables selection between automated measurement mode and automated image analysis mode, both of which provide more precise and objective results compared to subjective visual interpretation, while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If automated measurement is used for test strip analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor state measurement accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The analysis device combines measurement unit and imaging unit with a switching unit into a single integrated system. This multi-functional design allows the device to perform both automated color state measurement and automated image analysis, providing precise measurements while consolidating multiple functions into one device rather than requiring separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 analysis of test strips using an attachable operation unit, eliminating the need for a backup machine by allowing image-based analysis, thus reducing costs and space requirements.

Implementation Method 1

an imaging unit that captures an image of the color state of the test strip

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a measurement unit that measures a color state of a test strip under a defined condition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12480883B2Analysis device for determining a particular component of urine

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 ARKRAY INC

AI summary

An analysis device includes a measurement unit that measures a color state of a test strip under a defined condition, an imaging unit that captures an image of the color state of the test strip, an analysis unit that analyzes the color state from the captured image obtained by imaging by the imaging unit, and a switching unit that selectively switches between a first mode in which the measurement unit measures the color state and a second mode in which the analysis unit analyzes the color state from the captured image.