MEDICAL DIAGNOSTIC TEST KIT READER

LECTEUR POUR TROUSSES D'ESSAIS DIAGNOSTIQUES MEDICAUX

English Abstract

1. The reader is either a computer controlled or stand-alone instrument
2. The reader uses CCD (charge-coupled device) camera to capture the image for
processing
3. The reader uses computer or strand alone chips for digital image
processing.
4. The reader can read dipstick format, cassette format, other membrane based
format as
well as ELISA format diagnostic test kits.
5. Modes can be selected for different test format and type of tests.
6. The reader can read one test or multiple tests at one time.
7. The image handling procedures of the reader are as following:
(a). The test kit(s) is/are placed on the reading window.
(b). digital image(s) will be taken by one or more CCD camera(s).
(c). computer or microprocessor will manipulate the image
(d). the color intensity and location of marker on the test will be recorded
(e). clinical results will be calculated based on the preset formulators
(f). hard copy results will be print out by printer

Claims

A). Optical System
The optical system includes a light source and a objective lens. The light
source can be
formed by a small DC driven lamp, a half reflective mirror or some other
optics.
B). CCD and CMOS image sensor
A CCD or CMOS image sensor will be used to input image into a computer or
microprocessor. Image size of as small as 200x200 can be used. A CMOS image
sensor
with standard television output signal can be used for monitoring the image
shooting
processing.

C). Microcomputer system
With its low cost, high speed and high flexibility characteristics,
microcomputer is being
widely use in many application. Software programs will be written so that a
single
equipment can handle different test kits.

The whole instrument can be made either connecting to a personal computer or
being a
stand alone portable device.

Claim:
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege
is claimed
are defined as a medical diagnostic test kit reader.

Description

CA 02223671 1998-02-23
Patent Information
Date: November 15, 1997
Inventor: Jia Bei Zhu
Address: 1629 Fosters Way
Delta, BC V3M 6S7
Canada
Title: Medical Diagnostic test kit Reader
Abstract/specifications:
1. The reader is either a computer controlled or stand-alone instrument
2. The reader uses CCD (charge-coupled device) camera to capture the image for
processing
3. The reader uses computer or strand alone chips for digital image
processing.
4. The reader can read dipstick format, cassette format, other membrane based
format as
well as ELISA format diagnostic test kits.
5. Modes can be selected for different test format and type of tests.
6. The reader can read one test or multiple tests at one time.
7. The image handling procedures of the reader are as following:
(a). The test kits) is/are placed on the reading window.
(b). digital images) will be taken by one or more CCD camera(s).
(c). computer or microprocessor will manipulate the image
(d). the color intensity and location of marker on the test will be recorded
(e). clinical results will be calculated based on the preset formulators
(~. hard copy results will be print out by printer
Instrument principle
A CCD or CMOS image sensor is used to input diagnostic test's image to a
microprocessor. According to the image characteristics, including size,
position and
color, and the selected mode, the computer or microprocessor will
automatically select a
program to analyze the sample image. Results will be printed out and data will
be stored
in the computer or microprocessor.
Test Optical CCD/CMOS Computer Printer
Sample ~ System ~I Image Sensor ~ Analyze


CA 02223671 1998-02-23
A). Optical System
The optical system includes a light source and a objective lens. The light
source can be
formed by a small DC driven lamp, a half reflective mirror or some other
optics.
B). CCD and CMOS image sensor
A CCD or CMOS image sensor will be used to input image into a computer or
microprocessor. Image size of as small as 200x200 can be used. A CMOS image
sensor
with standard television output signal can be used for monitoring the image
shooting
processing.
C). Microcomputer system
With its low cost, high speed and high flexibility characteristics,
microcomputer is being
widely use in many application. Software programs will be written so that a
single
equipment can handle different test kits.
The whole instrument can be made either connecting to a personal computer or
being a
strand alone portable device.