WO2013143533A1

WO2013143533A1 - Device for identifying samples in a sample arrangement and stand for the device

Info

Publication number: WO2013143533A1
Application number: PCT/DE2013/100105
Authority: WO
Inventors: Klemens LÖSTER; Erik Höchel
Original assignee: Seramun Diagnostica Gmbh
Priority date: 2012-03-30
Filing date: 2013-03-18
Publication date: 2013-10-03
Also published as: DE202012101167U1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for identifying samples in a sample arrangement, comprising: a stand (1); a component receiver (9) which is formed on the stand (1) and is configured to receive the sample arrangement (10); an optical window which is formed on the stand (1) and through which the component receiver (9) is visible; a support (5) which is formed on the stand (1); and a mobile multi-function device (12) which has a camera device and a display device (13) on which optical images taken by the camera device can be displayed. The mobile multi-function device (12) is arranged on the support (5) in such a way that a recording window of the camera device is matched to the optical window so that via the recording window and the optical window, the sample arrangement (10) can be optically recorded by the camera device after being arranged in the component receiver (9) of the stand (1).

Description

Device for determining samples in a sample arrangement

and stand for the device

The invention relates to a device for determining samples in a sample arrangement and a stand for the device.

background

Such devices are used to determine one or more samples, be it dry and / or wet samples, in a respective assigned sample volume. For example, it can be provided that a liquid sample is added to a sample volume and there takes place a detection reaction which, for example, leads to a color change. One type of sample analysis involves performing an optical examination of the sample, for example, to record the acquisition of an optical image for the sample in the sample volume and then to evaluate the optical image. To evaluate the optical image, a suitable software application can be used if the image data is in digital form. For example, in this way the color reactions can be optically detected and subsequently evaluated. To record the optical images of the samples, a camera device is used regularly, which then provides digital image data for the recorded images, so that these images can then be further evaluated as needed. Measurement and analysis devices for implementing such sample determinations are often based on complex and expensive laboratory systems that are not suitable for flexible field use. Also, the introduction of such devices from one location to another is usually associated with considerable effort. From the document DE 198 11 622 Al a measuring device for determining the concentration of a substance in a liquid is known. An optical or an amperometric measurement of a test field given on a test card to which the liquid to be examined is applied is provided. The housing has a receiving space for at least one test card. A receiving space for inserting a test strip is also provided in the known device in the document DE 198 50 112 AI.

Document US 7,512,432 B2 describes a sensor arrangement for an analysis device. The document US 7,585,464 B2 relates to a biosensor cassette. A comparable biosensor cassette is disclosed in document US 8,052,943 B2.

The document US 8,247,233 B2 relates to an integrated measuring system in which a housing accommodates a plurality of test sensors.

Document US 5,525,297 discloses a measuring device for determining a blood sample in which a replaceable sensor is provided.

Document US 4,833,088 relates to a meter for use with test strips. Document US 5,304,468 discloses a method for determining an analyte in a liquid. For this purpose, a test strip is inserted into a measuring device and optically determined. Similarly, document EP 0319 922 B1 relates to a device for the optical evaluation of a test field on a test strip. An analyzer is disclosed in document EP 0 183 524 A2. Further analysis devices for the determination of test elements or test strips are disclosed in the following documents: EP 0 621 481 A2 and WO 2008/075213 A2.

Document WO 94/10558 A1 discloses an electrochemical sensor. Document WO 03/058220 A1 discloses a system for determining a membrane test strip.

It has been proposed to provide mobile phones with advanced functionality. Document DE 202 18 467 U1 discloses a mobile radio device with extended functionality, which has a built-in scanning device for recording defined properties of documents to be tested and / or other information carriers to be tested, the defined physical, chemical and / or biometric characteristics being are nature. For this purpose, the built-in scanning device has at least one sensor. The document US Pat. No. 6,832,729 B1 discloses a portable data collection device for reading fluorescent markers, for example a bar code. Similarly, document US 2003/0136837 Al describes the use of a cellular telephone to authenticate a security tag on an article.

Summary

The object of the invention is to specify a device for determining samples in a sample arrangement which can be used flexibly under a wide variety of operating conditions, in particular also for mobile applications.

To achieve the object, an apparatus for determining samples in a sample arrangement according to the independent claim 1 is provided. Furthermore, a stand according to the independent claim 13 is provided. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of dependent subclaims.

In one aspect, there is provided apparatus for determining samples in a sample assembly, the apparatus having a stand forming a base for the apparatus. The stand may consist of one or more materials, for example metal and / or plastic. Formed on the stator is a component receptacle configured to receive a sample assembly for determining samples in the sample assembly. The term sample arrangement as used herein includes any arrangements of multiple samples which may be incorporated together, ie, simultaneously or sequentially, in the component receptacle to make the optical recordings. Such sample arrangements include, in particular, sample volume arrangements having a plurality of sample volumes and test strips having a plurality of test fields. Sample arrangements are known as such in various configurations, for example as a one- or two-dimensional arrangement of pots, which can each receive a sample to be determined. One- or two-dimensional arrays of such sample volumes (also measuring or test volumes) na) consist for example of a plastic material. A single sample can also be determined. For sample determination, a volume of the liquid sample is usually added to the sample volume. The samples can then be determined in the respective sample volume in the wet / moist or dry state, for example after a color reaction has taken place. In this way, for example, one or more reagents in a liquid can be determined.

In the apparatus, an optical window is provided, which is formed on the stand and through which the component receptacle can be viewed. The optical window thus makes it possible to view the component receptacle at least in sections and thus to observe a sample arrangement arranged in the component receptacle.

On the stand then a support is provided, on which a mobile multifunction device can be arranged in the proposed device. The mobile multifunction device provides a plurality of operational functions, such as the processing of video and / or audio data and the possibility of data communication with other devices, preferably via a wireless data communication link. For this, the mobile multifunction device may have one or more interface devices that support one or more types of data communication. The mobile multifunction device also has a camera device and a display device on which optical images recorded by means of the camera device can be displayed.

In operation, the mobile multifunction device is placed on the support formed on the stand, such that a receiving window of the camera device, for example a camera lens or this upstream optical elements, associated with the optical window, so that on the receiving window and the optical window the sample assembly after insertion into the component receptacle of the stand can be optically recorded with the camera device to produce a digital image. The receiving window of the camera device can in this case be arranged opposite the optical window. Through the optical window of the stand, therefore, the camera device of the mobile multifunction device generates images of the sample arrangement, which in each case show one or more sample volumes of the arrangement, at least in any case of interest. the sample volumes. In the simplest case, the determination of the samples in the sample arrangement corresponds to the acquisition of optical images of the samples. The digital image data generated in this case can optionally be further automatically evaluated in the mobile multifunction device itself and / or another data processing device after it has been transferred there by the mobile multifunction device. It can be provided to output the images of the sample arrangement recorded with the camera device partially or completely via the display device.

In one embodiment, when picking up the optical images for the sample assembly in the component receptacle, the sample assembly may be displaced between picking up the mappings in the component receptacle, for example, advancing piecewise so as to pick up samples piece by piece with the camera device.

There is further provided a stand for a device for determining samples in a sample assembly, comprising: a component receptacle configured to receive a sample assembly for determining samples in the sample assembly, an optical window through which the component receptacle can be viewed, and a support for accommodating a mobile multifunction device which has a camera device and a display device on which optical images recorded by the camera device can be displayed such that a recording window of the camera device is associated with the optical window, then that the sample arrangement can be optically recorded by the camera device via the receiving window and the optical window after arranging in the component holder. A preferred embodiment provides that the mobile multifunction device is a mobile communication device. The mobile communication device is set up to at least receive and output audio data, in particular via a microphone and a loudspeaker device. In one embodiment, the mobile communication device is a mobile phone. The camera device encompassed by the mobile telephone is used to record the image recordings for the sample volume (s) in the component recording. In an expedient embodiment it can be provided that in the mobile multifunction device, the receiving window and the display device are formed on opposite sides of the device. For example, the receiving window of the camera device on the back and the display device are arranged with a display on the front of the mobile multifunction device.

An advantageous embodiment provides that the support is formed with an inclined support surface. The inclination of the support surface, which corresponds to a tined level, supports glare-free viewing of the display device of the mobile multifunction device.

Preferably, a training provides that the edition one or more pages has a stop for the launched mobile multifunction device. For example, upwardly projecting stop elements can be arranged on the edge of the support, which secure the mobile multifunction device on the support, in particular against accidental falling or slipping. Additionally or alternatively, one or more Justieranschläge be provided to which the mobile multifunction device is to bring when hanging up the system to achieve the best possible spatial allocation between the receiving window of the camera device on the one hand and the optical window on the other. It can be provided that one or more adjusting elements are formed, which are assigned to different types of devices of the mobile multifunction device, for example according to external dimensions of the different devices, so that optimized positioning of the mobile multifunction device on the support is also facilitated for different types of devices.

In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that a recess formed in the region of the support has, at least in sections, a surface contour adapted to the outer housing shape of the mobile multifunction device. It can be provided that outer sections of the housing of the mobile functional device positively engage in associated recesses and / or depressions of the surface contour of the support. A development may provide that the optical window is formed as an open breakthrough. The open aperture is free of any insert elements in the optical window. Alternatively it can be provided that one or more optical components are arranged in the optical window, for example a color filter and / or an optical lens. In this way, the imaging ratios when capturing the optical images for the samples can be adapted and optimized. The optical component (s) may be interchangeable in the aperture.

A preferred embodiment provides that the component receptacle has a darkened receiving space for receiving the sample arrangement in relation to the surroundings. The darkening of the receiving space takes place, for example, in that inner walls of the receiving space have, at least in sections, a dark surface, for example blackened surfaces. Additionally or alternatively it can be provided that the component receptacle is formed as a closed space in which the sample arrangement is introduced via a closable opening. As a closure, for example, a pivotable flap can be provided. But also the use of a removable cap can be provided.

In an expedient embodiment, it can be provided that the component receptacle has a receiving shaft. For example, the receiving shaft may be formed as a continuous channel, which preferably extends below the support. But even a single-sided open channel can be provided.

An advantageous embodiment provides that the component receptacle is arranged at least in sections below the support. Here, preferably, the portion of the stator component, on which the support is formed, on a component in which the receptacle is made. It can be provided to arrange the component receiving the component releasably on the stand, which allows an exchange, especially for maintenance purposes. But also the arrangement of components with differently shaped images is possible, for example, to adapt the device to different sample arrangements. On the other hand, such a component with component receptacle with different chen stand components combined, which are each adapted for different types of multifunction devices, in particular with regard to the design of the edition.

Preferably, a further training, the stand formed with an angled flat housing and the component receptacle is disposed below the angled flat housing.

In an advantageous embodiment it can be provided that a software application for evaluating optical images for the sample arrangement is installed on the mobile multifunction device. Software applications with which the optical images can be evaluated are known as such in various embodiments. For example, the coloring or color shading of an analysis area in the image acquisition can be examined by software. It can also be provided that the gray scale of analysis areas is examined. It can be provided that a lighting device for illuminating the sample arrangement is formed on the stand when the sample arrangement is arranged in the component receptacle of the stand. The illumination device can be set up to backlight one or more samples at the same time, in particular the sample (s), which are arranged opposite the optical window at a time, so that they can be picked up.

With the aid of the proposed device, a method for determining samples can be carried out, in which a sample arrangement is arranged in the component receptacle of the stand by placing it on the stand and then one or more optical images with the aid of the camera device of the mobile multifunction device for the samples on the recording window and the optical window are detected. Subsequently, the captured optical images can be displayed in whole or in part on the display device of the mobile multifunction device. Optionally, a further evaluation of the optical images can be provided by means of a local software application on the mobile multifunction device. Alternatively or additionally, the recorded image data can also be transmitted via a data interface to other devices, for example a data processing device, in order to carry out an image analysis of the images there. After this Capturing the optical images, the mobile multifunction device can be removed from the stand again.

Description of exemplary embodiments

In the following, further embodiments will be explained with reference to figures of a drawing. Hereby show:

1 is a perspective view of a stand on which a receptacle for a

Sample arrangement is formed,

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an apparatus for determining samples in a sample assembly using the stator of FIG. 1; FIG.

Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a sample arrangement and

4 shows a schematic representation for removing a sample liquid from sample volumes of the sample arrangement by means of a manually operated suction element.

1 shows a perspective view of a stand 1 with an upper component 2 and a lower component 3 arranged underneath. In the embodiment shown, the upper component 2 is designed as an angled flat component and consists, for example, of metal or plastic. On a top 4 of the upper component 2, a support 5 is formed, which is made with a flat extending recess 6. At the lower end of the support 5, a stop 7 is formed on the edge of the recess 6, which protrudes from the surface of the support.

In the region of the support 5, an optical window 8 is made on the upper component 2, which is formed in the embodiment shown as an open breakthrough. Through the optical window 8 through a component holder 9 is visible, which is made in the lower part 3 as a channel or shaft. The lower component 3 is fixedly or detachably mounted below the support 5 on the upper component 2.

According to FIG. 2, the component receptacle 9 in the lower component 3 serves to receive a sample arrangement 10 having a plurality of sample volumes 11, which serve to receive a respective sample to be determined. In the apparatus shown in Fig. 2 is on the support 5 a Mobile phone 12 launched, which is supported on the stop 7, so that the mobile phone 12 can not slip from the support 5.

On the side facing the support 5, the mobile telephone 12 has a recording window of a camera device which is integrated into the mobile telephone 12. The recording window overlaps with the optical window 8 so that optical images of the component receptacle 9 can be detected with the aid of the camera device of the mobile radiotelephone 12, in particular when the sample arrangement 10 has been pushed into it. The optical images then show images of the sample volumes 11, be it for the determination of wet / wet or dry samples. The recorded images can be displayed on a display device 13 of the mobile telephone 12.

Otherwise, the mobile telephone 12 has the components usually provided for such devices, for example data interface, loudspeaker, microphone and the like. The mobile telephone 12 also has a data processing device with processor and memory.

According to FIG. 3, in one embodiment at the bottom of the sample volumes 11, colored dot-like or line-shaped patterns 14 are formed. The patterns 14 can be generated both by and without the use of laboratory equipment. In the case of the production of samples 14 without laboratory equipment, the removal of the liquids necessary for the test procedure is carried out in the sample volumes 11 using a suction element 15 (see Fig. 4) which is formed with a handle 16 and a cylindrical absorbent body 17. After the removal of the suction element 15 into the liquid-filled wells (sample volumes 11), the absorbent body 17 of the suction element 15 completely draws the liquid present in the bowl.

For a uniform formation of the patterns 14, for example in the form of an array of biomolecules in a square arrangement as a point pattern on the bottoms of the sample volumes 11, it is essential that the absorbent body 17 does not touch the bottom of the wells. This is achieved by a corresponding length of the absorbent body 17 and its connection to the handle 16, wherein the handle 16 on the edges of the cup the sample assembly 10 is seated and thereby a distance between the absorbent body 17 and the bottom of the cup is achieved. After use, the suction element 15 containing the liquid can be screwed onto a vessel 18 (see Fig. 4 below), for example a tube. Thus, for example, a safe disposal of the suction element 15 is enabled.

The features of the invention disclosed in the foregoing description, in the claims and in the drawing may be of importance both individually and in any combination for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments.

Claims

claims

Device for determining samples in a sample arrangement, comprising:

a stand (1),

a component receptacle (9) formed on the stand (1) and configured to receive the sample assembly (10) for determining samples in the sample assembly (10),

- An optical window (8) which is formed on the stand (1) and through which the component receptacle (9) is visible,

- A support (5) which is formed on the stator (1), and

- A mobile multifunction device (12), which has a camera device and a display device (13) can be displayed on the captured by means of the camera device optical images, wherein the mobile multifunction device (12) on the support (5) is arranged such that a receiving window of the camera device is assigned to the optical window (8), so that the sample arrangement (10) is optically picked up by the camera device via the receiving window and the optical window (8) after being arranged in the component receptacle (9) of the stand (1) can.

Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the mobile multifunction device (12) is a mobile communication device.

Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the mobile multifunction device (12) the receiving window and the display device (13) are formed on opposite sides of the device.

Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (5) is formed with an inclined support surface.

Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (5) on one or more sides a stop (7) for the launched mobile multifunction device (12).

6. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the region of the support (5) formed recess (6) at least partially has an adapted to the outer housing shape of the launched mobile Multifunkti- onsgerätes (12) surface contour.

7. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical window (8) is formed as an open aperture.

8. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the component receptacle (9) has a respect to the environment darkened receiving space for receiving the sample assembly (10).

9. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the component receptacle (9) has a receiving shaft.

10. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the component receptacle (9) at least partially below the support (5) is arranged.

11. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stator (2, 3) formed with an angled flat housing and the component receptacle (9) is arranged below the angled flat housing.

12. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the mobile multifunction device (12) a software application for evaluating optical images for the sample arrangement (10) is installed.

13. Stand (1) for a device for determining samples in a sample arrangement, comprising:

a component receptacle (9) configured to receive a sample assembly (10) for determining samples in the sample assembly (10), - An optical window (8), through which the component receptacle (9) is visible, and

a support (5) for receiving a mobile multifunction device (12), which has a camera device and a display device (13) on which optical images recorded by means of the camera device can be displayed, such that a capture window of the camera device faces the optical window (8 ) is assigned, so that on the receiving window and the optical window (8), the sample assembly (10) can be optically recorded after arranging in the component holder (9) with the camera device.