Mark J Yoder

US Patent:

54085357, Apr 18, 1995

Filed:

Sep 7, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/117782

Inventors:

Willis E. Howard - Elkhart IN
Dijia Huang - Granger IN
Robert W. Rogers - Elkhart IN
Gerald H. Shaffer - Elkhart IN
Mark A. Yoder - Bristol IN

Assignee:

Miles Inc. - Elkhart IN

International Classification:

G06K 900
G01N 2101

US Classification:

382 1

Abstract:

A video test strip reader uses a video imager or camera for viewing a viewing field containing reagent test strips each having test pads reacted with a specimen containing constituents of interest. The video imager produces an analog signal representing an image of the viewing field. An image handler coupled to the video imager converts or digitizes the analog signal into a digital signal representing the image and stores the image in the form of an array of pixels representing the image. Each pixel contains color information broken down into red, green or blue (RGB). A processor coupled to the image handler analyzes the array of pixels, determines the location and orientation of a test strip, identifies the test areas on the test strip, measures the corresponding test areas on the strip at the proper times and calculates the test results, such as the concentration of the constituents of interest in the specimen or other measurable properties of the specimen such as color or specific gravity, etc. Accordingly, the video test strip reader can simultaneously locate, color analyze and time track multiple test strips on the viewing field.