WO2009060412A2

WO2009060412A2 - Method and system for bio-analysis using a mobile communication device

Info

Publication number: WO2009060412A2
Application number: PCT/IB2008/054655
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pablo Garcia Tello
Original assignee: Nxp B.V.
Priority date: 2007-11-07
Filing date: 2008-11-07
Publication date: 2009-05-14
Also published as: WO2009060412A3

Abstract

Microbial analysis of a sample is provided using various devices, systems, arrangements and methods. One such device is a wireless communication device that has a wireless transceiver and audio transducers for bi-directional audio communications using the wireless transceiver. The device has an optical sensor that provides optical data in response to optical stimulus and an optical sensor interface for directing luminescence from the sample to the optical sensor. A control circuit is also included for receiving the optical data from the optical sensor and interpreting the optical data to determine a level of luminescence received by the optical sensor and for providing the optical data to the wireless transceiver for transmission thereof.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR BIO-ANALYSIS USING A MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE

The present invention relates generally to bio-analysis and, more particularly, to pathogen detection using a mobile communication device.

The food and safety testing is a growing field. The United States market alone is valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars with growth expected to continue at around 8.5 percent. A substantial portion of such sales related to various tests used in the detection of pathogens. Such pathogens can pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.

There are a number of different tests for detecting pathogens. Many tests involve the use of relatively large test systems. Samples are collected from the food under test and sent to a laboratory for testing. Such methodologies require additional transportation costs to ship the samples to and from the laboratory. They are also subject to cross contamination between samples and mislabeling or other clerical errors. In addition, there is a significant delay between the gathering of the sample and the test results.

Recent advances in technology have led to smaller test systems, even allowing for portable testing devices. Generally, such test devices require purchase of relatively expensive testing equipment. For example, some testing procedures use optical sensors in combination with processing circuits to provide the test results. Moreover, the results from the testing devices are not easily communicated to a central site.

These and other limitations present challenges to the implementation of various bio-analyses.

Various aspects of the present invention are directed to methods and arrangements for implementing processor power state transitions in a manner that addresses and overcomes the above-mentioned issues.

Consistent with one example embodiment, the present invention is directed to a wireless communication device that has a wireless transceiver and audio transducers for bi-directional audio communications using the wireless transceiver. The device has an optical sensor that provides optical data in response to optical stimulus and an optical sensor interface for directing luminescence from the sample to the optical sensor. A control circuit is also included for receiving the optical data from the optical sensor and interpreting the optical data to determine a level of luminescence received by the optical sensor and for providing the optical data to the wireless transceiver for transmission thereof.

Consistent with another example embodiment, the present invention is directed to an optical interface that directs light to an optical sensor. The optical sensor is part of a wireless communication device. The interface is for use in microbial analysis. The microbial analysis is based upon readings obtained from the optical sensor. The interface has a reservoir for mixing the sample with a reagent to generate luminescence indicative of the level of microbial matter present. An adjustable securing mechanism secures the reservoir to the wireless communication device, and an optical arrangement directs light from the reservoir to the optical sensor.

The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. Advantages and attainments, together with a more complete understanding of the invention, will become apparent and appreciated by referring to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a mobile device implemented according to an example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a mobile device having a camera implemented according to an example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram showing the functionality of a sample holder implemented according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 shows a block diagram showing the use of a calibration unit for use with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of a method for use with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 shows an adjustable sample holder for placement over a digital camera lens, according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

The present invention is believed to be applicable to use with a variety of different mobile phones and testing methodologies thereof. While the present invention is not necessarily limited to such applications, an appreciation of various aspects of the invention is best gained through a discussion of examples in such an environment. Consistent with an example embodiment of the present invention, a mobile device, such as a phone, is equipped with an optical sensor. A biological sample is placed within an optical interface. A luminescence agent is applied to the biological sample to generate luminescence in response to the presence of substances indicative of microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, protozoa, fungi or algae). The optical interface allows the generated luminescence to be detected by the optical sensor. A processing circuit processes resultant data by the optical sensor. The processed data can then be used to determine the presence and/or amount of microorganisms present. The processed data and/or the determined information can be sent using a wireless transceiver of the mobile phone.

Consistent with another example embodiment of the present invention, a mobile phone has a digital camera. A biological sample is placed within a digital camera interface. A luminescence agent is applied to the biological sample to generate luminescence in response to the presence of substances indicative of microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, protozoa, fungi or algae). The digital camera interface allows the generated luminescence to be detected by the digital camera. A processor circuit is configured to determine the presence and/or amount of microorganisms present based upon the intensity/amount of detected luminescence. The processed data and/or the determined information can be sent using a wireless transceiver of the mobile phone. The use of the digital camera can be particularly useful for using existing or slightly modified mobile phone technology thereby allowing ease of implementation and reduction in costs. Digital cameras can be implemented using an array of light sensors, such as charge-coupled devices (CCD) or CMOS sensors. Depending upon the necessary sensitivity, any number of pixel sensors can be used to determine the level of luminescence. Consistent with another example embodiment of the present invention, a mobile phone has an optical sensor, such as a photodiode, specifically designed for use in detecting luminescence from a biological sample.

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a mobile device implemented according to an example embodiment of the present invention. Mobile device 100 includes a wireless transceiver 108 for communicating with a remote base- station (not shown). During normal operation, mobile device 100 functions as a mobile communication device using, for example, audio transducers 110. Mobile device 100 provides pathogen detection of a sample 102. The pathogen is detected using optical sensor 104. Processing circuit 106 processes the signals from optical sensor 104, audio transducers 110 and wireless transceiver 108.

Processing circuit 106 receives signals from the optical sensor 104 that are indicative of the presence (or lack thereof) of various pathogens. The received signals are processed for transmission using wireless transceiver 108. For instance, the results of a pathogen test can be sent to a remote site for further processing, analysis or storage. In addition to the test results other relevant information can also be included. For instance, possible additional information includes, but is not limited to, a time and date stamp, location indication, a mobile device identifier or input from the mobile device operator. A graphical user interface (GUI) could be implemented to allow the user of the device to select from different options and add information to a transmission. In one instance, the test results can also be stored locally. This locally stored information can then be used as a backup of the information as well as for auditing of the information received and stored at the remote site.

In another instance, the mobile device 100 can receive testing instructions from the remote site. For instance, the remote site may request additional samples or instruct the user of the device in some manner.

In a specific instance, the sample 102 is treated with a chemical reagent that reacts with pathogens to produce light. Optical sensor 104 detects the presence and/or amount of pathogens in the sample 102 by detecting the amount of light produced. A specific embodiment involves the detection of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The chemical reagent can include, for example, green fluorescent proteins (GFP) or liciferin/luciferase. According to one embodiment of the invention, mobile device 100 is a cellular phone. The cellular phone is communicates with remote devices by connecting to cellular towers. This can be particularly useful for using existing infrastructure to transmit the testing data. According to another embodiment of the invention, the mobile device 100 is a satellite phone. The satellite phone communicates with remote devices by connecting to satellites.

The test-related information can be transmitted using any number of different protocols and methods including, but not limited to, text messaging, direct data transfer and packet-based communications. In a specific instance, the packet-based communications could be implemented using e-mail or through a website. A direct connection can be implemented using modem technology.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a mobile device having a camera implemented according to an example embodiment of the present invention. Mobile device 200 includes wireless transceiver 200, a processing circuit 206, audio transducers 210 and optical sensor 204. In a particular embodiment, optical sensor 204 is used as a digital camera for capturing images. Processing circuit 206 processes data received from the optical sensor 204 to generated images that can be stored or transmitted by the mobile device. Optical sensor 204 is also used to detect the presence of pathogens in sample 202. Processing circuit 206 processes the data from optical sensor 204. In one instance, customized software is installed on the mobile device phone. The software controls the processing of data from optical sensor so as to allow for correct interpretation of data received during a pathogen detection test. Software can be used to determine the amount of luminescence received from the sample holder. This data can then be displayed and stored on the mobile device and/or transmitted using wireless transceiver 208.

Specialized software can be installed on the mobile phone to interface with the sample holder. The software can be installed in any number of different manners including, but not limited to, during the manufacturing process, by a merchant or mobile service provider, downloading via the Internet or using a non-volatile memory device. In a particular instance, the sample holder includes a non- volatile memory with the specialized software. The sample holder can be interfaced with the mobile device using any number of data transfer techniques including, but not limited to, Universal Serial Bus interfaces, Firewire interfaces, modem interfaces or infrared interfaces. FIG. 3 shows a block diagram showing the functionality of a sample holder implemented according to an embodiment of the present invention. Swab 302 is used to collect the test sample from the desired location. Once the test sample has been collected on swab 302, swab 302 is placed in container 304. In one instance, container 304 contains a solution that mixes with the test sample. A luminescent/reagent 306 (e.g., green fluorescent proteins (GFP) or liciferin/luciferase) is then introduced to the solution. Detector 308 is used to determine the level of light given off from the mixture.

In one example embodiment, the sample holder produces a signal that is received by the processor of the mobile device. The signal indicates that the luminescent 306 has been introduced to the solution. The mobile device is then able to determine when the proper time for measuring the level of light given off from the mixture. For example, the combination of the reagent and sample may only produce significant levels of light during a certain window of time. The indication of when the reagent was introduced can be used to collect readings from the optical sensor during the proper window of time. In another instance, the user of the device can manually press a button on the mobile phone to indicate when the reagent was activated.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram showing the use of a calibration unit for use with an embodiment of the present invention. Calibration unit 402 provides a known quantity of light. The software 212 compares the detection level of the optical sensor 204 to the known quantity of light. The comparison can then be used as a baseline for subsequent (or previous) bio-analysis measurements. This calibration is particularly useful for use with a large variety of optical sensors and configurations thereof. In one instance, calibration unit 402 can provide a number of different light intensities sequentially. This can be particularly useful for setting a plurality of threshold levels for bio-analysis of a sample. In another instance, software 212 can control the light intensity levels of the calibration unit through an acceptable communications interface.

FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of a method for use with an embodiment of the present invention. At step 502, the mobile device is configured for bio-analysis. This can include software configuration, programmable logic configuration and/or discrete component configuration. The configuration can be accomplished during manufacture of the mobile device, after purchase by a user of the mobile device or anytime therebetween. At step 504 a sample holder or calibration unit is attached to the mobile device. This step may not be necessary where the sample holder/calibration unit is an integral part of the mobile device. At step 506 is another optical step during which the mobile device can be calibrated for future use. At step 508 the sample under test is placed in the sample holder. At step 510 the optical sensor detects luminescence originating in the sample holder due to the presence of the biological component being tested for (e.g., ATP). At step 512, the results of testing step 510 can be stored locally, displayed locally and/or wirelessly transmitted to a remote location.

FIG. 6 shows an adjustable sample holder for placement over a digital camera lens, according to an example embodiment of the present invention. The sample holder can be a detachable holder that interfaces with the mobile device. This allows for the sample holder to be detached from the mobile device when the device is not being used for bio-analysis. This can also be particularly useful for use with a variety of off-the- shelf mobile devices/phones. For instance, the sample holders can be specifically designed for use with one or more mobile phones. In another instance, the sample holders can be designed with a generic interface that works with a variety of different mobile phones. Such a generic sample holder can include an adjustable attachment

(securing) mechanism that conforms to mobile devices of different sizes and dimensions. The attachment mechanism can be implemented as a clip, strap, hook and loop fastener, snap, magnetic or any other suitable attachment mechanism.

The sample holder can also be implemented with an adjustable aperture 602. Aperture 602 can be moved along both vertical and horizontal axes 604 and 602, respectively, thereby aligning the aperture with the optical sensor. In some instances, the size of aperture 602 can also be adjusted. Such flexibility can be particularly useful for reducing the amount of ambient light from external sources, such as a display of the phone. Various optical arrangements can be used to directed light from a reservoir of the sample holder to the optical sensor. For instance, a combination of one or more mirrors and lenses can be used to direct the light toward the optical sensor. In one instance, the light can be directed through a fiber optic cable to the optical sensor.

The various embodiments described above and shown in the figures are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the invention. Based on the above discussion and illustrations, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that various modifications and changes may be made to the present invention without strictly following the exemplary embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein. For instance, the processing circuits may be implemented using a variety of approaches, including one or more of digital signal processors, general purposes processors, programmable logic devices, digital and/or analog circuitry and/or software-based approaches. The above example embodiments and implementations may also be integrated with a variety of circuits, devices, systems and approaches including those for use in connection with cellular phones, laptop computers and handheld computing devices. These approaches are implemented in connection with various example embodiments of the present invention. Such modifications and changes do not depart from the true scope of the present invention that is set forth in the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. For detecting pathogens in a sample, a wireless communication device comprising: a wireless transceiver; audio transducers communicatively coupled to the wireless transceiver to effect bi-directional audio communications; an optical sensor that provides optical data in response to optical stimulus; an optical sensor interface for directing luminescence from the sample to the optical sensor; and a control circuit for receiving the optical data from the optical sensor and interpreting the optical data to determine a level of luminescence received by the optical sensor and for providing the optical data to the wireless transceiver for transmission thereof.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the optical sensor interface includes a container that holds a reagent that reacts with pathogens in the sample to produce the luminescence.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the optical sensor interface includes a container that holds a reagent that reacts with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to produce the luminescence.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the optical sensor includes an array of pixels that function as part of a digital camera.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is a mobile telephone and the transceiver is one of a cellular transceiver and a satellite transceiver.

6. The device of claim 3, wherein the reagent includes one of green fluorescent proteins (GFP) and luciferase.

7. The device of claim 1, further including a light source arranged to produce a known quantity of light for calibration of the optical sensor.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the light source is configured to produce a plurality of light intensity levels.

9. The device of claim 3, wherein the optical sensor interface provides a signal indicative of the reagent being introduced to the sample.

10. For detecting pathogens in a sample using a wireless communication device with an optical sensor, an interface to the optical sensor comprising: a reservoir for mixing the sample with a reagent to generate luminescence indicative of the level of microbial matter present; an adjustable securing mechanism that secures the reservoir to the wireless communication device; and an optical arrangement for directing light from the reservoir to the optical sensor.

11. The interface of claim 10, wherein the reagent is one of green fluorescent proteins (GFP) and lucif erase.

12. The interface of claim 10, wherein the optical arrangement includes an adjustable aperture through which light passes, the light originating in the reservoir and being received by the optical sensor.

13 The interface of claim 12, wherein the size of the aperture can be changed and the location of the aperture can be changed relative to the securing mechanism.

14. The interface of claim 10, wherein the optical arrangement includes fiber-optics to direct light from the reservoir to the optical sensor.

15. For detecting pathogens in a sample, a wireless communication unit comprising: a wireless transceiver; audio circuit means for generating and receiving audible sound, the audio circuit means communicatively coupled to the wireless transceiver to effect bi-directional audio communications; optical sensor means for generating optical data in response to optical stimulus; interface means for directing luminescence from the sample to the optical sensor means; and control circuit means for receiving the optical data from the optical sensor means and for interpreting the optical data to determine a level of luminescence received by the optical sensor means and for providing the optical data to the wireless transceiver for transmission thereof.

16. The unit of claim 15, wherein the interface means includes a container that holds a reagent that reacts with ATP to produce the luminescence.

17. The unit of claim 15, wherein the unit is a mobile telephone.

18. The unit of claim 15, wherein the audio circuit means includes a speaker and a microphone.