# US 2014/0154789 A1 · Testing apparatus > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2014/0154789 A1 - Document ID: US20140154789A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 13/980,300 - Filed: 2012-03-30 - Published: 2014-06-05 - Earliest claimed: 2011-03-31 - Assignees: Norarum DX Limited - Inventors: Neil Polwart; Graham Tyrie; Anthony Peter Ashbrook - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20140154789A1 ## CPC - G01N 33/5302: {Apparatus specially adapted for immunological test procedures} - G01N 21/8483: {Investigating reagent band (test-element handling not specific to a test method G01N33/4875; analytical elements specific to chemical analysis of biological material G01N33/52; autometer with reagent band G01N35/04)} - G01N 33/56911: {Bacteria} - G01N 2021/1776: {Colour camera} - G01N: INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES (measuring or testing apparatus or processes other than immunoassay, involving enzymes or microorganisms C12M, C12Q) ## Abstract A testing apparatus for performing an assay, the testing apparatus comprising: a receptacle (2) containing a reagent, the reagent being reactive to an applied test sample by developing a colour or pattern variation; a portable device (1), e.g. a mobile phone or a laptop, comprising a processor and an image capture device (3), wherein the processor is configured to process data captured by the image capture device and output a test result for the applied test sample. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A testing apparatus for performing an assay, the testing apparatus comprising: a receptacle containing a reagent, the reagent being reactive to an applied test sample by developing a colour or pattern variation; a portable device comprising a processor and an image capture device, wherein the processor is configured to process data captured by the image capture device and output a test result for the applied test sample. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the portable device comprises a mobile phone, PDA, digital camera, or laptop. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the testing apparatus is configured to perform an immunoassay. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the testing apparatus is configured to perform a lateral flow immunoassay that detects Legionella bacteria. ### Claim 5 (canceled) ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the testing apparatus is operable to transmit one or both of the data and the test result via a network. ### Claim 7 (canceled) ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the testing apparatus includes a remote processing device for measuring the developed colour or pattern variation and calculating the test result. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the portable device is configured to transmit the data to the remote processing device, and to receive and output the test result. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the remote processing device is adapted to store at least one of the data and the test result from at least one assay or portable device. ### Claim 11 (canceled) ### Claim 12 (depends on 10) The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the remote processing device is configured to process the data and the test result from a plurality of assays or portable devices to calculate at least one parameter. ### Claim 13 (canceled) ### Claim 14 (canceled) ### Claim 15 (canceled) ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to reject images which are of inadequate quality. ### Claim 17 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the portable device is configured to control at least one of brightness, contrast, gain, colour balance and flash settings of the device during capture to achieve an optimal image for subsequent processing. ### Claim 18 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor is adapted to apply corrections to brightness, contrast, sharpness and colour balance after image acquisition. ### Claim 19 (canceled) ### Claim 20 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the portable device is configured to compare two images and output the test result at least partially based upon the comparison. ### Claim 21 (canceled) ### Claim 22 (canceled) ### Claim 23 (canceled) ### Claim 24 (depends on 1) The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor is adapted to determine a degree of error associated with any rotational misalignment or skew for correcting the image. ### Claim 25 (depends on 24) The apparatus as claimed in claim 24, wherein the degree of error is determined by comparing image features with a known geometry of the receptacle. ### Claim 26 (depends on 24) The apparatus as claimed in claim 24, wherein the portable device includes one or more orientation sensors and the degree of error is determined based on the signal from the orientation sensors. ### Claim 27 (depends on 24) The apparatus as claimed in claim 24, wherein the testing apparatus is configured to prevent image capture when the degree of error is greater than a predetermined value. ### Claim 28 (depends on 24) The apparatus as claimed in claim 24, wherein the testing apparatus is configured to prevent image capture when the signal from the orientation sensors corresponds to an orientation which is outwith a predetermined range or value ### Claim 29 (canceled) ### Claim 30 (canceled) ### Claim 31 (canceled) ### Claim 32 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor is adapted to quantify the size of test and control lines using a peak height or peak area within a region of interest to determine a measurement of concentration for the test. ### Claim 33 (canceled) ### Claim 34 (depends on 32) The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the processor is configured to determine a control peak, and wherein a test peak is determined using a comparison with the control peak. ### Claim 35 (canceled) ### Claim 36 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the portable device is configured to transmit and store associated data comprising at least one of: a date or time of image capture; geolocation data for the performed assay; image capture device settings; reagent data; and user generated data. ### Claim 37 (depends on 36) The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the reagent data comprise at least one of: a batch number; an expiration date; and calibration information. ### Claim 38 (canceled) ### Claim 39 (canceled) ### Claim 40 (canceled) ### Claim 41 (canceled) ### Claim 42 (canceled) ### Claim 43 (depends on 36) The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the reagent data comprises an incubation time, and wherein the portable device is configured to only allow the user to capture the image after testing once the incubation time has elapsed. ### Claim 44 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the portable device is configured to display a guide or template overlay showing the outline of the reagent and/or one or more regions of interest. ### Claim 45 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to utilise contrasting colours or distinct objects provided by the receptacle to process data captured by the image capture device and output the test result. ### Claim 46 (canceled)