Description:FORM 2
The Patent Act 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patent Rules, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(SEE SECTION 10 AND RULE 13)

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

“APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR OPTICAL ANALYSIS”

APPLICANTS:
Name : ARKASHINE INNOVATIONS PVT. LTD.

Nationality : INDIAN

Address : No. 9-12-226, 11th Cross, Bhavani Rice Mill Road, Vidyanagar Colony, Bidar, Karnataka - 585403

The following specification particularly describes and ascertains the nature of this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:-

FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to sample testing, and more specifically related to an apparatus and method for optical analysis of a sample to determine an analyte in the sample.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] Role of chemical fertilizers in increasing yield and production has led the agriculture sector to over utilize without prior knowledge of deficiency of the land. With the world population expected to reach 9.7 billion people by 2050, the agricultural sector needs to increase its productivity by 60% compared to that in 2005 to meet the increasing demand of food. Hence, the role of soil and farmers is of greater importance for an agriculture-based country like India. There is no direct method to judge the status of soil health.
[0003] Just like human health, there is no single machine that can be used to access and define deficiencies where the soil is healthy or not. The usage of fertilizers cannot be avoided completely but the excess usage of fertilizers can be avoided if the deficiencies of the soil can be known in prior. This is possible through the accurate identification and remedial measures taken to reduce the usage of chemical fertilizers for obtaining a balanced and sustainable productivity and yield.
[0004] As soil nutrients are an essential part of agriculture, farmers’ needs to study various aspects of soil before farming for better yield and production for a crop he wants to grow. They should be aware of the nutrients that the soil can provide to the crop that he wants to grow. Conventional methods of testing the soil to determine the deficiencies thereof are time consuming and tedious for the results of fertilizer recommendations to reach the farmers.
[0005] There are various macro and micronutrients that help in growth of plants. Macronutrients contributing to a major portion of nutrient supply to the plants through soil. The macronutrients include Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P) and Potassium (K). Nitrogen helps in growth of leaves, Phosphorous contributes to root growth, flower growth and fruit development whereas potassium helps overall functions of the plant growth.
[0006] The fertilizers available in the market are addressing to these nutrient need of soil. Unless the farmers are aware of these values and nutrients, it is difficult for them to choose the right fertilizer for the right crop. The conventional test methods do not provide instant results to the farmers to choose the right crop and hence the fertilizer to it. In a greed and no existing products addressing to these needs, the farmers are not aware of the soil deficiency and thus use the fertilizers as a general and a mandatory step and end up using excess of fertilizers weakening the soil properties.
[0007] Indian Patent Application No.: 201941032268 discloses a device for real-time soil analysis, wherein the soil sample is mixed with certain reagents. The device analyses the color of the mixture and volume/weight based reaction of reagents with the mixture to determine soil fertility. However, this needs an extensive lab setup to conduct the analysis.
[0008] Similarly, Pessl Instruments GmbH has developed a soil macronutrients analyzer named “iMETOS MobiLab” for analyzing availability of NO3 and NH4 from the soil and other nutrients from plant sap and other sources. It uses an expensive microfluidic chip to holding the soil sample solution for conducting the test. Furthermore, it requires a certain level of training to handle the device and to conduct the test.
[0009] Quantum dots (QDs) are often referred to very tiny man-made semiconductor particles, whose size are normally no more than 10 nanometers. Their extremely small size renders their optical and electronic properties different from those of bulk materials. A majority of QDs have the ability to emit light of specific wavelengths if excited by light or electricity. Electronic characteristics of QDs are determined by their size and shape, which means their emission wavelengths can be controlled by tuning their size. Typically, smaller QDs (e.g., radius of 2~3 nm) emit shorter wavelengths generating colors such as violet, blue or green. While bigger QDs (e.g., radius of 5~6 nm) emit longer wavelengths generating colors like yellow, orange or red. Their highly tunable optical properties based on their size are fascinating, leading to a variety of research and commercial applications including bioimaging, solar cells, LEDs, diode lasers, and transistors. Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are semiconducting crystals of only a few nanometers (ca. 2–12 nm) coated with ligand/ surfactant molecules to help prevent agglomeration. As CQDs exist on a nanometer scale, they can offer unique properties via quantum confinement.1 It is possible to achieve highly tunable electrical and optical properties by adjusting the shape, size, and composition of a QD and in doing so, facilitate the use of QDs in a broad range of applications. The development of CQDs has been particularly promising in the area of solution processable optoelectronic devices; for example, those involved in spin coating, ink-jet printing, blade coating, and screen-printing have paved the way for the low-cost fabrication of largearea flexible devices. Some of the examples include CdSe, CdTe, PbS, and perovskite QDs—due to their widespread use and efficient properties. Various approaches for the batch synthesis of monodisperse QDs including hot-injection, heat-up, cluster assisted, and microwave-assisted synthesis methods.
[0010] Quantum dots interact with single cell or multiple cells (living). If a specific component added to functionalize the quantum dot, after binding with a specific reagent, it illuminates with a different color for different wavelengths.
[0011] United States Patent US 10,384,203 B2 discloses a kit for detecting specific molecular, cellular, and viral targets in a sample. The kit comprises signaling moieties e.g. quantum dot, stored in one or more reservoirs and selection moieties stored in one or more reservoirs. The signaling moieties and selection moieties specifically bind to a target, wherein a detection area is transparent at wavelengths corresponding to a signal signature of the signaling moieties. An imaging well comprises features for alignment or registration of the imaging well with an imagining analyzer. However, the detection process is complex, time consuming and costly.
[0012] Hence, there is still a need for a simple, accurate and inexpensive solution for optical analysis of a sample that is practicable by common people with or without minimal expertise.

OBJECT OF INVENTION
[0013] The principal object of the embodiments herein is to provide an apparatus for optical analysis of a sample in a simple, quick, portable and cost efficient manner with or without minimal manual intervention.
[0014] Another object of the embodiment herein is to provide a process for optical analysis of a sample that allows detection of multiple analytes with a single process.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0015] Accordingly, embodiments herein disclose an apparatus for optical analysis a sample for detecting an analyte, comprising a testing module for optical analysis of a sample solution to determine an amount of at least one analyte present in the sample solution. A testing chip is removably positioned in the testing module for holding the sample solution during test, and an output module is provided for outputting a test result. At least one microcontroller unit is electrically connected to each module for controlling a corresponding function. At least one power module is provided for supplying power to the testing module, the microcontroller unit and the output module.
[0016] The testing chip includes one or more quantum dot (QD) portions configured to be excited by the analyte to emit an electromagnetic radiation. A testing module includes at least one imaging unit for capturing at least one image of the electromagnetic radiation. At least one image processing unit processes one or more images from the imaging unit to determine an amount of the analyte.
[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the testing chip includes multiple QD portions, wherein at least one of the QD portions is configured to emit an electromagnetic radiation different from that emitted by the remaining QD portions. More preferably, each QD portion is configured to emit an electromagnetic radiation different from that emitted by the remaining QD portions.
[0018] In one aspect, the testing chip includes at least one input port for receiving the sample solution and a plurality of channels connected to between the input port and the QD portions for delivering the sample solution to the each QD portion.
[0019] In one aspect, the testing module includes at least one imaging unit for capturing at least one image of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by each QD portion.
[0020] In one embodiment, the image processing unit divides the image into multiple sub-images, wherein each sub-image corresponds to a different QD portion.
[0021] The present invention also relates to a method for optical analysis of a sample, comprising the steps of introducing a predetermined volume of a sample solution into a testing chip, determining, at a testing module, an amount of at least one analyte present in the sample solution by means of fluorescence imaging and outputting the test results. The sample solution is introduced into one or more quantum dot (QD) portions in the testing chip, wherein the QD portions are configured to be excited when reacted with the analyte to emit at least one electromagnetic radiation.
[0022] The amount and/or concentration of the analyte in the sample solution is determined by capturing at least one image of the electromagnetic radiation using at least one imaging unit in the testing module and processing one or more images from the imaging unit using at least one image processing unit to determine an amount and/or concentration of the analyte.
[0023] Preferably, the testing chip includes multiple QD portions and the sample solution is delivered to each QD portion, wherein at least one of the QD portions is configured to emit an electromagnetic radiation different from that emitted by the remaining QD portions. Furthermore, at least one image of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by each QD portion is captured. Thereby, the present invention is capable of determining the amount and/or concentration of each analyte without a need for complicated device and/or process.
[0024] Furthermore, since the present invention allows controlled delivery of the sample solution to each QD portion through the input port or directly on top of each QD portion, accuracy of test results is improved, without a need for inserting a QD strip into the ground, which in turn prevents contamination of the by the QD strip and enables safe disposal/recycling of the QD portions. Thus, the present invention provides a faster, simpler, cheaper, more accurate and environment-friendly solution to determine the amount and/or concentration of analyte in the sample.
[0025] In one embodiment, the image processing includes dividing the image into multiple sub-images, wherein each sub-image corresponds to a different QD portion.
[0026] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an apparatus for testing a biological sample, comprising: a testing module for testing a biological sample solution to determine an amount of at least one substance present in said sample solution by means of fluorescence imaging. A testing chip is removably positioned in the testing module for holding the sample solution during test. An output module is provided for outputting a test result. At least one microcontroller unit is electrically connected to each module for controlling a corresponding function. At least one power module supplies power to the testing module, the microcontroller unit and the output module.
[0027] The testing chip includes one or more quantum dot (QD) portions configured to be excited when reacted with the analyte to emit an electromagnetic radiation.
[0028] . The testing module includes at least one imaging unit for capturing at least one image of the electromagnetic radiation and at least one image processing unit processes one or more images from the imaging unit to determine an amount of the substance.
[0029] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the scope thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0030] The method and the system are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
FIGURE 1 shows an exploded perspective view of an apparatus for optical analysis, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 2 shows a perspective view of a testing chip while introducing a sample solution, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 3A shows a perspective view of a testing chip while introducing a sample solution, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 3B shows a perspective view of a testing chip while introducing a sample solution, in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; and
FIGURE 4 shows schematic block representation of the apparatus, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0031] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. Also, the various embodiments described herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments. The term “or” as used herein, refers to a non-exclusive or, unless otherwise indicated. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein can be practiced and to further enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0032] FIGURE 1 shows an exploded perspective view of the apparatus for optical analysis, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus (1) comprises a testing module (10), an output module (15), a testing chip (20), a microcontroller unit (14, shown in FIGURE 4) and power module. The microcontroller unit (14) is electrically connected to each of the testing module (10), the output module (15) and the power module for controlling each function of the testing module (10), the output module (15) and the power module. Preferably, the microcontroller unit (14) includes a Peripheral Interface Controller (PIC)-based microcontroller, ATMEGA microcontroller, Arduino microcontroller or any other commercially available microcontroller device.
[0033] Optionally, the apparatus (1) includes a sample preparation module (11, shown in FIGURE 4) for preparing a sample solution from the sample to be tested. Preferably, the sample is a soil sample to be tested to determine an amount of macronutrients and/or micronutrients present in the soil and the sample preparation module (11) functions as disclosed in the Indian Patent Application no.: 202141028625. Alternatively, the sample solution can be prepared manually or any conventionally available processes and apparatuses. Similarly, the sample can include but not limited to a chemical composition, biological fluid and plant part, and the analyte can include but not limited to a chemical element and microorganism. The plant part may include but not limited to leaf, stem and root. Furthermore, in an alternate embodiment, the process of preparing the sample solution may include but not limited to crushing, grinding, heating, igniting or electrifying the sample, and/or mixing, dissolving and/or reacting the sample with a solvent such as water, and/or any reagent. The sample can be a food item, beverage, medicinal composition, fertilizer, manure or sanitary composition in the form of a solid, powder, liquid or gel.
[0034] The power module is electrically connected to each of the sample preparation module (11), the testing module (10), the output module (15) and the microcontroller unit (14) for supplying power. In a preferred embodiment, the power module includes a battery e.g. rechargeable battery, dry cell battery, etc., as a power source. Alternatively, AC mains can be connected as the power source.
[0035] Furthermore, the testing module (10), the output module (13), the microcontroller unit (14) and the power module are integrated together as a single unit as shown in FIGURE 1. The output module (13) includes one or more outputting means such as LCD, LED display, plotting unit, wireless communication unit and printing unit, for outputting the test result. Furthermore, the wireless communication unit may communicate the test results to a user device e.g. mobile phone, desktop computer and portable computer, by means of short messaging service (SMS), instant messages or notification readable through a web application or a mobile app and communicated through any conventional wireless technology such as wireless fidelity (WiFi), near field communication (NFC), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Bluetooth, ZigBee, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the outputting means provides the test result in the form of color coding representing a proportion of the analyte in the soil and one or more recommendations on a type of fertilizer to be applied to compensate for any lacking analyte.
[0036] The testing chip (20) is removably positionable in the testing module (10) for holding the soil sample solution during the test. Preferably, the apparatus (1) includes a support means (22) for supporting the testing chip (20). The testing chip (20) includes one or more quantum dot (QD) portions (21) configured to be excited when reacted with the analyte to emit an electromagnetic radiation e.g. visible light radiation, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, infrared (IR) radiation. In one embodiment, the support means (22) is fixedly, rotatably, releasably or pivotably attached to the testing module (10), and the testing chip (20) is received between the testing module (10) and the support means (22) during the testing process.
[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the testing chip (20) is in the form of a plastic or polymer sheet and the QD portions (21) are in circular shape coated on a surface of the plastic sheet. More preferably, the plastic sheet is of thickness ranging from 0.5 – 2 millimeters (mm) and each QD portion is of thickness ranging from 20 – 1000 nanometers (nm). Alternatively, the testing chip (20) can be made of any solid material such as sheet metal, and the QD portions (21) are in any shape. Furthermore, each QD portion (21) is coated on the testing chip (20) by means of screen printing process or any conventional process. In one embodiment, at least two QD portions are interconnected, such that one of the interconnected QD portion is configured to detect one element e.g. nitrogen, while the other QD portion is configured to detect a derivative e.g. nitrate, of the element.
[0038] Preferably, the testing chip (20) includes multiple QD portions (21), wherein at least one of the QD portions (21) is configured to emit an electromagnetic radiation different from that emitted by the remaining QD portions (21). More preferably, each QD portion (21) is configured to be excited by a different analyte to emit different electromagnetic radiations, wherein each QD has different dimensions, chemical composition, surface coating and the like. Thereby, the present invention is capable of determining the amount and/or concentration of each analyte without a need for complicated device and/or process. Furthermore, since the present invention allows controlled delivery of the sample solution to each QD portion (21) through the input port (23) or directly on top of each QD portion, accuracy of test results is improved, without a need for inserting a QD strip into the ground, which in turn prevents contamination of the soil by the QD strip and enables safe disposal/recycling of the QD portions. Thus, the present invention provides a faster, simpler, cheaper, more accurate and environment-friendly solution to determine the amount and/or concentration of analytes in the soil.
[0039] In one embodiment, the testing chip (20) includes at least one input port (23) for receiving the sample solution and a plurality of channels (24) connected between the input port (23) and the QD portions (21) for delivering the sample solution to the corresponding QD portions (21). Optionally, the input port (23) is in fluid connection with the sample preparation module (11), as shown in FIGURE 2. Alternatively, the sample solution can be prepared by any conventional approach and introduced into the input port (23) through a deliver means (11a) such as pipette, burette and the like, as shown in FIGURE 3A, or into the QD portions (21) directly through the deliver means (11a), as shown in FIGURE 3B.
[0040] The testing module (10) configured to test the soil sample solution to determine an amount of at least one analyte present in the sample solution by means of fluorescence imaging. The testing module (10) includes at least one imaging unit (13) for capturing at least one image of the electromagnetic radiation. The imaging unit (13) includes one or more charge coupled devices (CCD), photodiodes or any conventional imaging devices.
[0041] Optionally, the testing module (10) can include one or more excitation means for promoting or enhancing excitation of the QD portions (21) after introducing the soil sample solution to the QD portions. Preferably, the excitation means is an electromagnetic radiation emitter such as UV source, visible light source, IR source and the like. Alternatively, the excitation means is a voltage or current source for applying voltage or current to the QD portions (21) after the sample solution is introduced to the QD portions (21).
[0042] At least one image processing unit (16) in the testing module (10) processes each image from the imaging unit (13) to determine an amount of the analyte. In one embodiment, the image processing unit (16) divides the image from the imaging unit (13) into multiple sub-images, wherein each sub-image corresponds to a different QD portion (21). In another embodiment, the testing module (10) includes multiple imaging units, wherein each imaging unit corresponds to a different QD portion (21) and is configured to captured electromagnetic radiations of different wavelength ranges. Furthermore, the imaging processing unit (16) processes the image from each imaging unit to determine an amount of the corresponding analyte.
[0043] In one embodiment, the image processing unit (16) is located in a remote location or in a cloud server connected to the apparatus (1) through a local area network or a wide area network e.g. internet, wherein the microcontroller unit (14) controls the transceiver to transmit the captured images to the image processing unit (16). Similarly, the image processing unit (16) processes the received images and returns the test results to the microcontroller unit (14).
[0044] In one embodiment, each image is processed using at least one or a combination of two or more of a group consisting of: Elser difference-map algorithm, Blind deconvolution algorithm, Seam carving algorithm, Segmentation algorithm, Grow Cut algorithm, Random walker algorithm, Region growing algorithm, Watershed transformation algorithm, Feature detection algorithm, Marr–Hildreth algorithm, Canny edge detector algorithm, Generalized Hough transform algorithm, Hough transform algorithm, SIFT-Scale-invariant feature transform algorithm, SURF-Speeded Up Robust Features algorithm, Richardson–Lucy deconvolution algorithm, Dithering and half-toning algorithm, Error diffusion algorithm, Floyd–Steinberg dithering algorithm, Ordered dithering algorithm and Riemersma dithering algorithm.
[0045] The support means (20) may be in the form of a drawer or a tray that is movable between a testing position and a loading/unloading position. At the loading/unloading position, the support means (20) is out of the testing module (12) for placing/removing the testing chip (21) on/from the support means (20). At the testing position, the support means (20) moves the testing chip (21) to a preset position for placing each QD portion (21) within a viewing angle of the corresponding imaging unit (13).
[0046] The microcontroller unit (14) receives test results determined by the image processing unit (16) and controls the output module (15) accordingly for outputting the test results in a format that is readable by a user. Preferably, the output module (15) includes a printing unit for printing out the test results on a printing medium i.e. paper, a display unit e.g. LCD or LED, for displaying the test results.
[0047] Optionally, the microcontroller unit (14) may also be configured to provide complete analysis of the sample to be used for any specific applications. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus (1) is applied for soil testing, wherein the microcontroller unit (14) is programmed to analyze the soil sample solution to determine an amount each macronutrient in the soil and to provide a recommendation of a fertilizer that can be applied to the soil for compensating any lacking macronutrients based on the determined amount of macronutrients and/or micronutrients. Furthermore, the apparatus (1) may include a global position system (GPS) device for linking a location data with the test results in real-time and a storage device for recording the test results for future analytics. The apparatus (1) may also include a wireless transceiver in the output module (15) for communicating test results to a user device e.g. mobile phone, desktop computer and portable computer, in the form of SMS or a notification readable through a web application or a mobile app and/or for receiving a control command to/from a remote device such as cloud server, the user device and the like.
[0048] A method for optical analysis of a sample, comprising the steps of: preparing a sample solution from the sample, introducing a predetermined volume of the sample solution into a testing chip, determining, at a testing module, an amount and/or concentration of at least one analyte present in the sample solution and outputting test results.
[0049] The sample solution is introduced into one or more quantum dot (QD) portions in the testing chip. The sample solution is delivered to each QD portion through an input port and a plurality of channels interconnected between one another and to the input port and the QD portions.
[0050] The QD portions are configured to be excited by the analyte to emit at least one electromagnetic radiation. The amount and/or concentration of the analyte is determined by capturing at least one image of the electromagnetic radiation using at least one imaging unit in the testing module and processing the captured image from the imaging unit using at least one image processing unit in the testing module to determine the amount and/or concentration of the analyte.
[0051] The image capturing step includes capturing at least one image of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by each QD portion. The image processing step includes dividing the captured image into multiple sub-images, wherein each sub-image corresponds to a different QD portion.
[0052] In one embodiment, the sample solution is prepared using a sample preparation module in fluid connection with the testing module when attached together. Furthermore, the sample solution is delivered through one or more fluidic channels and/or valves that are operated by a microcontroller unit in the testing module.
[0053] The testing chip includes multiple QD portions, wherein at least one of the QD portions is configured to emit an electromagnetic radiation different from that emitted by the remaining QD portions. Preferably, each QD portion is configured to emit an electromagnetic radiation of wavelength different from those emitted by the remaining QD portion, and thus analysis of the image of the electromagnetic radiation from each QD portion provides information about an amount and/or concentration of different analyte in the sample solution.
[0054] In one embodiment, the present invention is an apparatus for testing a biological sample e.g. urine, blood, saliva and the like. The apparatus includes a testing module for testing a biological sample solution to determine an amount of at least one analyte e.g. germs, bacteria, virus, Glucose, lactose, hemoglobin, etc., present in the sample solution. A testing chip is capable of removably positioning in the testing module for holding the sample solution during test. An output module outputs a test result. At least one microcontroller unit electrically connected to each module controls a corresponding function. At least one power module is provided for supplying power to the testing module, the microcontroller unit and the output module. Testing chip includes one or more quantum dot (QD) portions configured to be excited by the analyte to emit an electromagnetic radiation. Testing module includes at least one imaging unit for capturing at least one image of the electromagnetic radiation. At least one image processing unit is provided for processing one or more images from the imaging unit to determine an amount of the substance.
[0055] Entire process of a preferred embodiment of the present invention for soil testing is described in detail in the following paragraphs with respect to FIGURE 4.
[0056] A soil sample solution to be analyzed is introduced into one or more QD portions (21) in a testing chip (20), and the testing chip is placed in a testing module (10). An input module (17) e.g. keypad, touchscreen, touchpad, switch and the like, is operated to initiate the testing process. A microcontroller unit (14) in the testing module (10) receives instructions from the input module (10) to control the imaging unit (13) to capture an image of the DP portions (21) and transmit the captured image to the microcontroller unit (14) which passes it to an image processing unit (16). The image processing unit (16) processes the received image to determine presence of analytes in the sample solution and an amount and/or concentration of the analytes based on the analysis. The image processing unit (16) returns the test results to the microcontroller unit (14) which then links a GPS data to the test results and transmits the same to the output module (15).
[0057] Furthermore, the microcontroller unit (14) controls the output module (13) to output the test results. Even though the microcontroller unit (14) is illustrated as a single unit located in the testing module (12) in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that there may be multiple microcontrollers located in different modules (11, 13, 15, 16, 17) of the apparatus (1) co-operatively working to control the entire function of the apparatus (1). Similarly, it is to be further understood that the accompanying drawings are for illustration purpose only and that the actual dimensions of the present invention may vary with user requirements. The list of reference numerals and part names thereof are as follows:
(1) Apparatus for optical analysis
(10) Testing module
(11) Sample preparation module
(13) Imaging unit
(14) Microcontroller unit
(15) Output module
(16) Image processing unit
(17) Input module
(20) Testing chip
(21) Quantum dot portions
(22) Support means
(23) Input port
(24) Channels

[0058] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

, C , Claims:
CLAIMS
We claim:
1. An apparatus (1) for optical analysis of a sample, comprising:
a. a testing module (10) for optical analysis of a sample solution to determine an amount of at least one analyte present in said sample solution;
b. a testing chip (20) removably positioned in said testing module (10) for holding said sample solution during test;
c. an output module (15) for outputting a test result;
d. at least one microcontroller unit (14) electrically connected to each module (10, 15) for controlling a corresponding function; and
e. at least one power module for supplying power to said testing module (10), said microcontroller unit (14) and said output module (15),
characterized in that:
- said testing chip (20) includes one or more quantum dot (QD) portions (21) configured to be excited when reacted with said analyte to emit an electromagnetic radiation;
- said testing module (10) includes at least one imaging unit for capturing at least one image of said electromagnetic radiation; and
- at least one image processing unit processes one or more images from said imaging unit to determine an amount of said analyte.
2. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said testing chip (20) includes multiple QD portions, wherein at least one of said QD portions is configured to emit an electromagnetic radiation different from that emitted by the remaining QD portions.

3. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said testing chip (20) includes at least one input port for receiving said sample solution and a plurality of channels connected to between said input port and said QD portions for delivering said sample solution to said corresponding QD portions.

4. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said testing module (10) at least one imaging unit for capturing at least one image of said electromagnetic radiation emitted by each QD portion.

5. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said image processing unit (10) divides said image into multiple sub-images, wherein each sub-image corresponds to a different QD portion.

6. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sample is at least one of soil, a chemical composition, a plant part and a biological fluid.

7. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said analyte is at least one of a chemical element and a microorganism.

8. A method for optical analysis of a sample, comprising the steps of:
a. introducing a predetermined volume of a sample solution into a testing chip;
b. determining, at a testing module, an amount of at least one analyte present in said sample solution; and
c. outputting test results,
characterized in that;
said step of introducing said predetermined volume of said sample solution into said testing chip includes:
- introducing said sample solution into one or more quantum dot (QD) portions in said testing chip, wherein said QD portions are configured to be excited when reacted with said analyte to emit at least one electromagnetic radiation; and
said step of determining said amount of said analyte includes:
- capturing at least one image of said electromagnetic radiation using at least one imaging unit in said testing module; and
- processing one or more images from said imaging unit using at least one image processing unit in said testing module to determine an amount of said analyte.

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein said testing chip includes multiple QD portions, wherein at least one of said QD portions is configured to emit an electromagnetic radiation different from that emitted by the remaining QD portions.

10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein said step of delivering said sample solution includes delivering said sample solution to each QD portion.

11. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein said step of capturing said image includes capturing at least one image of said electromagnetic radiation emitted by each QD portion.

12. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein said step of processing said image includes dividing said image into multiple sub-images, wherein each sub-image corresponds to a different QD portion.

13. The method as claimed in claim 8, further comprising the step of preparing said sample solution.

14. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein said step of preparing said sample solution includes reacting said sample with a reagent for preparing said sample solution.

15. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein said sample is at least one of soil, a chemical composition, a plant part and a biological fluid.

16. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein said analyte is at least one of a chemical element and a microorganism.