SmallTech invented a novel way to measure fluid flow in a microchannel in response to client’s need for a non-contact method to precisely measure drug dosage. Client is a Fortune 100 pharmaceutical company. Invention measures transient thermal markers in a microfluidic device using a low-cost thermal camera (FLIR Lepton). Thermal image data are analyzed using computer vision (OpenCV). US and PCT patent applications filed/published. Successfully led multi-phase design and prototyping effort, meeting all milestones on-time and on-budget. Created a handheld prototype that successfully delivered precise microliter doses. Hands-on work included device design, rapid prototyping, microfluidic chip design and fabrication, GUI control software development. Project results were accepted by client and transferred for further development in-house.
“Sensing System for Medication Delivery Device” P.W. Barth, M.B. Bryning, L.A. Field, (PCT/US Application WO 2017079027 A1, PCT/US2016/059099)