Patent Publication Number: US-10324022-B2

Title: Analysis accuracy improvement in automated testing apparatus

Description:
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/966,479, filed Apr. 30, 2018, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/603,783, filed May 24, 2017, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/345,061, filed Nov. 7, 2016; which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/152,470, filed May 11, 2016; the contents of both applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to equipment for testing biological specimen, and relates particularly to testing equipment with a magnifying function or an analyte quantification function. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Currently, testing of liquid contents, are typically consigned to professional testing authorities for performing testing using expensive microscope equipment with high magnification ratios. Since an individual does not have microscope equipment, the testing activity cannot be performed by the individual. 
     However, in some testing categories nowadays testing is required to be performed on a regular basis; therefore the need for frequent testing poses an excessive burden in terms of time and expense. For example, the category of long term testing includes semen testing for patients with infertility issues. The semen testing is mainly directed to performing observations on the number of sperms, their motility and morphology. 
     The semen testing method involves resting semen of a male subject at a room temperature for a period of time, and taking a drop of the sample and instilling the sample to a slide, and observing the sample under a microscope. The observations not only include performing high magnification observation of individual sperm to identify the external appearance of individual sperm, but also include performing observations of overall sperms in a large quantity, their motility, morphology and the quantity per unit area. However, an individual cannot perform the semen testing by himself because the industry have not yet developed a technology that allows an individual to perform testing through a simple aiding device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention provides a testing equipment with magnifying function, which is significantly less expensive than conventional testing equipment, requires less labor for testing, and is easy to use. The technology can be applied to semen testing, as well as other testing areas such as micro-organisms in water, water quality, blood, urine, body fluid, stool, and skin epidermis tissues/cells. The technology provides a simple testing product with significantly lower usage cost than convention techniques using laboratory microscope equipment. 
     Comparing to the conventional techniques, the testing equipment with magnifying function disclosed herein provides a simple structure that can significantly lower the cost of specimen magnifying testing structure, for tests such as sperm test, urinalysis or other body fluid analysis. The technology disclosed herein can be used in a wide range of applications, through the design of the carrier having the specimen holding area, the magnifying part and the unique innovative configuration. For example, the testing equipment with magnifying function can be applied to inspect the counts, the motility and the morphology of sperm specimen. 
     The testing equipment with magnifying function of the invention is suitable for performing tests at home. The results of the test can be obtained instantly and the cost is low. For example, the testing equipment with magnifying function provides a way to assess male fertility at home for couples seeking pregnancy so that the couples can make an informed decision whether medical intervention is needed. 
     The disclosed technology can be conveniently integrated with existing intelligent communications device (such as smart phone or tablet), and enables the use of existing intelligent communications device to capture magnified testing images and perform subsequent operations such as storing and transferring the images. The cost of the devices is low so that the devices can be implemented as disposable devices or reusable devices. 
     At least some embodiments of the present invention are directed to a device (e.g., a test cartridge or a test strip) for testing biological specimen. The device includes a sample carrier and a detachable cover. The sample carrier includes a specimen holding area. The detachable cover is placed on top of the specimen holding area. The detachable cover includes a magnifying component configured to align with the specimen holding area. The focal length of the magnifying component is from 0.1 mm to 8.5 mm. The magnifying component has a linear magnification ratio of at least 1.0. 
     At least some embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system for testing biological specimen. The system includes the device for testing biological specimen mentioned above and a base component. The base component includes an insertion port for inserting the device for testing biological specimen into the base component. The base component further includes a camera component for capturing the image of the specimen holding area, or a form-fitting frame for securing a mobile device that includes a camera component for capturing the image of the specimen holding area. The base component can further include a supplemental lens placed below the camera component. A combination of the magnifying component and the supplemental lens can have an effective linear magnification ratio of at least 1.0. 
     At least some embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method for testing sperms using the device for testing biological specimen. The method includes steps of: obtaining the device for testing biological specimen mentioned above, applying a sperm specimen to the specimen holding area, recording a video or an image of the sperm specimen; determining the sperm count of the sperm specimen based on the at least one frame of the recorded video or the recorded image; and determining the sperm motility of the sperm specimen based on the recorded video or the recorded image. 
     At least some embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system for testing biological specimen. The system includes a disposable device for testing biological specimen and a base component. The disposable device includes a sample carrier including a specimen holding area and a detachable cover placed on top of the specimen holding area. The base component includes an insertion port for inserting the disposable device into the base component and a camera. The camera, which includes an image sensor and an optical lens module, captures one or more image(s) of the specimen holding area. 
     Some embodiments of the present disclosure include an apparatus for testing biological specimen. The apparatus can include a casing that has an opening. A receiving mechanism can receive a carrier inserted through said opening. The carrier can include a first holding area and a second holding area. The first and second holding areas may carry or have been exposed to the biological specimen. 
     The apparatus, in some implementations, can include two camera modules. Among the camera modules is a first camera module arranged to capture one or more images of the first holding area, and a second camera module arranged to capture one or more images of the second holding area. Further, some embodiments include a main circuit board carrying a processor that is configured to perform a first analytic process on the captured images of the first holding area. The processor may be configured to perform a second analytic process different from the first analytic process on the captured images of the second holding area. In some embodiments, the processor can determine an outcome with regard to the biological specimen based on results from both the first and the second analytic processes. In accordance with one or more embodiments, said receiving mechanism, said first and second camera modules, and said main circuit board are all enclosed within the casing. 
     Moreover, in some embodiments, when the processor identifies the first holding area being in a first shape, the processor is configured to perform a certain analytic process. For example, if the first shape represents that the biological specimen includes sperm from a male subject, then the process can determine one or more properties of the sperm. The properties can be determined may include: a concentration of the sperm, a motility of the sperm, and/or a morphology of the sperm. The determination of the one or more properties of the sperm may be performed, in some examples, by using the second camera module. In some of these examples, the processor is further to determine at least one additional property of the sperm by using the first camera module. This additional property may include an acidity of the sperm. For example, the carrier can include a pH indicator in the first holding area to represent the acidity of the sperm with colors, and the processor can recognize the colors for identifying the acidity. 
     In some examples, when the processor identifies the first holding area being in a second shape, which may indicate that the biological specimen includes urine from a female subject, the processor is configured to determine one or more properties of the urine. The properties can be determined can include: an LH level, an FSH level, and/or an HCG level. Like acidity, the determination of the one or more properties of the urine may be performed by using the first camera module. Similarly, the carrier can include an LH indicator, an FSH indicator, and/or an HCG indicator in the first holding area. 
     In some embodiments, the first camera module has a lower magnifying ratio and/or a lower camera resolution than the second camera module. 
     In some embodiments, the processor can be configured to (1) utilize the first camera module to identify a shape of the first holding area on the carrier; and (2) select, based on the shape of the first holding area, a set of analytic processes to be performed. The shape of the first holding area can identify a gender information of the biological specimen. Then, in response to the shape of the first holding area being a first shape, the set of analytic processes selected by the processor can determine a fertility with regard to reproductive cells of a first gender. Further, in response to the shape of the first holding area being a second shape, the set of analytic processes selected by the processor can determine a fertility with regard to reproductive cells of a second gender. 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is an exploded view of a testing equipment with magnifying function according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 1B  is an assembled view of the testing equipment of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view of the testing equipment of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2B  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of testing equipment. 
         FIG. 3  is a flow diagram of testing for a testing equipment according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a testing equipment with magnifying function according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of a testing equipment with magnifying function according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram of the testing equipment of  FIG. 5  being used. 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram of a testing equipment with magnifying function according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram of a testing equipment with magnifying function according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram of a testing equipment with magnifying function according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram of a testing equipment with magnifying function according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 11-13  are views of testing equipment with magnifying function according to another three embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 14A  is a schematic diagram of a test strip inserted into a meter device according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 14B  is a schematic diagram of components of a meter device according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 15A  illustrates a sample process of a semen test by device such as a meter device or an intelligent communications device. 
         FIG. 15B  illustrates a sample step  1515  of the process illustrated in  FIG. 15A . 
         FIG. 15C  illustrates a sample step  1520  of the process illustrated in  FIG. 15A . 
         FIG. 15D  illustrates a sample step  1530  of the process illustrated in  FIG. 15A . 
         FIG. 15E  illustrates a sample step  1550  of the process illustrated in  FIG. 15A . 
         FIG. 15F  illustrates a sample step  1555  of the process illustrated in  FIG. 15A . 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a sample process of determining sperm concentration. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates sample sperms and sample sperm trajectories. 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a sample process of determining sperm trajectories and motility. 
         FIG. 19  is a schematic diagram of a testing equipment including a collection bottle. 
         FIG. 20  is a schematic diagram of a testing equipment does not include a collection bottle. 
         FIGS. 21A and 21B  are cross-sectional views of various embodiments of a testing equipment. 
         FIG. 22  is a schematic diagram of a testing equipment for a test strip device having two specimen holding area. 
         FIG. 23  is schematic diagram of components of a testing equipment having an autofocus function. 
         FIG. 24  is schematic diagram of components of another testing equipment having an autofocus function. 
         FIG. 25  is a schematic diagram of a testing equipment including a switch and a motor. 
         FIG. 26  is a schematic diagram of a testing equipment including a flexible element. 
         FIG. 27  is a flow chart of a process for analyzing semen specimen for male customers or patients. 
         FIG. 28  is a flow chart of a process for analyzing LH or HCG for female customers or patients. 
         FIG. 29  shows examples of carriers that may be suitable for a test equipment with a multi-camera configuration, such as the test equipment shown in  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 30  is a flow chart of a process for utilizing a test equipment disclosed here to analyze fertility for both a male subject and a female subject. 
         FIG. 31  shows an additional example carrier having a visual cue (e.g., in or near the holding area) that may be utilized to control the analytic process performed by the test equipment. 
         FIG. 32  is an additional example flow chart of a process which can be implemented by a test equipment disclosed here to adaptively perform an analytic process based on the visual cue. 
         FIG. 33  is an example flow chart of a process which can be implemented by a test equipment disclosed here. 
         FIG. 34  is an example image of a holding area divided into a number of segments. 
         FIG. 35  is an example image illustrating a portion of candidate segment selection process. 
         FIG. 36  is an example image illustrating results after image processing (e.g., binarization) and cell count determination. 
         FIG. 37  is an example flow chart of a calibration process which can be implemented by a test equipment disclosed here. 
         FIG. 38  is a test carrier carrying a visual cue and/or an image pattern that can be used to calibrate or validate a test equipment disclosed here. 
         FIG. 39  is an example image of the visual cue example of  FIG. 38 , captured by a test equipment such as disclosed here. 
         FIGS. 40A and 40B  illustrate different image quality in different segments of the captured image in  FIG. 39 . 
         FIG. 41  is an example image of a test carrier carrying a test sample that can be used to calibrate or validate a test equipment disclosed here. 
         FIGS. 42A and 42B  illustrate different image quality in different segments of the captured image in  FIG. 41 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate a testing equipment with magnifying function according to an embodiment of the invention. Embodiments disclosed herein are used for illustration purpose and should not be construed as required limitation to the invention. The testing equipment with magnifying function A 1  includes: a carrier  10  having a specimen holding area  11  formed on top of the carrier  10 , a cover  20  stacked on top of the carrier  10 , and at least one magnifying part  30  (also referred to as magnifying component or magnifier) including a convex lens type surface formed on the cover  20 . 
     The magnifying part  30  of the present embodiment includes a planar convex lens as illustrated in  FIG. 1A . However, other type of magnifying lens, e.g., a dual-sided lenticular lens can be included as the magnifying part  30 . The magnifying part  30  is disposed to be aligned with and to cover the specimen holding area  11  of the carrier  10 . The magnifying part  30  may have various magnification ratios based on testing requirements of various tests. For example, the tests can include semen test, urine test, synovial joint fluid test, dermatological test, water test, or other body fluid tests, etc. 
     A test using the testing equipment A 1  with magnifying function of the present embodiment does not require additional magnifying lens or laboratory microscopes, which are expensive and time-consuming to operate. Furthermore, there is no needed to align the specimen holding area with the magnifying lens or laboratory microscopes. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the specimen holding area  11  of the carrier  10  may be formed with a dented configuration. The dented configuration design provides a stable and large storage space containing a specimen  40 . The dented configuration allows the specimen to rest for a required period of time before performing the testing. For example, before performing a motility testing on a semen specimen, it is necessary to rest the semen specimen in a room temperature for a required period of time before performing the motility testing. 
     The specimen  40  can be first instilled in the dented configuration, i.e., the specimen holding area  11  of the carrier  10  to rest for a period of time. As shown in  FIG. 1B , a total area of the cover  20  can be smaller than a total area of the carrier  10 . A specimen receiving port  12  exposed outside the cover  20  is formed on one side of the specimen holding area  11 . The specimen receiving port  12  can be designed to have a shape expanding outwards, which can help smoothly instilling the specimen. 
       FIG. 2A  shows an air channel  13  that extends beyond the other side of the cover  20  and is formed on the other side of the specimen holding area  11 . The air channel  13  may prevent air filling the inside of the specimen holding area  11 , which prevent receiving of the specimen when the specimen is in a liquid status. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2A , a lateral illumination device  50  can be disposed at one side of the carrier  20  of testing equipment A 1 . The lateral illumination device  50  can provide illumination for the specimen  40  in the specimen holding area  11  and therefore improve resolution of the captured testing images of the specimen  40 . In some embodiments, the specimen holding area  11  can receive illustration from light source(s) on the top of or at the bottom of the testing equipment A 1 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the magnifying part  30  and the cover  20  may be integrally formed, i.e., the magnifying part  30  and the cover  20  can be a single component. In other embodiments such as the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2B , the detachable cover  20  and the magnifying component  30 , which is disposed in the recess  21  of detachable cover  20 , can each be separate components that are adapted to be integrated together. In other words, the same type of detachable cover  20  can be integrated with different magnifying components  30  of various magnification ratios. 
     In some embodiments, the distance between the bottom of the detachable cover  20  and the specimen holding area  11  is from 0.005 mm to 10 mm. In some embodiments, the distance between the bottom of the detachable cover  20  and the specimen holding area  11  is about 0.01 mm. The testing equipment can include one or more spacers (not shown) to ensure the distance between the bottom of the detachable cover  20  and the specimen holding area  11 . The spacer(s) can integrally formed with the detachable cover  20  or the specimen holding area  11  of the carrier  10 . 
     In some embodiments, the strip including the carrier  10  and the cover  20  is for sperm test. In some embodiments, the optimal angular magnification ratio for determining sperm concentration and motility is about 100 to 200. In some embodiments, the optimal angular magnification ratio for determining sperm morphology is about 200 to 300. The thinner the magnifying component, the higher the angular magnification ratio. 
     The focal length of the magnifying component can also relate to the angular magnification ratio. In some embodiments, a magnifying component with an angular magnification ratio of 100 has a focal length of 2.19 mm. A magnifying component with an angular magnification ratio of 156 has a focal length of 1.61 mm. A magnifying component with an angular magnification ratio of 300 has a focal length of 0.73 mm. In some embodiments, the magnifying component has an angular magnification ratio of at least 30, preferably at least 50. In some embodiments, the focal length of the magnifying component is from 0.1 mm to 3 mm. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a sample process for performing testing using the testing equipment A 1  with magnifying function illustrated in  FIG. 1B . At step S 110 , the specimen  40  to be tested is set in the specimen holding area  11 . At step S 110 , the cover  20  is stacked on top the carrier  10 , before setting the specimen  40  to be tested in the specimen holding area  11  from the specimen receiving port  12 . Alternatively, the specimen  40  to be tested can be set in the specimen holding area  11  directly first, before the cover  20  is stacked on top the carrier  10 . At step S 120 , the specimen  40  is rested in the specimen holding area  11  selectively for a period of time according to testing requirements of the specimen  40 . At step S 130 , an intelligent communication device (e.g., a mobile phone) is attached on the cover  20 , and the camera of the mobile phone is aligned with the magnifying part  30 , to use the camera of the mobile phone to capture a picture or video of the specimen through the magnifying part  30 . At step S 140 , an application (APP) running at the mobile phone or other analysis device may be used to perform analysis of the picture or video, for obtain testing results. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , a supporting side (such as a protruding part)  14  may further be formed on a top of the cover  20  of a testing equipment A 2  at a border of the magnifying part  30 . In some embodiments, the protruding type support structure may be formed on top of the cover  20  by the addition of the protruding part  14 . When the user attempts to use an intelligent communications device  60  (e.g., a mobile device such as a smart phone or tablet) to capture the image or video of the specimen, a side of the intelligent communications device  60  having a camera  61  may be secured to the protruding part  14  (along the direction shown by the arrow L 1 ). Thus, the testing equipment A 2  allows the user to use the intelligent communications device  60  for capturing the image or video of the specimen, and does not require an expensive testing apparatus for recording the image or video. Furthermore, the height of the protruding part  14  can be pre-determined for a best observation distance based on specification of the camera  61  and the testing equipment A 2 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 , a testing equipment A 3  can include a barrel type base  70  (also referred to as base component). The barrel type base  70  includes a lower barrel base  71  and a upper barrel body  72  that can be lifted or descended with respect to the lower barrel base  71 . The lower barrel base  71  has an insertion port  73  providing an insert position for the cover  20  and the carrier  10  stacked together. An upward lighting device  80  is disposed on a bottom part of the lower barrel base  71 , to provide illumination to the combination of the cover  20  and carrier  10  from the bottom. The upper barrel body  72  can include, e.g., at least one additional magnification lens  74  for further magnification. 
     The upper barrel body  72  can be attached to the lower barrel base  71  using a screw thread mechanism such that the upper barrel body  72  that can be lifted or descended with respect to the lower barrel base  71  like a screw. In other words, the upper barrel body  72  can be rotated with respect to the lower barrel base  71  along the arrow L 2  directions such that the upper barrel body  72  moves up and down along the arrow L 3  directions with respect to the lower barrel base  71 . By adjusting the height of the upper barrel body  72  with respect to the lower barrel body  71 , the system adjusts the height of the magnification lens  74  (hen changing the magnification ratio) and the height of the camera  61 . 
     An assembling frame  75  (also referred to as form-fitting frame) may be disposed at an upper end of the upper barrel body  72 . The assembling frame  75  secures the intelligent communications device  60  at a pre-determined position. The assembling frame  75  has a camera alignment hole  76 . The camera  61  of the intelligent communications device  60  can receive light from the specimen through the camera alignment hole  76 . 
     The camera  61  disposed on current intelligent communications device  60  typically only have a digital zoom function. Generally an optical zoom lens is required for testing with a high accuracy. However, the user using the testing equipment A 3  does not need a camera  61  having an optical zoom lens. The high adjustment function of the testing equipment A 3  provides a flexible solution for aligning the specimen, the magnifying lens, and the camera  61 . 
       FIG. 6  shows the intelligent communications device  60  that has been assembled and secured onto the assembling frame  75 , which is disposed on the upper barrel body  72 . The cover  20  and the carrier  10  containing the specimen  40  are inserted through the insertion port  73 . The upward lighting device  80  may provide illumination to and increase the brightness of the specimen. 
     The upper barrel body  72  or the barrel type base  70  can rotated along the directions L 2 , to adjust the height of the magnification lens  74  and the camera  61  upwards or downwards along the directions L 3 . The height adjustment mechanism enables a function for adjusting the magnification ratio. The camera  61  may capture dynamic videos or static testing images of the specimen  40  after magnification. Furthermore, the intelligent communications device  60  can user its originally equipped functions to store the captured videos or images, to transfer the testing images or videos, and to conduct subsequent processing. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , a testing equipment A 4  with magnifying function includes a plurality of magnifying parts  30 ,  30 B,  30 C with different magnification ratios disposed on the cover  20 . The user may shift the cover  20  to align the specimen holding area  11  of the carrier  10  with any of the magnifying parts  30 ,  30 B,  30 C with different magnification ratios, in order to obtaining testing results with different magnification ratios. By this design, the testing equipment A 4  with magnifying function of a single module can be applied to satisfies magnification requirements of multiple testing protocols, without the need of changing the magnifying part or the cover. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , a testing equipment A 5  with magnifying function includes a flexible transparent film  15 . The flexible transparent film  15  is disposed between the carrier  10  and the magnifying part  30 , and covers the specimen holding area  11 . The flexible transparent film  15  covers the specimen  40  (in liquid state) such that the specimen  40  in a confined space. Thus, outside influences due to air, dust and dirt are confined to a minimum level. Furthermore, the testing equipment A 5  may adjust the focal length by the varying the thickness of the flexible transparent film  15 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the magnifying part  30  of a testing equipment A 6  with magnifying function is a planar convex lens, and a surface of the magnifying part  30  facing the carrier  10  is a protruding surface. Therefore, an upwardly concave type hollow part  21  is formed at the surface of the magnifying part  30  facing the carrier  10 . A focal length parameter H 1  is defined by the thickness of the thickest part of the magnifying part  30  of the planar convex lens. As shown in  FIG. 10 , a focal length parameter H 2  of a testing equipment A 7  with magnifying function is different than the focal length parameter H 1  of  FIG. 9 . 
     The focal lengths H 1  and H 2  may be adjusted by changing thickness of the cover  20  or the size of the curvature of the magnifying part  30 . For example, the focal length H 2  shown in  FIG. 10  is greater than the focal length H 1  shown in  FIG. 9 , and is achieved by changing the size of the curvature of the magnifying part  30 . In this way, testing requirements of various focal lengths may be satisfied by adopting different magnifying parts  30 . 
     In some embodiments, the magnifying part  30  can be transparent and the rest of the cover  20  can be opaque. In addition, the carrier  10  may include the specimen holding area  11  which is transparent. The remaining of the carrier  10  can be opaque. When the testing operations are performed on the testing equipment, the light can propagate through the specimen holding area  11 , the magnifying part  30  such that chance of light interference in other parts of the device is suppressed. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , in a testing equipment A 8  with magnifying function, the carrier  10  of the testing equipment A 8  further includes a light beam auxiliary guiding structure  16  formed at the bottom surface of the carrier  10 . The carrier  10  can be made of transparent or translucent material. The light beam auxiliary guiding structure  16  can be opaque or include a granular structure, a rough pattern, an engraved pattern, or other suitable structure that scatters the light beam reaching the guiding structure  16 . The light beam auxiliary guiding structure  16  may provide a particular pattern for the entire surface or a partial surface of the cover and the carrier. The light beam auxiliary guiding structure  16  may also be formed all around the side surfaces of the carrier  10 . 
     When the cover  20  and the carrier  10  are stacked and are attached to the intelligent communications device  60  (as illustrated in  FIG. 4  for example), the magnifying part  30  is aligned with the camera  61  of the intelligent communications device  60 . In addition, a fill light (not shown) can be disposed near the camera  61  on surfaces of the intelligent communications device  60 . The light beam provided by the fill light may be guided to the carrier  10  to illuminate the specimen holding area  11  through the cover  20 . At the same time, the light beam auxiliary guiding structure  16  of the carrier  10  may cause the light beam provided by the fill light to scatter, further improving the brightness and illumination uniformity of the specimen holding area  11 . 
     By disposing the light beam auxiliary guiding structure  16 , the testing equipment does not require an additional fill light source to illuminate the carrier  10 . Therefore, cover  20  includes a light-transmissive material so that the fill light from of the intelligent communications device  60  can reach the specimen through the cover  20 . In some alternative embodiments, the device does not include a cover  20  and the fill light directly reach the carrier  10  without propagating through the cover  20 . 
     The testing equipment A 8  with magnifying function can include a non-slip film  92  and a pH test paper  94 . The non-slip film  92  is attached on the supporting side (such as the top side) of the cover  20 , and is used to stably dispose the cover  20  to the camera  61  of the intelligent communications device  60 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , such that the magnifying part  30  is aligned to the camera  61  of the intelligent communications device  60 . Using the non-slip film  92 , the positioning of the intelligent communications device  60  relative to the testing equipment A 8  is secured to a pre-determined configuration. 
     The non-slip film  92  can have an opening aligned to the magnifying part  30 , so that the non-slip film  92  does not block the light transmitted from the specimen through the magnifying part  30  to the camera  61 . The non-slip film  92  can include a material of, for example, silicon. The pH test paper  94  can be disposed on the specimen holding area  11  of the carrier  10 , to provide an indication of the pH value of the specimen. The pH test paper  94  may be replaced after the usage. 
     In addition, the magnifying part  30  and the cover  20  can adopt a detachable design. Thus, the user may select another magnifying part  31  different from the magnifying part  30  to replace the original magnifying part  30  based on testing requirements. Various magnifying part can be assembled with the cover  20  are assembled to achieve different magnification ratios or other optical features. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 12 , a testing equipment A 9  with magnifying function can further include a specimen collection sheet  42  disposed in the specimen holding area  11 . The specimen collection sheet  42 , for example, has a specimen collection area  42 A. The specimen collection area  42 A can use adhesion or other methods to collect sperms, subcutaneous tissue/cells, parasite eggs and the like solid test bodies. In some embodiments, the specimen collection sheet  42  can serve as a spacer to maintain a distance between the cover  20  and the specimen holding area  11 . 
     Next, referring to  FIG. 13 , a testing equipment A 10  with magnifying function can include an isolation component  98  disposed at the specimen holding area  11  between the carrier  10  and the cover  20 . The isolation component  98  can isolate the magnifying part  30  and the testing fluid in the specimen holding area  11 , and prevent the testing fluid from contaminating the magnifying part  30 . In some embodiments, the isolation component  98  can serve as a spacer to maintain a distance between the cover  20  and the specimen holding area  11 . The isolation component  98  can be integrated with the cover  20  as a single component. Alternatively, the isolation component  98  can be integrated with the carrier  10  as a single component. 
       FIG. 14A  is a schematic diagram of a test strip inserted into a meter device according to another embodiment of the invention. The test strip  5  (also referred to test cartridge) includes a detachable cover  20  and a carrier  10 . In other words, a combination of a detachable cover  20  and a carrier  10  (as illustrated in  FIG. 1B  for example) forms a test strip  5 . The test strip  5  in in inserted into a meter device  70  (also referred to as base component) through an insertion port. The insertion port can be, e.g., a lateral or vertical insertion port. The meter device  70  can include, e.g., components for capturing images of specimen collected in the test strip  5 . 
       FIG. 14B  is a schematic diagram of components of a meter device according to another embodiment of the invention. The meter device  70  includes an insertion port  73  providing an insert position for the strip  5 . The strip  5  includes a carrier  10  and a detachable cover  20 . The detachable cover includes a magnifying component  30 . The meter device  70  includes a camera  61  for capturing images or videos of the specimen holding area of the carrier  10 . The camera  61  is aligned with the magnifying component  30 . The meter device further includes a light source  80  for provide illumination for the specimen holding area from the bottom. In some embodiments, a light collimator (e.g., a collimating lens or a light reflector; now shown) can be placed on top of the light source  80  for collimating the light beams. An annular diaphragm can be further placed between the light source  80  and the light collimator so that the light beams travelling through the light collimator form a hollow cone of light beams. The carrier  10  can include transparent or translucent materials for light prorogation. 
     In some embodiments, the meter device  70  can further include a phase plate for shifting phases of light rays emitted from the specimen holding area. When light rays propagate through the specimen, the speed of light rays is increased or decreased. As a result, the light rays propagating through the specimen are out of phase (by about 90 degrees) with the remaining light rays that do not propagate through the specimen. The out-of-phase light rays interfere with each other and enhance the contrast between bright portions and dark portions of the specimen image. 
     The phase plate can further shift the phases of the light rays propagating through the specimen by about 90 degrees, in order to further enhance the contrast due to the interference of out-of-phase light rays. As a result, the light rays propagating through the specimen are out of phase, by a total of about 180 degrees, with the remaining light rays that do not propagate through the specimen. Such a destructive interference between the light rays enhances the contrast of the specimen image, by darkening the objects in the image and lightening the borders of the objects. 
     In some alternative embodiments, such a phase plate can be disposed on top of the detachable cover  20  of the strip  5 . In other words, the phase plate can be part of the strip  5 , instead of part of the meter device  70 . 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a sample process of a semen test by device such as the meter device  70  or the intelligent communications device  60  as illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 14  respectively. At step  1505 , the device obtains an image (frame) of the specimen. At step  1510 , the device determines the sperm concentration based on the image. By analyzing the color or the grayscale of the pH strip, at step  1515 , the device can further determine the pH value of the specimen. For example, the device can include a processor to identify the color of a portion of an image which is captured by camera, corresponding to the pH strip and to determine a biochemical property (e.g., pH level) of a biological specimen contained in the strip. In some other embodiments, the light source of the device can provide illumination with at least one color. For example, the light source can include light emitters with different colors (e.g., red, green and blue) to form light of various colors. The camera of the device can further capture at least one (or more) image of the sample being illuminated with light The processor can compare the colors of a specific region (e.g., pH strip region) of the images to determine a property of the biological specimen or quantification of analyte. In some embodiments, the processor only needs a color of the specific region of one image to determine a property of the biological specimen. For example, the device (e.g., a testing equipment) can include a color calibration module for calibrating the color of the image. The processor then analyzes the calibrated image to determine the property of the biological specimen. Alternatively, the test strip can include a color calibration area that has a known color. The processor conducts a color calibration operation on the image based on the color calibration area, and then analyzes the calibrated image to determine the property of the biological specimen or quantification of analyte. In some embodiments, the reagent in the pH strip (or other types of biochemical test strips) reacts with the biological specimen, before the specific region (e.g., pH strip region) of the images shows specific color(s). In some embodiments, the specific region for color detection does necessarily need a magnification for the images captured by the camera. Thus, at least in some embodiments, there is no magnifying component or supplement above a specific region of the strip for color detection (e.g., pH strip region). For example, some types of biochemical test strips contain photochemical reagents. When a photochemical reagent reacts with a specific analyte in the biological specimen, the reaction causes a color change in the specimen holding area of the strip. The processor can analyze the image of the test strip (captured by the camera) to detect the color change and to quantify the specific analyte in the biological specimen. Furthermore, the device can determine the sperm morphology ( 1520 ), sperm capacity ( 1525 ) and sperm total number ( 1530 ). At step  1540 , the device obtains a series of multiple frames of the specimen. At steps  1545 ,  1550  and  1555 , the device can determine the sperm motility parameters based on the sperm trajectory and determine the sperm motility. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a sample process of determining sperm concentration. At  1605 , a camera of the meter device  70  or the intelligent communications device  60  (“the device”), as illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 14  respectively, captures a magnified image of the sperm specimen. The captured image is an original image for the determining the sperm concentration. The device then converts the digital color image into digital grayscale image, and further divides the digital grayscale image into multiple regions. 
     At step  1610 , the device conduct an adaptive thresholding binarization calculation on each region, based on the mean value and standard deviation of the grayscale values of that region. The goal of the adaptive thresholding binarization calculation is to identify objects that are candidates of sperms as foreground objects, and to identify the rest of the region as background. 
     Foreground objects in the image after the binarization calculation may still include impurities that are not actually sperms. Those impurities are either smaller than the sperms or larger than the sperms. The method can set an upper boundary value and a lower boundary value for the sizes of the sperms. At step  1615 , the device conducts a denoising operation on the image by removing impurities that are larger than the upper boundary value or smaller than the lower boundary value for the sperms. After the denoising operation, the foreground objects in the image represent sperms. 
     The method counts the number of sperms in the image based on the head portions of the sperms. At steps  1620  and  1625 , the device conducts a distance transform operation to calculate a minimum distance between the foreground objects and the background, and also identify locations of local maximum values. Those locations are candidates of sperm head locations. 
     At step  1630 , the device conducts an ellipse fitting operation to each sperm candidate object to reduce false positive candidates that do not have ellipse shapes and therefore are not sperm heads. Then the device counts the total number of remaining positive candidates of sperms, and calculates the concentration of the sperms based on the volume represented by the image. The volume can be, e.g., the area of the captured specimen holding area times the distance between the specimen holding area and the bottom of the cover. 
     In some embodiments, the device can use multiple images of the specimen and calculate concentration values based on the images respectively. Then the device calculates an average value of the concentration values to minimize the measurement error of the sperm concentration. 
     Using a series of images (e.g., video frames) of the specimen, the device can further determine the trajectories and motility of the sperms. For example,  FIG. 17  illustrates sample sperms such as sperm  1705  and sample sperm trajectories such as trajectory  1710  and trajectory  1720 . 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a sample process of determining sperm trajectories and motility. A camera of the meter device  70  or the intelligent communications device  60  (“the device”), as illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 14  respectively, captures a series of images (e.g., video frames) of the sperm specimen. The device uses the captured series of images for determining parameters of sperm motility. In order to determine the parameters of sperm motility, the device needs to track the trajectory of each sperm in the series of images. 
     The device converts the digital color images into digital grayscale images. The device first identifies the head positions of sperms in the first image of the series (e.g., using a method illustrated in  FIG. 16 ). The identified head positions of the sperms in the first image are the initial positions for the sperm trajectories to be tracked. In some embodiments, the device can use a two-dimensional Kalman filter to estimate the trajectory for the movement of the sperms. In some embodiments, the two-dimensional Kalman Filter for tracking sperm s j  with measurement z j (k) includes steps of: 
     1: Calculate the predicted state {circumflex over (z)} s     j   (k|k−1) and error covariance matrix P s     j   (k|k−1):
 
 {circumflex over (x)}   s     j   ( k|k− 1)= F ( k ) {circumflex over (x)}   s     j   ( k− 1| k− 1)
 
 P   s     j   ( k|k− 1)= F ( k ) P   s     j   ( k− 1| k− 1) F ( k ) T   +Q ( k− 1)
 
2: Using the predicted state {circumflex over (x)} s     j   (k|k−1), the measurement z j (k) and error covariance matrix P s     j   (k|k−1), calculate the predicted measurement {circumflex over (z)} s     j   (k|k−1), measurement residual v s     j   (k) and residual covariance matrix S s     j   (k):
 
 {circumflex over (z)}   s     j   ( k|k− 1)= H ( k ) {circumflex over (x)}   s     j   ( k|k− 1)
 
 v   s     j   ( k )= z   j ( k )− {circumflex over (z)}   s     j   ( k|k− 1)
 
 S   s     j   ( k )= H ( k ) P   s     j   ( k|k− 1) H ( k ) T   +N ( k )
 
3: if v s     j   (k) T S s     j   (k) −1 v s     j   (k)&lt;γ and ∥v s     j   (k)∥/T≤V max  then calculate the Kalman filter gain K s     j   (k), updated state estimate {circumflex over (x)} s     j   (k|k), and updated error covariance matrix P s     j   (k|k):
 
 K   s     j   ( k )= P   s     j   ( k|k− 1) H   T ( k ) S   s     j   ( k ) −1  
 
 {circumflex over (x)}   s     j   ( k|k )= {circumflex over (x)}   s     j   ( k|k− 1)+ K   s     j   ( k ) v   s     j   ( k )
 
 P   s     j   ( k|k )= P   s     j   ( k|k− 1)+ K   s     j   ( k ) H ( k ) P   s     j   ( k|k− 1)
 
     (k|k−1) denotes a prediction of image k based on image k−1, {circumflex over (x)} s     j    is the state of position and velocity of j-th sperm. P s     j    is the covariance matrix of the estimation error, Q(k−1) is the process noise covariance matrix, N(k) is the covariance matrix of white position noise vector, γ is the gate threshold and V max  is the maximum possible sperm velocity. 
     When tracking multiple trajectories of multiple sperms, the method can use joint probabilistic data association filter to decide the trajectory paths. The joint probabilistic data association filter determines the feasible joint association events between the detection targets and measurement targets. Feasible joint association events (A js ) is the relative probability values between the detection sperm s and measurement sperm j. Then the method conducts path allocation decisions based on optimal assignment method. A js  is defined as: 
     
       
         
           
             
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     λ is the parameter, f s     j   [z j (k)] is the Gaussian probability density function of the detection sperms. 
     Based on the series of frames within a time period, the method identifies the trajectory of each sperm, such as the trajectory  1805  as illustrated in  FIG. 18 . Then the method determines various parameters of the sperm mobility based on the trajectories. The parameters include, e.g., curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight-line velocity (VSL), linearity (LIN) and amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH). The curvilinear velocity (VCL)  1810  is defined as a summation of movement distances within a unit of time. The straight-line velocity (VSL)  1815  is defined as a straight-line movement distance within a unit of time. The linearity (LIN) is defined as VSL divided by VCL. The amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH)  1820  is defined as twice the amplitude of the lateral displacement of the sperm head relative to the average path  1825 . 
     In some embodiments, the curvilinear velocity (VCL)  1810  can be used to determine the sperm motility. The method can set a velocity threshold value. Any sperms having VCL higher than or equal to the velocity threshold value are identified as active sperms. The rest of the sperms, which have VCL lower than the velocity threshold value, are identified as non-active sperms. The level of motility is the number of identified active sperms divided by the total number of sperms recognized from the images. 
     The method can further analyze the sperm morphology. A camera of the meter device  70  or the intelligent communications device  60  (“the device”) captures a magnified image of the sperm specimen. The captured image is an original image for the determining the sperm morphology. 
     The method detects the shapes of the sperm candidates based on segmentation. The method uses the locations of heads of the sperms as the initial points. Using a segmentation algorithm that relates to the shapes, the method divides the images of the sperms into head portions, neck portions and tail portions. For example, the method can divide the sperms using methods such as active contour model. 
     Based on the each portions, the method calculates parameters for the various portions (such as lengths and widths). A classifier (such as support vector machine, neural network, convolutional neural network or adaboost) can be trained using training data set includes samples that are labeled already. After the training, the parameters of the various portions of the sperms can be fed to the classifier to determine whether the sperm has a proper morphology. In some embodiments, the classifier can be used for other applications such as detecting properties of cells and microbes. 
       FIG. 19  is a schematic diagram of a testing equipment including a collection bottle according to at least one embodiment of the invention. A test strip device  1905  can be inserted into the testing equipment  1900  through an insertion port. The test strip device  1905  can include a collection bottle  1910  for collecting the specimen (e.g., sperm specimen) or include a slot for accommodating the collection bottle. The testing equipment  1900  can include a sensor (not shown) to detect whether the collection bottle  1910  is inserted into the testing equipment  1900 . 
     The testing equipment  1900  can have a timer mechanism for determining a time period during which the collection bottle  1910  is being inserted into the testing equipment  1900 . Once the collection bottle  1910  containing the specimen is inserted, the testing equipment  1900  can wait for a pre-determined time period (e.g., 30 minutes) for liquefaction of the specimen before prompting a user to transfer the specimen from the collection bottle  1910  to the test strip device  1905 . In some embodiments, the testing equipment  1900  can include a camera or a sensor to determine whether the specimen already liquefies. 
     Furthermore, the testing equipment can include a moving mechanism to apply a mechanical force to the collection bottle  1910  in order to mix specimen in the collection bottle  1910 . For example, the moving mechanism can, e.g., shake, vibrate, or rotate the collection bottle  1910 . In some other embodiments, the testing equipment can include a rod to be inserted into the collection bottle  1910  and to stir the specimen in the collection bottle  1910 . 
     The testing equipment  1900  optionally can include a screen  1920  for display information. For example, the screen  1920  can show instructions or hints on how to operate the testing equipment  1900 . The screen  1920  can also show test results after the testing equipment  1900  conducts the test. Additionally or alternatively, the testing equipment  1900  may include a known communication module so that it may communication (e.g., the analysis results, and/or the images taken by the camera modules) with a user&#39;s computing device (e.g., a smart phone with a mobile software application, or a traditional personal computer such as a laptop). The test equipment  1900  is operable to receive an instruction from a user (e.g., from screen  1920  and/or from the aforementioned communication module), and to perform a select number of the automated analytic processes based on the instruction. The testing equipment  1900  can also display results and/or images of the specimen, either on the screen  1920 , or to the user&#39;s computer (e.g., via aforementioned communication module), or both. 
     Similar to the testing equipment illustrated in  FIGS. 14A and 14B , the testing equipment  1900  can include a camera (not shown) for capturing images or videos of the test strip device  1905 . The testing equipment  1900  can further include a processor (not shown) for processing the images or videos for determining test results (e.g., through the process illustrated in  FIG. 16 ). 
     In some embodiments, for example, the magnifying component  2110  is a magnifying lens. The magnifying power of the magnifying component  2110  can be represented by either angular magnification ratio or linear magnification ratio. An angular magnification ratio is a ratio between an angular size of an object as seen through an optical system and an angular size of the object as seen directly at a closest distance of distinct vision (i.e., 250 mm from a human eye). A linear magnification ratio is a ratio between a size of an image of an object being projected on an image sensor and a size of the actual object. 
     For example, the magnifying lens can have a focal length of 6 mm, a thickness of 1 mm and a diameter of 2 mm. Assuming 250 mm is the near point distance of a human eye (i.e., the closest distance at which a human eye can focus), the angular magnification ratio is 250 mm/6 mm=41.7×. The distance between the magnifying component  2110  and the specimen holding area  2115  can be, e.g., 9 mm. As a result, a linear magnification ratio can approximate 2. In other words, a size of an image of an object on the image sensor caused by the magnifying component is 2 times a size of the actual object below the magnifying component. 
     In some embodiments, the magnifying component has a focal length of 0.1-8.5 mm. In some embodiments, the linear magnification ratio of the magnifying component is at least 1. In some embodiments, the linear magnification ratio of the magnifying component is from 0.5 to 10.0. 
     In some embodiments, a supplemental lens  2135  is placed below the camera module  2130  for further magnifying the image and decreasing the distance between the magnifying component  2110  and the specimen holding area  2115 . The effective linear magnification ratio of the whole optical system can be, e.g., 3. In other words, the image of the object captured by the camera module  2130  is has a size that is 3 times size of the actually object in the specimen holding area  2115 . In some embodiments, the effective linear magnification ratio of the whole optical system of the testing equipment is from 1.0 to 100.0, preferably from 1.0 to 48.0. 
     In some embodiments, the image sensor of the camera module has a pixel size of 1.4 μm. Typically a captured image of an object needs to take at least 1 pixel in order to properly analyze the shape of the object. Thus the size of the captured image of the object needs to be at least 1.4 μm. If the linear magnification ratio of the testing equipment is 3, the testing equipment can properly analyse the shape of objects having a size of at least 0.47 μm. 
     In some embodiments, the image sensor of the camera module has a pixel size of 1.67 μm. Then the size of the captured image of the object needs to be at least 1.67 μm in order to properly analyze the shape of the object. If the linear magnification ratio of the testing equipment is 3, the testing equipment can properly analyse the shape of objects having a size of at least 0.56 μm. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the length of the whole optical system can be, e.g., 24 mm. The distance between the bottom of the magnifying component and the top of the specimen holding area  2115  can be, e.g., 1 mm. In some embodiments, length of the whole optical system of the testing equipment is from 2 mm to 100 mm, preferably from 5 mm to 35 mm. 
       FIG. 20  is a schematic diagram of a testing equipment does not include a collection bottle, according to at least one embodiment of the invention. Unlike the testing equipment  1900 , the testing equipment  2000  does not include a collection bottle or a slot for inserting a collection bottle. The specimen is directly applied to the test strip device  2005 , by a user or an operator, without being collected in a collection bottle. 
       FIG. 21A  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the testing equipment  1900 . The A-A section of the testing equipment  1900  shows a camera module  2130  on top of the test strip device  2105  for capturing images or videos of the specimen holding area  2115  of the test strip device  2105 . The test strip device  2105  includes a magnifying component  2110  on top of the specimen holding area  2115 . A light source  2140  below the test strip device  2105  provides illumination for the specimen holding area  2115 . In some other embodiments, light source can be placed on top of the test strip device or laterally at a side of the test strip device. There can be multiple light sources or an array of light sources for providing illumination on the test strip device. In some embodiments, different combinations of light sources can be switched, adjusted, or selected depending on the analyte types, such that the analyte is illuminated by light with a proper color. 
     In some embodiments, the test strip device  2105  can include a test strip in or near the specimen holding area  2115 . For example, the test strip can be a pH test strip, an HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) test strip, an LH (luteinizing hormone) test strip or a fructose test strip. When the analyte of specimen in the specimen holding area interacts with the chemical or biochemical agents in the test strip, some optical properties (e.g., color or light intensity) of the test strip can change. The camera module  2130  can capture the color or intensity of the test strip to determine a test result, such as a pH level, an HCG level, an LH level or fructose level. In some embodiments, the magnifying component  2110  above the test strip can be replaced with a transparent or translucent cover. Therefore, the testing equipment can simultaneously conduct a qualification of the analyte in the specimen and conduct a further analysis of the specimen through one or more magnified images of specimen. 
       FIG. 21B  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the testing equipment  1900 . The A-A section of the testing equipment  1900  shows a camera module  2130 , which includes a sensor and one or more lenses  2135  (also referred to as supplemental lenses or optical lens module), on top of the test strip device  2105  for capturing images or videos of the specimen holding area  2115  of the test strip device  2105 . A light source  2140  below the test strip device  2105  (or disposed at other places) provides illumination for the specimen holding area  2115 . A magnifying component  2110  can be attached to the bottom of the lenses  2135 , instead of being on top of the specimen holding area  2115  as illustrated in  FIG. 21A . In some embodiments, the element  2110  can be a flat light-transmissive cover having no magnification power, if the lenses  2135  provide enough magnification power. In some other embodiments, the testing equipment  1900  does not include the magnifying component  2110 , if the lenses  2135  provide enough magnification power (e.g., if the linear magnification ratio of the lenses  2135  is at least 1.0). 
       FIG. 22  is a schematic diagram of a testing equipment for a test strip device having two specimen holding areas.  FIG. 29  shows examples of carriers that may be suitable for a test equipment with a multi-camera configuration, such as the test equipment shown in  FIG. 22 . With simultaneous reference to  FIGS. 19 and 20 , the test equipment shown in  FIG. 22  can be another variant of the testing equipment  1900  (i.e., with a collection bottle) or the testing equipment  2000  (i.e., without the collection bottle). As shown in  FIG. 22 , a receiving mechanism is included in the test equipment to receive one or more carriers (e.g., a test strip device, such as test strip device  2205 , or a collection bottle such as bottle  1910 ), which can be inserted through the opening(s) on the casing of the test equipment. 
     In some embodiments, a single carrier can include a first holding area and a second holding area, such as shown by the test strip device  2205  in  FIG. 22 . As shown in  FIG. 22 , at least two camera modules can be included in the test equipment. The two camera modules includes a first camera module  2230 A and a second camera module  2230 B, arranged to capture images and/or videos of the first holding area  2215 A and the second holding area  2215 B, respectively. More specifically, the test strip device  2205  can include a specimen holding area  2215 A and another specimen holding area  2215 B. In some examples, a transparent or translucent cover  2210 A is placed on top of the specimen holding area  2215 A. The light source  2240 A can be controllable and can provide illumination on the specimen holding area  2215 A. The camera module  2230 A is positioned to capture images or videos of the specimen holding area  2215 A. As an optional implementation, a magnifying component  2210 B can be placed on top of the specimen holding area  2215 B. Further, in some embodiments, the light source  2240 B is operable to provide illumination on the specimen holding area  2215 B. The camera module  2230 B is positioned to capture images or videos of the specimen holding area  2215 B. The first and second holding areas may directly carry the biological specimen or have been exposed to the biological specimen. Similar to the structures introduced with respect to  FIG. 14B , in some embodiments, the test equipment can include a light collimator for collimating light beams emitted from the light source to at least one of the holding areas. In some embodiments, an annular diaphragm can be further included between the light source and the light collimator for forming a hollow cone of light beams that travels through the light collimator and then reaches the specimen holding area. In some additional embodiments, a phase plate can be included between the specimen holding area and at least one of the camera modules for phase-shifting light rays reflected from the specimen holding area. 
     As an alternative to a single carrier having multiple holding areas, multiple carriers can be inserted into the test equipment through their respective openings, ports, or slots. For example, two separate test strips devices can include the specimen holding areas  2215 A and  2215 B respectively. Depending on the need of the test, the location of the specimen holding areas  2215 A and  2215 B in the test strips can be designed to be aligned with the camera modules  2230 A and  2230 B. In some embodiments, the two test strip devices are inserted into the testing equipment through two separate insertion ports. 
     Among other benefits, the convenience and easiness of testing are two prominent benefits that the test equipment disclosed here can provide. According to the present embodiments, a user of the disclosed test equipment need not possess any professional knowledge on how to perform various types of analysis on the biological specimen before the user can utilize the test equipment to produce a result. Accordingly, the test equipment can include a processor for performing automated analytic processes on the specimen and determine an outcome with regard to the specimen. The processor can be carried by a main circuit board (i.e., a known component, not shown for simplicity). Further, the test equipment is preferably small and not as bulky as traditional test equipment commonly seen in the laboratories. Accordingly, in some embodiments, such as those shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , the receiving mechanism for the carrier, the camera modules, and the main circuit board can all be enclosed within the casing of the test equipment. The test equipment may have a small form factor, such as smaller than 30 cm×30 cm×30 cm, that is, 27,000 cm 3 . In some embodiments, the test equipment can further include a battery compartment enclosed within the casing, such that a battery can be installed in the battery compartment to power the test equipment. 
     In some embodiments, the processor included in the test equipment can perform different analysis on different holding areas, and can derive the result based on a combination of results from the analyses performed on the different areas. In other words, the processor can be configured to perform a first analytic process on the captured images of the first holding area, to perform a second analytic process different from the first analytic process on the captured images of the second holding area, and to determine an outcome with regard to the biological specimen based on results from both the first and the second analytic processes. As used herein, the term “analytic process” means a process that can evaluate one or more pieces of information collected from a number of sources (e.g., the images of the holding areas), and produce a result, a conclusion, an outcome, an estimate, or the like, regarding the source. 
     According to some examples, the testing equipment can use a combination of the camera module  2230 A, light source  2240 A and cover  2210 A to quantify an analyte or to determine a property of the specimen (e.g., pH level, LH level, HCG level, or fructose level). Additionally, the testing equipment can further use a combination of the camera module  2230 B, light source  2240 B and magnifying component  2210 B to analyse a magnified image of the specimen to determine properties of the specimen (e.g., sperm quantity, sperm motility, sperm morphology, etc.). Depending on the requirements of various types of biochemical tests, different combinations or configurations of light source(s) can be used to illuminate the biochemical specimen. The multi-camera configuration is particularly advantageous because different analytic processes can be performed through different camera modules without the need for the user to change the carrier (e.g., test strip device), thereby expediting the outcome generation and reducing the complexity of necessary human operation. The light sources  2240 A and  2240 B are enclosed inside the casing and arranged to illuminate the biological specimen for at least one of the camera modules. According to one or more embodiments, the processor is configured to control the light source based on which analytic process that the processor is currently configured to perform. 
     Moreover, in some embodiments, the processor can perform different analytic processes based on a visual cue on the carrier. For example, some embodiments can perform image recognition and processing on the images of the holding areas, and can perform different analytic processes according to a visual cue from the results of the image recognition. Example carriers  2905 ( 1 )- 2905 ( 4 ) are shown in  FIG. 29 , where carrier  2905 ( 1 ) is for fertility testing with regard to reproductive cells for a male subject (e.g., via his sperm), and carriers  2905 ( 2 ),  2905 ( 3 ) and  2905 ( 4 ) are for fertility testing with regard to reproductive cells for a female subject (e.g., via her urine). As shown, the carriers  2905 ( 1 )- 2905 ( 4 ) all have a first holding area  2915 A that corresponds to the location of the first camera module  2230 A, but only the carrier  2905 ( 1 ) includes a second holding area  2915 B. In some examples, the visual cue on the carrier can be a shape of a particular holding area (e.g., the holding area  2215 A). For the discussion herein, a shape of a holding area means the general periphery (or an outer perimeter) of the holding area. For example, the shape may be a circle, an oval, a triangle, a rectangle, or any suitable shape that is identifiable by a processor utilizing known image processing techniques on images of the holding area as captured by a respective camera module (e.g., camera module  2230 A). Additional example of the visual cue may include a graphic pattern, a visual indicia, a one-dimensional barcode, a multi-dimensional pattern code (e.g., QR code), and so forth. 
     With simultaneous reference to  FIGS. 22 and 29 , in some embodiments, when the processor identifies (e.g., via the first camera module  2230 A) that the first holding area (e.g., area  2215 A, or area  2915 A of carrier  2905 ( 1 )) be in a first shape (e.g., a circle), the processor is configured to perform a certain analytic process (e.g., fertility of a male subject, such as from various properties of his sperm sample), and when the first holding area (area  2215 A, or area  2915 A of carrier  2905 ( 2 )) is in a second shape (e.g., an oval), the processor is to perform a different analytic process (e.g., analysis of fertility of a female subject, such as from the hormone level of her urine sample). In this way, not only is the test equipment not limited to perform only one type of test (e.g., fertility of sperm), but it can also switch the analytic processes accordingly based on the carrier (e.g., test trip device) inserted into the machine. 
     More specifically, according to some implementations, when the shape represents that the biological specimen includes sperm from a male subject, then the process can determine one or more properties of the sperm, such as those introduced herein. The determination of the one or more properties of the sperm may be performed, in some examples, by using the second camera module  2230 B. For some specific examples, the properties can be determined may include: a concentration of the sperm, a motility of the sperm, and/or a morphology of the sperm. According to some embodiments, the processor is configured to (1) determine a concentration of the sperm and/or a morphology of the sperm based on a single image from the captured images, and (2) determine a motility of the sperm based on two or more images from the captured images. 
     With the above in mind,  FIG. 30  is a flow chart of an example process  3000  for utilizing a test equipment disclosed here (e.g., in  FIG. 22 ) to analyze fertility for both a male subject and a female subject. With continued reference to  FIG. 29 , the process  3000  is explained below. Note that the following example applies the specimen from male first then female, but the reverse order (i.e., female and then male) can be performed with no effect on the accuracy of the result. 
     First, in step  3002 , the user can apply a biological specimen (e.g., sperm) from the male subject to a first holding area (e.g., area  2915 A) and a second holding area (area  2915 B) of a first carrier (e.g., carrier  2905 ( 1 )). Next, in step  3004 , the user is to insert the first carrier into the test equipment (e.g., such as the one shown in  FIG. 22 ), and because the shape of the first holding area  2915 A of carrier  2905 ( 1 ) is circle, the test equipment can automatically acquire the knowledge that the current specimen contains sperm from a male and selects analytic processes accordingly. Then, in step  3006 , the user can use the test equipment to determine one or more properties of the sperm. For example, as discussed here, the processor in the test equipment can utilize the first camera module  2230 A to take images of the first holding area  2915 A of the carrier  2095 ( 1 ), which can include a test strip that shows different color in response to different acidity, and recognize the color of the test strip to determine the acidity of the sperm. Additionally, in step  3006 , the processor in the test equipment can utilize the second camera module  2230 B to determine one or more properties of the sperm selected from the group consisting of: concentration of the sperm, motility of the sperm, and morphology of the sperm; 
     Next, in step  3008 , the user can apply urine from the female subject to a holding area  2915 A of a second carrier (e.g., carrier  2905 ( 2 )). In step  3010 , the user inserts the second carrier into the test equipment, and because the shape of the first holding area  2915 A of carrier  2905 ( 2 ) is oval, the test equipment can automatically acquire the knowledge that the current specimen contains urine from a female and selects analytic processes accordingly. In step  3012 , the test equipment determines one or more properties of the urine, e.g., by utilizing the second camera module  2230 B. For example, the test strip may be suitable for enabling the test equipment to determine a concentration level of one or more types of female hormones (e.g., FSH, LH, or HCG). Lastly, in step  3014 , the user utilize the test equipment to automatically analyze the results of the male and the female biological specimen and determine an outcome with regard to the subjects&#39; fertility. 
     In some specific examples, the first camera module  2230 A may have a lower camera resolution than the second camera module  2230 B, and therefore the two cameras are utilized by the processor to perform different analytic processes. Additionally, the first camera module  2230 A may have a lower magnifying ratio than the second camera module  2230 B. Some examples of the first camera module  2230 A may have no magnifying function at all, while the second camera module  2230 A may have a fixed magnifying ratio. In addition or as an alternative to the second camera module  2230 B itself having a higher magnifying ratio, the cover  2210 B for the second holding area  2215 B can include a magnifying component, such as illustrated in  FIG. 22 . In some implementations, the magnifying ratio of the camera modules may be adjustable (e.g., as controlled by the processor). Some examples of the test equipment provide that the first camera module  2230 A has a camera resolution of 2 megapixels or above, and that the second camera module  2230 B has a camera resolution of 13 megapixels or above. In some examples, the second camera module  2230 B may include a linear magnifying ratio of at least 4.8 times or above. 
     In some of these examples, the processor is further to determine at least one additional property of the sperm by using the first camera module  2230 A. This additional property may include an acidity of the sperm. For example, the carrier can include a pH indicator in the first holding area  2215 A to represent the acidity of the sperm with colors, through which the processor can recognize for identifying the acidity. Similarly, some examples provide that the processor can determine a biochemical property of the biological specimen based on a color of a region in the one or more images of the first or second holding area. 
     Continuing with the above test equipment examples with multi-camera configurations in  FIG. 22  and the carrier examples in  FIG. 29 , in some implementations, when the processor identifies the first holding area (e.g., area  2215 A, or area  2915 A of carrier  2905 ( 2 )) being in a second shape, such as an oval, which may indicate that the biological specimen includes urine from a female subject, the processor is configured to determine one or more properties of the urine. The properties can be determined can include: an LH level, an FSH level, and/or an HCG level. Like acidity, the determination of the one or more properties of the urine may be performed by using the first camera module. Similarly, the carrier can include an LH indicator (e.g., as shown in carrier  2905 ( 3 )), an FSH indicator (e.g., as shown in carrier  2905 ( 2 )), and/or an HCG indicator (e.g., as shown in carrier  2905 ( 4 )) in the first holding area (e.g., area  2915 A of respective carriers). 
     Furthermore, in some embodiments, the processor can utilize at least one of the two camera modules (e.g., the first camera module  2230 A), or another sensor (e.g., light sensor  2690 , introduced below with respect to  FIG. 26 ), to determine a readiness or a validity of the biological specimen before performing the analytic processes. In some implementations, the readiness or the validity of the test sample can be determined based on identifying whether a first visual indicia is displayed in a particular area (e.g., where line  2916  is shown in  FIG. 29 ) in the first holding area (e.g., area  2915 A). An example of such first visual indicia can be a line displayed in a certain designated area on a test strip, such as shown in  FIG. 29  as red line  2916 . The red line  2916  may be used to as a quality control means, which can indicate that the test is valid or that the result is ready. Additionally, the first hold area  2915 A may include another area (e.g., where line  2917  is shown in  FIG. 29 ) that is to display a second visual indicia representing a test result with respect to a property of the biological specimen. An example of such second visual indicia can be a line displayed in another certain designated area on the test strip, such as shown in  FIG. 29  as red line  2917 . 
     In some embodiments, the test equipment can perform an action in response to a determination that the biological specimen is not ready. In some examples, the action to be performed by the processor includes implementing a timer having a time duration that is determined by the analytic processes to be performed. In some other examples, the test equipment further includes a moving mechanism, and the processor in the test equipment can utilize the moving mechanism to apply a mechanical force to the carrier for increasing the readiness of the biological specimen. More detail of the actions and mechanisms that can be implemented in the test equipment are introduced below with respect to  FIGS. 25 and 26 . 
     The locations of the magnifying components (e.g., magnifying component of the camera module or magnifying component of the test strips) and locations of the light source(s) can be adjusted or selected depending on the requirements of various types of analyte analysis. In variations, the camera modules can have adjustable magnifying ratios. In at least some of these examples, the processor is further configured to adjust a magnifying ratio of at least one of the two camera modules based on which analytic process that the processor is currently configured to perform. As introduced above, when the biological specimen includes sperm, the test equipment can configure suitable camera modules (e.g., the second camera module  2230 B) to reach a different magnifying ratio for determining a motility of the sperm and a morphology of the sperm. 
     Note that an optimal distance between the camera module and the magnifying component may have a low margin of error. For example, even a slight deviation of 0.01 mm from the optimal distance can prevent the camera module to capture a clear image of the specimen holding area. In order to fine tune the distance between the camera module and the magnifying component, the testing equipment can include an autofocus (AF) function. An autofocus function is function that automatically adjusts an optical system (e.g., adjusts distances between components of the optical system) so that the object being imaged (e.g., semen) is within the focal plane of the optical system. At least one or more embodiments also provide a mechanical focusing mechanism, controllable by the processor, to cause at least one of the two camera modules to focus on a respective holding area. The mechanical focusing mechanism is discussed in more detail below with respect to  FIGS. 23 and 24 . The mechanical focusing mechanism can be controllable to adjust a position of a lens in the at least one of the two camera modules (e.g., such as generally shown in  FIG. 23 ). Additionally or alternatively, the mechanical focusing mechanism can be controllable to adjust a position of the carrier (e.g., such as generally shown in  FIG. 24 ). 
       FIG. 23  is schematic diagram of components of a testing equipment having an autofocus function. As shown in  FIG. 23 , the testing equipment can move the camera module upward or downward along the Z-axis (e.g., by a motorized rail, an ultrasonic motor drive, or a stepping motor). By adjusting the vertical position of the camera module, the testing equipment can adjust the distance between the camera module and the magnifying component. 
       FIG. 24  is schematic diagram of components of another testing equipment having an autofocus function. As shown in  FIG. 24 , the testing equipment can move the test strip device upward or downward along the Z-axis. By adjusting the vertical position of the test strip device, the testing equipment can adjust the distance between the camera module and the magnifying component. 
     During the autofocus operation as illustrated in  FIG. 23 or 24 , the camera module and the supplemental lens are kept as a single module. In other words, the distance between the camera module and the supplemental lens remains unchanged during the autofocus operation as illustrated in  FIG. 23 or 24 . 
       FIG. 25  is a schematic diagram of a testing equipment including a switch and a motor. The B-B cross-section of the testing equipment  1900  in  FIG. 25  shows various components of the testing equipment. The testing equipment  1900  includes a switch  2550  to detect a collection bottle  2510  being inserted into the testing equipment  1900 . When the collection bottle  2510  is inserted, the switch  2550  is activated. The testing equipment  1900  then is notified of the collection bottle  2510  through the switch  2550 . Based on the time period for which the switch  2550  is being activated, the testing equipment can determine the time period for which the collection bottle  2510  stays inserted. 
     The testing equipment  1900  further includes a motor  2560  for shaking, vibrating, or rotating the collection bottle  2510  in order to mix the specimen in the collection bottle  2510 . The testing equipment  1900  can include a camera  2570  to determine whether the specimen already liquefies based on captured images of the specimen in the collection bottle  2510 . 
       FIG. 26  is a schematic diagram of a testing equipment including a flexible element. The B-B cross-section of the testing equipment  1900  in  FIG. 26  shows various components of the testing equipment. The testing equipment  1900  includes a moving element  2680  (e.g. elastic component) at the bottom of the slot for accommodating the collection bottle  2610  in a moving manner. For example, the moving element  2680  can include a spring that can resume its normal shape spontaneously after contraction or distortion. When the collection bottle  2610  is inserted into the slot, the moving element  2680  is compressed. A light sensor  2690  (or other types of distance sensor) is responsible for detecting the distance between the light sensor  2690  and the bottom of the collection bottle  2610 . Based on the distance between the light sensor  2690  and the bottom of the collection bottle  2610 , the testing equipment  1900  can determine the weight or the volume of the specimen contained in the collection bottle  2610 . For example, the distance between the light sensor  2690  and the bottom of the collection bottle  2610  can be inversely proportional to the weight or the volume of the specimen contained in the collection bottle  2610 . 
     In some other embodiments, the testing equipment  1900  can include a sensor on top of the collection bottle  2610 . The sensor can be responsible for detecting a distance between the sensor and a top of the collection bottle  2610 . The weight or the volume of the specimen contained in the collection bottle  2610  can be determined based on the distance because the volume or the weight can be, e.g., directly proportional to the distance between the sensor and the top of the collection bottle  2610 . In turn, based on the weight or the volume of the specimen, the testing equipment  1900  can determine a time period for waiting for the liquefaction of the specimen in the collection bottle  2610 . The testing equipment  1900  further includes a motor  2660  for shaking, vibrating, or rotating the collection bottle  2610  in order to mix the specimen in the collection bottle  2610   
     In some embodiments, the camera module of the testing equipment can include a light field camera (not shown) that captures intensities as well as directions of the light rays. The light field camera can include an array of micro-lenses in front of an image sensor, or multi-camera arrays to detect the directional information. Using the directional information of the light rays, the camera module can capture clear images at a wide range of the focal planes. Therefore, a testing equipment using a light field camera may not need an autofocus function to fine adjust the distance between the camera module and the magnifying component. 
     With the above in mind, the apparatus of the present invention is useful for testing male fertility and/or female reproductivity. 
     The present invention provides a method for testing male fertility using the apparatus of the instant application. The method comprises the steps of: applying a biological specimen from a male subject to a first holding area and a second holding area of a carrier; inserting the carrier into the apparatus; determining the acidity of the sperm from the first analytic process; determining one or more properties of the sperm selected from the group consisting of: concentration of the sperm, motility of the sperm, and morphology of the sperm, from the second analytic process; and analyze the results to determine male fertility. 
     The present invention also provides a method for testing female reproductive hormones using the apparatus of the present application. The method comprises the steps of: applying a biological specimen from a female subject to a first holding area of a carrier; inserting the carrier into the apparatus; and determining the concentration level of one or more types of female hormones such as luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), or human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). 
     The present invention further provides a method for testing fertility in a couple of a male subject and a female subject. The method comprises the steps of: applying a biological specimen from the male subject to a first holding area and a second holding area of a first carrier; inserting the first carrier into the apparatus; determining the acidity of the sperm from the first analytic process; determining one or more properties of the sperm selected from the group consisting of: concentration of the sperm, motility of the sperm, and morphology of the sperm, from the second analytic process; applying a biological specimen from the female subject to a holding area of a second carrier; inserting the second carrier into the apparatus; determining a concentration level of one or more types of female hormones; and analyzing the results of the male and the female biological specimen. 
       FIG. 27  is a flow chart of a process for analyzing semen specimen for male customers or patients. The system for analyzing semen specimen can include a testing machine (e.g., testing equipment  1900 ), a mobile device and a cloud server.  FIG. 28  is a flow chart of a process for analyzing LH or HCG for female customers or patients. The system for analyzing LH or HCG can include a testing machine (e.g., testing equipment  1900 ), a mobile device and a cloud server. The flow charts of  FIGS. 27 and 28  show steps performed by the testing machine, the mobile device and the cloud server and information being transferred among the testing machine, the mobile device and the cloud server. 
     In some embodiments, a method for testing sperms comprises steps of: obtaining the device for testing biological specimen; applying a sperm specimen to the specimen holding area, recording a video or an image of the sperm specimen; determining the sperm count of the sperm specimen based on the at least one frame of the recorded video or the recorded image; and determining the sperm motility of the sperm specimen based on the recorded video or the recorded image. 
     In a related embodiment, the method further comprises: waiting for a pre-determined time period for liquefaction of the sperm specimen before applying the sperm specimen to the specimen holding area. 
     In another related embodiment, the method further comprises: placing a mobile device including a camera component on top of the device such that the camera component is aligned with the magnifying component and the specimen holding area; and receiving by the mobile device light signal from the sperm specimen in the specimen holding area via magnification by the magnifying component. 
     In yet another related embodiment, the method further comprises: illuminating the specimen holding area by a lateral illumination device disposed on a side of the carrier of the device or a vertical illumination device disposed on top of or below the carrier of the device. 
     In still another related embodiment, the method further comprises: guiding light beams from the lateral illumination device throughout the carrier made of a transparent or translucent material; and reflecting the light beams to the specimen holding area by a plurality of light reflecting patterns included in the carrier. 
     In yet another related embodiment, the method further comprises: inserting the disposable testing device into a base, the base including a camera component for recording the video of the sperm specimen, or a form-fitting frame for securing a mobile device that includes a camera component for recording the video of the sperm specimen. 
     In still another related embodiment, the method further comprises: extracting at least one frame from the recorded video of the biological specimen; identifying a plurality of sperms from the at least one frame; and calculating the sperm count based on a number of identified sperms and an area recorded by the at least one frame. 
     In yet another related embodiment, the method further comprises: analyzing shapes of the identified sperms; and determining a morphology level based on the shapes of the identified sperms. 
     In still another related embodiment, the method further comprises: extracting a series of video frames from the recorded video of the sperm specimen; identifying a plurality of sperms from the series of video frames; identifying moving traces of the sperms based on the series of video frames; determining moving speeds of the sperms based on the moving traces of the sperms and a time period captured by the series of video frames; and calculating the sperm motility based on the moving speeds of the sperms. 
     In yet another related embodiment, the method further comprises: further magnifying the video or the image of the sperm specimen through a magnifying lens. 
     In some embodiments, a method for testing sperms using the system for testing biological specimen, comprises: inserting the device into the base component; recording a video of the sperm specimen in the specimen holding area by the mobile device, the mobile device being secured in the form-fitting frame of the base component; determining a sperm count of the sperm specimen based on the at least one frame of the recorded video; and determining a sperm motility of the sperm specimen based on the recorded video. 
     In a related embodiment, the method further comprises: further magnifying the video of the sperm specimen through a magnifying lens. 
     In some embodiments, a system for testing biological specimen comprises a disposable device for testing biological specimen and a base component. The disposable device includes a sample carrier including a specimen holding area, and a detachable cover placed on top of the specimen holding area. The base component includes an insertion port for inserting the disposable device into the base component, and a camera component for capturing the image of the specimen holding area, the camera component including an image sensor and an optical lens module. In a related embodiment, the optical lens module can have a linear magnification ratio of at least 0.1. 
       FIG. 31  shows an additional example carrier  3105  having one or more visual indicia  3117 ( 1 )- 3117 ( 5 ) (or can be referred to collectively as “visual cue”  3117 ) that may be utilized to control the analytic process performed by the test equipment (e.g., the test equipment shown in  FIG. 21B  or  FIG. 22 ). As shown in  FIG. 31 , the visual cue  3117  can be in (or, in some additional or alternative embodiments, near) a holding area (e.g., holding area  3115 B) on the carrier  3105 . 
     As mentioned above (e.g., with respect to  FIG. 29 ), the processor can perform different analytic processes based on a visual cue on the carrier. For example, some embodiments can perform image recognition and processing on the images of the holding areas, and can perform different analytic processes according to a visual cue from the results of the image recognition. In some examples, the visual cue on the carrier can be a shape of a particular holding area. Additional example of the visual cue may include a graphic pattern, a visual indicia, a one-dimensional barcode, a multi-dimensional pattern code (e.g., QR code), and so forth. 
     In the specific example shown in  FIG. 31 , each of the visual indicia (e.g., visual indicium  3117 ( 1 )) can be a particular, miniature graphic pattern that can be either imprinted, attached, or otherwise marked onto the carrier  3105  in its holding area  3115 B. In  FIG. 31 &#39;s example, the visual indicia  3117 ( 1 )- 3117 ( 5 ) are all of the same or substantially similar pattern; however, in other examples (not shown for simplicity), they need not be all the same, and each can have an individual shape, size, pattern, and so forth. In one or more implementations, the visual cue  3117  (i.e., the visual indicia  3117 ( 1 )- 3117 ( 5 )) is of a size not perceivable by human, but can be identifiable by a camera module (e.g., camera module  2230 B,  FIG. 22 ; or camera module  2130 ,  FIG. 21B ) after magnification through a microscopic lens. In some of these implementations, the visual indicia  3117 ( 1 )- 3117 ( 5 ) are smaller than 15 μm. Furthermore, the visual indicia  3117 ( 1 )- 3117 ( 5 ) can be arranged such that their locations collectively form a pattern (i.e., a predetermined arrangement). In addition or as an alternative to the visual indicia&#39;s individual characteristics (e.g., size, shape, color, and/or location), this collective pattern formed from each visual indicium&#39;s location can be one of the identifiable cues that can be used to control the test equipment&#39;s functionality (e.g., whether and which analytic processes it subsequently performs). This collective pattern may be based on the absolute locations of the visual indicia (e.g., in the holding area) and/or relative locations of the visual indicia (e.g., from their respective neighbouring indicia). In  FIG. 31 , the collective pattern shown by the visual indicia  3117 ( 1 )- 3117 ( 5 ) is that the visual indicia  3117 ( 1 )- 3117 ( 4 ) each being located at one of the four corners (of the image captured by the camera) and visual indicium  3117 ( 5 ) being located at the center, and that each visual indicium being relatively evenly distributed. Some additional or alternative embodiments provide that each (or each set) unique visual indicium (or indicia) in the visual cue can represent a different analytic function that is to be performed (and/or whether or not a particular analytic function is to be performed). 
     With the above description in mind, the test equipment disclosed here can utilize the visual cue on the carrier (e.g., in or near the holding area) to control the functionality of the test equipment and adaptively perform an analytic process based on the visual cue. In certain embodiments, the visual cue can be used to verify whether the carrier is an authorized carrier (e.g., properly licensed and manufactured within a certain specification and according to applicable qualitative standards). In another example, the visual cue can be used to control the test equipment to perform calculation in what mode (e.g., male versus female, laboratory versus home, highest precision versus shortest time, or on-battery versus plugged-in). Moreover, some embodiments provide that the visual cue can be used to control access to certain functionality of the test equipment. This can provide the capability to flexibly tailor the service(s) provided by the test equipment to a customer&#39;s identity, geographic location, and so forth. 
       FIG. 32  is an additional example flow chart of a process  3200  which can be implemented by a test equipment disclosed here (e.g., in  FIG. 21B  or  FIG. 22 ) to adaptively perform an analytic process based on the visual cue. With continued reference to  FIG. 31 , the process  3200  is explained below. Note that, in the following example of the process  3200 , the visual cue is applied to perform a carrier authentication application; however, the process can be adapted for performing other applications (such as those described with respect to  FIG. 30 ) in a similar manner. For example, in a number of applications other than carrier verification, the processor can perform different sets of analytic processes based on the difference in the visual cue. 
     First, in step  3202 , after the receiving mechanism of the test equipment receives a carrier inserted through the opening, a sensor (not shown for simplicity) can notify the processor, and the processor can cause a camera module on-board the test equipment to capture one or more images of the holding area of the carrier. In step  3204 , using the captured image(s), the processor can identify (e.g., based on known image analysis techniques or those disclosed here) the visual cue in the holding area. Like discussed above, the visual cue can include a number of visual indicia. Each visual indicia may be in the same or different size, shape, pattern, color, etc (such as the example shown in  FIG. 31 ), or they may be different. The visual indicia may altogether further present a pattern (e.g., from their locations). Then, the processor can compare the visual cue (e.g., individual size, shape, location, or collective pattern) with predetermined visual cues (e.g., stored in local memory and/or a cloud-based database (which may be operated/controlled by the test equipment&#39;s manufacturer or another administrator)). 
     In step  3206 , the processor selectively performs a set of analytic processes on the captured images of the holding area, based on a result of said identification of the visual cue. If the identification result of visual cue returns positive (e.g., in response to that the holding area of the carrier has the predetermined visual cue), then the processor proceeds with subsequent steps, which may include optionally capturing more images (or a video) for the analysis (Step  3208 ) and performing the corresponding set of analytic processes on the captured image(s) (Step  3210 ). On the other hand, if the identification result of the visual cue returns negative (e.g., in response to that the holding area of the carrier does not have the predetermined visual cue), then the processor causes an alternative action (e.g., displaying an error code) reflecting the non-identification of the visual cue, and does not perform any analytic processes on the image(s) (Step  3212 ). After said set of analytic processes is performed, the processor can continue to determine an outcome with regard to the biological specimen based on results from the analytic processes, as described above. 
     Furthermore, it is noted here that conventional computer-assisted sperm analyzers (CASA) rely on large microscopes and the experience of the operating technicians for determining sperm parameters. There are some computer software aids available to supplement the experience of the technician and to standardize the analysis results. However, due to the differences in lens and sensor modules, often times blurry images may adversely affect the effectiveness of the software aid, resulting in inaccuracy in related functions (e.g., sperm count calculation). 
     In addition, regulatory bodies such as World Health Organization (WHO) publishes a laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen. The manual specifies that a minimum amount of samples to be evaluated (e.g., 200 sperms) for the determination of sperm concentration, sperm motility and sperm morphology. Existing CASA-based image analysis generally either lacks automated sampling or requires manual operation to acquire multiple field of view in order to achieve WHO specification and to reduce sampling error in the analysis; alternatively, if sampling is only repeatedly performed with a single field of view, the time it takes to repeat the process in order to reach a satisfactorily low sampling error often becomes too long to be feasible in large scale. 
       FIG. 33  is an example flow chart of a process  3300  which can be implemented by a test equipment disclosed here (e.g., in  FIG. 21B  or  FIG. 22 ) for improved results (e.g., with increased analysis accuracy and efficiency). The process  3300  can be an alternative or a supplemental process to the processes disclosed here, e.g., the process illustrated in  FIG. 16 . 
     First, at step  3310  (for example, after the carrier cartridge that carries or has been exposed to biological specimen is inserted (introduced above)), the introduced device(s) can utilize the camera module(s) to capture one or more images (or collectively, “imagery”) of the carrier cartridge&#39;s holding area(s). In some optional embodiments (e.g., those described with respect to  FIG. 29 or 31 ), the device can identify (step  3320 ), from the captured imagery of the holding area, a visual cue on the carrier. In these optional embodiments, the device can perform, based on a result of said identification of the visual cue, a set of analytic processes on the captured imagery. 
     At step  3330 , the device can divide the captured imagery into a plurality of segments. In some embodiments, the segments can be polygonal in shape. More specifically, some implementations provide that the segments can be in shape of triangle, rectangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, and so forth. The shapes (of the segments) may have at least one side that is 0.05 mm. In one or more embodiments, the segments are square and are of size of 0.05 mm×0.05 mm. It is noted that, depending on the specific implementation, the number and size of the segments can be adjusted based on the resolution of the camera module. Illustrated in  FIG. 34  is an example image of a holding area divided into a number of segments (e.g., segment  3402 ). Note that, for facilitating the discussion of the disclosed technique here, the captured imagery is said to be “divided” into segments; however, it should be understood that, in one or more implementations, the processor need not actually perform a mathematical divisional operation at run time (or during normal operation) in order to perform this technique; rather, the resulting segments or grids can be predetermined, logically prewired, programmed or otherwise preconfigured into the device&#39;s camera controller and/or processor, such that the need for performing calculations associated with the division of imagery into segments may be reduced or, in some examples, completely eliminated. 
     At step  3340 , the example device selects, from the plurality of segments, candidate segments for analysis. According to one or more embodiments, the selecting of candidate segments can be based on a number of factors including, for example, a focus level of a given segment, and/or a normalcy of the given segment. 
     More specifically, in a number of implementations, the device can determine ( 3342 ) a focus level for each of the plurality of segments, so that each segment may have a corresponding focus level measurement. The focus level can be determined based on one or more focus measure functions. Depending on the implementation, the adopted focus measure functions can include one or more of: a variance type, a sum-modulus-difference type, an energy of Laplacian of image type, and/or a gradient magnitude maximization type. 
     After determining each segment&#39;s focus level, in some embodiments, the device then compares the focus level of a given segment against a minimum focus level threshold. In one or more implementations, a given segment can be selected as a candidate segment only if the focus level of the given segment satisfies (e.g., reaches, or exceeds) the minimum focus level threshold. Additionally, the device can label or number the segments. One or more embodiments of the device provide that only the segments that satisfy the minimum focus level threshold are labeled or numbered (e.g., for purposes of further analysis or tracking identification). The labeling or numbering can be done sequentially or randomly. Illustrated in  FIG. 35  is a portion of a candidate segment selection process, where the segments are numbered randomly, and with segments passing the minimum focus level threshold preliminarily selected as candidate segments  3510 . 
     Next, the device can perform image processing to a number of selected segments to determine a property of the selected segments so as to determine ( 3344 ) a normalcy for a given segment, i.e., to see if the given segment is “normal enough” to warrant further analysis. In some examples, the segments selected for normalcy determination are those have been preliminarily selected as candidate segments (e.g., those that satisfy the minimum focus level threshold, discussed above). In some examples, the property to be used for normalcy determination at this stage is cell count (e.g., sperm count). In a more specific example, the device can perform image processing onto those segments having focus levels satisfying the minimum focus level (meaning that they are “focused enough”) to determine, for each enough-focused segment, a cell (e.g., sperm) count in that segment. The image processing can include binarization (and in some implementations, with adaptive thresholding) to identify portions in the segment with objects that may be sperms as foreground, and to identify the rest of the segment as background. After the image processing, the device can determine the cell (e.g., sperm) count. In one or more embodiments, the cell count of a candidate segment can be determined based on a ratio between the area with sperm and the area without sperm (e.g., by extrapolation from a table that correlates ratios with known cell counts). 
     Thereafter, the device can calculate statistical data (e.g., a mean value and a standard deviation) for all remaining candidate segments (e.g., those segments that satisfy the minimum focused level). With the statistical data calculated, the device can determine ( 3344 ) the normalcy of a given segment by statistically comparing one or more properties (e.g., the sperm count) of the given segment against all remaining candidate segments. In some embodiments, a given segment continues to be selected as candidate segment only if the normalcy of the given segment satisfies a normalcy requirement. Take sperm count as an example, in a number of embodiments, the segment is considered “normal enough” (i.e., satisfying the normalcy requirement) if the sperm count within the segment is within, from the mean value, a predetermined number of standard deviations of the plurality of segments. In one or more implementations, the normalcy requirement is within two (2) standard deviations (from the mean value). In other implementations, the normalcy requirement can be one (1) or three (3) standard deviations, or other suitable statistical techniques that reflect a given segment&#39;s normalcy in comparison with a group of segments. Illustrated in  FIG. 36  is an example image showing results after image processing (e.g., adaptive thresholding binarization) and cell count determination. Note that, in  FIG. 36 , the estimated cell count for each candidate segment is shown in lieu of its label. 
     Additionally, the device can determine ( 3346 ) whether a target amount of cells to be analyzed has been reached or not. Specifically, one or more embodiments of the disclosed device can maintain a total cell count, and for each segment that is selected into the candidate segments, the device adds a corresponding cell count of the segment to the total cell count. The device can use this target amount of cells to be analyzed to control an amount of biological samples to be analyzed, and depending on the implementation, the number can be configurable. This number can tailored to laboratory manual and testing standards for testing a particular biological specimen. In some embodiments, the target amount of cells to be analyzed is two hundred (200). In certain examples, the selecting of candidate segments completes when the total cell count reaches the target amount of cells to be analyzed. In other words, according to at least some embodiments disclosed here, the selecting of candidate segments can be performed (e.g., in a random manner) on segments that satisfy a focus level threshold and a normalcy requirement until a total cell count reaches a target amount of cells to be analyzed. 
     As step  3350 , after selecting the candidate segments, the introduced device can determine one or more properties of the biological specimen by analyzing the selected candidate segments (e.g., by using one or more techniques introduced here). In at least a number of embodiments, the biological specimen is semen, and the one or more properties of the biological specimen that are to be determined on the selected candidate segments include one or more of: cell count (or concentration, which can be inferred from the cell count), motility, or morphology. In some examples, the device is further configured to, after said set of analytic processes is performed, determine an outcome (e.g., fertility) with regard to the biological specimen based on results from the analytic processes. 
     Furthermore, it is observed here that it is generally difficult to perfectly manufacture a lens assembly (especially in large quantity and with controlled cost) such as the microscopic lens assembly and/or the magnifying lens assembly that are installed on the test equipment introduced here. Lens defects can exist in a variety of forms, such as impurity, or imperfections in lens characteristics (e.g., clarity, refractivity, focal points, among others), and these defects can adversely affect the accuracy of the test equipment. Introduced here, therefore, are calibration and validation techniques to mitigate lens defects and to further improve analysis accuracy of test equipment disclosed herein. 
       FIG. 37  is an example flow chart of a calibration process  3700  which can be implemented by a test equipment disclosed here (e.g., in  FIG. 21B  or  FIG. 22 ) for improved results. The process  3700  can be an alternative or a supplemental process to the processes disclosed here, e.g., the process illustrated in  FIG. 16 . 
     First, at step  3710  (for example, after a carrier cartridge is inserted), the introduced device(s) can utilize the camera module(s) to capture one or more images (or collectively, “imagery”) of the carrier cartridge&#39;s holding area(s). In some optional embodiments (e.g., those described with respect to  FIG. 29 or 31 ), the device can identify (step  3720 ), from the captured imagery of the holding area, a visual cue on the carrier. In these optional embodiments, the device can perform, based on a result of said identification of the visual cue, a set of analytic processes on the captured imagery. 
     More specifically, in some implementations, the carrier cartridge here can be a specialized dummy cartridge that can be used to trigger the calibration process. For example, a specialized dummy cartridge may carry one or more of the specialized graphic patterns (e.g., introduced below with respect to  FIG. 38 ) which, after the visual cue identification process (e.g., in Step  3720 ), can trigger the test equipment to enter a calibration mode. For another example, a specialized dummy cartridge can carry specialized test samples (e.g., introduced below with respect to  FIG. 41 ), and the user can manually cause (e.g., via a user interface onboard or remotely controlling the test equipment) the test equipment to enter a calibration mode. In various examples, the dummy cartridge can include an electronic (e.g., an radio-frequency identifier (RFID)) or a mechanical feature (e.g., a special shape or a mechanical protrusion) that can trigger the calibration mode. 
       FIG. 38  is a test carrier carrying a visual cue or an image pattern that can be used to calibrate or validate a test equipment disclosed here. In one or more embodiments, the visual cue contains an image pattern that the test equipment can recognize as a trigger to enter calibration mode. Thereafter, the test equipment can utilize the camera modules to capture images of the image pattern and to perform self-diagnosis in order to calibrate itself from the results of the captured images. The visual pattern should be easy to identify (and less likely to misidentify). As illustrated in  FIG. 38 , the example visual pattern contains a repeating (e.g., every 0.08 mm; also known as rate of repetition or “pitch”), larger (e.g., 0.02 mm×0.02 mm), and generally regular shape (e.g., square). The visual pattern can further contain one or more repeating linear patterns. In the illustrated example in  FIG. 38 , the linear patterns include a set of (e.g., three) horizontal lines and a set of (e.g., three) vertical lines. In some embodiments, these lines have a resolution of 200 line pairs per millimeter (LP/mm) or higher. In the particular example in  FIG. 38 , the lines have a resolution of 500 LP/mm. Note that horizontal and/or vertical lines are examples of visual linear patterns suitable for aiding the test equipment to perform self-diagnosis of optical characteristics and performance of the specific optical instruments (e.g., microscopic lens) installed onto the test equipment itself; other visual patterns that are suitable may substitute the illustrated example in  FIG. 38 . For example, in some embodiments, an “E” shape pattern or equivalents can used as the visual linear pattern in lieu of the parallel lines. For example, in some embodiments, Sagittal lines and Meridional lines can used as the visual linear pattern. 
     Continuing with the process  3700 , regardless how the calibration mode is triggered, at Step  3730 , after imagery of the carrier is captured (e.g., at Step  3710 ), the device can divide the captured imagery into a plurality of segments (which is similar to Step  3330 , discussed above). In some embodiments, the segments can be polygonal in shape. More specifically, some implementations provide that the segments can be in shape of triangle, rectangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, and so forth. The shapes (of the segments) may have at least one side that is 0.05 mm. In one or more embodiments, the segments are square and are of size of 0.05 mm×0.05 mm. It is noted that, depending on the specific implementation, the number and size of the segments can be adjusted based on the resolution of the camera module. In one or more implementations, the above-mentioned pitch (i.e., the rate at which the visual pattern regularly repeats itself) can correspond to the number of segments that the imagery can be divided. In some embodiments, the pitch can be the same as the number of segments that the imagery can be divided by the test equipment. 
     At step  3740 , the example device can perform the calibration/self-diagnosis procedure, e.g., for each segment. The calibration procedure should generally be one or more steps that can enable the test equipment to autonomously self-diagnose the quality of the optical modules (e.g., including microscopic lens, camera modules) that are currently installed onto the test equipment itself. In one or more embodiments, the test equipment can determine (at Step  3742 ) a focus level for each segment, for example, by using one or more focus measure functions. Examples of focus measure functions can include a variance type, a sum-modulus-difference type, an energy of Laplacian of image type, and/or a gradient magnitude maximization type. Then, at Step  3744 , the test equipment can determine whether a segment satisfies a focus level, e.g., the minimum focus level threshold discussed above. Additionally or alternatively, the test equipment can compare (at Step  3746 ) captured results with one or more anticipated results. For example, the test equipment&#39;s processor can access one or more images pre-installed (i.e., not captured by camera, e.g., installed by being transferred or otherwise programmed) in the memory, compare that with the captured image, and determine whether the captured image quality in the segment in question satisfies a minimum standard. The one or more images that are pre-installed should be representative of the visual patterns being applied for calibration. Example image quality parameters that the test equipment can be comparing and inspecting at Step  3746  can include color distortion, pattern distortion, clarity defects, and/or other image defects. 
       FIG. 39  is an example image of the visual cue example of  FIG. 38 , captured by a test equipment such as disclosed here, where the image quality is generally better toward the lower-left corner, worse toward the upper-right corner.  FIGS. 40A and 40B  are two specific examples illustrating different image quality in different segments of the captured image in  FIG. 39 . In some embodiments, e.g., those examples where the pitch is the same as the number of segments that the imagery can be divided,  FIGS. 40A and 40B  can respectively represent a segment. As illustrated, the image quality in the segment in  FIG. 40A  is better than the segment in  FIG. 40B , because the image is sharper and better focused. 
     Referring back to the process  3700 , at Step  3750 , the results from Step  3740  (e.g., whether or not a segment satisfies minimum image quality requirements, such as a minimum focus level) are recorded in a computer readable storage medium (e.g., which can be non-transitory, such as flash memory) coupled to the test equipment (not illustrated for simplicity). This knowledge gained from the calibration procedure can be utilized, for example, later when the test equipment is in normal operation. In one or more embodiments, during normal operation (e.g., during Step  3340 , discussed above), the test equipment can automatically skip or ignore those segments that have failed the minimum image quality requirement during calibration/self-diagnosis. In this way, the test equipment disclosed here can mitigate the adverse effect from lens defects and improve analysis accuracy. 
       FIG. 41  is an example image of a test carrier carrying a test sample that can be used to calibrate or validate a test equipment disclosed here. This technique can be applicable to one or more aforementioned embodiments where a specialized dummy cartridge can carry specialized test samples and the calibration mode can be initiated by triggers other than visual pattern (such as manual initiation by the user, or by a mechanical feature or an RFID on the dummy cartridge). A certain number of embodiments provide that the test sample be in the form of an aqueous medium (e.g., a liquid solution) that contains miniature test particles, such as test particles  4102  illustrated in  FIG. 41 . These micro-particles can be made of any suitable materials including, for example, polymer. One particular example material for particles  4102  is latex. The size of the particles can be suited for a particular application. In certain implementations, the size of particles can be similar to those of a cell, such as a sperm. Example range of the particle&#39;s size can be from 0.5 μm to 50 μm in diameter. In one example, the particles are 5 μm in diameter. With the test particles as samples, the test equipment can perform calibration/self-diagnosis such as the process  3700  discussed here without Step  3720 , and self-diagnose the quality of the optical modules that are currently installed onto itself. In some of these implementations, the test equipment can have images of the test particles pre-installed (i.e., not captured by camera, e.g., installed by being transferred or otherwise programmed) in the memory for comparison and calibration purposes, such as discussed above. 
       FIGS. 42A and 42B  illustrate different image quality in different segments of the captured image in  FIG. 41 . As illustrated, the image quality in the segment in  FIG. 42A  is better than the segment in  FIG. 42B , because the image is sharper and better focused. Similar to what is discussed above with respect to Step  3750 , the knowledge of each segment&#39;s baseline image quality can be utilized, for example, later when the test equipment is in normal operation. For example, some embodiments of the test equipment can automatically skip or ignore those segments that have failed the minimum image quality requirement during calibration/self-diagnosis. In this way, the test equipment disclosed here can mitigate the adverse effect from lens defects and improve analysis accuracy. 
     Although some of the embodiments disclosed herein apply the disclosed technology to sperm test, a person having ordinary skill in the art readily appreciates that the disclosed technology can be applied to test various types of biological specimen, such as semen, urine, synovial joint fluid, epidermis tissues or cells, tumour cells, water sample, etc. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the structure of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. In view of the foregoing, it is intended that the present invention cover modifications and variations of this invention provided they fall within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.