What it does
D micro is a dual-mode parasite detection device for food and human samples, combining AI vision with modular design to improve safety and efficiency in daily dining and clinical screening。
Your inspiration
Inspired by food safety concerns in coastal regions like Chaoshan, where raw seafood is popular but risky, I envisioned a tool that empowers users to detect parasites independently. Drawing from interviews, field visits, and public health reports, I combined modular design, AI recognition, and ergonomic interfaces to serve both local vendors and medical professionals.
How it works
How it works: D micro uses a modular structure consisting of a detachable detection unit and a smart base. Users insert raw food or a biological sample into the detection tray. By pressing the tray, the sample is flattened and aligned with the optical module. Inside, a high-resolution digital microscope combined with AI image recognition identifies parasite features within 30–50 seconds. The system also incorporates UV sterilization (optional for food module) and fluorescence filters for enhanced medical precision. The left-side physical buttons control detection operations; the right side manages data display and system settings. Results are shown on the screen and can be transmitted to mobile or institutional databases.
Design process
D micro was developed due to health risks from raw seafood in regions like Chaoshan, where parasites often go undetected due to a lack of accessible tools. Early research revealed a gap in accurate, intuitive, and fixed-location testing. The design journey identified four user types—diners, sellers, inspectors, and clinics—each with unique workflows and ergonomic needs. We prioritized accuracy, emotional trust, and user clarity over handheld portability. The product was split into two parts: a replaceable AI-powered detection module (without buttons) and a base with intuitive dual-zone controls—left for module management and right for interface and system control. Buttons were tested for tactile accuracy (1.8N), visual clarity (iconography), and accessibility from a seated posture. Technical prototyping included microfluidic flow paths, a UV + digital microscope system, and a 30–50s real-time AI analysis module. Material decisions (medical-grade PC, recycled ABS-PC) and assembly methods (ultrasonic welding, dual-shot molding) prioritized hygiene and longevity. In testing, the final design effectively balanced precision, comfort, and simplified diagnostics in a shared-use environment.
How it is different
Unlike existing testing solutions that are either handheld, expensive, or lab-bound, D micro is a fixed, semi-public detection device tailored for real-world food environments like markets and food stalls. It does not require professional operation, allowing users to complete AI-supported parasite detection in under 50 seconds. Its modular split-body structure is unique—combining a buttonless AI testing unit with a base that handles interface, power, and user interaction via dual-zone controls, improving both hygiene and usability. Ergonomic button distribution, intuitive iconography, and posture-aware interaction ensure user comfort and clarity. The design also integrates medical-grade materials, sustainable plastics, and fast-response microfluidic optics to offer clinical-level detection with a civilian-level experience. It redefines detection as an accessible, emotional, and routine part of life, rather than a distant lab process.
Future plans
We aim to optimize the detection module's accuracy through AI training with real data, and expand its use to various public settings like schools, rural clinics, and food fairs. Future steps include clinical-grade validation, mass production with sustainable materials, and a mobile platform for data tracking and health education.
Awards
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