Method and apparatus for performing analytical measurements based on color forming reactions

Abstract

A method for evaluating the suitability of a mobile device (112) having at least one camera (122) for the purpose of performing analytical measurements based on color forming reactions is disclosed. The method comprises: a) providing at least one mobile device (112) having at least one camera (122); b) providing at least one object (114) having at least one reference color field (116); c) taking at least one image (123) of at least a portion of the reference color field (116) by using the camera (122); and d) deriving at least one color resolution information item by using the image (123), wherein the at least one color resolution information item comprises one or more numerical values ​​quantifying the ability to distinguish two or more colors.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a method for evaluating the suitability of a mobile device for performing an analytical measurement based on a color forming reaction, the mobile device having at least one camera. The present invention further relates to a method for performing an analytical measurement based on a color forming reaction, a computer program, and a mobile device for performing an analytical measurement based on a color forming reaction, as well as a kit for performing an analytical measurement. Such a method, device or application is particularly used for determining blood glucose concentration. However, in principle, alternatively or additionally, the determination of one or more other types of analytes is also possible, in particular the determination of one or more metabolites. Background Art

[0002] A number of different devices and methods for determining one or more analytes in body fluids (e.g., blood, urine, interstitial fluid, and saliva) are known from the prior art. Without narrowing the scope, the present invention will be described specifically with respect to blood glucose measurement. However, it should be noted that the present invention can also be used for other types of analytical measurements using test elements.

[0003] Several test elements are known in the art, which include at least one test chemical (also referred to as test reagent) which undergoes a color reaction in the presence of at least one analyte to be detected. Some basic principles regarding test elements and reagents which can also be used within the scope of the present invention are described, for example, in J. Hönes et al., Diabetes Technology and Therapeutics, Vol. 10, Supplement 1, 2008, pp. 10-26.

[0004] In analytical measurements based on color forming reactions, one technical challenge is to evaluate the color change caused by the detection reaction. In addition to the use of dedicated analytical devices such as handheld blood glucose meters, the use of general electronic devices such as smartphones and portable computers has become increasingly popular in recent years.

[0005] Therefore, WO 2012 / 131386 A1 discloses a test device for performing an assay, the test device comprising: a container containing a reagent, the reagent being reactive to an applied test sample by producing a color or pattern change; a portable device, such as a mobile phone or a laptop, comprising a processor and an image capture device, wherein the processor is configured to process data captured by the image capture device and output a test result for the applied test sample.

[0006] Similarly, WO 2014 / 025415A2 discloses a method and apparatus for performing color-based reaction testing of biological materials. The method includes capturing and interpreting digital images of unexposed and later exposed instruments within an automatically calibrated environment. The instrument includes a unique identification (UID) label, a reference color band (RCB) providing a standard color sample for image color calibration, and several test-specific sequences of chemical test pads (CTPs). The method further includes locating the instrument in the image, extracting the UID, extracting the RCB, and locating multiple CTPs in each image. The method further reduces image noise in the CTP and automatically calibrates the image based on illumination measurements performed on the RCB. The method further determines the test results by comparing the colors of the CTP image with the colors in the manufacturer's interpretation color chart (MICC). The method shows these results in a graphical or quantitative mode.

[0007] EP 1801568 A1 discloses a test strip and method for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a biological fluid sample. The method involves positioning a camera at the test strip for detecting a color indicator and a reference color area in a pattern. A measured value is determined for the relative position between the camera and the strip, and the measured value is compared with an expected value area. During the offset between the measured value and the expected value, the camera is moved to reduce the offset relative to the strip. The image area assigned to the indicator is located in the color image detected by the camera. The analyte concentration in the sample is determined by comparing the values.

[0008] EP 1963828 B1 discloses a method for measuring the concentration of at least one analyte contained in a biological fluid sample: a) wherein a test strip is prepared, the test strip having at least one test point, at least one time indicator, and at least one reference color range including white and / or a color scale; b) wherein the fluid sample is brought into contact with the test point and the time indicator; c) wherein the color indicator is arranged at the test point as a function of the analyte concentration; d) wherein the color of the time indicator changes as a function of the duration for which the fluid has been brought into contact with the test point and is independent of the concentration of the at least one analyte; e) wherein a camera is positioned on the test strip; f) wherein at least one measurement of the relative position between the camera and the test strip is determined and compared with a nominal value range; g) wherein, if there is a difference between the measurement and the nominal value range, the camera is moved relative to the test strip in order to reduce the difference, and step f) is repeated. and g); h) wherein the camera is used to record a color image, at least a color indicator, a time indicator and a reference color range are imaged on the color image; j) wherein image areas associated with the color indicator, the time indicator and the reference color range are located in the color image and color values ​​of these image areas are determined; k) wherein, on the basis of the color value determined for the time indicator, the duration between contacting the fluid sample with the test point and recording the color image is determined with the aid of a predetermined reference value; and l) wherein, on the basis of the color value determined for the color indicator and the reference color range and on the basis of the duration, the analyte concentration in the sample is determined with the aid of a predetermined comparison value.

[0009] In addition, US 2012 / 189509 A1 discloses an automatic analysis method for a test strip, the method comprising the following steps: providing a test strip unit having at least a reaction area and an image calibration area; capturing an image of the test strip unit; analyzing the image to obtain a first image signal of the image calibration area and a second image signal of the reaction area; comparing the first image signal with a standard signal to obtain an image signal calibration parameter; calibrating the second image signal by applying the image signal calibration parameter to obtain a third image signal; and comparing the third image signal with data in a database to obtain a corresponding parameter value.

[0010] EP 2 916 117 A1 and US 2015 / 308961 A1 describe color quantification of chemical test pads and titration of analytes, which can be performed under different lighting conditions. In one embodiment, the lighting conditions under which the digital image is captured are estimated and utilized to select a set of reference colors against which the quantified color is compared to determine the titration. In another embodiment, multiple comparisons are performed under different lighting conditions, with the result with the highest confidence level being selected to determine the titration.

[0011] In US 2014 / 154789 A1, a test device for performing an assay is disclosed. The test device comprises: a container containing a reagent, the reagent being reactive to an applied test sample by producing a color or pattern change; a portable device, such as a mobile phone or a laptop, comprising a processor and an image capture device, wherein the processor is configured to process data captured by the image capture device and output a test result for the applied test sample.

[0012] In addition, in US 2014 / 072189 A1, a system and method for analyzing colorimetric test strips and disease management are described. The system may include an accessory that is operably coupled to a mobile device that acquires and / or analyzes images of colorimetric test strips. A light box accessory may be detachably attached to the mobile device, or the light box accessory may be kept attached to the mobile device, but it is capable of moving the light box accessory out of the field of view of the camera for general photography purposes. In other embodiments, an image containing (one or more) known calibration colors and (one or more) reagent areas is obtained without a light box for comparison with a previous calibration image, thereby modeling changes in ambient lighting conditions, and determining a color correction function. Corrections may be applied to the detected (one or more) reagent area colors for matching between the detected (one or more) reagent area colors and (one or more) reference colors on a reference chart. Optionally, the information may be processed and displayed to provide feedback, and transmitted to a health provider for analysis.

[0013] In addition, US 2013 / 267032 A1 describes a sample test strip for detecting a characteristic of an analyte in a sample. The sample test strip includes: a reaction area for receiving the sample sample; and a color calibration area for determining the color, or the color and color intensity of the reaction area after receiving the sample sample. The sample test strip may further include a temperature indication area for calibrating the measurement of the characteristic of the analyte.

[0014] In addition, US 2016 / 260215 A1 describes a method and electronic device for performing color-based reaction testing of biological materials. The method includes capturing and interpreting digital images of unexposed and later exposed paddles with various delay times within an automatically calibrated environment. The test paddle includes a unique identification mechanism (UID), a reference color band (RCB) that provides standard color samples for image color calibration, compensation and correction, and several test-specific sequences of chemical test pads (CTPs). The method further includes locating the paddle in the image, extracting the UID and verifying the paddle, extracting the RCB, and locating multiple CTPs in each image. The method further reduces image noise in the CTP and automatically calibrates the image based on illumination measurements performed on the RCB. In order to determine the test results, the method further determines several distances between the CTP and its possible trajectory in the color space described by the manufacturer's interpretation of the color chart.

[0015] Despite the advantages involved in using consumer electronic devices with cameras for the purpose of evaluating analytical measurements, there are still several technical challenges. Therefore, even if the online calibration method using a test element with a reference color band is generally known, for example, from WO 2014 / 025415A2, the accuracy of analytical measurements usually depends on a large number of technical factors, which have been ignored so far when evaluating measurement results. Specifically, a large number of mobile devices with cameras are available on the market, all of which have different technical and optical properties that must be considered for analytical measurements. Even if some of the mobile devices can capture the image of the test element, they may not be suitable for analytical measurements at all. A further challenge lies in the fact that online calibration measurements are quite complex and time-consuming. However, processing time and processing resources are particularly important, especially when using handheld devices to perform measurements.

[0016] Problem to be solved

[0017] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a method and apparatus that solves the above-mentioned technical challenges of using a mobile device (such as a consumer electronic mobile device), in particular a multi-function mobile device (such as a smart phone or a tablet computer) that is not dedicated to analytical measurement for analytical measurement. In particular, a method and apparatus should be proposed that is widely applicable to available mobile devices and is suitable for increasing measurement accuracy and user convenience. Summary of the invention

[0018] This problem is solved by a method and an apparatus having the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are listed in the dependent claims, which may be realized in an independent manner or in any arbitrary combination.

[0019] As used hereinafter, the terms "have", "comprise" or "include" or any arbitrary grammatical variant thereof are used in a non-exclusive manner. Thus, these terms may refer both to a situation in which, apart from the features introduced by these terms, no further features are present in the entity described in this context, and to a situation in which one or more further features are present. As an example, the expressions "A has B", "A includes B" and "A contains B" may refer both to a situation in which, apart from B, no further elements are present in A (i.e., a situation in which A consists only and exclusively of B), and to a situation in which, apart from B, one or more further elements (such as element C, elements C and D or even further elements) are present in entity A.

[0020] In addition, it should be noted that the terms "at least one", "one or more" or similar expressions indicating that a feature or element can appear once or more than once will generally be used only once when introducing the corresponding feature or element. In the following, in most cases, when referring to the corresponding feature or element, the expression "at least one" or "one or more" will not be repeated, although in fact the corresponding feature or element can appear once or more than once.

[0021] Furthermore, as used hereinafter, the terms "preferably", "more preferably", "particularly", "more particularly", "specifically", "more specifically" or similar terms are used in conjunction with optional features without restricting the alternative possibilities. Therefore, the features introduced by these terms are optional features and are not intended to restrict the scope of the claims in any way. As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the present invention may be carried out by using alternative features. Similarly, the features introduced by "in an embodiment of the invention" or similar expressions are intended to be optional features, without any constraints on alternative embodiments of the invention, without any constraints on the scope of the invention, and without any constraints on the possibility to combine features introduced in this way with other optional or non-optional features of the invention.

[0022] In a first aspect, a method for evaluating the suitability of a mobile device for the purpose of performing an analytical measurement is disclosed, wherein the mobile device has at least one camera, and wherein the analytical measurement is based on a color forming reaction, such as by using at least one test chemical as described above. The method comprises the following steps, which, as an example, can be performed in a given order. However, it should be noted that different orders are also possible. In addition, it is also possible to perform one or more method steps once or repeatedly. In addition, it is possible to perform two or more method steps simultaneously or in a temporally overlapping manner. The method may include further method steps that are not listed.

[0023] The method comprises the following steps:

[0024] a) providing at least one mobile device having at least one camera;

[0025] b) providing at least one object having at least one reference color field;

[0026] c) taking at least one image of at least a portion of the reference color field by using a camera; and

[0027] d) deriving at least one item of color resolution information by using the image.

[0028] As used herein, the term "mobile device" is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, a mobile electronic device, and more specifically to a mobile communication device such as a cellular phone or a smart phone. Additionally or alternatively, as will be further outlined in detail below, a mobile device may also refer to a tablet computer or another type of portable computer having at least one camera.

[0029] As used herein, the term "camera" is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, a device having at least one imaging element that is configured to record or capture spatially resolved one-dimensional, two-dimensional, or even three-dimensional optical information. As an example, a camera may include at least one camera chip, such as at least one CCD chip and / or at least one CMOS chip configured to record an image. Without limitation, as used herein, the term "image" may specifically relate to data recorded using a camera, such as a plurality of electronic readings from an imaging device, such as pixels of a camera chip. Thus, the image itself may include pixels, the pixels of the image being related to the pixels of the camera chip.

[0030] In addition to at least one camera chip or imaging chip, the camera may also include further elements, such as one or more optical elements, for example one or more lenses. As an example, the camera may be a fixed-focus camera having at least one lens that is fixedly adjusted relative to the camera. However, alternatively, the camera may also include one or more variable lenses that can be adjusted automatically or manually. In particular, the camera may be integrated into a mobile device.

[0031] As used herein, the term "suitability" is a broad term, and it is given its common and customary meaning for those of ordinary skill in the art, and is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, the properties of an element or device for performing one or more predetermined functions. Thus, as an example, suitability may be defined or quantified by using one or more characteristic parameters of the device. As will be further described in detail below, these one or more characteristic parameters may be compared with one or more conditions individually or according to a predetermined combination. As a simple example, a single parameter or one or more of the parameters may be compared with one or more comparison values, reference values, or standard values, wherein the comparison may be qualitative or quantitative, and a binary result may be derived, such as "applicable" or "not applicable" / "non-applicable". As an example, at least one comparison value or reference value may include at least one threshold value, as will be further described in detail below. However, additionally or alternatively, the comparison may derive a quantitative result, such as a number indicating the degree of suitability. As an example, a comparison value, a reference value, or a standard value may be derived from an experiment or from boundary conditions, such as those determined by the accuracy to be achieved.

[0032] As used herein, the term "analytical measurement" is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to one of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, the qualitative and / or quantitative determination of at least one analyte in a sample. As an example, the result of an analytical measurement may be the concentration of an analyte, and / or the presence or absence of an analyte to be determined.

[0033] As an example, at least one analyte may be or may include one or more specific chemical compounds and / or other parameters. As an example, one or more analytes involved in metabolism, such as blood glucose, may be determined. Additionally or alternatively, other types of analytes or parameters, such as pH values, may be determined. Specifically, at least one sample may be or may include at least one body fluid, such as blood, interstitial fluid, urine, saliva, etc. However, additionally or alternatively, other types of samples, such as water, may be used.

[0034] As used herein, the term "color forming reaction" is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning for those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, a chemical, biological or physical reaction during which the color, specifically the reflectivity, of at least one element participating in the reaction changes as the reaction proceeds. Thus, as an example, reference may be made to the above-mentioned biochemical reaction, which is typically used to detect blood sugar involving color changes. Other types of color changes or color forming reactions are known to those skilled in the art, such as typical chemical reactions for determining pH values.

[0035] As will be outlined in further detail below, the at least one object may be any object having at least one reference color field integrated therein, arranged thereon, or attached thereto. Thus, as an example, the at least one reference color field may be printed onto at least one visible surface of the object.

[0036] As used herein, the term "reference color field" is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, any two-dimensional region of a predetermined color having known characteristics. Thus, as an example, one, more than one, or all color coordinates of at least one standard coordinate system of at least one reference color field may be known. As an example, at least one reference color field may have a rectangular, circular, elliptical, or polygonal shape of homogeneous color. An object may include one reference color field or multiple reference color fields, such as multiple reference color fields having different colors.

[0037] In particular, taking at least one image of at least a portion of a reference color field using a camera may imply taking an image comprising at least a region of interest within the at least one reference color field. Thus, as an example, the reference color field may be automatically detected within the image, for example by pattern recognition techniques generally known to those skilled in the art, and at least one region of interest, such as a rectangular, square, polygonal, elliptical or circular region of interest, may be selected within the reference color field. The taking of at least one image may be initiated by a user action, or may be automatically initiated upon automatic detection of the presence of at least one reference color field within the field of view of the camera and / or within a predetermined sector of the field of view. These automatic image acquisition techniques are known, for example, in the field of automatic barcode readers, such as from automatic barcode reading apps.

[0038] As used herein, the term "color resolution information" is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, any information item, such as one or more numerical values ​​that quantify the ability to distinguish two or more colors. Therein, the term "resolve" generally refers to the question of whether colors are determined to be different or the same. As an example, in terms of spectral properties, color resolution may refer to the question of whether the individual spectra of each color are distinguishable or indistinguishable. As an example, in the case of pure colors such as red, green or blue, the spectrum of the color may have the shape of a peak. The width of the peak may firstly be determined by the spectral properties of the light source and / or the object reflecting the light, and secondly and additionally, the width of the peak may be determined by the spectral properties of the detector detecting the light (such as, for example, the pixels of a camera). In the case of multiple pixels (as is usually the case when taking an image with a camera), the spectral properties of the multiple pixels and the distribution of the spectral properties must be considered, which generally produces statistical effects, such as distribution. Thus, in order to distinguish two peaks of two different colors, these peaks must be separated by at least a minimum spectral distance, which distance must generally be greater than the width of a single peak. Thus, as an example, at least one color resolution information item may comprise a minimum distance of two color signals or color peaks in the spectrum or in at least one color coordinate, which minimum distance is required to distinguish two color signals or color peaks.

[0039] As will be outlined in more detail below, various ways of determining color resolution information are generally known and can be used in the present method. As an example, statistical information about the distribution of at least one parameter, such as at least one color coordinate, can be collected over a set of pixels, such as all pixels or at least a plurality of pixels on a region of interest, and statistical information, such as the width of the distribution or the width of at least one spike of the distribution, can be determined. Exemplary embodiments will be given in more detail below.

[0040] The method according to the first aspect of the invention can be further improved by including the following steps:

[0041] e) comparing at least one item of color resolution information with at least one threshold to determine at least one item of suitability information regarding the suitability of a mobile device for the purpose of performing an analytical measurement based on a color-forming reaction.

[0042] Thus, at least one threshold for the color resolution item can be given, such as a predetermined or determinable threshold. As outlined above, as an example, at least one threshold can be determined or predefined by the desired accuracy of the analytical measurement. Thus, as an example and as will be outlined in more detail below in the exemplary embodiments, for glucose measurement, a certain maximum tolerance can be given, such as a maximum deviation of 2% at a blood glucose concentration of 100 mg / dl. By using at least one predetermined or determinable relationship between the color coordinate and the glucose concentration, which relationship can be determined, as an example, by analysis or empirically, the maximum tolerance or maximum deviation can be transformed into a minimum resolution of the color. Thus, as discussed above, this minimum resolution can indicate how far the color spikes have to be separated in terms of the corresponding color coordinate in order to be distinguishable. As discussed above, since the possibility of distinguishing these color spikes depends on the spike width as a statistical parameter on the image pixels, the maximum tolerance can thus be transformed into a maximum width on the pixels considered for detecting the color-forming reaction. Thus, in step e), as an example, the width of the distribution derived in step d) or the width of the spike of the distribution (e.g., the spike in the distribution of the count for a certain color coordinate) can be compared with a threshold derived from the desired accuracy determined from the glucose concentration. However, it should be noted that other possibilities for comparing at least one item of color resolution information with at least one threshold are feasible. Thus, as an example, comparisons of the type A < T; A > T; A ≤ T; A ≥ T; T1 < A < T2; T1 ≤ A < T2; T1 < A ≤ T2 or T1 ≤ A ≤ T2 are feasible, where T, T1, T2 are thresholds and A is at least one item of color resolution information.

[0043] As used herein, the term "suitability information item" is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning for a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, an indication or information about suitability, specifically an indication or information in the current context of suitability of a mobile device for the purpose of performing analytical measurements based on a color forming reaction. As an example, a suitability information item may be Boolean information or digital information, such as an indication of "suitable" or "not applicable" / "non-applicable". Thus, as an example, in the case where the width of the peak distribution of the statistical distribution of color coordinates can be compared with at least one threshold value (e.g., a threshold value derived by using the maximum tolerance of the glucose measurement), and in the case where the width is greater than the threshold value or a greater value or at least equal to the threshold value, the mobile device may be determined to be unsuitable for the purpose of performing analytical measurements based on a color forming reaction. Alternatively, however, as already outlined above, suitability may also be quantified.

[0044] In addition to using the at least one color resolution information item to determine suitability information, the at least one color resolution information item may also be used additionally or alternatively for other purposes. Thus, as an example, once the mobile device is determined to be suitable for the purpose of analyzing the measurement, the mobile device may be adjusted or calibrated by using the at least one color resolution information. In general, as an example, the method may include the following steps:

[0045] f) adjusting at least one color scale of a mobile device used to analyze the measurements.

[0046] Thus, as an example, in the case where a peak is detected in the statistical distribution of intensities on color coordinates, which peak corresponds to a certain reference color of a reference color field, the color indicated by the center of the peak is typically known and a calibration of the color coordinates can be performed, for example in order to adjust the color scale of a mobile device used to analyze the measurement.

[0047] Further optional details may relate to the derivation of at least one color resolution information item in step d). Thus, as an example, the step of deriving at least one color resolution information item by using the image may comprise the following sub-steps:

[0048] d1) determining at least one region of interest within the image;

[0049] d2) determining at least one color coordinate of a pixel of the image within the region of interest;

[0050] d3) performing at least one statistical analysis on the distribution of color coordinates of the pixels and deriving at least one color resolution information item by using at least one result of the statistical analysis.

[0051] Potential embodiments of these sub-steps have been partially discussed above.

[0052] As used herein, the term "region of interest" (ROI) is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, a subset of data within a larger data set, which is identified for a specific purpose. As an example, the term may refer to at least one partial image or a region within an image determined for a certain purpose. In the present context, the region of interest may specifically be a partial image used in step d) for deriving at least one color resolution information item. In order to determine the region of interest, as an example, a reference color field may be detected, for example, by image recognition techniques generally known to those skilled in the art, such as by identifying the shape or order line of the reference color field. As an example, a circular, rectangular, square, elliptical or polygonal region of interest may be inserted into the image portion of the image identified as the reference color field, and step d) may be performed within the region of interest. In particular, the region of interest may be detected automatically. In the case where no region of interest can be determined or in the case where the image quality is detected to be too low for determining the region of interest, the determination of the region of interest may also be repeated. Further exemplary embodiments will be given below.

[0053] As used herein, the term "color coordinate" is a broad term, and it is given its ordinary and customary meaning for those of ordinary skill in the art, and is not limited to a special or custom meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, coordinates of any color coordinate system for describing color using coordinates. Several color coordinate systems are generally known to those skilled in the art, and may also be used in the context of the present invention. Thus, as an example, a colorimetric coordinate system or a coordinate system based on human perception, such as the CIE 1964 color space, the Munsell color system, or other coordinate systems, such as R, G, B, L, a, b, may be used. Specifically, in the development of a color coordinate system based on human perception, the anatomical structure of the human eye may have been taken into account, while other coordinate systems may be based on physically pure color perception, such as, for example, wavelength. Again, as mentioned above, in the context of the present invention, several color coordinate systems may be used, such as a color coordinate system based on human perception and / or a color coordinate system based on wavelength, such as colorimetric color coordinates and / or radiation color coordinates.

[0054] Therein, one, more than one or even all color coordinates of several pixels or even all pixels of the region of interest can be determined. In the simplest case, as an example, the color coordinates known to undergo the most significant or profound changes during the color formation reaction can be used. As an example, in the case where it is known that a specific test chemical changes its hue most profoundly in the blue spectrum range during the color formation reaction for detecting an analyte, a blue coordinate can be used, and the blue coordinate can be determined for all pixels or at least one group of pixels of the region of interest within the image, and a statistical analysis can be performed on the distribution of the intensity on the blue coordinate. However, alternatively, another color coordinate can be used. Again, alternatively, a combination of color coordinates can be used. Therefore, as an example, a linear combination or another combination of multiple color coordinates can be used, such as by using a combination coordinate containing 80% of the blue coordinate, 15% of the red coordinate and 5% of the green coordinate. In this case, a statistical analysis can be performed on the combined color coordinate. Other embodiments are feasible.

[0055] As will be further outlined in detail below, the statistical analysis of the distribution on at least one color coordinate over the pixels of the region of interest within the image of the reference color field may specifically comprise a histogram analysis, such as a histogram analysis of the distribution of the color coordinates. As an example, by using the statistical analysis, as discussed above and as will be further outlined in detail below, at least one width of at least one statistical distribution of the intensity on at least one color coordinate may be determined in order to derive color resolution information. Additionally or alternatively, as will also be further outlined in detail below, by using several reference color fields with different colors, several peaks may be analyzed.

[0056] As outlined above, the statistical analysis may specifically include determining at least one width of at least one color peak within the distribution of the color coordinates, specifically a half width, more specifically a full width at half maximum. Thus, as an example, a histogram on the color coordinates may be established, for example, by quantizing the color coordinates into different bins on the axis of at least one color coordinate, and a curve may then be fitted to the histogram, such as a Gaussian bell curve and / or a Poisson curve, and a width such as a full width at half maximum (FWHM) may be derived as a fitting parameter. As outlined above, the width may directly indicate the color resolution of the camera and / or mobile device.

[0057] As also discussed above, since the width is an indication of the color resolution capability of the mobile device and / or camera, the width can be directly compared to at least one threshold value. Thus, as an example, the method can include comparing the width to at least one threshold value for determining the suitability of the mobile device for the purpose of performing an analytical measurement based on a color forming reaction. As also discussed above, in particular, the threshold value (also referred to as a critical value) can be determined by providing an expected maximum inaccuracy of the analytical measurement, transforming the expected maximum inaccuracy into a minimum resolution by using a known relationship between at least one analyte to be determined in the analytical measurement and at least one color coordinate, and determining the threshold value by using the minimum resolution.

[0058] The statistical analysis may also additionally or alternatively comprise deriving one or more other information items. Thus, as an example, the statistical analysis may comprise determining at least one color coordinate of at least one center of at least one color peak within the distribution of color coordinates. Thus, as an example, the center may be derived directly by detecting a maximum in the histogram, or alternatively by using one or more fitting algorithms (such as fitting one or more of the above-mentioned fitting curves), and by determining the maximum of the fitting curve as a fitting parameter. As outlined above, the detection of color peaks, and in particular the detection of the center of a color peak, may be used, for example, to calibrate the mobile device, since the colors corresponding to the color peaks are typically known from the properties of the reference color field.

[0059] As outlined above, at least one reference color field may include one reference color field having a homogeneous color, or alternatively may include a plurality of reference color fields, each having a homogeneous color, or again alternatively having a distribution of different colors. Thus, as an example, an object may have at least two reference color fields, the at least two reference color fields having different colors, wherein the statistical analysis may include determining at least two color peaks corresponding to the at least two different colors. Thus, as discussed above, a maximum value in a histogram may be determined for determining the center of a peak, or a fitting curve may be fit to the histogram, such as a fitting curve having a plurality of bell-shaped peaks, and the detection of a color peak may be a result of the fit. Additionally or alternatively, the widths of the different color peaks may be determined separately. Again, additionally or alternatively, separate color coordinates may be used for evaluating separate reference color fields.

[0060] In particular, in the case where a plurality of colors are used in at least one reference color field, the statistical analysis may comprise determining a distance between the centers of the at least two color peaks. In this case, the at least one color resolution information item may specifically comprise a distance between the at least two color peaks. Again and as discussed above, the distance may specifically be derived as a fitting parameter. The method may specifically comprise comparing the distance between the centers of the at least two color peaks with at least one threshold value for determining the suitability of a mobile device for the purpose of performing analytical measurements based on color forming reactions. The at least one threshold value may also comprise an interval in order to check whether the determined distance is within a tolerance interval, for example in order to check whether the mobile device is suitable for correctly presenting color distances or color differences.

[0061] The method may specifically comprise determining at least one calibration factor for color rescaling based on a ratio of a distance between the centers of the at least two color peaks to an expected distance between the centers of the at least two color peaks. Thus, as an example, in the case where the reference color field comprises different blue hues which are generally known to have a predetermined interval in the blue coordinate, the experimentally determined difference between the centers of the at least two color peaks may be compared with the expected or predetermined interval, and as an example, the color scale may be stretched by a factor which represents a quotient or an inverse value thereof between the determined distance and the expected interval or distance. Other types of color rescaling are possible. Thus, as an example, an offset correction may be performed, for example in order to shift a specific center of a color peak to a predetermined position.

[0062] As will be further outlined in detail below, the method for assessing the suitability of a mobile device, as well as the method for performing analytical measurements mentioned below, may in particular be computer-implemented in whole or in part, in particular on a computer of the mobile device, such as a processor of the mobile device. Thus, in particular, the method may be implemented as a so-called app, for example for Android or iOS, and as an example downloadable from an app store. Thus, in particular, in the method for assessing the suitability of a mobile device, the method may comprise using at least one processor and software instructions for performing at least method step d). The software instructions, in particular the app, may further provide user instructions, for example via one or more of a display, audio instructions or other instructions, in order to support method steps a), b) and c). Therein, as indicated above, method step c) may also be computer-implemented in whole or in part, for example by using a camera to automatically take at least one image of at least a portion of the reference color field, once the reference color field is within the field of view of the camera and / or within a certain range within the field of view. In particular, the processor for performing the method may be part of the mobile device.

[0063] As outlined above, the mobile device may be a mobile computer and / or a mobile communication device. Thus, in particular, the mobile device may be selected from the group comprising: a mobile communication device, in particular a smartphone; a portable computer, in particular a laptop; a tablet computer.

[0064] As indicated above, further method steps may be computer-implemented or computer-assisted, in particular by a processor of the mobile device. Thus, as an example, method step c) may comprise providing the user with visual guidance for positioning the mobile device relative to the object. Additionally or alternatively, audio guidance or other types of guidance may be given.

[0065] In a further aspect of the present invention, a method for performing an analytical measurement based on a color formation reaction is disclosed, wherein the method uses a mobile device with at least one camera. The method comprises the following method steps, which can be performed in a given order: however, again, different orders may also be possible. In addition, one, more than one or even all method steps may be performed once or repeatedly. In addition, the method steps may be performed continuously, or alternatively, two or more method steps may be performed in a temporally overlapping manner or even in parallel. The method may further comprise unlisted additional method steps.

[0066] The method comprises the following steps:

[0067] i) assessing the suitability of a mobile device by using a method for assessing the suitability of a mobile device as proposed herein and as described in one or more of the embodiments disclosed above or disclosed in further detail below;

[0068] ii) aborting the method for performing profiling measurements if at least one color resolution information item indicates that the mobile device is not suitable for performing profiling measurements;

[0069] iii) if the at least one color resolution information item indicates that the mobile device is suitable for performing analysis measurement, performing analysis measurement, the analysis measurement comprising the following steps:

[0070] a. applying at least one sample to at least one test element having at least one test chemical capable of performing a color forming reaction;

[0071] b. capturing at least one image of at least a portion of the test element using a camera;

[0072] c. evaluating the image and deriving at least one analysis information thereof.

[0073] For further possible definitions of most of the terms used herein, reference may be made to the disclosure of the method for assessing suitability of a mobile device as disclosed above or disclosed in further detail below.

[0074] With regard to method step i), reference may be made to the description of the above method. Thus, as an example, reference may be made to the description of method step e), wherein at least one color resolution information item may be compared with at least one threshold value, thereby determining at least one suitability information item regarding the suitability of a mobile device for the purpose of performing analytical measurements based on a color forming reaction. As an example, method step i) may utilize at least one suitability information item, which, as an example, may be or may include digital information or Boolean information - "applicable" or "not applicable". Depending on this suitability information, the method may branch between steps ii) and iii), wherein the query regarding suitability in step i) may be programmed, for example, as an "if..." routine, an "if...else..." routine, and the like.

[0075] In order to evaluate at least one image and derive at least one analysis information thereof, several algorithms generally known to technicians in the field of analysis, such as in the field of blood glucose monitoring, can be used. Thus, as an example, a predetermined or determinable relationship between at least one color coordinate of a test element such as a test field can be monitored. Again, a statistical analysis can be performed on the test element or a portion thereof, such as on a test field containing at least one test chemical and / or on a region of interest within a test field containing at least one test chemical. Thus, as an example, at least one test field within an image of a test element can be identified, preferably automatically identified, for example, by pattern recognition and / or other algorithms as described in the following examples. Again, one or more regions of interest can be defined within a local image of the test field. On the region of interest, color coordinates can be determined, for example, again by using one or more histograms, such as blue coordinates and / or other color coordinates. Statistical analysis can include placing one or more fitting curves such as described above to at least one histogram, thereby, for example, determining the center of a spike. Therefore, a color formation reaction can be monitored by using one or more images, wherein, for the one or more images, by using statistical analysis, the center of a spike can be determined, thereby determining a color shift within at least one coordinate. Once the color forming reaction is complete or has reached a predetermined or determinable endpoint as is generally known to the skilled person from, for example, blood glucose monitoring, a shift in at least one color coordinate or endpoint color coordinate may be determined and the shift may be transformed into a concentration of the analyte in the sample by using a predetermined or determinable correlation between the color coordinate and, for example, the concentration of the analyte in the sample. The correlation may be determined, for example, empirically (e.g., a transformation function, a transformation table, or a lookup table) and, as an example, may be stored in at least one data storage device of the mobile device, for example, by software, in particular by an app downloaded from an app store or the like.

[0076] As discussed above, in methods known in the art, calibration information is typically provided by the test strip or test element itself. However, the method as proposed herein can separate the step of assessing the suitability of the mobile device from the actual step of performing analytical measurements, wherein once the suitability has been determined, the mobile device can be used to perform any number of analytical measurements. However, alternatively, the assessment of the suitability of the mobile device in step i) can be repeated, for example after a predetermined or determinable interval or in the event of any changes made to the mobile device. The software (e.g., a software app) can prompt the user to perform method step i), for example by providing corresponding instructions on a display and / or as audio instructions). However, if this is the case, in particular, method step i can be performed at least once before performing method step iii). Method step i) can be performed once before performing at least one method step iii), or method step i) can be performed once before repeatedly performing method step iii).

[0077] In the event that at least one color resolution information item indicates that the mobile device is not suitable for performing the analysis measurement, the method for performing the analysis measurement is aborted. As an example, the abort may also include notifying a user of the mobile device of the unsuitability of the mobile device for performing the analysis measurement. As an example, the information may be provided as conventional information on a display and / or as audible information.

[0078] Additionally or alternatively, in the event that the mobile device is determined to be unsuitable for performing analytical measurements, step ii) may also include blocking future attempts to perform analytical measurements using the mobile device. Thus, as an example, in the event that the user retries to launch the software app on his or her mobile phone, a message such as "Sorry, mobile device not suitable!" or the like may be displayed on the display and analytical measurements may be prevented from being performed.

[0079] In a further aspect, a computer program comprising computer executable instructions is disclosed, which are used to perform a method according to any of the embodiments described herein, in particular method steps d), and optionally one or more of method steps c), e) and f) when the program is executed on a computer or computer network, in particular on a processor of a mobile device having at least one camera. In addition, the computer executable instructions may also be adapted to perform method steps i) and ii), and optionally provide at least guidance for method step iii). Therein, use or guidance for part step a) may be provided, the capture of at least one image in part step b) may be automatically initiated by computer executable instructions, and the evaluation of the image and the export of analysis information in step c) may be performed by computer executable instructions.

[0080] Therefore, generally speaking, disclosed and proposed herein is a computer program comprising computer executable instructions, which are used to perform the method according to the present invention in one or more of the embodiments attached herein when the program is executed on a computer or a computer network. In particular, the computer program can be stored on a computer-readable data carrier. Therefore, in particular, one, more than one or even all of the method steps as indicated above can be performed by using a computer or a computer network, preferably by using a computer program. In particular, the computer can be fully or partially integrated into a mobile device, and the computer program can be specifically embodied as a software app. However, alternatively, at least a part of the computer can also be located outside the mobile device.

[0081] Further disclosed and proposed herein is a computer program product with program code means, so that when the program is executed on a computer or a computer network, the method according to the present invention in one or more of the embodiments attached herein, such as one or more of the method steps mentioned above, is performed. Specifically, the program code means can be stored on a computer-readable data carrier.

[0082] Further disclosed and proposed herein is a data carrier having a data structure stored thereon, which, after being loaded into a computer or a computer network, such as into a working memory or a main memory of a computer or a computer network, can execute one or more methods according to the embodiments disclosed herein, in particular one or more of the method steps mentioned above.

[0083] Further disclosed and proposed herein is a computer program product having program code means stored on a machine-readable carrier, so that when the program is executed on a computer or a computer network, one or more methods according to the embodiments disclosed herein are performed, specifically one or more of the method steps mentioned above. As used herein, a computer program product refers to the program as a tradable product. The product can generally exist in any format, such as in a paper format or on a computer-readable data carrier. Specifically, the computer program product can be distributed on a data network.

[0084] Finally, disclosed and proposed herein is a modulated data signal comprising instructions readable by a computer system or a computer network, the instructions being used to execute one or more methods according to the embodiments disclosed herein, specifically one or more of the method steps mentioned above.

[0085] Specifically, further disclosed herein is:

[0086] - a computer or a computer network comprising at least one processor, wherein the processor is adapted to perform a method according to one of the embodiments described in this specification,

[0087] - a computer-loadable data structure adapted to perform a method according to one of the embodiments described in this specification when the data structure is executed on a computer,

[0088] - a computer program, wherein the computer program is adapted to perform a method according to one of the embodiments described in this specification when the program is executed on a computer,

[0089] - a computer program comprising program means for performing a method according to one of the embodiments described in the present description when the computer program is executed on a computer or a computer network,

[0090] - a computer program comprising the program means according to the aforementioned embodiment, wherein the program means is stored on a computer-readable storage medium,

[0091] - a storage medium, on which a data structure is stored, and wherein the data structure is adapted to, after having been loaded into a main storage and / or a working storage of a computer or a computer network, perform a method according to one of the embodiments described in the present description, and

[0092] - A computer program product having program code means, wherein the program code means can be stored or stored on a storage medium, and wherein the program code means is configured to: if the program code means is executed on a computer or a computer network, perform a method according to one of the embodiments described in the present description.

[0093] In a further aspect of the present invention, a mobile device for performing analytical measurements based on a color forming reaction is disclosed. The mobile device includes at least one camera. The mobile device is configured to perform a self-suitability assessment by using the following steps:

[0094] I. capturing at least one image of at least a portion of at least one reference color field on at least one object by using a camera; and

[0095] II. deriving at least one item of color resolution information by using the image.

[0096] For most of the terms and possible definitions used in this document, reference may be made to the description of the above method. As used herein, the term "self-suitability assessment" is a broad term and is given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to a special or customized meaning. The term may specifically refer to, but is not limited to, a process for assessing whether a device itself is suitable or unsuitable for a predetermined purpose, wherein with respect to suitability, reference may be made to the description given above.

[0097] In particular, the mobile device may be configured for performing at least one analytical measurement based on a color forming reaction, in particular after performing a self-suitability assessment, by using the following steps:

[0098] III. evaluating the suitability of the mobile device based on at least one color resolution information item;

[0099] IV. aborting the analysis measurement if at least one color resolution information item indicates that the mobile device is not suitable for performing the analysis measurement;

[0100] V. If at least one color resolution information item indicates that the mobile device is suitable for performing analysis measurement, performing analysis measurement, the analysis measurement comprising the following steps:

[0101] a. taking at least one image of at least a portion of a test element, the test element having at least one test chemical capable of a color-forming reaction, in particular at least one test field, on which at least one sample has been applied, by using a camera;

[0102] b. taking at least one image of at least a portion of the test element using a camera;

[0103] c. Evaluate the image and derive at least one analysis information thereof.

[0104] For possible definitions or embodiments, reference may be made to the description of the method given above. Thus, in particular, the mobile device may be configured to perform: a method for assessing the suitability of a mobile device according to any of the embodiments described above or described in further detail below, and / or a method for performing an analytical measurement based on a color forming reaction. In particular, the mobile device may comprise at least one computer, such as at least one processor, which is programmed to perform the method, or in particular to perform the method steps indicated above.

[0105] In a further aspect of the present invention, a kit for performing analytical measurements is disclosed. The kit comprises:

[0106] - at least one mobile device according to any of the embodiments described above or in further detail below;

[0107] - at least one object having at least one reference color field; and

[0108] - At least one test element having at least one test chemical which is able to carry out a color-forming reaction.

[0109] Again, for possible definitions of the terms and possible embodiments, reference may be made to the description given above.

[0110] There are several possibilities for the selection of the object. Thus, as a first example, at least one reference color field can be implemented directly into a test element (such as a test strip), for example, printed onto or attached to the test element. However, alternatively, since the suitability check of the mobile device can be performed once for multiple analytical measurements, the reference color field can also be applied to different types of objects, such as a container for accommodating at least one test element, a color shim, etc. Thus, as an example, the object can be selected from the group consisting of: a container for accommodating at least one test element; a reference color shim; a test element, wherein the test element has at least one reference color field applied thereon. There may be other possibilities.

[0111] Compared to known methods and devices for analytical measurement, the method and device according to the present invention can provide a large number of advantages. Therefore, in particular, compared with other processes known in the prior art, the process of performing analytical measurement based on color formation reaction proposed in the present invention can be less time-consuming. In particular, the present invention can evaluate the general capabilities of a mobile device by performing a single measurement. The capabilities of the mobile device established by a single measurement can be effective for all subsequent measurements. Therefore, compared with the prior art methods that focus on applying a correction algorithm before each analyte measurement, the present invention may require less time for performing analytical measurement. In particular, in the present invention, the capabilities of the mobile device can be established by a single measurement for substantially all subsequent measurements, which is relative to applying a correction algorithm before each measurement. Therefore, the present invention can perform at least one of the subsequent analytical measurements faster than the methods of the prior art. Thus, the present invention can simplify the process for performing analytical measurement based on color formation reaction for a user. In particular, once the general capabilities of the mobile device are established, the process for performing analytical measurement can be simpler than the measurement of the prior art in at least one, preferably all subsequent measurements. In particular, using an applicable mobile device, the present invention can simplify the process for performing blood glucose measurement based on color formation reaction for a user. When using an adapted mobile device, the process for performing a blood glucose measurement based on a color forming reaction may particularly require less time than prior art processes.

[0112] Furthermore, the present invention may allow for the detection of degradation within a mobile device. In particular, the present invention allows for the detection of degradation, such as defects that appear over time, e.g. signs of aging, and / or defects that arise due to stress or damage, e.g. scratches and / or dents within a camera lens. The present invention may allow for the detection of degradation effects by repeatedly assessing the suitability of the mobile device. Thus, repeating the assessment of suitability at predetermined intervals may allow for the detection of degradation effects.

[0113] Compared to prior art methods and devices for analytical measurements, the present invention may provide further environmental advantages. In particular, the present invention may reduce the use of separate disposable devices and / or housings often employed in prior art systems in order to ensure defined lighting conditions. In the present invention, the use of disposable devices and / or housings employed in order to ensure defined lighting conditions may be unnecessary. Thus, for example, the present invention may allow such disposable devices or housings to be avoided.

[0114] The present invention may only allow the use of an application (e.g., app) in combination with a mobile device suitable for performing an analytical measurement based on a color-forming reaction, which includes computer executable instructions for performing an analytical measurement based on a color-forming reaction. In particular, when performing an analytical measurement based on a color-forming reaction, the present invention may only allow the use of the application in combination with a mobile device suitable for generating accurate and precise results. Thus, the present invention can improve the safety of using a mobile device to perform an analytical measurement based on a color-forming reaction, especially a blood glucose measurement. In particular, the present invention can allow the applicability of the mobile device to be identified before allowing the use of a mobile device for performing a blood glucose measurement based on a color-forming reaction. More specifically, it can be allowed to use an application including a computer executable instruction for performing such an analytical measurement in combination with the mobile device only when using a mobile device suitable for an analytical measurement based on color formation. In particular, the present invention can allow the use of the application only after ensuring the applicability of the mobile device. For example, the download of an application on a mobile device that is not suitable for or is not suitable for performing a blood glucose measurement based on a color-forming reaction can be prohibited. The download of the application on the mobile device can be restricted until the capability of the mobile device can be ensured. Thus, the present invention may improve the safety of blood glucose measurements performed using a mobile device by assessing the suitability of the mobile device before allowing the mobile device to perform blood glucose measurements, for example in an initial authentication step or check.

[0115] To summarize and without excluding further possible embodiments, the following embodiments may be envisaged:

[0116] Embodiment 1: A method for evaluating the suitability of a mobile device having at least one camera for performing analytical measurements based on a color forming reaction, the method comprising:

[0117] a) providing at least one mobile device having at least one camera;

[0118] b) providing at least one object having at least one reference color field;

[0119] c) taking at least one image of at least a portion of the reference color field by using a camera; and

[0120] d) deriving at least one item of color resolution information by using said image.

[0121] Embodiment 2: The method according to the above embodiment further comprises:

[0122] e) comparing the at least one color resolution information item with at least one threshold value, thereby determining at least one suitability information item regarding the suitability of the mobile device for the purpose of performing analytical measurements based on color forming reactions.

[0123] Embodiment 3: The method according to any one of the above embodiments further comprises:

[0124] f) adjusting at least one color scale of a mobile device used to analyze the measurements.

[0125] Embodiment 4: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the step of deriving the at least one color resolution information by using the image comprises:

[0126] d1) determining at least one region of interest within the image;

[0127] d2) determining at least one color coordinate of a pixel of the image within the region of interest;

[0128] d3) performing at least one statistical analysis on the distribution of color coordinates of pixels and deriving the at least one color resolution information item by using at least one result of the statistical analysis.

[0129] Embodiment 5: The method according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the statistical analysis comprises a histogram analysis of the distribution of color coordinates.

[0130] Embodiment 6: The method according to any one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the statistical analysis comprises determining at least one width, specifically the half width, more specifically the full width at half maximum, of at least one color peak within the distribution of color coordinates.

[0131] Embodiment 7: The method according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one color resolution information item includes the width.

[0132] Embodiment 8: The method according to any one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the method comprises comparing the width with at least one threshold value for determining suitability of a mobile device for the purpose of performing analytical measurements based on a color forming reaction.

[0133] Embodiment 9: A method according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the threshold is determined by providing an expected maximum inaccuracy of the analytical measurement, transforming the expected maximum inaccuracy into a minimum resolution by using a known relationship between at least one analyte to be determined in the analytical measurement and the at least one color coordinate, and determining the threshold by using the minimum resolution.

[0134] Embodiment 10: The method according to any one of the six preceding embodiments, wherein the statistical analysis comprises determining at least one color coordinate of at least one center of at least one color peak within a distribution of color coordinates.

[0135] Embodiment 11: The method according to any one of the preceding seven embodiments, wherein the object has at least two reference color fields, the at least two reference color fields have different colors, and wherein the statistical analysis includes determining at least two color peaks corresponding to the at least two different colors.

[0136] Embodiment 12: The method according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the statistical analysis comprises determining the distance between the centers of the at least two color peaks.

[0137] Embodiment 13: The method according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one color resolution information item comprises a distance between the at least two color peaks.

[0138] Embodiment 14: A method according to any one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the method comprises: comparing the distance between the centers of the at least two color peaks with at least one threshold value for determining the suitability of a mobile device for the purpose of performing analytical measurements based on a color forming reaction.

[0139] Embodiment 15: A method according to any one of the three preceding embodiments, wherein the method comprises: determining at least one calibration factor for color rescaling based on a ratio of a distance between centers of the at least two color peaks and an expected distance between centers of the at least two color peaks.

[0140] Embodiment 16: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the method comprises: using at least one processor and software instructions for performing at least method step d).

[0141] Embodiment 17: The method according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the processor is part of the mobile device.

[0142] Embodiment 18: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mobile device is selected from the group consisting of: a mobile communication device, in particular a smartphone; a portable computer, in particular a laptop computer; a tablet computer.

[0143] Embodiment 19: The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein method step c) comprises: providing a user with visual guidance for positioning the mobile device relative to the object.

[0144] Embodiment 20: A method for performing analytical measurements based on a color forming reaction by using a mobile device having at least one camera, comprising:

[0145] i) evaluating the suitability of the mobile device by using the method according to any one of the preceding embodiments;

[0146] ii) aborting the method for performing profiling measurements if the at least one color resolution information item indicates that the mobile device is not suitable for performing profiling measurements;

[0147] iii) if the at least one color resolution information item indicates that the mobile device is suitable for performing an analysis measurement, performing an analysis measurement, the analysis measurement comprising the following steps:

[0148] a. applying at least one sample to at least one test element having at least one test chemical capable of performing a color forming reaction;

[0149] b. by using a camera to capture at least one image of at least a portion of the test element;

[0150] c. evaluating the image and deriving at least one analysis information thereof.

[0151] Embodiment 21: The method according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein step i) is performed at least once before performing step iii).

[0152] Embodiment 22: The method according to any one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein step ii) comprises: notifying a user of the mobile device of the unsuitability of the mobile device to perform analytical measurements.

[0153] Embodiment 23: The method according to any one of the three preceding embodiments, wherein step ii) comprises: blocking future attempts to perform analytical measurements by using the mobile device.

[0154] Embodiment 24: A computer program comprising computer executable instructions, wherein the instructions are used to execute the method described in any one of the preceding embodiments, specifically method steps d), and optionally one or more of method steps c), e) and f), when the program is executed on a computer or a computer network, specifically on a processor of a mobile device having at least one camera.

[0155] Embodiment 25: A mobile device for performing analytical measurements based on a color forming reaction, the mobile device having at least one camera, the mobile device being configured to perform a self-suitability assessment by using the following steps:

[0156] I. capturing at least one image of at least a portion of at least one reference color field on at least one object by using a camera; and

[0157] II. deriving at least one item of color resolution information by using said image.

[0158] Embodiment 26: The mobile device according to one of the preceding embodiments, the mobile device is further configured to perform at least one analytical measurement based on a color forming reaction by using the following steps:

[0159] III. evaluating the suitability of the mobile device based on the at least one color resolution information item;

[0160] IV. if the at least one color resolution information item indicates that the mobile device is not suitable for performing analysis measurements, aborting the analysis measurements;

[0161] V. If the at least one color resolution information item indicates that the mobile device is suitable for performing an analysis measurement, performing an analysis measurement, the analysis measurement comprising the following steps:

[0162] a. taking at least one image of at least a portion of a test element by using a camera, the test element having at least one test chemical capable of undergoing a color-forming reaction, in particular at least one test field, on which at least one sample has been applied;

[0163] b. by using a camera to capture at least one image of at least a portion of the test element;

[0164] c. evaluating the image and deriving at least one analysis information thereof.

[0165] Embodiment 27: A mobile device according to any one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the mobile device is configured to perform a method according to any one of the preceding method embodiments.

[0166] Embodiment 28: A kit for performing analytical measurements, the kit comprising:

[0167] - at least one mobile device according to any of the preceding embodiments relating to mobile devices;

[0168] - at least one object having at least one reference color field; and

[0169] - At least one test element having at least one test chemical which is able to carry out a color-forming reaction.

[0170] Embodiment 29: The kit according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the object is selected from the group consisting of: a container for accommodating at least one test element; a reference color pad; a test element, wherein the test element has at least one reference color field applied thereon. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0171] Further optional features and embodiments will be disclosed in more detail in the subsequent description of the embodiments, preferably in conjunction with the dependent claims. Therein, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the corresponding optional features may be implemented in an independent manner and in any arbitrary feasible combination. The scope of the invention is not restricted by the preferred embodiments. Embodiments are schematically depicted in the drawings. Therein, the same reference numerals in these drawings refer to the same or functionally comparable elements.

[0172] In the attached picture:

[0173] Figure 1 A perspective view showing an embodiment of a kit and a mobile device for performing analytical measurements:

[0174] Figure 2 A flow chart illustrating a method for evaluating the suitability of a mobile device;

[0175] Figure 3 A flow chart showing a method for performing analytical measurements;

[0176] Figure 4 An embodiment of an image captured by a mobile device is shown;

[0177] Figure 5 and 6 shows the ideal distribution of color coordinates for pixels within a single region of interest ( Figure 5 ) and the true distribution ( Figure 6 ) is a graph showing an example of a statistical analysis;

[0178] Figure 7 , 8 and 9 show the ideal distribution of color coordinates of pixels within two separated regions of interest ( Figure 7 and 9 ) and the true distribution ( Figure 8 and 9 ) is a graph of an example of a statistical analysis of ; and

[0179] Fig.10 An embodiment of a mobile device for capturing images is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0180] exist Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , a kit 110 for performing analytical measurements is shown in a perspective view. The kit 110 comprises at least one mobile device 112, at least one object 114 having at least one reference color field 116, and at least one test element 118 having at least one test chemical 120 capable of performing a color forming reaction. Figure 1As shown in , the object 114 having at least one reference color field 116 may be a test element 118, specifically a test strip, or a test element container 117, specifically a test strip container. The reference object 114 may be or may include at least one reference color field 116, preferably a plurality of reference color fields 116, each of which has a predetermined color. Figure 1 , two different possibilities for arranging at least one reference color field 116 which can be realized independently are shown, namely the possibility of having at least one reference color field 116 comprised by a test element container 117 and / or having a reference color field 116 comprised by a test element 118.

[0181] The mobile device 112 has at least one camera 122 and may include a display 128 and a processor 126. In addition, the mobile device 112 is configured to perform a self-suitability assessment. The self-suitability assessment includes taking at least one image of at least one reference color field 116 or a portion thereof using the camera 122. As an example, in Figure 4 1 , an image 123 of at least one reference color field 116 is schematically shown in FIG. The self-suitability assessment further comprises deriving at least one color resolution information item by using the image 123. The color resolution information item may specifically comprise one or more numerical values ​​quantifying the ability of the camera 122 to distinguish two or more colors. Thus, the color resolution information item may for example be or may comprise a minimum distance between two color signals required to distinguish the two colors.

[0182] In order to determine the color resolution information item, an evaluation of one or more reference color fields 116 may be performed. In the following, as an example, an evaluation of at least two reference color fields 116 is shown. Figure 1 and 4 As shown in , the object 114 may have a plurality of reference color fields 116. Preferably, the object 114 may have: a first reference color field 130 having a first color 132 and a second reference color field 134 having a second color 136. As an example, the object 114 may also have more than two reference color fields 116, such as may be Figure 1 The reference color field 116 may vary in size and shape. For example, Figure 1 The reference color fields 116 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 may each have a rectangular shape, wherein Figure 4 Reference color field 116 shown in FIG. 1 may have a circular shape. Specifically, reference color fields 116 may each have a different shape. Therefore, it may be possible that first reference color field 130 and second reference color field 134 differ in shape.

[0183] exist Figure 2 For example, based on Figure 1 and Figure 4 A flowchart 138 of an embodiment of a method 140 for evaluating the suitability of a mobile device is shown with reference to the configuration of FIG. The method 140 comprises the steps a) (method step 142): providing at least one mobile device 112, the mobile device 112 having, for example, Figure 1 The method 140 further comprises step b) (method step 144): providing at least one object 114, the object 114 having a Figure 1 In addition, the method 140 comprises a step c) (method step 146 ): at least one image 123 of at least a part of the reference color field 116 is captured by using the camera 122 .

[0184] exist Fig.10 14 illustrates an embodiment of a mobile device 112 capturing an image 123 (step c) above), the mobile device 112 comprising a camera 122. Additionally, when using the camera to capture an image 123 of at least a portion of the reference color field 116, guidance for positioning the mobile device 112 and / or the camera 122 relative to the object 114 may be provided. The guidance may be a visual guidance and may be or may include an outline 147, such as a rectangular outline or shape of the object 114 or the test element 118, which is superimposed on the display 128 of the mobile device 112. Fig.10 As shown in , the guidance may include an outline 147 of the test element 118, which is superimposed on the display 128 of the mobile device 112, thereby providing a visual guide for positioning the camera 122 and / or the mobile device 112 relative to the test element 118. The method 140 may further include a step d) (method step 148): deriving at least one color resolution information item by using the image 123.

[0185] Method step 148 (step d)) may include sub-steps, such as three sub-steps. A first sub-step d1) (method step 150) may include determining at least one region of interest 152 within the image 123. Specifically, method step 150 may include determining at least one region of interest 152 within the image 123 of at least a portion of the reference color field 116. Figure 4 An example of a region of interest 152 is illustrated in . Thus, for example, a first region of interest 154 may be detected in a first reference color field 130 having a first color 132 , and a second region of interest 156 may be detected in a second reference color field 134 having a second color 136 .

[0186] The second sub-step d2) (method step 158) may comprise determining at least one color coordinate 160 of a pixel 162 of the image 123 within the region of interest 152. In particular, the image 123 captured by the camera 122 may comprise a plurality of image pixels 163. Thus, the region of interest 152 determined from within the image 123 may comprise a portion of the image pixels 163. In particular, the pixels 162 comprised by the region of interest 152 may be smaller in number than the image pixels 163 comprised by the image 123. Each image pixel 163 comprising the pixel 162 may present a color that may be described in a color coordinate system comprising at least one color coordinate 160. For example, it may be known that the at least one color coordinate 160 undergoes the most significant change during the color forming reaction of the test chemical 120. Thus, in particular, at least one color coordinate 160 of the pixel 162 within the region of interest 152 may be determined accordingly. More specifically, for each pixel 162, a value indicative of the at least one color coordinate 160 of the pixel 162 may be determined.

[0187] The third sub-step d3) (method step 164) may include performing at least one statistical analysis 165 on the distribution of the color coordinates 160 of the pixels 162. In particular, the statistical analysis 165 may be performed on the values ​​of the color coordinates 160 indicating the pixels 162 within the region of interest 152. The statistical analysis 165 on the distribution over the color coordinates 160 of the pixels 162 may in particular include a histogram analysis 166 of the distribution over the color coordinates 160 of the pixels 162.

[0188] Figure 6 A graph 168 of an embodiment of a histogram analysis 166 of a distribution on color coordinates 160 of pixels 162 is shown. The histogram analysis 166 may include a histogram 170 on the color coordinates 160. The histogram 170 may be established, for example, by quantizing the values ​​of the color coordinates 160 representing the pixels 162 into different bins on the axis of the color coordinates 160. Figure 6 quantized values ​​172 are plotted relative to a quantized axis 174. Subsequently, a curve 176 may be fitted to the histogram 170 using at least one fitting parameter. The third sub-step d3) (method step 164) may further include: deriving at least one color resolution information item by using at least one result of the statistical analysis 165. Specifically, the at least one color resolution information item may include a width 178, such as a full width at half maximum. The width 178 may be derived from at least one fitting parameter. The width 178 may directly indicate the color resolution of the camera 122 and / or the mobile device 112 including the camera 122. In addition, a maximum value or peak of the fitted curve 176 may indicate a center 180 of the distribution on at least one color coordinate 160 of the pixel 162.

[0189] Figure 5 Graph 168 shows an ideal embodiment of statistical analysis 165. Specifically, the ideal distribution of color coordinates 160 of pixel 162 can be given by Figure 5 The color of the reference field 116 may be generally known and thus may be used to create such an ideal distribution, where Figure 5 The width 178 shown in FIG. 17A may be equal to the maximum width 177 indicating a minimum resolution of the camera 122 and / or the mobile device 112 for the purpose of performing analytical measurements. Thus, the ideal center 179 may be equal to the color of the color reference field 116 .

[0190] The method 140 for assessing the suitability of a mobile device 112 may further comprise a step e) (method step 181): comparing at least one color resolution information item with at least one threshold value 182, thereby determining at least one suitability information item 183 about the suitability of the mobile device 112 for the purpose of performing an analytical measurement based on a color forming reaction. The at least one threshold value 182 may be derived from a desired accuracy and / or a desired precision of the analytical measurement (e.g. glucose concentration determination). For example, the threshold value 182 may be or may comprise a maximum width 177 indicating a minimum resolution of the camera, such as Figure 5 as shown in .

[0191] exist Figure 6 In the histogram analysis 166 shown in FIG. 1 , the center 180 of the distribution of color coordinates 160 of pixels 162 within the region of interest 152 may correspond to Figure 4 178 and / or the distance between the center 180 and the ideal center 179. Thus, in addition or alternatively, the threshold 182 may be or may include a maximum difference between a known color of the reference color field 116 and a determined color of the reference color field 116. The difference between the known color and the determined color may be measured in the distance between the center 180 and the ideal center 179. Thus, by comparing the color resolution information item, in particular the width 178 and / or the distance between the center 180 and the ideal center 179, with a threshold, in particular the maximum width 177 and / or the maximum difference or distance between the center 180 and the ideal center 179, at least one suitability information item 183 may be determined.

[0192] like Figure 1 and Figure 4As shown in FIG. 1 , two different reference color fields 116 may exist within the image 123 captured by the camera 122. Therefore, two different centers 180 may be derived through the statistical analysis 165. The first center 184 may be derived from the statistical analysis 165 of the distribution of the color coordinates 160 of the pixels 162 within the first region of interest 154, and the second center 186 may be derived from the statistical analysis 165 of the distribution of the color coordinates 160 of the pixels 162 within the second region of interest 156, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown in . Figure 7 A graph 168 of the statistical analysis 165 of an idealized first curve 189 indicating an idealized distribution on color coordinates 160 of pixels 162 detected within a first region of interest 154 in a first color field 130 having a first color 132 is shown. Figure 7 Graph 168 of statistical analysis 165 shown in FIG. 1 further illustrates an idealized second curve 190 that indicates an ideal distribution in color coordinates 160 of pixels 162 within second region of interest 156 detected in second color field 134 having second color 136 . Figure 7 Further shown are an idealized first center 185 representing the first color 132 and an idealized second center 187 representing the second color 136 .

[0193] Figure 8 A graph 168 of a statistical analysis 165, specifically a histogram analysis 166 including two histograms 170, is shown. For example, a first histogram 192 can be established, for example, by quantizing the values ​​of color coordinates 160 of pixels 162 indicating a first region of interest 154, and a second histogram 194 can be established, for example, by quantizing the values ​​of color coordinates 160 of pixels 162 indicating a second region of interest 156. Subsequently, a first curve 188 can be fitted to the first histogram 192, and a second curve 190 can be fitted to the second histogram 194. Figure 7 , the first center 184 can be derived from the first curve 188, and the second center 186 can be derived from the second curve 190. In addition, the first width 196 and the second width 198 can be derived from the first curve 188 and the second curve 190. The distance 196 between the first center 184 and the second center 186 can be determined, thereby producing the determined distance 198. As outlined above, the color of the reference color field 116 is generally known. Therefore, then, the distance 196 between the ideal first center 185 indicating the first color 132 and the ideal second center 187 indicating the second color 136 is generally known, thereby producing the expected distance 200. Specifically, as Fig. 9As shown in , there may be a difference between the determined distance 198 and the expected distance 200 .

[0194] The method 140 for evaluating the suitability of the mobile device 112 may further include step f) (method step 201): adjusting at least one color scale 202 of the mobile device 112 for analyzing the measurement. Specifically, the difference between the determined distance 198 and the expected distance 200 may be used to adjust at least one color scale 202 of the mobile device for analyzing the measurement. Specifically, an offset 204 and / or a stretching of the scale of the color coordinates 160 may be determined in order to rescale at least one color scale 202 of the mobile device 112 for analyzing the measurement. More specifically, a calibration factor and / or an offset 204 may be determined for rescaling the color scale 202 of the mobile device 112.

[0195] The mobile device 112 may be further configured to perform at least one analytical measurement based on a color forming reaction. Figure 3 138 of an embodiment of a method 206 for performing an analytical measurement based on a color forming reaction is shown. The method 206 for performing an analytical measurement may include a first step i) (method step 208): assessing the suitability of the mobile device 112 by using the method 140 for assessing the suitability of the mobile device 112. Specifically, the suitability of the mobile device 112 may be assessed by using the method 140 as described above.

[0196] In addition, the method 206 may include a branch point 210. The branch point 210 may indicate a conditional query, such as deciding between a first branch 212 and a second branch 214. For example, the conditional query may utilize an applicability information item. The applicability information item 183 may include Boolean information about the mobile device 112, such as "applicable" ("y") or "not applicable" ("n"). The first branch 212 indicates that the mobile device 112 is not applicable to perform analytical measurements, so if at least one applicability information item 183 indicates that the mobile device 112 is not applicable to perform analytical measurements, the first branch may lead to a second step ii) (method step 216), thereby terminating the method 206 for performing analytical measurements. Specifically, if the applicability information item 183 indicates that the mobile device 112 is not applicable to perform blood glucose measurements, blood glucose measurements may not be performed. More specifically, if the mobile device 112 and / or the camera 122 do not meet the desired accuracy and / or desired precision for determining blood glucose concentration, blood glucose measurements may not be performed.

[0197] The second branch 214 indicates that the mobile device 112 is suitable for performing analytical measurements. Therefore, if at least one suitability information item 183 indicates that the mobile device 112 is suitable for performing analytical measurements, the second branch may lead to the execution of a third step iii) (method step 218), thereby performing analytical measurements. Specifically, if the suitability information item 183 indicates that the mobile device 112 is suitable for performing blood glucose measurements, blood glucose measurements may be performed. More specifically, blood glucose measurements may only be performed if the camera 122 and / or the mobile device 112 meet the desired accuracy and / or the desired precision for determining blood glucose concentration. For example, once the suitability of the mobile device 112 is determined, the mobile device 112 may be used to perform any number of analytical measurements. However, alternatively, the evaluation of the suitability of the mobile device 112 may be repeated, for example, the method 140, for example, after a predetermined or determinable interval or in the event of any changes to the mobile device 112. Therefore, step i) (method step 208) may be performed at least once before step iii) (method step 218) is performed at least once, or method step 208 may be performed at least once before method step 218 is repeatedly performed. However, performing analytical measurements by using the mobile device 112 according to method step 218 may include a plurality of sub-steps.

[0198] The method step 218 may include a first partial step a) (method step 220), which first partial step includes: applying at least one sample to at least one test element 118 having at least one test chemical 120 capable of performing a color forming reaction. In particular, at least one sample of a body fluid (e.g. blood) may be applied to the at least one test element 118. Figure 1 As shown in , the test element 118 may include a test chemical 120 capable of performing a color-forming reaction. In particular, the test chemical 120 may be capable of performing a color-forming reaction related to the concentration of an analyte in a body fluid. For example, the test chemical 120 may be capable of performing a color-forming reaction related to the glucose concentration in the blood applied to the test element 118.

[0199] The method step 218 may further include a second partial step b) (method step 222), which includes: capturing at least one image 123 of at least a portion of the test element 118 by using the camera 122. Specifically, when capturing at least one image 123 of at least a portion of the test element 118, as Fig.10The outline 147 shown superimposed on the display 128 of the mobile device 112 may provide a visual guide for positioning the test element 118 relative to the camera 122 of the mobile device 112. Thus, guidance may be provided in both method step 164 within the method 140 and method step 222 within the method 206. Thus, the mobile device 112 capturing the image is shown. Fig.10 Both method step 164 of method 140 and method step 222 of method 206 may be illustrated.

[0200] Furthermore, method step 218 may include a third partial step c) (method step 224), which includes evaluating the image 123 and deriving at least one analysis information thereof. Specifically, the at least one analysis information may be or may include the concentration of an analyte within a sample (such as a glucose concentration within blood), the sample being applied to a test element 118 including a test chemical 120 capable of a color-forming reaction. The evaluation of the image 123 may include transforming the determined color coordinates of the test chemical 120 into a concentration of the analyte within the sample by using a predetermined or determinable correlation between the color coordinates and the concentration. The correlation may, for example, be or may include an empirically determined transformation function, a transformation table or a lookup table. As an example, the correlation may further be stored in a format determined by Figure 1 In the storage device included in the mobile device 112 shown in FIG. Specifically, the correlation can be stored in the storage device through software, more specifically, through an app. In addition, the software and / or app can be a computer program, or included by a computer program, and the computer program includes a computer program for executing the following steps: Figure 2 and Figure 3 The computer executable instructions of both the method 140 and the method 206 illustrated in FIG. The program can be executed on a computer or a computer network, and in particular, the program can be executed on the processor 126 of the mobile device 112 including the camera 122.

[0201] Reference numerals list

[0202] 110 Kit for performing analytical measurements

[0203] 112 Mobile devices

[0204] 114 Objects

[0205] 116 Reference color field

[0206] 117 Test element container

[0207] 118 test elements

[0208] 120 Test Chemicals

[0209] 122 Camera

[0210] 123 images

[0211] 126 processors

[0212] 128 Display

[0213] 130 First reference color field

[0214] 132 First Color

[0215] 134 Second reference color field

[0216] 136 Second Color

[0217] 138 Flowchart

[0218] 140 Methods for evaluating the suitability of mobile devices

[0219] 142 Step a): Provide at least one mobile device having at least one camera

[0220] 144 Step b): Providing at least one object having at least one reference color field

[0221] 146 Step c): Taking at least one image of at least a portion of the reference color field by using a camera

[0222] 147 Profile

[0223] 148 Step d): deriving at least one color resolution information item by using the image

[0224] 150 Sub-step d1): Determine at least one region of interest in the image

[0225] 152 Areas of Interest

[0226] 154 First Area of ​​Interest

[0227] 156 Second Area of ​​Interest

[0228] 158 Sub-step d2): Determine at least one color coordinate of a pixel of the image within the region of interest

[0229] 160 color coordinates

[0230] 162 pixels

[0231] 163 image pixels

[0232] 164 Sub-step d3): Perform at least one statistical analysis on the distribution of the color coordinates of the pixels

[0233] 165 Statistical Analysis

[0234] 166 Histogram Analysis

[0235] 168 Graphics

[0236] 170 Histogram

[0237] 172 Quantized value

[0238] 174 Quantization axis

[0239] 175 Ideal curve

[0240] 176 Curve

[0241] 177 Minimum width

[0242] 178 Width

[0243] 179 Ideal Center

[0244] 180 Center

[0245] 181 Step e): Compare at least one color resolution information item with at least one threshold value

[0246] 182 Threshold

[0247] 183 Applicability Information Items

[0248] 184 First Center

[0249] 185 Ideal First Center

[0250] 186 Second Center

[0251] 187 Ideal Second Center

[0252] 188 First Curve

[0253] 189 Ideal First Curve

[0254] 190 Second Curve

[0255] 191 Ideal Second Curve

[0256] 192 First Histogram

[0257] 194 Second Histogram

[0258] 196 Distance

[0259] 198 Determined distance

[0260] 200 Expected distance

[0261] 201 Step f): Adjusting at least one color scale of a mobile device for analyzing measurements

[0262] 202 Color Scale

[0263] 204 Offset

[0264] 206 Methods for performing analytical measurements

[0265] 208 Step i): Assess the suitability of mobile devices

[0266] 210 branch points

[0267] 212 Branch 1: Not applicable to mobile devices

[0268] 214 Second Branch: Applicable to Mobile Devices

[0269] 216 Step ii): Terminate the method

[0270] 218 Step iii): Perform analytical measurements

[0271] 220 Partial step a): applying at least one sample to at least one test element

[0272] 222 Part b): Use a camera to capture an image of the test component

[0273] 224 Partial step c): Evaluate the image and derive analysis information

Claims

1. A method for evaluating the suitability of a mobile device (112) having at least one camera (122) for performing analytical measurements based on a color forming reaction, the method comprising: a) providing at least one mobile device (112) having at least one camera (122); b) providing at least one object (114) having at least one reference color field (116); c) capturing at least one image (123) of at least a portion of the reference color field (116) by using a camera (122); d) deriving at least one color resolution information item by using the image (123), wherein the at least one color resolution information item comprises one or more numerical values ​​quantifying an ability to distinguish two or more colors; as well as e) comparing the at least one color resolution information item with at least one threshold value (182) thereby determining at least one suitability information item regarding the suitability of the mobile device (112) for the purpose of performing analytical measurements based on color forming reactions; The step of deriving the at least one color resolution information by using the image (123) comprises: d1) determining at least one region of interest (152) within the image (123); d2) determining at least one color coordinate of a pixel (162) of the image (123) within the region of interest (152); d3) performing at least one statistical analysis on the distribution of color coordinates of said pixels (162) and deriving said at least one color resolution information item by using at least one result of said statistical analysis; wherein the statistical analysis comprises a histogram analysis of a distribution of color coordinates, wherein the statistical analysis comprises determining at least one width (178) of at least one color peak within the distribution of color coordinates, wherein the method comprises comparing the width (178) with at least one threshold value (182) for determining suitability of a mobile device (112) for the purpose of performing analytical measurements based on color forming reactions, wherein the at least one color resolution information item comprises the width.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: f) adjusting at least one color scale of a mobile device (112) for analyzing the measurements.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the statistical analysis comprises determining at least one color coordinate of at least one center (180) of at least one color peak within a distribution of color coordinates.

4. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the object (114) has at least two reference color fields (116), the at least two reference color fields having different colors, wherein the statistical analysis comprises determining at least two color peaks corresponding to the at least two different colors, wherein the statistical analysis comprises determining a distance between centers of the at least two color peaks, wherein the method comprises determining at least one calibration factor for color rescaling based on a ratio of the distance between centers of the at least two color peaks to an expected distance between centers of the at least two color peaks.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein method step c) comprises: A user is provided with visual guidance for positioning the mobile device (112) relative to the object (114).

6. A method for performing analytical measurements based on a color forming reaction by using a mobile device (112) having at least one camera (122), comprising: i) evaluating the suitability of the mobile device (112) by using a method according to any one of the preceding claims; ii) aborting the method for performing profiling measurements if the at least one color resolution information item indicates that the mobile device (112) is not suitable for performing profiling measurements; iii) if the at least one color resolution information item indicates that the mobile device (112) is suitable for performing an analysis measurement, performing an analysis measurement, the analysis measurement comprising the following steps: a. applying at least one sample to at least one test element having at least one test chemical capable of performing a color forming reaction; b. capturing at least one image (123) of at least a portion of the test element using a camera (122); c. Evaluating the image (123) and deriving at least one analysis information thereof.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein step ii) comprises at least one of: notifying a user of the mobile device (112) of the unsuitability of the mobile device (112) for performing analytical measurements; blocking future attempts to perform analytical measurements by using the mobile device (112).

8. A computer program comprising computer executable instructions for performing a method according to any one of the preceding claims when said program is executed on a computer or a computer network.

9. A mobile device (112) for performing analytical measurements based on a color forming reaction, the mobile device (112) having at least one camera (122), the mobile device (112) being configured to perform a self-suitability assessment by using the following steps: I. Taking at least one image (123) of at least a portion of at least one reference color field (116) on at least one object (114) by using a camera (122); and II. deriving at least one color resolution information item by using the image (123), wherein the at least one color resolution information item comprises one or more numerical values ​​quantifying an ability to distinguish two or more colors; III. evaluating the suitability of the mobile device (112) based on the at least one color resolution information item; The mobile device (112) is further configured to perform at least one analytical measurement based on a color forming reaction by using the following steps: IV. aborting the profiling measurement if the at least one color resolution information item indicates that the mobile device (112) is not suitable for performing the profiling measurement; V. If the at least one color resolution information item indicates that the mobile device (112) is suitable for performing an analysis measurement, performing an analysis measurement, the analysis measurement comprising the following steps: a. by using a camera (122) to capture at least one image (123) of at least a portion of a test element (118), the test element (118) having at least one test chemical capable of undergoing a color-forming reaction, the test element (118) having at least one sample applied thereto; b. Evaluating the image (123) and deriving at least one analysis information thereof.

10. A kit for performing analytical measurements, the kit comprising: - at least one mobile device (112) according to any of the preceding claims relating to mobile devices (112); - at least one object (114) having at least one reference color field (116); and - at least one test element (118) having at least one test chemical capable of carrying out a color-forming reaction.

Images