System for quantifying color change

Abstract

A system (5) for quantifying a color change in a colorimetric indicator (15), comprising: an imaging device (22) configured to acquire an image of an object (10) including the colorimetric indicator (15); and a processing device (20) configured to compare the acquired image with reference data (30) associated with the colorimetric indicator (15) to generate a quantitative output (28) associated with the acquired image. A system with.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for quantifying color changes. In particular, but not limited to, the present invention relates to a system and method for providing a quantified output representing the color change of a colorimetric indicator.

Background Art

[0002] There are many products that visually indicate (by a color change) exposure to a certain amount of a particular compound or radiation. Such products typically include one or more colorimetric indicators. For example, colorimetric indicators rely on the optical properties of reactive dyes or inks. These dyes can be in at least two different chemical states, and each form of the dye absorbs light in a particular wavelength range. A reactive dye present in such a first form changes to a second form of the dye upon reaction with a substance by a reversible chemical reaction when exposed to a given substance. Since the second form of the dye absorbs light of a different wavelength, an observer can visually recognize the color change due to the chemical reaction. Colorimetric indicators can be configured to exhibit a reversible or irreversible color change depending on the purpose of use and the chemical substance, radiation, or stimulus that causes the color change of the indicator. An example of a colorimetric indicator that reacts to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Mills et al.), which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0003] It may be desirable or intended to expose a surface to a given type of radiation, or it may be undesirable or unintended.

[0004] For example, it may be desirable to expose the skin to direct sunlight, which can be beneficial to some extent, but excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays is a recognized health hazard. There are certain products, such as stickers or wristbands sold under the name Smartsun (trademark), that include a colorimetric indicator that exhibits a color change after exposure to a specific type and / or amount of ultraviolet rays. This gives the user a visual indication related to exposure to a given amount of ultraviolet rays.

[0005] In another example related to sterilization and disinfection, the product includes a colorimetric indicator that exhibits a color change after exposure to a certain amount of UVC radiation. This provides a visual indication to the user related to the exposure to UVC radiation. UVC irradiation is a known technique for disinfecting and sterilizing surfaces, for example, in a medical environment or the food industry.

[0006] Other products rely on colorimetric indicators that exhibit a color change when exposed to certain compounds or chemicals such as carbon dioxide, oxygen, ammonia, etc. These can be useful in the food industry.

[0007] Products incorporating colorimetric indicators provide a useful indication of the likelihood of exposure to a given type of radiation, stimulus, or chemical. However, the challenges with these systems are that the visual assessment of a given color change can be difficult and that subsequent decisions based on such an assessment are prone to non - productive or even dangerous interpretations.

[0008] Some systems have attempted to provide a quantitative assessment representing color changes associated with colorimetric indicators. An example of such a system is disclosed in Patent Document 2 (Balooch et al.), which is a system for determining an individual's ultraviolet (UV) radiation measurement, comprising a measuring device configured to measure UV irradiation and a terminal device configured to receive or capture the output of the measured UV irradiation from the measuring device. However, the measuring device configured to measure UV radiation exposure includes a surface that not only has a plurality of different sections each having a different sensitivity to UV radiation exposure, but also includes a plurality of different fixed reference colors for each to indicate different corresponding UV exposure levels, and the plurality of different fixed reference colors are embedded among and intermixed with the plurality of different sections each having a different sensitivity to UV radiation exposure. Therefore, since this system relies on capturing an image having both a color change region and a fixed reference color region, there is a possibility of inconsistency and it may lack reliability. In fact, the fixed color reference region can fade, discolor, or be damaged over time or during use. Furthermore, the captured images of such reference regions may appear different for each condition such as incident light, angle, etc.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0009]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0010] An object of the present invention is to address and / or mitigate one or more problems associated with the prior art.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] According to a first aspect, a system for quantifying a color change of a colorimetric indicator, comprising: an imaging device configured to acquire an image of an object including the colorimetric indicator; a processing device configured to compare the acquired image with reference data related to the colorimetric indicator and generate a quantitative output related to the acquired image; A system is provided that includes the above components.

[0012] Advantageously, the output can represent the color change of the colorimetric indicator.

[0013] Typically, the colorimetric indicator can be provided on the surface of the object. The imaging device can be configured to image or acquire an image of the surface of the object including the colorimetric indicator.

[0014] The colorimetric indicator can be provided under the surface of the object, for example, in the bulk portion of the object. The imaging device can be configured to image an image of the object including the colorimetric indicator. In such a case, the bulk material of the object including the colorimetric indicator can be substantially transparent and / or translucent to enable visual observation of the colorimetric indicator.

[0015] The reference data can be specific to the colorimetric indicator. The colorimetric indicator can be associated with each set of reference data.

[0016] The processing device can include reference data related to the colorimetric indicator. The processing device can include hardware including reference data related to the colorimetric indicator. The processing device can include a plurality of sets of reference data respectively related to each colorimetric indicator.

[0017] The processing device can access reference data, for example, reference data related to a colorimetric indicator, which may be stored remotely from the processing device. For example, the processing device may be able to access the reference data via a wired, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi connection and / or any other type of connection. The reference data may be stored in a remote server, network-attached storage (NAS), a data store, and / or the like.

[0018] The processing device may be able to access a plurality of reference data sets, each related to a respective colorimetric indicator.

[0019] The colorimetric indicator may be able to exhibit a color change in response to exposure to radiation, a chemical substance or compound, or any other stimulus. The colorimetric indicator may be able to exhibit a color change in response to exposure to UV radiation, for example, UVA, UVB, and / or UVC radiation. The colorimetric indicator may be a UV indicator or may include a UV indicator.

[0020] In one embodiment, the colorimetric indicator may be a UVA and / or UVB indicator. The object may be a sunburn indicator that can be provided in the form of an article of clothing such as a band, patch, sticker, tape, etc.

[0021] In another embodiment, the colorimetric indicator may be a UVC indicator. The object may be a disinfection indicator and / or a sterilization indicator.

[0022] The colorimetric indicator may have a first state related to a first color. The first state and / or the first color may be related without a color change. For example, the first state and / or the first color may be related to the absence of exposure of the indicator to the corresponding chemical substance, radiation, or stimulus, or to the exposure of the indicator to the corresponding chemical substance, radiation, or stimulus being less than a predetermined and / or threshold activation level.

[0023] The colorimetric indicator may have a second state associated with a second color. The second state and / or the second color may be associated with a complete or final color change. For example, the second state and / or the second color may be associated with a complete exposure of the indicator to a corresponding chemical, radiation, or stimulus, or with the exposure of the indicator to a corresponding chemical, radiation, or stimulus exceeding a predetermined and / or upper activation level.

[0024] The colorimetric indicator may have one or more intermediate states respectively associated with corresponding intermediate colors. The one or more intermediate states and / or the one or more intermediate colors may be or may include one or more states and / or colors between the first state and / or the first color and the second state and / or the second color. Each intermediate state and / or intermediate color may be associated with a predetermined level of exposure to a stimulus, such as radiation and / or a chemical.

[0025] Each of the first state and / or the first color, the intermediate state(s) and / or the intermediate color(s), and the second state and / or the second color may respectively correspond to and be associated with a predetermined level of exposure to a stimulus, such as radiation and / or a chemical. The colorimetric indicator may have one or more additional states.

[0026] The system may include or may be included in a portable user device such as a mobile / cellular phone, smartphone, tablet computer, laptop, phablet, smart assistant, and / or the like. The imaging device and / or the processing device may be the imaging device and / or the processing device of the portable user device.

[0027] The system may include or may be included in a monitoring device.

[0028] The monitoring device may be a static monitoring device that may include one or more imaging devices and one or more processing devices. For example, the static monitoring device may include one or more imaging devices disposed at a set location, such as inside or around a room, a laboratory, a corridor, an open space, etc.

[0029] The monitoring device can be a mobile monitoring device that may include one or more imaging devices and one or more processing devices. In such a case, the mobile monitoring device can be or include a robot that can move within a predetermined area. For example, the robot can be programmed to move indoors or can be movable and can detect an object or a plurality of such objects. The robot can include one or more cameras that enable the robot to detect one or more objects by detecting reference marks on the object, such as QR codes, barcodes, etc. When an object is detected, the robot can be configured to acquire an image of the object as described above.

[0030] The robot can be configured to generate a quantitative output related to the acquired image by comparing the acquired image with reference data related to the colorimetric indicator. Alternatively, the robot can be configured to store the acquired image, and the comparison of the acquired image with the reference data related to the colorimetric indicator and the generation of the quantitative output related to the acquired image can be performed separately. In other words, the processing device can be part of the mobile monitoring device, such as a robot, or can be provided remotely therefrom.

[0031] It is advantageous for the mobile monitoring device, such as a robot, to include an imaging device and a processing device. Thereby, the mobile monitoring device, such as a robot, can be capable of acquiring an image of an object and generating a quantitative output related to the acquired image by comparing the acquired image with reference data related to the colorimetric indicator.

[0032] A mobile monitoring device, such as a robot, can be configured to take an action, such as sending a signal or command, based on a quantitative output. For example, if an object includes a UVC indicator, a mobile monitoring device, such as a robot, may be able to send a signal or command to change or adjust the dose of UVC irradiated at the location of the object. This can be particularly advantageous in a medical environment where a continuous or substantially continuous level of sterilization is desired. Thus, if the quantitative output generated by a mobile monitoring device, such as a robot, is below a predetermined level, the mobile monitoring device, such as a robot, can send a command or signal that can trigger an increase in the level or dose of UVC at or near the location of the object. If the quantitative output generated by a mobile monitoring device, such as a robot, exceeds the predetermined level, the mobile monitoring device, such as a robot, can send a command or signal that can trigger a reduction in the level or dose of UVC at or near the location of the object. If the quantitative output generated by a mobile monitoring device, such as a robot, is at or near the predetermined level, the mobile monitoring device, such as a robot, may not need to send any command or signal, or may send a command or signal that can trigger the maintenance of the level or dose of UVC at or near the location of the object.

[0033] The processor can be appropriately programmed to operate as described above using, for example, computer code embedded in an application, applet, script, or other computer code.

[0034] Typically, the imaging device can include or be a camera. The imaging device can form part of an electronic device such as a mobile / cellular phone, smartphone, etc.

[0035] The processing device can include or be an application. The processing device can include or be provided in an electronic device such as a mobile / cellular phone, smartphone, etc.

[0036] The imaging device and the processing device can be provided in or supported by a portable electronic device such as a mobile / cellular phone or a smartphone. Alternatively, the imaging device and the processing device can be provided in or supported by a separate device.

[0037] The processing device can be configured to perform image analysis of the captured image.

[0038] The processing device can be configured to compare the captured image with reference data related to the colorimetric indicator.

[0039] The processing device can be configured to compare the color of the captured image with the color of the reference data related to the colorimetric indicator.

[0040] Each of the colors of the reference data, for example, the first color, the intermediate color(s), and the second color, and optionally one or more additional colors, can be stored, represented, and / or converted in, for example, a standard and / or an equivalent color scale from any known color standard. Usually, the colors of the reference data can be represented and / or stored in a standard and / or an equivalent color scale.

[0041] For example, the color(s) of the captured image of the colorimetric indicator can be converted, represented, and / or stored in, for example, a standard and / or an equivalent color scale from any known color standard by, for example, the processing device. Usually, for example, the color(s) of the captured image of the colorimetric indicator can be converted by the processing device into a standard and / or an equivalent color scale and optionally stored by the processing device in a standard and / or an equivalent color scale. Conventionally, the color of the reference data and / or the color of the captured image has been "L * a * b * " color scale for storage, representation, and / or conversion. In the L * a * b * scale, a color is represented by three numerical values L * , a * , and b * , and L *represents the lightness from black (0) to white (100), and a * represents the green / red value from green (-) to red (+), and b * represents the blue / yellow value from blue (-) to yellow (+). L * a * b * By using the scale, the amount of color change that can be visually recognized is L * a * b * It is advantageous that it can objectively and consistently represent or convert to the corresponding numerical change amount of the color value.

[0042] L * a * b * When using the scale, the color change is represented as delta values ΔL * , Δa * , and Δb * , and the total color difference ΔE * representing the overall color change can be calculated.

[0043] The processing device can be configured to compare the color of the captured image represented by the L * a * b * color scale with the color of the reference data represented by the L * a * b * color scale.

[0044] The processing device can be configured to calculate the color change of the colorimetric indicator by calculating the color difference value ΔE * between the color of the captured image and the first color of the reference data.

[0045] The system, for example, the processing device, can generate a quantitative output related to the color of the captured image and / or related to the color change. It is advantageous that the quantitative output can represent the color change of the colorimetric indicator.

[0046] By generating the quantitative output, it is advantageous that the system can perform a reliable and consistent evaluation of the color of the colorimetric indicator during use.

[0047] The quantitative output may include alphanumeric values or may be expressed as alphanumeric values. For example, if the color of the captured image is substantially the same as the first color of the reference data, the quantitative output may be a numerical value such as "0" or "1", or may include words such as "PASS (appropriate)", "SAFE (safe)", or "NO CHANGE (no change)". If the color of the captured image is substantially the same as the first color of the reference data, the quantitative output may be a numerical value such as "0" or "1", or may include words such as "PASS", "SAFE", "NO CHANGE", or any other meaningful output related to the first color.

[0048] If the color of the captured image is substantially the same as the second color of the reference data, the quantitative output may be a numerical value such as "5", "10", "100", or any other selected number that may represent the upper end of the color scale, or may include words such as "FAIL (no)", "UNSAFE (unsafe)", or any other meaningful output related to the second color.

[0049] The system, for example, the processing device, may generate a quantitative output related to one or more intermediate colors. If the color of the captured image is substantially the same as or closest to the intermediate color of the reference data, the quantitative output may be a numerical value such as "1", "2", "3", "4", or any other number, or may include words such as "PASS", "FAIL", "SAFE", "UNSAFE", or any other meaningful output related to each intermediate color. Each intermediate color may be related to or have a corresponding quantitative output.

[0050] Therefore, each quantitative output may be generated by the processing device when the color of the captured image is substantially identical to or within a predetermined similarity level with respect to any of the first color, the second color, or the intermediate color.

[0051] The object may further include at least one reference color region. The at least one reference color region may correspond to any one of a first color, a second color, and an intermediate color. Thereby, in use, a user or observer may be able to obtain a quantitative output from the system and a visual evaluation by comparing the color of the indicator with the color of the at least one reference color region. One or more of the at least one reference color regions may include or be related to information, such as alphanumeric information, that identifies the color of that / each reference color region (singular or plural).

[0052] The system, such as a processing device, may also be configured to image an image of the at least one reference color region. The color of the one or more reference regions may be converted, represented, and / or stored, for example, by the processing device, in a standard and / or uniform color scale, such as the L * a * b * color scale. The system, such as a processing device, may be configured to compare the color of the imaged image of the indicator represented in the L * a * b * color scale with the color(s) of the reference region(s) represented in the L * a * b * color scale. The processing device may be configured to calculate the color change of the colorimetric indicator by calculating the color difference value ΔE * between the color of the imaged image of the indicator and the color of the imaged image in the one or more reference regions. The system, such as a processing device, may generate a quantitative output, such as a second quantitative output, related to the color of the imaged image between the indicator and the at least one reference region. Thereby, in addition to the first quantitative evaluation based on the reference data, a further quantitative evaluation is obtained.

[0053] The present system, for example, an imaging device, may be configured to illuminate an object, for example, during imaging. It is advantageous that the present system, for example, an imaging device, may be configured to illuminate the object at a predetermined luminous intensity, for example, about 5 lumens to 500 lumens, for example, about 10 lumens to 100 lumens. Conventionally, the present system, for example, an imaging device, may be configured to illuminate the object using a camera flash, for example, the flash of a camera used for imaging. By illuminating the object at a predetermined luminous intensity during imaging, it is advantageous that the consistency and reliability of the color(s) measured by the present system or imaging device can be improved. The present system, or a processing device, may be configured to normalize the captured image. The present system, for example, a processing device, may be configured to adjust the color measurement of, for example, an indicator region of the captured image based on ambient light conditions such as luminance. Normalization can be performed by imaging a normalization region. The normalization region may typically include a plurality of portions each corresponding to a specific color. Usually, the normalization region may include a grayscale region. The normalization region may include, for example, three portions such as a plurality of separate grayscale portions, for example, a white portion, a 50% gray portion, and a black portion. The normalization region, for example, the grayscale region, may include a single grayscale portion having CMYK color values of C51, M43, Y30, and K59 in one embodiment. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is considered that the apparent luminance of a matte gray surface for an observer is independent of the observer's viewing angle. Therefore, by providing a grayscale reference region, a standard portion for normalization during imaging is obtained. In addition to providing means for measuring exposure, the grayscale reference region can provide a reference convenient for white balance or color balance, enabling the processing device to compensate for various light sources during imaging for the system.

[0054] According to a second aspect, a system for quantifying a color change of a colorimetric indicator, an object including the colorimetric indicator, an imaging device configured to acquire an image of the object and / or the colorimetric indicator, A processing device configured to generate a quantitative output related to the acquired image by comparing the acquired image with reference data related to the colorimetric indicator and A system comprising the same is provided.

[0055] The features described for the system according to the first aspect also apply to the system according to the second aspect and are not repeated here for simplicity.

[0056] According to a third aspect, a method for quantifying a color change of a colorimetric indicator, comprising: acquiring an image of an object including the colorimetric indicator; comparing the acquired image with reference data related to the colorimetric indicator; generating a quantitative output related to the acquired image; and A method including the steps is provided.

[0057] The method may include acquiring an image using an imaging device.

[0058] The method may include processing the image using a processing device. The method may include comparing the captured or acquired image with the reference data using a processing device. The method may include generating a quantitative output using a processing device.

[0059] The method may include performing image analysis of the acquired image.

[0060] The method may include comparing the acquired image with reference data related to the colorimetric indicator using a processing device.

[0061] The method may include comparing the color of the acquired image represented in the L * a * b * color scale with the color of the reference data represented in the L * a * b * color scale.

[0062] This method may include a step of calculating a color change of the colorimetric indicator by calculating a color difference value ΔE between the color of the acquired image and the first color of the reference data. * This method may include a step of calculating a color change of the colorimetric indicator by calculating a color difference value ΔE between the color of the acquired image and the first color of the reference data.

[0063] This method may include a step of generating a quantitative output related to the color of the acquired image and / or related to the color change. It is advantageous that this method may include a step of generating a quantitative output representing the color change of the colorimetric indicator.

[0064] This method may include a step of storing information, data, or files related to one or more of the acquired image, color values (e.g., L * a * b * scale) derived from the acquired image, and / or the quantitative output related to the color of the acquired image.

[0065] This method may be implemented using the system of the first or second aspect, the computer program of the fourth aspect, the processing device of the fifth aspect, the computer-readable storage medium of the sixth aspect, and / or the computer program of the seventh aspect.

[0066] This method may include a preliminary step of selecting the type of object or indicator to be imaged by the imaging device. This may be particularly useful when the imaging device can image images of different types of objects having, for example, different features, colors, shapes, and / or indicators. This method may include a step of selecting an object or indicator from a pool of available objects or indicators. Each type of object or indicator can be associated with each set of reference data, and the imaging device or processing is configured to generate a quantitative output regarding the selected indicator using each set of reference data.

[0067] This method may include the step of arranging the imaging device with respect to an object before acquiring an image. This method may include the step of using a template, such as an electronic template, on the imaging device to arrange the imaging device with respect to the object. For convenience, this method may include the step of using the template to superimpose the template on the object, for example, on the screen of the device. Thereby, it is advantageous that the reliability of imaging can be improved by ensuring the consistency of imaging conditions of the image, such as angle, distance, etc.

[0068] This method may include the step of normalizing the captured image. This method may include the step of adjusting the color measurement of an object, such as an indicator, based on ambient light conditions such as luminance. This method may include the step of capturing an image of a normalization region that may include a plurality of portions of different colors such as white, gray, and black. This method may include the step of normalizing the captured image during image processing of the image by the device or during post-processing of the captured image thereafter.

[0069] The features described with respect to the device according to the first aspect or the second aspect or with respect to any other aspect are also applicable to the method according to the third aspect and are not repeated here simply for simplicity.

[0070] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a processing device, cause the processing device to acquire an image of an object including a colorimetric indicator, compare the acquired image with reference data related to the colorimetric indicator, and generate a quantitative output related to the acquired image is provided.

[0071] A computer program may be included in or may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium that may be a physical carrier medium. When the program is executed by a processing device, the instructions may cause the processing device to control an imaging device to acquire an image of an object including a colorimetric indicator, compare the acquired image with reference data related to the colorimetric indicator, and generate a quantitative output related to the acquired image.

[0072] Features described with respect to any of the other aspects are also applicable to the computer program according to the fourth aspect and are not repeated here simply for simplicity.

[0073] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a processing device including at least one processor, a data storage, and a communication system, wherein the data storage stores the computer program according to the fourth aspect, and the at least one processor is configured to process the computer program product according to the fourth aspect, for example, to execute the method according to the third aspect. The data storage may also store metadata related to the indicator, such as a facility name or number, a room name or number, and the location of the indicator.

[0074] Features described with respect to any of the other aspects are also applicable to the computer program according to the fifth aspect and are not repeated here simply for simplicity.

[0075] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium including the computer program according to the fourth aspect. The computer-readable storage medium may be a non-transitory and physical storage medium.

[0076] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer program including instructions that, when the program is executed by a processing device, cause the processing device to execute the steps of the method according to the third aspect.

[0077] It will be understood that the features described in any aspect of the present invention may apply to any other aspect.

[0078] Embodiments of the present disclosure are shown by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0079]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0080] Referring to FIG. 1, a system for quantifying color changes, generally indicated at 5, according to a first embodiment is shown.

[0081] System 5 includes, in this embodiment, an imaging device 22 which is a camera.

[0082] System 5 also includes, in this embodiment, a processing device 20 supported by a smartphone.

[0083] The imaging device 22 is configured to acquire an image of an object 10, which, in this embodiment, is a patch or card having a region with a colorimetric indicator 15 on its surface. In FIG. 1, the step of acquiring the image is represented by arrow 110. Illuminating means 23 for illuminating the object during imaging, such as a flash 23, is also provided, whereby the reliability of imaging can be improved.

[0084] In use, the colorimetric indicator 15 is configured to change color when exposed to UV radiation 19. In other embodiments, the indicator can be selected to change color in response to exposure to another type of stimulus, such as different types of radiation, or exposure to a compound or chemical substance.

[0085] The processing device is configured to compare the captured image with reference data 30 related to the colorimetric indicator 15. The reference data is in digital / electronic form.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 1, the reference data 30 can be stored in the processing device 20, or can be directly connected to the hardware that includes or is provided with the reference data 30. In such a case, the step of acquiring the image is represented by arrow 121.

[0087] As also shown in FIG. 1, the reference data 30 can be stored remotely from the processing device 20 in the Internet cloud 40 or the like, and can be accessed by any suitable wired or wireless connection such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. In such a case, the step of acquiring the image is represented by arrow 122.

[0088] In use, after the image is acquired, the system 5 compares the acquired image of the indicator 15 with the reference data 30. To improve consistency and reliability, it is advantageous for the processing device 20 to convert or represent the color of the captured image in a standard and / or uniform color scale, which in this embodiment is the "L * a * b * " or "CIELAB" color scale. The processing device 20 then compares the color of the acquired image with the reference data 30, where the reference data 30 is also represented in the same standard and / or uniform color scale, for example, "L * a * b * " or "CIELAB" color scale. The comparison between the acquired image and the reference data 30 will be described in more detail below.

[0089] Following the comparison step, the system 5, e.g., the processing device 20, generates a quantitative output 28 related to the color of the acquired image and / or related to the color change of the indicator 15. In this embodiment, the quantitative output 28 is a numerical value ("3") representing the color change level of the indicator 15 from an initial state (e.g., "1") to a final (fully color-changed, e.g., "5") state. The quantitative output 28 is displayed on the screen 25 of the processing device 20. The quantitative output 28 can be stored locally, e.g., in the processing device 20, or uploaded or stored remotely, e.g., in the cloud 40 as indicated by the arrow 123.

[0090] A method for quantifying color change is shown in FIG. 10. The method includes step 410 which includes the step of acquiring an image of an object including a colorimetric indicator. In step 420, the acquired image is compared with reference data related to the colorimetric indicator. In step 430, as a result of the comparison in step 420, a quantitative output related to the acquired image is generated that represents, for example, the color change between the color of the indicator in the initial or "unchanged" state and the color of the indicator in the acquired image.

[0091] The method of FIG. 10 may also include an optional preliminary step 405 of selecting the type of indicator to be imaged by the devices 20, 720, 820. This can be particularly useful when the processing devices 20, 720, 820 are capable of imaging images of different types of supports 10, 110, 210, 310, 610 having different characteristics, shapes, and / or indicators 15, 155, 215, 315, 615. Thus, in an example showing this step as shown in FIG. 13, step 405 includes the step of selecting one of two different types of indicators 701 or 702. Each type of indicator 701, 702 is related to each set of reference data 30 used by the processing devices 20, 720, 820 for generating a quantitative output related to the selected indicator 701, 702.

[0092] Another embodiment of a method for quantifying color change is shown in FIG. 11. The method of FIG. 11 is similar to the method of FIG. 10, and the same parts are indicated by the same numbers with "100" added. However, in FIG. 11, after the step of obtaining an image in step 510, as represented in step 515, the obtained image and in particular the color of its colorimetric indicator are converted to a standard and / or uniform color scale such as an L * a * b * scale. In step 520, the obtained image is compared with reference data related to the colorimetric indicator, and this reference data is also represented on the same standard and uniform color scale such as an L * a * b * scale. In step 530, a quantitative output related to the obtained image is generated, similar to step 430 of FIG. 10. Finally and optionally, in step 540, information, data, or files (singular or plural) related to one or more of the obtained image, the color values (e.g., L * a * b * scale) derived from the obtained image, and / or the quantitative output related to the color of the obtained image are stored locally (e.g., on a hard drive) or remotely (e.g., on a remote server, cloud, network-attached storage (NAS), data store, etc.).

[0093] Method for generating reference data Measurement methods and procedures In the following examples, a UV colorimetric indicator was used.

[0094] A sample was exposed to UV radiation at a wavelength of 254 nm using a UVP transilluminator equipped with a fluorescent UVC tube with two different irradiation levels (90 μW / cm 2 and 760 μW / cm 2 ) respectively. The irradiation level of the sample plane was determined by a calibrated silicon detector with a precision aperture in front of the photosensitive surface. The exposure was limited to a clear spot of approximately φ20 mm on the sample using the aperture.

[0095] 10,000 μJ / cm 2 、 25,000 μJ / cm 2 、 50,000 μJ / cm 2 、 75,000 μJ / cm 2 、 and 100,000 μJ / cm 2 At a certain time corresponding to the exposure of, the exposure was temporarily stopped, and the color of the exposed area was measured using a PR-735 spectrometer. Also, a photograph of the sample was taken. Both the measurement and the photograph were obtained by illuminating the sample with light using D65 illumination having a high color rendering evaluation number (>95).

[0096] CIE1976L * a * b * Based on the color coordinates in the color space, the total color difference ΔE * from the non-exposed sample was obtained as follows.

[0097]

Equation

[0098] In the formula, ΔL * , Δa * , and Δb * are the differences between the individual coordinates. Usually, the human eye can detect a color change when ΔE * is 1 - 2 or more.

[0099] Measurement conditions Ambient temperature 23 ± 2°C, sample temperature (during exposure) 30 ± 5°C, exposure wavelength 254 ± 2 nm

[0100] Equipment: Reference silicon detector 10 mm × 10 mm, inv.no.500963 UVP transilluminator 254 nm, no.95 - 0153 - 02 Current amplifier Keithley 427, inv.no.603159 Precision aperture φ8 mm, inv.no.502607 Spectrometer PR - 735, inv.no.901491 Light Booth True Color TC-60 Nikon D7000 Digital Camera

[0101] Results The values obtained from the above measurements are shown in Tables 1 and 2 below.

[0102] [Table 1]

[0103] [Table 2]

[0104] ΔE for Two Irradiation Levels * The results are shown in Figure 7. These results indicate that the color change after exposure to a constant dose of UV irradiation was similar at irradiances of 90 μW / cm 2 and 760 μW / cm 2 .

[0105] The corresponding images of the exposed samples are shown in Figures 8 and 9, which show that the color change of the indicator increases with increasing exposure to UV radiation.

[0106] The uncertainty is estimated to be ±8% of the reported exposure level. The relative uncertainty of L * , a * , and b * is ±2.

[0107] Since the measurement geometry is not well defined (detection at approximately 15° from the normal to the sample surface, near-diffuse illumination), the absolute uncertainty for L * , a * , and b * is not given.

[0108] Examples Next, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a screenshot 150a of a smartphone screen using an application according to an embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, the colorimetric indicator is provided on a support in the form of a list band 110. An image 126a of the list band 110 is acquired and displayed on the screenshot 150a. The color of the indicator of the list band 110 is converted to L * a * b * After converting to a scale, the resulting color value is compared with the reference data corresponding to this specific indicator, and a quantitative output 128a is generated. In this case, there is no color change in the indicator, and the output becomes "1", indicating that no color change has occurred.

[0109] In FIG. 3, after exposing the indicator 115 of the list band 110 to a certain dose of UV radiation, another image 126b is acquired and displayed on the screenshot 150b. The color of the indicator 115 of the list band 110 is converted to L * a * b * After converting to a scale, the resulting color value is compared with the same reference data used in FIG. 2, and a quantitative output 128b is generated. In this case, since the exposure to UV radiation caused a visible color change, the output becomes "5", indicating that a significant color change has occurred.

[0110] FIGS. 4 and 5 are similar to FIGS. 2 and 3, but in this embodiment, different colorimetric indicators shown as 215a, 215b supported on a circular patch 210 are used. In FIG. 4, an image 226a is acquired before exposure to UV radiation, but no color change has occurred, so a corresponding quantitative output 228a ("1") indicating no color change is generated. However, in FIG. 5, after exposure to a certain level of UV radiation, a slight color change of the indicator 215b is observed, and a quantitative output 228b ("2") corresponding to the relatively slight color change is generated.

[0111] Next, referring to FIG. 6, yet another indicator 315 is used. In this embodiment, the support 310 carrying the indicator 315 further has reference regions 316 and 317 that provide a visual aid for the user to evaluate potential color changes. In this embodiment, the region 316 shown in orange is a reference region provided in a color that matches the color that the indicator is expected to reach after exposure to a predetermined level of UV irradiation corresponding to a level sufficient to kill all "MRSA" bacteria here. The support also has another region 317 shown in pink, which is a reference region provided in a color that matches the color that the indicator is expected to reach after exposure to a predetermined (but different from region 316) level of UV irradiation corresponding to a level sufficient to kill all "C-Diff" bacteria here. In this embodiment, after exposure to a low level of UV radiation, the indicator 315 shows a slight color change (in image 326) compared to its initial state, and a quantitative output 328 ("2") corresponding to the relatively slight color change is generated. The quantitative output represents a reliable means for the user to evaluate the color change, but the additional reference regions 316 and 317 further enhance the reliability by providing an additional and convenient means to collate the analytical and quantitative output 328. For example, although the user may know that the value "2" of the output 328 corresponds to a corresponding level of UV exposure that is not sufficient to kill MRSA of C-Diff in this case, the additional reference regions 316 and 317 provide an additional and convenient means to collate this result.

[0112] Next, referring to FIG. 12, another embodiment of the support 610 used in the system 5 of FIG. 1 is shown. In this embodiment, the support 610 carrying the indicator 615 is similar to the support 310 of FIG. 6, and the same parts are indicated by the same numbers with "300" added. However, in this embodiment, the card 610 also has a normalization region 670.

[0113] The purpose of the normalization area 670 is to adjust the measurement of the color of the indicator area 615 based on peripheral light conditions such as luminance. The normalization area 670 includes three separate parts each corresponding to a specific color. In this embodiment, the normalization area 670 is a grayscale area, consisting of a white part 671, a 50% gray part 672, and a black part 673. Although not wishing to be bound by theory, it is considered that the apparent luminance of a matte gray surface for an observer is independent of the observer's viewing angle. Therefore, by providing a grayscale reference area, a standard part for normalization during imaging is provided. In addition to providing means for measuring exposure, the grayscale reference area 670 provides a convenient reference for white balance or color balance, enabling the camera to compensate for various light sources during imaging with respect to the system 5.

[0114] The grayscale reference area 670 can be used in-camera during balance processing or post-processing. In use, in instantaneous normalization, when an image of the card 610 (and particularly the indicator 615) is captured, an image of the grayscale reference area 670 is also captured and used to adjust the white balance of a plurality of images, particularly the image captured simultaneously with the grayscale reference area 670. In the case of post-processing normalization, an image of the grayscale reference area 670 is captured when an image of the card 610 (and particularly the indicator 615) is taken, and image processing software uses the data from the pixels of the grayscale reference area 670 of the captured image to adjust the light balance of the entire captured image.

[0115] Alternative embodiments of the card 610 of FIG. 12 are shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, with the same parts denoted by the same numerals supplemented by "b" and "c" respectively.

[0116] In the embodiment of FIG. 18, the card 610b includes a normalization area 670b having a single grayscale part 672b. In this embodiment, the gray part 672b has (CMYK) color values of C51, M43, Y30, and K59, which have been found to yield optimal results with respect to quality and reliability.

[0117] In the embodiment of FIG. 19, the card 610c includes a printed normalization region 670c having a single grayscale portion 672c as shown in FIG. 18. In this embodiment, the indicator 615c is in the form of a disk 615c that can be placed on the card 610c before imaging.

[0118] FIG. 14 shows a diagram of a template 880 used in the system of FIG. 1. As described with respect to FIG. 13, when different types of indicators are available, the user selects the type of indicator in use. The processing device 820 displays the electronic template 880 on its screen. The purpose of the template 880 is to assist the user in overlaying the template on the object 610 before imaging the object 610. Advantageously, this can improve the reliability of imaging by ensuring that the imaging conditions of the image, such as the angle, distance, etc., are the same.

[0119] In this embodiment, the template 880 of FIG. 14 is a template used in combination with the card 610 of FIG. 12. Thus, using the template 880 helps the user when holding the camera of the processing device 820 over the card 610. This can help ensure accurate and reliable imaging of various parts of the card 610, including in particular the indicator portion 615 (overlaid with the indicator portion template 815), and optionally the reference portions 616, 617 (overlaid with the reference portion templates 816, 817) and / or the normalization region 670 (overlaid with the normalization region template 870) if they exist.

[0120] Referring to FIGS. 15 - 17, a system 905 for quantifying color changes according to another embodiment is shown. The system 905 is generally similar to the system 5 of FIG. 1, and the same parts are denoted by the same numbers with "900" added.

[0121] System 905 includes a mobile monitoring device in the form of a robot 921. The robot is battery-powered so that it can move within a predetermined area, which is a hospital ward in this embodiment. The hospital ward is continuously or intermittently exposed to UVC radiation for sterilization purposes. A UVC dosimeter 910 (similar to card 310 in FIG. 6 or card 610 in FIG. 12) is positioned on a tray 985. When the hospital ward is continuously or intermittently exposed to UVC radiation for sterilization purposes, the UVC dosimeter card 910 and particularly the indicator portion 915 react and change color according to the exposure amount of the UVC radiation.

[0122] The UVC dosimeter card 910 is shown in more detail in FIG. 16.

[0123] The UVC dosimeter card 910 also has a reference mark 919 in the form of a QR code in this embodiment. The QR code 919 can contain information regarding the nature of the object, the location of the object, etc.

[0124] In use, the robot 921 moves around the hospital ward looking for objects to be processed. The robot includes a camera 982 that can scan the objects to be processed. As shown in FIG. 15, when the UVC indicator card 910 is within the field of view of the camera 982, the robot 921 stops and scans the information of the QR code 919.

[0125] The robot 921 can then process the UVC indicator card 910 in the same manner as described above with respect to the system of FIG. 1. In particular, as shown in FIG. 17, the robot 921 uses an integrated camera 922 to acquire an image of the card 910 (and particularly the indicator portion 915) under illumination by an integrated flash 923. The robot 921 then generates a quantitative output related to the acquired image using an integrated processing device.

[0126] In some embodiments, the robot 921 is configured to send a signal or a command based on a quantitative output related to the card 910. In particular, if the quantitative output generated by the robot 921 is below a predetermined level, the robot 921 may send a command or a signal that can trigger an increase in the UVC level or dose at or near the location of the indicator card 910. If the quantitative output generated by the robot 921 exceeds the predetermined level, the robot 921 may send a command or a signal that can trigger a decrease in the UVC level or dose at or near the location of the card 910. When the quantitative output generated by a mobile monitoring device, such as a robot, is at or near the predetermined level, the mobile monitoring device, such as a robot, may not send any command or signal, or may send a command or a signal that can trigger the maintenance of the UVC level or dose at or near the location of the card 910.

[0127] In some embodiments, the robot 921 can be configured to send or transmit the quantitative output to a receiving unit (not shown) via, for example, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc., and subsequently the end user can review it.

[0128] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present invention described above in this specification are given as very examples only and are never intended to limit the scope thereof.

[0129] The method steps of the present invention can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing a computer program that implements the functions of the present invention by operating on input data and generating output. The method steps can also be performed by dedicated logic circuitry, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or other customized circuitry. Processors suitable for executing the computer program include a CPU, a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), a numerical coprocessor, and a microprocessor, as well as any one or more of them. Generally, a processor receives instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. Essential elements of a computer are a processor that executes instructions and one or more memory devices that store instructions and data. Generally, a computer also includes or is operably coupled to one or more mass storage devices that store data, such as magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks, and receives data from or transfers data to or both. A processor can receive data via a data bus or by other communication forms such as wireless. Examples of information carriers suitable for embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, such as semiconductor memory devices, for example EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, for example internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by dedicated logic circuitry or incorporated into dedicated logic circuitry.

[0130] For interaction with the user, the present invention can be implemented with a device having a screen for displaying information to the user, such as a CRT (cathode ray tube), plasma, LED (light emitting diode), or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, and an input device through which the user can input to the computer, such as a keyboard, touch screen, mouse, trackball, etc. Other types of devices can be used. For example, the feedback provided to the user can be in any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback, and the input from the user can be received in any form including acoustic, voice, or tactile input.

Claims

1. A system for quantifying color changes of a colorimetric indicator, comprising: an imaging device configured to obtain an image of an object including the colorimetric indicator; a processing device configured to generate a quantitative output related to the image obtained by the imaging device by comparing the image obtained by the imaging device with reference data related to the colorimetric indicator and stored in digital or electronic form; and the processing device is configured to compare the color of the image obtained by the imaging device with the color of the reference data related to the colorimetric indicator; wherein the quantitative output represents the color change of the colorimetric indicator; a system.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the colorimetric indicator includes a UV colorimetric indicator.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processing device is capable of evaluating a plurality of stored reference data sets related to respective colorimetric indicators, each in digital or electronic form.

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the system includes a portable user device or a mobile monitoring device, and the portable user device or the mobile monitoring device includes the imaging device and / or the processing device.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the imaging device includes a camera of the portable user device or the mobile monitoring device.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the processing device is configured to perform image analysis of the image obtained by the imaging device.

7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the color of the reference data is stored, represented, and / or converted in a standard color scale.

8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the color of the image obtained by the imaging device is converted, represented, and / or stored in a standard color scale.

9. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the object further includes at least one reference color region corresponding to the color of the colorimetric indicator in a predetermined state, and the system is configured to image the at least one reference color region.

10. In the system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, a system configured to illuminate the object being imaged at a predetermined luminous intensity.

11. In the system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, a system configured to normalize the image acquired by the imaging device.

12. In the system according to claim 11, a system in which normalization is performed by imaging an image of a normalization region on the object.

13. A system for quantifying a color change of a colorimetric indicator, an object including the colorimetric indicator, an imaging device configured to acquire an image of the object and / or the colorimetric indicator, and a processing device configured to generate a quantitative output related to the image acquired by the imaging device by comparing the image acquired by the imaging device with reference data related to the colorimetric indicator and stored in digital or electronic form and comprising, wherein the processing device is configured to compare the color of the image acquired by the imaging device with the color of the reference data related to the colorimetric indicator, and the quantitative output represents the color change of the colorimetric indicator system.

14. A method for quantifying a color change of a colorimetric indicator, comprising: acquiring an image of an object including the colorimetric indicator; comparing the color of the image with the color of reference data related to the colorimetric indicator and stored in digital or electronic form; and generating a quantitative output related to the image and a color change in the colorimetric indicator method.

15. The method according to claim 14, comprising the step of processing the image using a processing device.

16. The method according to claim 15, comprising the step of comparing the image with the reference data stored in digital or electronic form using the processing device.

17. The method according to claim 14, comprising the step of acquiring the image using an imaging device.

18. The method according to claim 17, comprising a preliminary step of selecting a type of object or indicator to be imaged by the imaging device.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, comprising the step of using a template on the imaging device to arrange the imaging device with respect to the object before acquiring the image. Claim 20 The method according to any one of claims 14 to 19, the method comprising the step of normalizing the image. Claim 21 A computer program which, when the program is executed by a processing device, causes the processing device to acquire an image of an object including a colorimetric indicator, compare the color of the image with the color of reference data related to the colorimetric indicator and stored in digital or electronic form, and generate a quantitative output related to the image, the quantitative output representing a color change of the colorimetric indicator A computer program comprising instructions. Claim 22 A processing device comprising at least one processor, a data storage, and a communication system, wherein the data storage stores the computer program of claim 21, and the at least one processor is configured to process the computer program of claim 21. Claim 23 A computer-readable storage medium comprising the computer program of claim 21. Claim 24 A computer program which, when the program is executed by a processing device, causes the processing device to execute the steps of the method of claim 14.

Images