Color Legend Test Strip for Smartphone-Based Analyte Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Color-based tests for biological fluids often result in inaccurate and subjective readings due to discontinuous value representations and reliance on manual comparison with reference cards, which are not user-friendly or reproducible.
Innovation Solution
The use of test units with color legends that correspond to potential color results from reagent-analyte reactions, allowing for image capture with devices like smartphones or scanners, and subsequent value determination by comparing the color results against these legends, providing feedback for accurate readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual comparison with reference cards is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual comparison (mechanical/optical system) with automated image processing and color analysis (digital processing system). The imaging device captures the test result, and software algorithms automatically compare colors against reference values, eliminating subjective human judgment while maintaining simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of the reference color values and test results through imaging. Instead of requiring physical reference cards to be manually compared, the system captures digital images of both the test result and reference colors, then performs automated pixel-level comparison algorithms to determine the analyte concentration.
2Device complexity
If discontinuous value representations are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static, discrete color patches to dynamic, continuous color gradient legends. The color scale provides a continuous range of hues corresponding to different analyte concentrations, allowing the imaging system to interpolate precise values anywhere along the gradient rather than forcing selection from limited discrete options.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation from discrete categorical values to continuous numerical gradients. The color legend displays a smooth transition of colors corresponding to a continuous range of analyte concentrations, enabling the image processing algorithm to determine precise concentration values through color matching against the gradient scale.
3Measurement precision
If automated image processing is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated image processing. The imaging device automatically captures the test result, the software automatically performs color analysis and comparison against reference values, and the system automatically outputs the analyte concentration. This eliminates the need for manual intervention while maintaining relatively simple device architecture using off-the-shelf imaging components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method enhances reading accuracy by objectively measuring color-based test results, providing more precise and reproducible values, and enabling faster analysis with lower-cost devices like smartphones, reducing the need for lab-based testing.
Implementation Method 1
each color legend comprising a color range corresponding to the colors that can appear when the reagent reacts with an associated analyte
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to using color calibration to improve and increase the accuracy of interpreting color-sensitive results from test strips made of substrates like paper. This is accomplished via a diagnostic test unit including a substrate, at least one region on the substrate, a reagent placed within the region to react, and a series of color legends on the substrate. Different reagent samples may be placed on the separate regions of a substrate for testing. An imaging device is used to capture the reaction results. More precise readings can be obtained by comparing the reaction results to the color legends to determine the measured property of the analyte.