Colorimetric Assay Analysis via Ambient Light Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for analyzing colorimetric diagnostic assays on mobile devices face challenges such as inadequate lighting control, difficulty in precise quantitative measurements, and complexity in image analysis, especially in uncontrolled environments, due to limitations in integrated camera functions and RGB intensity analysis.

Innovation Solution

A method that involves obtaining images of colorimetric assays, correcting for ambient lighting conditions, converting RGB intensity data to CIE 1931 color space, and using standardized curves to quantify assay parameters, allowing for accurate analysis on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional mobile phone camera functions are used for colorimetric assay analysis, then the device portability and accessibility are improved, but the measurement precision and quantitative accuracy deteriorate due to inadequate lighting control and optimization for photography rather than quantitative measurement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice portabilityVSAvoidquantitative accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms RGB intensity values into CIE 1931 color space coordinates (x, y, z) and subsequently into L*a*b* color space values, changing the parameter representation to achieve both portability and precision. This parameter transformation allows mobile device cameras to provide quantitative measurement accuracy comparable to laboratory instruments while maintaining the advantage of portability and ease of use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If image analysis is performed under uncontrolled ambient lighting conditions, then the ease of operation and field applicability are improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to variable lighting affecting color accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield applicabilityVSAvoidcolor measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a reference standard (such as a white balance card or known color reference) as an intermediary element captured in the same image. This reference serves as a mediator to calculate correction factors that compensate for ambient lighting conditions, enabling accurate colorimetric measurements in field settings with uncontrolled lighting while maintaining portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If simple RGB intensity analysis is used, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the ability to detect and measure small color changes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalysis complexityVSAvoidcolor change detection sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the simple RGB intensity analysis mechanism with a color space transformation mechanism (RGB to CIE 1931 to L*a*b*). This substitution provides enhanced sensitivity for detecting small color changes through the perceptually uniform L*a*b* color space, while the entire process is automated through software algorithms, maintaining ease of operation without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If specialized instrumentation and computer-based image analysis are used, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequantitative accuracyVSAvoidinstrumentation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a computational model (standardized curve) that captures the relationship between colorimetric assay results and analyte concentration. This computational copy replaces the need for complex specialized instrumentation, allowing quantitative analysis to be performed using standard mobile device cameras combined with color space transformation algorithms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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

Enables the use of mobile devices for precise quantitative analysis of colorimetric assays under various lighting conditions, overcoming previous limitations and providing a viable tool for point-of-care diagnostics.

Implementation Method 1

The methods, systems, and devices may be utilized with mobile devices such as a cell phone, a tablet, and portable computer... obtaining an image of the assay

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9506855B2Method and system for analyzing a colorimetric assay

Publication Date: 2016.11.29 UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI

AI summary

Described herein is a method, system and computer program for analyzing a colorimetric assay that includes obtaining an image of the assay, optionally correcting for ambient lighting conditions in the image, converting the intensity data for at least one of the red channel, the green channel, or the blue channel to a first data point, recalling a predetermined standardized curve, comparing the first data point with the standardized curve, and identifying the value for the assay parameter from the standardized curve.