Colorimetric Assay Readout Enhancement for Clearer Visual Interpretation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Colorimetric assay readouts face challenges in accurate interpretation due to non-ideal contrast, ambiguous colors, variations in lighting conditions, and color perception differences among users, including those with color vision deficiencies, leading to subjective and unreliable results.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that enhances colorimetric assay visualization by converting images to predefined color spaces, adjusting saturation and hue, and optimizing brightness to improve visual contrast between positive and negative regions, applicable to both vision-normal and vision-deficient users.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If colorimetric assays are interpreted by direct visual inspection, then simple interpretation is enabled, but accurate interpretation becomes challenging due to non-ideal contrast and ambiguous colors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of interpretationVSAvoidaccuracy of interpretation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that captures the colorimetric readout and applies image processing algorithms to enhance contrast and eliminate ambiguity. This intermediary step preserves the simplicity of visual inspection while improving accuracy through computational enhancement of the color signal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the colorimetric readout by changing image parameters such as contrast, saturation, and hue through image processing. These parameter changes enhance the distinguishability of positive and negative results while maintaining the simplicity of the interpretation process for the end user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If colorimetric assays are interpreted by naked-eye inspection, then no sophisticated instrumentation is needed, but results become subjective and unreliable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrumentation requirementsVSAvoidreproducibility of results

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a digital image processing intermediary that objectively analyzes the colorimetric readout. This intermediary eliminates subjectivity by applying consistent enhancement algorithms while preserving the simplicity of the overall system, as the enhancement is automated rather than requiring complex manual instrumentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical/optical interpretation process with a digital image processing system. This substitution uses computational methods to enhance contrast and eliminate ambiguity, providing reliable and reproducible results without requiring sophisticated physical instrumentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If color rotation is applied to aid image readout for colorblind people, then interpretation may be improved, but no direction is provided for implementing this concept to chemical or biochemical assays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterpretability for color-deficient usersVSAvoidimplementation guidance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies specific parameter changes to the color space of the captured image, including hue rotation and saturation enhancement. These changes are designed to improve distinguishability for color-deficient users while providing clear implementation guidance through the systematic application of image processing algorithms tailored to colorimetric assay characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Measurement precision

If color rotation and color stretch are applied to improve a specific assay readout, then that specific assay may be improved, but the method is not generalizable beyond the specific assay studied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereadout improvement for specific assayVSAvoidgeneralizability to other assays

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal image processing framework that can be applied to various colorimetric assays. The system automatically adapts to different assays by capturing the colorimetric readout and applying enhancement algorithms that work across multiple assay types, making the solution both precise for individual assays and generalizable to others.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12536631B2System and method for enhancing visualization of colorimetric assay readouts

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 DOMUS DIAGNOSTICS INC

AI summary

Disclosed are a system and method for enhancing the visualization, classification, and/or interpretation of a photonic readout of a colorimetric assay. The colorimetric assay is associated with a defined color spectrum that includes a positive region indicative of positive test results and a negative region indicative of negative test results. The system and method operate to receive an image of the photonic readout, convert the image to a predefined color space, enhance image saturation and hue, and adjust a brightness level of the image. The system and method increase visual contrast between the negative and positive regions of the color spectrum specific to the colorimetric assay, making the readout easier to interpret for both users with normal vision and users with variations of color weakness or blindness.