Automated Indicator Status Determination via Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the status of indicators that change optical properties, such as sterilization indicators, require visual inspection and are prone to individual differences and errors, necessitating an automated system for accurate determination.
Innovation Solution
A determining system comprising a terminal device and method that acquires images of indicators, extracts color information before and after change, and determines the status based on the shape and aspect ratio of the changed region, eliminating subjective user input and enabling automatic determination of various types of indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual determination is used to assess indicator status, then the method is simple and requires no additional equipment, but individual differences and erroneous determinations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual inspection method with an automated image processing system. A terminal device captures images of the indicator and automatically analyzes color changes through image processing algorithms, substituting human visual judgment with mechanical/optical detection to eliminate individual differences and errors while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the indicator through image capture. Instead of directly observing the physical indicator, the terminal device captures an image and processes it digitally, allowing for precise color analysis and status determination without the limitations of human visual perception
2Reliability
If automated image processing is implemented to eliminate human error, then determination accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the terminal device's existing camera and processing capabilities for multiple purposes. The same terminal device that users already possess for other functions is leveraged for indicator determination, avoiding the need for specialized equipment and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by using the terminal device's built-in camera and image processing capabilities. The device automatically captures the indicator image, processes it through color analysis algorithms, and determines status without requiring external specialized equipment or complex additional components
3Measurement precision
If color information extraction is performed to enable automatic determination, then objectivity of determination improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the determination process by changing from subjective visual assessment to objective color parameter measurement. The system extracts specific color parameters (RGB values, color differences) from the indicator image and compares them against predetermined thresholds, enabling rapid and objective status determination
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
The system provides accurate and automated determination of indicator status, reducing human error and enabling efficient assessment of sterilization completeness and other environmental changes, suitable for multiple types of indicators.
Implementation Method 1
an image acquiring part that acquires an image containing the indicator
Implementation Method 2
an image acquiring part that acquires an image containing the indicator
Implementation Method 3
an extracting part that extracts a first region configured from a color after change of the indicator in the image based on the color information
Data Source
AI summary
PROBLEM To provide a determining system, terminal device, and determining method that can automatically determine various types of indicators. RESOLUTION A determining system determines a status of an indicator where optical properties change under a specific environment, and is provided with: an image acquiring part that acquires an image containing the indicator; a type information acquiring part that acquires information indicating a type of the indicator; a color information acquiring part that acquires color information before change and after change of the indicator corresponding to the type; an extracting part that extracts a first region configured from a color after change of the indicator in the image based on the color information; and the status determining part that determines a shape of the first region extracted by the extracting part and status of the indicator based on a determination status corresponding to the type.