Mobile App Pool Test Strip Color Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring alkalinity and cyanuric acid in water treatment lack accuracy due to reliance on color-changing test strips, which are difficult for users to read, especially for color-blind individuals and in varying lighting conditions, and are prone to errors from printing imperfections and limited reference gradations.
Innovation Solution
A mobile phone or tablet APP analyzes pool and spa test strips using computer vision algorithms to detect and interpret the colors on the strips, with optional machine-readable codes like QR codes to enhance accuracy and provide additional functionality such as manufacturer lookup, expiration date tracking, and chemical dosing instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If visual comparison to reference chart is used for test strip reading, then measurement method is simple, but measurement precision deteriorates due to color-blind users and lighting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual comparison method with an automated mobile device-based color analysis system. The mobile device captures images of test strips and uses image processing algorithms to objectively determine chemical concentrations, eliminating the need for users to visually compare colors against reference charts. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining simplicity while dramatically improving measurement precision through automated optical analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the test strip and the user's interpretation. The mobile device acts as a mediator that captures the color information from the test strip, processes it through algorithms, and provides the final measurement result. This intermediary eliminates the direct visual comparison step that causes inaccuracies for color-blind users and in varying lighting conditions, while keeping the overall process simple for the user.
2Measurement precision
If reference chart with multiple gradations is created, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases due to printing imperfections and space limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical reference chart with a digital image processing system. Instead of printing multiple gradations on a physical chart that suffer from printing imperfections and space limitations, the system uses algorithms to analyze the color intensity and map it to concentration values. This digital approach eliminates printing errors and allows for unlimited precision without increasing physical device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional physical reference chart to a multi-dimensional digital analysis space. The mobile device captures color information in multiple dimensions (RGB values, luminance, saturation) and uses these additional dimensions to determine concentrations with high precision. This dimensional expansion allows for more gradations and better precision without physical space constraints.
3Loss of information
If machine-readable codes are added to test strips, then information completeness improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mobile device universally adaptable to different test strip types through machine-readable codes. The code serves multiple functions: identifying the test strip type, calibration parameters, and expiration information. The system is designed to be flexible and accommodate various code placements and formats, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements while maximizing information completeness.
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 APP provides accurate and reliable analysis of test strips, independent of user interpretation, improves the effectiveness of pool/spa products, and enables advanced analytical and control features, enhancing the precision and convenience of water treatment processes.
Implementation Method 1
a camera configured to read the test strip
Implementation Method 2
instructions configured to determine a color of each located pad
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device reads a test strip to determine a chemical condition of a liquid or a user inputs a treatment plan into the mobile device. The mobile device transmits the determined chemical condition or the input treatment plan to a liquid treatment system which treats the fluid in response to the determined chemical condition or the input treatment plan.