Mobile Camera Analyte Concentration Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining analyte concentrations in bodily fluids using mobile devices face challenges such as the need for customized detectors, procedural complexity, and resource-intensive image acquisition and evaluation, particularly when using consumer electronics like smartphones.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a mobile device with a camera to determine analyte concentrations in bodily fluids by capturing images of an optical test strip, estimating the time of sample application, and calculating the analyte concentration based on color channel information, without requiring customized detectors or complex procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If customized detectors are used for measuring analyte concentration, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a standard camera sensor to perform multiple functions: capturing visible light for colorimetric analysis, capturing near-infrared light for additional analytical information, and serving as the primary detector without requiring specialized detector components. This multi-functional use of a common device resolves the contradiction by maintaining measurement precision while eliminating the need for complex customized detector systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs copying by using the camera's image sensor to capture optical signals that replicate the information obtained by traditional specialized detectors. The camera captures images of the test strip that contain the necessary analytical data, effectively copying the detection function from specialized detectors to a standard imaging device, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If complex image acquisition and evaluation procedures are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but resource consumption and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the camera capture images at multiple predetermined time points during the analytical reaction process. By pre-planning and executing captures at specific intervals (e.g., immediate capture, intermediate capture, and final capture), the system obtains all necessary data for accurate measurement without requiring complex real-time processing or continuous imaging, thus reducing resource consumption while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image evaluation process into distinct stages corresponding to different time points in the analytical reaction. By dividing the measurement into discrete temporal segments (initial state, intermediate state, final state), each captured at specific moments, the system processes information in manageable portions rather than requiring continuous complex processing, reducing overall resource consumption while preserving measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If multiple images are captured at different time points, then measurement accuracy is improved, but loss of time and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by capturing images at regularly spaced time intervals during the analytical reaction. The camera takes pictures at predetermined periods (e.g., at the start, middle, and end of the reaction), which provides sufficient data for accurate measurement without requiring continuous monitoring. This periodic sampling approach reduces total measurement time compared to continuous imaging while maintaining the accuracy benefits of multiple time-point data.
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 approach enables accurate and efficient determination of analyte concentrations using widely available mobile devices, reducing resource requirements and improving measurement accuracy by estimating key points in the analysis process.
Implementation Method 1
capturing at least one image of at least one part of the test field... by using the camera
Implementation Method 2
one or more optically detectable changes in the test chemistry are monitored, in order to derive the concentration of the at least one analyte
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining analyte concentration in a body fluid with a mobile device having a camera. A user is prompted to apply body fluid to an optical test strip and then waits a predetermined minimum waiting time. The camera captures an image of part of the test field having the body fluid applied thereto. Analyte concentration is determined based on the image captured. The determination includes estimating a point in time of sample application to the test field by taking into account time-dependent information derived from the image captured using a first color channel of a color space. The determination also estimates the concentration of the analyte by taking into account concentration-dependent information derived from the image using a second color channel of the color space.