Mobile Camera Test Strip Lighting Evaluation for Reliable Analyte Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reliability and accuracy of analytical measurements using mobile devices, such as smartphones, are compromised by varying lighting conditions, particularly ambient light, which affects the evaluation of color changes on test strips during analyte detection.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the capture of images with and without the mobile device's illumination source to evaluate lighting conditions, comparing the differences, and deriving suitability information for analyte detection, ensuring dominant illumination from the device's source over ambient light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ambient light is present during image capturing, then the mobile device can be used in various environments, but the reliability and accuracy of analyte detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the harmful ambient light influence by capturing a reference image without the illumination source activated. This reference image contains only ambient light information, which is then subtracted from the measurement image to isolate the true analyte signal, thereby removing the ambient light interference that compromises detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric illumination timing where the illumination source is activated for the measurement image but not for the reference image. This asymmetric approach allows the system to capture the analyte-induced color change under controlled illumination while separately characterizing the ambient light conditions, enabling mathematical separation of the two light sources' contributions.
2Measurement precision
If the illumination source is used to improve lighting conditions, then image quality improves, but the complexity of lighting control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by sequentially capturing images under different illumination conditions - first with the illumination source off (reference image), then with the illumination source on (measurement image). This periodic switching of the illumination state allows the system to gather all necessary information using the existing mobile device hardware without requiring complex continuous control mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If multiple images are captured under different lighting conditions, then lighting suitability evaluation improves, but the measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by capturing the reference image (without illumination) before capturing the measurement image (with illumination). This sequence allows the system to pre-characterize the ambient light conditions, which are then used to correct the subsequent measurement. This preliminary characterization enables efficient processing and reduces overall measurement time compared to iterative approaches.
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
Enhances the reliability and accuracy of analyte detection by minimizing the impact of ambient light, ensuring robust image capturing conditions for reliable analyte measurement.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination source (120) of the mobile device (114) is turned on
Implementation Method 2
capturing at least one first image (135) of at least one test strip (116)... capturing at least one second image (136) of the test strip (116)
Data Source
AI summary
A method of evaluating suitability of lighting conditions for detecting an analyte in a sample using a mobile device camera. A test strip is provided for detecting the analyte. A first image of the test strip is captured while an illumination source of the mobile device is turned off and a second image of the test strip is captured while the illumination source is turned on. A sample is applied to the test strip and the first and second images are compared to thereby determine the difference in lighting conditions between the first image and the second image. The comparison is used to derive information on suitability of the lighting conditions for analyte detection. The lighting conditions are indicated as suitable when a predetermined threshold amount of light intensity used for illumination of the test strip originates from the illumination source.