Mobile Device Analyte Concentration Determination Using Color Reference Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining analyte concentrations in bodily fluids using mobile devices face challenges in accuracy and reproducibility due to various influencing factors, requiring extensive effort for setup and preparation.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a mobile device with a camera to capture images of an optical test strip, transforming color formation into analyte concentration values using a correlation determined by empirical or semi-empirical methods, including the use of artificial neural networks and color reference cards for calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mobile devices are used for optical evaluation of test strips, then accessibility and ease of operation are improved, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to uncontrollable lighting conditions, positioning variations, and device differences
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing images of color reference cards under the actual measurement conditions before evaluating the test strip. These reference images are used to establish device-specific and condition-specific color correlations, thereby compensating for lighting, positioning, and device variations during the actual measurement process
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters by adapting the color evaluation model to each mobile device and measurement condition. It determines device-specific color correlations by comparing reference card images captured under different conditions, thereby adjusting the evaluation parameters to account for device differences, lighting conditions, and positioning variations
2Measurement precision
If extensive calibration and training data collection is performed, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but setup effort and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining device-specific color correlations through image capture and processing. The mobile device itself captures reference images and the system automatically processes these images to establish the correlation model, eliminating the need for manual calibration procedures and extensive training data collection by operators
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from captured reference card images to continuously refine and adapt the color correlation model. By comparing reference images under different conditions and using this feedback to adjust the evaluation parameters, the system achieves high measurement precision without requiring extensive pre-calibration or training data collection
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 method enables user-friendly, accurate, and reproducible determination of analyte concentrations in bodily fluids with reduced setup and preparation effort, while adapting to different mobile device technologies and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
capturing at least one image of at least a part of an optical test strip having a test field by using the camera
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of determining a concentration of an analyte in a bodily fluid is disclosed. The method comprises using a mobile device (112) having a camera (114). Further, the method comprises capturing at least one image of at least a part of an optical test strip (124) having a test field (126) by using the camera (114). The method further comprises determining at least one analyte concentration value from color formation of the test field (126), wherein the method comprises: i) providing, in the mobile device (112), at least one correlation for transforming color formation of the test field (126) into the analyte concentration value, wherein the term "correlation" refers to a predetermined or determinable relationship between information derived from the at least one image and at least one analytical measurement concentration value, wherein the correlation is determined by using empirical or semi-empirical methods, also referred to as a training; ii) providing, in the mobile device (112), at least one item of clearance information, the at least one item of clearance information indicating a level of confidence for the correlation; and iii) if the item of clearance information indicates a sufficient level of confidence for the correlation, providing, by the mobile device (112), indication to a user that the capturing of the at least one image does not require using the color reference card (128). Further, a method of controlling analytical measurements, a mobile device (112), a system (110) for controlling analytical measurements and computer programs for performing and/or controlling analytical measurements are disclosed.