Mobile Optical Test Strip Measurement with Position Consistency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Analytical measurements using mobile devices face challenges in reliability and accuracy due to varying environmental conditions and positioning, especially when multiple images of optical test strips are required, which can lead to measurement uncertainties.

Innovation Solution

A method for performing analytical measurements using a mobile device with a camera that includes capturing a 'blank' and 'wet' images of an optical test strip, determining admissibility based on consistent device positioning, and displaying error messages or aborting the measurement if positioning changes exceed a tolerance, ensuring accurate results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple images of the test strip are captured using a mobile device, then the measurement information can be enhanced, but the positioning variations between images increase measurement uncertainty

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system captures multiple images of the test strip at different positions and uses image recognition algorithms to analyze the test result information in each image. The system then integrates the information from multiple images to determine the final measurement result, providing feedback-based correction for positioning variations and improving both measurement precision and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring perfect positioning of a single image, the system creates multiple copies (images) of the test strip at different positions and uses algorithmic processing to synthesize the measurement result. This approach transforms the problem from requiring precise physical positioning to requiring computational integration of multiple copies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If dedicated analytical measurement devices are used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a mobile device with a camera, which is a universal multi-functional device already present in most users' pockets, to perform analytical measurements. This replaces the need for dedicated analytical measurement devices, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy through software-based image analysis and integration algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical/optical measurement system of dedicated devices with a digital imaging and computational system. Instead of using specialized optical components and mechanical positioning mechanisms, the system uses a standard camera combined with image recognition and data integration algorithms to achieve the same measurement function with reduced complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 analytical measurements by ensuring consistent device positioning, reducing measurement uncertainties and improving the precision of results.

Implementation Method 1

capturing at least one first image of at least part of the test field... capturing at least one second image of at least part of the test field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Light

Data Source

PatentEP4065966B1Methods and devices for performing an analytical measurement
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 F HOFFMANN LA ROCHE & CO AG
  • EP4065966B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4065966B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4065966B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

Method of performing an analytical measurement based on a color formation reaction in an optical test strip (114) by using a mobile device (112) having a camera (118), a display (120) and a position sensor (124), comprising: a) providing a dry optical test strip having a test field (128); b) capturing a first image of the test field of the dry optical test strip; c) applying a sample (130) of bodily fluid to the test field; d) capturing a second image of the test field having the sample applied thereto; e) determining one item of admissibility information determined based on one or both of position sensor data and local position data indicating admissibility in case the position of the mobile device is substantially the same for capturing the first and the second image; f) if the item of admissibility information indicates admissibility, determining an analytical measurement result value.