Smartphone Camera Solute Concentration Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining solute concentration in liquid solutions require expensive and bulky equipment, limiting in-situ analysis and accessibility, especially for colored solutions that absorb in the visible light range, and often necessitate external devices increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device system utilizing a built-in camera and computer application processes images of colored liquid samples and standards to calculate solute concentration without external apparatus, using image recognition, pre-processing, and calibration curves to determine concentration values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional spectrophotometers or colorimeters are used to determine solute concentration, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a mobile device camera to capture an optical copy/image of the colored solution instead of requiring physical interaction with complex spectrophotometric equipment. The image data serves as a digital representation that can be processed to determine concentration, replacing the need for expensive laboratory instruments while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/optical systems (spectrophotometers, colorimeters, filters, light sources) with a digital imaging system. The mobile device camera captures the solution's color properties, and software algorithms process these images to determine concentration, substituting complex hardware with simpler computational methods
2Adaptability or versatility
If external measuring devices are attached to portable electronic devices, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mobile device itself universal by using its built-in camera for both general photography and specialized chemical analysis. The same camera that captures photos also measures solution concentration when equipped with appropriate software, eliminating the need for dedicated external measuring devices and making the technology accessible through everyday smartphones
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device performs all functions independently using its own built-in camera and processing capabilities. The device captures images, processes them through algorithms, and generates concentration results without requiring external attachments or additional hardware, making the system self-sufficient and truly portable
3Measurement precision
If laboratory facilities are required for sample analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the laboratory analysis process that can be executed on mobile devices. By capturing images of solutions and processing them through algorithms that replicate spectrophotometric calculations, the system brings laboratory-grade analysis capability to field settings without requiring physical laboratory infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces laboratory mechanical systems (spectrophotometers, controlled lighting, precise positioning mechanisms) with mobile device imaging and computational methods. The camera captures solution properties under ambient conditions, and software compensates for variations, enabling accurate analysis outside controlled laboratory environments
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
Enables fast, practical, and cost-effective determination of solute concentration in colored solutions using smartphone or tablet devices, eliminating the need for laboratory equipment and external devices, making it suitable for educational and on-site analyses.
Implementation Method 1
Optical-chemical analyzes are the most common methods for determining the concentration of a solute in a solution, based on the ability of compounds to absorb or emit light energy of different wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and system, particularly a mobile device, configured for determining the solute concentrations in a colored liquid sample, which is based on imaging of the sample and standards of known concentrations of solute, and determining the concentration of the sample on the basis of processing the images and the color values that they provide.