Color Quantification in Chemical Test Pads Under Variable Lighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for automatically interpreting test results from dipsticks and immunoassays in un-calibrated environments are prone to user error due to variations in color perception and positioning issues, particularly in environments with impaired color vision and ambiguous lighting conditions.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that captures digital images of test strips and color references, performs automatic calibration, and identifies relevant portions of the image to determine analyte concentrations, minimizing user interaction with biological samples and reducing errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automatic color-based interpretation is used in un-calibrated environments, then productivity is improved by eliminating manual alignment and interpretation, but measurement precision deteriorates due to color variations from ambient lighting and camera sensor inconsistencies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting speedVSAvoidcolor accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calibration by capturing images of color reference samples under the actual ambient lighting conditions before measuring the test strip. This preliminary action establishes a baseline that accounts for lighting variations, allowing accurate interpretation without requiring controlled laboratory lighting conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Color reference samples serve as an intermediary between the ambient lighting conditions and the test strip measurement. By comparing the test strip colors against these reference samples captured under identical lighting conditions, the system eliminates the need for controlled lighting while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If manual alignment and interpretation of test strips is performed, then measurement precision can be maintained through careful observation, but ease of operation deteriorates due to user contact with biological samples and subjective color perception

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor interpretation accuracyVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically capturing images, identifying test strip regions, analyzing color changes, and determining analyte concentrations without requiring user alignment or interpretation. The automated image processing and color analysis algorithms eliminate subjective human factors while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of aligning and visually interpreting test strips is replaced with an automated optical and computational system. The camera captures the image, and software algorithms automatically perform color analysis and concentration determination, substituting human visual perception and manual manipulation with machine-based processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If additional positioning elements such as boxes or carpets are added to assist alignment, then ease of operation is improved by guiding proper placement, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment assistanceVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from requiring precise spatial alignment in the physical domain to automatic identification in the digital image domain. By capturing the entire scene including positioning elements and using image processing to locate the test strip, the system eliminates the need for complex physical positioning structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The camera and image processing system serve multiple functions: capturing the test strip image, identifying the test strip location, analyzing color changes, and determining analyte concentrations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate positioning devices, achieving alignment assistance through the universal imaging system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 provides accurate, precise, and cost-effective measurements by correcting color deficiencies and ambiguities in un-calibrated environments, ensuring reliable diagnostic results while adhering to medical regulations.

Implementation Method 1

capturing a digital image of at least a portion of the diagnostic instrument... with a camera sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20250102442A1Quantifying color changes in chemical test pads induced by different concentrations of analytes under different lighting conditions

Publication Date: 2025.03.27 HEALTHY IO LTD

AI summary

Color quantification of chemical test pads and titration of analytes can be performed under different lighting conditions. In one embodiment, the lighting condition is estimated under which a digital image is captured and utilized to select a set of reference colors from which the quantified color is compared to determine the titration. In another embodiment, a plurality of comparisons are made with different lighting conditions with the result having the highest confidence level being selected to determine the titration.