Optical Test Strip Imaging Under Validated Ambient Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining analyte concentration using mobile devices face challenges in ambient light conditions, requiring manual adjustments and potential inaccuracies due to ambient light variability, which can lead to incorrect results.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a mobile device equipped with a camera and an ambient light detector to perform an ambient light check, ensuring the ambient light meets validity criteria before determining the analyte concentration by evaluating images of an optical test strip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustments are made for ambient light conditions, then measurement flexibility is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to user error and inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting ambient light conditions and adjusting measurement parameters without requiring manual user intervention. The mobile device's camera and processing algorithms independently evaluate lighting conditions and compensate for ambient light effects, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust settings while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring ambient light conditions during the measurement process and dynamically adjusting measurement parameters based on detected light levels. The camera captures images of the test strip, the system analyzes the ambient light effects, and automatically compensates by adjusting evaluation algorithms to maintain precise analyte concentration measurements despite varying lighting conditions.
2Measurement precision
If automated ambient light checks are implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the multi-functionality of standard mobile device components, using the camera for both its primary photography function and for capturing test strip images in ambient light conditions. The same processor that handles general device operations also performs the specialized ambient light detection and compensation algorithms, eliminating the need for dedicated specialized hardware and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces software algorithms as an intermediary layer between the camera hardware and the measurement evaluation process. These algorithms mediate by detecting ambient light conditions and automatically adjusting the interpretation of test strip images, providing precise measurements without requiring complex hardware modifications to the mobile device.
3Reliability
If ambient light validation criteria are enforced, then measurement reliability is improved, but productivity decreases due to additional validation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by conducting ambient light validation checks automatically and in real-time during the measurement process, before final results are generated. This preliminary validation ensures that only measurements taken under acceptable lighting conditions are processed, maintaining reliability without requiring separate post-processing validation steps that would delay results.
Solution Approach 2:
The ambient light validation operates continuously throughout the measurement process rather than as a discrete interruptive step. The camera continuously captures images, and the processing algorithm continuously evaluates ambient light conditions, maintaining a seamless workflow that validates measurement reliability without breaking the measurement throughput or requiring additional time-consuming intervention steps.
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
Ensures accurate and user-friendly determination of analyte concentration by automatically adjusting to suitable ambient light conditions, preventing inaccurate measurements and enhancing measurement reliability.
Implementation Method 1
performing an ambient light check by using an ambient light detector for determining at least one item of ambient light information
Implementation Method 2
determining the concentration of the analyte by evaluating at least one image of at least a part of at least one reagent test region of an optical test strip
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of determining the concentration of at least one analyte in a bodily fluid by using a mobile device (112) is disclosed, the mobile device (112) having at least one camera (114) and at least one ambient light detector (122), the ambient light detector (122) comprising at least one of an ambient light sensor (124) and an additional camera (126), the method comprising: i. performing at least one ambient light check (178), the ambient light check (178) comprising: i.1 using the ambient light detector (122) for determining at least one item of ambient light information; and i.2 determining if at least one validity criterion on the item of ambient light information is fulfilled; ii. if the validity criterion is fulfilled, determining the concentration of the analyte in the bodily fluid by evaluating at least one image of at least a part of at least one reagent test region (118) of an optical test strip (116) having a sample of the bodily fluid applied thereto, the image being captured by the camera (114) of the mobile device (112). Further, a mobile device (112), a kit (110), a computer program and a computer-readable storage medium is disclosed.