Test Strip Recognition via Smartphone Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional physiological signal monitoring devices are inconvenient, large, expensive, and require additional calculating devices for sequential analyses, making them impractical for users to monitor their health conditions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system integrated with a portable electronic device for optics and image analyses, using a test-strip tray to capture test reactions and perform recognition and interpretation, allowing for portable and efficient physiologic parameter examination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional physiological signal monitoring devices are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the test strip examination function with a portable electronic device (smartphone), merging the imaging component, processing unit, and analysis software into a single integrated system. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated examination devices while maintaining measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable electronic device serves multiple functions: it captures images of test strips, processes the images to extract physiological parameters, stores examination results, and provides user interface for operation. This multi-functionality replaces traditional single-purpose medical devices.
2Measurement precision
If conventional physiological signal monitoring devices are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically captures the test strip image, processes the image to identify color characteristics, matches colors with reference values, and generates examination results without requiring manual intervention for each step. The user simply needs to insert the test strip and view results.
3Measurement precision
If conventional physiological signal monitoring devices are used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing and parameter extraction occur continuously and automatically immediately after the test strip is inserted, without requiring pauses for manual reading or data transfer. The system maintains continuous operation from sample insertion to result display.
4Measurement precision
If conventional physiological signal monitoring devices are used, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The portable electronic device can examine multiple types of test strips for different physiological parameters (urine analysis, blood glucose, etc.) using the same hardware platform and software processing algorithms, providing versatility across different examination types.
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 system enhances flexibility and convenience by enabling users to perform physiologic parameter examinations using a portable device, allowing for immediate results and efficient data transmission for advanced analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The image capturing component is adapted to capture a test reaction of the test strip through the window
Data Source
AI summary
A method for test strip recognition and interpretation is provided. The method includes the following steps. A plurality of test strips are provided, wherein the test strips are configured to examine a plurality of physiologic parameters respectively, and the test strips respectively have a plurality of color characteristics corresponding to the physiologic parameters respectively. A plurality of physiologic parameter examinations are performed to the corresponding test strips respectively, so as to obtain a plurality of test reactions. An image of the test strips is captured. The color characteristics and the test reactions of the test strips are obtained according to the image. The physiologic parameters examined by the test strips respectively are obtained according to the color characteristics. The physiologic parameters examined by the test strips are matched with the test reactions to obtain a plurality of physiologic parameter examination results.