Mobile Test Strip Analysis With Temperature-Corrected Analyte Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods using mobile devices for analyte detection in body fluids face challenges in accurately accounting for temperature variations, which affect the accuracy of analyte concentration measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a mobile device with a camera and processor to capture images of a test strip reaction, combined with local temperature information from multiple sources, including remote weather services, external devices, and the device's own sensors, to correct for temperature impacts on the analyte concentration determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature information from multiple sources is integrated, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the mobile device as an intermediary to integrate temperature information from multiple external sources (weather services, external devices, sensors) rather than requiring direct integration between all temperature sources. This mediator approach improves measurement precision while managing system complexity by centralizing the integration logic in the mobile device's processor.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device performs multiple functions: it captures images of the test strip, processes the analyte concentration data, integrates temperature information from various sources, and applies temperature corrections. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate devices into a single universal platform, improving precision without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Measurement precision
If temperature correction is applied, then analyte concentration accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs temperature correction without requiring manual intervention from the user. The mobile device autonomously retrieves temperature information from available sources, applies the appropriate corrections to the analyte concentration measurement, and presents the corrected result. This self-service approach maintains ease of operation while improving accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs temperature correction as a preliminary step in the measurement process, automatically adjusting the analyte concentration reading based on temperature data before presenting the final result to the user. This preliminary action ensures accuracy is built into the measurement workflow without adding visible complexity for the end user.
3Reliability
If multiple temperature sources are used, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system retrieves temperature information from multiple sources but does not require all sources to be successfully accessed. It uses available temperature data from any combination of weather services, external devices, or built-in sensors to perform the correction. This partial action approach improves reliability by having redundant sources while minimizing time loss by not waiting for all sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors available temperature sources and adapts its data gathering strategy based on what is available. If one temperature source is unavailable or unreliable, the system feedbacks this information and automatically switches to alternative sources, maintaining reliability while optimizing the time required for temperature data acquisition.
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
This approach enables efficient and accurate determination of analyte concentration with reliable accuracy and low setup effort by incorporating temperature corrections, enhancing the precision of measurements.
Implementation Method 1
capturing at least one image of at least a part of an optical test strip having a sample of the body fluid applied onto a reagent test region of the test strip... determining the analyte concentration from the image captured, based on a color formation reaction
Data Source
AI summary
An analytical method for determining a concentration of an analyte is disclosed. In this method, an image of an optical test strip having a body fluid applied thereto is obtained with a camera of a mobile device. Local temperature information is received at a current location of the mobile device from a temperature source such as a remote weather information service or temperature sensor. Additional local temperature information is received by the mobile device from a thermochromic field provided on the test strip and/or on a color reference card. A processor determines a correction temperature and/or a correction temperature function using the local temperature information. The processor also determines the analyte concentration from the image captured and taking into account the correction temperature information.