RU2777489C2 - Methods and devices for analytical measurement - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: measuring equipment.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to the field of measuring equipment and concerns a method for the assessment of suitability of a mobile device for analytical measurement. The method includes: a) provision of at least one mobile device with at least one camera; b) provision of at least one reference object with at least one given spatial length in at least one spatial dimension; c) shooting with the camera of at least one image of at least part of the reference object; d) reception of at least one element of information about spatial resolution by means of the image, wherein at least one element of information about spatial resolution includes one or several numerical values quantifying the capability of the camera of resolving two or more objects in the image; e) comparison of at least one element of information about spatial resolution with at least one threshold value.

EFFECT: increase in the accuracy of measurements, when conducting analytical measurements, using a mobile device.

14 cl, 7 dwg

Description

The field of technology to which the invention relates

The invention relates generally to a method for evaluating the suitability of a mobile device having at least one camera for performing an analytical measurement. The invention also relates to a method for carrying out an analytical measurement, to a computer program and a mobile device for carrying out an analytical measurement, as well as to a kit for carrying out an analytical measurement. Such methods, devices or applications are used, in particular, to determine the concentration of glucose in the blood. In principle, as an alternative to, or in addition to, the determination of glucose, the invention can also be carried out in relation to the determination of one or more other types of analytes, i.e. analytes, in particular to the determination of one or more metabolites.

State of the art

A number of different devices and methods are known in the art for the determination of one or more analytes in physiological fluids, such as blood, urine, interstitial fluid and saliva. In the present description, the invention is discussed on a specific example of blood glucose measurements, without limiting the scope of protection of the invention. However, it should be noted that the present invention can be applied to other types of analytical measurements using test elements.

и соавт.: "Diabetes Technology and Therapeutics" ("Технология и лечение диабета"), том 10, дополнение 1, 2008, стр. 10-26.Various test elements are known from the prior art, containing at least one indicator reagent, also called a test reagent, on which a staining reaction occurs in the presence of at least one analyte to be determined. Some basic principles regarding test elements and reagents, which can also be used in the implementation of the present invention, are described, for example, in

et al.: Diabetes Technology and Therapeutics, Volume 10, Supplement 1, 2008, pp. 10-26.

One technical problem relevant in the field of analytical measurements, in particular analytical measurements based on color-forming (coloring) reactions, is to evaluate the color change due to the analytical reaction. In recent years, along with specialized analytical devices such as portable blood glucose meters (glucometers), the use of general purpose electronic devices such as smartphones and laptop computers for this purpose has become increasingly popular.

WO 2012/131386 A1 discloses an analytical system for analysis, comprising: a receptacle containing a reagent capable of entering into a chemical interaction with the applied sample of the analyte, manifested by a change in color or color scheme; a portable device, such as a mobile phone or laptop computer, comprising a processor and an image capture device, the processor being configured to process data received by the image capture device and output an analysis result of the applied analyte sample.

WO 2014/025415 A2 discloses a method and apparatus for analyzing biological materials based on a staining reaction. The method includes capturing and interpreting digital images of the instrument before and after interaction with a test material sample in an automatically calibrated environment. The tool contains a Unique Identification Label (UID), a Color Reference Strip (RCB) providing standardized color samples for image color calibration, and several Test Specific Assay Sequences (CTPs). The method also includes finding a tool in an image, extracting a UID, extracting an RCB, and finding multiple CTPs in each image. The method also reduces image noise in the CTP and automatically calibrates the image according to illumination measurements made on the RCB. The method also provides for determining the results of the analysis by comparing the color of the CTP image with the colors in the manufacturer's scale for color interpretation (MICC). The method allows these results to be presented in graphical or numerical form.

EP 1801568 A1 discloses a test strip and a method for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a biological fluid sample. The method involves positioning a camera at the test strip for graphical registration of the color indicator and the reference color area. For this relative position between the chamber and the strip, a measured value is determined and compared with the desired range of values. The camera is moved to reduce the deviation relative to the strip due to the discrepancy between the measured value and the desired value. In the color image captured by the camera, the image area associated with the indicator is isolated. The result of the comparison determines the concentration of the analyte in the sample.

EP 1963828 B1 discloses a method for measuring the concentration of at least one analyte contained in a sample of a biological fluid, characterized in that: a) preparing a test strip having at least one test point, at least one time indicator and at least one reference color scale, including white color and/or a color scale, b) a liquid sample is brought into contact with a test point and a time indicator, c) a color indicator is located in the test point, depending on the concentration of the analyte, d) the color of the time indicator changes depending on the length of time during which the liquid is in contact with the test point, and regardless of the concentration of at least one analyte, e) a chamber is located on the test strip, f) at least one measured value is determined relative position between the chamber and the test strip and compare this value with the nominal value range, g) if there is a discrepancy between the measured value m and the nominal range of values, the camera is moved relative to the test strip to reduce this discrepancy, and steps e) and g) are repeated, h) use the camera to record a color image, which displays at least a color indicator, a time indicator and a reference color gamut, i) on a color image, the image areas associated with the color indicator, the time indicator and the reference color gamut are found, and the color values of these image areas are determined, j) the time duration between the introduction of the liquid sample into contact with the test point and the recording of the color image is determined the color values determined for the time indicator using predetermined reference values, and k) the concentration of the analyte in the sample is determined based on the color values determined for the color indicator and the reference color gamut, and based on the duration of time, using predetermined control values.

US 2014/0080129 A1 discloses using the camera of a mobile device (phone, iPad, etc.) to capture an image of a chemical assay kit and process that image to obtain chemical composition information. In addition, a simple user interface is disclosed to enable automatic image evaluation, data entry, location information, and maintenance of records from previous analyses.

The purpose of the invention disclosed in WO 2014/057159 A1 is to measure, for example, the parameters of a test strip with a single device containing a digital imaging camera used to capture an image of the test strip, followed by a comparative measurement by means of reference colors available in a database associated with the user's mobile phone and using its program or firmware, and obtaining an accurate color measurement with respect to images from the database corresponding to the colors. This system allows the user to determine the level of glucose in the blood, for example, using a mobile phone containing the appropriate program and database, without the need for additional elements.

WO 2014/025415 A2 discloses a method and apparatus for analyzing biological materials based on a staining reaction. The method includes capturing and interpreting digital images of the instrument before and after interaction with a test material sample in an automatically calibrated environment. The tool contains a Unique Identification Label (UID), a Color Reference Strip (RCB) providing standardized color samples for image color calibration, and several Test Specific Assay Sequences (CTPs). The method also includes finding a tool in an image, extracting a UID, extracting an RCB, and finding multiple CTPs in each image. The method also reduces image noise in the CTP and automatically calibrates the image according to illumination measurements made on the RCB. The method also provides determination of the results of the analysis by comparing the color of the CTP image with the colors in the manufacturer's scale for color interpretation (MICC). The method allows these results to be presented in graphical or numerical form.

WO 02/13136 A2 discloses a method for identifying the color of a target surface, comprising capturing a digital image of the target surface and a test card having a set of color fields, each of which has a known true color. The digital image is analyzed to determine the captured target color, i. the target surface color, and the captured colors of the test card color fields. Based on the captured and known colors of the color fields of the test card, a correction model is calculated that takes into account external lighting conditions and distortions caused by the image capture device. This correction model is applied to the captured target color and the resulting estimated true target color is compared to a product true color database to determine the closest matching product color.

In Dong-Xue, M. Wang et al.: "Simple and effective method to quantify the optical performance of camera phones", Proceedings of SPIE, Volume 5668, January 17, 2005 (2005-01-17), p. 214, ХР055554976, 1000 20th St. Bellingham WA 98225-6705 USA, ISSN: 0277-786X, DOI: 10.1117/12.585966, ISBN 978-1-5106-20999-5, proposes a simple method based on binary sets of line pairs for evaluating the quality of an image captured by camera phones, where four different quadrants are located four corresponding pairs of lines with different spatial resolution. At the same time, at four different spatial resolutions for the entire field of view, you can check the value of the modulation transfer function (MTF) of camera phones. In addition, at this time, other key parameters of optical imaging quality criteria, such as image distortion, relative illumination, can be characterized. In addition, using the same test set, you can determine and evaluate the possible color moiré caused by the superposition of colors from the RGB channels.

EP 0 864 858 A2 describes a method and calibration device for calibrating an aqueous solution analysis system comprising a pixel array and a variable focal length for focusing illuminated images of aqueous solutions onto the pixel array. The method includes the steps of illuminating a pattern on a calibration device to obtain an illuminated image of this pattern and directing this illuminated image through a lens onto a matrix of pixels. The method includes another step of obtaining data values representing an image on the pixel array and using these data values to adjust the focus of the lens and adjust the position of the calibration device relative to the pixel array.

Despite the advantages associated with using consumer electronics devices having a camera to evaluate analytical measurements, several technical problems remain. So, even if the online calibration method using test elements with reference color stripes is known, for example from WO 2014/025415 A2, the analytical measurement error generally depends on many technical factors that are not yet taken into account when evaluating measurement results. In particular, there are a huge number of camera-equipped mobile devices on the market, all of which have different technical and optical characteristics that must be taken into account for analytical measurement. Some of the mobile devices, although capable of capturing images of the test element, may be completely unsuitable for analytical measurements. Another problem is that online calibration measurements are quite complex and time consuming. However, computer time and data processing resources in particular are critical, especially when performing measurements with portable devices. Other technical problems are that the registration of a test item, such as a test strip, or part of it, such as a test field, is quite time and resource consuming, which, in particular, negatively affects real-time calculations. , often used to give the user hints (instructions) during image acquisition. So, as a rule, the actual size of the test element located within the image is usually unknown. In addition, the resolution of the camera is also usually unknown, which, in particular, adversely affects pattern recognition and statistical analysis.

Problem being solved

Therefore, it is desired to provide methods and devices that solve the above technical problems of analytical measurements using mobile devices such as mobile consumer electronics devices, in particular multi-purpose mobile devices not specifically designed for analytical measurements, such as smartphones or tablet computers. In particular, it is desired to provide methods and devices that can be widely used with existing mobile devices and are suitable for improving measurement accuracy and user friendliness.

Disclosure of the essence of the invention

This problem is solved in methods and devices characterized by features of independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention, which can be implemented individually or in any combination, are indicated in the dependent claims.

In the text of the description and the claims, the terms "has", "comprises", "includes" or any of their grammatical variations are used in a non-exclusive way, leaving the corresponding formulations open. Thus, these terms can be used both in a situation in which the corresponding object in the context of the invention lacks any other features than the feature introduced by these terms, and in a situation in which one or more other features are also present. For example, the expressions "A has B", "A contains B", and "A includes B" can be used both in a situation in which the object A has no other elements than B (i.e., in a situation in which A consists of B and only of B), and in a situation in which in object A, in addition to B, there are one or more other elements, for example, element C, elements D and E, or other additional elements.

Further, it should be noted that the expressions "at least one", "one or more" or similar expressions indicating that it can be one or more than one feature or element, are usually used below only once - when introducing the corresponding feature. or element. In most cases, when the corresponding feature or element is subsequently indicated, the expressions "at least one" or "one or more" are not repeated, despite the fact that it may be one or more than one corresponding feature or element.

Further, hereinafter, the expressions "preferably", "more preferably", "especially", "mainly", "in particular", "primarily" or similar expressions are used in relation to optional features, without limiting alternative possibilities. Therefore, the features introduced by these expressions are optional, i.e. are optional and are not intended to limit the scope of patent claims in any way. As should be clear to the specialist, the implementation of the invention is possible using alternative features. Likewise, features introduced by the expression "in one embodiment of the invention" or similar expressions are intended to be optional and do not imply any limitations as to alternative embodiments of the invention, as to the scope of the legal protection of the invention, and as to the combination possibilities introduced in this way. features with other optional or mandatory features of the invention.

In a first aspect of the invention, a method is provided for evaluating the suitability of a mobile device having at least one camera for performing an analytical measurement. Analytical measurement, as described in more detail below, may be based, in particular, on the color-forming reaction, for example, using at least one indicator reagent described above. The method includes the following steps, which, for example, can be performed in the order indicated. However, it should be noted that another procedure for performing the corresponding actions is also possible. In addition, it is also possible to perform one or more steps of the method once or more than once. In addition, two or more method steps may be performed simultaneously or overlapping in time. The method may also include other steps not listed.

The method according to the invention includes the following steps:

a) providing at least one mobile device having at least one camera;

b) providing at least one reference object having at least one predetermined spatial extent in at least one spatial dimension;

c) capturing by the camera at least one image of at least a portion of the reference object; and

d) obtaining at least one element of information about the spatial resolution through the image.

The term "mobile device" in this context is a broad term to be construed in its ordinary meaning familiar to the average person and should not be limited to any particular or specialized meaning. In particular, the term may refer to, without limitation, a mobile electronic device, namely a mobile communication device such as a cellular phone or smartphone. In addition to or alternatively to a mobile communication device, as discussed in more detail below, a mobile device may also refer to a tablet computer or other type of portable computer having at least one camera.

The term "camera" in this context is a broad term to be interpreted in its ordinary meaning familiar to the average person and should not be limited to any particular or specialized meaning. In particular, this term may refer, without limitation, to a device having at least one imaging (imaging) element, configured to register or capture spatially resolved optical information in one, two or even three dimensions. For example, the camera may include at least one imager IC, such as at least one charge-coupled device (CCD) IC and/or at least one CMOS IC configured to capture an image. In this context, without limitation, the term "image" may specifically refer to data recorded by a camera, such as a plurality of electronic values received from an imager, in particular to pixels on a camera's integrated circuit. Thus, the image itself may contain pixels corresponding to the pixels of the image-forming camera integrated circuit. Therefore, when talking about "pixels", they mean either units of image information generated by individual pixels of the camera's integrated circuit, or directly by individual pixels of the camera's integrated circuit.

The camera, in addition to at least one image sensor or an image-forming integrated circuit, may contain additional elements, such as one or more optical elements, such as one or more lenses. For example, the camera may be a fixed focus camera having at least one lens fixed to the image sensor. However, as an alternative, the camera may also contain one or more variable lenses, which can be adjusted automatically or manually. The camera, in particular, may be built into the mobile device.

The term "suitability" in this context is a broad term to be construed in its ordinary meaning familiar to the average person and should not be limited to any particular or specialized meaning. In particular, this term may refer, without limitation, to the property of an element or device that characterizes its ability to perform one or more specified functions. For example, suitability can be expressed qualitatively or quantitatively using one or more characteristic device parameters. These one or more characteristic parameters, as described in more detail below, can be compared, individually or in a given combination, with one or more conditions. As a simple example, individual parameters, or one or more of the parameters, can be compared to one or more control values, reference values, or standard values, and such comparison can be qualitative or quantitative, and can produce a binary result, such as "good " or "unsuitable"/"unsuitable". For example, at least one control or reference value may include at least one threshold value, as described in more detail below. However, in addition to, or as an alternative to, a binary result, the comparison may output a quantitative result, such as a number indicating the degree of suitability. Control values, reference values or standard values can be derived, for example, from experiments or from boundary conditions determined, for example, by the required accuracy.

The term "analytical measurement" in this context is a broad term to be interpreted in its ordinary meaning familiar to the average person and should not be limited to any particular or specialized meaning. In particular, this term may refer to, without limitation, the qualitative and/or quantitative determination of at least one analyte in a sample or sample of a substance. The result of an analytical measurement may be, for example, the concentration of an analyte and/or the presence or absence of an analyte to be determined.

At least one analyte, for example, may be or may include one or more specific chemical compounds and/or other parameters. For example, you can determine one or more analytes involved in metabolism, such as glucose in the blood. In addition to or as an alternative to blood glucose, other types of analytes or parameters, such as pH, can be determined. At least one sample in particular may be or may contain at least one bodily fluid such as blood, interstitial fluid, urine, saliva, and the like. However, samples of other substances, such as water, may be used in addition to or as an alternative to bodily fluid.

The result of the analytical measurement, in particular, may include a change in at least one optical property of the test element, and this change can be measured or determined visually using a camera. In particular, the result of an analytical measurement may be or may include a color-forming reaction occurring in the presence of at least one analyte. The term "color-forming reaction" in this context is a broad term to be interpreted in its usual meaning familiar to the average person, and should not be limited to any private or specialized meaning. In particular, this term may refer, without limitation, to a chemical, biological or physical reaction during which, during its course, the color of at least one participating in the reaction element, in particular its reflectivity, changes. Thus, for example, reference may be made to the aforementioned biochemical reactions commonly used to determine blood glucose by color change. The person skilled in the art is aware of other types of color-changing or color-forming reactions, such as typical chemical reactions to determine the pH value.

The term "reference object" in this context is a broad term to be interpreted in its ordinary meaning familiar to the average person, and should not be limited to any particular or specialized meaning. In particular, the term may refer to, without limitation, any (arbitrary) object having a given spatial extent in at least one spatial dimension. For example, the reference object may be or may include one or more of the following: a visual reference scale, a visual reference field, or a visual reference mark affixed to, printed on, or integrated into at least one object. As described in more detail below, the reference object, for example, may be one or more of the following: a visual reference scale, a visual reference field, or a visual reference mark attached to at least one object, such as a test item. , in particular a test strip, a container for test elements, in particular a container for test strips, a package for accommodating at least one test element printed on or integrated into such an object. For example, the reference object may be a reference field having a known or predetermined spatial extent in at least one spatial dimension, such as in the x and/or y direction in a coordinate system associated with the reference object, such a reference field being, for example, printed on object surface. However, in addition or alternatively, the object itself can also function as a reference object, for example, one or more of the following: a test strip container, a package for housing at least one test element, or a test strip or its part. Thus, for example, the width and/or length of the test strip and/or the test area of the test strip is generally known with very high accuracy. When capturing an image of a test strip and counting, for example, the number of pixels across the width of the test strip within the image of the test strip, the test strip itself can function as a reference object. A reference object can also have multiple functions. Thus, for example, the reference object may comprise a reference color field, which, for example, may provide not only a reference color, but also reference spatial information in at least one spatial dimension.

In addition, in this context, the term "given spatial extent in at least one spatial dimension" is a broad term to be construed in its ordinary meaning familiar to the average person, and should not be limited to any particular or specialized meaning. In particular, the term may refer to, without limitation, a known or determinable extent, such as width, height, or depth, as measured, for example, in at least one direction in space, for example, in a direction defined by the reference object itself, in particular its longitudinal or transverse extent. Thus, for example, to capture an image of a test strip or test field having a substantially rectangular shape, the first side of the rectangular shape may define the direction or measurement along the x-axis, and the second side of the rectangular shape may define the direction or measurement along the y-axis . Thus, for example, the extent of a test strip or test field in the x-axis dimension may be the width of the test strip or test field, while, for example, the extent of the test strip or test field in the y-axis dimension may be the height test strip or test field. Since this width and/or height is generally known, the test strip or test field, for example, can serve or function as a reference object.

Capturing by the camera of at least one image of at least part of the reference object may include, in particular, capturing an image containing at least a region of interest located within at least one reference object. Thus, for example, the reference object may be automatically recognized within the image, such as by a pattern recognition method known to one skilled in the art, and at least one region of interest, such as a rectangular, square, polygonal, oval, or circular region of interest, may be selected within the reference object.

Capturing at least one image may be triggered by a user action or may be triggered automatically, such as automatically detecting the presence of at least one reference object within the field of view and/or within a given sector of the camera's field of view. Such automatic imaging techniques are known, for example, in the field of automatic barcode readers, in particular from applications that automatically read barcodes. The survey of at least one part of the reference object can be carried out, in particular, so that at least one part of the reference object is visible, having at least one predetermined spatial extent in at least one spatial dimension, from which the above-mentioned spatial information can be obtained. resolution. Thus, for example, it is generally sufficient to capture an image of an edge, such as the edge of a reference color field or a test field, or an image of a part of a test strip, such as a small edge of a test strip, for which the actual spatial extent is known.

The term "spatial resolution information" in this context is a broad term to be interpreted in its ordinary meaning familiar to the average person and should not be limited to any particular or specialized meaning. In particular, the term may refer to, without limitation, an arbitrary piece of information, such as one or more numerical values, quantifying the camera's ability to resolve two or more objects in an image. Thus, for example, and without limiting other possibilities, at least one element of information about the spatial resolution may include at least one element of information regarding the ratio (quotient of division) of the image size and the size of the object, or the inverse relationship. In addition or alternatively, the at least one element of spatial resolution information may also include the number of pixels contained in the image in at least one spatial dimension per unit distance in the real object or reference object. So, for example, when obtaining an image of a line, scale, edge, or other type of reference object having a given spatial extent in at least one spatial dimension, at least one element of spatial resolution information may contain information about the number of pixels contained in at least in one spatial dimension to which the reference object is mapped. Thus, the spatial resolution information may be represented by a number having a dimension of "pixels/mm" or another dimension indicating the number of pixels per unit distance. The at least one element of spatial resolution information may provide, in particular, information on how close two different points or two different elements that exist in the real world can be located to each other in order to be separate in the image.

As described in more detail below, various ways of determining at least one element of information about the spatial resolution are known, which can be used in the implementation of the method proposed in the invention. For example, a spatial resolution information element can be generated by simply counting the pixels of an image of a reference object, specifically by determining the number of pixels along one axis, and dividing the number of pixels by the known spatial extent of the reference object. Thus, for example, an edge of a test strip having a known length L may have a length of N pixels in the image of that edge, so that at least one piece of spatial resolution information can simply be computed as R=N/L or R=L/N . Thus, at least one element of spatial resolution information may generally include a reproduction scale indicating the number of pixels per unit distance in at least one spatial dimension of an image.

The determination of at least one element of information about the spatial resolution, in particular, can be carried out by at least one transformation algorithm that converts at least one image or part of it into at least one element of information about the spatial resolution. Thus, for example, an image recognition algorithm may be used to detect, for example, an edge or other type of reference object, to count pixels, and to compute or otherwise determine at least one element of image-related spatial resolution information. In particular, as described in more detail below, at least one element of spatial resolution information may be obtained by at least one processor.

The method according to the first aspect of the present invention can also be improved by including the following step:

e) comparing at least one element of information about the spatial resolution with at least one threshold value, providing at least one element of information about the suitability of the mobile device for the purpose of making an analytical measurement.

Thus, at least one threshold value, such as a predetermined or predetermined threshold, may be provided for at least one element of spatial resolution information. As stated above, for example, the at least one threshold value may be determined or set by the required accuracy of the analytical measurement. The at least one threshold value may be determined in particular by the minimum number of pixels contained in at least one spatial dimension within at least one area of interest in the image. For example, as explained in more detail below in the exemplary embodiments of the invention, in the case of glucose measurements, a certain maximum tolerance may be specified, such as a maximum deviation of 2% at a blood glucose concentration of 100 mg/dl. Since the accuracy of a measurement, or the tolerance of a measurement result, as known to the statistician, can generally be improved by averaging over a large number of pixels, and the deviation from the average is usually inversely proportional to the square root of the number of pixels over which the averaging is performed, the maximum tolerance or the maximum deviation can be converted to the minimum spatial resolution or the minimum number of pixels per image, per unit area, per unit distance, and so on. Thus, for example, at least one piece of information about the spatial resolution obtained in step d) can be compared with a threshold value derived from the required accuracy of the determination of the glucose concentration or the required accuracy of the analytical measurement of another kind. However, it should be noted that other possibilities for comparing at least one piece of spatial resolution information with at least one threshold value are possible. So, for example, comparisons of the type R<T can be provided; R>T; R≤T; R≥T; T1<R<T2; T1≤R<T2; T1<R≤T2 or T1≤R≤T2, where T, T1, T2 are threshold values and R is at least one piece of spatial resolution information.

The term "fitness information element" in this context is a broad term to be interpreted in its ordinary meaning familiar to the average person and should not be limited to any particular or specialized meaning. In particular, this term may refer, without limitation, to an indication or information regarding suitability, in particular in the case in question, the suitability of a mobile device for the purpose of performing an analytical measurement. The suitability information element may be, for example, logical or numeric information having, for example, the values "valid" or "unsuitable"/"unsuitable". So, for example, in the case of comparing the width of the distribution of the peak of the statistical distribution of the color coordinate with at least one threshold value, for example, a threshold value derived or obtained using the maximum tolerance on the result of the glucose measurement, and in case this width is greater than the threshold value or greater than, or at least equal to, the threshold value, the mobile device may be determined to be unsuitable for the purpose of performing the analytical measurement. However, as an alternative to using booleans, as already mentioned above, fitness can also be quantified, i.e. be expressed quantitatively.

The term "region of interest" (ROI) in this context is a broad term to be interpreted in its ordinary meaning familiar to the average person and should not be limited to any particular or specialized meaning. In particular, the term may refer, without limitation, to a subset of data included in a larger data set and defined for some purpose. For example, the specified term may refer to at least one partial image or area within the image, defined for some purpose. In this context, the region of interest may be, in particular, a partial image, which is used in step d) to obtain at least one element of spatial resolution information. In the context of at least one analytical measurement, as explained below in relation to step iii) of the method, at least one region of interest, in particular, may be an area within the image of the test field, for example a circle, oval, polygon or square, for example, the maximum square that lies within the part of the image that contains the test box. For example, a test field can be recognized in an image by means of an image recognition algorithm, and a region of interest, such as a square region of interest, can be extracted within the test field image for the purpose of analysis, such as by means of a color-forming reaction. Thus, for example, a color, such as at least one color coordinate of pixels within at least one region of interest, can be determined, including, for example, statistical analysis, in particular, determination of the distribution center and determination of a deviation, such as standard deviation. In order to determine the area of interest within the image - either the image of the reference object or the image of the test element - certain features can be detected, for example, by an image recognition method known to the person skilled in the art, in particular by recognizing the shape or ordinal lines of the reference object and/or the test element. fields. The area of interest, in particular, can be determined automatically. The region of interest determination may also be repeated if the region of interest could not be determined or if the image quality is determined to be too low to determine the region of interest. Other embodiments of the invention are discussed below.

The method may also include:

e) correcting the scale information of images received by the mobile device by at least one element of spatial resolution information.

The term "image scale information" in this context is a broad term to be interpreted in its ordinary meaning familiar to the average person and should not be limited to any particular or specialized meaning. In particular, the term may refer to, without limitation, any type of information indicating a relationship between a distance in an image and a corresponding distance in the real world. Thus, for example, information about the scale of images may indicate the distance in real life, which corresponds to a certain number of pixels. This information may relate, for example, to a predetermined or predetermined distance between the camera and the object captured by the camera. For example - and as is usually the case - in step c), the reference object can be brought as close to the camera as is technically feasible without loss of sharpness. For example, a reference object can be brought as close to the camera as possible to capture an image so that the image is still sharp. Similarly, in step iii) below, the test element as it is captured in partial step b. to obtain an image of at least part of it, can be placed in front of the camera at such a minimum distance that still allows you to get a sharp image. Image scale information may refer to this minimum distance. In general, once at least one element of spatial resolution information is determined, that spatial resolution information can typically also provide image scale information. Starting the implementation of the method, the image scale information can be set to a default value, and in step e) the image scale information can be corrected in accordance with at least one element of the spatial resolution information obtained in step d).

At least one element of information about the scale of the images can be used in various ways. For example, as described in more detail below, a visual cue may be provided to the user when capturing an image, in particular when capturing a reference object image in step c) and/or capturing a test field image in step iii) b. below. Thus, for example, the hint may include overlaying the shape of the reference image and/or the shape of the test element and/or the test field when capturing the image, and the size of this shape can be adjusted in accordance with the information about the scale of the images.

Other particular features may relate to obtaining at least one element of spatial resolution information in step d). Thus, for example, the step of obtaining at least one element of spatial resolution information by means of an image may include the following substeps:

d1) recognizing within the image at least one reference object having at least one predetermined spatial extent in at least one spatial dimension;

d2) determining the number of pixels representing the object in the image in at least one spatial dimension;

d3) obtaining at least one element of spatial resolution information by means of the number of pixels and a given spatial extent of the reference object in at least one spatial dimension.

Possible embodiments of these substeps have already been partially discussed above. While step d3) may include, in particular, determining the ratio (quotient of division) of the number of pixels and a given spatial extent or the reciprocal of this ratio to obtain at least one element of information about the spatial resolution.

At least one processor and software instructions may be used to perform at least step d) of the method.

As described in more detail below, the method for evaluating the suitability of a mobile device, as well as the method for performing an analytical measurement mentioned below, in particular, can be fully or partially implemented in a computer, in particular in a computer of a mobile device, for example, in a processor of a mobile device. Thus, in particular, the method may include using at least one processor and software instructions to perform at least step d) of the method. In particular, the methods according to the invention can be fully or partially implemented as so-called applications, for example for the Android or iOS operating systems, which, for example, can be downloaded from the application store. In this case, in particular, when it comes to a method for evaluating the suitability of a mobile device, the method may include using at least one processor and software instructions to perform at least step d) of the method. The software commands, in particular the application, may also provide guidance to the user, for example by one or more of the following means: display, audio instructions or other indications, to support steps a), b) and c) of the method. In this case, as mentioned above, step c) of the method can also be completely or partially implemented in a computer, for example, due to the fact that the camera captures at least one image of at least one part of the reference object is carried out automatically after the reference object or part of it turned out to be / turned out to be within the field of view of the camera and / or a certain area located in the field of view. The processor for implementing the method may in particular be part of the mobile device.

As indicated above, the mobile device may in particular be a mobile computer and/or a mobile communication device. Thus, in particular, the mobile device can be selected from the group consisting of a mobile communication device, in particular a smartphone, a portable computer, in particular a laptop, a tablet computer.

As indicated above, there are other method steps that may be implemented in a computer or may be performed using a computer, in particular the processor of a mobile device. Thus, for example, step c) of the method may include providing a visual cue to the user as to the positioning of the mobile device relative to the object. In addition to or as an alternative to the visual cue, an audible or other kind of cue may be used.

Other embodiments of the invention may relate to a reference object. As discussed above, the reference object may be wholly or partly formed by another object, hereinafter referred to simply as "object". Such an object can be selected, in particular, from the group consisting of a test element, in particular a test strip, a container for test elements, in particular a container for test strips, a package for accommodating at least one test element. In doing so, there are several possibilities. First, the reference object may, for example, be or include an imprint made on the object having a predetermined spatial extent or scale providing at least one predetermined spatial extent in at least one dimension. As an alternative to the footprint, the reference object may also be a real object. For example, as discussed above, the reference object may be a test item or a portion thereof, in particular a test field of a test item, such test item or portion having a predetermined spatial extent in at least one dimension.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for performing an analytical measurement, which (analytical measurement) uses a mobile device having at least one camera. The method includes the following steps, which may be performed in the order listed. However, another procedure for performing the corresponding actions is also possible. In addition, one step, more than one step, or even all steps of the method may be performed once or repeatedly. In addition, the method steps may be performed sequentially, or alternatively, two or more method steps may be performed overlapping in time or even in parallel. The method may also include other steps not listed.

The method includes the following steps:

i) evaluation of the suitability of the mobile device, performed by the method proposed in the invention in one of its variants;

ii) interrupting the execution of the analytical measurement method if at least one element of the spatial resolution information indicates that the mobile device is unsuitable for the analytical measurement;

iii) making an analytical measurement, if at least one piece of spatial resolution information indicates that the mobile device is capable of making an analytical measurement, which includes the following steps:

a. applying at least one sample to at least one test element having at least one indicator reagent capable of inducing a color-forming reaction;

b. taking with the camera at least one image of at least a portion of the test element;

in. evaluating the image and obtaining at least one element of analytical information about it.

For possible definitions of most of the terms used herein, reference may be made to the disclosure of the mobile device suitability assessment method described above or discussed in more detail below.

With respect to step i) of the method, reference may be made to the description of the above method. Thus, for example, reference may be made to the description of step e) of a method in which at least one element of spatial resolution information may be compared with at least one threshold value, thereby determining at least one element of mobile device suitability information for the purpose of conducting analytical measurement. When performing step i) of the method, for example, at least one element of suitability information may be used, which, for example, may be or may include digital information or logical "pass" or "fail" information. Depending on this suitability information, the method may branch between steps ii) and iii), wherein in step i) the suitability query may be programmed, for example, as subroutine "if...", subroutine "if...then..." or other similar subroutine.

To evaluate at least one image and obtain at least one element of analytical information about it, several algorithms known to a person skilled in the field of analysis, for example, in the field of blood glucose monitoring, can be used. Thus, for example, the color of the test element can be evaluated, for example the color of at least one test field having at least one indicator reagent. For example, when evaluating an image of a test item, an area of interest, such as an area of interest within the test floor of the test item, can be determined in the image, and color analysis, such as statistical analysis, can be performed. For example, within a portion of an image recognized as a test field image, a rectangular, square, polygonal, oval, or circular region of interest may be defined. You can then statistically analyze the color of the pixels within the region of interest. For example, it is possible to obtain the values of one or more color coordinates for the pixels and perform a statistical analysis of the color coordinates on the area of interest. For example, a distribution center of at least one color coordinate can be determined. The term "color coordinate" in this context is a broad term to be interpreted in its ordinary meaning familiar to the average person, and should not be limited to any private or specialized meaning. In particular, the term may refer to, without limitation, a coordinate in an arbitrary color coordinate system used to describe a color using coordinates. The person skilled in the art is aware of a number of color coordinate systems that can be used in the context of the present invention. For example, a colorimetric coordinate system or a coordinate system based on human perception, such as the CIE 1964 color space, the Munsell color system, or other coordinate systems such as R, G, B, L, a, b, may be used.

Thus, to obtain analytical information from an image, for example, a predetermined or predetermined relationship between at least one color coordinate of a test element, such as a test field, and a controlled value can be used. As stated above, a test element or part thereof, such as a test field containing at least one indicator reagent, and/or a region of interest located within the test field containing at least one indicator reagent, can be statistically analyzed. . Thus, for example, within an image of a test element, at least one test field can be recognized, preferably automatically recognized, for example by pattern recognition methods and/or other algorithms, as described in the examples below. Again, one or more regions of interest can be defined within the partial image of the test field. On the region of interest, color coordinates can be determined, for example again blue color coordinates and/or other color coordinates, for example also by means of one or more histograms. Statistical analysis may include fitting one or more smoothing curves to at least one histogram, eg as described above, whereby, for example, the center of a peak can be determined. Thus, the color-forming response can be observed using one or more images, and for one or more images, the center of the peak can be determined by statistical analysis, which allows you to determine the color shift, or color change, at least in one coordinate. Once a color reaction has completed or reached a predetermined or identifiable end point, as one skilled in the art, for example, blood glucose monitoring, one can determine a shift in at least one color coordinate or color coordinates of the end point, which can be converted, for example, to the concentration of the analyte in the sample by means of a predetermined or predetermined relationship between the color coordinate and the concentration. This relationship, such as a conversion function, a conversion table, or a lookup table, may be obtained, for example, empirically, and may be stored, for example, in at least one storage device of the mobile device, for example, by software, in particular by an application downloaded from an application store. or other similar source.

As discussed above, methods known in the art generally involve obtaining calibration information from the test strip or test cell itself. The method proposed in the invention makes it possible to separate the step of evaluating the suitability of a mobile device for carrying out an analytical measurement and the step of carrying out an analytical measurement itself, and in the case of determining the suitability of a mobile device, it can be used to carry out any number of analytical measurements. However, as an alternative to the aforementioned one-time assessment, the mobile device suitability assessment in step i) may be repeated, for example, after predetermined or predetermined intervals have elapsed, or when any changes are made to the mobile device. The software, such as a software application, may prompt the user to perform step i), for example, by displaying appropriate instructions on the display and/or in the form of audio instructions. However, in particular, step i) may be performed at least once before step iii) is performed, if at all. Step i) may be performed once before performing step iii) at least once, or step i) may be performed once before performing step iii) multiple times.

If at least one piece of information about the spatial resolution indicates the unsuitability of the mobile device to carry out the analytical measurement, the execution of the method for carrying out the analytical measurement may be interrupted. This interruption, for example, may also include informing the user of the mobile device that the mobile device is unsuitable for performing an analytical measurement. The relevant information can be provided, for example, in the form of normal display information and/or audio information.

In addition to or as an alternative to informing the user above, if the mobile device is determined to be unsuitable for performing an analytical measurement, step ii) may also include blocking future attempts to make an analytical measurement with the mobile device. So, for example, when the user tries again to launch the software application on his mobile phone, the display may show an appropriate message, such as "Sorry, the mobile device is unusable!", or a message of similar content, and the analytical measurement may be blocked.

Again, in addition or alternatively, step ii) may also include sending information about the unsuitability of the mobile device for analytical measurement to the software download server, in particular to inform the software download server about the unsuitability of this particular type of mobile device, in features in order to prevent the offer of analytical measurement software from being downloaded on this particular type of mobile device in the future. Thus, for example, the software download server, having received the above unsuitability information, may not provide analytic software for download on that particular type of mobile device in the future.

Other details may refer to step b. taking at least one image with the camera. Yes, step b. may include the following substeps:

b1. determining a target size for the test element or the test field of the test element in the image;

b2. prompting the user when capturing the image by overlaying the image with a visual indicator representing the target size.

Thus, for example, the method may include determining, by means of at least one element of spatial resolution information, a desired test element size in the image, for example at a given distance, in particular at the aforementioned minimum distance at which a sharp image is still possible. For example, if the width and length of a test strip or test area expressed in millimeters are known, and if the spatial resolution information includes information about the number of pixels corresponding to 1 mm, the number of pixels corresponding to the width and the number of pixels corresponding to length by simply multiplying the corresponding number of pixels per millimeter by the width or length value. This allows, for example, to build a visual indicator on the screen of a mobile device, such as a square or rectangular frame, which can be superimposed on the current image. The user can adjust the position of the mobile device and, accordingly, the distance between the mobile device and the test element until the test element or test field is inside the frame. Other visual indicators are also possible. Once the desired position of the mobile device has been reached by the method, image acquisition can start automatically.

The target size can be determined, in particular, by at least one element of information about the spatial resolution and a given minimum number of pixels to perform a step in., in particular, the minimum number of pixels that are inside the region of interest within the image, by obtaining its target size.

So, as above, step c. may include, in particular, determining an area of interest within the image, obtaining color information by statistical analysis on the pixels of the area of interest, and obtaining at least one element of analytical information through this color information. A computer program containing machine-executable instructions for implementing the method according to one of its considered variants, in particular step d) of the method, and, if necessary, one or more steps c) and e) of the method, when the program is executed in a computer or computer network, in particular in a processor a mobile device having at least one camera.

In yet another aspect, a computer program is provided that contains computer-executable instructions for carrying out the method according to one of the embodiments described here, in particular for carrying out step d), and, if necessary, one or more of steps c), e) and e) of the method. , when executing a program in a computer or computer network, in particular in the processor of a mobile device having at least one camera. In addition, computer-executable instructions may also provide steps i) and ii), and if necessary, may also provide at least a hint for step iii) of the method. In this case, it may be possible to use a hint for partial step a), capturing at least one image in partial step b) can be automatically initiated by computer-executable commands, and image evaluation and obtaining analytical information in step c) can be performed by computer-executable commands.

Thus, in general, the present description discloses and proposes a computer program containing computer-executable instructions for carrying out the method corresponding to the present invention in one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein, when the program is executed on a computer or computer network. In particular, the computer program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Thus, in particular, one step, more than one step, or even all steps of the method as mentioned above can be carried out using a computer or a computer network, preferably by means of a computer program. The computer, in particular, may be fully or partially integrated (embedded) in the mobile device, and computer programs, in particular, may be implemented as a software application. However, as an alternative to using an embedded computer, at least part of the computer may reside outside the mobile device.

In addition, the present application discloses and proposes a computer program product having program code means for implementing the method of the present invention in one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein, when executing the program on a computer or computer network, for example, for implementing one or more of the process steps mentioned above. In particular, the program code means may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

In addition, the present application discloses and proposes a data carrier with a data structure stored therein, which, after being loaded into a computer or computer network, for example, into a random access memory or main storage device of a computer or computer network, provides for the implementation of the method in one or more variants of it. implementation disclosed in this description, in particular provides for the implementation of one or more of the steps of the method mentioned above.

In addition, the present application discloses and proposes a computer program product with program code means stored in a computer-readable medium for implementing the method in one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein, when executing a program on a computer or computer network, in particular for carrying out one or more of the method steps mentioned above. In this context, a computer program product refers to a program as a tradable good. In general, a product may exist in any format, such as a paper format or a computer-readable storage medium. In particular, the computer program product may be distributed over a data network.

Finally, the present application discloses and proposes a modulated information signal containing instructions readable by a computer system or computer network for implementing the method in one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein, in particular one or more of the method steps mentioned above.

In particular, the disclosure of the invention also provides for the possibility of its implementation in the following forms:

- a computer or computer network containing (th) at least one processor, configured to implement the method in one of the embodiments of its implementation discussed in this description,

- a data structure loaded into a computer, which, when executed in a computer, provides for the implementation of the method in one of the embodiments of its implementation discussed in this description,

- a computer program that, when executed in a computer, provides for the implementation of the method in one of the embodiments of its implementation discussed in this description,

- a computer program containing software for implementing the method in one of its embodiments discussed in this description, when the computer program is executed on a computer or on a computer network,

- a computer program containing software according to the previous embodiment, in which the software is stored in a storage medium accessible to the computer for reading,

- a storage medium in which a data structure is stored, which, after being loaded into the main and / or random access memory of a computer or computer network, ensures the implementation of the method in one of the embodiments of its implementation discussed in this description, and

- a computer program product having program code means that can be stored or stored in a storage medium and, when executed on a computer or on a computer network, provides for the implementation of the method in one of the embodiments of its implementation discussed in this description.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a mobile device for performing an analytical measurement is provided. The mobile device contains at least one camera. The mobile device is configured to conduct an embedded suitability assessment through the following steps:

I. capturing by the camera at least one image of at least a portion of at least one reference object having at least one predetermined spatial extent in at least one spatial dimension; and

II. obtaining by means of the image at least one element of spatial resolution information.

For most of the terms used here and possible definitions, reference may be made to the description of the methods discussed above. The term "built-in suitability assessment" in this context is a broad term to be construed in its ordinary meaning familiar to the average person and should not be limited to any particular or specialized meaning. In particular, the term may refer to, without limitation, the process of a device for evaluating that same device for suitability or unsuitability for a given purpose, where suitability may be referred to in the above description.

The mobile device can be configured, in particular, to take at least one analytical measurement by means of the following steps:

III. evaluating the usability of the mobile device based on at least one element of spatial resolution information;

IV. aborting the analytical measurement if at least one piece of spatial resolution information indicates that the mobile device is unsuitable for performing the analytical measurement;

V. making an analytical measurement, if at least one element of the spatial resolution information indicates that the mobile device is capable of making an analytical measurement, which includes the following steps:

a. taking a camera image of at least one image of at least part of the test element, wherein the test element has at least one indicator reagent, in particular at least one test field capable of causing a color-forming reaction when applied to the test element at least one samples;

b. taking with the camera at least one image of at least a portion of the test element;

in. evaluating the image and obtaining at least one element of analytical information about it.

For possible definitions or embodiments of the invention, reference may be made to the above description of the method. Thus, in particular, the mobile device may be configured to carry out a method for evaluating the suitability of a mobile device and/or a method for performing an analytical measurement based on a color-forming reaction, according to one of the embodiments described above or discussed in more detail below. The mobile device, in particular, can be configured to repeatedly perform step III. The mobile device may in particular be configured to carry out the method of the invention in one or more of the embodiments described above or discussed in more detail below. In particular, the mobile device may include at least one computer, such as at least one processor, programmed to carry out the method or, in particular, the above steps of the method.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a kit is provided for performing an analytical measurement. The set includes:

- at least one mobile device according to one of the embodiments described above or discussed in more detail below;

- at least one reference object having at least one given spatial extent in at least one spatial dimension; and

- at least one test element having at least one indicator reagent capable of inducing a color-forming reaction.

For possible definitions of terms and possible embodiments of the invention, reference may again be made to the above description.

Proposed in the present invention, the methods and devices can provide many advantages over known methods and devices for analytical measurements. Thus, in particular, the analytical measurement process of the present invention can be characterized by less time than other processes known from the prior art. In particular, the present invention makes it possible to evaluate the overall suitability of a mobile device for a given purpose by performing a single measurement. The fact that the mobile device is suitable, established by this single measurement, may be valid for all subsequent measurements. Thus, the present invention reduces the time required to perform an analytical measurement compared to prior art approaches that focus on applying correction algorithms prior to each analyte measurement. In particular, in the practice of the present invention, the suitability of a mobile device can be established by performing a single measurement that is valid for substantially all subsequent measurements, as opposed to applying correction algorithms before each measurement. Thus, the present invention can provide at least one of the subsequent analytical measurements more quickly than is possible using the approaches adopted in the prior art. Due to this, the present invention makes it easier for the user to make an analytical measurement. In particular, once the general suitability of the mobile device for the purpose in question has been established, the process of making an analytical measurement within at least one subsequent measurement, preferably all subsequent measurements, may be simpler than prior art measurements. In particular, the use of a suitable mobile device in accordance with the present invention can make it easier for a user to perform a blood glucose measurement. When using a suitable mobile device, the process of performing a blood glucose measurement can, in particular, take less time than the processes known from the prior art.

To practice the present invention, it may be sufficient to use only application software, such as an application containing computer-executable instructions for performing an analytical measurement, in combination with a mobile device capable of performing an analytical measurement. In particular, for the implementation of the present invention, it may be sufficient to use only the application in combination with a mobile device having sufficient spatial resolution when performing an analytical measurement. Due to this, the present invention can improve the safety of using a mobile device for performing analytical measurement, especially blood glucose measurement. In particular, the present invention makes it possible to provide safety due to the reliability of the result obtained, for example, the reliability of the determined concentration of the analyte. In particular, the present invention allows measurement quality to be ensured by identifying the mobile device as suitable before allowing the mobile device to be used for blood glucose measurement. In particular, the use of an application containing computer-executable instructions to perform such an analytical measurement in conjunction with a mobile device may only be permitted by a mobile device suitable for the analytical measurement. In particular, according to the present invention, the use of the aforementioned application is allowed only after the suitability of the mobile device for the corresponding measurement has been guaranteed. For example, an application may be blocked from downloading to a mobile device that is not suitable or capable of performing blood glucose measurements. The download of such an application to a mobile device may be restricted until the suitability of the mobile device is guaranteed. Thus, the present invention can improve the security of blood glucose measurement, such as the reliability of the blood glucose concentration detected, using a mobile device by evaluating the suitability of the mobile device, for example, at the initial stage of validation or verification, before allowing glucose measurement to be performed. in the blood with a mobile device.

In accordance with the present invention, the suitability of a mobile device can be evaluated internally, i. e. own technical means, located, for example, inside the mobile device itself. In particular, the present invention makes it possible to ensure the quality of measurements individually for each mobile device. Thus, in accordance with the present invention, the quality of measurements can be ensured through internal, or built-in, evaluation, as opposed to external evaluation, which involves evaluating the suitability of a mobile device by external, third-party means available, for example, in a laboratory. In particular, external evaluation of a large range of mobile devices belonging to a wide group of users may be more time consuming and, additionally or alternatively, may be more resource intensive than the internal evaluation of the present invention. In addition, the present invention may be applicable to the latest mobile devices, such as newly commercialized smartphones. Due to this, the present invention allows such a new mobile device to be immediately evaluated for its suitability. Thus, the present invention allows the measurement of an analyte using such a newly released mobile device faster than if the quality of the corresponding measurements was verified using external technical means, for example, by external evaluation in the laboratory.

As a summary, the following are proposed embodiments of the present invention, not excluding other possibilities:

Option 1: A method for evaluating the suitability of a mobile device having at least one camera for performing an analytical measurement, comprising:

a) providing at least one mobile device having at least one camera;

b) providing at least one reference object having at least one predetermined spatial extent in at least one spatial dimension;

c) capturing by the camera at least one image of at least a portion of the reference object; and

d) obtaining by means of the image at least one element of information about the spatial resolution.

Option 2: The method of the previous option, also including:

e) comparing at least one element of information about the spatial resolution with at least one threshold value, providing at least one element of information about the suitability of the mobile device for the purpose of making an analytical measurement.

Option 3: The method according to the previous option, in which at least one threshold value is determined by the minimum number of pixels contained in at least one spatial dimension within at least one region of interest in the image.

Option 4: The method according to one of the previous options, in which at least one element of information about the spatial resolution includes a reproduction scale indicating the number of pixels per unit distance in at least one spatial dimension of the image.

Option 5: The method according to one of the previous options, also including:

e) correcting the scale information of images received by the mobile device by at least one element of spatial resolution information.

Option 6: The method of one of the previous options, wherein the step of obtaining at least one element of spatial resolution information by means of an image includes:

d1) recognizing within the image at least one reference object having at least one predetermined spatial extent in at least one spatial dimension;

d2) determining the number of pixels representing the object in the image in at least one spatial dimension;

d3) obtaining at least one element of spatial resolution information by means of the number of pixels and a given spatial extent of the reference object in at least one spatial dimension.

Option 7: The method of the previous option, in which step d3) includes determining the ratio of the number of pixels and a given spatial extent or the reciprocal of this ratio to obtain at least one element of information about the spatial resolution.

Option 8: The method according to one of the previous options, including the use of at least one processor and software instructions to perform at least step d) of the method.

Option 9: The method of the previous option, in which the processor is part of the mobile device.

Option 10: The method according to one of the previous options, in which the mobile device is selected from the group consisting of a mobile communication device, in particular a smartphone, a portable computer, in particular a laptop, a tablet computer.

Option 11: The method according to one of the previous options, in which step c) includes providing the user with a visual cue for the positioning of the mobile device relative to the reference object.

Option 12: The method according to one of the previous options, in which the reference object is completely or partially formed by another object.

Option 13: The method according to the previous option, wherein the object is selected from the group consisting of a test element, in particular a test strip, a container for test elements, in particular a container for test strips, a package for accommodating at least one test element.

Option 14: A method according to one of the previous two options, wherein the reference object is an imprint made on the object having a predetermined spatial extent or scale providing at least one predetermined spatial extent in at least one dimension.

Option 15: The method according to one of the previous three options, in which the reference object is a test element or part thereof, in particular the test field of the test element, and the test element or part thereof has a given spatial extent in at least one dimension.

Option 16: A method for performing an analytical measurement by a mobile device having at least one camera, including:

i) evaluation of the suitability of the mobile device, performed by the method according to one of the previous options;

ii) interrupting the execution of the analytical measurement method if at least one element of the spatial resolution information indicates that the mobile device is unsuitable for the analytical measurement;

iii) making an analytical measurement, if at least one piece of spatial resolution information indicates that the mobile device is capable of making an analytical measurement, which includes the following steps:

a. applying at least one sample to at least one test element having at least one indicator reagent capable of inducing a color-forming reaction;

b. taking with the camera at least one image of at least a portion of the test element;

in. evaluating the image and obtaining at least one element of analytical information about it.

Option 17: The method of the previous option, wherein step i) is performed at least once before step iii) is performed.

Option 18: The method according to one of the two previous options, wherein step ii) includes informing the user of the mobile device that the mobile device is unsuitable for performing an analytical measurement.

Option 19: A method according to one of the previous three options, wherein step ii) includes blocking future attempts to make an analytical measurement by the mobile device.

Option 20: The method according to one of the previous four options, wherein step ii) includes sending information about the unsuitability of the mobile device for performing an analytical measurement to the software download server, in particular to inform the software download server about the unsuitability of this particular type of mobile device specifically to prevent future analytical measurement software from being offered for download on this particular type of mobile device.

Option 21: A method according to one of the five previous options, in which step b. includes the following substeps:

b1. determining a target size for the test element or the test field of the test element in the image;

b2. prompting the user when capturing the image by overlaying the image with a visual indicator representing the target size.

Option 22: The method of the previous option, wherein the target size is determined by at least one element of spatial resolution information and a predetermined minimum number of pixels to perform step c., in particular, the minimum number of pixels that are inside the region of interest within the image, by obtaining its target size.

Option 23: A method according to one of the seven previous options, in which step c. includes determining an area of interest within an image, obtaining color information by statistical analysis on the pixels of the area of interest, and obtaining at least one element of analytical information through the color information.

Option 24: Computer program containing machine-executable instructions for implementing the method according to one of the previous options, in particular step d) of the method, and if necessary one or more steps c) and e) of the method, when the program is executed on a computer or computer network, in particular in the processor of a mobile device having at least one camera.

Option 25: A mobile analytical measurement device having at least one camera and capable of performing an inline suitability assessment through the following steps:

I. capturing by the camera at least one image of at least a portion of at least one reference object having at least one predetermined spatial extent in at least one spatial dimension; and

II. obtaining by means of the image at least one element of information about the spatial resolution.

Option 26: The mobile device of the previous option, also configured to take at least one analytical measurement through the following steps:

III. evaluating the usability of the mobile device based on at least one element of spatial resolution information;

IV. aborting the analytical measurement if at least one piece of spatial resolution information indicates that the mobile device is unsuitable for performing the analytical measurement;

V. making an analytical measurement, if at least one element of the spatial resolution information indicates that the mobile device is capable of making an analytical measurement, which includes the following steps:

a. taking a camera image of at least one image of at least part of the test element, wherein the test element has at least one indicator reagent, in particular at least one test field capable of causing a color-forming reaction when applied to the test element at least one samples;

b. taking with the camera at least one image of at least a portion of the test element;

in. evaluating the image and obtaining at least one element of analytical information about it.

Option 27: Mobile device according to the previous option, configured to repeatedly perform step III.

Option 28: A mobile device according to one of the two previous options, configured to implement the method according to one of the previous options related to the method.

Option 29: Analytical measurement kit, comprising:

- at least one mobile device according to one of the previous options related to a mobile device;

- at least one reference object having at least one given spatial extent in at least one spatial dimension; and

- at least one test element having at least one indicator reagent capable of inducing a color-forming reaction.

Variant 30: A set according to the previous embodiment, in which the reference object is partially formed by an object selected from the group consisting of a test element, in particular a test strip, a container for test elements, in particular a container for test strips, a package for placing on at least one test item, a test pattern.

Brief description of the drawings

Other optional features of the invention and the possibility of its implementation are disclosed in more detail in the following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, preferably in conjunction with dependent claims. In this case, the corresponding optional features can be implemented, as it is clear to the specialist, separately, as well as in any arbitrary combination. The scope of protection of the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments. Embodiments of the invention are shown schematically in the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like or functionally comparable elements. The drawings show:

in fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a kit and a mobile device for performing an analytical measurement;

in fig. 2 is a flowchart of a method for evaluating the suitability of a mobile device;

in fig. 3 is a block diagram of a method for carrying out an analytical measurement;

in fig. 4 and 5 show options for capturing an image with a mobile device; and

in fig. 6 and 7 show variants of the image of at least part of the object.

Detailed Description of Embodiments FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an analytical measurement kit 110. Kit 110 includes at least one mobile device 112, at least one reference object 114 having at least one predetermined spatial extent 116, and at least one test element 118 having at least one indicator reagent 120 capable of causing color reaction. Reference object 114 having at least one predetermined spatial extent 116 as shown in FIG. 1 may be a test element 118, in particular a test strip, or a test element container 117, in particular a test strip container. The reference object 114 may be or may comprise one or more visual reference fields 119 having a predetermined spatial extent 116 in at least one spatial dimension 126 in the real world 128, such as in the x-direction of the x-y coordinate axes associated with the reference object. 114. Thus, in FIG. 1 shows two different possibilities for accommodating at least one visual reference field 119, which can be implemented independently, i.e. the possible presence of at least one visual reference field 119 on the test element container 117 and/or the presence of a visual reference field 119 on the test element 118.

Mobile device 112, as shown in FIG. 1 has at least one camera 122 and may include at least one display 123 and a processor 130. evaluating the suitability of the mobile device itself. Embedded suitability evaluation includes camera 122 capturing at least one image 124 of at least a portion of at least one reference object 114 having at least one predetermined spatial extent 116 in at least one spatial dimension 126. For example, FIG. 4 and 5 illustrate options for capturing image 124 by mobile device 112. Image 124 of at least a portion of at least one reference object, such as test item 118, may be displayed on display 128 of mobile device 112 with multiple pixels 132. Reference object 114, such as a test -element 118, has at least one given spatial extent 116 in at least one spatial dimension 126. In particular, information about the given spatial extent 116 of the test element 118 in at least one spatial dimension 126 can be known and expressed in units measuring distances in the real world 128.

Embedded usability evaluation also includes obtaining at least one item of spatial resolution information via image 124. The item of spatial resolution information may include, in particular, one or more numerical values quantifying the ability of camera 122 to resolve two or more objects. on image 124. The spatial resolution information element may include, in particular, at least one information element regarding the ratio (quotient of division) of the image size 124 and the size of the reference object 114 in the real world 128. Thus, the spatial resolution information element resolution may, for example, be or may include the number of pixels 132 contained in the image 124 in at least one spatial dimension 126 per unit distance in the real world 128 of the reference object 114. In particular, the spatial resolution information element may It is not possible to provide information about how close two different points or two different elements that exist in the real world 128 can be to each other in order to be separate in the image 124.

The spatial resolution information element can be obtained, for example, by counting the number of pixels 132 of the image 124 of the reference object 114, such as the test element 118, in the spatial dimension 126, in particular in the x direction, and dividing the number of pixels 132 by the known spatial extent 116 of the reference object 114 in the x-direction expressed in real world distance units 128. Thus, as shown in FIG. 4 and 5, the spatial extent 116 of the test element 118 in the spatial dimension 126, for example in the x direction, expressed in real world distance units 128, as well as the spatial extent 116 of the test element 118 in the x direction, expressed in individual pixels contained within image 124. The spatial resolution information element may be or may include a ratio of spatial extent expressed in real world distance units 128 and in individual pixels contained within image 124.

In FIG. 2 is a flowchart 134 of an embodiment of a method 136 for evaluating the suitability of mobile device 112 shown in FIG. 1, 4, and 5. Method 136 includes step a) (method step 138) of providing at least one mobile device 112 having at least one camera 122, such as, for example, as shown in FIG. 1. Method 136 also includes step b) (method step 140) of providing at least one reference object 114 having at least one predetermined spatial extent 116 in at least one spatial dimension 126, such as, for example, as shown in fig. 1. In addition, the method 136 includes step c) (method step 142) of capturing by the camera 122 at least one image 124 of at least a portion of the reference object 114.

An embodiment of capturing an image 124 (above step c) of the method) by a mobile device 112 containing a camera 122 is shown in FIG. 4 and 5. In addition, when an image 124 is captured of at least a portion of the reference object 114, a cue may be provided as to the positioning of the mobile device 112 and/or the camera 122 relative to the reference object 114. The cue may be, in particular, visual and may be or may be include displaying a contour 144, for example, corresponding in shape to the reference object 114, on the display 123 of the mobile device 112, superimposing this contour on the captured image. As shown in FIG. 4 and 5, the visual cue may include displaying on the display 123 of the mobile device 112 an outline 144 of the test element 118 superimposed on the captured image and serving as a visual guide for the proper positioning of the camera 122 relative to the test element 118. The method 136 may also include step d) (method step 146) of obtaining, by way of the image 124, at least one element of spatial resolution information.

Method step 146 (step d)) may include sub-steps, such as three sub-steps. The first substep d1) (method step 148) may include recognizing within image 124 at least one reference object 114 having at least one predetermined spatial extent 116 in at least one spatial dimension 126. In particular, at least one reference object 114 may be recognized within the image 124 by an image recognition algorithm. In particular, a region of interest 152 may be identified within image 124 by means of an image recognition algorithm. Region of interest 152 may comprise at least one visual reference field 119 as shown in FIG. 6 and 7, which show variants of the image 124 of at least a portion of the object 154. The object 154 may be or may contain a visual reference field 119 or a test field 156 having an indicator reagent 120 with which the test element 118 is provided. Thus, the region of interest alternatively, it may contain a test field 156 used when making an analytical measurement using a mobile device 112 suitable for making such an analytical measurement, as described below. In evaluating the suitability of mobile device 112 to make an analytical measurement, region of interest 152 may specifically include visual reference field 119. However, visual reference field 119 and test field 156 may have similar shapes, and thus region of interest 152 may be the same when evaluating the suitability of the mobile device 112 and when making an analytical measurement, as shown in FIG. 6 and 7.

The second substep d2) (method step 150) may include determining the number of pixels 132 representing the object in the image 124 in at least one spatial dimension 126. In particular, it is possible to determine the number of pixels 132 over a given spatial extent 116 of the reference object 114, for example , a given spatial extent 116 in the x direction. Depending on the ability of the camera 122 to resolve two or more objects in the image, a given spatial extent 116 of the reference object 114 can be represented by a different number of pixels 132. Thus, the number of pixels 132 in a given spatial extent 116 of the reference object 114 can be correlated with the spatial resolution of the camera 122. This relationship is illustrated in FIG. 6 and 7. In FIG. 6 shows a variant of an image 124 of at least a portion of an object 154 captured by a camera 122 with a higher spatial resolution than when the camera 122 captured image 124 shown in FIG. 7. In particular, image 124 shown in FIG. 6 contains more pixels 132 than the image 124 of the same part of the object 154 shown in FIG. 7. In particular, region of interest 152 within image 124 in FIG. 6 may contain more pixels 132 than in FIG. 7. Thus, the number of pixels 132 in a given spatial extent 116 may be greater in the image 124 shown in FIG. 6 than in image 124 shown in FIG. 7.

The third substep d3) (method step 158) may include obtaining at least one element of spatial resolution information by means of the number of pixels 132 and a given spatial extent 116 of the reference object 114 in at least one spatial dimension 126. In particular, the element of information about spatial resolution can be obtained by calculating the ratio (quotient) of a given spatial extent 116 expressed in real world distance units 128 and a given spatial extent 116 expressed in individual pixels within an image 124.

The method 136 for evaluating the usability of the mobile device 112 may also include step e) (step 160 of the method) comparing at least one item of spatial resolution information with at least one threshold value to determine at least one item of mobile device usability information. 112 for the purpose of making an analytical measurement. At least one threshold value can be derived from the required accuracy of the analytical measurement. For example, the threshold may be determined by the minimum number of pixels 132 contained in at least one spatial dimension 126 within at least one region of interest 152 in image 124. In particular, the threshold may be determined by a maximum tolerance for a glucose measurement result. In particular, the threshold value can be derived from the required error of the analytical measurement, in particular the required error in determining the glucose concentration.

The information element about the suitability of the mobile device 112 for the purpose of performing an analytical measurement may be, for example, digital or logical information. In particular, the suitability information element may indicate the "suitability" or "unsuitability" of the mobile device for the purpose of making an analytical measurement. For example, to determine a fitness information item, the number of pixels 132 in the x-direction of a given spatial extent 116 of the reference object 114 may be compared to a threshold value, such as a threshold value derived from the maximum tolerance of a glucose measurement result. If the number of pixels 132 at a given spatial extent 116 of the reference object 114 is less than the minimum number of pixels 132 in the x-direction of the given spatial extent 116 of the reference object 114, determined by the threshold value, the mobile device 112 may be considered unsuitable for the purpose of performing an analytical measurement.

The mobile device 112 usability evaluation method 136 may also include step e) (method step 162) of correcting the scale information of the images acquired by the mobile device 112 by at least one element of spatial resolution information. The scale information of the images received by the mobile device 112 may indicate, in particular, the relationship between the distance in the image 124 captured by the mobile device 112 and the corresponding distance in the real world 128. The scale information of the images, for example, may be adjusted in accordance with at least one element of information about the spatial resolution of the mobile device 112 after this image scale information was set to a default value at the beginning of the method 136. The image scale information may relate to the minimum distance between the camera 122 and in front of the camera 122 element necessary to obtain a sharp image.

The mobile device 112 may also be configured to take at least one analytical measurement. In FIG. 3 is a block diagram 134 of an embodiment of a method 164 for performing an analytical measurement. The analytical measurement method 164 may include a first step i) (method step 166) of evaluating the suitability of the mobile device 112 in an appropriate manner 136. In particular, the suitability of the mobile device 112 may be assessed in the manner 136 described above.

Further, method flow 164 may include a branch 168. Branch 168 may indicate a condition request, such as making a decision between the first branch 170 and the second branch 172. For example, a suitability information element may be used in the condition request. The eligibility information element may include logical information about the mobile device 112, such as "eligible" ("yes") or "unusable" ("no"). The first branch 170 indicates that the mobile device 112 is unsuitable for performing an analytical measurement, and therefore this branch leads to the execution of the second step ii) (method step 174), namely, to aborting the execution of the analytical measurement method, if at least one element of information about the spatial resolution indicates that the mobile device 112 is unsuitable for performing an analytical measurement. In particular, it is not possible to perform a blood glucose measurement if the usability information element indicates that the mobile device 112 is unsuitable for performing a blood glucose measurement. In particular, blood glucose measurement is not possible if mobile device 112 and/or camera 122 does not meet the spatial resolution requirement for determining blood glucose concentration.

The second branch 172 indicates the suitability of the mobile device 112 to make an analytical measurement. Therefore, the second branch 172 leads to the execution of the third step iii) (step 176 of the method), namely, to conduct an analytical measurement, if at least one element of suitability information indicates the suitability of the mobile device 112 to perform an analytical measurement. In particular, a blood glucose measurement may be performed if the suitability information element indicates the suitability of the mobile device 112 to perform a blood glucose measurement. In particular, blood glucose measurement can only be performed if the camera 122 and/or the mobile device 112 meets the requirements for the error in determining the blood glucose concentration. For example, once mobile device 112 has been determined to be suitable, it can be used to make any number of analytical measurements. However, as an alternative, the evaluation of the suitability of the mobile device 112, for example by the method 136, can be repeated, for example, after predetermined or predetermined intervals or when any changes are made to the mobile device 112. Thus, step i) (method step 166) may be performed at least once before step iii) (method step 176) is performed at least once, or method step 166 may be performed at least once before method step 176 is executed multiple times. However, performing an analytical measurement with mobile device 112 at method step 176 may include several partial steps.

Method step 176 may include a first partial step a) (method step 178) of applying at least one sample to at least one test element 118 having at least one indicator reagent capable of inducing a color reaction. In particular, at least one test element 118 can be applied to at least one sample of physiological fluid, such as blood. Test element 118, as shown in FIG. 1 may contain an indicator reagent 120 capable of inducing a color reaction. In particular, the indicator reagent 120 may be capable of inducing a color response correlated with the analyte concentration in the body fluid. For example, the indicator reagent 120 may be capable of inducing a color response related to the blood glucose concentration applied to the test element 118.

Method step 176 may also include a second partial step b) (method step 180) of taking at least one image of at least a portion of the test item with the camera. In particular, when at least one image 124 of at least a portion of the test element 118 is captured on the display 123 of the mobile device 112, as shown in FIG. 4 and 5, an overlay outline 144 may be displayed to provide a visual cue for the positioning of the test item 118 relative to the camera 122 of the mobile device 112. Thus, the cue may be provided both in step 142 (step c)) of method 136 and in step 180 of method 164. Accordingly, FIG. 4 and 5 showing the capture of image 124 by mobile device 112 can illustrate both step 142 of method 136 and step 180 of method 164.

Step 180 method (partial step b)) may include several sub-steps, such as two sub-steps. The first substep 61) (method step 182) may include determining a target size for test item 118 or test field 156 of test item 118 in image 124. The target size may be, for example, the desired size of test item 118 in image 124 Next, the second sub-step 62) (method step 184) may include prompting the user when capturing the image 124 by overlaying (on the captured image) a visual indicator representing the target size. Thus, in particular, the target size may be or may include the size of the outline 144 displayed on the display 123 when the image 124 is captured by the mobile device 112, as shown in FIG. 4 and 5, superimposing this contour on the captured image. The target size, such as the size of the contour 144, can be determined, in particular, by at least one element of information about the spatial resolution. In particular, the size of the contour 144 displayed on the display 123 superimposed on the captured image may correspond to the ability of the camera 122 to resolve two or more elements in the image 124. Thus, the size of the contour 144 displayed on the display 123 superimposed on the captured image may represent the size of the object 154, such as the test element 118, in the image 124, necessary to meet the required spatial resolution for an analytical measurement. The object 154 can be brought as close to the camera 122 as is technically feasible without losing the sharpness of the image 124. As shown in FIG. 4, the test element 118 can be positioned relative to the camera 122 of the mobile device 112 so that the contour 144 displayed on the display 123 superimposed on the captured image and the test element 118 are aligned within the image 124. For example, for capturing an image 124, the test element 118 can be held at such a distance from the camera 122 of the mobile device that the image remains sharp and the test element 118 is aligned with the contour 144 displayed on the display 123 superimposed on the image. In contrast, in FIG. 5, the test element 118 is not aligned with the contour 144 displayed on the display 123 with an overlay on the image. Thus, to align test element 118 and circuit 144, the distance between test element 118 and camera 122 can be varied. For example, to align test element 118 and circuit 144, test element 118 can be brought closer to camera 122 of mobile device 112.

In addition, method step 176 may include a third partial step c) (method step 186) including evaluating image 124 and obtaining at least one item of analytic information about it. In particular, at least one element of analytical information may be or include the concentration of an analyte in the sample, such as the concentration of glucose in the blood, applied to the test element 118 containing an indicator reagent 120 capable of inducing a color reaction. Image evaluation 124 may include converting the determined color coordinate of the indicator reagent 120 to an analyte concentration in the sample via a predetermined or predetermined relationship between the color coordinate and the concentration. This relationship, for example, may be or include a conversion function, a conversion table, or a look-up table derived empirically. In addition, this relationship may be stored, for example, in the storage device contained in the mobile device 112 shown in FIG. 1. In particular, this ratio can be stored in the data storage device by software, in particular by an application. Furthermore, the software and/or application may be a computer program or may be contained in a computer program containing computer-executable instructions for performing both the method 136 and the method 164 shown in FIG. 2 and 3. The program may be executed on a computer or computer network, in particular, the program may be executed on the processor 130 of the mobile device 112 containing the camera 122.

List of reference symbols

110 analytical measurement kit

112 mobile device

114 reference object

116 specified spatial extent

117 container for test items

118 test element

119 visual reference field

120 indicator reagent

122 camera

123 display

124 image

126 dimension

128 real world

130 processor

132 pixel

134 block diagram

136 mobile device usability evaluation method

138 step a): providing at least one mobile device having at least one camera

140 step b): providing at least one reference object having at least one predetermined spatial extent

142 step c): camera capturing at least one image of at least part of the reference object

144 outline

146 step d): obtaining at least one element of spatial resolution information by means of an image

148 substep d1): recognition within the image of at least one reference object having at least one predetermined spatial extent in at least one spatial dimension

150 substep d2): determining the number of pixels representing an object in the image in at least one spatial dimension

152 area of interest

154 items

156 test field

158 substep d3): obtaining at least one element of spatial resolution information by means of the number of pixels and a given spatial extent of the reference object in at least one spatial dimension

160 step e): comparing at least one item of spatial resolution information with at least one threshold value

162 step e): correction of scale information of images acquired by the mobile device by at least one element of spatial resolution information

164 analytical measurement method

166 step i): evaluating the suitability of the mobile device

168 branching

170 first branch

172 second branch

174 step ii): interrupting the execution of the method

176 step iii): performing an analytical measurement

178 partial step a): applying at least one sample to at least one test element

180 partial step b): camera capture of at least one image of at least a portion of the test element

182 substep b1): determining the target size for the test element or the test field of the test element in the image

184 sub-step b2): prompting the user when capturing an image by superimposing a visual indicator representing the target size on the image

186 partial step c): evaluating the image and obtaining at least one element of analytical information about it

Claims (43)

1. A method for assessing the suitability of a mobile device (112) having at least one camera (122) for analytical measurement, including: a) providing at least one mobile device (112) having at least one camera (122); b) providing at least one reference object (114) having at least one predetermined spatial extent (116) in at least one spatial dimension (126); c) taking a camera (122) of at least one image (124) of at least part of the reference object (114); d) obtaining at least one element of information about the spatial resolution by means of an image (124) of at least a part of the reference object (114), wherein at least one element of information about the spatial resolution includes one or more numerical values quantifying the ability of the camera (122) resolve two or more objects in the image (124); and e) comparing at least one element of information about the spatial resolution with at least one threshold value, providing at least one element of information about the suitability of the mobile device (112) for the purpose of performing an analytical measurement, and at least one threshold value is determined by the minimum the number of pixels (132) contained in at least one spatial dimension within at least one region of interest (152) in the image (124). 2. The method according to p. 1, also including: e) correcting the scale information of images received by the mobile device (112) by at least one element of spatial resolution information. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of obtaining at least one element of spatial resolution information by means of an image includes: d1) recognition within the image (124) of at least one reference object (114) having at least one predetermined spatial extent (116) in at least one spatial dimension (126); d2) determining the number of pixels (132) representing the object in the image (124) in at least one spatial dimension (126); d3) obtaining at least one element of information about the spatial resolution by means of the number of pixels (132) and the given spatial extent (116) of the reference object (114) in at least one spatial dimension (126). 4. The method according to one of paragraphs. 1-3, wherein step c) includes providing the user with a visual cue for the positioning of the mobile device (112) relative to the reference object (114). 5. The method according to one of paragraphs. 1-4, in which the reference object (114) is completely or partially formed by an object (154) selected from the group consisting of a test element (118), a container (117) for test elements, a package for accommodating at least one test -element (118). 6. A method for conducting an analytical measurement by means of a mobile device (112) having at least one camera (122), including: i) evaluation of the suitability of the mobile device (112), performed by the method according to one of paragraphs. 1-5; ii) interrupting the execution of the method (164) for conducting an analytical measurement, if at least one element of information about the spatial resolution indicates the unsuitability of the mobile device (112) to conduct an analytical measurement; iii) making an analytical measurement if at least one piece of spatial resolution information indicates that the mobile device (112) is capable of making an analytical measurement, comprising the following steps: a) applying at least one sample to at least one test element (118) having at least one indicator reagent (120) capable of inducing a color-forming reaction; b) taking a camera (122) of at least one image (124) of at least a portion of the test element (118); c) evaluating the image (124) and obtaining at least one element of analytical information about it. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein step i) is performed at least once before step iii) is performed. 8. The method according to p. 6 or 7, in which step ii) includes at least one of the following: informing the user of the mobile device (112) about the unsuitability of the mobile device (112) to conduct an analytical measurement; blocking future attempts to conduct an analytical measurement through a mobile device (112); sending information about the unsuitability of the mobile device (112) for analytical measurement to the software download server. 9. The method according to one of paragraphs. 6-8, in which step b includes the following substeps: b1) determining the target size for the test element (118) or the test field (156) of the test element (118) in the image (124); b2) prompting the user when taking the image (124) by overlaying the image with a visual indicator representing the target size. 10. A computer-readable storage medium that stores a computer program containing machine-executable instructions for implementing the method according to one of paragraphs. 1-5 when running the program on a computer or computer network. 11. A computer-readable storage medium that stores a computer program containing machine-executable instructions for implementing the method according to one of paragraphs. 6-9 when running the program on a computer or computer network. 12. A mobile device (112) for carrying out an analytical measurement, having at least one camera (122) and configured to conduct a built-in suitability assessment through the following steps: I) capturing by a camera (122) of at least one image (124) of at least a portion of at least one reference object (114) having at least one predetermined spatial extent (116) in at least one spatial dimension (126) ; and II) obtaining at least one element of information about the spatial resolution by means of an image (124) of at least a part of the reference object (114), wherein at least one element of information about the spatial resolution includes one or more numerical values quantifying the ability of the camera (122) allow two or more objects in an image (124), moreover, the mobile device (112) is also configured to compare at least one element of information about the spatial resolution with at least one threshold value, providing at least one element of information about the suitability of the mobile device (112) for the purpose of conducting an analytical measurement, and at least one threshold value is determined by the minimum number of pixels (132) contained in at least one spatial dimension within at least one region of interest (152) in the image (124). 13. Mobile device (112) according to claim 12, also configured to perform at least one analytical measurement through the following steps: iii) evaluating the usability of the mobile device (112) based on at least one element of spatial resolution information; iv) aborting the analytical measurement if at least one piece of spatial resolution information indicates that the mobile device (112) is unsuitable for performing the analytical measurement; V) making an analytical measurement if at least one piece of spatial resolution information indicates that the mobile device (112) is capable of making an analytical measurement, which includes the following steps: a) shooting by the camera (122) of at least one image (124) of at least a part of the test element (118), and the test element (118) has at least one indicator reagent (120) capable of causing a color-forming reaction when applied on the test element (118) of at least one sample; b) taking a camera (122) of at least one image (124) of at least a portion of the test element (118); c) evaluating the image (124) and obtaining at least one element of analytical information about it. 14. Set (110) for analytical measurement, containing: - at least one mobile device (112) according to claim 12 or 13; - at least one reference object (114), having at least one given spatial extent (116) in at least one spatial dimension (126); and - at least one test element (118) having at least one indicator reagent (120) capable of inducing a color-forming reaction.

Images