Sensor apparatus to determine a value of a chemical parameter based on a color shade and methods thereof

0001Embodiments generally relate to chemical sensors. More specifically, embodiments relate to sensor devices and methods thereof for determining the values of chemical parameters based on color shade.

0002(Cross-reference with related applications) This application claims the priority benefit of US Patent Application No. 14 / 497,384 filed on September 26, 2014.

0003The compound can be measured using an ion sensitive electrode. However, ion-sensitive electrodes can be unattractive for on-the-go or point-of-use chemical testing because they are relatively expensive or fragile (eg, glass electrodes). Ion-sensitive electrodes may also require relatively frequent calibration, solution or reagent activation, and / or relatively cumbersome transfer or storage conditions.

0004Compounds can also be measured using chemically coated specimens that change color based on the concentration of the detected compound. However, the user needs to compare the developed shades to the reference chart, which can affect consistency and / or repeatability, which can make the test piece unreliable. Also, due to the relatively limited shades, only qualitative results (eg, low, medium, high) may be obtained. Specimen shades located between two adjacent shades on the reference chart may not be reliable and interpretable, and values for intermediate shades may not be quantifiable. The brightness and tint of the ambient light that illuminates the specimen and / or the tint chart may also affect consistency and / or repeatability. Also, the expressed hue is relatively transient and may need to be measured relatively quickly (eg, in about 30-40 seconds) before the color changes.

0005A colorimetric device (eg, a colorimetric blood glucose meter) can utilize a test piece having a color detection region to which blood droplets are attached to provide a hue based on glucose concentration. The test piece can be inserted into a color measuring device to measure the color expressed and quantify blood glucose. Such a colorimetric device may only be able to measure one type of test piece (eg, a test piece of a specified size, shape, and / or dimension with relatively limited parameters). It may not be used to measure or interpret other types of off-the-shelf test strips, other types of parameters, etc.

0006Various advantages of the embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art by reviewing the following description and the appended claims and by referring to the drawings.<figref num="1A">FIG. 5 is an exemplary non-intensive sensor device according to an embodiment.</figref><figref num="1B">FIG. 5 is an exemplary non-intensive sensor device according to an embodiment.</figref><figref num="1C">FIG. 5 is an exemplary non-intensive sensor device according to an embodiment.</figref><figref num="2">FIG. 5 is a diagram of an exemplary sensor device according to an embodiment.</figref><figref num="3">A graph of exemplary output from a color sensor according to one embodiment.</figref><figref num="4">Illustration of an exemplary application according to an embodiment.</figref><figref num="5">Diagram of an exemplary test structure and reference structure according to an embodiment.</figref><figref num="6">A flowchart of an example of a method for generating a printed color-based digital representation according to an embodiment.</figref><figref num="7">A flowchart of an example of a method for detecting a color expressed by a test structure and collating the expressed color with a digitized reference shade chart according to an embodiment.</figref><figref num="8">A block diagram of an example computing system according to an embodiment.</figref>

0007Moving on to Figures 1A-1C, the versatile extension for automatically and accurately measuring, interpreting, interpolating, and / or quantifying results from virtually any type of off-the-shelf chemical test piece. A sensor device 10 that can provide a viable technical solution is shown. The sensor device 10 includes a housing 12a that may be formed of any geometry or of any material. For example, the housing 12a may include a conical portion described below and / or may be formed of a metal material, an alloy material, a polymer material, a ceramic material, or the like. The light emitting portions 14 (14a and 14b) face a structure (not shown) that is disposed within the housing 12a and is separable from the housing 12a. The structure forms a shade (eg, a detected shade) that changes color based on the concentration of the compound when in contact with a fluid containing the compound (eg, object to be analyzed, target, reactant, etc.). It may include test structures such as paper-based test strips that are chemically coated to form one or more color regions that are intended to be. The structure is also not intended to change color in contact with the fluid and is compared to the expressed shade to determine the value of a chemical parameter (eg, pH, etc.) based on the expressed shade. It may include a reference structure such as a printed color reference (eg, a tint chart) that includes one or more color regions that include a reference shade intended to be such.

0008In one example, the light emitting section 14 emits white light through the opening 16 of the housing 12a (having any shape including, for example, a square shape, a circular shape, etc.) to illuminate the color region of the structure. In addition, a color sensor 18 is placed in the housing 12a to measure the tint of a color region (eg, tint (eg, expressed tint, reference tint, etc.) color intensity (eg, color depth), etc.). Facing opening 16. For example, the tint can be measured when the light from the light emitting section 14 is reflected in the color region back through the aperture 16 and reaches the color sensor 18. As described in detail below, the color sensor 18 converts the reflected light into an initial digital color space, which later transforms the hue, qualitative values of chemical parameters, and quantitative chemical parameters. It can be used to determine values etc. Therefore, measuring the hue may include capturing the light, converting the light into an initial digital color space, and / or determining the color.

0009The lens 20 is arranged in the housing 12a between the light emitting unit 14 and the color sensor 18, and the field of view of the color sensor 18 can be substantially limited to the field of view of the aperture 16. In addition, the housing 12a includes a logic module 22 (eg, a printed circuit board (PCB)). As described in detail below, the logic module 22 may include logic for interpreting, interpolating, and / or quantifying the results. For example, the logic module 22 may include a command module, a timer module, a demarcation module, a reference generation module, a normalization module, a reference acquisition module, a color space conversion module, a matching module, and / or a value storage module.

0010In the illustrated example, the logic module 22 includes a communication interface 24 coupled with a communication module 26 for wirelessly transferring data to an external computing platform in the housing 12a. Computing platforms include, for example, desktop computers, notebook computers, tablet computers, convertible tablets, personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile internet devices (MIDs), media players, smartphones, smart televisions (TVs), radios, etc. Any combination of these may be included. In the illustrated example, the computing platform includes a mobile computing platform 30a (eg, a smartphone) and the wireless technology is Bluetooth® (eg, Electrical and Electronic Engineers Association / IEEE802.15.1-2005, Wireless Personal). Area network) is included.

0011The logic module 22 interprets, for example, shades (eg, black, white, other colors), interpolates shades (if necessary), and quantifies values (eg, quantitative, qualitative). The initial digital color space can be transferred to an application on a computing platform via the communication module 26 for viewing, displaying results, and storing results. The logic module 22 is via the communication module 26, for example, for interpreting shades, interpolating shades (if necessary), quantifying values, displaying results, storing results, and so on. Sensor data can be sent to the application. Thus, the sensor device 10 may be a non-intensive sensor that does not necessarily have to be packaged (eg, integrated) into a customized and targeted embedded device for specimen measurement, as specified by a particular manufacturer. It can be realized independently of the measuring device of.

0012In the illustrated example, the opening 16 is located at the narrow end of the conical portion 28 of the housing 12a. In addition, the color sensor 18 is located at the wide end of the conical portion 28 of the housing 12a. Further, the light emitting portion 14 is arranged between the color sensor 18 and the opening 16 in the conical portion 28 of the housing 12a. Therefore, the sensor device 10 substantially shields the color sensor 18 from ambient light (eg, by the geometry of the cone, the position of the components, etc.). For example, the light captured by the color sensor 18 substantially includes light reflected in the color region back through the aperture 16 and substantially no ambient light. In addition, the reflected light is a lens located between the color sensor 18 and the light emitting portion 14 in the conical portion 28 to further help shield the color sensor 18 from ambient light through the focused field of view. It can pass through 20 (eg, focusing lenses).

0013Notably, the tint can be measured independently of the dimensions of the color region (eg, size, shape, etc.). For example, pressing the opening 16 against the color region of the structure causes the color sensor 18 to be shaded regardless of the size of the color region (eg, circumference), the shape of the color region (eg, geometric shape), etc. Can be measured. Therefore, the sensor device 10 can be used to measure color regions / shades for substantially any type of test piece, not limited to any particular type of test piece. In addition, the sensor device 10 is independent of the number of color regions, the spacing between two or more color regions, the dimensions of the structure (eg, perimeter, geometry, etc.), the manufacturer of the structure, etc. It can be used to measure multiple shades. In the color sensor 18, for example, the openings 16 are sequentially arranged on each color region of the plurality of color regions by a pick-and-place operation in which the device 10 is aligned with the surface of the structure, a slide operation in which the device 10 is aligned with the surface of the structure, and the like. When this is done, a plurality of shades can be measured in sequence. Thus, the reflected light reflected in the color region and reaching the color sensor 18 through the aperture 16 has a predetermined (eg, required) dimension of the color region, between two or more color regions. It can be captured regardless of spacing, number of color regions, structural dimensions, and / or the manufacturer of the structure.

0014The sensor device 10 can also provide a relatively rapid measurement of multiple expressed shades resulting from a chemical reaction in a specimen before an undesired change in color occurs. In addition, the sensor device 10 may measure the dimensions of the color region of the test piece, the number of color regions of the test piece, the size of the test piece, and / or the expressed hue regardless of the manufacturer of the test piece. it can. The sensor device 10 is also independent of the dimensions of the printed color-based color region, the number of printed color-based color regions, the printed color-based dimensions, and / or the printed color-based manufacturer. In addition, a plurality of reference shades can be measured relatively quickly to generate a digitized reference shade chart.

0015FIG. 2 shows that the sensor device 10 can be integrated with a computing platform such as a mobile computing platform 30b (eg, a smartphone). In the illustrated example, the sensor device 10 includes a housing 12b shared with the mobile computing platform 30b. The opening 16 is located at the narrow end of the conical portion 28, the color sensor 18 is located at the wide end of the conical portion 28, and the light emitting portions 14a, 14b are arranged with the color sensor 18 at the conical portion 28. It is located between 16 and on both sides of the color sensor 18. In the illustrated example, the color sensor 18 is shielded from ambient light (eg, by the geometry of the cone, the position of the components, etc.).

0016A slit 32 is located adjacent to the opening 16 and is coupled to a conical portion 28 to accept a swipe of the structure through the slit 32. The slit 32 has a structure in one direction (for example, for measuring hue) along an arbitrary axis perpendicular to the field of view of the color sensor 18, the direction of light emitted by the light emitting units 14a and 14b, and the like. Can be arranged to accept the insertion of. For example, the user swipes the entire specimen or printed color criteria (eg, its rows, its columns, etc.) in one direction along an axis (eg, the z-axis) for measuring the tint of the color region. be able to. The slit 32 may also include a barrier for accepting a swipe and / or insertion up to a predetermined distance (eg, a side wall perpendicular to the insertion vector).

0017The slit 32 may be integrated with the housing 12b or may be mechanically separable from the housing 12b. For example, the slit 32 may be molded into the housing 12b or otherwise fixed to the housing 12b (eg, soldering, gluing, bolting, etc.). The slit 32 may also be attached to the housing 12b by a fixture such as a magnet, a clip or the like. Similarly, the slit 32 may be integrated with the housing 12a (FIGS. 1A-1C) described above or may be mechanically separable from the housing 12a (FIGS. 1A-1C). In addition, the conical portion 28 may be integrated with the housings 12a, 12b (eg, molding, fixing, etc.) or mechanically separable from the housings 12a, 12b (eg, by a fixture). You may. Further, the conical portion 28 may be mechanically separable from the slit 32, in which case the conical portion 28 may be coupled to and removed from the slit 32, if desired. Thus, the sensor device 10 (and / or its components) may be mechanically separable from any computing platform. In one particular example, the sensor device 10 is mechanically separable from the mobile computing device by a telephone jack communication interface, a bus communication interface (eg, universal serial bus (USB) interface, PCB interface, etc.) and the like.

0018Swiping the structure through the slit 32 allows the color region to be located in front of the opening 16, the size of the color region (eg, circumference), the shape of the color region (eg, geometric shape). The color sensor 18 can measure the hue regardless of the above. In this regard, the color region does not necessarily have to contact the opening 16, but the slit 32 may be selected and / or adjusted to facilitate contact. Therefore, the sensor device 10 can be used to measure the color region for substantially all types of test pieces, not limited to any particular type of test piece. In addition, the sensor device 10 is independent of the number of color regions, the spacing between two or more color regions, the dimensions of the structure (eg, perimeter, geometry, etc.), and / or the manufacturer of the structure. , Multiple shades can be measured. In addition, reagent or solution activation is not always required and the sensor device 10 provides relatively inexpensive, on-the-go and point-of-use fluid testing without the need for special training. Can be done.

0019Next, moving to FIG. 3, the output 34 from the color sensor is shown according to one embodiment. The color sensor may be housed in the sensor device 10 described above (FIGS. 1A-1C, 2, 3). The color sensor may include a color transducer, such as a red-blue-green (RGB) color transducer, which may be housed in a conical portion for shielding from ambient light. In addition, a pair of light emitting parts (eg, white LEDs) mounted inside the conical portion should be used to illuminate the surface of the specimen and / or the tint chart to measure the tint for each color region. Can be done. An opening at the narrow end of the conical portion may allow light reflected on the surface of the specimen and / or color chart to enter the conical portion. The reflected light can pass through a lens used to limit the field of view of the RGB color transducer to the field of view of the aperture. The reflected light then hits an RGB color transducer, which converts the reflected light into separate RGB components that are digitized by an analog-to-digital (A / D) converter. In this way, the color sensor can detect changes in intensity (eg, color) and map these changes to the digital RGB color space. As described below, the digital RGB color space can be used later to determine quantitative and / or qualitative values of chemical parameters based on hue.

0020In the illustrated example, the color sensor can provide a voltage level that changes over time when encountering and / or measuring multiple shades. For example, the white background of the specimen and / or the tint chart can reflect a relatively large amount of light back to the sensor device, resulting in a relatively high voltage level from the color sensor. For example, the reflected light can be used, for example, to detect the presence of a structure in the slit or to detect that the sensor device is pressed against the structure. Alternatively, the black background may reflect a relatively small amount of light back to the sensor device, resulting in a relatively low voltage level from the color sensor. For example, this reflected light can be used to detect the absence of a structure in the slit.

0021Therefore, the voltage level between time T0 and T1 and the voltage level at time T12 are not used to encounter and / or measure the shade (eg, the specimen is not inserted into the slit). Etc.) can be shown. Similarly, the voltage level between times T1 and T2, the voltage level between times T3 and T4, the voltage level between times T5 and T6, the voltage level between times T7 and T8, and between times T9 and T10. The voltage level, and the voltage level between times T11 and T12, also means that the color region is not encountered and / or the color region is not measured (eg, interpreted as the white spacing between the color regions). Can be shown. Thus, as the structure moves across the field of view of the color sensor, the change in the intensity of the light hitting the color sensor is used to gap (or or) between different color regions on the specimen and / or the reference color chart. The interval) can be identified and told when to start or end the measurement. In addition, the voltage level between times T2 and T3, the voltage level between times T4 and T5, the voltage level between times T6 and T7, the voltage level between times T8 and T9, and between times T10 and T11. Using the voltage levels of, the first shade, the second shade, the third shade, the fourth shade, and the fifth shade are encountered and / or the first shade, the second, respectively. It can be shown that the shade, the third shade, the fourth shade, and the fifth shade are being measured.

0022The voltage level can also be used to determine qualitative values for chemical parameters based on the shades expressed (eg, the detected shades). For example, the user may want to make sure that there is no object to be analyzed in the fluid (eg, no arsenic in the drinking water), but trace levels may be acceptable. Changes in voltage level in response to changes in shade for arsenic parameters (eg, from thresholds, from minimum values (eg 0), from maximum values (eg 1), etc.) give the user a qualitative value. Can be provided (eg, arsenic = ΔV = yes, exists, etc.). In another example, the user can know that a given arsenic level in the drinking water is acceptable, and the magnitude of the voltage level in response to the change in shade for the arsenic parameter is quantitative for the arsenic parameter. Can be mapped to a value (eg arsenic = .5V = 10ppb). Chemical parameter values are not mutually exclusive and may be represented, for example, together or as a hybrid value (eg, arsenic = safe).

0023Figure 4 shows an application 36 on a computing platform that can display the results to the user. Application 36 can provide the user with configurable options. For example, the user can set chemical parameters to be displayed, quantitative values to be displayed, qualitative values to be displayed, options for each value (for example, units, relative indicators, etc.) and the like. In the illustrated example, application 36, along with a set of parameters 38 (38a-38d), a corresponding set of quantitative values 40 (40a-40d) and a corresponding set of qualitative values 42 (42a-42d). Is displayed.

0024For example, application 36 has a chemical parameter of 38a (water hardness), as well as a corresponding quantitative value of 40a of 425.0 mg / L for the concentration of the object to be analyzed (eg, minerals), and the chemical parameter is out of the safe range. Display the corresponding qualitative value 42a, "red" in the indicator, indicating that it has a value. Application 36 also has a corresponding quantitative value of 40d for the concentration of the object to be analyzed (eg, hydrogen ion, hydroxide ion), along with the chemical parameter 38d (pH), and the chemical parameter is in the safe range. Display the corresponding qualitative value 42d, "green" in the indicator, indicating that it has a value within. The results displayed by application 36 are as described above, using the sensor device 10 (FIGS. 1A-1C, 2, 3), using the voltage levels described above, and / or below. It can be generated using the digital representation of the specimen and the printed tint chart, described in detail.

0025Next, moving to FIG. 5, a test structure such as a ready-made test piece 44, which is chemically coated in the color region 46 (46a to 46d), is shown. Each of the color regions 46 is a tint (eg, detected) that develops in different colors based on the concentration of the compound when in contact with a fluid containing the compound (eg, object to be analyzed, target, reactant, etc.). It is intended to form a shade). In the illustrated example, the test piece 44 was submerged in water and removed, and the color region 46a was expressed by changing the color of the chemical parameter (pH) based on the concentration of hydrogen or hydroxide. Forming shade DS1. In addition, the color region 46b changes color based on the concentration of carbonate and / or bicarbonate with respect to the chemical parameter (alkalinity) to form the expressed shade DS2. Further, the color region 46c changes the color of the chemical parameter (total chlorine) based on the concentration of chlorine to form the expressed shade DS3. In addition, the color region 46d changes color based on the concentration of minerals (eg, calcium, magnesium) with respect to the chemical parameter (water hardness) to form the expressed shade DS4.

0026The expressed hue can be measured by the sensor device 10 described above (FIGS. 1A-1C, 2 and 3), but substantially arbitrary chemical parameters for substantially any fluid are substantially arbitrary. Can be evaluated using the test piece of. For example, evaluations include ingestible fluids (eg, milk, oil, chemicals, etc.), industrial fluids (eg, wastewater, eg, chemically treated fluids used in semiconductor manufacturing, automotive parts manufacturing, etc.), gasoline, cleaning. It can be realized for fluids (eg, detergents), biological fluids (eg, urine samples, blood samples, saliva samples, etc.) and the like. Therefore, measuring compounds in water (eg nitrates, chlorine, pH, carbonates, etc.) can help determine if water is safe and compounds in urine (eg, urea, etc.). Measuring nitrogen, protein, glucose, ketones, bilirubin) can help determine health status for prevention and / or treatment, and compounds in soil filtrates (eg, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium). ) Or other conditions (eg, pH, alkalinity, nitrate) can promote fertilizer application levels or other agricultural considerations for optimal production of the crop or livestock. In addition, water quality tests may be provided (eg, using crowdsourcing to create water quality maps for different locations around the world, assigning quality ratings to water suppliers / restaurants, etc.).

0027Reference structures, such as printed color reference 48 (eg, tint charts), are not intended to change color in contact with fluid and determine the value of chemical parameters based on each expressed shade. Includes a color region 50 (50a-50d) that includes a reference shade intended to be compared with the expressed shades of the color regions 46a-46d. For example, the color region 50a contains a plurality of reference shades RS1 to RS8 for chemical parameters (pH) mapped to quantitative values (numerical pH values). In addition, the color region 50b contains a plurality of reference shades RS1 to RS7 for chemical parameters (alkalinity) mapped to quantitative values (numerical alkalinity values). In addition, the color region 50c contains a plurality of reference shades RS1 to RS5 for chemical parameters (total chlorine) mapped to quantitative values (numerical chlorine values). In addition, the color region 50d is for chemical parameters (water hardness) mapped to quantitative values (numerical hardness values) and qualitative values (eg, relative values of soft, hard, carbide). Includes multiple standard shades RS1 to RS6. Specimen 44 can be compared to the measured and printed digital representation of color reference 48 to determine qualitative and / or quantitative values of chemical parameters based on the shade of color region 46. For example, DS1 is measured by a color sensor to generate a digital color space value for DS1, which is compared to the digital color space value for RS1 through RS8 at 50a to give a quantitative pH for the fluid. Values 2.0, 4.0, etc. can be determined. In particular, pH values, for example between 2.0 and 4.0, can also be determined as described below.

0028FIG. 6 shows a method 52 of generating a printed color-based digital representation according to one embodiment. Method 52 can be performed using, for example, a sensor device such as the sensor device 10 (FIGS. 1A-1C, 2, 3) already described. Method 52 is logic stored in a machine-readable or computer-readable storage medium such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), firmware, flash memory, etc. A set of instructions, such as programmable logic arrays (PLA), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), complex programmable logic devices (CPLD), and other configurable logic, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), complementary metal oxide semiconductors. It can be implemented as a fixed-function hardware logic using circuit technology such as (CMOS) or transistor-transistor logic (TTL) technology, or as one or more modules in any combination thereof.

0029The illustrated processing block 54 provides, for example, to set identification data associated with the printed color reference 48 (FIG. 5) described above. For example, a smartphone application may be launched to enter identification data, including the name, label, and / or category of a new digitized reference shade chart. In addition, the processing block 54 provides, for example, to set the identification data associated with the test piece 44 (FIG. 5) described above. For example, a smartphone application may be launched to enter identification data including the details of the test piece, such as the manufacturer of the test piece, the catalog number of the test piece, the serial number of the test piece, the name of the test piece, and the like. The identification data may be entered automatically, for example, or may be entered by the user via a menu at the prompt.

0030The processing block 56 provides to enter the number of chemical parameters measured by the specimen. For example, for the test piece 44 (FIG. 5) described above, the number is 4 (N = 4). The processing block 58 includes the name of each chemical parameter (eg, pH, alkalinity, chlorine, hardness) and the number of reference shades (eg, for i = 1 to N) for each chemical parameter (eg, for pH). Provides to enter M = 8). The processing block 60 is a quantitative value of each chemical parameter (eg, for j = 1 to M) for each reference shade (eg, 2.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.5, 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, 12.0 for pH). ) Is provided. The processing block 60 also provides to enter qualitative values (eg, acidic, neutral, alkaline) for each chemical parameter for each reference shade.

0031Processing block 62 measures each reference tint (eg j-th tint) of each color region for each parameter (eg i-th parameter) to determine the initial digital color space (eg RGB value / component). Provide that. In this regard, when the sensor device is sequentially picked and placed on each color region of multiple color regions of the structure (eg, the printed color reference), or when the sensor device is of a structure that includes multiple color regions. When swiped across a surface (eg, slid), or a structure containing multiple color regions, swiped (eg, slid, inserted) through a slit coupled to a color sensor. In some cases, etc., multiple shades can be measured in sequence. Measurements can be achieved regardless of the dimensions of the color regions, the spacing between two or more color regions, the number of color regions, the dimensions of the structure, and / or the manufacturer of the structure. In addition, the measurements can be relatively quick.

0032For example, the sensor device may be a wireless accessory device that works with the above-mentioned application 36 (FIG. 4) existing on a computing platform (eg, smartphone, tablet, etc.). The user can sequentially place the sensor device on each color area (eg, printed color reference) and click a button on the sensor device. For example, the user places color sensors in a predetermined order on each color area on the test piece (for example, so that the application can recognize which parameter is being detected) and a button on the color sensor or application. By clicking, the developed hue can be measured. With each click, the color sensor measures a tint (eg, a reference tint). In this way, the user command to adjust the switch can be detected and the tint of the color region can be measured.

0033In another example, a computing platform in which a color transducer (eg, a color sensor), a light emitting part (eg, an LED), and a housing (eg, a conical portion) have a slit on one side to accept a printed color reference. It may be integrated with (for example, a smartphone). When the printed color reference was swiped in front of the color sensor (eg, in front of the opening in the housing) to pass through the slit, the color sensor was printed by the intensity of the reflected light and / or the color change. Detects the presence of color criteria. In addition, the swipe can be in a predetermined direction (eg, so that the application can recognize which parameter is being detected). In addition, it is based on the expiration of the timer (eg, the time it takes to pick and place the sensor, the time it takes to swipe the tint chart through the slit, the time it takes for one color region to be replaced by an adjacent color region, and so on. The expiry of the set timer) can be detected and the tint of the color region can be measured. In addition, the demarcation interval can be detected (eg, the presence of a white interval between the color regions can be determined to pause the measurement, prepare for the measurement, etc.) and the tint of the color region can be measured.

0034The processing block 64 provides to store initial digital color space values (eg, RGB values / coordinates). For example, the RGB values may be stored locally, for example, in the memory of the sensor device or remotely in the mobile computing platform. This method can iteratively loop back to, for example, processing block 50, processing block 60, etc., as needed. The stored RGB values can be retrieved for further processing. In addition, the color sensor can provide RGB values for further processing without storing the RGB values. Processing block 66 provides to normalize a set of values in the initial digital color space and store the normalized set of values. In one example, a set of RGB values can be normalized and stored as a two-dimensional matrix. For example, the set of values in the initial digital color space (eg, RGB values) is a qualitative and / or quantitative value (eg, [R (i) (j), G (i) (j), B. To store (i) (j)], a set of color space values in the first dimension (eg RGB) and a set of chemical parameters in the second dimension-reference shades (eg (i) (j)). ) Can be stored in a two-dimensional matrix containing.

0035Thus, a two-dimensional matrix can be generated, for example, by the test piece manufacturer and by the test piece user in real time at a point of use. In addition, the 2D matrix can be stored and used as a digitized reference shade chart by the user after the same test piece. The digitized reference color chart may exist, for example, in a cloud computing environment, or may be downloaded to the computing device from the specimen manufacturer's website, for example, when the user purchases the specimen. May be good. For example, a quick response (QR) code® may be scanned and / or a hypertext protocol link (eg, an HTTP link) may be selected to download a digitized reference shade chart. You may. In addition, the RGB values may be converted to different color spaces in real time and / or the values in the final digital color space may be as a digitized reference shade chart accessible to the user after the same specimen. It may be remembered.

0036Next, moving to FIG. 7, a method 70 is shown according to one embodiment, in which a color expressed by a test structure (for example, a test piece) is detected and the expressed color is collated with a digitized reference hue chart. ing. Method 70 can be performed using, for example, a sensor device such as the sensor device 10 (FIGS. 1A-1C, 2, 3) already described. Method 70 is a set of logic instructions stored on a machine-readable storage medium such as RAM, ROM, PROM, firmware, flash memory, etc. or a computer-readable storage medium, such as a configurable logic such as a PLA, FPGA, CPLD, etc. It can be implemented as a fixed function hardware logic using a circuit technology such as, for example, an ASIC, CMOS, or TTL technology, or as one or more modules in any combination thereof.

0037The illustrated processing block 72 provides for selecting test piece details such as the name of the test piece. The details of the test piece may be entered automatically, for example, or may be entered by the user via a menu at the prompt. For example, a test piece may be selected from a cascading drop-down menu that identifies the test piece from a test piece category (eg, ingestible fluid) using application 36 (FIG. 4) described above. Specimens can also be automatically identified using, for example, a QR code® or predetermined settings (eg, based on time of day, user location, etc.). The processing block 74 provides to read and / or obtain a reference tint chart of the test piece. For example, one or more processing blocks of method 52 (FIG. 6) described above may be performed depending on the identification of the test piece.

0038The processing block 76 provides to specify a color space value such as an initial digital color space value and / or a final color space value that can be stored. In one example, the user can select all or part of the expressed shades, and the specified initial digital color space values (eg, RGB values / coordinates) can be limited based on this selection. In another example, all stored color space values in a digitized color chart are automatically identified, regardless of whether the user is interested in all of the chemical parameters detected by the specimen. obtain. The processing block 78 sets the initial digital color space (for example, an RGB color space containing a set of RGB values) for the digitized reference color chart to the intermediate digital color space (for example, an international including a set of XYZ values) described later. Provides conversion to the Commission on Illumination (CIE) XYZ color space). The processing block 80 sets an intermediate digital color space (eg, a CIE color space containing a set of CIE XYZ values) for a digitized reference shade chart to a final digital color space (eg, a set of L, a, which will be described later). Provides conversion to Lab color space (including b value).

0039The processing block 82 provides for measuring the expressed shade. For example, each expressed shade of each color region for each parameter can be measured to determine the initial digital color space (eg, RGB values / components can be detected). In this regard, when the sensor device is sequentially picked and placed on each color region of multiple color regions of the structure (eg, test piece), or when the sensor device traverses the surface of a structure that includes multiple color regions. When swiped (eg, slid), or when a structure containing multiple color regions is swiped through a slit coupled to a color sensor (eg, slid, inserted, etc.) Occasionally, multiple shades can be measured in sequence. Measurements can be achieved regardless of the dimensions of the color regions, the spacing between two or more color regions, the number of color regions, the dimensions of the structure, and / or the manufacturer of the structure. In addition, the measurement can be relatively rapid, such as before the expressed shade changes color.

0040For example, the sensor device may be a wireless accessory device that works with the above-mentioned application 36 (FIG. 4) existing on a computing platform (eg, smartphone, tablet, etc.). The user can immerse the test piece in the solution under test, remove the test piece, and generate a shade that develops a color region based on the solution under test (eg, the manufacturer for the solution under test). (Wait for a predetermined time based on the protocol of). For example, chemically coated regions on a test piece (each region corresponding to a chemical parameter) can develop a tint proportional to the concentration / magnitude of the detected chemical parameter. The user can sequentially place the sensor device on each color area (eg, of the test piece) and click a button on the sensor device. For example, the user places color sensors in a predetermined order on each color area on the test piece (for example, so that the application can recognize which parameter is being detected) and the color sensor or button on the application. By clicking, the developed hue can be measured. With each click, the color sensor measures the tint (eg, the expressed tint). In this way, the user command to adjust the switch can be detected and the tint of the color region can be measured.

0041In another example, a computing platform (eg, where the color transducer (eg, color sensor), light emitting part (eg, LED), and housing (eg, conical portion) has a slit on one side to receive the specimen. It may be integrated with a smartphone). When the test piece is swiped in front of the color sensor to pass through the slit, the color sensor detects the presence of the test piece by the intensity of the reflected light and / or the change in color. In addition, the swipe can be in a predetermined direction (eg, so that the application can recognize which parameter is being detected). In addition, it is based on the expiration of the timer (eg, the time it takes to pick and place the sensor, the time it takes to swipe the specimen through the slit, the time it takes for one color region to be replaced by an adjacent color region, and so on. The expiry of the set timer) can be detected and the tint of the color region can be measured. In addition, the demarcation spacing can be detected (eg, the presence of white spacing between the color regions to be determined for measurement pauses, measurement preparations, etc.) and the tint of the color regions can be measured.

0042Processing block 84 provides to normalize a set of values in the initial digital color space. The set of initial digital color space values (eg, from the manifested shades of the color region of the test piece) can be normalized as follows.

0043The sensor provides Rx, Gx, Bx (eg, RGB values from the sensor). The received values are normalized to 0-255 (Mr, Cr, Mg, Cg, Mb, and Cb are the slopes and y-intercepts of the linear equation (y = mx + c), respectively). We normalize these values to the black and white calibration criteria while calibrating the color sensor. We consider black as 0,0,0 and white as 255,255,255 when the black and white sheets are held in front of the sensor, respectively. Ry = Mr * Rx + Cr Gy = Mg * Gx + Cg By = Mb * Bx + Cb

0044Processing block 86 converts, for example, an initial digital color space for a test piece (eg, an RGB color space containing a set of RGB values) into an intermediate digital color space (eg, a CIE XYZ color space containing a set of XYZ values). I will provide a. The initial digital color space can be transformed into an intermediate digital color space as follows.

0045RGB values are converted to CIE XYZ values. Converting to the CIE XYZ color space can be an intermediate step in converting the RGB color space to the LAB color space. var_R = (Ry / 255) var_G = (Gy / 255) var_B = (By / 255) if (var_R&gt; 0.04045) var_R = ((var_R + 0.055) /1.055)^2.4 else var_R = var_R / 12.92 if (var_G&gt; 0.04045) var_G = ((var_G + 0.055) /1.055)^2.4 else var_G = var_G / 12.92 if (var_B&gt; 0.04045) var_B = ((var_B + 0.055) /1.055)^2.4 else var_B = var_B / 12.92 var_R = var_R * 100 var_G = var_G * 100 var_B = var_B * 100 X = var_R * 0.4124 + var_G * 0.3576 + var_B * 0.1805 Y = var_R * 0.2126 + var_G * 0.7152 + var_B * 0.0722 Z = var_R * 0.0193 + var_G * 0.1192 + var_B * 0.9505

0046The processing block 88 converts, for example, an intermediate digital color space for a test piece (for example, a CIE XYZ color space containing a set of CIE XYZ values) into a final digital color space (for example, a Lab color space containing a set of L, a, b values). ) Is provided to be converted. Such transformations can more closely simulate the user's vision and / or provide more reliable results for visual comparisons.

0047The XYZ color space is converted to Lab space (International Commission on Illumination / CIE 1994). var_X = X / ref_X // ref_X = 95.047 var_Y = Y / ref_Y // ref_Y = 100.000 var_Z = Z / ref_Z // ref_Z = 108.883 if (var_X&gt; 0.008856) var_X = var_X ^ (1/3) else var_X = (7.787 * var_X) + (16/116) if (var_Y&gt; 0.008856) var_Y = var_Y ^ (1/3) else var_Y = (7.787 * var_Y) + (16/116) if (var_Z&gt; 0.008856) var_Z = var_Z ^ (1/3) else var_Z = (7.787 * var_Z) + (16/116) L = (116 * var_Y) -16 A = 500 * (var_X-var_Y) B = 200 * (var_Y-var_Z)

0048In order to relatively improve the reliability of color interpretation and / or comparison, the processing block 90 sets the value of the final digital color space set for the expressed hue to the value of the final digital color space set for the reference shade. Provides to compare with. For example, a delta-E value indicating the minimum distance of the set of L, a, b values of the expressed shades from the reference L, a, b values of the set of reference shades can be determined. The values of the final digital color space set for the expressed shades can be compared with the values of the final digital color space set for the reference shades, as follows.

0049Delta E is calculated. Delta E is the minimum distance of the measured shade from multiple shades in the (digital) reference color chart for chemical parameters. L, A, B (from above) L (i), A (i), B (i) (These are the LAB values for the standard shade) xC1 = sqrt ((A ^ 2) + (B ^ 2)) xC2 = sqrt ((A (i) ^ 2) + (B (i) ^ 2)) xDL = L (i) -L xDC = xC2-xC1 xDE = sqrt (((LL (i)) * (LL (i))) + ((AA (i)) * (AA (i))) + ((BB (i)) * (BB (i)))) if (sqrt (xDE)&gt; (sqrt (abs (xDL)) + sqrt (abs (xDC)))) { xDH = sqrt ((xDE * xDE)-(xDL * xDL)-(xDC * xDC)) } else { xDH = 0 } xSC = 1 + (0.045 * xC1) xSH = 1 + (0.015 * xC1) xDL / = 1 xDC / = 1 * xSC xDH / = 1 * xSH Delta E₉₄= sqrt (xDL ^ 2 + xDC ^ 2 + xDH ^ 2)

0050In this way, the color is automatically compared to the corresponding shade chart (eg, each time the color is measured) and is the closest (in color space) of the shades in the pre-stored reference shade chart. A match can be found. For example, each color expressed on a test piece can be matched against a corresponding set of shades in a digitized reference shade chart stored in memory (eg, memory of a smartphone). In addition, color matching can utilize the CIE XYZ color space instead of the RGB color space to more closely mimic human vision. The XYZ color space coordinates can then be converted to Lab (brightness, a, b) coordinates to further improve perceptual uniformity before calculating the delta E color matching value. The smaller the delta E value between the two colors, the better the colors match. Thus, instead of using only a relatively simple voltage level matching process or RGB color space for color matching, color matching can be used to match the colors expressed by the specimen with the shades of the reference tint chart. It can be achieved in a color space that is closer to human vision than RGB.

0051Determining whether match is found is performed at block 92 illustrated Ru. For example, a Delta E color match value can indicate that the color of the expressed shade is within the color tolerance for a particular stored reference shade. A range from, for example, zero to the upper bound can be set and checked to determine if the Delta E color match value is within the acceptable color range for a particular stored reference shade. If a match is found, the quantitative and / or qualitative values of the chemical parameters for the shades expressed are, for example, the qualitative and / or quantitative values associated with the reference shade in which the match was found. It is determined by specifying a value and is stored in the processing block 98. If no match is found, processing blocks 94 and 96 can improve color matching accuracy by interpolating between adjacent shades.

0052In particular, processing block 94 provides to identify the two minimum delta E values that indicate the two reference shades closest to the expressed shade if no match is found. For example, processing block 94 identifies two minimum delta E values to determine the two reference shades in the reference shade chart that are closest to the expressed shade. In addition, the processing block 94 can identify qualitative and / or quantitative values associated with the two closest reference shades. Generally, a color reference provided by a manufacturer (eg, a reference shade chart) is about 2-8 corresponding to several reference shades (eg, 2-8 values) for comparison with the developed colors. May have only (individual shades). In this regard, the chemical parameters can be measured visually with an accuracy of 2-8 shades. However, the matching process is not limited to the number of color regions, and if necessary, shades are used, for example, using the two closest reference shades identified to determine the exact value. (And / or the corresponding quantitative and quantitative values) can be interpolated.

0053Processing block 96 interpolates the reference shade between the two closest reference shades (eg, two adjacent reference shades) and / or interpolates the parameter values associated with the interpolated reference shade. provide. Interpolation can be achieved at any desired granularity. For example, the grain size is the intensity fractions between the two closest reference shades (eg, the green intensity fraction between light green and dark green), and the two closest reference shades. A fraction of qualitative values between (eg, a "medium" fraction between the "low" and "high" values), a quantitative value between the two closest reference shades. It can be obtained based on the fraction group of (for example, the fraction group of .1 mg / L between the value of 1 mg / L and the value of 2 mg / L) and the like.

0054For example, the interpolation of shades between the two closest reference shades can be achieved first before the interpolation of the associated parameter values for the interpolated shades. In this regard, a comparison of the associated parameter values with the manifested shades prior to interpolation can identify matching interpolated shades of a particular matched interpolated shade without unnecessarily wasting resources. Calculations for a particular associated parameter value can be facilitated. In another example, all shades and all associated parameter values may be interpolated prior to comparison with the expressed shades. In yet another example, the interpolation of shades between, for example, the two closest reference shades may alternate with a comparison with the developed shades before proceeding to the next interval. Therefore, if the color developed on the test piece is, for example, between the two closest shades on a digitized reference shade chart, the color developed on the test piece (eg, between the two closest shades). ) Can be used to facilitate the determination of intermediate values (interpolated values) (eg, numbers) of parameters. This method can iteratively loop back to, for example, processing block 82, if desired. The processing block 100 provides the user with a quantitative and / or qualitative result. In one example, the results can be transferred to application 36 (FIG. 4) described above.

0055It should be understood that the matching process may include any other process described herein. Therefore, the matching process may generally include comparing a set of values for an expressed shade with a set of values for a reference shade. In one example, the voltage level corresponding to the expressed shade of the test piece corresponds to the expressed shade of the control specimen determined using a known amount of material to be analyzed that corresponds to the printed color criteria for the same. Can be compared with voltage level, etc. In another example, the matching process may include comparing a set of values in a digital color space, such as the RGB color space, for the expressed hue to a digital color space, such as the RGB color space for the reference shade.

0056Figure 8 shows sensor functions (non-intensive sensors), computing functions (eg PDA, notebook computer, tablet computer, convertible tablet, desktop computer, cloud server), communication function (eg wireless smartphone, radio), imaging function. , Media playback capabilities (eg, smart television / TV), wearable computers (eg, headwear, clothing, clothing, glasses, etc.), or any combination of these (eg, MID). The computing system 110 to obtain is shown. In the illustrated example, the system 110 includes a processor 112, an integrated memory controller (IMC) 114, an input / output (IO) module 116, a system memory 118, a network controller 120, a display 122, a light emitting unit 124, and one or more sensors 126. Includes (eg, color sensor, temperature sensor, ambient light sensor, accelerator), battery 130, and mass storage 128 (eg, optical disk, hard disk drive / HDD, flash memory).

0057Processor 112 may include a core region having one or more processor cores (not shown). The IO module 116 shown, sometimes referred to as the South Bridge or South Complex of the chipset, acts as a host controller, eg, a cellular phone (eg, Broadband Code Split Multiple Connection / W-CDMA® (Universal Mobile)). Body communication system / UMTS), CDMA2000 (IS-856 / IS-2000), etc.), WiFi (registered trademark) (Wireless Fidelity, for example, Electrical and Electronic Engineers Association / IEEE802.11-2007, Wireless Local Area Network / LAN Media Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) Specifications), 4G LTE (4th Generation Long Term Evolution), Bluetooth®, WiMax® (eg IEEE802.16-2004, LAN / MAN) To provide off-platform communication capabilities for a wide variety of purposes such as Broadband Wireless LAN), Global Positioning System (GPS), Spread Spectrum (eg 900MHz), and other Radio Frequency (RF) telephone purposes. Communicate with the capable network controller 120. Other standards and / or techniques can also be implemented in the network controller 120.

0058Therefore, the network controller 120 can exchange data (for example, color space values, quantitative values, qualitative values, etc.) with the application 36 (FIG. 4) described above. The IO module 116 may also include one or more hardware circuit blocks (eg, smart amplifiers, analog-to-digital converters, integrated sensor hubs) to support such wireless and other signal processing functions.

0059Although the processor 112 and IO module 116 are shown as separate blocks, the processor 112 and IO module 116 may be implemented as a system on chip (SoC) on the same semiconductor die. The system memory 118 may include, for example, a double data rate (DDR) synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM, eg DDR3 SDRAM JEDEC standard JESD79-3C, April 2008) module. The module of system memory 118 can be incorporated into a single inline memory module (SIMM), a dual inline memory module (DIMM), a small outline DIMM (SODIMM), and the like.

0060The illustrated processor 112 is, for example, a command module 132a for detecting a user command that adjusts a switch to measure a tint of a color region, a timer for detecting the expiration of a timer for measuring a tint of a color region. Logic 132 (132a-132q, eg, logic instructions, configurable logic, fixed function hardware logic, etc.) including module 132b and demarcation module 132c for detecting the tint of the color region. , Or any combination thereof). Processor 112 includes a reference generation module 132d for generating one or more digitized reference shade charts. Processor 112 is an identification module 132e for setting identification data (eg, for printed color criteria), the number of chemical parameters associated with the specimen, the name of each chemical parameter, the number of reference shades for each chemical parameter. , And the parameter module 132f for setting one or more of the values of each chemical parameter (eg, quantitative, qualitative) for each reference shade, and the set of values in the initial digital color space. Includes 132 g of color space storage module for storage (eg, in large capacity storage, system memory, etc.). The processor 112 is digitally loaded from a normalization module 132h for normalizing a set of values in the initial digital color space and from a data storage unit (eg, memory, system memory, cloud computing environment, external mobile computing device, etc.). Includes a standard acquisition module 132i for acquiring the converted color standard.

0061Processor 112 includes a color space conversion module 132j for converting one digital color space into one or more other digital color spaces. Processor 112 includes a set of CIE modules 132k for converting a set of red-blue-green spaces containing a set of red-blue-green values into a set of International Commission on Illumination (CIE) XYZ color spaces containing a set of XYZ values. Includes a Lab module 132l for converting a CIE color space containing CIE XYZ values into a Lab color space containing a set of L, a, b values. The processor 112 matches the final digital color space of the digitized color reference with the final digital color space of the digitized test piece (and / or matches other values such as voltage value, RGB value, etc.). Includes a matching module 132m for the matching module 132m, which determines the delta E value indicating the minimum distance of the set of L, a, b values of the expressed shade from the reference L, a, b value of the set of reference shades. can do.

0062Based on the determination (eg, delta E value), processor 112 finds a match between the expressed shade and the reference shade, and then the value of the chemical parameter (eg, quantitative value) for the expressed shade. Includes a value-specific module 132n for identifying (qualitative values). Processor 112 includes a proximity module 132o to identify the two minimum delta E values that indicate the two reference shades closest to the expressed shade if no match is found. Processor 112 interpolates the reference shade between the two closest reference shades until a match with the expressed shade is found, and based on the match, the value of the chemical parameter for the expressed shade (eg, quantitative). Includes an interpolation module 132p for calculating values (values, qualitative values) (eg, by interpolating the values of the parameters associated with the interpolated reference shades that match the expressed shades). Processor 112 includes a value storage module 132q for storing quantitative and / or qualitative values.

0063Although the logic 132 shown is shown as being implemented on a processor 112, one or more aspects of the logic 132 may optionally be an external mobile computing platform, color of the computing system 110. It may be mounted elsewhere, such as the sensor 126. In addition, one or more aspects of Logic 132 may be combined into one or more modules. For example, the reference generation module 132d may include an identification module 132e, a parameter module 132f, and / or a color space storage module 132g. In another example, the color space conversion module 132j may include a CIE module 132k and / or a Lab module 132l. In a further example, the collation module 132m may include a value identification module 132n, a proximity module 132o, and / or an interpolation module 132p.

0064<u style="single">Further notes and examples:</u> Example 1 is a sensor device for determining the value of a chemical parameter, which is a housing and one or more light emitting parts arranged in the housing to emit light through the opening of the housing. The light emitted illuminates the color region of the structure that is separable from the housing, captures the light reflected through one or more light emitters and openings, and determines the shade of the reflected light in the color region. A color sensor that is located inside a housing to convert to an initial digital color space that can be used to capture the reflected light, at least regardless of the size of the color region. And, which may include a sensor device.

0065Example 2 is the sensor device of Example 1, in which the color sensor is of color regions regardless of the spacing between two or more color regions, the number of color regions, the dimensions of the structure, and the manufacturer of the structure. It may include a sensor device that measures hue.

0066Example 3 is the sensor device of Example 1 or 2, wherein the opening is located at the narrow end of the conical portion of the housing and the color sensor is located at the wide end of the conical portion of the housing. It may include a sensor device in which one or more light emitting portions are arranged between the color sensor and the opening in a conical portion of the housing so as to substantially shield the color sensor from ambient light.

0067Example 4 is a sensor device of any one of Examples 1 to 3, between the color sensor and the aperture in the conical portion of the housing in order to substantially limit the field of view of the color sensor to the field of view of the aperture. It may include a sensor device further comprising a lens arranged in.

0068Example 5 is any one of the sensor devices of Examples 1 to 4, further including a communication module for transferring data to a mobile computing platform outside the housing, and the sensor device is decentralized. It may include a sensor device, which is a sensor.

0069Example 6 is a sensor device of any one of Examples 1 to 5, a slit located adjacent to the opening, in a conical portion of the housing to accept a swipe of the structure through the slit. It may include a sensor device that further comprises a slit that is coupled.

0070Example 7 is any one of the sensor devices of Examples 1 to 6, and is a command module for detecting a user command for adjusting a switch to measure the hue of the color region and measuring the hue of the color region. It may include a sensor device further comprising a timer module for detecting the expiration of a timer for detecting a demarcation interval for measuring a tint of a color region and a demarcation module for detecting a demarcation interval for measuring the hue of a color region.

0071Example 8 is any one of the sensor devices of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the structure includes a printed color reference, each color region contains a reference shade, and the sensor device includes a printed color reference. Reference identification module for setting identification data for, the number of chemical parameters associated with the specimen, the name of each chemical parameter, the number of reference shades for each chemical parameter, and the value of each chemical parameter for each reference shade. A sensor device may include a reference generation module further comprising a parameter module for setting one or more of the following and a color space storage module for storing a set of values in the initial digital color space. ..

0072Example 9 is one of the sensor devices of Examples 1 to 8, and the set values of the initial digital color space are the set of color space values in the first dimension and the set of chemistry in the second dimension. It may include a sensor device stored in a two-dimensional matrix containing parameters-reference shades.

0073Example 10 may include any one of the sensor devices of Examples 1-9, further comprising a normalization module for normalizing a set of values in the initial digital color space.

0074Example 11 is any one of Examples 1 to 10 and may include a sensor device further comprising a reference acquisition module for acquiring a digitized color reference from a data storage unit. ..

0075Example 12 is one of the sensor devices of Examples 1 to 11, further including a color space conversion module for converting the initial digital color space to the final digital color space, and the color space conversion module is Contains a set of CIE modules for converting a set of red-blue-green spaces containing red-blue-green values to a set of International Commission on Illumination (CIE) XYZ color spaces containing a set of XYZ values, and a set of CIE XYZ values. It may include a sensor device, including a Lab module for converting a CIE space into a Lab color space containing a set of L, a, b values.

0076Example 13 is any one of the sensor devices of Examples 1 to 12, the structure including the test piece, each color region containing the expressed hue of the test piece, and the present sensor device is digitized. A collation module for collating the final digital color space of the color reference with the final digital color space of the digitized test piece, which is a set of the standard shades of the L, a, and b values of the expressed shades. Expressed when a matching module for determining the delta E value, which indicates the minimum distance from the reference L, a, and b values, and, based on the determination, a match is found between the expressed shade and the reference shade. It may include a sensor device further comprising a value specifying module for specifying the value of a chemical parameter for a shade and a value storage module for storing the value.

0077Example 14 is any one of the sensor devices of Examples 1 to 13, and the two minimum deltas E showing the two reference shades closest to the expressed shade when the matching module does not find a match. Interpolate the reference shade between the two closest reference shades until a match is found between the proximity module to identify the value and the expressed shade, and based on the match, the value of the chemical parameter for the expressed shade. Can include a sensor device, including an interpolation module for calculating.

0078Example 15 is a method for determining the value of a chemical parameter, which is a step of providing one or more light emitting parts arranged in the housing to emit light through an opening of the housing, in which the emitted light is emitted. Illuminates the color region of the structure that is separable from the housing, the steps and the initial capture of the light reflected through the opening and the reflected light can be used to determine the tint of the color region. A method comprising a step of providing a color sensor arranged within a housing for conversion to a digital color space, wherein the reflected light is captured at least independently of the dimensions of the color region. May include.

0079Example 16 is the method of Example 15 for measuring the tint of a color region regardless of the spacing between two or more color regions, the number of color regions, the dimensions of the structure, and the manufacturer of the structure. May include methods, including further.

0080Example 17 is the method of Example 15 or 16, wherein the opening is located at the narrow end of the conical portion of the housing and the color sensor is located at the wide end of the conical portion of the housing. The light emitting portion may include a method in which the light emitting portion is arranged between the color sensor and the opening in the conical portion of the housing so as to substantially shield the color sensor from ambient light.

0081Example 18 is any one of Examples 15 to 17, in which the lens substantially limits the field of view of the color sensor to the field of view of the aperture with the color sensor and aperture in the conical portion of the housing. Can include methods that are placed between.

0082Example 19 is any one of Examples 15-18, further comprising the step of transferring data to a mobile computing platform outside the housing, where the color sensor is implemented as a non-intensive sensor. May include methods.

0083Example 20 is any one of Examples 15-19, in which the slits are placed adjacent to the openings and coupled to the conical portion of the housing to accept a swipe of the structure through the slits. May include methods.

0084Example 21 is any one of Examples 15 to 20, in which a step of detecting a user command for adjusting a switch to measure a tint of a color region and a timer for measuring the tint of a color region are used. A method may be included that further comprises a step of detecting the expiry of the color region and a step of detecting the demarcation interval for measuring the tint of the color region.

0085Example 22 is any one of Examples 15 to 21, wherein the structure includes a printed color reference, each color region contains a reference shade, and the method identifies the printed color reference. One or more of the steps to set the data and the number of chemical parameters associated with the specimen, the name of each chemical parameter, the number of reference shades for each chemical parameter, and the value of each chemical parameter for each reference shade. A method may be included that further comprises a step of setting, and a step of storing a set of values in the initial digital color space.

0086Example 23 is any one of Examples 15 to 22, in which the set of values in the initial digital color space is the set of color space values in the first dimension and the set of chemical parameters in the second dimension. -Can include methods that are stored in a two-dimensional matrix that includes, with reference shades.

0087Example 24 may include any one of Examples 15 to 23, further comprising a step of normalizing a set of values in the initial digital color space.

0088Example 25 is any one of Examples 15 to 24 and may include a method further comprising the step of obtaining a digitized color reference from a data storage unit.

0089Example 26 is any one of Examples 15 to 25, further comprising the step of converting the initial digital color space to the final digital color space, the method comprising a set of red-blue-green values. The steps to convert a red-blue-green space to an International Commission on Illumination (CIE) XYZ color space containing a set of XYZ values, and a set of CIE spaces containing a set of CIE XYZ values to a set of L, a, b values. It may include methods, including further including steps to convert to a including Lab color space.

0090Example 27 is any one of Examples 15 to 26, wherein the structure comprises a test piece, each color region contains the expressed shade of the test piece, and the method is a digitized color reference. In the step of collating the final digital color space of the above with the final digital color space of the digitized test piece, the collation module is a reference of a set of reference shades of L, a, and b values of the set of expressed shades. Determining the delta E value, which indicates the minimum distance from the L, a, and b values. A method may be included that further comprises a step of identifying the value of a chemical parameter and a step of storing the value.

0091Example 28 is any one of Examples 15 to 27, and if no match is found, the step of identifying the two minimum delta E values indicating the two reference shades closest to the expressed shade. And the step of interpolating the reference shade between the two closest reference shades until a match with the expressed shade is found, and the step of calculating the value of the chemical parameter for the developed shade based on the match. May include methods, including further.

0092Example 29 is at least one computer-readable storage medium containing one or more instructions, and when one or more instructions are executed on a computing device, one or more instructions are computeed. The step of emitting light through the opening of the housing to the ing device, the emitted light illuminates the color region of the structure separable from the housing, capturing the step and the light reflected through the opening. The step of converting the reflected light into an initial digital color space that can be used to determine the tint of the color region, the reflected light is captured at least independently of the dimensions of the color region. It may include at least one computer-readable storage medium that causes the steps to be performed.

0093Example 30 is at least one computer-readable storage medium of Example 29, in which when one or more instructions are executed, one or more instructions are sent to the computing device in two or more color regions. It may include at least one computer-readable storage medium that performs the steps of measuring the tint of the color regions, regardless of the spacing between them, the number of color regions, the dimensions of the structure, and the manufacturer of the structure.

0094Example 31 is at least one computer-readable storage medium of Example 29 or Example 30, in which an opening is located at the narrow end of the conical portion of the housing and a color sensor is located on the conical portion of the housing. One or more light emitting parts are arranged between the color sensor and the opening in the conical portion of the housing so as to substantially shield the color sensor from ambient light. , May include at least one computer-readable storage medium.

0095Example 32 is at least one computer-readable storage medium of any one of Examples 29-31, in which the lens substantially limits the field of view of the color sensor to the field of view of the aperture, the cone of the housing. It may include at least one computer-readable storage medium located between the color sensor and the aperture in the shape.

0096Example 33 is at least one computer-readable storage medium of any one of Examples 29 to 32, and when one or more instructions are executed, one or more instructions are sent to the computing device. The color sensor may include at least one computer-readable storage medium, implemented as a non-intensive sensor, performing the steps of transferring data to a mobile computing platform outside the housing.

0097Example 34 is at least one computer-readable storage medium of any one of Examples 29 to 33, such that the slit is located adjacent to the opening and accepts a swipe of the structure through the slit. It may include at least one computer-readable storage medium attached to the conical portion of the housing.

0098Example 35 is at least one computer-readable storage medium of any one of Examples 29 to 34, and when one or more instructions are executed, one or more instructions are sent to the computing device. A step to detect a user command that adjusts a switch to measure the tint of a color region, a step to detect the expiration of a timer to measure the tint of a color region, and a boundary for measuring the tint of a color region. It may include at least one computer-readable storage medium that performs a step of detecting the demarcation interval.

0099Example 36 is at least one computer-readable storage medium of any one of Examples 29 to 35, wherein the structure includes a printed color reference and each color region contains a reference shade, one or more. When the instructions are executed, one or more instructions set the computer device with the identification data of the printed color criteria, the number of chemical parameters associated with the specimen, and the name of each chemical parameter. , Set the number of reference shades for each chemical parameter, and one or more of the values for each chemical parameter for each reference shade, and store a set of values in the initial digital color space. May include at least one computer-readable storage medium.

0100Example 37 is at least one computer-readable storage medium of any one of Examples 29 to 36, in which the set values of the initial digital color space are the set color space values in the first dimension and the first. It may include at least one computer-readable storage medium stored in a two-dimensional matrix containing a set of chemical parameters in two dimensions-reference shades.

0101Example 38 is at least one computer-readable storage medium of any one of Examples 29 to 37, and when one or more instructions are executed, one or more instructions are sent to the computing device. It may include at least one computer-readable storage medium that performs the steps of normalizing a set of values in the initial digital color space.

0102Example 39 is at least one computer-readable storage medium of any one of Examples 29-38, and when one or more instructions are executed, one or more instructions are sent to the computing device. It may include at least one computer-readable storage medium that causes the data storage unit to perform the step of obtaining a digitized color reference.

0103Example 40 is at least one computer-readable storage medium of any one of Examples 29 to 39, and when one or more instructions are executed, one or more instructions are sent to the computing device. Converting a set of red-blue-green spaces containing a set of red-blue-green values to the International Lighting Commission (CIE) XYZ color space containing a set of XYZ values, and a set of CIE XYZ values containing a set of CIE spaces May include at least one computer-readable storage medium that performs the steps of converting the initial digital color space to the final digital color space by converting to a Lab color space containing a set of L, a, b values. ..

0104Example 41 is at least one computer-readable storage medium of any one of Examples 29 to 40, the structure containing the test piece, and each color region containing the expressed hue of the test piece. When the above instructions are executed, one or more instructions cause the computing device to match the final digital color space of the digitized color reference with the final digital color space of the digitized specimen. The matching is a step and determination to determine the delta E value indicating the minimum distance of the set of L, a, b values of the expressed shade from the reference L, a, b value of the set of reference shades. When a match is found between the expressed shade and the reference shade based on, at least one step of identifying the value of the chemical parameter for the expressed shade and the step of memorizing the value are executed. It may include one computer readable storage medium.

0105Example 42 is at least one computer-readable storage medium of any one of Examples 29 to 41, and when one or more instructions are executed, one or more instructions are sent to the computing device. , If no match is found, the step of identifying the two minimum delta E values that indicate the two reference shades that are closest to the expressed shade, and the two closest criteria until a match is found for the developed shade. It may include at least one computer-readable storage medium that performs a step of interpolating a reference shade between shades and a step of calculating the value of a chemical parameter for the expressed shade based on the match.

0106Example 43 may include a sensor device system for determining the value of a chemical parameter, comprising means for performing any one of Examples 15-28.

0107Example 44 is a sensor device for determining the value of a chemical parameter, which is located inside the housing to illuminate the color region of the structure with light emitted through the housing and the opening of the housing. One or more light emitting parts facing a structure that is separable from the housing, and at least a surface to the opening that is located inside the housing to measure the tint of the color region regardless of the dimensions of the color region. The light that is reflected in the color region back through the aperture is captured by the color sensor and converted into the initial digital color space used to determine the tint of the color region. It may include a sensor device, including a color sensor.

0108Example 45 is the sensor device of Example 44 and may include a sensor device further comprising any one of the sensor devices of Examples 1-14.

0109Example 46 is a method for determining the value of a chemical parameter, which provides a color region of a structure that is located inside the housing and is separable from the housing by one or more light emitting parts facing the structure. , A step of irradiating through the opening of the housing and a step of measuring the hue of the color region at least regardless of the size of the color region by a color sensor located in the housing and facing the opening. A method that includes steps, in which light reflected in a color region back through an opening is captured by a color sensor and converted into an initial digital color space used to determine the tint of the color region. May include.

0110Example 47 may include a method of Example 46, further comprising any one of Examples 15-28.

0111Example 48 is at least one computer-readable storage medium containing one or more instructions, and when one or more instructions are executed on a computing device, one or more instructions are computeed. A step of irradiating the ing device with a color region of the structure that is separable from the housing through the opening of the housing by one or more light emitting parts located inside the housing and facing the structure, and the housing. A step of measuring the tint of a color region, at least independent of the dimensions of the color region, by a color sensor located inside and facing the opening, reflected in the color region back through the opening. The light may include at least one computer-readable storage medium, which is captured by a color sensor and transformed into an initial digital color space used to determine the tint of the color region, and the steps are performed.

0112Example 49 is at least one computer readable storage medium of Example 48, further comprising at least one computer readable storage medium of any one of Examples 29 to 42, at least one computer readable. It may include a storage medium.

0113Example 50 may include a sensor device system for determining the value of a chemical parameter, comprising means for performing the method of Example 44 or 45.

0114As such, sensor devices and techniques can be implemented for virtually all types of off-the-shelf paper test pieces from virtually any manufacturer. The instrument and technology provides test pieces of virtually any size / shape / dimension, any number of color areas of test pieces, and between color areas, regardless of which chemical parameters correspond to the color areas. It works with any kind of order or spacing, and / or any kind of shade and any number of shades per color area. In addition, it is possible to convert virtually any kind of paper-based reference shade chart into a digital representation, thereby enabling automatic color matching. In addition, it is non-intensive and is substantially unaffected by ambient light and / or can provide its own unique controlled light source for illuminating and detecting, for example, the color region on the specimen. Color sensors can be used. Non-aggregate means that each color sensor is used to measure any type of off-the-shelf test piece, regardless of the size and shape of the test piece, and regardless of the number of color regions or the spacing between color regions, etc. Allows you to move and place on the area. Therefore, the sensor device is a pre-designed number of optical sensors with a pre-designed slit size for insertion of the test piece and / or a pre-designed number of pre-designed intervals tightly integrated inside a customized measuring device. , Are not required and are therefore not limited to measuring only compatible test strips from a particular manufacturer.

0115The embodiments are applicable for use with all types of semiconductor integrated circuit ("IC") chips. Examples of these IC chips include, but are limited to, processors, controllers, chipset components, programmable logic arrays (PLA), memory chips, network chips, system-on-chip (SoC), SSD / NAND controller ASICs, etc. It's not something. In addition, in some of the drawings, the signal conductor wire is represented by a line. Some differ to indicate more constituent signal paths, have a numeric label to indicate the number of constituent signal paths, and / or at one or more ends to indicate the main information flow direction. Can have an arrow. However, this should not be construed in a limited way. Instead, such additional details may be used in connection with one or more exemplary embodiments to facilitate an easier understanding of the circuit. Every signal line represented is actually one or more signals that can move in multiple directions, with or without additional information, such as differential pairs, optical fibers. It may include one or more signals that can be implemented with any suitable type of signal scheme, such as fiber optic lines and / or digital or analog lines mounted on single-ended lines.

0116Examples of sizes / models / values / ranges may be presented, but embodiments are not limited to them. As manufacturing techniques (eg, photolithography) mature over time, it is expected that smaller sized devices can be manufactured. In addition, well-known power / ground connections to IC chips and other components are shown in the drawings to simplify illustration and description and not obscure certain aspects of embodiments. It may or may not be shown. In addition, the details regarding the implementation of the block diagram configuration are highly dependent on the platform on which the embodiment is implemented, i.e., such details are sufficient, while ensuring that the embodiments are not obscured. The configuration may be shown in the form of such a block diagram in view of being in the field of view of one of ordinary skill in the art. When specific details (eg, circuits) are provided to illustrate exemplary embodiments, the embodiments are described without their specific details or with variations of those specific details. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that it can be carried out. Therefore, this description should be considered as an example, not a limitation.

0117The term "combined, combined, combined" is used herein to refer to any kind of direct or indirect relationship between the components of interest, electrical connection, It can be applied to mechanical connections, fluid connections, optical connections, electromagnetic connections, electromechanical connections, or other connections. In addition, terms such as "first", "second", etc. may be used herein only for ease of explanation and are of any particular nature unless otherwise indicated. It has no temporal or chronological meaning.

0118As used in this application and claims, a list of items linked by the terms "one or more of ..." or "at least one of ..." is a list of listed items. It can mean any combination. For example, the phrase "one or more of A, B, or C" means A, B, C; A and B; A and C; B and C; or A, B, and C. obtain.

0119From the above description, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a wide range of techniques of embodiments can be implemented in various forms. Thus, although embodiments are described in the context of specific examples of embodiments, the true scope of the embodiments can be modified by examining the drawings, specification, and claims. It should not be so limited as it will be apparent to the vendor.