Patents by Inventor Bernd Limburg

Bernd Limburg has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20230152239
    Abstract: A method of performing an analytical measurement includes using a camera of a mobile device to capture a time series of images of at least a part of a medical article. From this, image-derived position information on a relative position of the mobile device and the medical article is derived, thereby generating a first time series of position information. A sensor captures measurement information on the relative position of the mobile device and the medical article. Measurement-derived position information is used to generate a second time series of position information, and the first and second time series of position information are combined to generate an augmented time series of position information. From this, guidance is provided to a user to move the mobile device and the medical article into a relative target position. A mobile device, a kit and a computer program are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2023
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventors: Lukas Alperowitz, Max Berg, Fredrik Hailer, Bernd Limburg
  • Publication number: 20230103160
    Abstract: A method of determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample of a body fluid with a mobile device having a camera is disclosed. The camera captures an image of a color reference card and of a reagent test field of an optical test strip having a sample applied to it. A predetermined pixel-based mean tone map correction is applied to the image obtained, which results in a first intensity-corrected image. Local brightness information is derived from the first intensity-corrected image. A mobile device-specific tone map correction is applied to the first intensity-corrected image, taking into account the local brightness information. A second intensity-corrected image is thereby obtained. Analyte concentration is determined based on a color formation reaction of the test field by using the second intensity-corrected image. Optionally, a color correction may be derived and applied to the second intensity-corrected image to obtain an intensity-corrected and color-corrected image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2022
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Inventors: Max Berg, Fredrik Hailer, Bernd Limburg, Volker Tuerck, Momme Winkelnkemper
  • Publication number: 20230084800
    Abstract: A method of evaluating the quality of a color reference card having multiple color reference fields. The quality refers to whether the color reference card is usable for a method for determining concentration of analyte in a body fluid and/or to the degree of suitability or reliability of the color reference card for use with a method for determining analyte concentration in a body fluid. In the inventive method, an image is captured of at least a part of the color reference card using a mobile device camera. Measured color reference values are determined from the image for one or more of the color reference fields and a relationship between one or more of the measured reference color values and corresponding known reference color values is determined. The determined relationship is used to assess the quality of the color reference card. A kit and mobile device are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2022
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Inventors: Max Berg, Fredrik Hailer, Bernd Limburg, Volker Tuerck, Momme Winkelnkemper
  • Publication number: 20220381773
    Abstract: An analytical method for determining a concentration of an analyte is disclosed. In this method, an image of an optical test strip having a body fluid applied thereto is obtained with a camera of a mobile device. Local temperature information is received at a current location of the mobile device from a temperature source such as a remote weather information service or temperature sensor. Additional local temperature information is received by the mobile device from a thermochromic field provided on the test strip and/or on a color reference card. A processor determines a correction temperature and/or a correction temperature function using the local temperature information. The processor also determines the analyte concentration from the image captured and taking into account the correction temperature information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Inventors: Max Berg, Fredrik Hailer, Bernd Limburg
  • Publication number: 20220317050
    Abstract: This disclosure refers to an adjustment method for adjusting a setup for an analytical method of determining a concentration of an analyte in a bodily fluid based on a color formation reaction in an optical test strip mobile device for performing analytical measurements. This disclosure further relates to a mobile device configured for performing the adjustment method, a computer program and a computer-readable storage medium for performing the adjustment method and a kit comprising a test strip or a dummy test strip and at least one of the mobile device, the computer program and the computer-readable storage medium. The method, device, computer program, storage media and kit specifically may be used in medical diagnostics, for example, qualitatively or quantitatively detect analytes in body fluids, such as for detecting glucose in blood and/or interstitial fluid. Other fields of application of this disclosure, however, are feasible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2022
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Inventors: Max Berg, Ingrid Keth, Bernd Limburg, Daniel Sieffert
  • Publication number: 20220283097
    Abstract: A method of performing an analytical measurement based on a color formation reaction in an optical test strip by using a mobile device having a camera, a display and a position sensor. An optical test strip having a test field is provided. The camera captures a first image of the test field before a sample is applied and a second image after the sample is applied. An item of admissibility information, based on one or both of position sensor data and local position data, is determined. Admissibility is indicated when the position of the mobile device is substantially the same for capturing the first and the second image. When admissibility is indicated, an analytical measurement takes place. Further, a computer program, a computer-readable storage medium, a mobile device and a kit are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2022
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Inventors: Lukas Alperowitz, Max Berg, Fredrik Hailer, Bernd Limburg, Sebastian Sellmair
  • Publication number: 20220270720
    Abstract: A method for adjusting a measurement setup used in an analytical method. The method includes a plurality of users carrying out analyte measurements that involve capturing images of an optical test strip having a test field and obtaining training data. The training data is then used to identify similarities and to identify a plurality of user profiles according to the similarities. Then, profile-specific measurement setup adjustments for at least one of the user profiles are provided for the individual user profile. An analytical method, an adjustment system and a mobile device are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2022
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: Benhur Aysin, Max Berg, Siva Chittajallu, Bernd Limburg
  • Publication number: 20220122254
    Abstract: A method of determining concentration of an analyte in a body fluid using a mobile device having a camera is disclosed. In the inventive method, angular orientation of the mobile device relative to the test element is determined by using sensor data of a sensor integrated into the mobile device. The angular orientation of the mobile device relative to the test element is subjected to a validity test. Taking into account the result of the validity test, an image of at least part of a test strip is captured and concentration of analyte in a body fluid sample applied to the test strip can be determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2021
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Inventors: Bernd Limburg, Max Berg, Fredrik Hailer
  • Publication number: 20220104736
    Abstract: A method of determining concentration of an analyte in a body fluid using a mobile device having a camera is disclosed. In the inventive method, the camera is used to take a series of calibration images of a region of interest of an object. The calibration images differ in their brightness. A key calibration figure is derived from each calibration image, the key calibration images being characteristic for a tone mapping function of the mobile device. A probable tone mapping function of the mobile device is determined by taking into account the key calibration figures. An analysis image is taken of at least part of a test field of an optical test strip, the test field having a body fluid applied thereto. Analyte concentration is determined from the analysis image of the test field by taking into account the probable tone mapping function of the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Inventors: Max Berg, Fredrik Hailer, Bernd Limburg, Daria Skuridina, Volker Tuerck, Momme Winkelnkemper
  • Publication number: 20220003683
    Abstract: An optical test strip (118) for measuring an analyte concentration in a sample of bodily fluid is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Applicant: Roche Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernd Limburg, Max Berg, Daniel Sieffert, Fredrik Hailer, Christian Hoertz
  • Patent number: 11189056
    Abstract: A method for evaluating the suitability of a mobile device having a camera for performing an analytical measurement based on a color formation reaction. A mobile device is provided and is used to take an image of a reference color field of an object. A color coordinate of pixels of a region of interest within the image is determined and a histogram analysis is performed on a distribution of the color coordinates of the pixels. The width of a color peak within the distribution from the histogram analysis is ascertained and compared with a threshold value to thereby determine suitability of the mobile device for performing the analytical measurement based on the color formation reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Roche Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernd Limburg, Max Berg
  • Publication number: 20210295515
    Abstract: A method for generating a module configured to determine concentration of an analyte in a sample of a body fluid is disclosed. The method includes providing a first set of measurement data derived from images of one or more test strips indicating a color transformation in response to a body fluid containing an analyte. The images can be recorded by multiple devices with differing cameras, software and/or hardware device configurations for image recording and image data processing. A neural network model can be generated in a machine learning process applying an artificial neural network and a module configured to determine concentration of an analyte in a second sample of a body fluid can be generated. Further, the present disclosure includes a system for generating the module as well as a method and a system for determining concentration of an analyte in a sample of a bodily fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: Max Berg, Fredrik Hailer, Bernd Limburg, Daniel Sieffert, Herbert Wieder, Peter Seelig, Benhur Aysin, Siva Chittajallu
  • Publication number: 20210285888
    Abstract: A method of determining analyte concentration in a body fluid with a mobile device having a camera. A user is prompted to apply body fluid to an optical test strip and then waits a predetermined minimum waiting time. The camera captures an image of part of the test field having the body fluid applied thereto. Analyte concentration is determined based on the image captured. The determination includes estimating a point in time of sample application to the test field by taking into account time-dependent information derived from the image captured using a first color channel of a color space. The determination also estimates the concentration of the analyte by taking into account concentration-dependent information derived from the image using a second color channel of the color space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Bernd Limburg, Max Berg, Fredrik Hailer, Volker Tuerck, Daria Skuridina, Irina Ostapenko
  • Patent number: 11120553
    Abstract: A method for evaluating the suitability of a mobile device having a camera for performing an analytical measurement is disclosed. The method includes providing the mobile device and providing a reference object having a predefined spatial extension in a spatial dimension. An image is taken of at least part of the reference object using the camera and is used to derive spatial resolution information that includes one or more numerical values that quantify the capability of the camera to resolve two or more objects in the image. A threshold value based on a minimum number of pixels in the spatial dimension within a region of interest in the image is provided and the spatial resolution information is compared with the threshold value. It is determined from the comparison whether the mobile device is suitable for performing the analytical measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Roche Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernd Limburg, Max Berg
  • Publication number: 20210255111
    Abstract: A method of performing an analytical measurement based on a color formation reaction in an optical test strip using a mobile device having a camera. In the inventive method, an optical test strip having a test field is provided. A first image of at least part of the test field is captured using the camera with an image acquisition setting of the camera, and the image acquisition setting is locked. A sample of body fluid is applied to the test field and then there is a step of waiting a predetermined minimum amount of time. Then, while the image acquisition setting remains locked, a second image of at least part of the test field is captured using the camera with the same image acquisition setting of the camera used to capture the first image. An analytical measurement result value is then determined by using the first and the second images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Inventors: Bernd Limburg, Max Berg, Fredrik Hailer
  • Publication number: 20210258565
    Abstract: A method of evaluating the suitability of a mobile device for performing an analytical measurement based on a color formation reaction. The capability of the mobile device to have relevant settings of the mobile device controlled by software running on the mobile device is evaluated. The relevant settings pertain to image raw data processing steps to be carried out by the mobile device and may include a color space transformation and a tone mapping transformation. When the evaluation indicates that the mobile device is capable of having the relevant settings controlled by the software, control information indicating that the mobile device is suitable for performing the analytical measurement is provided. When the evaluation indicates that the mobile device is not capable of having the relevant settings controlled by the software, control information indicating that the mobile device is unsuitable for performing the analytical measurement is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Inventors: Bernd Limburg, Herbert Wieder, Max Berg, Simon Wetzel, Daniel Sieffert, Fredrik Hailer, Christian Melchinger, Zied Guermazi
  • Patent number: 10984892
    Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting an analyte concentration/presence in a body fluid sample that include providing a set of at least two different evaluation rules, each evaluation rule adapted to derive a set characteristic values from an optical measurement curve, where at least one first characteristic value is derived from at least one first evaluation rule and at least one second characteristic value is derived from at least one second evaluation rule. The methods also include performing at least one multivariate analysis of the at least one first and second characteristic values by using at least one predetermined multivariate evaluation algorithm to derive at least one estimate value for at least one target variable Y of the state variables. The methods also include determining at least one analyte concentration by using the at least one target variable Y. Also provided are computer programs and devices that incorporate the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventors: Simon Aigner, Gabriele Chemnitius, Carina Horn, Bernd Limburg, Timo Ottenstein, Wolfgang Petrich, Markus Plum, Christian Ringemann, Markus Serr
  • Publication number: 20210088506
    Abstract: A method of evaluating suitability of lighting conditions for detecting an analyte in a sample using a mobile device camera. A test strip is provided for detecting the analyte. A first image of the test strip is captured while an illumination source of the mobile device is turned off and a second image of the test strip is captured while the illumination source is turned on. A sample is applied to the test strip and the first and second images are compared to thereby determine the difference in lighting conditions between the first image and the second image. The comparison is used to derive information on suitability of the lighting conditions for analyte detection. The lighting conditions are indicated as suitable when a predetermined threshold amount of light intensity used for illumination of the test strip originates from the illumination source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Inventors: Max Berg, Fredrik Hailer, Timo Klein, Bernd Limburg, Christian Melchinger, Volker Tuerck
  • Publication number: 20200386672
    Abstract: A calibration method for calibrating a camera for detecting an analyte in a sample is disclosed. A plurality of different color coordinate systems and a set of test samples are provided. The test samples are applied to test elements that have test fields for producing an optically detectable reaction. Images of the colored test fields are acquired using the camera and color coordinates for the images are generated. The color coordinates that are generated are transformed into a set of measured concentrations by using a set of coding functions. The set of measured concentrations is compared with the known concentrations of the test samples and a best match color coordinate system of the plurality of color coordinate systems is determined. A best match coding function of the plurality of coding functions is also determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Inventors: Bernd Limburg, Max Berg, Fredrik Hailer
  • Publication number: 20200372680
    Abstract: A method, a mobile device and a kit for performing an analytical measurement are disclosed, wherein outliers are eliminated. In the inventive method, a mobile device having a camera and a test strip for performing a color-change detection reaction are provided. A sample is applied to a test field of the test strip and an image of at least part of the test strip is captured. A region of interest in the image is determined and associated with a first sub-set of pixels. A color distribution is evaluated and outliers are eliminated in the first sub-set of pixels. A sub-region of interest is determined within the region of interest and is associated with a second sub-set of pixels. Mean values of the color distributions of the first sub-set of pixels and the second sub-set of pixels are compared to thereby determine homogeneity information of the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Publication date: November 26, 2020
    Inventor: Bernd Limburg