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: 20240272083
    Abstract: A method for determining analyte concentration in a body fluid using a mobile device having a camera and a lidar sensor that have an overlapping field of view. In the method, an object is selected and the user is prompted to apply a body fluid sample to a reagent test region. The user is prompted to provide the object within the overlapping field of view of the camera and the lidar sensor. The processor of the mobile device generates a lidar measurement data set representing the object, which is compared to a pre-generated data set. When there is a degree of congruence from the comparison that is above a pre-determined minimum, the camera captures an image of the reagent test region having the body fluid sample applied thereto and concentration of analyte in the sample is determined. When the congruence is below a pre-determined minimum, image capturing is not allowed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2024
    Publication date: August 15, 2024
    Inventors: Lukas Alperowitz, Max Berg, Florian Bodelée, Fredrik Hailer, Bernd Limburg
  • Publication number: 20240260863
    Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring an analyte include devices configured to perform an analyte testing operation. The devices include a wearable electronic device and a remote device operatively connected to each other and each having a processor, the processors cooperating with each other in the execution of program instructions configured to direct the devices in the performance of the analyte testing operation. The wearable electronic device includes a camera configured to generate a video stream and one or more images relating to a user removing a test strip from a vial, producing a bodily fluid sample, and applying the sample to a deposit site of the test strip where the sample undergoes changes in one or more optical properties, the image of which is analyzed to determine a level of the analyte. The wearable electronic device further includes a head-up display (HUD) for providing output messages to the user relating to the performance and status of the analyte testing operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2024
    Publication date: August 8, 2024
    Applicant: Roche Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Max Berg, Fredrik Hailer, Bernd Limburg, Alexander Steck
  • Publication number: 20240252070
    Abstract: A method for measuring an analyte includes identifying a test strip in a video stream generated by a camera based on at least one registration mark associated with the test strip depicted in the video stream, identifying application of a fluid dose to a deposit site formed on the test strip based on the video stream, activating a timer in response to the identification of the application of the fluid dose, generating at least one optical measurement of a reagent located at a measurement site on the test strip, and generating a measurement of an analyte in the fluid dose based on the at least one optical measurement of the reagent only in response to the at least one optical measurement being generated after a predetermined minimum time period has elapsed and prior to a predetermined maximum time period elapsing subsequent to the activating of the timer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2024
    Publication date: August 1, 2024
    Applicant: Roche Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Steck, Max Berg, Fredrik Hailer, Bernd Limburg
  • Publication number: 20240230410
    Abstract: A method of controlling auto white balance settings of a mobile device with a camera and preset auto white balance modes for performing a color based measurement comprising the steps of capturing an image of at least part of one or more gray fields of a color reference card, determining, for a region of interest within the image, a number of gray fields for which the color information for a first color and a second color shows overexposure as a first overexposure-number and a second overexposure-number, respectively, the first color relating to a smaller wavelength than the second color, and re-capturing the image with a warmer white balance mode if the first overexposure number is greater than the second overexposure number or re-capturing the image with a cooler white balance mode if the first overexposure number is smaller than the second overexposure number.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2024
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Inventors: Lukas Alperowitz, Max Berg, Fredrik Hailer, Bernd Limburg
  • Publication number: 20240177304
    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: February 5, 2024
    Publication date: May 30, 2024
    Inventors: Max Berg, Fredrik Hailer, Bernd Limburg, Daniel Sieffert, Herbert Wieder, Peter Seelig, Benhur Aysin, Siva Chittajallu
  • Publication number: 20240085340
    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: November 21, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Bernd Limburg, Max Berg, Fredrik Hailer, Volker Tuerck, Daria Skuridina, Irina Ostapenko
  • Patent number: 11928814
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Roche Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Max Berg, Fredrik Hailer, Bernd Limburg, Daniel Sieffert, Herbert Wieder, Peter Seelig, Benhur Aysin, Siva Chittajallu
  • Patent number: 11906436
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Roche Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernd Limburg, Max Berg, Fredrik Hailer, Volker Tuerck, Daria Skuridina, Irina Ostapenko
  • Publication number: 20240044874
    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: October 19, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Inventors: Max Berg, Fredrik Hailer, Timo Klein, Bernd Limburg, Christian Melchinger, Volker Tuerck
  • Patent number: 11835515
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Roche Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Max Berg, Fredrik Hailer, Timo Klein, Bernd Limburg, Christian Melchinger, Volker Tuerck
  • Patent number: 11781973
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Roche Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernd Limburg, Max Berg, Fredrik Hailer
  • Publication number: 20230262339
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling auto-exposure settings of a mobile device when capturing an image of a color reference card and of a test field. Provided are a color reference card and an optical test strip having the test field with a sample applied thereto. The color reference card has different color reference fields having known reference color values and one or more gray background fields having defined gray values. An exposure metering area is set and auto-exposure settings are determined based on a scene in the exposure metering area. The scene has at least part of the test field and at least part of the different color reference fields and the one or more gray background fields. The camera captures an image of the scene using the determined auto-exposure settings. A method of determining concentration of analyte in a sample by using a mobile device is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2023
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Inventors: Max Berg, Fredrik Hailer, Beate Koschorreck, Bernd Limburg, Christian Melchinger, Guenter Schmidt, Wolfgang Schwoebel
  • Publication number: 20230184689
    Abstract: A test strip fixation device for use in a method of determining analyte concentration in a body fluid using a mobile device with a camera. The device has top and bottom surfaces, has an essentially planar shape, and also has a cut-out portion configured for application of a body fluid sample. The top surface has color reference fields with known reference color values, including grey and non-grey reference fields. The grey reference fields are symmetrically arranged around the cut-out portion and around at least some of the non-grey color reference fields. The top surface also has position detection code elements. The bottom surface has a connector configured for detachable connection of an optical test strip relative to the test strip fixation device, and a reagent test region of the test strip can be aligned with the cut-out portion. A method of using the device is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2023
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: Max Berg, Fredrik Hailer, Bernd Limburg, Christian Melchinger
  • 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