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.

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.

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.

Abstract: The invention concerns an analyte measuring system comprising a test tape (22) having a plurality of functional elements (20) including a test field (46), a further comprising a meter (12) having a tape drive (24) operable to advance the test tape (22), a light source (30) adapted to illuminate at least one measuring spot at a measuring position, and a measuring engine (32) to receive optical signals from the at least one measuring spot for detection of the analyte in the body fluid. For tape positioning, it is proposed that the measuring engine (32) comprises a signal processor (34) operable to determine if a test field (46) is in the measuring position, said determination comprising an identification of a pre-determined distance between at least two functional elements (20) in the optical signals obtained while advancing the test tape (22).

Abstract: An apparatus for illuminating the surface of a material, comprising an illuminating device for illuminating the surface of the material with a calibrating light, a recording device for recording a measuring light, emitted by the surface of the material in response to the calibrating light, and a processor device for recording the spectral characteristic of the measuring light that characterizes a diffuse spectral reflectance of the surface of the material, wherein the illuminating device is configured to generate an illuminating light for illuminating the surface of the material that has a spectral characteristic that corresponds to the spectral characteristic of the measuring light.

Abstract: An apparatus for illuminating the surface of a material, comprising an illuminating device for illuminating the surface of the material with a calibrating light, a recording device for recording a measuring light, emitted by the surface of the material in response to the calibrating light, and a processor device for recording the spectral characteristic of the measuring light that characterizes a diffuse spectral reflectance of the surface of the material, wherein the illuminating device is configured to generate an illuminating light for illuminating the surface of the material that has a spectral characteristic that corresponds to the spectral characteristic of the measuring light.