System and method for enhancing visualization of colorimetric assay readouts
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Publication Number
US-12536631-B2
Publication Date
2026-01-27
Expiration Date
Abstract
Disclosed are a system and method for enhancing the visualization, classification, and/or interpretation of a photonic readout of a colorimetric assay. The colorimetric assay is associated with a defined color spectrum that includes a positive region indicative of positive test results and a negative region indicative of negative test results. The system and method operate to receive an image of the photonic readout, convert the image to a predefined color space, enhance image saturation and hue, and adjust a brightness level of the image. The system and method increase visual contrast between the negative and positive regions of the color spectrum specific to the colorimetric assay, making the readout easier to interpret for both users with normal vision and users with variations of color weakness or blindness.
Core Innovation
The invention enhances the visualization, classification, and/or interpretation of a photonic readout of a colorimetric assay. The method receives an image of the photonic readout and converts the image to a predefined color space associated with a defined color spectrum of the colorimetric assay.
After conversion, the method enhances image saturation and hue by desaturating the image, rotating hue to determine an effective or maximum intensity difference between a negative region and a positive region, and selecting at least one hue level where the effective or maximum intensity difference is exhibited. For each selected hue level, saturation is increased to a level that increases visual contrast between the negative and positive regions to form a color-adjusted image.
Alternatively, the method enhances saturation and hue by saturating the image, rotating hue to determine an effective or maximum visual contrast between the negative and positive regions, and selecting at least one hue level where the effective or maximum visual contrast is exhibited. For each selected hue level, saturation is decreased to increase visual contrast and form a color-adjusted image.
For each color-adjusted image, brightness is adjusted to further increase visual contrast between the negative and positive regions, and the method optionally iteratively adjusts one or more image parameters to further increase visual contrast. In embodiments, the approach supports outputs that distinguish assay-defined negative and positive color regions, and it is directed to use cases such as improved readouts for users including those with color-vision deficiency.
Claims Coverage
The partial content provides two independent claims (a computer-implemented method and a computer system). Across these independent claims, there are five main inventive feature groups.
Image acquisition and predefined color space conversion
Receiving an image of the photonic readout and converting the image to a predefined color space.
Hue and saturation enhancement using desaturate–hue-rotate–select hue–increase saturation path
Desaturating the image, rotating hue to determine an effective or maximum intensity difference between a negative region and a positive region, selecting at least one hue level where the effective or maximum intensity difference is exhibited, and increasing saturation to increase visual contrast between the negative and positive regions.
Hue and saturation enhancement using saturate–hue-rotate–select hue–decrease saturation path
Saturating the image, rotating hue to determine an effective or maximum visual contrast between a negative region and a positive region, selecting at least one hue level where the effective or maximum visual contrast is exhibited, and decreasing saturation to increase visual contrast between the negative and positive regions.
Brightness adjustment for further contrast increase
Adjusting a brightness level for each color-adjusted image to further increase visual contrast between the negative and positive regions of the color spectrum.
Optional iterative image parameter adjustment for additional contrast increase
Optionally iteratively adjusting one or more image parameters to further increase visual contrast between the negative and positive regions of the color spectrum.
Both independent claims center on converting a photonic readout image into a predefined color space and increasing visual contrast between negative and positive regions through hue rotation, selected hue levels, saturation adjustment, brightness adjustment, and optional iterative parameter adjustment.
Stated Advantages
Increases visual contrast between negative and positive regions of the color spectrum.
Enhances visualization, classification, and/or interpretation of a photonic readout of a colorimetric assay.
Documented Applications
Photonic readouts for colorimetric assays, including colorimetric assays used for nucleic acid amplification reactions such as RT-LAMP in embodiments described in the partial content.
A previously published multiplex biomarker urine test, presented as an applicability example in the partial content.
Use cases intended to support improved readouts for users including those with color-vision deficiency, as described in the partial content.
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