Classification of pH levels using a mobile phone

Abstract

Camera phones are increasingly popular and are small yet powerful mobile devices

capable of running diverse applications. We tap on the capabilities of camera phones

to present a novel and automated system for classification of pH level of body’s fluid

using non-calibrated camera phones. Our system also allows classification of any

fluids using litmus paper and will automate the process of reading the pH value of

the litmus paper. A simple process of capturing an image of a litmus paper test strip

with colour reference charts, will allow the user to use our application to receive a

pH classification value, particularly useful for the elderly and colour blind. The

approach we devised, involves using edge detection techniques to determine the test

strip and colour reference charts, followed by clustering techniques to segment the

image and finally post clustering procedures to produce the pH classification value.

We have also implemented the application in both J2SE and J2ME and our

experiment results using different mobile camera phone devices with various image

resolutions have proved to be consistent even when there are reflection and slanted

placement of strips in the images. With widespread usage of camera phones, our

solution is affordable and easy to operate and could be used anywhere, thus making

medical solutions mobile.