This protocol is accessible to uninitiated users with little experience in image processing or color science and does not require fluorescence signals, expensive imaging equipment or custom-written algorithms. In practice, this protocol consists of three distinct workflow options. Here we describe a protocol that uses the ImageJ program to process images of colorimetric experiments. Freeware programs, such as ImageJ, offer an alternative, affordable path to robust image analysis.
#DISADVANTAGES OF USING IMAGEJ SOFTWARE SOFTWARE#
Development of tailor-made software (e.g., smartphone applications) for advanced image analysis requires complex, custom-written processing algorithms, advanced computer programming knowledge and/or expertise in physics, mathematics, pattern recognition and computer vision and learning. However, to exploit these imaging devices as low-cost colorimetric detectors, it is paramount that they interface with flexible software that is capable of image segmentation and probing a variety of color spaces (RGB, HSB, Y’UV, L*a*b*, etc.).
The availability of inexpensive imaging technology (e.g., scanners, Raspberry Pi, smartphones and other sub-$50 digital cameras) has lowered the barrier to accessing cost-efficient, objective detection methodologies.
Recently, there has been an explosion of scientific literature describing the use of colorimetry for monitoring the progression or the endpoint result of colorimetric reactions.