Blood glucose measurement based on Raman spectroscopy

Abstract

A blood glucose level measuring apparatus includes: a light source configured to irradiate light to a subject; a monochromatic section configured to separate wavelength components of light reflected and scattered from an object; a light receiver configured to receive light transmitted through the monochromator portion and generate an electrical signal based on the received light; and a processor configured to extract information of a blood glucose level of the subject based on a frequency shift of the light due to the Raman effect.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 18 / 427,872, filed January 31, 2024; U.S. Application No. 18 / 455,492, filed August 24, 2023; and Korean Application No. 10-2023-0069417, filed May 30, 2023. The entire contents of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0002] Embodiments of the inventive concept described herein relate to a device for continuous measurement of blood glucose based on Raman signals. More specifically, embodiments of the inventive concept relate to a blood glucose level measuring device that can be installed on a user's body to non-invasively measure blood glucose levels.

[0003] A continuous glucose level measurement device is a medical instrument that measures a patient's blood glucose levels over a specified period of time and provides information that allows the patient to identify trends in increasing or decreasing blood glucose levels, thereby enabling them to adjust their diet or determine the timing of medication injections (such as insulin).

[0004] Therefore, in order to manage the health of people with diabetes more effectively, the Diabetes and Endocrinology Associations at home and abroad have revised their guidelines and recommended that continuous glucose level measurement devices should be used regardless of the type of diabetes.

[0005] Currently, most continuous glucose level measurement devices approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as medical devices require a needle to be inserted into the patient's body, and the glucose level measured by the needle is read through other devices such as smartphones.

[0006] Existing continuous glucose level measurement devices use invasive needles for measurement, which can be painful during installation and may cause side effects such as inflammation due to the invasiveness of the needle, making long-term use beyond 15 days impossible. Therefore, a non-invasive glucose level measurement technology is urgently needed to overcome these shortcomings. Summary of the Invention

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention provides a continuous glucose level measurement device that is installed on the user's body to measure glucose levels in a non-invasive manner.

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention provides a small blood glucose level measuring device that is installed on a user's body to measure blood glucose levels.

[0009] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those described above. Problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0010] According to one embodiment, a blood glucose level measuring device utilizing Raman spectroscopy includes: a housing defining an internal containment space; a light source disposed within the housing and irradiating light onto a subject; a light receiver disposed within the housing and receiving reflected and scattered light from the subject to obtain a Raman spectrum; and a processor disposed within the housing and extracting information about glucose, protein, and fat from the subject using the area of ​​peaks contained in the Raman spectrum, wherein the processor is configured to perform calibration by controlling the light source and the light receiver when the blood glucose level measuring device is started to be driven or installed on a user's body.

[0011] According to one embodiment, when performing calibration, the processor can be configured to control the light source unit so that light is output with a specific output within a specific time period, and to set the light intensity and exposure time period of the light source unit when measuring blood glucose levels by referring to the peak corresponding to a specific Raman shift in the Raman spectrum acquired by the light receiving unit within the specific time period.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the blood glucose level measuring device may further include a communication unit that sends data to and receives data from an external terminal. During calibration, even if the intensity of the Raman signal reaches the maximum output and maximum exposure time of the light source unit, the intensity of the Raman signal corresponding to a specific Raman shift may not reach the reference value. The processor may be configured to control the communication unit so that error messages are sent to the external terminal.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the intensity of the Raman signal corresponding to a specific Raman shift can be 1450 cm⁻¹. -1 The intensity of the peak.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the light receiving unit may include: a diffraction grating that disperses light reflected or scattered by an object according to wavelength bands; and a light detection unit that receives the light diffracted by the diffraction grating and converts the light into an electrical signal.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the light receiving unit may include: a filter array including a plurality of optical filters that transmit light of different wavelength bands; a filter supply unit that feeds the filter array in one direction; and a light receiving unit that receives light passing through the filter array and converts the light into an electrical signal.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the light receiving unit may include: a linearly variable optical filter, the wavelength band of light passing through its region being different; an optical filter supply unit that feeds the optical filter array in one direction; and a light receiving unit that receives light passing through the optical filter array and converts the light into an electrical signal.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the housing may include a contact surface that contacts an object. The contact surface may include a hole that allows light emitted from the light source to be emitted to the outside of the blood glucose level measuring device and allows light reflected or scattered by the object to be introduced into the interior of the blood glucose level measuring device. The hole may be formed in the central portion of the contact surface.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the blood glucose level measuring device may further include: a strap coupled to the housing for securing the housing to a user's body; and a battery configured to be detachably mounted on the strap.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the blood glucose level measuring device may further include an auxiliary battery disposed in the housing to prevent the blood glucose level measuring device from switching to a shut-off state when the battery is replaced. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The above and other objects and features will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein, unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals denote the same parts in the various figures, wherein: Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a continuous blood glucose level measurement device according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the internal structure of a continuous blood glucose level measurement device according to the present invention; Figure 3 This is a plan view showing the internal structure of a continuous blood glucose level measurement device according to the present invention; Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the internal structure of a continuous glucose level measurement device, including an optical filter; Figure 5 This is a plan view showing the internal structure of a continuous glucose level measurement device, including an optical filter; Figure 6 This is a side view showing the internal structure of a continuous glucose level measurement device, including an optical filter; Figure 7 This is a plan view showing the internal structure of a continuous glucose level measuring device with a hole in its central part; and Figure 8 This is a conceptual diagram showing a belt-type continuous glucose level measurement device. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Throughout the inventive concept, the same reference numerals denote the same components. The inventive concept does not describe all components of the embodiments in detail; content commonly known in the art and content repeated in the embodiments will not be elaborated upon. Terms such as "component," "module," "building," and "block" as used in the specification can be implemented in software or hardware. According to embodiments, multiple "components, modules, building elements, and blocks" can be implemented by one component, or one "component, module, building element, and block" can include multiple components.

[0022] Throughout the instruction manual, when one part is described as being "connected to" another part, this includes both direct connections and indirect connections achieved through wireless communication networks, etc.

[0023] Furthermore, when a description of a part includes a component, unless otherwise stated, the description does not exclude the inclusion of other components.

[0024] Throughout the specification, when describing a component located on another component, this includes situations where there is indirect contact between the two components and situations where they are in direct contact.

[0025] The terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one component from another, and the component is not limited by these terms.

[0026] Unless the possibility of a plural form is explicitly excluded in the context, the singular form expresses the meaning of including the plural form.

[0027] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings are used only to describe the convenience of each operation step, and their order does not indicate the actual order of execution of the operations unless the context explicitly specifies a particular order.

[0028] The operating principles and embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] The continuous blood glucose level measuring device according to the present invention may include watch type, wristband type, ring type, belt type, necklace type, ankle strap type, thigh strap type, and armband type. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the continuous blood glucose level measuring device according to the present invention may adopt any form of structure as long as it can achieve the purpose of being fixed on the user's body.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a continuous blood glucose level measurement device conceived according to the present invention. Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the internal structure of a continuous blood glucose level measurement device according to the present invention. Figure 3 This is a plan view showing the internal structure of a continuous blood glucose level measurement device according to the present invention. Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the internal structure of a continuous glucose level measurement device, including an optical filter. Figure 5This is a plan view showing the internal structure of a continuous glucose level measurement device, including an optical filter. Figure 6 This is a side view showing the internal structure of a continuous glucose level measurement device, including an optical filter.

[0031] Reference Figure 1 The continuous glucose level measuring device according to the present invention includes a light source unit 110, a light receiving unit 120, an input unit 130, an output unit 140, a communication unit 150, a storage unit 160, and a processor 170. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the continuous glucose level measuring device according to the present invention may include more or fewer components than those described above. These components will be described in detail below.

[0032] The light source 110 is used to emit light and direct the light to the object being measured (e.g., skin). To achieve this function, the light source 110 may include at least one of the following optical elements: a light source for emitting light, a lens for focusing the emitted light to a target position, an optical filter for filtering a specific band of the emitted light, a reflector for changing the propagation direction of the emitted light, and a beam splitter for reflecting a portion of the light and allowing another portion of the light to pass through.

[0033] As described above, the light source unit 110 includes a light source and may include at least one optical element for changing at least one of the propagation direction, wavelength, polarization state, and light quantity of the light emitted from the light source before the light reaches the object under test. Specific embodiments of the light source unit 110 will be described below.

[0034] The light receiving unit 120 is used to receive light reflected or scattered by the object under test and generate a Raman spectrum for analyzing the Raman signal. To achieve this function, the light receiving unit 120 may include at least one of the following elements: a lens for focusing the light reflected or scattered by the object under test to a target position, an optical filter for filtering specific wavelengths of the light, a mirror for changing the direction of light propagation, and a spectrometer for dispersing the light by wavelength and generating a spectrum.

[0035] As described above, the light receiving unit 120 may include at least one component for receiving light reflected or scattered by the object under test and generating a spectrum by changing at least one of the light propagation direction, wavelength, polarization state, and light quantity, or by dispersing the light by wavelength band. Specific embodiments of the light receiving unit 120 will be described below.

[0036] The input unit 130 is used to receive information from the user. When information is input through the input unit 130, the processor 170 can control the operation of the device in response to the input information. The input unit 130 may include hardware-type physical keys (e.g., buttons, dome switches, scroll wheels, scroll wheel switches, etc. located on at least one of the front, rear, and side surfaces of the device) and software-type touch keys. As an example, touch keys may include virtual keys, soft keys, or visual keys that are displayed on a touchscreen display through software processing, and may also include touch keys located in areas outside the touchscreen. Virtual keys or visual keys may be displayed on the touchscreen in various forms, such as graphics, text, icons, video, or combinations thereof.

[0037] The output unit 140 is used to generate outputs related to vision, hearing or touch, and may include at least one of a display unit, a sound output unit, a tactile module and a light output unit.

[0038] The display unit can have a layered structure superimposed on the touch sensor, or it can be integrally formed with the touch sensor to realize a touch screen. The touch screen can serve as a user input unit, providing an input interface between the device and the user, and can also provide an output interface between the device and the user.

[0039] The display unit is used to display (output) information processed by the device. For example, the display unit may display the execution interface information of an application (e.g., a software application) running by the device, or display user interface (UI) or graphical user interface (GUI) information based on the execution interface information.

[0040] The sound output unit can output audio data received through the communication unit or stored in the memory, or it can output sound signals related to the functions performed by the device. The sound output unit may include a receiver, a speaker, or a buzzer.

[0041] The communication unit 150 may include one or more components for communicating with external devices, and may include, for example, at least one of a wired communication module, a wireless communication module, and a short-range communication module.

[0042] Wired communication modules can include not only local area network (LAN) modules, wide area network (WAN) modules, or value-added network (VAN) modules, but also cable communication modules such as universal serial bus (USB), high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), digital video interface (DVI), recommended standard 232 (RS-232), power line communication, or ordinary old-fashioned telephone service (POTS).

[0043] Wireless communication modules can include not only Wi-Fi modules and wireless broadband modules, but also wireless communication modules that support Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), 4G, 5G and 6G.

[0044] The short-range communication module is used to enable short-range communication, and it can support short-range communication by using at least one of Bluetooth, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, or Wireless Universal Serial Bus (USB) technologies.

[0045] The storage unit 160 can store data supporting various functions of the device and programs for the operation of the processor 170. It can store input and output data, and can store application programs or applications driven by the device, as well as data and instructions for the operation of the device. At least some applications can be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication.

[0046] The memory may include at least one type of storage medium selected from flash memory, hard disk memory, solid-state drive (SSD), silicon disk drive (SDD), multimedia card micro / card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk. Furthermore, the memory may be separate from the device but may be a database connected to the device via wired or wireless means.

[0047] The processor 170 can be implemented by a storage unit 160 and at least one processor. The storage unit 160 stores data of algorithms for controlling the operation of various components of the device or data of programs implementing the algorithms. The at least one processor performs the aforementioned operations by using the data stored in the storage unit 160. In this case, the storage unit 160 and the processor 170 can be implemented by separate chips. Alternatively, the storage unit 160 and the processor 170 can be implemented by a single chip.

[0048] Furthermore, the processor 170 can control any of the components or combinations thereof discussed above to implement the following on the device. Figures 2 to 8 Various embodiments of the present invention are described herein.

[0049] Simultaneously, artificial intelligence-related functions conceived according to the present invention are executed via a processor and memory. The processor may include one or more processors. These processors may then be general-purpose processors (such as CPUs, APs, or digital signal processors (DSPs)), graphics-specific processors (such as GPUs or vision processing units (VPUs)), or artificial intelligence-specific processors (such as NPUs). The one or more processors perform control to process input data according to predefined operating rules or artificial intelligence models stored in memory. Alternatively, when the one or more processors are artificial intelligence-specific processors, the artificial intelligence processor may be designed with a specific hardware architecture for processing a particular artificial intelligence model.

[0050] Predefined operating rules or artificial intelligence models are created through learning. Here, "created through learning" means that predefined operating rules or artificial intelligence models set up by a basic artificial intelligence model to perform desired characteristics (or purposes) are learned using a learning algorithm with multiple learning data points. Learning can be performed directly by a device performing artificial intelligence according to the present invention, or it can be performed through a separate server and / or system. Examples of learning algorithms include supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but the present invention is not limited to the examples described above.

[0051] Artificial intelligence models can include multiple neural network layers. Each neural network layer can have multiple weight values, and neural network computations are performed using the computation results of previous layers and the calculation of these weight values. The weight values ​​of the multiple neural network layers can be optimized using the learning results of the artificial intelligence model. For example, multiple weight values ​​can be updated to reduce or minimize the loss or cost values ​​acquired by the artificial intelligence model during the learning process. Artificial neural networks can include deep neural networks (DNNs), such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), deep neural networks (DNNs), recurrent neural networks (RNNs), restricted Boltzmann machines (RBMs), deep belief networks (DBNs), bidirectional recurrent deep neural networks (BRDNNs), or deep Q-networks, but the inventive concept is not limited to the examples described above.

[0052] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a processor can implement artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence refers to a machine learning scheme based on artificial neural networks that simulates human biological neurons, thereby enabling machines to perform learning. Artificial intelligence methods can be classified into supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning. In supervised learning, a solution (output data) to a problem (input data) is determined by providing both input and output data as learning data. In unsupervised learning, a solution (output data) to a problem (input data) is not predetermined by providing only input data without output data. In reinforcement learning, the external environment rewards a specific action taken in the current state, and the learning process maximizes this reward. Furthermore, artificial learning methods can be classified according to their architecture as learning model structures, and the architectures of widely used deep learning techniques can be classified as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), recurrent neural networks (RNNs), transformers, and generative adversarial networks (GANs).

[0053] The device may include artificial learning models. An artificial intelligence model can be a single AI model or a combination of multiple AI models. AI models may include neural networks (or artificial neural networks) and may include statistical learning algorithms that simulate biological neurons in machine learning and cognitive science. A neural network can mean any model that achieves problem-solving capabilities by learning to change the synaptic coupling strength of artificial neurons (nodes) that form a network through synaptic coupling. Neurons in a neural network may include combinations of weight values ​​or biases. A neural network may include one or more neurons, or one or more layers comprising one or more nodes. As an example, the device may include an input layer, hidden layers, and an output layer. The neural network constituting the device can learn to change the weight values ​​of its neurons, thereby inferring the predicted outcome (output) from any input.

[0054] The processor can generate neural networks, train neural networks (or perform learning on neural networks), perform computations based on received input data, generate information signals based on the execution results, or retrain neural networks. The neural network model can include various types of models, such as region-based convolutional neural networks (R-CNN), region proposal networks (RPN), recurrent neural networks (RNN), stacked deep neural networks (S-DNN), state-space dynamic neural networks (S-SDNN), deconvolutional networks, deep belief networks (DBN), restricted Boltzmann machines (RBN), fully convolutional networks, long short-term memory (LSTM) networks, and classification networks, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The processor can include one or more processors for performing computations based on the neural network model. For example, the neural network can include a deep neural network.

[0055] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, neural networks can include, but are not limited to, convolutional neural networks (CNNs), recurrent neural networks (RNNs), perceptrons, multilayer perceptrons, feedforward (FF) networks, radial basis function networks (RBFs), deep feedforward networks (DFFs), long short-term memory (LSTM) networks, gated recurrent units (GRUMs), autoencoders (AEs), variational autoencoders (VAEs), denoising autoencoders (DAEs), sparse autoencoders (SAEs), Markov chains (MCs), Hopfield networks (HNs), Boltzmann machines (BMs), restricted Boltzmann machines (RBMs), deep belief networks (DBNs), deep convolutional networks (DCNs), deconvolutional networks (DNs), deep convolutional inverse graph networks (DCIGNs), generative adversarial networks (GANs), liquid state machines (LSMs), extreme learning machines (ELMs), echo state networks (ESNs), deep residual networks (DRNs), differentiable neural computers (DNCs), neural Turing machines (NTMs), capsule networks (CNs), Coholm networks (KNs), and attention networks (ANs), and can include any neural network.

[0056] According to embodiments of the present invention, the processor can use various artificial intelligence architectures and algorithms, such as convolutional neural networks (e.g., GoogleNet, AlexNet, or VGG networks), region-based convolutional neural networks (R-CNN), region proposal networks (RPN), recurrent neural networks (RNN), stacked deep neural networks (S-DNN), state-space dynamic neural networks (S-SDNN), deconvolutional networks, deep belief networks (DBN), restricted Boltzmann machines (RBN), fully convolutional networks, long short-term memory (LSTM) networks, classification networks, generative modeling, explainable AI, continuous AI, representation learning, AI for materials design, BERT, SP-BERT, MRC / QA for natural language processing, text analysis, dialogue systems, GPT-3, GPT-4, visual analytics for visual processing, visual understanding, video synthesis, anomaly detection, prediction, time series prediction, optimization, recommendation, or data creation for ResNet data intelligence, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] In the following text, an embodiment of the continuous glucose level analysis device including the above-described components will be described.

[0058] The components described below can be housed within a housing that defines the internal containment space.

[0059] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3The light source 111 can illuminate the object. For example, the light source 111 can illuminate the object with near-infrared (NIR) or mid-infrared (MIR) light. However, the wavelength of the light emitted from the light source can be changed depending on the purpose of the measurement.

[0060] In the embodiments, the light source 111 may be a light-emitting diode (LED) or a laser diode, but the inventive concept is not limited thereto.

[0061] Light emitted from light source 111 can pass through first lens 112 and be focused into first mirror 113. First lens 112 can focus the light emitted from light source 111 onto first mirror 113. Thus, first lens 112 can minimize battery power consumption by eliminating the need to increase the output of light source 111 to a certain level or higher.

[0062] Light passing through the first lens 112 is reflected by the first mirror 113. The reflected light passes through the first wavelength plate 114. The first wavelength plate 114 includes a birefringent plate and changes the polarization direction of the light.

[0063] Light passing through the first wavelength plate 114 is emitted to the outside of the continuous blood glucose level measuring device through the aperture 210. Here, the aperture 210 may be formed on a surface of the housing. Specifically, the housing includes a contact surface that contacts the object being measured, and the aperture 210 is formed on the contact surface for emitting light emitted from the light source to the outside of the blood glucose level measuring device, and simultaneously for introducing light reflected or scattered by the object being measured into the interior of the blood glucose level measuring device.

[0064] When the continuous blood glucose level measuring device according to the present invention is installed such that the contact surface contacts the user's body, the light emitted to the outside reaches the object (e.g., skin).

[0065] Light reaching the object under test is reflected or scattered and introduced into aperture 210. The light introduced into aperture 210 passes through a second wavelength plate 121. The second wavelength plate 121 includes a birefringent plate and changes the polarization direction of the light. The light passing through the second wavelength plate 121 is reflected by a second mirror 122.

[0066] The light reflected by the second mirror 122 passes through the optical filter 123. The optical filter 123 only transmits light of a preset wavelength band. Among the light input to the optical filter 123, light of wavelength bands other than the preset wavelength band cannot pass through the optical filter 123.

[0067] Light passing through optical filter 123 is focused by second lens 124. The light focused by second lens 124 is input to monochromator section 125. The light input to monochromator section 125 is scattered according to each wavelength band and input to light detection section 126. Monochromator section 125, as conceived according to the present invention, can be implemented in two main different forms.

[0068] First, the monochromator section 125 can be implemented by scattering light. Specifically, the monochromator section 125 can be implemented by scattering light through a diffraction grating or a prism. In one embodiment, the monochromator section 125 can be a diffraction grating, and the light can be scattered in a desired form by adjusting the size and spacing of the grating.

[0069] The light detection unit 126 receives the light diffracted by the monochromator unit 125 and converts the light into an electrical signal. The processor 170 can generate a Raman spectrum using the electrical signal. For example, the light detection unit 126 can be a charge-coupled device (CCD), but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0070] Secondly, the monochromator section 125 can be implemented by using interference portion of the light to separate only the desired component. (See reference...) Figures 4 to 6 The monochrome unit 125 may include a filter supply unit 310, an optical filter unit 320, and a light receiving unit 330.

[0071] The filter supply unit 310 rotates the rotating unit 311 coupled to it. A filter array or linearly variable filter 320 is coupled to the rotating unit 311 so that, as the rotating unit 311 rotates, the filter array or linearly variable filter 320 is supplied in one direction. When the rotating unit 311 rotates in the first direction, the filter array or linearly variable filter 320 moves in that first direction. When the rotating unit 311 rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the filter array or linearly variable filter 320 moves in the second direction opposite to the first direction. However, the means for supplying the filter array or linearly variable filter 320 in one direction is not limited to the filter supply unit 310 described above.

[0072] The filter array includes multiple optical filters that transmit light of different wavelength bands. When the filter array moves in one direction while light is input into the filter array, the light receiving unit 330 sequentially inputs light of different wavelength bands.

[0073] Here, the light receiving unit 311 may be a charge-coupled device (CCD), but the inventive concept is not limited thereto.

[0074] A linear variable filter is a filter whose wavelengths of light passing through different regions are different. When the linear variable filter moves in one direction while light is input into it, light of different wavelengths is sequentially input into the light receiving unit 330.

[0075] When light reflected or scattered by the object under test is input into the filter array or linear variable filter 320, the filter supply unit 310 supplies the filter array or linear variable filter 320 in one direction, so that the filter array or linear variable filter 320 sequentially inputs light of the desired wavelength band into the light receiving unit 330.

[0076] The processor 170 can generate Raman spectra by using electrical signals generated from light of different wavelength bands that are input sequentially.

[0077] In one embodiment, the continuous glucose level measurement device according to the present invention can be used by employing a wavelength band (glucose level-specific signal: 911 cm⁻¹). -1 1060cm -1 1125cm -1 898nm, 910nm and 915nm, specific Raman signals of skin-forming proteins: 1450cm -1 A filter array or linear variable filter (such as 943nm) is used to sort signals only in the necessary wavelength bands, and these signals can be made to reach the light receiver 311. The wavelength bands are changed by Raman scattering at 830nm, the wavelength required for measuring the target material. In this way, the present invention can minimize the continuous blood glucose level measurement device by shortening the necessary optical path using a spectrometer.

[0078] The processor 170 generates a Raman spectrum based on the signal generated by the photodetector 126. The Raman spectrum can be shown in a graph, where the x-axis represents the Raman shift (unit: cm). -1 The y-axis represents the signal strength.

[0079] Processor 170 can measure the blood glucose level of a subject by analyzing the generated Raman spectrum. Before measuring the blood glucose level of the subject, processor 170 can perform a calibration process on the blood glucose and skin-constituting protein-specific Raman spectra.

[0080] In one embodiment, during calibration, processor 170 reduces noise in the generated spectrum using Savitzky-Golay filtering and removes background from the generated spectrum using polynomial fitting. The appropriate polynomial fitting order for background removal is determined based on the intensity of the fourth wavelength (i.e., the first wavelength, the wavelength at two-quarters of its length, the wavelength at three-quarters of its length, and the last wavelength).

[0081] Additionally, the processor 170 can perform calibration again when the device is started, when the device is restarted after measuring blood glucose levels, or when the device is reinstalled after being temporarily removed.

[0082] In one embodiment, the processor 170 can control the light source unit such that when the device starts to drive or is reinstalled, light is output with a specific output within a specific time period, and the light intensity and exposure time of the light source unit when measuring blood glucose levels can be set by referring to the peak value corresponding to a specific Raman shift in the Raman spectrum obtained by the light receiving unit within the specific time period.

[0083] Here, the intensity of the Raman signal corresponding to a specific Raman shift can be 1450 cm⁻¹. -1 The peak at that location.

[0084] During calibration, even if the light source unit has reached its maximum output and maximum exposure time, if the intensity of the Raman signal corresponding to a specific Raman shift still does not reach the reference value, the processor 170 can control the communication unit to send an error message to an external terminal.

[0085] Users can identify the error message by connecting it to an external terminal of the continuous glucose level measurement device conceived according to the present invention. The error message may include text or an image requesting replacement or reattachment of the attachment portion.

[0086] Meanwhile, when the difference between the intensity ratio of the general Raman signal peak and the intensity ratio of the acquired Raman signal peak is greater than or equal to a specific reference value, the processor 170 can determine that there is a contact error between the object and the device, and can send an error message to an external terminal through the control communication unit 150.

[0087] However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The processor 170 can display error messages through the output unit 140 included in the continuous blood glucose level measurement device without transmitting the error messages to an external terminal.

[0088] Subsequently, the processor 170 can use machine learning techniques (e.g., deep learning using partial least squares (PLS), support vector machines (SVM), autoencoders, ResNet, etc.) to train the peak area of ​​the three elements (i.e., glucose, protein, and fat) and the glucose value at the measurement time using data, and continuously measure the blood glucose level of the subject based on the trained model.

[0089] In one embodiment, glucose levels can be measured by finger prick blood sampling, venous blood sampling, or continuous CGM (continuous glucose monitoring), but the method for measuring glucose values ​​is not limited to these.

[0090] In one embodiment, the processor 170 is based on a center value of 1450 cm. -1 Peak area at 1660 cm⁻¹ -1 The peak area at 1125 cm⁻¹ -1 The ratio of peak areas at different locations is used to estimate the amount of glucose in the interstitial fluid.

[0091] Here, for a center value of 1450cm -1 The peak will be 1415cm -1 Up to 1480cm -1 The range is used to obtain the area corresponding to the peak of the protein.

[0092] Meanwhile, for a center value of 1660cm -1 The peak will be 1630cm -1 Up to 1685cm -1 The area is obtained by taking the range of the peak corresponding to fat.

[0093] Meanwhile, for the 1125cm corresponding to glucose -1 The peak area can be obtained by using a total of three ranges. Specifically, it can be obtained by using 1089 cm⁻¹. -1 Up to 1160cm -1 (First range), 1115cm -1 Up to 1140cm -1 (Second range) and 1120cm -1 Up to 1130cm -1 (Third range) to obtain the area corresponding to glucose.

[0094] Meanwhile, the continuous blood glucose level measuring device according to the present invention includes a battery 220 for driving the above-mentioned components.

[0095] As described above, since the continuous blood glucose level measurement device conceived according to the present invention can continuously measure blood glucose levels in a non-invasive manner, it has significantly fewer side effects when installed compared to existing continuous blood glucose level measurement devices that require needle injection.

[0096] In the following sections, various embodiments of the continuous blood glucose level measurement device conceived according to the present invention will be described.

[0097] Figure 7 This is a plan view showing the internal structure of a continuous glucose level measurement device, with the hole located in the central part of the device.

[0098] In the design of conventional spectrometers used to generate Raman spectra, a shape is adopted in which the aperture is set at the periphery of the corner rather than the center of the device because a stable optical path is required to ensure the light dispersion angle of the monochromator section.

[0099] However, it is preferable to place the hole in the central part of the main body. For wearable devices that are attached to the user's body, the main body of the device and the user's body may separate due to user movement. Since the central part of the wearable device main body is most firmly attached to the user's body, the distance between the light source and the object can be maintained more stably when the hole is positioned closer to the central part of the contact surface of the housing.

[0100] To achieve this, refer to Figure 7 According to the present invention, the hole 210 can be provided in the central portion of the contact surface included in the housing, the light detection unit 126 and the internal battery 220 can be provided in the outermost periphery inside the main body, and the light source can be provided toward the hole 210 arranged in the central portion of the contact surface. Therefore, the angle between the light path from the light source to the first mirror and the light path to the monochromator unit 125 is greater than 90 degrees.

[0101] As a result, the continuous blood glucose level measuring device according to the present invention has insufficient light scattering angle and optical path, thus narrowing the measurement wavelength range. The present invention addresses the problem of the narrow measurement wavelength range by selectively analyzing only a specific wavelength range of blood glucose levels. In this way, according to the present invention, the aperture can be arranged in the central portion of the object contact surface provided within the housing.

[0102] As described above, according to the present invention, the accuracy of blood glucose level measurement can be improved by positioning the aperture in the central part of the device, wherein light radiated from the object is emitted through the aperture.

[0103] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the battery can be replaced before the blood glucose level measurement is completed.

[0104] Figure 8 This is a conceptual diagram showing a belt-type continuous glucose level measurement device.

[0105] The continuous glucose level measurement device conceived according to the present invention can be implemented in the form of a strap that can be fixed to the wrist, ankle, arm, etc. To achieve this function, the continuous glucose level measurement device may include a housing 410 and a strap 420.

[0106] Furthermore, the continuous blood glucose level measurement device conceived according to the present invention may include a battery 430. The battery 430 may be located at a position different from that of the housing 410. As an example, the battery 430 may be located in the opposite direction to the housing 410.

[0107] Meanwhile, the circuitry that electrically connects the battery 430 and the components in the housing 410 can be located in the belt 420.

[0108] The battery 430 can be configured to be detachably mounted on the belt 420, and for this purpose, the belt can include a battery fastener 440. The battery fastener 440 secures the battery 430 to the belt and electrically connects the battery 430 to circuitry arranged in the belt 420.

[0109] Meanwhile, an auxiliary battery can be housed in the housing 410. The auxiliary battery allows the continuous glucose level measurement device to maintain its function when the battery 430 is replaced.

[0110] When the battery is replaced, the device switches to a powered-off state, and calibration must be performed when blood glucose level measurements begin after the battery replacement. Therefore, gaps may occur during blood glucose level measurement periods, and users experience the inconvenience of having to perform calibration every time the battery is replaced.

[0111] According to the present invention, user convenience can be improved by preventing the device from switching to a shut-off state when the battery is replaced.

[0112] Furthermore, the disclosed embodiments can be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions can be stored as program code, and when executed by a processor, a program module can be generated to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium can be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0113] Computer-readable recording media include all types of recording media in which instructions that can be decoded by a computer are stored. For example, these can include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disk, flash memory, optical data storage devices, etc.

[0114] According to the above-described solution conceived in this invention, since the continuous blood glucose level measuring device conceived in this invention can continuously measure blood glucose levels in a non-invasive manner, it has fewer side effects compared to existing continuous blood glucose level measuring devices that require injection needles.

[0115] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the reduction in the accuracy of blood glucose level measurement during device installation can be avoided.

[0116] The disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the inventive concept can be implemented in forms different from the disclosed embodiments without altering the technical spirit or essential characteristics of the inventive concept. The disclosed embodiments are exemplary and should not be interpreted in a limiting manner.

Claims

1. A blood glucose level measuring device utilizing Raman spectroscopy, comprising: The shell, which defines the internal space; A light source is disposed in the housing and configured to illuminate an object; A monochromatic section is disposed in the housing and is configured to separate the wavelength components of light reflected and scattered from the object; A light receiving unit is disposed in the housing and is configured to receive light transmitted through the monochromatic portion to obtain a Raman spectrum; and A processor, disposed within the housing, is configured to extract information about at least one of the glucose, protein, or fat of the object by utilizing the area of ​​one or more peaks included in the Raman spectrum. The processor is configured to perform calibration by controlling the light source and the light receiver when the blood glucose level measuring device is started to be driven or installed on the body of the object.

2. The blood glucose level measuring device according to claim 1, wherein, When the calibration is performed, the processor is configured to: Controlling the light source unit to output light at a specific output within a specific time period; and The amount of light and the exposure time period of the light source are set by referring to the peak corresponding to a specific Raman shift in the Raman spectrum acquired by the light receiving unit within a specific time period.

3. The blood glucose level measuring device according to claim 2, further comprising: The communications unit is configured to send data to and receive data from external terminals. During the calibration, even when the Raman signal intensity reaches the maximum output and maximum exposure time of the light source, the Raman signal intensity corresponding to the specific Raman shift still does not reach the reference value. The processor is configured to control the communication unit so that error messages are sent to the external terminal.

4. The blood glucose level measuring device according to claim 3, wherein, The intensity of the Raman signal corresponding to the specific Raman shift is 1450 cm⁻¹. -1 The intensity of the peak.

5. The blood glucose level measuring device according to claim 1, wherein, The monochromatic portion includes: A diffraction grating is configured to disperse light reflected or scattered by the object in wavelength bands.

6. The blood glucose level measuring device according to claim 1, wherein, The monochromatic portion includes: A filter array comprising multiple optical filters configured to transmit light of different wavelength bands; and A filter supply unit is configured to feed the filter array in one direction.

7. The blood glucose level measuring device according to claim 1, wherein, The monochromatic portion includes: A linear variable optical filter, where the wavelength band of light passing through its region varies; and A filter supply unit is configured to feed the filter array in one direction.

8. The blood glucose level measuring device according to claim 1, wherein, The housing includes a contact surface that contacts the object; The contact surface includes a hole that allows light emitted from the light source to be emitted to the outside of the blood glucose level measuring device, and allows light reflected or scattered by the object to be introduced into the interior of the blood glucose level measuring device. The hole is formed in the central portion of the contact surface.

9. The blood glucose level measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising: A strap, which is coupled to the housing and configured to secure the housing to the body of the object; and The battery is configured to be detachably mounted on the belt.

10. The blood glucose level measuring device according to claim 9, further comprising: An auxiliary battery is configured to prevent the blood glucose level measuring device from switching to a shut-off state when the battery is replaced, and the auxiliary battery is disposed within the housing.

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