Ring-structured non-invasive blood glucose sensor, non-invasive blood glucose measurement device, and non-invasive blood glucose measurement method

Abstract

A ring-structured non-invasive blood glucose sensor according to the present invention comprises: a transmission unit which is provided in a first ring structure, and which generates electromagnetic waves and irradiates same toward the center of the first ring structure; an active element which is provided in a second ring structure that is smaller than the first ring structure and is disposed inside the first ring structure, and which amplifies the electromagnetic waves irradiated by the transmission unit so that the amplified electromagnetic waves are directed toward an object to be inspected disposed inside the second ring structure; a reception unit which is provided to be spaced apart from the transmission unit in the first ring structure, and which receives electromagnetic waves reflected or scattered from the object to be inspected; and a conductor, which is disposed to be adjacent to the first ring structure and the second ring structure, propagates the electromagnetic waves amplified by the active element toward the object to be inspected, by virtue of a space defined by a conductor, and strengthens a resonance phenomenon by strengthening an electromagnetic field within the defined space.

Description

Non-invasive blood glucose sensor having a ring structure, non-invasive blood glucose measuring device, and non-invasive blood glucose measuring method

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor having a ring structure (circular ring) capable of non-invasively measuring blood glucose, and to a blood glucose measurement capable of measuring blood glucose using information obtained from the sensor and sharing it externally.

[0002] In medical terminology, non-invasive refers to a method of diagnosing or treating diseases without penetrating the skin or passing through any openings in the body. Non-invasive diagnostic methods, such as ultrasound, electrocardiograms (ECGs), and cuff blood pressure measurements, are not only harmless to the human body but also provide affordable testing options, making them widely applicable for routine diagnosis or continuous monitoring. Blood glucose refers to the concentration of glucose contained in the blood. Glucose is a monosaccharide with the molecular formula C6H12O6, and it exists in this form in the blood of animals.

[0003] With the continuous global increase in the number of diabetes patients, there has long been a demand for the development of technologies to replace traditional blood sampling methods. However, commercially available blood glucose sensors are primarily standalone devices rather than wearables, which presents a problem in that they struggle to provide real-time blood glucose information. Furthermore, commercial blood glucose sensors mainly provide blood glucose data through invasive or minimally invasive methods, placing a periodic or continuous physical burden on the subjects.

[0004] Accordingly, research on non-invasive blood glucose sensor devices is ongoing, and while non-invasive devices utilizing optics and sound waves have been proposed, there are difficulties in overcoming the physical differences of individual patients.

[0005] In addition, existing methods have the disadvantage that it is difficult to achieve high accuracy because body tissues (blood, skin, bones, etc.) have a high loss rate for electromagnetic waves, making it difficult to extract accurate information.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a non-invasive blood glucose sensor and a non-invasive blood glucose measuring device having a ring structure incorporating a transmitter, an active element, a receiver, and a conductor, which can enhance electromagnetic waves directed into the finger through a resonance phenomenon and measure blood glucose concentration from electromagnetic waves reflected or scattered from a test subject (e.g., a finger).

[0007] A non-invasive blood glucose sensor having a ring structure for realizing the above-mentioned purpose comprises: a transmitter provided in a first ring structure that generates electromagnetic waves and irradiates them toward the center of the first ring structure; an active element provided in a second ring structure that has a smaller size than the first ring structure and is disposed inside the first ring structure, which amplifies the electromagnetic waves irradiated from the transmitter so that the amplified electromagnetic waves are directed toward a test subject disposed inside the second ring structure, and which strengthens the resonance phenomenon generated as the amplified electromagnetic waves reach the test subject; and a receiver provided in the first ring structure spaced apart from the transmitter and receiving electromagnetic waves generated by reflection or scattering from the test subject.

[0008] A number of active elements are arranged along the second ring structure with respect to the center so that the resonance phenomenon is formed by strengthening the electromagnetic field along the inner circumference of the test body.

[0009] The resonance phenomenon generated in the above-mentioned test object is formed at an equal angle with respect to the center, and the above-mentioned active elements can be positioned at locations corresponding to the resonance phenomenon formed at the equal angle.

[0010] The transmitting unit can generate electromagnetic waves corresponding to a preset frequency band in which the resonance phenomenon of the test object occurs.

[0011] The impedance value of the active component can be adjusted to correspond to a preset impedance value that matches the characteristics of the object under test.

[0012] The active device can be implemented in a form including a patch antenna.

[0013] Active components can be implemented as negative impedance converters (NICs).

[0014] A non-invasive blood glucose sensor having a ring structure including additional conductors is positioned around the first ring structure and the second ring structure, and can enhance the resonance phenomenon by strengthening the electromagnetic field due to the space limited by the conductors.

[0015] A conductor may comprise: a first conductor having a structure having a hole inside, disposed on the upper part of the first ring structure and the second ring structure; and a second conductor having a structure having a hole inside, disposed on the lower part of the first ring structure and the second ring structure; thereby forming a limited space between the first conductor and the second conductor.

[0016] The conductor may include a third conductor having a structure that surrounds the outer surface of the first ring structure and can form a limited space inside the third conductor.

[0017] The conductor may include a first conductor having a structure having a hole inside and disposed on the upper part of the first ring structure and the second ring structure, a second conductor having a structure having a hole inside and disposed on the lower part of the first ring structure and the second ring structure, and a third conductor having a structure having a hole inside and disposed on the outer surface of the first ring structure, thereby forming a limited space between the first conductor, the second conductor, and the third conductor.

[0018] A non-invasive blood glucose sensor having a ring structure that further includes a conductor may further include a power supply unit that supplies power, and is provided in a third ring structure that is positioned outside the first ring structure and has a larger size than the first ring structure.

[0019] The first ring structure, the second ring structure, and the third ring structure may be integral or only some ring structures may be integral.

[0020] The above-mentioned transmitting unit and the above-mentioned receiving unit are provided as a single unit, and the above-mentioned active element may be provided separately.

[0021] The above-mentioned transmitting unit, the above-mentioned receiving unit, and the above-mentioned active element may be provided as an integrated unit.

[0022]

[0023] A non-invasive blood glucose measuring device having a ring structure according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises: a transmitter that is provided in a first ring structure and generates electromagnetic waves and irradiates them toward the center of the first ring structure; an active element that is provided in a second ring structure having a smaller size than the first ring structure and disposed inside the first ring structure, amplifies the electromagnetic waves irradiated from the transmitter, causes the amplified electromagnetic waves to be directed toward a test subject disposed inside the second ring structure, and strengthens the resonance phenomenon generated as the amplified electromagnetic waves reach the test subject; a receiver that is provided in the first ring structure spaced apart from the transmitter and receives electromagnetic waves reflected or scattered from the test subject; and a control unit that analyzes the electromagnetic waves received through the receiver to extract a resonance frequency and calculates real-time blood glucose based on the extracted resonance frequency.

[0024] The control unit analyzes the resonance frequency of the electromagnetic wave received through the receiver, calculates the first resonance frequency measured in resonance mode 1 and the second resonance frequency measured in resonance mode N, calculates the final resonance frequency using the calculated first resonance frequency and the calculated second resonance frequency, and calculates the blood glucose using the final resonance frequency.

[0025] The control unit may be provided in a third ring that has a larger size than the first ring structure and is positioned outside the first ring, or may be provided separately outside.

[0026] A non-invasive blood glucose measuring device having a ring structure may further include a display unit that is provided in a third ring having a larger size than the first ring structure and disposed outside the first ring, or is separately provided outside, and the control unit may display the calculated blood glucose information through the display unit.

[0027] The control unit selects a blood glucose measurement standard that is matched and set according to the characteristics of the test subject, and can calculate the blood glucose using the selected blood glucose measurement standard condition.

[0028] The active elements may be arranged in multiple numbers along the second ring structure with respect to the center so that the resonance phenomenon is formed by strengthening the electromagnetic field along the inner circumference of the test body.

[0029] The resonance phenomenon generated in the above-mentioned test object is formed at an equal angle with respect to the center, and the above-mentioned active elements can be positioned at locations corresponding to the resonance phenomenon formed at the equal angle.

[0030] The transmitting unit can generate electromagnetic waves corresponding to a preset frequency band in which the resonance phenomenon of the test object occurs.

[0031] The impedance value of the active component can be adjusted to correspond to a preset impedance value that matches the characteristics of the object under test.

[0032] The active device can be implemented in a form including a patch antenna.

[0033] Active components can be implemented as negative impedance converters (NICs).

[0034] A non-invasive blood glucose measuring device having a ring structure may further include a conductor that is positioned around the first ring structure and the second ring structure and strengthens the electromagnetic field due to the space limited by the conductor, thereby enhancing the resonance phenomenon.

[0035] A conductor may comprise: a first conductor having a structure having a hole inside, disposed on the upper part of the first ring structure and the second ring structure; and a second conductor having a structure having a hole inside, disposed on the lower part of the first ring structure and the second ring structure; thereby forming a limited space between the first conductor and the second conductor.

[0036] The conductor may include a third conductor having a structure that surrounds the outer surface of the first ring structure and can form a limited space inside the third conductor.

[0037] A conductor may include a first conductor having a structure having a hole inside and disposed on the upper part of the first ring structure and the second ring structure, a second conductor having a structure having a hole inside and disposed on the lower part of the first ring structure and the second ring structure, and a third conductor having a structure having a hole inside and disposed on the outer surface of the first ring structure, thereby forming a limited space between the first conductor, the second conductor, and the third conductor.

[0038] A non-invasive blood glucose measuring device having a ring structure may further include a power supply unit that supplies power, which is provided in a third ring that has a larger size than the first ring structure and is positioned outside the first ring.

[0039] A non-invasive blood glucose measuring device having a ring structure may further include a communication unit that has a larger size than the first ring structure, is provided in a third ring disposed outside the first ring, and is capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from the outside.

[0040]

[0041] A non-invasive blood glucose measurement method having a ring structure according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises: a step of irradiating a generated electromagnetic wave in the direction of the center of a first ring structure by a transmitter; a step of amplifying the electromagnetic wave irradiated by the transmitter by an active element so that the amplified electromagnetic wave is directed toward a test subject disposed inside a second ring structure, thereby strengthening the resonance phenomenon that occurs as the amplified electromagnetic wave reaches the test subject; a step of receiving an electromagnetic wave generated by reflection or scattering from the test subject by a receiver; and a control unit that analyzes the electromagnetic wave received through the receiver to extract a resonance frequency and calculates real-time blood glucose based on the extracted resonance frequency.

[0042] The control unit can calculate the real-time blood glucose by comparing the extracted resonance frequency with the blood glucose concentration data matched in advance for each resonance frequency.

[0043] The control unit analyzes the resonance frequency of the electromagnetic wave received through the receiver, calculates the first resonance frequency measured in resonance mode 1 and the second resonance frequency measured in resonance mode N, calculates the final resonance frequency using the calculated first resonance frequency and the calculated second resonance frequency, and calculates the blood glucose using the final resonance frequency.

[0044] The control unit selects a blood glucose measurement standard that is matched and set according to the characteristics of the test subject, and can calculate the blood glucose using the selected blood glucose measurement standard condition.

[0045] The impedance value of the active component can be adjusted to correspond to a preset impedance value that matches the characteristics of the object under test.

[0046] A non-invasive blood glucose measuring device having a ring structure may add a conductor that is positioned around the first ring structure and the second ring structure and strengthens the electromagnetic field due to the space limited by the conductor, thereby enhancing the resonance phenomenon.

[0047] According to the present invention, by using a plurality of active elements to amplify electromagnetic waves, the loss caused by the test subject is offset and the resonance phenomenon is enhanced, thereby enabling more accurate measurement of blood glucose concentration.

[0048] In addition, by applying a conductor to form a confined space so that electromagnetic waves are directed toward the center of the test subject and by enhancing the resonance shape, blood glucose concentration measurement can be made more accurate.

[0049] In addition, by measuring the resonance frequencies for multiple resonance modes, blood glucose concentration can be measured more accurately compared to using the resonance frequency measured in just one resonance mode.

[0050] FIGS. 1, FIGS. 2, FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 4 are drawings for illustrating a non-invasive blood glucose sensor having a ring structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] FIGS. 5, FIGS. 6, FIGS. 7 and FIGS. 8 are drawings for explaining a conductor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] FIGS. 9, FIGS. 10, FIGS. 11 and FIGS. 12 are drawings for illustrating a non-invasive blood glucose measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] FIGS. 13 and FIGS. 14 are drawings for explaining another receiver in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] FIG. 15 is a drawing for illustrating a non-invasive blood glucose measuring device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a non-invasive blood glucose measurement method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be modified and implemented in various different forms. The embodiments provided are merely intended to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the present invention should be understood not to be limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the technical spirit and scope of the present invention, as well as substituting or adding the configuration of any one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment.

[0058] The attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings; rather, it should be understood that they include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the invention. In the drawings, components may be depicted as being exaggeratedly large or small in size or thickness for the sake of convenience of understanding, but the scope of protection of the invention should not be interpreted restrictively as a result thereof.

[0059] The terms used in this specification are used merely to describe specific embodiments or examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as "includes" or "consists of" in this specification are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this specification. That is, terms such as "includes" or "consists of" in this specification should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0060] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0061] When it is stated that one component is "connected / communicated" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected / communicated or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected / communicated" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0062] When it is stated that one component is "above" or "below" another component, it should be understood that it is not only placed directly above the other component, but that another component may also exist in between.

[0063] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0064]

[0065] FIGS. 1, FIGS. 2, and FIGS. 3 are drawings for illustrating a non-invasive blood glucose sensor having a ring structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a non-invasive blood glucose sensor (100) having a ring structure includes a transmitter (111), an active element (112), a receiver (113), a conductor (114), and a power supply (120).

[0067] A non-invasive blood glucose sensor (100) having a ring structure can be implemented in various forms such as a strap, wristwatch, ring, etc. that can be worn on the wrist or arm.

[0068] The transmitter (111) is provided in the first ring structure (200) and generates electromagnetic waves to irradiate the direction of the subject or the center. For example, the antenna included in the transmitter (111) can be configured in various forms such as a patch type, a ring type, or a dipole type. At this time, polarization according to the shape of the antenna does not affect the blood glucose sensor function.

[0069] The electromagnetic waves irradiated from the transmitter (111) are pulses composed of frequency components of the frequency band to be measured, and all frequency components constituting these pulses are configured over time with the same power (W / m2) or specific size and shape that is convenient for configuring pulses over time.

[0070] The transmitter (111) can generate electromagnetic waves corresponding to a preset frequency band in which a resonance phenomenon occurs in the test object. For example, if the test object is a finger and the band in which a resonance frequency can occur is "1 GHz ~ 10 GHz" considering the variety of finger sizes with maximum and minimum values, the transmitter (111) can generate electromagnetic waves in the "1 GHz ~ 10 GHz" band and irradiate them in the direction of the test object.

[0071] Here, the electromagnetic waves irradiated by the transmitter (111) can be varied from the MHz band to the GHz band depending on the measurement location (finger, forearm, wrist), and the antenna and transmitter can also be varied accordingly.

[0072] The transmitting unit (111) can be implemented as one or more units, placed in various locations for the optimization of blood glucose measurement, and can be modified in various ways.

[0073] The active element (112) has a size smaller than the first ring structure (200) and is provided in a second ring structure (210) that is placed inside the first ring structure.

[0074] For example, the active element is implemented in a form including a patch antenna, and the signal amplified by the active element is directed toward the object under test.

[0075] In this case, the active component can be implemented as a negative impedance converter (NIC).

[0076] However, the patch antenna and negative impedance converter mentioned above are each just examples and can be implemented in various other forms.

[0077] The active element (112) amplifies the electromagnetic waves irradiated to the transmitting unit (111) and directs the amplified electromagnetic waves toward a test subject (not shown) (e.g., a finger, etc.) placed inside the second ring structure (210).

[0078] The active element (112) responds to the electromagnetic waves directed by the transmitter (111) toward the finger at a specific impedance ratio, thereby amplifying the electromagnetic waves at the impedance ratio.

[0079] The active element (112) can be adjusted to correspond to a preset impedance value that matches the characteristics of the test object ('amplified by a ratio of the preset impedance'). Accordingly, the active element (112) can amplify the electromagnetic waves irradiated from the transmitter (111) to the preset impedance value ('can be adjusted, for example, by a variable resistor, variable capacitance, or variable inductance inside the active element') and direct them toward the test object (for example, a finger).

[0080] For example, a preset impedance value may be a data value that has been pre-matched to the optimal impedance value based on characteristics such as the type, size, and shape of the object under test.

[0081]

[0082] The active element (112) is arranged in multiple numbers along the second ring structure so that the resonance phenomenon is formed by strengthening the electromagnetic field along the inner circumference of the test object.

[0083] As electromagnetic waves amplified by the active element (112) are irradiated onto the test object, a resonance phenomenon occurs in the test object.

[0084] Resonance phenomena can easily occur when the wavelength of electromagnetic waves passing through the interior of a test object and the size of the test object (e.g., a finger) are the same or similar.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 3, the resonance phenomenon is formed such that the resonance phenomenon generated in the test object forms an equiangular relationship with respect to the center (left figure). For example, when looking at the cross-section of the test object, the resonance phenomenon can generate reinforced electromagnetic fields (300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305) at an equiangular relationship with respect to the center (e.g., angle a - 60 degrees). Specifically, for example, in resonance mode 1, two reinforced electromagnetic fields are formed at an angle of 180 degrees, in resonance mode 2, four reinforced electromagnetic fields are formed at an angle of 90 degrees, and in resonance mode 3, six reinforced electromagnetic fields are formed at an angle of 60 degrees.

[0086]

[0087] A plurality of active elements (112) may be installed on the inner or outer surface of the second ring structure (210). For example, a plurality of active elements (112) may be arranged along the second ring structure with respect to the center so that the resonance phenomenon is evenly distributed around the test object. Specifically, for example, the active elements (310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315) may be placed at positions corresponding to the resonance phenomenon formed at equal angles (see the right drawing of FIG. 3). Additionally, the active elements (112) may not be placed all six at once, but only three at equal angles may be placed.

[0088]

[0089] Referring to FIG. 4, the electric field cross-section at a specific location of a non-invasive blood glucose sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which a test subject (e.g., a finger) is present at the center, and a ring structure including an active element, a transmitter, a receiver, etc. is arranged thereafter.

[0090] Looking at the part marked with symbol 700 in the drawing, the part corresponding to symbol 700 shows a higher electromagnetic field strength compared to other areas (the electric field is intensively reinforced around the inner perimeter of the test object). Through this, it can be confirmed that the electromagnetic field in the resonance phenomenon is reinforced along the area close to the perimeter rather than the central area inside the test object.

[0091] The part corresponding to symbol 700 in the drawing corresponds to the area where skin and blood vessels are located (an area close to the circumference), rather than the area where the bone at the center of the finger exists (not the central area), if the test subject is a finger. Accordingly, the reinforced area along the inner circumference of the test subject corresponds to the area where skin and blood vessels exist.

[0092]

[0093] Through this, the non-invasive blood glucose sensor including the active element according to the present embodiment can measure blood glucose more accurately because the electric field in the skin and blood (see reference numeral 700), which have relatively high impedance rather than a ring structure, is strengthened, and the resonance frequency changes significantly in response to changes in blood glucose.

[0094] In addition, measurement stability can be improved by enhancing the electromagnetic field within the skin and blood rather than the bone through active components and conductors, thereby reducing variables affecting blood glucose measurement.

[0095] Furthermore, the impedance magnitude of active components does not act as a decisive factor in causing resonance. If the impedance magnitude is above a certain value, resonance can be sufficiently induced even if that value changes, as long as the positional conditions, number, and directionality match the thickness of the test object (finger). In this way, if active components are arranged uniformly, resonance occurs stably even if conditions change partially, thereby increasing measurement stability.

[0096]

[0097] The transmitting unit (111) and the active element (112) are free in their relative positions, and even if the transmitting unit (111) is shielded by the active element (112) or vice versa, there is no problem with its function.

[0098] The active element (112) can be composed of a circuit and an antenna capable of implementing an impedance that acts as an amplifier, and a representative active element is an Operational (OP)-amplifier, but it can also be implemented with various amplifiers or new types of amplifiers.

[0099] The active element (112) can have multiple active elements applied to the ring structure, and may have the same value or implement the values ​​differently.

[0100] When multiple active elements (112) are applied to a ring structure, the configuration of the circuit part or the configuration of the antenna may be shared by multiple active elements as one configuration.

[0101] Even if the value of the active element (112) is different from what was intended and an error occurs, the specific frequency at which the electric field is strengthened inside the test subject (e.g., finger) for a specific blood glucose concentration is not altered. Accordingly, even if the value of the active element is partially incorrect in the frequency band to be measured or changes in frequency, the specific frequency is not altered, so blood glucose can be measured stably.

[0102]

[0103] The receiving unit (113) is provided in the first ring structure (200) spaced apart from the transmitting unit (111) and can receive electromagnetic waves reflected or scattered from the test object.

[0104] The receiving unit (113) is positioned so that the receiving signal is not overlapped or grounded by the transmitting unit (111) and the active element (112), and can be arranged in a circular manner along a first ring structure (200) corresponding to the circumference of the test object to receive the reinforced electromagnetic waves inside the test object (e.g., finger) with high efficiency.

[0105] The conductor (114) is positioned around the first ring structure (200), the second ring structure (210), and the third ring structure (220), and due to the space limited by the conductor (114), the electromagnetic waves amplified by the active element are propagated toward the test object, and the electromagnetic field within the limited space can be strengthened to enhance the resonance phenomenon. A detailed description of the conductor (114) will be provided later with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6 below.

[0106] The power supply unit (120) has a larger size than the first ring structure (200) and is provided in a third ring structure (220) which is placed outside the first ring structure (200), and can supply power to components of the blood glucose sensor that require power.

[0107] Although it was explained that the power supply unit (120) is provided in the third ring structure (220), it is not necessarily required to be provided in the third ring structure (220), so it may be provided in other components or separately.

[0108]

[0109] For example, the first ring structure (200), the second ring structure (210), and the third ring structure (220) have been described so far based on being configured individually for convenience, but the whole may be configured as a single unit, or some ring structures may be implemented as a single unit and the remaining ring structures individually (independently).

[0110] For example, the transmitting unit (111) and the receiving unit (113) are provided as a single unit, and the active element (112) may be provided separately.

[0111] As another example, the transmitting unit (111), the receiving unit (113), and the active element (112) may be provided as a single unit.

[0112]

[0113] FIGS. 5, FIGS. 6, FIGS. 7 and FIGS. 8 are drawings for explaining a conductor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the conductor (114) is positioned around the first ring structure (200), the second ring structure (210), and the third ring structure (220), and due to the space limited by the conductor (114), the electromagnetic waves amplified by the active element are propagated toward the test object, and the electromagnetic field within the limited space can be strengthened to enhance the resonance phenomenon.

[0115]

[0116] Referring to FIG. 6, a conductor (114) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first conductor (410) and a second conductor (420).

[0117] The first conductor (410) is positioned on top of the first ring structure (200), the second ring structure (210), and the third ring structure (220), and has a structure that includes a hole inside.

[0118] The second conductor (420) is positioned at the bottom of the first ring structure (200), the second ring structure (210), and the third ring structure (220), and may have a structure that includes a hole inside.

[0119] A limited space is formed between the first conductor (410) and the second conductor (420), and due to the limited space, electromagnetic waves are irradiated in the direction of the test object, and the resonance phenomenon can be enhanced.

[0120] This embodiment is in a form that can be applied when polarization of the electric field (V / m) occurs, thereby enhancing the resonance shape.

[0121]

[0122] Referring to FIG. 7, a third conductor (500) according to another embodiment of the present invention may be disposed on the outer surface of a third ring structure (220) and may have a shape having a ring structure that surrounds the outer surface. If the third ring structure (220) is not present, the conductor (500) may be disposed on the outer surface of a first ring structure (200).

[0123] A limited space is formed inside the third conductor (500), and due to the limited space, electromagnetic waves are irradiated in the direction of the test object, and the resonance phenomenon can be enhanced.

[0124] This embodiment is applicable when the electric field (V / m) is in an unpolarized state, thereby enhancing the resonance shape.

[0125]

[0126] Referring to FIG. 8, the conductor may be in the form of simultaneously applying the first conductor (410), the second conductor (420) of FIG. 4 and the third conductor (500) of FIG. 5, and a limited space may be formed between the first conductor (410), the second conductor (420) and the third conductor (500).

[0127]

[0128] FIGS. 9, FIGS. 10, FIGS. 11 and FIGS. 12 are drawings for illustrating a non-invasive blood glucose measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0129] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 9, and 10, a non-invasive blood glucose measuring device may include a non-invasive blood glucose sensor (810) having a ring structure, a power supply unit (820), a communication unit (830), a control unit (840), and a display unit (850). The non-invasive blood glucose sensor (810) includes a transmitter (811), an active element (812), a receiver (813), and a conductor (814). Since the non-invasive blood glucose sensor (810) and the power supply unit (820) have already been described in FIGS. 1 to 3, they will be omitted from the following description.

[0130] The communication unit (830) is provided in the third ring structure (210) and can transmit and receive information with the outside. For example, the communication unit (830) can perform both wireless and wired communication, but it is determined that performing wireless communication is superior in terms of convenience.

[0131] The display unit (850) may be provided in the third ring structure (210) (not shown in FIG. 9) or separately provided externally, and the control unit (840) displays various information, such as calculated blood glucose information, through the display unit (850).

[0132] The control unit (840) may be provided in the third ring structure (210) or separately provided externally.

[0133] The control unit (840) can control the components included in the non-invasive blood glucose measuring device.

[0134] The control unit (840) can analyze the electromagnetic waves received through the receiver (813) to extract a resonance frequency and calculate real-time blood glucose based on the extracted resonance frequency. For example, the control unit (840) can calculate the real-time blood glucose by comparing the extracted resonance frequency with blood glucose concentration data matched in advance for each resonance frequency.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 11, the control unit (840) analyzes the resonance frequency of the electromagnetic wave received through the receiver (813), and can calculate the first resonance frequency measured in resonance mode 1 (1000) and the second resonance frequency measured in resonance mode 2 (or N) (1010).

[0136] The control unit (840) can calculate the final resonant frequency using the calculated first resonant frequency and the calculated second resonant frequency, and can calculate blood glucose using the final resonant frequency. For example, the control unit (840) can average the frequency change in each resonant mode or select the frequency value in each resonant mode according to conditions ('in situation A, the frequency of resonant mode 2 is selected as the final resonant frequency / in situation B, the frequency of resonant mode 1 is selected as the final resonant frequency, etc.').

[0137] The control unit (840) selects a blood glucose measurement standard that is matched and set according to the characteristics of the test subject, and can calculate blood glucose using the selected blood glucose measurement standard condition. For example, the control unit (840) selects a standard condition ('blood glucose measurement standard condition') to be applied when measuring blood glucose based on information obtained through a calibration process, and calculates blood glucose using the selected standard condition. For example, the control unit (840) selects one of 'condition A / condition B / condition C' through a calibration process, and can calculate the blood glucose concentration corresponding to the resonant frequency using the selected standard condition (e.g., condition A).

[0138] Referring to FIG. 12, the control unit (820) can measure changes in the resonance frequency in real time and calculate real-time blood glucose and real-time blood glucose changes.

[0139]

[0140] FIGS. 13 and FIGS. 14 are drawings for explaining another receiver in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 13, the receiver can be configured in a parallel form, and referring to FIG. 13, the receiver can be configured in a serial form.

[0142] The serial receiver of FIG. 14 is a serial conversion of one embodiment of FIG. 13, and an ammeter can be applied to measure the intensity of electromagnetic waves irradiated from the test object, and various other methods can also be applied.

[0143] In addition to the circuits shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, various other circuits with the same function may be applied.

[0144]

[0145] FIG. 15 is a drawing for illustrating a non-invasive blood glucose measuring device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0146] Referring to FIG. 15, the non-invasive blood glucose measuring device includes a non-invasive blood glucose sensor (810), a power supply unit (820), and a communication unit (830), and the terminal (1400) includes a control unit (840).

[0147] The non-invasive blood glucose measuring device transmits information of the received electromagnetic waves to the terminal (1400) through the communication unit (830), and the terminal (1400) measures blood glucose based on the information of the electromagnetic waves received from the non-invasive blood glucose measuring device, and can display the measured blood glucose information on the display unit of the terminal (1400) or transmit it to an external server (not shown).

[0148] The terminal (1400) may be a mobile terminal or a fixed terminal capable of communication.

[0149] The user wears a non-invasive blood glucose measurement sensor on the specimen, and can conveniently check the blood glucose calculation results using information received from the sensor through a terminal.

[0150]

[0151] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a non-invasive blood glucose measurement method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0152] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 16, a non-invasive blood glucose measuring device having a ring structure may include a transmitter provided in a first ring structure, an active element provided in a second ring structure that has a smaller size than the first ring structure and is disposed inside the first ring structure, and a receiver and a control unit provided in the first ring structure spaced apart from the transmitter. In this embodiment, the functions of the components and the control unit have been briefly described, but it is obvious that additional functions of the components and the control unit described through the drawings above can be applied.

[0153] The transmitter directs the generated electromagnetic waves toward the center of the first ring structure (1610).

[0154] The active element amplifies the electromagnetic waves irradiated from the transmitting unit and irradiates the amplified electromagnetic waves in the direction of the test object placed inside the second ring structure (1620). Through this, the resonance phenomenon that occurs as the amplified electromagnetic waves reach the test object is strengthened.

[0155] The receiver receives electromagnetic waves generated by reflection or scattering from the test object (1630).

[0156] The control unit analyzes the electromagnetic waves received through the receiver to extract a resonance frequency and calculates the real-time blood glucose based on the extracted resonance frequency (1640). For example, the control unit can perform a Fourier (Laplace) transform on the received electromagnetic waves to calculate the change in magnitude on the frequency spectrum and extract a resonance frequency at which the received electromagnetic waves are enhanced. Then, the control unit can extract the blood glucose concentration corresponding to the extracted resonance frequency based on the blood glucose concentration data for each preset resonance frequency and finally calculate the blood glucose concentration in real time.

[0157] The control unit analyzes the resonance frequency of the electromagnetic wave received through the receiver, calculates the first resonance frequency measured in resonance mode 1 and the second resonance frequency measured in resonance mode N, calculates the final resonance frequency using the calculated first resonance frequency and the calculated second resonance frequency, and calculates the blood glucose using the final resonance frequency.

[0158] The control unit selects a blood glucose measurement standard that is matched and set according to the characteristics of the test subject, and can calculate the blood glucose using the selected blood glucose measurement standard condition.

[0159]

[0160] The described embodiments may be configured by selectively combining all or part of each embodiment so that various modifications can be made.

[0161] Furthermore, it should be noted that the embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. Additionally, a person skilled in the art will understand that various embodiments are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

Claims

1. A transmitting unit provided in a first ring structure and generating electromagnetic waves to irradiate towards the center of the first ring structure; An active element having a size smaller than that of the first ring structure and provided in a second ring structure disposed inside the first ring structure, amplifying electromagnetic waves irradiated from the transmitter so that the amplified electromagnetic waves are directed toward a test object disposed inside the second ring structure, and enhancing the resonance phenomenon generated as the amplified electromagnetic waves reach the test object; and A non-invasive blood glucose sensor having a ring structure, comprising a receiver unit provided spaced apart from the transmitter unit in the first ring structure and receiving electromagnetic waves generated by reflection or scattering from the test subject.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above active element is, A non-invasive blood glucose sensor having a ring structure, wherein multiple ring structures are arranged along the second ring structure with respect to the center so that the above resonance phenomenon is formed by reinforcing the electromagnetic field along the inner circumference of the test subject.

3. In Paragraph 2, A non-invasive blood glucose sensor having a ring structure, wherein a resonance phenomenon generated in the test subject is formed at an equiangular angle with respect to the center, and the active elements are positioned at locations corresponding to the resonance phenomenon formed at the equiangular angle.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above transmitting unit is, A non-invasive blood glucose sensor having a ring structure that generates electromagnetic waves corresponding to a preset frequency band in which a resonance phenomenon occurs in the above-mentioned test subject.

5. In Paragraph 1, The impedance value of the above active component is, A non-invasive blood glucose sensor having a ring structure that is adjusted to correspond to a preset impedance value that matches the characteristics of the test subject.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above active element is, A non-invasive blood glucose sensor having a ring structure, characterized by being implemented in a form including a patch antenna.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above active element is A non-invasive blood glucose sensor having a ring structure, characterized by being implemented as a negative impedance converter (NIC).

8. In Paragraph 1, A non-invasive blood glucose sensor having a ring structure further comprising a conductor disposed around the first ring structure and the second ring structure, which strengthens the electromagnetic field due to the space limited by the conductor to enhance the resonance phenomenon.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above conductor is, A first conductor disposed on the upper portion of the first ring structure and the second ring structure, having a structure including a hole inside; and A non-invasive blood glucose sensor having a ring structure, comprising: a second conductor disposed below the first ring structure and the second ring structure and having a structure including a hole inside; and forming a limited space between the first conductor and the second conductor.

10. In Paragraph 8, The above conductor is, A non-invasive blood glucose sensor having a ring structure, comprising a third conductor disposed on the outer surface of the first ring structure and having a structure that surrounds the outer surface, thereby forming a limited space inside the third conductor.

11. In Paragraph 8, The above conductor is, A first conductor disposed on the upper portion of the first ring structure and the second ring structure, having a structure including a hole inside; A second conductor disposed at the lower part of the first ring structure and the second ring structure, having a structure including a hole inside; and A non-invasive blood glucose sensor having a ring structure, comprising a third conductor disposed on the outer surface of the first ring structure and having a structure that surrounds the outer surface, thereby forming a limited space between the first conductor, the second conductor, and the third conductor.

12. In Paragraph 1, A non-invasive blood glucose sensor having a ring structure, further comprising a power supply unit that supplies power, provided in a third ring structure disposed outside the first ring structure and having a size larger than the first ring structure.

13. In Paragraph 12, A non-invasive blood glucose sensor having a ring structure, wherein the first ring structure, the second ring structure, and the third ring structure are integral or only some ring structures are integral.

14. In Paragraph 1, A non-invasive blood glucose sensor having a ring structure, wherein the transmitting unit and the receiving unit are provided as an integral unit, and the active element is provided separately.

15. In Paragraph 1, A non-invasive blood glucose sensor having a ring structure in which the transmitting unit, the receiving unit, and the active element are provided as an integral unit.

16. A transmitting unit provided in a first ring structure and generating electromagnetic waves to irradiate towards the center of the first ring structure; An active element having a size smaller than that of the first ring structure and provided in a second ring structure disposed inside the first ring structure, amplifying electromagnetic waves irradiated from the transmitting unit so that the amplified electromagnetic waves are directed toward a test object disposed inside the second ring structure, and enhancing the resonance phenomenon generated as the amplified electromagnetic waves reach the test object; A receiver provided in the first ring structure spaced apart from the transmitter and receiving electromagnetic waves reflected or scattered from the test object; and A non-invasive blood glucose measuring device having a ring structure, comprising a control unit that analyzes electromagnetic waves received through the receiver to extract a resonance frequency and calculates real-time blood glucose based on the extracted resonance frequency.

17. In Paragraph 16, The above control unit is, A non-invasive blood glucose measuring device having a ring structure, which analyzes the resonance frequency of an electromagnetic wave received through the receiver, calculates a first resonance frequency measured in resonance mode 1 and a second resonance frequency measured in resonance mode N, calculates a final resonance frequency using the calculated first resonance frequency and the calculated second resonance frequency, and calculates blood glucose using the final resonance frequency.

18. In Paragraph 16, The above control unit is, A non-invasive blood glucose measuring device having a ring structure that is provided on a third ring disposed outside the first ring and has a size larger than the first ring structure, or is provided separately outside.

19. In Paragraph 16, The above-mentioned calculated blood glucose information is provided in a third ring having a larger size than the first ring structure and disposed outside the first ring, or further includes a display unit separately provided outside. The above control unit is, A non-invasive blood glucose measuring device having a ring structure that displays the above-calculated blood glucose information through the display unit.

20. In Paragraph 16, The above control unit is, A non-invasive blood glucose measuring device having a ring structure that selects a blood glucose measurement standard set by matching it to the characteristics of a test subject and calculates blood glucose using the selected blood glucose measurement standard condition.

21. In Paragraph 16, The above active element is, A non-invasive blood glucose measuring device having a ring structure, wherein multiple ring structures are arranged along the second ring structure with respect to the center so that the above resonance phenomenon is formed by reinforcing the electromagnetic field along the inner circumference of the test subject.

22. In Paragraph 21, A non-invasive blood glucose measuring device having a ring structure, wherein a resonance phenomenon generated in the test subject is formed at an equal angle with respect to the center, and the active elements are positioned at locations corresponding to the resonance phenomenon formed at the equal angle.

23. In Paragraph 16, The above transmitting unit is, A non-invasive blood glucose measuring device having a ring structure that generates electromagnetic waves corresponding to a preset frequency band in which a resonance phenomenon occurs in the above-mentioned test subject.

24. In Paragraph 16, The impedance value of the above active component is, A non-invasive blood glucose measuring device having a ring structure that is adjusted to correspond to a preset impedance value matching the characteristics of the test subject.

25. In Paragraph 16, The above active element is, A non-invasive blood glucose measuring device having a ring structure, characterized by being implemented in a form including a patch antenna.

26. In Paragraph 16, The above active element is A non-invasive blood glucose measuring device having a ring structure, characterized by being implemented as a negative impedance converter (NIC).

27. In Paragraph 16, A non-invasive blood glucose measuring device having a ring structure, further comprising a conductor disposed around the first ring structure and the second ring structure, which strengthens the electromagnetic field due to the limited space created by the conductor to enhance the resonance phenomenon.

28. In Paragraph 27, The above conductor is, A first conductor disposed on the upper portion of the first ring structure and the second ring structure, having a structure including a hole inside; and A non-invasive blood glucose measuring device having a ring structure, comprising: a second conductor disposed below the first ring structure and the second ring structure and having a structure including a hole inside; and forming a limited space between the first conductor and the second conductor.

29. In Paragraph 28, The above conductor is, A non-invasive blood glucose measuring device having a ring structure, comprising a third conductor disposed on the outer surface of the first ring structure and having a structure that surrounds the outer surface, thereby forming a limited space inside the third conductor.

30. In Paragraph 28, The above conductor is, A first conductor disposed on the upper portion of the first ring structure and the second ring structure, having a structure including a hole inside; A second conductor disposed at the lower part of the first ring structure and the second ring structure, having a structure including a hole inside; and A non-invasive blood glucose measuring device having a ring structure, comprising a third conductor disposed on the outer surface of the first ring structure and having a structure that surrounds the outer surface, thereby forming a limited space between the first conductor, the second conductor, and the third conductor.

31. In Paragraph 15, A non-invasive blood glucose measuring device having a ring structure, further comprising a power supply unit that supplies power, provided in a third ring disposed outside the first ring and having a size larger than the first ring structure.

32. In Paragraph 15, A non-invasive blood glucose measuring device having a ring structure, further comprising a communication unit capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from the outside, provided in a third ring disposed outside the first ring and having a size larger than the first ring structure.

33. A blood glucose measurement method of a non-invasive blood glucose measuring device having a ring structure comprising a transmitter provided in a first ring structure, an active element provided in a second ring structure disposed inside the first ring structure having a size smaller than the first ring structure, and a receiver and a control unit provided in the first ring structure spaced apart from the transmitter, wherein A step of the above-mentioned transmitter irradiating the generated electromagnetic waves toward the center of the first ring structure; A step in which the active element amplifies the electromagnetic waves irradiated from the transmitting unit, so that the amplified electromagnetic waves are irradiated toward a test object disposed inside the second ring structure, thereby strengthening the resonance phenomenon generated as the amplified electromagnetic waves reach the test object; The step of the receiver receiving electromagnetic waves generated by reflection or scattering from the test object; and A non-invasive blood glucose measurement method having a ring structure, comprising a control unit that analyzes electromagnetic waves received through the receiver to extract a resonance frequency and calculates real-time blood glucose based on the extracted resonance frequency.

34. In Paragraph 33, The above control unit is, A non-invasive blood glucose measurement method having a ring structure that calculates real-time blood glucose by comparing the extracted resonance frequency with blood glucose concentration data matched to the resonance frequency.

35. In Paragraph 33, The above control unit is, A non-invasive blood glucose measurement method having a ring structure, wherein the resonance frequency of an electromagnetic wave received through the receiver is analyzed, the first resonance frequency measured in resonance mode 1 and the second resonance frequency measured in resonance mode N are calculated, the final resonance frequency is calculated using the calculated first resonance frequency and the calculated second resonance frequency, and the blood glucose is calculated using the final resonance frequency.

36. In Paragraph 33, The above control unit is, A non-invasive blood glucose measurement method having a ring structure that selects a blood glucose measurement standard set by matching it to the characteristics of a test subject, and calculates blood glucose using the selected blood glucose measurement standard condition.

37. In Paragraph 33, The impedance value of the above active component is, A non-invasive blood glucose measurement method having a ring structure that is adjusted to correspond to a preset impedance value matching the characteristics of the test subject.

38. In Paragraph 33, A non-invasive blood glucose measurement method having a ring structure, further comprising a conductor disposed around the first ring structure and the second ring structure, which strengthens the electromagnetic field due to the space limited by the conductor to enhance the resonance phenomenon.

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