Portable Accelerometer Tremor Detection for Hypoglycaemia
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for detecting the onset of hypoglycaemia are either expensive, invasive, or limited in their ability to detect the condition while the user is asleep, and there is a need for a reliable and portable wearable device that can alert users to the onset of hypoglycaemia during normal activities.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a portable sensor, such as an accelerometer, to receive and analyze physiological tremor signals, generating an alarm when a change indicative of hypoglycaemia is detected, allowing for early intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current devices for detecting hypoglycaemia are used, then detection reliability is improved, but device portability and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/invasive sensing systems with a portable accelerometer-based tremor detection system. The accelerometer measures physiological tremor signals that correlate with hypoglycaemia onset, eliminating the need for invasive sensors while maintaining detection reliability through wireless portability and user-friendly operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses indirect measurement by detecting physiological tremor as a proxy marker for hypoglycaemia rather than directly measuring blood glucose. This copying approach allows the use of simple, portable accelerometers to infer metabolic state changes, achieving reliable detection without complex medical equipment.
2Measurement precision
If invasive sensing methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and user comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes invasive blood sampling or interstitial fluid sensors with non-invasive accelerometer-based tremor measurement. The mechanical vibration sensor detects physiological tremor patterns that serve as reliable indicators of hypoglycaemia, providing precise detection without breaking the skin or requiring fluid access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the body's own physiological tremor signals as the sensing mechanism. During hypoglycaemia, the body naturally exhibits increased tremor, which the accelerometer captures without requiring external intervention, injection, or invasive procedures from the user.
3Reliability
If complex monitoring systems are used, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the specific physiological tremor signal component from the accelerometer data that correlates with hypoglycaemia. By focusing on this single key indicator rather than monitoring multiple physiological parameters simultaneously, the system achieves reliable detection with minimal processing complexity and low cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex multi-sensor monitoring systems with a simple single-axis or tri-axis accelerometer. This mechanical sensor substitution dramatically reduces device complexity, power consumption, and cost while maintaining detection capability through intelligent analysis of tremor patterns.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables reliable detection of hypoglycaemia during daytime activities, providing an early warning that is non-invasive and portable, allowing users to take corrective action before severe symptoms develop.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor (210) for measuring physiological tremor in a subject
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A method and apparatus for the detection of the onset of hypoglycaemia is described. A portable sensor worn by a subject is used to detect a physiological tremor signal. The tremor signal is analysed over a period of time, and an alarm is generated when a change in the physiological tremor signal indicative of the onset of hypoglycaemia in the subject is detected. A patient or carer can then perform appropriate action, such as performing a finger prick test to determine blood sugar test and treating as required. The portable sensor can be used to detect a tremor signal indicative of the, the onset of hypoglycaemia such as a signal corresponding to a decrease in blood glucose level (BGL) below 5mmol/l. The portable sensor can use an accelerometer and may be worn on a limb, such as an arm or leg. The sensor can be used to measure the power of the tremor signal and detect a change, such as an increase in power over time and/or an increase in the rate of change of power over time. Filtering the signal may include filtering signals outside of the range 0-50Hz, or more specifically 7-15Hz.