Analyte Concentration Analysis System with Wavelength Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Analytical systems using disposable test elements for blood glucose monitoring face errors due to inconstant apparatus-related measuring conditions, such as variations in light intensity caused by manufacturing tolerances, soiling, and light-conducting properties of test elements, leading to inaccurate analyte concentration measurements.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a test element with known absorption in a first wavelength range, an illumination unit emitting multiple wavelength ranges, and a detector with an evaluation unit that calculates correction values for analyte-independent absorption, allowing for precise analyte concentration determination by accounting for changes in measuring conditions and sample-dependent light intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If photometric or reflection-photometric evaluation is used to rapidly determine analyte concentration, then measurement speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to interfering effects on light intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by measuring light intensity at multiple wavelength ranges (first wavelength range for correction, second wavelength range for analyte measurement) rather than a single wavelength. This allows the system to separate analyte-dependent absorption from analyte-independent interference, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining rapid photometric evaluation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary correction value derived from light intensity measurements in a first wavelength range. This correction value acts as a mediator to compensate for interfering effects (such as those caused by light-conducting elements, soiling, or manufacturing variations) before the final analyte concentration is calculated from measurements in the second wavelength range
2Ease of manufacture
If test elements with light-conducting elements are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to variations in light coupling and soiling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of light-conducting elements (which cause unwanted light transmission and measurement errors) into a beneficial correction mechanism. By measuring light intensity in a first wavelength range where the analyte does not absorb, the system generates a correction value that compensates for the light-conducting effects, manufacturing variations, and soiling, thereby restoring measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures light intensity at multiple wavelength parameters (first wavelength range for correction, second wavelength range for analyte detection) to distinguish between analyte-specific absorption and analyte-independent interference caused by light-conducting elements. This multi-parameter approach enables accurate concentration determination despite manufacturing variations
3Measurement precision
If ambient light detection and compensation is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by using the same optical measuring system and detector for both correction measurement (first wavelength range) and analyte measurement (second wavelength range). The illumination unit and detector serve dual purposes: characterizing analyte-independent interference and determining analyte concentration, thereby improving precision without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the correction function and analyte measurement function into a single integrated optical measurement process. Both measurements are performed using the same optical components and detector, with the correction value being calculated and applied within the evaluation unit, thus avoiding the need for separate correction apparatus
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
This approach enables accurate analyte concentration calculations by correcting for apparatus-related and sample-dependent light intensity variations, enhancing the precision of blood glucose monitoring and reducing measurement errors.
Implementation Method 1
test element which has a light absorption in a first wavelength range before sample application that is previously known and is not equal to zero
Implementation Method 2
illumination unit which emits at least two different wavelength ranges and irradiates the test element
Implementation Method 3
detector unit which is positioned such that transmitted or reflected light of the test element is registered
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns an analytical system and a method for determining an analyte which ensures an exact determination by correcting the measured values based on sample- and analyte-independent light intensity changes. The invention takes into account light intensity changes which are based on changes of measurement conditions in the apparatus. The invention is particularly suitable for use in analytical systems for glucose determination in which light-conducting test elements are used.