Analyte Estimation Using Single Light Source and Matrix Photodetector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring blood glucose levels using optical methods require complex and costly devices with multiple light sources, which compromise compactness and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A method that estimates analyte concentration by forming a colored indicator through an enzymatic reaction, using a single light source and matrix photodetector to acquire images of the sample, allowing for exclusion of non-representative areas and accounting for spatial variations, thereby simplifying the device design and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two light sources are used to illuminate the sample at different wavelengths, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement area into multiple regions of interest (ROI) and exclusion regions, allowing the system to selectively analyze specific areas of the sample. This segmentation enables the use of a single light source while maintaining measurement precision by focusing on the most representative areas and excluding non-representative regions from the analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing rules to different regions of the image, with some regions serving as regions of interest for measurement and others as exclusion regions. This local differentiation allows the system to maintain high measurement precision by considering only the quality metrics from relevant regions while using a single light source.
2Measurement precision
If complex optical systems with multiple lenses are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes non-representative areas from the measurement analysis by defining exclusion regions. This extraction approach allows the system to maintain measurement precision by excluding regions that would skew the results, such as areas with improper reagent distribution or contamination, without requiring complex optical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses image processing to create a digital representation of the sample and analyzes the intensity distribution across different regions. This copying approach replaces complex optical systems with computational methods, where the matrix photodetector captures the entire sample image and software algorithms process the data to estimate analyte concentration with high precision.
3Productivity
If the entire sample area is analyzed, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to non-representative areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement area into regions of interest and exclusion regions, allowing the system to quickly identify and exclude non-representative areas while maintaining high productivity. The matrix photodetector captures the entire sample in a single image, and the processing algorithm efficiently identifies and excludes inappropriate regions, maintaining both speed and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial analysis by focusing only on the most representative regions of the sample rather than uniformly analyzing the entire area. This partial action approach maintains measurement precision by concentrating on quality metrics from relevant regions while preserving productivity through efficient image processing and exclusion of non-representative areas.
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 reliable and compact glucose measurement without the need for multiple light sources, enhancing the accuracy and cost-effectiveness of blood glucose monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
illumination of the sample using a light source capable of emitting light radiation towards the sample, acquisition, using a matrix photodetector, of an image of light radiation transmitted or reflected by the sample
Implementation Method 2
mixing the sample with a first reagent capable of forming a coloured indicator in the presence of the said analyte in the sample
Implementation Method 3
formation of a colored indicator resulting from the reduction of a tetrazolium salt
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention is a method for estimating the amount of analyte in a liquid sample, and in particular in a bodily fluid. The sample is mixed with a reagent capable of forming a colored indicator in the presence of the analyte. The sample is then illuminated by a light beam produced by a light source; an array photodetector forms an image of the beam transmitted by the sample, from which the concentration of the analyte in the liquid is estimated. The method is intended for use on compact analytical systems. One intended application is the determination of glucose concentration in blood.