Analyte Sensor Detector Array with Selective Transmit Receive Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-invasive analyte detection methods face challenges such as lack of specificity, interference from temperature fluctuations, skin compounds, and pigments, and complexity in device placement, particularly when measuring glucose in biological tissues.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive analyte sensor system utilizing a detector array with at least two decoupled detector elements that can transmit and receive electromagnetic waves, employing radio or microwave frequencies or visible light, to selectively function as transmit or receive elements, and implementing a scan routine with different combinations of detector elements to improve detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive detection methods are used to measure analytes in biological tissue, then patient comfort and safety are improved, but detection specificity and accuracy deteriorate due to interference from temperature fluctuations, skin compounds, and pigments
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is divided into multiple detector elements arranged in an array, where each element can be independently controlled to transmit or receive electromagnetic waves. This segmentation allows the system to perform multiple measurements from different locations and combinations, enabling sophisticated signal processing to isolate the analyte signal from interfering signals from skin compounds and pigments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system varies multiple parameters including the number of detector elements used (from 2 to N), the configuration of transmit and receive elements, the electromagnetic wave frequencies, and the measurement locations. By changing these parameters across multiple measurements, the system can differentiate between signals from the analyte and signals from interfering substances based on their different spectral and spatial characteristics.
2Measurement precision
If multiple detector elements are used to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each detector element in the array is designed to be multi-functional, capable of operating as either a transmit element or a receive element depending on the measurement configuration. This universality reduces the need for separate dedicated transmit and receive elements, simplifying the overall device structure while still enabling complex measurement sequences that improve precision.
3Measurement precision
If detector elements are positioned close together to maximize signal detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but direct signal interference between elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically assigns the roles of transmit and receive elements for each measurement sequence. By switching which elements transmit and which receive, the system can identify and eliminate measurements contaminated by direct coupling between elements, while retaining measurements from element pairs with optimal sensitivity. This dynamic role assignment allows the system to adapt to the actual electromagnetic coupling conditions in the target tissue.
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 system enables precise detection of analytes by minimizing direct signal interference and maximizing signal penetration into the target, effectively addressing the limitations of existing methods by enhancing specificity and reducing interference from environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
transmit a generated transmit signal that is in a radio frequency or microwave frequency range of the electromagnetic spectrum into a target containing an analyte of interest
Implementation Method 2
detect a response resulting from transmission of the transmit signal by the transmit detector element into the target
Implementation Method 3
The decoupling can be achieved by one or more intentionally fabricated configurations and/or arrangements between the antennas that is sufficient to decouple the antennas from one another
Data Source
AI summary
An analyte sensor includes a detector array having at least two detector elements, for example antennas or light emitting diodes, that transmit electromagnetic energy. Any one or more of the detector elements in the detector array can be selectively controlled to function as a transmit detector element that functions to transmit a generated transmit signal in a radio or microwave or visible light frequency range of the electromagnetic spectrum into a target containing an analyte of interest. In addition, any one or more of the detector elements in the detector array can be selectively controlled to function as a receive detector element that functions to detect a response resulting from transmission of the transmit signal by the transmit detector element into the target. A scan routine can be implemented that includes a plurality of scans, where each scan uses a different combination of the detector elements to transmit a signal and detect a response.