Non-invasive Blood Analysis Using Optical Cell Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-invasive methods for measuring blood analyte concentrations, such as glucose, are inaccurate and expensive, and existing technologies struggle to differentiate analyte signals in blood from those in surrounding tissues, leading to unreliable results.
Innovation Solution
A personal hand-held monitor with a signal acquisition device integrated with a computing device, utilizing a blood photosensor with multiple optical cells and a processor to calculate the difference in light intensity through analyte and non-analyte cells, correlated with the user's pulse to provide accurate blood analyte concentration measurements, while applying pressure to isolate arterial changes and using thermal emitters and InGaAs photo-detectors for improved specificity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If absorption spectroscopy is used to measure analyte concentration in blood, then measurement capability is provided, but the analyte signal is overwhelmed by absorption from other blood components and tissue, reducing measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement is segmented into multiple wavelength channels, each targeting specific analytes. By dividing the spectral range into distinct measurement bands, the system can isolate analyte-specific absorption signals from the overwhelming background absorption by blood components and tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using wavelength-specific detection for different analytes. Each analyte is measured at its characteristic absorption wavelength, allowing the system to extract specific analyte information from the complex composite absorption spectrum of blood and tissue.
2Measurement precision
If a precise spectrometer is used to measure specific absorption, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement information by using narrowband optical filters tuned to specific analyte absorption wavelengths. This eliminates the need for complex dispersive spectrometers while maintaining the ability to measure specific analyte concentrations through targeted wavelength detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses optical filters that replicate the absorption characteristics of specific analytes at their characteristic wavelengths. Instead of analyzing the entire spectrum with a complex spectrometer, the device uses simplified optical paths with wavelength-selective filters to copy the essential measurement information.
3Adaptability or versatility
If broad spectrum NIR light is used for measurement, then measurement capability is provided, but the device becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary wavelength information by using narrowband optical filters instead of broad spectrum detection. This approach maintains measurement capability for multiple analytes while dramatically simplifying the optical system and reducing costs by eliminating the need for complex spectrometers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the spectral parameter from broad spectrum to narrowband detection. By using multiple narrowband filters at different wavelengths, the device achieves multi-analyte measurement capability with a simplified optical architecture that is more suitable for consumer applications.
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 enhances the accuracy and reliability of non-invasive blood analyte monitoring by effectively isolating analyte signals in blood from tissue signals, reducing costs, and providing precise measurements of analyte concentrations in arterial blood.
Implementation Method 1
In principle, absorption spectroscopy would be a good method for estimating the concentration of an analyte but this is difficult in vivo if the contribution to the absorption from the analyte is small compared to the absorption by other materials in the blood and tissue
Implementation Method 2
one or more photo-detectors for detecting light transmitted through or scattered by the body part
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a personal hand-held monitor (PHHM) comprising a signal acquisition device for acquiring signals which can be used to derive a measurement of a parameter related to the health of the user, wherein the signal acquisition device comprises a blood photosensor having one or more photo-emitters for transmitting light to a body part of a user, one or more photo-detectors for detecting light transmitted through or scattered by the body part and two or more optical cells, at least one of which contains an analyte to be detected or which mimics the absorption spectrum of the analyte, through which the light that has been or will be transmitted through or scattered by the body part passes before it reaches the photo-detector(s).