Glucose Sensor Calibration via Time-Lag Compensation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional glucose sensors, both implantable and transdermal, face challenges in providing accurate and continuous monitoring of blood glucose levels, often resulting in delayed detection of hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic conditions due to inaccuracies and short-term sensing, which can lead to dangerous health effects for diabetic individuals.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for calibrating glucose sensor data by matching reference glucose values with sensor glucose values, either immediately or after compensating for time lag, to rapidly and accurately display estimated analyte values, enabling timely intervention and reducing the risk of dangerous glycemic events.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) methods are used, then the diabetic can obtain glucose level measurements, but the measurements are taken too infrequently (only 2-4 times per day) and with delays that allow dangerous hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic conditions to develop

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglucose level measurement accuracyVSAvoidtime delay in detecting glycemic conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical finger-pricking SMBG method with an implantable continuous glucose sensor that uses electrochemical detection. The sensor continuously monitors glucose levels in interstitial fluid, eliminating the need for manual blood sampling and providing real-time data without time delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous glucose monitoring instead of intermittent measurements. The implantable sensor operates continuously, providing uninterrupted glucose level data and enabling immediate detection of glycemic excursions, thus eliminating the time loss inherent in 2-4 times daily SMBG.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Loss of time

If implantable glucose sensors are used for continuous monitoring, then real-time glucose detection is achieved, but the sensors suffer from complications within the body and provide only short-term and less-than-accurate sensing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse time for glucose detectionVSAvoidsensor accuracy and stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by placing the sensor in the subcutaneous tissue space rather than implanting it deep within the body. This intermediate location reduces complications while maintaining continuous monitoring capability. The sensor measures glucose in interstitial fluid, which serves as an intermediary medium between blood glucose and the sensor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes through calibration procedures that adjust sensor output based on reference blood glucose measurements. The system dynamically adjusts sensing parameters to compensate for drift and maintain accuracy over extended periods, transforming the sensor's performance characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of stationary object

If transdermal sensors are used for continuous glucose monitoring, then extended period sensing is achieved, but the sensors fail to accurately sense and report glucose values continuously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous sensing durationVSAvoidglucose value accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses interstitial fluid as an intermediary medium that allows continuous sensor operation without direct blood contact. This intermediary approach enables extended monitoring duration while maintaining measurement accuracy, as the interstitial fluid provides stable glucose levels that reflect blood glucose without the complications of direct blood sampling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Loss of information

If retrospective analysis of blood glucose data from implantable devices is performed, then blood glucose trends can be determined, but real-time blood glucose information is not provided to aid the diabetic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblood glucose trend informationVSAvoidreal-time information availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements real-time feedback by continuously transmitting glucose level data to an external receiver or mobile device. The system provides immediate feedback to the diabetic user, enabling timely intervention. The feedback loop includes real-time monitoring, data transmission, and actionable information delivery without retrospective delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20240180460A1Systems and methods for processing sensor data
Publication Date: 2024.06.06 DEXCOM INC
  • US20240180460A1 patent drawing
  • US20240180460A1 patent drawing
  • US20240180460A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for processing sensor data are provided. In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided for calibration of a continuous analyte sensor. In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided for classification of a level of noise on a sensor signal. In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided for determining a rate of change for analyte concentration based on a continuous sensor signal. In some embodiments, systems and methods for alerting or alarming a patient based on prediction of glucose concentration are provided.