Glucose Sensor Calibration via Non-Linear Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing glucose monitoring systems face challenges in providing accurate, continuous data due to the pain associated with traditional blood sampling methods and the limitations of invasive systems, which can lead to non-compliance and inaccurate readings from linear sensor functions.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for deriving a non-linear mapping between glucose sensor signal values and blood glucose concentration using temporal pairings, incorporating a special purpose computing apparatus to obtain reference measurements and apply offsets, enabling continuous and accurate glucose monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional blood sampling methods using lancets are used, then blood glucose levels can be determined, but patient discomfort and pain increase leading to non-compliance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblood glucose level determinationVSAvoidpatient discomfort and pain

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical lancet-based blood sampling system with an implantable electrochemical sensor system that continuously measures glucose levels in interstitial fluid without requiring repeated needle pricks. The sensor uses electrochemical reactions to detect glucose concentration, eliminating the need for mechanical blood withdrawal and associated patient pain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces interstitial fluid as an intermediary medium between the blood glucose measurement goal and the patient's body. By measuring glucose in the interstitial fluid (which contains glucose that has diffused from capillaries) rather than directly in blood, the system achieves continuous monitoring without repeated invasive blood sampling, reducing patient discomfort while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of moving object

If invasive electrochemical sensors are used, then continuous glucose data can be obtained, but sensor behavior changes over time reducing accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous glucose monitoring capabilityVSAvoidglucose reading accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sensor system continuously monitors its own performance and compares sensor-derived glucose values with reference blood glucose measurements. When discrepancies are detected, the system adjusts calibration parameters or triggers recalibration to maintain accuracy. This closed-loop feedback ensures continuous monitoring capability is sustained with maintained precision over the sensor's operational lifetime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary calibration actions during sensor implantation and at scheduled intervals throughout the sensor's operational life. By pre-establishing the relationship between sensor signal and actual glucose concentration through initial calibration, and performing periodic recalibrations, the system proactively maintains measurement accuracy before significant drift occurs, enabling continuous monitoring with sustained precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If linear sensor functions are used, then sensor output can be simplified, but accuracy decreases due to sensor behavior changes over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor function simplicityVSAvoidglucose concentration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static linear sensor functions to dynamic non-linear calibration functions that adapt over time. The system uses non-linear mathematical models that can capture the complex, time-dependent relationship between sensor signal and glucose concentration. These dynamic functions are updated through calibration procedures, allowing the sensor to maintain accuracy despite changes in sensor behavior, while the underlying computational framework remains manageable through structured calibration protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 provides more accurate and continuous glucose monitoring, reducing patient discomfort and improving treatment efficacy by accounting for changes in sensor behavior over time, enhancing the performance of glucose monitoring systems in diabetes management.

Implementation Method 1

A variety of implantable electrochemical sensors have been developed for detecting and/or quantifying specific agents or compositions in a patient's blood

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical detection:

Data Source

PatentUS9402569B2System and/or method for glucose sensor calibration

Publication Date: 2016.08.02 MEDTRONIC MINIMED INC

AI summary

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems, methods and/or devices for calibrating sensor data to be used in estimating a blood glucose concentration. A relationship between sensor signal values and reference readings may be used to estimate a relationship between sensor signal values and measurements of blood glucose concentration.