Glucose Sensor Calibration Using Weighted Regression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional glucose monitoring methods, particularly for diabetics, involve painful finger pricks and lack continuous data tracking, leading to discomfort and non-compliance, while existing non-invasive systems are not commercially effective or accurate.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for calibrating glucose sensors by generating electrical signals, weighting sample values based on blood glucose reference samples, and estimating relationships using linear regression to provide continuous and accurate glucose level monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional finger prick methods are used to obtain blood glucose measurements, then discrete blood glucose levels can be determined, but patient discomfort and pain increase leading to non-compliance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblood glucose measurementVSAvoidpatient discomfort and pain
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical lancet-based finger prick system with an implantable electrochemical sensor that continuously measures glucose levels in interstitial fluid through electrical signals, eliminating the need for repeated needle pricks while maintaining measurement capability

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses interstitial fluid as an intermediary medium to indirectly measure blood glucose levels, avoiding direct blood sampling through finger pricks. The glucose sensor measures glucose in the interstitial fluid, which correlates with blood glucose levels, thereby eliminating patient discomfort while providing useful measurement data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If traditional discrete testing methods are used, then blood glucose levels can be measured at specific points, but continuous data tracking is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblood glucose level determinationVSAvoidcontinuous data between testing times
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous glucose monitoring through an implantable sensor that continuously measures glucose levels in interstitial fluid, providing uninterrupted data streams rather than discrete periodic measurements. This enables real-time tracking of glucose variations and trends

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent measures glucose levels more frequently than traditional methods (continuous rather than discrete), providing excessive data points that capture all variations in glucose levels between traditional testing times, thereby eliminating information loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If existing non-invasive systems are used, then patient discomfort is reduced, but measurement accuracy and commercial effectiveness are not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatient discomfortVSAvoidglucose measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the measurement function by using separate electrodes for different purposes (sensing electrode for glucose measurement, reference electrode for potential reference, counter electrode for current flow), allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system accuracy and patient comfort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct blood sampling (invasive) to interstitial fluid analysis (less invasive), and further optimizes by using electrochemical parameters (current, potential) to accurately measure glucose levels with minimal patient discomfort while maintaining high accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Measurement precision

If multiple reference samples are collected for calibration, then measurement accuracy can be improved, but calibration complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor calibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration process
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the calibration approach by using statistical parameters (standard deviation, variance) of multiple sensor signals to characterize sensor behavior and establish calibration relationships, transforming a complex manual calibration process into an automated statistical analysis process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensor signals are continuously monitored, compared against reference values, and used to automatically adjust and refine calibration parameters, reducing the need for manual intervention and simplifying the overall calibration process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 continuous, accurate monitoring of blood glucose levels, reducing patient discomfort and improving treatment compliance by providing reliable, real-time data through calibrated sensor readings.

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: Electrochemiluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP3517027B1System and method for glucose sensor calibration
Publication Date: 2021.01.27 MEDTRONIC MINIMED INC
  • EP3517027B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3517027B1 patent drawingFigure 3~7
  • EP3517027B1 patent drawingFigure 8(A)~8(C)

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 measurements and reference readings may be used to estimate a relationship between sensor measurements and blood glucose concentration. Such sensor measurements may be weighted according to a decreasing function of uncertainty associated with sensor values.