Non-invasive Glucose Detection via Speckle Pattern Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-invasive methods for determining analyte concentrations in biological bodies, such as blood sugar levels, face challenges with low sensitivity and specificity, and are not suitable for self-monitoring by patients due to complex equipment and time-consuming processes, particularly for diabetes management.
Innovation Solution
A method involving local irradiation of the body with light from a wavelength range between 6 μm and 16 μm matched to the analyte's absorption signature, where the absorption-induced heating causes changes in the speckle pattern of coherent light scattered on the body, allowing for the detection of analyte concentration through changes in the speckle pattern, with enhanced sensitivity and specificity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical methods are used to detect analyte presence through scattering, transmission, absorption, reflection, polarization, phase change, fluorescence, photoacoustic excitation or photothermal excitation, then the ability to non-invasively determine biomedical parameters is improved, but the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates due to interference from surrounding body structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using multiple wavelength lights to selectively excite different fluorophores at specific locations within the body. Each wavelength is tailored to match the absorption signature of a particular analyte, enabling localized detection with high specificity. The controller adjusts the excitation wavelengths and detection parameters to optimize the signal-to-noise ratio for each target analyte at its specific location, thereby resolving the contradiction between detection sensitivity and signal interference from surrounding structures.
2Measurement precision
If a specific wavelength light matched to analyte absorption signature is used, then selective detection capability is improved, but light penetration depth into the body deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process by using multiple discrete wavelength lights, each optimized for a specific analyte absorption signature. Instead of using a single broad-spectrum light source, the system divides the spectral range into multiple targeted wavelengths (e.g., UV, visible, and near-infrared regions). This segmentation allows each wavelength to penetrate to the appropriate depth for its target analyte while maintaining high selectivity, thereby resolving the contradiction between selectivity and penetration depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the excitation wavelengths based on the target analyte's absorption characteristics. The controller selects and switches between different wavelength parameters to match the absorption signatures of various analytes at different depths. This parameter optimization enables the system to achieve both high selectivity and adequate penetration depth by tuning the light wavelength to the specific requirements of each target analyte.
3Measurement precision
If multiple measurement parameters are detected to improve analyte identification, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and measurement time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional detection system where a single device can detect multiple different analytes using the same core components. The system uses a plurality of light sources covering different spectral regions (UV, visible, near-infrared) that can be selectively activated, along with a unified detection apparatus controlled by a controller that manages multiple measurement parameters. This multi-functional design enables accurate identification of various analytes without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same hardware platform serves multiple detection purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by implementing time-multiplexed measurement sequences where different wavelength excitations and detection parameters are activated in a periodic or sequential manner. The controller coordinates the switching between different excitation wavelengths and detection modes, measuring multiple parameters in a structured sequence rather than simultaneously. This periodic measurement approach maintains high measurement accuracy while managing device complexity and measurement time through efficient temporal organization of the multi-parameter detection process.
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 method provides a more selective and sensitive approach for determining analyte concentrations, improving signal-to-noise ratio and selectivity, making it suitable for consumer market and clinical use, enabling patients to monitor their analyte levels independently and non-invasively.
Implementation Method 1
light from a light source from a wavelength range between 6 μm and 16 μm that is matched to an absorption signature of the analyte, wherein at least part of the light penetrates into the body and is absorbed by the analyte
Implementation Method 2
the body at least locally heats up as a result of absorption by the analyte
Implementation Method 3
a change in a speckle pattern of coherent light scattered on the body that occurs as a result of the absorption is detected
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Method and apparatus (1) for the non-invasive determination of a measurand of an analyte in a biological body (3), wherein the body (3) is automatically irradiated locally with light (16) from a wavelength range tuned to an absorption signature of the analyte, wherein at least a portion of the light penetrates the body (3) and is absorbed by the analyte, wherein the body (3) heats up at least locally as a result of the absorption by the analyte, and a resulting change in a speckle pattern (17) of coherent light (16, 18) scattered by the body (3) is detected, and wherein a value of the measurand of the analyte is inferred from the detected change in the speckle pattern (17). In particular, the concentration of glucose is determined non-invasively as the measurand.