Glucose Trend Visualization for Small-Screen Continuous Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing continuous glucose monitoring systems provide limited insight into glucose level changes over time, complicating accurate and timely diabetes management due to rapid fluctuations caused by physiological, behavioral, and environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for continuous glucose monitoring that utilizes a processor to generate graphical elements on a display, indicating current glucose levels and their rate and direction of change, using color, shape, and animation to simplify complex data into intuitive visual summaries, particularly suitable for small-screen devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If continuous glucose monitoring data is displayed in detailed numerical form, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of interpretation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes to represent different glucose level ranges and trends. Graphical elements change color based on whether glucose levels are high, low, or within target range, and based on the direction and rate of change. This transforms complex numerical data into intuitive visual information that is easy to interpret at a glance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds visual dimensions to represent temporal changes in glucose levels. Instead of displaying only numerical values, the system uses graphical elements with properties such as size, shape, and position that encode rate of change and direction, adding a temporal dimension to the visualization without increasing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If glucose monitoring readings are taken frequently to capture rapid fluctuations, then measurement precision and timeliness are improved, but loss of time for data processing and patient burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary processing of glucose data by continuously analyzing trends and predicting future levels in real-time as data is collected. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare visual indicators of upcoming glucose changes before they occur, reducing the need for extensive post-processing and allowing faster presentation of actionable information to patients.
3Ease of operation
If simple visual indicators are used to improve ease of operation, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information about glucose trends occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments glucose trend information into distinct visual components: graphical elements representing current levels, additional elements indicating direction of change, and further elements showing rate of change. This segmentation allows complex trend information to be presented in a structured, easily interpretable format without losing important details.
Solution Approach 2:
The visualization system uses nested graphical elements where multiple layers of information are contained within a single visual indicator. Each graphical element can simultaneously convey current glucose level, direction of change, and rate of change through nested visual properties, preserving comprehensive information while maintaining simplicity.
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
Enhances user understanding of glucose trends, enabling more informed and timely decision-making by visually conveying glucose level stability, direction, and acceleration, reducing the risk of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia through improved diabetes management.
Implementation Method 1
Electrochemical glucose sensors operate by using electrodes which typically detect an amperometric signal caused by oxidation of enzymes during conversion of glucose to gluconolactone
Implementation Method 2
Electrochemical glucose sensors operate by using electrodes which typically detect an amperometric signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method for continuous glucose monitoring includes a processor of a computing device operatively coupled to or integrated with a display receiving data. The data includes a plurality of glucose levels, and each glucose level of the plurality of glucose levels is associated with a corresponding time. The processor processes the data to generate a first graphical element indicative of a current glucose level, and one or more second graphical elements indicative of a rate and a direction of change of the glucose level. The processor via a graphical user interface displays the first graphical element on the display and the one or more second graphical elements on the display. The one or more second graphical elements are positioned relative to the first graphical element to visually indicate whether the glucose level is stable, increasing, or decreasing.