Histogram Analysis for Optical Data in Fluid Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for analyzing small sample volumes in optical measurements, such as glucose concentration in blood samples, face inaccuracies due to uneven wetting of test elements, leading to incorrect results and the need for repeated measurements or incorrect values.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses an illumination and detection unit to determine light intensities from partial areas of a test element, evaluating frequency distributions to identify wetted and unwetted areas, allowing for precise analyte concentration measurement independent of sample distribution and reagent homogeneity, using a histogram to process data efficiently and reduce storage requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical measurement methods measure reflected light from the entire detection area, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to insufficient or uneven wetting of the test element
Solution Approach 1:
The detection area is divided into multiple sub-areas, and the frequency of light intensities from these sub-areas is determined. By segmenting the measurement area and analyzing the frequency distribution of intensities, the method identifies homogeneously wetted regions while excluding edge regions with insufficient wetting, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring complex additional hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation criterion is changed from absolute light intensity values to the frequency distribution of light intensities. By analyzing how frequently certain intensity values occur across multiple sub-areas, the method can distinguish between homogeneous and inhomogeneous wetting patterns, enabling accurate measurement even when the overall wetting is uneven
2Measurement precision
If spatially resolved measurements are used to select only areas with highest radiation intensity, then measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to requirement of wetting both areas with and without capture molecules
Solution Approach 1:
The method extracts only the frequency distribution information from the detection area, rather than requiring separate wetted and non-wetted areas. By taking out the essential measurement information (intensity frequency distribution) and analyzing it independently, the method eliminates the need for complex dual-area sample application while maintaining high measurement precision
3Productivity
If all wetted areas are evaluated including edge regions, then the quantity of data processed is maximized, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inhomogeneous sample distribution in edge regions
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation parameter is changed from individual intensity values to frequency distribution of intensity values. This parameter change enables automatic identification of homogeneous regions through frequency analysis, allowing efficient data processing that inherently excludes inhomogeneous edge regions without requiring complex filtering algorithms
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 accurate measurement of analyte concentrations in small sample volumes, minimizing errors attributed to test element and liquid properties, and allows for precise analysis of volumes as low as 1 nl, with reduced power and memory requirements, making the device more cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
the sample is illuminated with light, and the reflected light is detected to determine the analyte concentration
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The system has a detection unit for detection of light intensities, which are radiated by partial areas of detection areas of a test unit, and an evaluation unit determining frequency distribution for the detected intensities, where the distribution has a maximum generated by an uncoated partial area or a reference area and another maximum generated by a coated partial area. The evaluation unit selects one of the intensities based on the distribution and determines the concentration of an analyte from the selected intensity. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method of determining concentration of analyte in fluid (2) a method of quality control of detection area of a test unit (3) an instrument for determining concentration of analyte in the fluid.