Non-invasive Biolipid Meter via Light Scattering Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-invasive methods for measuring blood lipid concentration and metabolism are hindered by the difficulty in distinguishing between light absorption and scattering, leading to inaccurate results, and are limited by the need for expensive and large apparatuses that cannot be used at home, with a focus on the challenge of measuring hydrophobic lipids like cholesterol and triglycerides which are difficult to quantify due to their hydrophobicity and micelle structure.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive biolipid concentration measuring device that uses a light irradiator and detector to calculate the lipid concentration based on the light scattering coefficient, employing a scattering coefficient calculator to determine the scattering coefficient μs′ using expressions that account for the ratio of detected light intensity to the irradiation-detection distance, allowing for real-time measurement of blood lipid levels without blood collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If light absorption-based measurement methods are used to measure blood lipid concentration, then measurement can be performed non-invasively, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to distinguish between light absorption and scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light interaction analysis into separate components: absorption coefficient (μa) and scattering coefficient (μs'). By measuring both parameters independently through multi-wavelength spectroscopy and inverse Monte Carlo simulation, the system can isolate the scattering contribution from lipid particles while maintaining non-invasive operation. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling precise lipid measurement without requiring invasive blood collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational model (inverse Monte Carlo simulation) that mediates between the raw light intensity measurements and the final lipid concentration calculation. This intermediary process separates the effects of absorption and scattering by simulating photon paths through tissue, allowing accurate extraction of scattering information that correlates with lipid concentration while maintaining non-invasive measurement.
2Measurement precision
If conventional blood collection methods are used to measure lipid concentration, then measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requirement for medical facilities and professional personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical blood collection system with an optical measurement system. Instead of physically extracting blood samples requiring phlebotomists and laboratory equipment, the system uses light sources and detectors to measure optical properties of tissue that correlate with lipid concentration. This substitution enables home usability while maintaining measurement precision through computational analysis of light scattering and absorption characteristics.
3Ease of operation
If existing non-invasive measurement apparatuses are used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase making them unsuitable for home use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement platform that can detect multiple optical properties (absorption coefficient, scattering coefficient, and derived lipid concentration) using a single integrated system. By combining multi-wavelength light sources, photodetectors, and computational algorithms into one device, the system eliminates the need for separate complex measurement apparatuses while maintaining non-invasive capability and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using multiple wavelengths of light (e.g., 400-2500 nm range) to extract different optical properties from tissue. This parameter change approach allows a single compact device to obtain comprehensive information about light absorption and scattering, reducing the need for multiple separate instruments and making the system suitable for home use while maintaining high measurement precision.
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
Enables non-invasive, real-time measurement of blood lipid concentration and metabolism, reducing the need for invasive procedures and making it possible to measure lipids at home, with the ability to monitor metabolic errors like postprandial hyperlipidemia in a temporally continuous manner.
Implementation Method 1
a scattering coefficient calculator configured to calculate a light scattering coefficient in the living body based on the light intensity detected by the light intensity detector
Implementation Method 2
by analyzing and computing an absorption spectrum obtained by receiving light that has transmitted through a measurement object or reflected by the measurement object
Data Source
AI summary
The non-invasive biolipid concentration meter comprises: an irradiator (2) that emits light at a given intensity toward the inside of a living body from outside; a light intensity detector (3) that is disposed at a given distance from a position (21) irradiated with the light from the irradiator (2) and that determines the intensity of light emitted from the living body; a scattering coefficient calculator (4) that calculates the coefficient of light scattering within the living body on the basis of the light intensity determined with the light intensity detector (3); and a lipid concentration calculator (5) that calculates the lipid concentration in the living body on the basis of the coefficient of light scattering.