Non-invasive Blood Glucose Sensor Using Multi-wavelength Optical Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring blood glucose levels are invasive, painful, and carry the risk of infection, necessitating a non-invasive and accurate alternative.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive blood sensor using a combination of blue, green, and potentially red and infrared light sources and photodetectors to measure blood glucose levels by analyzing light absorption spectra, with a controller to calculate glucose values based on detected signals, and a support structure for proper anatomical alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive blood sampling methods are used to measure blood glucose levels, then measurement accuracy is improved, but user comfort and safety deteriorate due to pain and infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical invasive blood sampling system with an optical measurement system. Light sources (laser or LED) and photodetectors are used to measure blood glucose through optical absorption spectroscopy, eliminating the need for needles and blood draws while maintaining measurement capability through non-invasive optical detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical light as an intermediary medium to indirectly measure blood glucose levels. Instead of directly contacting blood, the system uses light that penetrates tissue to interact with blood components, allowing glucose measurement through optical absorption without direct blood contact
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive optical methods are used to measure blood glucose levels, then user comfort and safety are improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to tissue interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes changes in optical absorption parameters at different wavelengths to distinguish blood glucose signals from tissue background. By measuring absorption at multiple wavelengths and analyzing the spectral characteristics, the system can isolate glucose-specific absorption features from confounding tissue absorption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic modulation of light sources and synchronous detection to improve signal-to-noise ratio. The light sources are modulated at specific frequencies and the photodetector signals are processed using lock-in amplification techniques to extract weak glucose absorption signals from tissue background and environmental noise
3Measurement precision
If multiple light sources and photodetectors are used to improve measurement accuracy, then blood glucose measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical measurement system into multiple independent channels, each with its own light source and photodetector pair operating at different wavelengths. This segmentation allows simultaneous multi-wavelength measurement and simplifies the optical path design compared to a single complex multi-wavelength system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the sensor to perform multiple functions using the same basic components: the light sources serve both as measurement excitation and as calibration references, the photodetectors measure both tissue background absorption and glucose-specific absorption, and the same hardware platform can measure different analytes by changing the light wavelengths
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 accurate, pain-free measurement of blood glucose levels without the need for a blood sample, improving user safety and convenience while providing reliable glucose monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
measure blood glucose levels by analyzing light absorption spectra
Data Source
AI summary
A non-invasive blood sensor includes a body configured to mate with a tissue surface; a blue light source disposed on the sensor body; and a photodetector disposed on the sensor body at a suitable position for capturing light emanating from the tissue surface after emission from the blue light source, e.g., by one of: transmission, reflection, and transflection. The sensor bodies may further include a green, a red and/or an infrared light source. The light source(s) and photodetector(s) may be supported on a support structure configured to register with a corresponding portion of human anatomy in a predetermined fashion, and support the light sources and photodetectors in a defined spatial relationship. The sensor or an integrated meter may include a controller programmed to receive signals from the photodetector and calculate blood glucose value as function of the signals received from the photodetector after emission by the light source(s).