OLED Sensor Device for Drug Delivery Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drug delivery devices lack effective monitoring and tracking capabilities, particularly for self-administered insulin injections, which can lead to incorrect handling and dosing errors due to the absence of reliable information on insulin type and dose usage.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device with an OLED is attached to the drug delivery device, providing even illumination and reducing reflections, equipped with an optical sensor and processor for image recognition, enabling the determination of medicament dosage and displaying information on a connected display unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a conventional light source is used to illuminate the drug delivery device, then the device can be visualized, but reflections and bright spots occur that hamper the image taking process
Solution Approach 1:
A diffusing element is introduced as an intermediary between the light source and the drug delivery device. This diffuser scatters the light rays, transforming direct harsh illumination into soft, diffuse light that eliminates reflections and bright spots while maintaining adequate illumination for imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical properties of the illumination system are changed by introducing a diffusing element that alters the light distribution pattern. The light transitions from concentrated directional beams to dispersed omnidirectional illumination, fundamentally changing how light interacts with the device surface.
2Ease of operation
If the OLED structure includes a region without organic layers to allow optical sensor viewing, then the optical sensor can view the surface through this region, but the structural complexity of the OLED increases
Solution Approach 1:
The OLED is segmented into distinct functional regions: light-emitting areas with complete organic layers and a viewing area where organic layers are removed or reduced. This segmentation allows the same structure to serve dual purposes of illumination and optical access without requiring separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The OLED structure is designed to perform multiple functions: the majority of the OLED provides illumination while the region without organic layers simultaneously serves as an optical window for the sensor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate illumination and viewing components.
3Loss of information
If monitoring and tracking capabilities are added to the drug delivery device, then accurate information on insulin type and dose usage is obtained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the drug delivery device itself with complex monitoring hardware, a separate sensor device is created that optically copies and analyzes the device appearance. The sensor captures images of the device markings and uses image recognition to extract information about insulin type and dose, transferring visual information into digital data without physical integration.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual tracking and recording of insulin usage is replaced by an automated optical sensing system. The mechanical/manual process of monitoring is substituted with non-contact optical imaging and digital image processing, eliminating the need for physical sensors integrated into the injection device.
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
The sensor device enhances monitoring and tracking capabilities, reducing errors by providing accurate information on insulin type and dose usage, improving user safety and convenience through automatic data logging and reminders for next doses.
Implementation Method 1
an OLED having a transparent first electrode, a transparent second electrode and a central layer disposed between the first and second electrodes, the central layer comprising at least one organic layer, the at least one organic layer configured to emit light through the transparent first electrode
Implementation Method 2
an optical sensor arranged to receive light reflected from a surface of the drug delivery device
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device configured to be attached to a drug delivery device and configured to illuminate the drug delivery device when attached, the sensor device having an OLED having a transparent first electrode, a transparent second electrode and a central layer disposed between the first and second electrodes, the central layer comprising at least one organic layer, the at least one organic layer configured to emit light through the transparent first electrode, and an optical sensor arranged to receive light reflected from a surface of the drug delivery device, wherein the central layer of the OLED has a region without the at least one organic layer and wherein the optical sensor is arranged, when the sensor device is attached to the drug delivery device, to view a predetermined area of the surface of the drug delivery device through the region without the at least one organic layer.