Optical Analyte Imaging for Non-Invasive Glucose Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analyte testing technologies face challenges such as invasiveness, high cost, complexity, and inability to achieve real-time, portable, and accurate non-invasive measurements, particularly in the context of glucose testing, due to issues with electrochemical methods, Raman spectroscopy, and multi-wavelength systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing broad-spectrum visible and near-infrared light to image and obtain reflection spectral data, distinguishing between areas with and without blood vessels, and using a trained analyte testing model to calculate analyte concentration based on fluorescence spectroscopy, without requiring electrochemical reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Raman spectroscopy is used for non-invasive analyte measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes the endogenous fluorescence property of analytes (such as glucose) directly from biological tissue, eliminating the need for complex external excitation systems like Raman spectroscopy. By imaging the natural fluorescence emission in the 400-800nm range, the system achieves accurate analyte measurement with simpler, more cost-effective hardware.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and modules are used to collect biological signals, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single imaging system that simultaneously performs multiple functions: it captures fluorescence emission spectra, identifies blood vessel locations through spatial distribution patterns, and measures analyte concentration. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate sensors for each measurement type, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
3Loss of information
If spectral signals from multiple components are collected together, then comprehensive information is obtained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to signal mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spectral analysis by identifying and isolating the fluorescence emission spectrum specific to the analyte (e.g., glucose) from other spectral components. By focusing on the characteristic fluorescence emission in the 400-800nm range and using spatial information from blood vessel locations, the system separates the analyte signal from interfering signals, thereby improving measurement precision.
4Measurement precision
If invasive sensor implantation is used, then measurement precision is improved, but harmful factors increase due to invasiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical invasive approach of subcutaneous sensor implantation with a non-invasive optical imaging system. By using fluorescence emission imaging through the skin, the system obtains accurate glucose measurements without physical penetration or insertion, thereby eliminating the harmful effects of invasiveness while maintaining 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 accurate, non-invasive, and cost-effective real-time testing by distinguishing analyte distribution, excluding non-analyte influences, and achieving high signal-to-noise ratios, thus improving testing comfort and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating a first area by broad-spectrum visible light/broad-spectrum near-infrared light within a first wavelength range and imaging the first area, to obtain a first image of an imaging area
Implementation Method 2
obtaining, from the first image, color or grayscale distribution data that indicate uneven distribution of the analyte in the imaging area; and respectively obtaining, at desired positions from the first image and the second image, reflection spectral data
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a method and a system for testing an analyte, a medium, and a device, including: imaging: irradiating a first area by broad-spectrum visible light/broad-spectrum near-infrared light within a first wavelength range and imaging the first area, to obtain a first image of an imaging area; and irradiating the first area by broad-spectrum near-infrared light/broad-spectrum visible light within a second wavelength range and imaging the first area, to obtain a second image of the imaging area; spectral obtaining: obtaining, from the first image, color or grayscale distribution data that indicate the analyte; and based on the color or grayscale distribution data, respectively obtaining, from the first image and the second image, reflection spectral data at desired positions that demonstrate the analyte; and analyzing : obtaining information about the analyte in the imaging area based on the obtained reflection spectral data.