Optical Blood Analyte Estimation Using Interval-Specific Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-invasive methods for measuring blood triglyceride levels are limited by pain, inconvenience, and infection risks associated with invasive methods, and lack accuracy in tracking changes over time.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method using an optical sensor to emit light towards the skin, detect optical signals, and select interval-specific blood concentration estimation models based on physiological factors to estimate blood analyte concentrations, such as triglycerides, non-invasively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If invasive blood sampling method is used, then measurement reliability is improved, but user comfort and safety deteriorate due to pain, infection risk, and inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical invasive blood sampling system with an optical measurement system. The optical sensor emits light through the skin to detect blood analyte concentrations non-invasively, eliminating needles and blood collection while maintaining measurement capability through photodetection of optical properties changes in tissue
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical properties (absorption, scattering) as an intermediary medium to indirectly measure blood analyte concentrations. Instead of directly contacting blood, the system measures how analytes affect light propagation through tissue, using optical changes as a mediator to infer blood composition without invasive sampling
2Ease of operation
If single blood sampling time point is measured, then measurement simplicity is improved, but ability to track changes over time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous or repeated optical measurements over time to track blood analyte dynamics. The system performs multiple measurements at different time points or continuously monitors optical properties, maintaining continuous data collection to capture temporal changes in analyte concentrations such as triglyceride responses to fat intake
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes baseline measurements and pre-defined measurement protocols before actual monitoring begins. The system prepares calibration data, sets measurement intervals, and defines reference states in advance, enabling systematic tracking of changes over time without requiring complex real-time decision-making
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 allows for accurate, pain-free, and convenient monitoring of blood analyte changes, including triglycerides, by selecting appropriate models based on individual factors, enhancing prediction accuracy and reducing interference.
Implementation Method 1
An intelligent system for measuring blood analytes noninvasively operates on a near infrared absorbance spectrum of in vivo skin tissue
Implementation Method 2
an optical sensor configured to emit light towards a skin surface of a user, and detect an optical signal reflected by the skin surface of the user
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for estimating blood concentration may include an optical sensor configured to emit light towards a skin surface of a user, and detect an optical signal reflected by the skin surface of the user, and a processor configured to select an interval-specific blood concentration estimation model, from among a plurality of interval-specific blood concentration estimation models, based on an interval selection indicator and estimate a blood concentration change or a blood concentration of an analyte using the selected interval-specific blood concentration estimation model and the detected optical signal.