Optical Analyte Measurement Timing for Test Strip Reaction Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analyte measurement systems face challenges in ensuring accurate optical measurements by taking readings at the appropriate time after a fluid dose is applied to a test strip, as readings taken too early or late can lead to inaccurate results due to incomplete chemical reactions or reagent degradation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a wearable electronic device and a mobile electronic device to identify a test strip in a video stream, activate a timer upon fluid dose application, and generate optical measurements only after a predetermined minimum time has elapsed and before a maximum time elapses, ensuring accurate analyte measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If optical measurement is taken immediately after fluid dose application, then measurement speed is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to incomplete chemical reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically starting a timer when fluid dose application is detected, and pre-determining the optimal measurement time based on the chemical reaction kinetics. This allows the system to wait for the appropriate reaction time before taking the optical measurement, ensuring both speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring the optical properties of the reagent over time and comparing them against expected reaction progress curves. This feedback mechanism allows the system to dynamically adjust the measurement timing to achieve optimal accuracy while maintaining efficient operation.
2Measurement precision
If optical measurement is delayed to allow complete chemical reaction, then measurement accuracy is improved, but measurement speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the optimal measurement time points based on the known chemical reaction characteristics. When a test is performed, the system simply retrieves and executes the pre-determined timing sequence, achieving high accuracy without sacrificing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies dynamics by adaptively adjusting the measurement timing based on real-time detection of reaction progress. Rather than using fixed delays, the system dynamically determines when the reaction has reached the optimal measurement point, optimizing both accuracy and speed for each individual test.
3Measurement precision
If optical measurement is taken after extended period, then complete chemical reaction is achieved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to reagent drying or bleaching
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by establishing and enforcing a maximum measurement time window before reagent degradation begins. The timer system automatically prevents measurements from being taken after this critical threshold, ensuring that reagent integrity is maintained while still allowing sufficient reaction time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by automatically monitoring the elapsed time since fluid dose application and autonomously determining when the optimal measurement window closes. This self-monitoring mechanism prevents reagent degradation without requiring external intervention or complex additional sensors.
4Device complexity
If manual color observation is used by human observer, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to subjective perception variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical/subjective human observation process with an automated optical sensing system. The optical sensor objectively measures reagent color changes and the processor automatically interprets these measurements, eliminating subjective perception variations while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by enabling the test strip to provide its own timing information through visual indicators that become visible at specific time points. This self-provided information allows the system to automatically determine optimal measurement timing without requiring complex external timing mechanisms.
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
Ensures accurate analyte measurement by timing optical readings appropriately, preventing inaccurate results from incomplete chemical reactions or reagent degradation.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor to generate at least one optical measurement of a reagent located at a measurement site on the test strip
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for measuring an analyte includes identifying a test strip in a video stream generated by a camera based on at least one registration mark associated with the test strip depicted in the video stream, identifying application of a fluid dose to a deposit site formed on the test strip based on the video stream, activating a timer in response to the identification of the application of the fluid dose, generating at least one optical measurement of a reagent located at a measurement site on the test strip, and generating a measurement of an analyte in the fluid dose based on the at least one optical measurement of the reagent only in response to the at least one optical measurement being generated after a predetermined minimum time period has elapsed and prior to a predetermined maximum time period elapsing subsequent to the activating of the timer.