Optical Detector Pixel Matrix for Analyte Measurement Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for detecting analytes in body fluids face challenges with high-resolution image evaluation, particularly in portable devices, due to mechanical and optical tolerances, and the need for high pixel density, which increases energy consumption and reduces battery lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A device with a spatially resolved optical detector using a minimal number of pixels, adapted to the test element, and a method for recognizing the evaluation area through pattern recognition or signal change methods, allowing for efficient detection with reduced data transmission and energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a high-resolution detector with a large number of pixels is used to capture the evaluation area, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detector is segmented into a reduced number of pixels arranged in a two-dimensional matrix, where each pixel corresponds to a specific region of the evaluation area. This segmentation allows sufficient measurement precision while reducing the total pixel count and associated device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The evaluation area is mapped onto a two-dimensional pixel matrix, utilizing spatial dimensionality to distribute measurement information across multiple pixels rather than requiring excessive pixels in a single dimension. This dimensional approach maintains precision while reducing overall pixel requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If a high clock rate is used for image evaluation, then productivity is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of processing all pixels at maximum clock rate, the system processes only the necessary pixel data at the required speed. The reduced pixel count enables adequate productivity with lower clock rates, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining acceptable processing speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Ease of operation

If the device size is reduced for portability, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision becomes more difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidmechanical and optical tolerances
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameter of pixel count from high to reduced, which alters the tolerance requirements. With fewer pixels, the mechanical and optical tolerances become less critical, enabling compact device design while maintaining adequate manufacturing precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Use of energy by moving object

If a reduced number of pixels is used, then energy consumption and device complexity are reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the pixel arrangement and reducing the total pixel count while maintaining adequate spatial sampling of the evaluation area, the system achieves lower energy consumption without significant loss of measurement precision. The two-dimensional matrix configuration optimizes the balance between pixel count and precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enables reliable, high-accuracy optical detection of analytes in body fluids with low resource and energy consumption, improving the portability and efficiency of the device while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

In optical systems, this change usually consists of a local color change that can be measured using reflectance photometry

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

the blood collected in the capillary is often transferred to a test field of the test element by bringing the lancet closer to this test field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentEP3260846B1Device for detecting an analyte in a bodily fluid
Publication Date: 2021.09.08 ROCHE DIABETES CARE GMBH
  • EP3260846B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3260846B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~3B
  • EP3260846B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A device (110) for detecting at least one analyte in a body fluid is proposed. The device (110) comprises at least one test element (120) with at least one two-dimensional evaluation area (136). Furthermore, the device (110) comprises at least one spatially resolved optical detector (138) with a plurality of pixels (146). The detector (138) is configured to map at least a portion of the test element (120) onto an image area (148). At least a portion of the evaluation area (136) is mapped onto an evaluation image area (150). The detector (138) is adapted to the test element (120) such that a predetermined minimum number of pixels (146) is provided for each dimension within the evaluation image area (150). The pixels (146) are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix.The matrix arrangement has pixel rows (158) and pixel columns (160), wherein the pixel rows (158) are arranged substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the evaluation area (136) and/or the evaluation image area (150).