Optical Dose Decoding for Pen-Type Drug Delivery Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pen-type drug delivery devices, such as hand-held injectors, face challenges in accurately decoding encoded information due to motion-induced blurring and power conservation issues, especially when used for self-administration of insulin by patients with diabetes, where precise dosage adjustments are necessary.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that control sensors to only perform encoded information reading and decoding when the movable component of the device is stationary, reducing power consumption and ensuring accurate data capture by periodically checking for motion and illuminating the component only during decoding processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor continuously performs encoded information reading and decoding, then the information capture accuracy is maintained, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor performs encoded information reading and decoding periodically rather than continuously, triggered by motion detection events. The system checks for motion at intervals and only initiates decoding when motion is detected, reducing power consumption while maintaining accurate information capture when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses motion detection feedback to control the decoding process. A motion detector monitors the movable component and provides feedback signals to the controller, which then activates or deactivates the sensor and light source based on the detected motion state, optimizing both accuracy and power consumption
2Loss of time
If the sensor performs encoded information reading during motion, then the response time is reduced, but the decoding accuracy deteriorates due to motion-induced blurring
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary motion detection before initiating the encoded information reading process. The motion detector continuously monitors the movable component and prepares the system in advance, so that when motion is detected, the sensor and light source can be activated immediately while the component is still stationary, ensuring both rapid response and accurate decoding
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action to prevent motion-induced blurring by detecting motion and activating the decoding process before motion occurs or while the component is still stationary. This preemptive approach ensures accurate information capture without requiring continuous monitoring during motion
3Reliability
If the light source continuously illuminates the movable component, then the motion detection reliability is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source illuminates the movable component periodically rather than continuously, synchronized with motion detection checks. The controller activates the light source only when motion is detected or when the system is in a state requiring monitoring, reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable motion detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the reflected light from the movable component itself to detect motion, eliminating the need for continuous external illumination. The motion detector utilizes the component's own reflective properties and ambient light conditions, activating the light source only when necessary for reliable detection
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 ensures accurate decoding of encoded information while minimizing power usage, allowing for reliable and efficient management of insulin dosages, thereby supporting effective glycemic control in diabetes management.
Implementation Method 1
controlling an optical sensor to periodically check for motion of a movable component
Implementation Method 2
controlling one or more light sources to illuminate the movable component of the drug delivery device during the encoded information reading and decoding process
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A method of decoding encoded information comprising: controlling one or more sensors to periodically check for motion of a movable component of a drug delivery device having encoded information thereon; if motion of the movable component is detected, preventing a first encoded information reading and decoding process from being performed; when motion of the movable component is not detected, performing the first encoded information reading and decoding process.