Optical ESR Measurement With Trapezoidal Curve Approximation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for measuring erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in blood samples lack reliability and precision, particularly in standard tubes, and fail to provide results quickly and accurately.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing optical measurements in blood samples, processing the data through an innovative calculation procedure that approximates experimental curves with trapezoidal curves, optimizing the sedimentation process to derive accurate ESR values using a processing unit with least-squares minimization and Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If optical absorption measurements are performed on blood samples in standard tubes, then measurement speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement timeVSAvoidESR measurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the raw optical absorption data into a trapezoidal curve representation, where key parameters (minimum point, maximum point, intersection points with parallel lines) are extracted to calculate ESR. This transformation of data parameters enables precise measurement from rapid optical readings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/manual Westergreen method with an automated optical measurement system using detection units that scan the blood sample tube, automatically process absorption curves, and compute ESR values through algorithmic analysis of trapezoidal curve characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If the Westergreen reference method is used, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveESR measurement precisionVSAvoidanalysis rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous useful action by performing multiple optical measurements at different time points during sedimentation, continuously updating the absorption curve, and automatically processing data through the trapezoidal approximation algorithm to generate ESR results without interruption or manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a simplified mathematical model (trapezoidal curve) that copies the essential characteristics of the complex sedimentation process, allowing rapid computation of ESR values that mirror the precision of the reference method while enabling automated high-throughput processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If automated optical measurement systems are implemented, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalysis rateVSAvoidESR measurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the optical absorption curve during sedimentation, comparing measured points against the idealized trapezoidal model, and using the deviation analysis to refine ESR calculation, ensuring automated measurements maintain reference-method precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the trapezoidal curve structure with parallel lines at specific optical density thresholds before measurement begins, allowing the automated system to rapidly classify and process absorption data against known geometric patterns, ensuring both speed and precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 system provides highly reliable and precise ESR measurements in a short time, maintaining high analysis efficiency by optimizing the trapezoidal curve approximation for improved accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

at least one detection unit configured to perform at least one optical measurement (in particular an optical absorption measurement) on the blood sample in the tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

the rate, with which the erythrocytes in a blood sample settle at the bottom of a tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSedimentation: Sedimentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250321176A1Improved system for the measurement of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and related method

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 DIESSE DIAGNOSTICA SENESE

AI summary

A system for measuring erythrocyte sedimentation rates in blood samples is described having a support for a tube containing a blood sample, an agitating element to agitate the tube, a detection unit to perform an optical measurement on the blood sample, moving means to cause movement between the detection unit and the tube during the optical measurement, and a processing unit to process signals from the detection unit. The processing unit creates a reading curve corresponding to the absorption of radiation emitted by the detection unit as a function of the relative movement between the detection unit and the tube and defines an ideal trapezoidal curve to approximate the reading curve to generate an optimized ideal curve, and generate a value indicative of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate of the blood sample in the tube. The system also includes output means to output measurement results based on the generated values.