Proximity Sensor Bias Reduction in Handheld Glucose Meters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blood glucose measurement devices are susceptible to measurement deviations due to non-intended user handling, which can lead to inaccurate results, especially when the user's body part is in close proximity to the test element during the measurement process.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a proximity sensor within the handheld meter to detect the presence of a body part and control the processing of measuring values, preventing biases in analyte concentration determination by providing feedback and aborting measurements if prolonged presence is detected, ensuring accurate results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a proximity sensor is added to detect body part presence, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A proximity sensor is introduced as an intermediary component to detect the presence of body parts near the reaction area. The sensor provides early warning signals that allow the system to take preventive actions (aborting measurements, providing user feedback) before contamination occurs, thereby improving measurement accuracy without requiring complex mechanical barriers or redesigns of the test element structure.
2Measurement precision
If measurement is aborted due to prolonged body part presence, then measurement accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the proximity sensor continuously monitors body part presence and provides real-time information to the control unit. When prolonged presence is detected, the system responds by aborting the measurement and notifying the user. This feedback loop prevents contaminated measurements while minimizing unnecessary aborts through intelligent time-based decision making, thereby balancing accuracy with productivity.
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
Enhances the accuracy and precision of glucose measurement by minimizing the impact of user handling errors, providing reliable and correct test results through controlled data processing and user feedback.
Implementation Method 1
employing a proximity sensor disposed within the meter to sense the presence of the body portion (body part) in a monitored space in proximity to the reaction area of the test element
Implementation Method 2
detecting, by means of a preferably photometric detection unit of the meter, a series of measuring values from the reaction area of the test element
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method of using a handheld meter configured for determining an analyte concentration in a body fluid. In the inventive method, a handheld meter with a disposable test element is provided and the test element is positioned at an application site of the meter. A body fluid from a user's body part is applied to a reaction area of the test element and a series of measurement values from the reaction area of the test element is detected. A proximity sensor senses the presence of the body part in a monitored space in proximity to the reaction area of the test element. The measured values are processed as a function of an output signal of the proximity sensor. Consequently, bias in the determination of the analyte concentration caused by the presence of the body portion is reduced or eliminated. An associated handheld meter is also disclosed.