Electrochemical Response Peak Analysis for Rapid Multi-Analyte Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrochemical analysis methods require bulky equipment, specialized staff, and are impractical for swift interpretation by non-experts, especially in field settings, and lack the ability to identify multiple analytes in complex mixtures.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method for interpreting electrochemical responses by baseline correction, peak identification, and attribution using peak position ranges, with optional filtering and exception rules, applicable in portable systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If portable electroanalytical equipment is used, then accessibility and portability are improved, but the ability to quickly and accurately interpret results is worsened due to signal complexity requiring expert knowledge

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility to untrained personnelVSAvoidInterpretation difficulty of electrochemical response
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an automated computer-implemented method as an intermediary between the electrochemical measurement system and the user. This method includes baseline correction, peak detection, peak position determination, and analyte identification algorithms that automatically interpret the complex voltammetric signals, eliminating the need for expert knowledge while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual expert analysis process (mechanical/system of human interpretation) with an automated computational system. The computer-implemented method uses algorithms to perform signal processing, peak detection, and analyte identification, substituting human expertise with automated digital processing that can quickly and accurately interpret electrochemical responses without requiring trained personnel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If comprehensive analytical techniques are used, then measurement precision is improved, but analysis time and complexity are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAnalyte identification accuracyVSAvoidAnalysis time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex analytical process into distinct automated steps: baseline correction, peak detection, peak position determination, and analyte identification. Each step is handled by specific algorithms that process the electrochemical data efficiently, maintaining comprehensive analysis capabilities while reducing overall analysis time through systematic decomposition of the interpretation task.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary signal processing steps automatically, including baseline correction and peak detection, before final analyte identification. These preliminary actions prepare the data in advance, allowing for faster and more accurate interpretation without requiring manual intervention during the critical analysis phase, thus reducing total analysis time while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4168789B1Interpreting an electrochemical response
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 UNIVERSITEIT ANTWERPEN
  • EP4168789B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4168789B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4168789B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for interpreting an electrochemical response, comprising the steps of: (a) providing an electrochemical response which is baseline-corrected; (b) identifying in the electrochemical response one or more peaks which exceed a predetermined height threshold and a predetermined prominence threshold, each identified peak having a peak position; (c) providing a predetermined peak position range for each of a plurality of analytes; and (d) attributing one or more of the analytes to the peaks identified in step b, by—for each peak—associating the peak with an analyte when the peak position falls within the predetermined peak position range for said analyte.