Real-Time Reference Calibration for Non-Invasive Analyte Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for non-invasive analyte measurement, such as glucose concentration in human skin, face challenges in accuracy and time efficiency, with existing calibration techniques being insufficient to account for rapid variations in measurement conditions and optical coupling.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a sequence of analyte-wavelength-specific measurements interspersed with reference measurements, where the reference wavelength is different from analyte-characteristic-wavelengths, to calibrate the excitation radiation source and detection device, adapt measurement duration, and adjust analysis procedures in real-time, thereby improving accuracy and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional calibration techniques are used for analyte measurement, then the measurement process is simple, but the accuracy is insufficient to account for rapid variations in measurement conditions and optical coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration measurements using reference wavelengths before actual analyte measurements to establish baseline conditions. This preliminary action accounts for variations in optical coupling and radiation source power, improving subsequent measurement accuracy without requiring complex real-time adjustments during the actual measurement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where reference measurements are continuously taken interspersed with analyte measurements. The results from reference measurements feed back into the system to dynamically adjust and correct for drift in radiation source power and changes in optical coupling conditions, thereby maintaining high measurement accuracy over time.
2Measurement precision
If more calibration and reference measurements are performed, then measurement accuracy improves, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic reference measurements interspersed among analyte measurements rather than performing continuous calibration. This periodic approach maintains measurement accuracy by regularly updating calibration data while minimizing the time lost to calibration activities, as reference measurements are taken at optimized intervals rather than continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs a sufficient number of reference measurements to achieve the required accuracy level without over-calibrating. By determining the optimal frequency of reference measurements based on the expected drift characteristics of the radiation source and optical coupling, the system achieves adequate accuracy with minimal time loss, avoiding both insufficient calibration and excessive calibration.
3Reliability
If radiation source power and optical coupling variations are not accounted for, then measurement procedure is faster, but measurement reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reference wavelengths as intermediary measurements that indirectly assess the state of optical coupling and radiation source power. These reference measurements serve as mediators between the actual analyte measurement and the environmental variations, allowing the system to detect and correct for drift without directly measuring the coupling conditions or source power during each analyte measurement.
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 significantly enhances the accuracy and consistency of analyte measurement by accounting for fluctuations in radiation source power and optical coupling, allowing for more precise and reliable glucose concentration determination in shorter times.
Implementation Method 1
heat waves generated by absorption of excitation radiation in the material
Implementation Method 2
the material is brought in thermal contact pressure transmitting contact with a measurement body, which thermal or pressure transmitting contact permits heat or pressure waves to be transferred to said measurement body
Implementation Method 3
a physical response of the measurement body, or of a component included therein, to heat or pressure waves received from said material upon absorption of said excitation radiation is detected
Data Source
AI summary
A method of analyzing a material (12) comprising at least one analyte, wherein analyte-wavelength-specific measurements are interspersed with reference measurements (80), and wherein response signals obtained for the reference measurements (80) are used for one or more of calibrating an excitation radiation source (26) for generating said excitation radiation, calibrating said detection device, recognizing a variation in the measurement conditions by comparing results of individual reference measurements (80), adapting the analyte measurement procedure (78) with respect to one or more of the entire duration thereof, the absolute or relative duration of analyte-wavelength-specific measurements for a given analyte-characteristic-wavelength, or terminating and/or restarting the analyte measurement procedure, and adapting the analysis carried out in the analyzing step.