RF Reader for Contact Lens Glucose Sensor Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrochemical amperometric sensors for analyte measurement in tear film face challenges in continuous, non-invasive monitoring and efficient data transmission, particularly in providing reliable glucose concentration data for diabetic individuals.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic sensing platform with an eye-mountable device embedded with a polymeric material and bio-interactive electronics, including a working electrode and reference electrode, that uses radio frequency power from a reader to measure analyte concentrations in the tear film and communicates data via RFID and Bluetooth protocols for processing and display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrochemical amperometric sensors are used to measure analyte concentration in tear film, then glucose monitoring capability is provided, but continuous non-invasive monitoring and efficient data transmission are challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reader device as an intermediary component that facilitates communication between the contact lens sensor and external systems. The reader wirelessly receives data from the sensor embedded in the contact lens and transmits it to display devices or mobile applications, thereby solving the data transmission challenge without adding complexity to the contact lens itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into three separate functional components: (1) the contact lens sensor that performs measurement, (2) the reader device that handles wireless communication and data processing, and (3) the display device that presents information to the user. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity.
2Duration of action of moving object
If radio frequency power is transmitted to the tag for powering the sensor, then continuous monitoring is enabled, but energy consumption and communication protocol complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous power transmission, the system uses periodic interrogation cycles where the reader transmits RF power and data requests at intervals. The contact lens sensor transmits data in response to these periodic requests, enabling continuous monitoring capability while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation.
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
Enables continuous, non-invasive monitoring of analyte concentrations, such as glucose, and efficient data transmission to a display device, enhancing the management of diabetes through accurate and convenient glucose level monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
An electrochemical amperometric sensor measures a concentration of an analyte by measuring a current generated through electrochemical oxidation or reduction reactions of the analyte at a working electrode of the sensor.
Implementation Method 2
A reduction reaction occurs when electrons are transferred from the electrode to the analyte, whereas an oxidation reaction occurs when electrons are transferred from the analyte to the electrode.
Implementation Method 3
For example, glucose oxidase can be fixed near the working electrode to react with glucose and release hydrogen peroxide, which is then electrochemically detected by the working electrode to indicate the presence of glucose.
Data Source
AI summary
A reader for communicating with both an eye-mountable device and a display device is provided. The reader can transmit radio frequency power to a tag that is part of the eye-mountable device. The reader can communicates with the tag using a first protocol. Communicating with the tag can include having the reader request data from the tag and receive the requested data from the tag. The reader can process the received data. The reader can store the processed data. The reader can communicates with the display device using a second protocol, where the first and second protocols can differ. Communicating with the display device can include having the reader transmit the stored data to the display device. The display device can receive the transmitted data, process the transmitted data, and generate one or more displays including the transmitted and/or processed data.