Stepped Frequency Radar for Non-Invasive Blood Glucose Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring blood glucose levels are invasive, costly, and lack practical non-invasive solutions, particularly for integrating into wearable devices like smartwatches.
Innovation Solution
A radar system using stepped frequency scanning with a two-dimensional array of receive antennas across a range of frequencies to generate a pulse wave signal, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of blood glucose levels and other health parameters like blood pressure and heart rate by adjusting parameters such as step size and frequency range based on feedback from the pulse wave signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive methods (e.g., finger pricks) are used to monitor blood glucose levels, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates and loss of time increases due to frequent measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/invasive measurement methods (finger pricks with needles) with a radar-based electromagnetic sensing system. The radar system uses stepped frequency scanning to detect physiological parameters non-invasively through tissue, eliminating the need for physical penetration and making the monitoring process painless and more convenient while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces radar waves as an intermediary medium to indirectly measure blood glucose levels and other physiological parameters. Instead of directly contacting blood or tissue, the system uses electromagnetic wave reflection and absorption characteristics to infer physiological states, providing a non-invasive measurement pathway that improves ease of operation
2Measurement precision
If stepped frequency scanning with fixed parameters is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and signal quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of frequency scanning parameters (step size, frequency range, time intervals) based on real-time pulse wave signal characteristics. The system adapts the scanning parameters according to the detected physiological state, such as increasing step size when signal quality is sufficient and decreasing it when higher precision is needed, thereby optimizing measurement precision without requiring permanently complex hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control where the detected pulse wave signal characteristics inform subsequent frequency scanning parameter selections. The system continuously monitors signal quality and adjusts scanning parameters accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains high measurement precision while avoiding unnecessary complexity through intelligent parameter adaptation
3Measurement precision
If high frequency resolution is used in stepped frequency scanning, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to longer scanning times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the frequency step size based on the current monitoring requirements and signal characteristics. When rapid monitoring is needed, the system increases step size to reduce scanning time while maintaining adequate resolution. When high precision is required, the system decreases step size for finer resolution, thereby balancing measurement precision and monitoring speed according to real-time needs
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 non-invasive, efficient monitoring of blood glucose levels and other health parameters with improved signal quality and resolution, reducing the need for invasive methods and integrating well into wearable devices.
Implementation Method 1
generating a pulse wave signal from stepped frequency scanning data that corresponds to radio waves that have reflected from features below the skin of the person
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present technology may include a method for monitoring a physiological parameter in a person using a radar system, the method including generating a pulse wave signal from stepped frequency scanning data that corresponds to radio waves that have reflected from features below the skin of the person. In some embodiments, the stepped frequency scanning data is collected through stepped frequency scanning with a two-dimensional array of receive antennas over a range of stepped frequencies using frequency steps of a step size. Embodiments may also include changing a parameter of the stepped frequency scanning in response to the pulse wave signal. Embodiments may also include generating the pulse wave signal from stepped frequency scanning data using the changed parameter.