Wearable Analyte Monitoring Using User-Trained Non-Invasive Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing monitoring methods for analytes, such as glucose levels in diabetic patients, are invasive, painful, and require frequent user interaction, leading to non-compliance and increased healthcare costs.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device that non-invasively monitors analytes, like volatile organic compounds, by analyzing ambient air samples without requiring user action, providing real-time alerts on physiological status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive monitoring methods (e.g., finger stick) are used to accurately monitor analyte concentrations, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to pain and difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical invasive sampling method (finger stick) with a non-invasive optical sensing system. The sensor system detects analyte concentrations in sweat or interstitial fluid through optical means, eliminating the need for physical penetration and thereby maintaining measurement precision while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sweat or interstitial fluid as an intermediary medium between the blood (where analytes are present) and the external sensor. This intermediary allows indirect measurement of blood analyte concentrations through non-invasive skin contact, resolving the contradiction between accurate measurement and user comfort.
2Reliability
If frequent monitoring is required to adequately manage conditions like diabetes, then reliability of condition management is improved, but loss of time and user burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous monitoring by wearing the device on the body, allowing the sensor system to continuously detect analyte concentrations without requiring the user to repeatedly initiate separate monitoring events. This maintains reliable condition management while eliminating the time loss associated with frequent manual monitoring interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The device automatically performs monitoring without requiring user initiation or intervention for each measurement. The system self-regulates the monitoring process, automatically sampling and analyzing analyte concentrations, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing the time and effort burden on the user.
3Measurement precision
If special equipment must be transported with the user for monitoring, then measurement capability is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to portability requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single wearable device: analyte sensing, signal processing, data storage, and wireless communication. This multi-functional integration maintains comprehensive monitoring capability while eliminating the need to transport separate specialized equipment, thereby improving ease of operation without sacrificing measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the sensor system, electronics, and power source within a compact wearable housing that can be worn on the body. This nested integration allows the complete monitoring system to be portably carried on the person, maintaining full measurement capability while eliminating the burden of transporting separate equipment.
4Ease of operation
If non-invasive monitoring methods are used to improve ease of operation, then user convenience is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical invasive sampling with optical sensing technology that detects analyte concentrations through sweat or interstitial fluid. This substitution maintains measurement precision by using validated optical detection methods while achieving non-invasive operation, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and measurement accuracy.
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 compliance by reducing user interaction and discomfort, thereby decreasing the risk of non-compliance and associated healthcare costs while accurately monitoring conditions like hypoglycemia.
Implementation Method 1
analyzing the sample to determine the presence, amount, and/or concentration of the analyte
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method of evaluating a physiological status of a user by non-invasive monitoring of at least one analyte in samples from the user containing the at least one analyte. The method comprises: a. providing a device and b. performing training of the device for a user. The training comprises: i. exposing a sensor system of the device to a sample from the user; ii. detecting the at least one analyte in the sample via the sensor system, wherein the sensor system generates a signal in the presence of the at least one analyte; iii. analyzing the signal to determine the presence, amount, or concentration of the at least one analyte in the training sample; iv. testing the user for a physiological status by an independent means to obtain an independently determined result; and v. matching the independently determined result to the determined presence, amount, or concentration of the at least one analyte in the training sample. The method further comprises: c. exposing the sensor system of the device to another sample from the user; d. detecting the at least one analyte in the another sample via the sensor system; e. analyzing the signal to determine the presence, amount, or concentration of the at least one analyte in the another sample; and f. evaluating the physiological status of the user based on the determined presence, amount, or concentration of the at least one analyte in the another sample adjusted to the user based on the training.