Wearable Blood Glucose Detector Using Narrow NIR Reflectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing noninvasive blood glucose detection systems face challenges in accurately measuring blood glucose levels using infrared light, particularly due to variations in skin reflectivity and water absorption across different wavelengths.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device that utilizes a narrow near-infrared (NIR) sensory bandwidth of 1350-1800 nm to measure the reflectivity of glucose in the blood, correlating the detected signal with baseline data obtained through direct blood sampling, and adjusting for subcutaneous interference factors to provide accurate blood glucose readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a broad infrared spectrum range is used for blood glucose detection, then the ability to detect glucose reflectivity is improved, but the accuracy is compromised due to variations in skin reflectivity and water absorption across different wavelengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selecting a specific narrow wavelength range (1550 nm bandwidth from 1085 nm to 2015 nm) within the broader infrared spectrum. This localized wavelength selection optimizes the detection by focusing on the region where glucose reflectivity is most prominent while minimizing the influence of varying skin reflectivity and water absorption characteristics that affect accuracy across the full spectrum.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by defining a specific bandwidth parameter (1550 nm) for the infrared light transmission. This parameter optimization allows the system to maintain consistent measurement accuracy by controlling the spectral range, thereby reducing the impact of confounding factors such as skin reflectivity variations and water absorption that would otherwise degrade measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If conventional broad-spectrum infrared light is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to interference from subcutaneous factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the broad infrared spectrum into a specific useful band (1550 nm bandwidth) that is optimal for glucose detection. This segmentation isolates the wavelength range where glucose reflectivity is most significant, thereby reducing the complexity of filtering out interfering signals from subcutaneous water and skin variations while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential detection function by selecting and transmitting only the specific infrared wavelength band (1550 nm) that provides the most accurate glucose measurement. This extraction removes unnecessary spectral components that would contribute to measurement interference, thereby improving precision without requiring complex processing to eliminate multiple interference sources.
3Measurement precision
If the infrared transmission bandwidth is narrowed to 1550 nm, then the measurement precision is improved by reducing interference, but the energy transmission efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the bandwidth parameter to 1550 nm, which represents the optimal balance between measurement precision and energy transmission efficiency. This specific bandwidth selection maintains sufficient energy transmission for accurate detection while minimizing the inclusion of interfering wavelengths, thereby achieving high precision without excessive energy loss.
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
The device effectively normalizes blood glucose readings by accounting for skin reflectivity and water absorption, providing a reliable and user-friendly method for monitoring blood glucose levels without the need for invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The NIR transmitter generates NIR light in a predetermined narrow transmission band. This NIR narrow band is within a NIR sensory bandwidth of 1350-1800 nm
Implementation Method 2
the measured and detected BG signal is the reflected and/or transflected light from the glucose molecules in the user's blood stream
Implementation Method 3
The processor correlates the detected BG signal with the baseline BG data set as modified by a subcutaneous interference factor (SIF) contributory value
Data Source
AI summary
The blood glucose detector (BGD) is placed on user's wrist, ear, nose, or other skin surface, at a NIR light infiltration location to detect arterial blood flow. Earlier-obtained baseline BG data is obtained via BGD and conventionally-obtained BG data. The user-wearable housing or body-mounted BGD system includes processor, memory, and NIR transmitter/sensor. BG baseline data is stored in memory. The NIR transmitter/sensor disposed on infiltration location. In detection, transmitter generates light in predetermined narrow band within NIR range 1350-1800 nm. Sensor detects reflected light from arterial BG as then-detected BG signal. Memory stores a subcutaneous interference factor (SIF) contributory value for NIR narrow band. Onboard processor (or smart phone APP) correlates the detected BG signal with the baseline as modified by the SIF value and generates displayable BG level to user via user-wearable housing or the user interface display on the smart phone as connected to body-mounted BGD system.