Electrodynamic field strength triggering system

Abstract

Systems and methods for automatically triggering wireless power and data exchange between an external reader and an implanted sensor. The implanted sensor may measure the strength of an electrodynamic field received wirelessly from the reader and convey field strength data based on the measured strength of the received electrodynamic field to the reader. If the field strength data indicates that the strength of an electrodynamic field received by the sensor is sufficient for the implanted sensor to perform an analyte measurement, the reader may convey an analyte measurement command to the sensor, which may execute the analyte measurement command and convey measurement information back to the reader. The systems and methods may trigger the analyte measurement as the reader transiently passes within sufficient range / proximity to the implant (or vice versa).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 545,874, filed on Oct. 11, 2011, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. This application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 597,496, filed on Feb. 10, 2012, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to a system for obtaining analyte measurements. Specifically, the present invention relates to an external reader that can interrogate an implanted analyte sensor.[0004]2. Description of the Background[0005]In a system in which an external sensor reader provides power to an implanted sensor for operation (e.g., analyte measurement) and data transfer, the primary coil of the external sensor reader must be appropriately aligned with the secondary coil of the implanted sensor. However, there is a finite and relatively short range (typically...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a triggering mechanism that automatically triggers an analyte reading from an implantable sensor when an external reader passes by. This can be relative movement between the reader and the implant or between the reader and the sensor site. The mechanism can be added to existing platforms or integrated into new devices, allowing for intermittent readings from the implant. The triggering mechanism is designed to improve the convenience and accuracy of analyte measurements.

Problems solved by technology

However, there is a finite and relatively short range (typically less than one inch) within which the implanted sensor receives an electrodynamic field from the external sensor reader of sufficient strength to power the sensor for analyte measurement and data transfer.

In addition, finding the correct alignment is made more difficult because an implanted sensor is not visible to the user.

An attached system that physically maintains the external sensor reader in alignment with the implanted sensor using, for example, a fixed wristwatch, armband, or adhesive patch does not work well for users who do not wish to wear a wristwatch, armband, adhesive patch, or other fixed system and / or only require intermittent readings from the implanted sensor during any period in time.

Furthermore, even a system that enabled on-demand measurement would be unsatisfactory if it required a user to probe around either by trial and error or by watching a field strength meter to find the relative position in space from which to initiate a reading.

RFID systems and readers are used for animal identification, anti-theft applications, inventory control, highway toll road tracking, credit card, and ID cards, but are not applicable in the context of an implantable sensor and external reader system.

In fact, transfer of power by induction between two coils is very inefficient at distance, and such systems are often limited to approximately one inch or less, instead of multiple feet possible in RFID systems.

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