Patent ID: 6441388
Filing Date: 2002-08-27
Classification: A61B,G01J,G01N

Abstract:
A quantitative analysis instrument for measuring an unknown attribute level based on an indirect measurement of a biological sample, said instrument comprising:(a) a source of infrared energy generating multiple wavelengths; (b) an input sensor element for directing said wavelengths of infrared energy into said biological sample and an output sensor element for collecting at least a portion of the diffusely reflected infrared energy from said biological sample, said input and said output sensor elements adapted to optically couple to said biological sample; (c) at least one detector arranged for measuring the intensities of at least a portion of said wavelengths collected by said output sensor element; (d) a memory device including master calibration information taken using one or more other instruments which has been developed in a manner that reduces instrument-specific attributes, reference measurement information from said instrument, and indirect measurement information from said instrument; and (e) electronics for processing said master calibration information, said reference measurement information, and said indirect measurement information to generate a prediction of said unknown attribute level.