Raman sensors and devices for estimating biological composition

Abstract

A Raman sensor and a device for estimating biological components are disclosed. The Raman sensor includes: a light source assembly having a plurality of light sources configured to emit light toward a plurality of skin points, each of the plurality of skin points having a predetermined separation distance from a light-collecting region of the skin, wherein Raman scattered light is collected from the light-collecting region of the skin; a light collector configured to collect the Raman scattered light from the light-collecting region of the skin; and a detector configured to detect the collected Raman scattered light.

Description

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0166984, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 13, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The following description relates to a compact Raman sensor for measuring Raman scattered light from the skin, or a compact Raman sensor for measuring light with high light scattering due to turbidity, and a technique for estimating biological components using a Raman sensor. Background Technology

[0003] Raman spectroscopy is a common method for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of organic chemicals, such as powdered or liquid pharmaceuticals. Recently, Raman spectroscopy has been applied to a wider range of samples, including measurements on living organisms. Non-invasive biometric sensors based on spectroscopic techniques (such as Raman spectroscopy) can non-invasively measure the physical properties of samples, such as skin or blood components, thus improving user convenience. However, when non-invasive biometric sensors using Raman spectroscopy are used on humans, laser power density is typically limited to permissible levels according to national or international standards for the safe use of lasers on humans. A representative example of such standards is the Maximum Permissible Exposure, as defined by ANSI Z136.1–2014. Commonly used Raman spectrometers are in the form of microscopes and use tens of milliwatts (mWs) or more of total laser power focused by objectives with high magnification, such that the laser power level exceeds the Maximum Permissible Exposure limit established in the ANSI Z136.1–2014 standard. Furthermore, conventional Raman spectrometers have large form factors, resulting in low levels of portability. Therefore, research has been conducted on compact Raman sensors for skin analysis that offer similar performance to larger sensors even while meeting maximum permissible exposure limits, and are more convenient to use. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

[0005] According to one aspect of an example embodiment, a Raman sensor may include: a light source assembly having a plurality of light sources configured to emit light toward a plurality of skin points, each of the plurality of skin points having a predetermined separation distance from a light-collecting region of the skin from which Raman scattered light is collected; a light collector configured to collect Raman scattered light from the light-collecting region of the skin; and a detector configured to detect the collected Raman scattered light.

[0006] The light source assembly can be configured to adjust the light intensity of each of the plurality of light sources to emit light within the maximum permissible illumination limit.

[0007] The predetermined separation distance can have a value greater than the sampling volume of the skin.

[0008] The center of the sampling volume can be located at the center of the light collector.

[0009] The predetermined separation distance indicates the distance between the center of the light-collecting area of ​​the skin from which it collects Raman scattered light and the point on the skin where the light is incident.

[0010] The plurality of light sources can be arranged on the outer periphery of the light collector in at least one of linear, circular, and polygonal shapes.

[0011] The light source assembly may include a reflective surface for reflecting light emitted by the plurality of light sources toward the plurality of skin points.

[0012] The reflective surface may include: a first reflective surface for reflecting light emitted by the plurality of light sources in a predetermined direction; and a second reflective surface for reflecting light reflected by the first reflective surface toward the plurality of skin points.

[0013] The predetermined direction can be towards the center of the light collector.

[0014] The first and second reflective surfaces are formed as concentric rings.

[0015] The predetermined separation distance is configured to be adjusted by the reflection angle of the second reflective surface.

[0016] The light source assembly can be configured to: set all reflection angles of the second reflective surface to the same value or adjust at least some of the reflection angles to different values, so as to set the predetermined separation distance to the same value for all skin points among the plurality of skin points or to set the predetermined separation distance to different values ​​for at least some of the plurality of skin points.

[0017] The light source assembly may include a filter, which allows light of a specific wavelength in the reflected light to pass through.

[0018] The second reflective surface may include: a third reflective surface for reflecting a first light beam reflected by the first reflective surface toward a first skin point having a first predetermined separation distance; and a fourth reflective surface for reflecting a second light beam reflected by the first reflective surface toward a second skin point having a second predetermined separation distance.

[0019] The third and fourth reflecting surfaces can be arranged in concentric circles.

[0020] The radii of the third reflecting surface and the radii of the fourth reflecting surface may be different from each other.

[0021] The predetermined separation distance can be set based on at least one of the following: the type of analyte to be measured, the wavelength band, the light intensity, the shape of the device with the Raman sensor, the size of the device with the Raman sensor, and the computational performance of the device with the Raman sensor.

[0022] The light source assembly may include a filter, which allows light of a specific wavelength in the emitted light to pass through.

[0023] The plurality of light sources may include: a first light source configured to emit a first light of a first wavelength; and a second light source configured to emit a second light of a second wavelength, wherein the light source assembly further includes: a reflective surface for reflecting the first light and the second light toward a first skin point having a first predetermined separation distance and a second skin point having a second predetermined separation distance.

[0024] The first and second light sources can be arranged in concentric circles and have different radii.

[0025] The reflective surface may include: a first reflective surface for reflecting first light and second light in a predetermined direction; and a second reflective surface for reflecting the reflected first light toward a first skin point and reflecting the reflected second light toward a second skin point.

[0026] The light source assembly may also include a filter for allowing light of a first specific wavelength in the reflected first light to pass through and for allowing light of a second specific wavelength in the reflected second light to pass through.

[0027] The light collector may include: a lens for collimating Raman scattered light from the skin; and a filter for removing light of a specific wavelength from the collimated Raman scattered light.

[0028] The light collector may include a light collecting hood located in the light collecting path between the skin and the lens and configured to prevent light other than Raman scattered light from being collected.

[0029] According to one aspect of an example embodiment, an apparatus for estimating biological components may include: a Raman sensor comprising: a light source assembly having a plurality of light sources configured to emit light toward a plurality of skin points having a predetermined separation distance from a light-collecting region of the skin from which Raman scattered light is collected; a light collector disposed at the center of the plurality of light sources and configured to collect Raman scattered light from the light-collecting region of the skin; a detector configured to detect the collected Raman scattered light; and a processor configured to control the Raman sensor and estimate biological components based on the Raman scattered light detected by the Raman sensor.

[0030] The light source assembly may include a reflective surface for reflecting light emitted by the plurality of light sources toward the plurality of skin points having a predetermined separation distance.

[0031] The predetermined separation distance may have a value greater than the radius of the sampling volume, and the processor is further configured to adjust the predetermined separation distance based on at least one of the type of biological component to be estimated, the shape of the device for estimating the biological component, and the computational performance of the device for estimating the biological component.

[0032] The processor can also be configured to: set all reflection angles of the reflective surface to the same value or adjust at least some of the reflection angles to different values, so as to set a predetermined distance to the same value for all skin points among the plurality of skin points or to set a predetermined distance to different values ​​for at least some of the skin points.

[0033] Biological components may include at least one of the following: blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, protein, lipids, uric acid, water, collagen, keratin, and elastin. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a compact Raman sensor according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a compact Raman sensor according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0037] Figure 3 This illustrates an example embodiment. Figure 2 An example illustration of the arrangement of the light source and reflective surface in a compact Raman sensor;

[0038] Figure 4 This illustrates an example embodiment. Figure 2 A diagram illustrating another example of the arrangement of the light source and reflective surface in a compact Raman sensor;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating another example of the structure of a compact Raman sensor according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0040] Figure 6 This illustrates an example embodiment. Figure 5 An example illustration of the arrangement of the light source and reflective surface in a compact Raman sensor;

[0041] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating yet another example of the structure of a compact Raman sensor according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0042] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating yet another example of the structure of a compact Raman sensor according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0043] Figure 9 This illustrates an example embodiment. Figure 8 An example illustration of the arrangement of the light source and reflective surface in a compact Raman sensor;

[0044] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating yet another example of the structure of a compact Raman sensor according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0045] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a device for estimating biological components according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0046] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating another example of a device for estimating biological components according to an example embodiment; and

[0047] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a wrist-worn wearable device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0048] Throughout the accompanying drawings and detailed embodiments, unless otherwise described, the same reference numerals will be understood to denote the same elements, features, and structures. For clarity, illustration, and convenience, the relative dimensions and depictions of these elements, features, and structures may be exaggerated. Detailed Implementation

[0049] In the following description, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the same reference numerals denote the same elements, features, and structures throughout, even in different drawings. In the following description, detailed descriptions of known functions and configurations included herein may be omitted so as not to obscure the subject matter of this disclosure.

[0050] Unless a particular order is clearly stated in the context of this disclosure, the processing steps described herein may be performed in a different order than the particular order. That is, each step may be performed in a particular order, at substantially the same time, or in the reverse order.

[0051] Furthermore, the terminology used throughout this specification is defined with reference to the functionality according to the exemplary embodiments and may vary depending on the user's or administrator's purpose or precedent, etc. Therefore, the definitions of the terms should be made based on the overall context.

[0052] It will be understood that while terms such as “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. Unless expressly stated otherwise, any reference to the singular form of a term may include the plural form of that term. In this specification, it should be understood that terms such as “comprising,” “having,” etc., are intended to indicate the presence of features, quantities, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof disclosed in the specification, and are not intended to exclude the possibility that one or more other features, quantities, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof may be present or added.

[0053] Furthermore, the components described in the specification will be distinguished solely by the functions primarily performed by the components. That is, two or more components, as described later, may be integrated into one component. Furthermore, a single component may be divided into two or more components. In addition to the main functions of each component, each component may additionally perform some or all of the functions performed by other components. Some or all of the main functions of each component may be performed by other components. Each component may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both.

[0054] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a compact Raman sensor.

[0055] Reference Figure 1 The compact Raman sensor 100 includes a light source assembly 110, a light collector 120, and a detector 130.

[0056] The light source assembly 110 can emit a plurality of light beams towards a plurality of skin points having a predetermined source-detector separation (SDS). In this case, the predetermined SDS can be, for example, a value greater than the effective radius of the sampling volume of the skin. Here, the SDS can indicate the distance from the skin point through which the light emitted by the light source assembly 110 passes through the skin layer to the skin point corresponding to the central position of the detector 130. In one example, the center of the sampling volume of the skin is located at the center of the light collector 120 (or the detector 130). Additionally, the light source assembly 110 can emit each of the plurality of light beams within the Maximum Permissible Exposure limit. In this case, the intensity of the light emitted by the light source assembly 110 can be configured to meet the Maximum Permissible Exposure.

[0057] For example, if the Maximum Permissible Exposure level is a (mW / mm 2 ), the effective radius of the sampling volume is b (mm), and four light beams are emitted onto the skin, the light source assembly 110 can emit four light beams towards four skin points having an SDS of c (mm) (b < c) at an intensity corresponding to a / 4 (mW / mm 2 ). That is, the light source assembly 110 can emit the first light beam towards the first skin point having an SDS of c (mm) (b < c) at an intensity corresponding to a / 4 (mW / mm 2 ), can emit the second light beam towards the second skin point having an SDS of c (mm) (b < c) at an intensity corresponding to a / 4 (mW / mm 2 ), can emit the third light beam towards the third skin point having an SDS of c (mm) (b < c) at an intensity corresponding to a / 4 (mW / mm 2 ), and can emit the fourth light beam towards the fourth skin point having an SDS of c (mm) (b < c) at an intensity corresponding to a / 4 (mW / mm 2 ).

[0058] The light source assembly 110 may include multiple light sources. Each light source may emit light of a predetermined wavelength (such as visible or infrared light) toward the skin. However, the light sources are not limited to this, and the wavelength of light emitted by each light source may vary depending on the purpose of the measurement or the type of analyte. Furthermore, each light source may be a single light emitter or may be formed by an array of multiple light emitters. If each light source is formed by multiple light emitters, the multiple light emitters may emit light of the same wavelength or light of different wavelengths. In addition, the multiple light emitters may be classified into multiple groups, and each group of light emitters may emit light of different wavelengths. For example, each light source may include a light-emitting diode (LED), a laser diode (e.g., a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL), etc.), etc., but this is only an example, and the light source is not limited to this.

[0059] The light source assembly 110 may also include filters (e.g., long-pass filters, clear filters, bandpass filters, etc.) for allowing light of a specific wavelength to pass through and / or optical elements (e.g., reflective surfaces, etc.) for directing the emitted light toward a desired location on the skin.

[0060] The light collector 120 can collect Raman scattered light from the skin. The light collector 120 may include filters (e.g., long-pass filters, cleaning filters, etc.), lenses (e.g., collimating lenses, focusing lenses, etc.), optical fibers, waveguides, etc.

[0061] Detector 130 can detect Raman scattered light collected by light collector 120. For example, detector 130 may include a photodiode, phototransistor (PTr), image sensor (e.g., charge-coupled device (CCD), complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS), etc.). Detector 130 may be a single device or may be formed by an array of multiple devices. In addition, detector 130 may include filters for detecting light of various wavelengths.

[0062] In embodiments of this disclosure, the SDS can be varied to various values ​​based on at least one of the type of biological information to be measured, wavelength band, light intensity, and the shape, size, and computational performance of the device with the Raman sensor. Therefore, the physical size of the Raman sensor can be adjusted by reducing or altering the optical path, and the Raman sensor can be manufactured in a compact form.

[0063] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a compact Raman sensor. Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 An example diagram illustrating the arrangement of the light source and reflective surface of a compact Raman sensor. Figure 2 The compact Raman sensor 100a can be Figure 1 An example of a compact Raman sensor 100. Although Figure 2 and Figure 3An example of eight light sources 111 and two reflective surfaces 112a and 112b is shown, but this is only for ease of explanation and there is no limit to the number of light sources and reflective surfaces.

[0064] Reference Figure 2 The compact Raman sensor 100a includes a light source assembly 110, a light collector 120, and a detector 130.

[0065] The light source assembly 110 includes multiple light sources 111, multiple reflective surfaces 112, and filters 113.

[0066] Multiple light sources 111 can emit light of the same wavelength or different wavelengths. For example, all of the multiple light sources 111 can emit light of the same wavelength or different wavelengths. Furthermore, the multiple light sources 111 can be classified into multiple groups, with each group of light sources 111 emitting light of a different wavelength. In this case, the intensity of light emitted by each of the multiple light sources 111 can be allocated among the multiple light sources 111 to meet the maximum permissible irradiance.

[0067] For example, refer to Figure 3 Multiple light sources 111 can be arranged in a circle around the light collector 120 on its outer periphery. However, this is only an example and there are no limitations on the arrangement of the light sources. For example, the multiple light sources 111 can be arranged in various polygonal shapes (such as triangles, squares, pentagons, etc.), or in a linear shape based on the light collector 120, and the shape of the arrangement of the light sources 111 can be modified according to the shape of the Raman sensor.

[0068] Multiple reflective surfaces 112 can reflect light emitted by multiple light sources 111 and direct the light toward multiple skin points. In this case, the multiple skin points can be points of an SDS having an effective radius r greater than the sampling volume 11 of the skin 10. The multiple reflective surfaces 112 can be mirrors, but are not limited to them, and the multiple reflective surfaces 112 can be objects that have been surface-treated with various materials to have high reflectivity at the laser wavelength.

[0069] The plurality of reflective surfaces 112 may include a first reflective surface 112a and a second reflective surface 112b.

[0070] The first reflective surface 112a can reflect light beams L1 and L2 emitted by the plurality of light sources 111 in the first directions D11 and D12. In this case, the first direction can be the direction toward the center of the detector 130 (or the light collector 120).

[0071] The second reflective surface 112b can reflect the light beam reflected by the first reflective surface 112a in the second directions D21 and D22. In this case, the second direction can be toward a skin point near the sampling volume 11, where the SDS is greater than the effective radius r of the sampling volume 11 of the skin 10.

[0072] like Figure 3 As shown, the first reflective surface 112a and the second reflective surface 112b can be arranged in a concentric ring around the light collector 120. In this case, the radius of the first reflective surface 112a can be larger than the radius of the second reflective surface 112b. However, the first reflective surface 112a and / or the second reflective surface 112b can be arranged in a different manner than shown in the diagram. Figure 3 Other shapes can be formed from the shape shown, and can be formed as a separate surface corresponding to each light source.

[0073] Although Figure 3 An example is shown where the first reflective surface 112a and the second reflective surface 112b are formed at the same angle; however, the first reflective surface 112a and the second reflective surface 112b can be formed at different angles. For example, at least part or all of the second reflective surface 112b can be formed at different angles. For example, the reflection angle of the second reflective surface 112b used to reflect the light beam L1 emitted by the first light source 111 in the second direction D21 can be set differently from the reflection angle of the second reflective surface 112b used to reflect the light beam L2 emitted by the second light source 111 in the second direction D22. As described above, by adjusting the reflection angle of the second reflective surface 112b, all light beams emitted by the plurality of light sources 111 can be incident on skin points having the same SDS, or can be incident on skin points having at least some different SDS values. That is, the SDS can be adjusted by the reflection angle of the second reflective surface.

[0074] The filter 113 allows light of a specific wavelength from the beam reflected from the second reflective surface 112b to pass through. For example, the filter 113 can be a long-pass filter, a clear filter, a band-pass filter, etc.

[0075] The filter 113 may have a hole formed at its center to allow the light collector 120 to collect Raman scattered light from the skin 10.

[0076] A light collector 120 may be positioned at the center of a compact Raman sensor 100a to collect Raman scattered light from the skin 10. The light collector 120 may include a light collecting shield 121, a lens 122, and a filter 123.

[0077] The light collection shield 121 is located in the light collection path between the skin 10 and the lens 122 to prevent light other than Raman scattered light (e.g., diffused light) from being collected.

[0078] Lens 122 can collimate the Raman scattered light that has passed through light collecting cover 121. For example, lens 122 can be a collimating lens.

[0079] Filter 123 can remove light of a specific wavelength from collimated Raman scattered light. For example, filter 123 can be a band-stop filter (such as a notch filter, long-pass filter, etc.).

[0080] Detector 130 can detect Raman scattered light that has passed through filter 123. For example, detector 130 may include photodiode, PTR, image sensor (e.g., CCD, CMOS, etc.).

[0081] The number and position of the light sources 111, as well as the position and angle of the first reflecting surface 112a and the second reflecting surface 112b, are not limited to the following. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The example shown can be set and changed to various values ​​depending on the purpose of the measurement, the analyte, the size of the device, the desired SDS value, etc.

[0082] Figure 4 It is shown schematically. Figure 2 A plan view of another example of the arrangement of the light source and reflective surface in a compact Raman sensor. Although Figure 4 An example of eight light sources 111 and nine reflective surfaces is shown, but this is only for ease of explanation and there is no limit to the number of light sources and reflective surfaces.

[0083] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 Multiple light sources 111 can be divided into a first group and a second group according to the wavelength of the emitted light. Multiple light sources 111a in the first group can emit a first beam of light with a first wavelength, and multiple light sources 111b in the second group can emit a second beam of light with a second wavelength. In this case, the first wavelength and the second wavelength can be different from each other.

[0084] The reflective surface 112 includes a first reflective surface 112a and a second reflective surface 112b. The second reflective surface 112b includes a plurality of third reflective surfaces 112c and a plurality of fourth reflective surfaces 112d.

[0085] The third reflective surface 112c can reflect the first light beam reflected by the first reflective surface 112a toward a first skin point having a first SDS, and the fourth reflective surface 112d can reflect the second light beam reflected by the first reflective surface 112a toward a second skin point having a second SDS. In this case, the first SDS and the second SDS can be different values, and the first SDS can be, for example, a value smaller than the second SDS. The third reflective surface 112c and the fourth reflective surface 112d can be arranged in concentric circles around the light collector 120, but are not limited thereto. In this case, the radius of the fourth reflective surface 112d can be larger than the radius of the third reflective surface 112c.

[0086] In embodiments of this disclosure, two-dimensional Raman images can be obtained based on various SDS values ​​by arranging the reflective surfaces 112 into multiple circles with different radii. Furthermore, two-dimensional Raman images can be obtained for various wavelengths by using multiple light sources 111 that emit light of different wavelengths. However, Raman images are not limited to this, and Raman images can also be obtained by using only one wavelength depending on the type of analyte and the signal band, and by using methods such as... Figure 4 The different SDS values ​​shown are used to obtain the moisture content. For example, moisture in the high-wavelength region can be measured by using a laser with a single wavelength of 660 nanometers (nm) or 675 nm and by analyzing Raman scattering images based on two or more different SDS values. As described above, by analyzing Raman images with short SDS and Raman images with long SDS, the difference in moisture content between the portion located near the skin surface and the portion located relatively more inward on the skin surface can be analyzed.

[0087] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating another example of the structure of a compact Raman sensor. Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 An example diagram illustrating the arrangement of the light source and reflective surface of a compact Raman sensor. Figure 5 The compact Raman sensor 100b can be Figure 1 An example of a compact Raman sensor 100. Although Figure 5 and Figure 6 An example of eight light sources 111 and one reflective surface 112 is shown, but this is only for ease of explanation and there is no limit to the number of light sources and reflective surfaces.

[0088] Reference Figure 5 The compact Raman sensor 100b includes a light source assembly 110, a light collector 120, and a detector 130.

[0089] The light source assembly 110 includes multiple light sources 111, a reflective surface 112, and a filter 113.

[0090] Multiple light sources 111 can emit light of the same wavelength or different wavelengths. For example, all of the multiple light sources 111 can emit light of the same wavelength or different wavelengths. Furthermore, the multiple light sources 111 can be classified into multiple groups, and each group of light sources 111 can emit light of different wavelengths. In this case, the intensity of the light emitted by each of the multiple light sources 111 can be allocated to the multiple light sources 111 to meet the maximum permissible irradiance.

[0091] Multiple light sources 111 may be arranged in a circle around the light collector 120 on the outer periphery of the light collector 120. However, this is only an example, and the shape of the arrangement of the multiple light sources 111 may be modified to various shapes (such as linear shapes, polygonal shapes, etc.).

[0092] The reflective surface 112 can reflect light beams emitted by multiple light sources 111 to multiple skin points, each skin point having an SDS greater than the effective radius r of the sampling volume 11 of the skin 10. The reflective surface 112 can be formed in an annular shape around the light collector 120, but is not limited to an annular shape, and the reflective surface 112 can be formed as a separate surface corresponding to each of the multiple light sources 111.

[0093] The filter 113 allows light of a specific wavelength reflected from the reflective surface 112 to pass through. For example, the filter 113 can be a long-pass filter, a clear filter, a band-pass filter, etc.

[0094] The filter 113 may have a hole formed at its center to allow the light collector 120 to collect Raman scattered light from the skin 10.

[0095] A light collector 120 may be positioned at the center of the compact Raman sensor 100b to collect Raman scattered light from the skin 10. The light collector 120 may include a light collecting cover 121, a lens 122, and a filter 123.

[0096] The light collection shield 121 is located in the light collection path between the skin 10 and the lens 122 to prevent light other than Raman scattered light (e.g., diffused light) from being collected.

[0097] Lens 122 can collimate the Raman scattered light that has passed through light collecting cover 121. For example, lens 122 can be a collimating lens.

[0098] Filter 123 can remove light of a specific wavelength from collimated Raman scattered light. For example, filter 123 can be a band-stop filter (such as a notch filter, long-pass filter, etc.).

[0099] Detector 130 can detect Raman scattered light that has passed through filter 123. For example, detector 130 may include photodiode, PTR, image sensor (e.g., CCD, CMOS, etc.).

[0100] The number and position of light sources 111 and the position and angle of reflective surfaces 112 are not limited to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The example shown can be set and changed to various values ​​depending on the purpose of the measurement, the analyte, the size of the device, the desired SDS value, etc.

[0101] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating yet another example of the structure of a compact Raman sensor. Figure 7 The compact Raman sensor 100c can be Figure 1 An example of a compact Raman sensor 100.

[0102] Reference Figure 7 The compact Raman sensor 100c includes a light source assembly 110, a light collector 120, and a detector 130.

[0103] The light source assembly 110 includes multiple light sources 111 and filters 113.

[0104] Multiple light sources 111 can emit light of the same wavelength or different wavelengths to multiple skin points of an SDS having an effective radius r greater than the skin 10. For example, each of the multiple light sources 111 can emit light of the same wavelength or different wavelengths. Furthermore, the multiple light sources 111 can be classified into multiple groups, and each group of light sources 111 can emit light of different wavelengths. In this case, the intensity of light emitted by each of the multiple light sources 111 can be allocated to the multiple light sources 111 to meet the maximum permissible irradiation dose.

[0105] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, a plurality of light sources 111 may be arranged in a circular pattern around the light collector 120 on the outer periphery of the light collector 120. However, as mentioned above, the shape of the arrangement of the light sources 111 is not limited to this.

[0106] The filter 113 allows light of a specific wavelength emitted by multiple light sources 111 to pass through. In this case, the filter 113 can be a long-pass filter, a clear filter, a band-pass filter, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0107] The filter 113 may have a hole formed at its center to allow the light collector 120 to collect Raman scattered light from the skin 10.

[0108] A light collector 120 may be positioned at the center of the compact Raman sensor 100c to collect Raman scattered light from the skin 10. The light collector 120 may include a light collecting cover 121, a lens 122, and a filter 123.

[0109] The light collection shield 121 is located in the light collection path between the skin 10 and the lens 122 to prevent light other than Raman scattered light (e.g., diffused light) from being collected.

[0110] Lens 122 can collimate the Raman scattered light that has passed through light collecting cover 121. For example, lens 122 can be a collimating lens.

[0111] Filter 123 can remove light of a specific wavelength from collimated Raman scattered light. For example, filter 123 can be a band-stop filter (such as a notch filter, long-pass filter, etc.).

[0112] Detector 130 can detect Raman scattered light that has passed through filter 123. For example, detector 130 may include photodiode, PTR, image sensor (e.g., CCD, CMOS, etc.).

[0113] The number and position of light source 111 are not limited to Figure 7 The example shown can be set and changed to various values ​​depending on the purpose of the measurement, the analyte, the size of the device, the desired SDS value, etc.

[0114] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating yet another example of the structure of a compact Raman sensor. Figure 9 It is shown Figure 8 An example diagram illustrating the arrangement of the light source and reflective surface of a compact Raman sensor. Figure 8 The compact Raman sensor 100d can be Figure 1 An example of a compact Raman sensor 100. Figure 8 and Figure 9 An example is shown with 16 light sources and two reflective surfaces 112a and 112b, where the 16 light sources are divided into two groups. However, this is only for ease of explanation and there is no limitation on the number of light sources, reflective surfaces, and groups.

[0115] Reference Figure 8 The compact Raman sensor 100d includes a light source assembly 110, a light collector 120, and a detector 130.

[0116] The light source assembly 110 includes multiple light sources 111, multiple reflective surfaces 112, and filters 113.

[0117] Multiple light sources 111 can be divided into two groups based on the position of the light sources 111 and / or the wavelength of the emitted light. Multiple first light sources 111a included in the first group can emit light of a first wavelength, and multiple second light sources 111b included in the second group can emit light of a second wavelength. In this case, the first wavelength and the second wavelength can be different from each other, and the intensity of light emitted by each of the multiple light sources 111 can be distributed among the multiple light sources 111 to meet the maximum permissible irradiance.

[0118] The plurality of first light sources 111a included in the first group can be arranged in a circular pattern around the light collector 120 on its outer periphery, and the plurality of second light sources 111b included in the second group can be arranged in a circular pattern around the outer periphery of the plurality of first light sources 111a. The plurality of first light sources 111a included in the first group and the plurality of second light sources 111b included in the second group can be arranged in concentric circles. The plurality of first light sources 111a included in the first group and the plurality of second light sources 111b included in the second group can have different radii. However, the arrangement of the light sources is only an example and can be modified into various shapes depending on the analyte to be measured, etc.

[0119] Multiple reflective surfaces 112 can reflect light emitted by multiple light sources 111 toward multiple skin points of the SDS having an effective radius r greater than that of the sampling volume 11 of the skin 10. The multiple reflective surfaces 112 may include a first reflective surface 112a and a second reflective surface 112b.

[0120] The first reflective surface 112a can reflect a light beam of a first wavelength emitted by a plurality of first light sources 111a in a first direction, and can also reflect a light beam of a second wavelength emitted by a plurality of second light sources 111b in the first direction. In this case, the first direction can be a direction toward the center of the detector 130.

[0121] The second reflective surface 112b can reflect a light beam of a first wavelength reflected by the first reflective surface 112a in a second direction, and can reflect a light beam of a second wavelength reflected by the first reflective surface 112a in a third direction. In this case, the second direction can be toward a skin point having a first SDS (SDS1), and the third direction can be toward a skin point having a second SDS (SDS2). In this case, the first SDS and the second SDS can be different values, and can be values ​​greater than the effective radius r of the sampling volume 11 of the skin 10.

[0122] The first reflective surface 112a and the second reflective surface 112b may be arranged in a concentric ring around the light collector 120. In this case, the radius of the first reflective surface 112a may be larger than the radius of the second reflective surface 112b. However, the first reflective surface 112a and the second reflective surface 112b are not limited thereto.

[0123] The filter 113 allows light of a specific wavelength reflected from the second reflective surface 112b to pass through. In one embodiment, the filter 113 may be a long-pass filter, a clear filter, a band-pass filter, etc.

[0124] In one embodiment, the filter 113 may have a hole formed at its center to allow the light collector 120 to collect Raman scattered light from the skin 10.

[0125] A light collector 120 may be positioned at the center of the compact Raman sensor 100d to collect Raman scattered light from the skin 10. The light collector 120 may include a light collecting cover 121, a lens 122, and a filter 123.

[0126] The light collection shield 121 is located in the light collection path between the skin 10 and the lens 122 to prevent light other than Raman scattered light (e.g., diffused light) from being collected.

[0127] Lens 122 can collimate the Raman scattered light that has passed through light collecting cover 121. For example, lens 122 can be a collimating lens.

[0128] Filter 123 can remove light of a specific wavelength from collimated Raman scattered light. For example, filter 123 can be a band-stop filter (such as a notch filter, long-pass filter, etc.).

[0129] Detector 130 can detect Raman scattered light that has passed through filter 123. In one embodiment, detector 130 may include a photodiode, PTR, image sensor (e.g., CCD, CMOS, etc.).

[0130] The number and position of the light sources 111, as well as the position and angle of the first reflecting surface 112a and the second reflecting surface 112b, are not limited to the following. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The example shown can be set and changed to various values ​​depending on the purpose of the measurement, the analyte, the size of the device, the desired SDS value, etc.

[0131] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating yet another example of the structure of a compact Raman sensor. Figure 10 The compact Raman sensor 100e can be Figure 1 An example of a compact Raman sensor 100.

[0132] Reference Figure 10 The compact Raman sensor 100e includes a light source assembly 110, a light collector 120, and a detector 130.

[0133] The light source assembly 110 includes multiple light sources 111 and filters 113.

[0134] Multiple light sources 111 can be divided into two groups based on the position of the light sources 111 and / or the wavelength of the emitted light. Multiple light sources 111a included in the first group can emit light of a first wavelength to multiple skin points having a first SDS (SDS1), and multiple light sources 111b included in the second group can emit light of a second wavelength to multiple skin points having a second SDS (SDS2). In this case, the first wavelength and the second wavelength can be different from each other, and the intensity of light emitted by each of the multiple light sources 111 can be allocated to the multiple light sources 111 to meet the maximum permissible irradiation dose. Furthermore, the first SDS and the second SDS can be values ​​greater than the effective radius r of the sampling volume 11 of the skin 10.

[0135] For example, such as Figure 10 As shown, the plurality of light sources 111a included in the first group can be arranged in a circular pattern around the light collector 120 on the outer periphery of the light collector 120, and the plurality of light sources 111b included in the second group can be arranged in a circular pattern around the outer periphery of the plurality of light sources 111a included in the first group. In this case, the plurality of light sources 111a included in the first group and the plurality of light sources 111b included in the second group can be arranged in concentric circles or in a polygonal shape. As described above, by providing a plurality of light sources arranged to emit light to two or more skin points with different SDS values, the reflective surface can be omitted, and the Raman sensor can be manufactured in a compact size.

[0136] The filter 113 allows light of a specific wavelength emitted by a plurality of light sources 111 to pass through. In one embodiment, the filter 113 may be a long-pass filter, a clear filter, a band-pass filter, etc.

[0137] The filter 113 may have a hole formed at its center to allow the light collector 120 to collect Raman scattered light from the skin 10.

[0138] A light collector 120 may be positioned at the center of the compact Raman sensor 100e to collect Raman scattered light from the skin 10. The light collector 120 may include a light collecting cover 121, a lens 122, and a filter 123.

[0139] The light collection shield 121 is located in the light collection path between the skin 10 and the lens 122 to prevent light other than Raman scattered light (e.g., diffused light) from being collected.

[0140] Lens 122 can collimate the Raman scattered light that has passed through light collecting cover 121. For example, lens 122 can be a collimating lens.

[0141] Filter 123 can remove light of a specific wavelength from collimated Raman scattered light. For example, filter 123 can be a band-stop filter (such as a notch filter, long-pass filter, etc.).

[0142] Detector 130 can detect Raman scattered light that has passed through filter 123. In one embodiment, detector 130 may include a photodiode, PTR, image sensor (e.g., CCD, CMOS, etc.).

[0143] The number and position of light source 111 are not limited to Figure 10 The example shown can be set and changed to various values ​​depending on the purpose of the measurement, the analyte, the size of the device, the desired SDS value, etc.

[0144] In the above Figures 1 to 10 In the description, the light source 111 and the reflective surface 112 are fixed, but not limited to this. That is, the light source 111 and / or the reflective surface 112 can be moved or rotated according to a predetermined control signal, and Raman scattered light can be detected for various SDS values ​​by the movement or rotation of the light source 111 and / or the reflective surface 112.

[0145] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a device used to estimate biological components.

[0146] The device 1100 for estimating biological composition may be embedded in an electronic device or enclosed in a housing to be provided as a separate device. Examples of such electronic devices include: cellular phones, smartphones, tablet PCs, laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigation devices, MP3 players, digital cameras, wearable devices, etc.; examples of wearable devices include: watch-type wearable devices, wristband-type wearable devices, ring-type wearable devices, belt-type wearable devices, necklace-type wearable devices, ankle-type wearable devices, thigh-band-type wearable devices, forearm-band-type wearable devices, etc. However, the electronic devices are not limited to the above examples, nor are the wearable devices limited to these.

[0147] Reference Figure 11 The device 1100 for estimating biological components includes a compact Raman sensor 100 and a processor 1110. (See above for reference.) Figures 1 to 10 A compact Raman sensor 100 is described, therefore its detailed description will be omitted.

[0148] The processor 1110 can control the overall operation of the device 1100 for estimating biological components and can process various signals associated with the operation of the device 1100 for estimating biological components.

[0149] The processor 1110 can drive each light source of the compact Raman sensor 100 sequentially or simultaneously according to a predetermined control signal. In this case, the processor 1110 can drive each light source of the compact Raman sensor 100 by referring to predetermined light source driving conditions. In this case, the light source driving conditions may include the emission time, driving sequence, current intensity, pulse duration, etc. of each light source.

[0150] The processor 1110 can obtain a two-dimensional Raman image of the skin based on Raman scattered light detected by the compact Raman sensor 100. When the light source and / or reflective surface of the compact Raman sensor 100 is movable or rotated, the processor 1110 can obtain two-dimensional Raman images for various SDS values ​​by moving or rotating the light source and / or reflective surface according to a predetermined control signal.

[0151] The processor 1110 can estimate the biological composition of an object by analyzing the obtained two-dimensional Raman image. Here, the biological composition may include at least one of blood components (such as blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, proteins, lipids, uric acid, etc.) and skin components (such as moisture, collagen, keratin, elastin, etc.).

[0152] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating another example of a device used to estimate biological components.

[0153] Reference Figure 12 The device 1200 for estimating biological components includes a compact Raman sensor 100, a processor 1110, an input interface 1210, a storage device 1220, a communication interface 1230, and an output interface 1240. (See above for reference.) Figures 1 to 11 The compact Raman sensor 100 and processor 1110 are described, so their detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0154] Input interface 1210 can receive various operation signals from the user. In one embodiment, input interface 1210 may include a keyboard, dome switch, touchpad (e.g., hydrostatic touchpad, capacitive touchpad, etc.), scroll wheel, scroll wheel switch, hardware (H / W) buttons, etc. In particular, a touchpad that forms a layer structure with the display may be referred to as a touch screen.

[0155] The storage device 1220 may store programs or commands for operating the device 1200 for estimating biological components, and may also store data input to and processed by the device 1200 for estimating biological components. Furthermore, the storage device 1220 may store two-dimensional Raman images of the skin and / or estimated biological information, etc.

[0156] Storage device 1220 may include at least one of the following storage media: flash memory, hard disk memory, multimedia card micro-memory, card-type memory (e.g., Secure Digital (SD) memory, Extreme Digital (XD) memory, etc.), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic storage, magnetic disk, and optical disk, etc. Furthermore, the device 1200 for estimating biological components may access an external storage medium (such as a network storage device) that performs the storage functions of storage device 1220 on the Internet.

[0157] The communication interface 1230 can communicate with external devices. For example, the communication interface 1230 can send user-input data, acquired two-dimensional Raman image data and / or biological information to external devices, or can receive various data from external devices for acquiring two-dimensional Raman image data and / or estimating biological information.

[0158] In this context, the external device can be a medical device that uses data input by the user, acquired two-dimensional Raman image data and / or biological information, a printer that prints the results, or a display that shows the results. Furthermore, the external device can be a digital television (TV), desktop computer, cellular phone, smartphone, tablet PC, laptop computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), portable multimedia player (PMP), navigation device, MP3 player, digital camera, wearable device, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0159] The communication interface 1230 can communicate with external devices using the following methods: Bluetooth communication, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) communication, Zigbee communication, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication, Ultra Wideband (UWB) communication, Ant+ communication, Wi-Fi communication, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) communication, 3G communication, 4G communication, and 5G communication, etc. However, this is merely exemplary and is not intended to be limiting.

[0160] The output interface 1240 can output user-inputted data, acquired two-dimensional Raman image data, and / or biological information. In one embodiment, the output interface 1240 can output user-inputted data, acquired two-dimensional Raman image data, and / or biological information using at least one of acoustic, visual, and tactile methods. For example, the output interface 1240 may include a display, a speaker, a vibrator, etc.

[0161] Figure 13This is an illustration showing an example of a wrist-worn wearable device.

[0162] Reference Figure 13 The wrist-worn wearable device 1300 includes a strap 1310 and a main body 1320.

[0163] The strap 1310 can be attached to both ends of the body 1320 for detachable fastening, or it can be integrally formed with the body 1320 to form a smart band. The strap 1310 can be made of a flexible material to wrap around the user's wrist, so that the body 1320 can be worn on the wrist.

[0164] The main body 1320 may include any one of the aforementioned devices 1100 and 1200 for estimating biological components. Furthermore, the main body 1320 may include a battery for powering any one of the devices 1100 and 1200 for estimating biological components.

[0165] A compact Raman sensor 100 can be mounted on the bottom of the main body 1320 to be exposed on the user's wrist. Therefore, when the user wears the wrist-worn wearable device 1300, the compact Raman sensor 100 can naturally contact the user's skin. In this case, the compact Raman sensor 100 can emit light onto the skin and collect and detect the Raman scattered light from the skin.

[0166] The wrist-worn wearable device 1300 may also include a display 1321 and an input interface 1322 mounted on the main body 1320. The display 1321 may display data processed by any of the devices 1100 and 1200 for estimating biological composition and / or the wrist-worn wearable device 1300, their processing results, etc. The input interface 1322 may receive various operating signals from the user.

[0167] Embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented by computer-readable code stored on a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium and executed by a processor. Computer programmers skilled in the art can derive code and code segments for implementing embodiments of this disclosure. A non-transitory computer-readable medium can be any type of recording device that stores data in a computer-readable manner. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical disk, etc. Furthermore, the non-transitory computer-readable medium may be distributed across multiple computer systems connected to a network, such that code is written to and executed therefrom in a distributed manner.

[0168] This disclosure has been described herein with respect to various embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, it is clear that the above embodiments are illustrative in all respects and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

Claims

1. A Raman sensor, the Raman sensor comprising: A light source assembly having multiple light sources configured to emit light toward multiple skin points on the skin, each of the multiple skin points having a predetermined separation distance from a light-collecting region of the skin, wherein Raman scattered light is collected from the light-collecting region of the skin; A light collector is configured to collect Raman scattered light from a light-collecting region of the skin; as well as The detector is configured to detect the collected Raman scattered light. The light source assembly further includes a reflective surface, which is used to reflect light emitted by the plurality of light sources toward the plurality of skin points. The reflective surface includes: a first reflective surface for reflecting light emitted by the plurality of light sources in a predetermined direction; and a second reflective surface for reflecting the light reflected by the first reflective surface toward the plurality of skin points. The second reflective surface includes: a third reflective surface, which reflects the first light beam reflected by the first reflective surface toward a first skin point having a first predetermined separation distance; and a fourth reflective surface, which reflects the second light beam reflected by the first reflective surface toward a second skin point having a second predetermined separation distance. The third and fourth reflective surfaces are arranged in concentric circles. The radii of the third reflective surface and the radii of the fourth reflective surface are different from each other.

2. The Raman sensor according to claim 1, wherein, The light source assembly is configured to adjust the light intensity of each of the plurality of light sources to emit light within the maximum permissible illumination limit.

3. The Raman sensor according to claim 1, wherein, The predetermined separation distance has a radius greater than the sampling volume of the skin.

4. The Raman sensor according to claim 3, wherein, The center of the sampling volume is located at the center of the light collector.

5. The Raman sensor according to claim 1, wherein, The predetermined separation distance indicates the distance between the center of the skin's light-collecting area and the point on the skin where light is incident.

6. The Raman sensor according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of light sources are arranged on the outer periphery of the light collector in at least one of linear, circular, and polygonal shapes.

7. The Raman sensor according to claim 1, wherein, The intended direction is toward the center of the light collector.

8. The Raman sensor according to claim 1, wherein, The first and second reflective surfaces are formed as concentric rings.

9. The Raman sensor according to claim 1, wherein, The predetermined separation distance is configured to be adjusted by the reflection angle of the second reflective surface.

10. The Raman sensor according to claim 9, wherein, The light source assembly is configured to: set all reflection angles of the second reflective surface to the same value or adjust at least some of the reflection angles to different values, so as to set the predetermined separation distance to the same value for all skin points among the plurality of skin points or to set the predetermined separation distance to different values ​​for at least some of the plurality of skin points.

11. The Raman sensor according to claim 1, wherein, The light source assembly also includes a filter, which allows light of a specific wavelength in the reflected light to pass through.

12. The Raman sensor according to claim 1, wherein, The predetermined separation distance is set based on at least one of the following: the type of analyte to be measured, the wavelength band, the light intensity, the shape of the device with the Raman sensor, the size of the device with the Raman sensor, and the computational performance of the device with the Raman sensor.

13. The Raman sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The light source assembly also includes a filter, which allows light of a specific wavelength in the emitted light to pass through.

14. The Raman sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The plurality of light sources includes: a first light source configured to emit first light of a first wavelength; and a second light source configured to emit second light of a second wavelength. The reflective surface is used to reflect the first light and the second light toward a first skin point having a first predetermined separation distance and a second skin point having a second predetermined separation distance.

15. The Raman sensor according to claim 14, wherein, The first reflective surface is used to reflect first light and second light in a predetermined direction; The second reflective surface is used to reflect the first reflected light toward the first skin point and to reflect the second reflected light toward the second skin point.

16. The Raman sensor according to claim 15, wherein, The light source assembly also includes a filter for allowing light of a first specific wavelength in the reflected first light to pass through and for allowing light of a second specific wavelength in the reflected second light to pass through.

17. The Raman sensor according to claim 1, wherein, The light collector includes: Lenses are used to collimate Raman scattered light from the skin; and A filter is used to remove light of a specific wavelength from collimated Raman scattered light.

18. The Raman sensor according to claim 17, wherein, The light collector also includes a light collection hood, located in the light collection path between the skin and the lens and configured to prevent light other than Raman scattered light from being collected.

19. An apparatus for estimating biological components, the apparatus comprising: A Raman sensor includes: a light source assembly having a plurality of light sources configured to emit light toward a plurality of skin points, each of the plurality of skin points having a predetermined separation distance from a light-collecting region of the skin, wherein Raman scattered light is collected from the light-collecting region of the skin; a light collector disposed at the center of the plurality of light sources and configured to collect Raman scattered light from the light-collecting region of the skin; a detector configured to detect the collected Raman scattered light; and The processor is configured to control the Raman sensor and estimate the biological composition based on the Raman scattered light detected by the Raman sensor. The light source assembly further includes a reflective surface, which is used to reflect light emitted by the plurality of light sources toward the plurality of skin points. The reflective surface includes: a first reflective surface for reflecting light emitted by the plurality of light sources in a predetermined direction; and a second reflective surface for reflecting the light reflected by the first reflective surface toward the plurality of skin points. The second reflective surface includes: a third reflective surface, which reflects the first light beam reflected by the first reflective surface toward a first skin point having a first predetermined separation distance; and a fourth reflective surface, which reflects the second light beam reflected by the first reflective surface toward a second skin point having a second predetermined separation distance. The third and fourth reflective surfaces are arranged in concentric circles. The radii of the third reflective surface and the radii of the fourth reflective surface are different from each other.

20. The device according to claim 19, wherein, The predetermined separation distance has a value greater than the radius of the sampling volume, and wherein the processor is further configured to adjust the predetermined separation distance based on at least one of the type of biological component to be estimated, the shape of the device, and the computing performance of the device.

21. The device according to claim 20, wherein, The processor is also configured to: set all reflection angles of the reflective surface to the same value or adjust at least some of the reflection angles to different values, so as to set the predetermined separation distance to the same value for all skin points among the plurality of skin points or to set the predetermined separation distance to different values ​​for at least some of the plurality of skin points.

22. The device according to claim 19, wherein, Biological components include at least one of the following: blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, protein, lipids, uric acid, water, collagen, keratin, and elastin.

23. An apparatus for estimating biological components, the apparatus comprising: A first light source is configured to emit light toward a first skin point on the skin, the first skin point having a first predetermined separation distance from a light-collecting region of the skin, and Raman scattered light is collected from the light-collecting region of the skin by a light collector. The second light source is configured to emit light toward a second skin point on the skin, the second skin point having a second predetermined separation distance from the light collection area of ​​the skin. A light collector is configured to collect Raman scattered light from a light-collecting region of the skin; The detector is configured to detect the collected Raman scattered light; as well as The processor is configured to estimate biological components based on detected Raman scattering light. The device further includes a reflective surface for reflecting light emitted by the first light source and the second light source toward the first skin point and the second skin point. The reflective surface includes: a first reflective surface for reflecting light emitted by a first light source and a second light source in a predetermined direction; and a second reflective surface for reflecting the light reflected by the first reflective surface toward a first skin point and a second skin point. The second reflective surface includes: a third reflective surface, which reflects the first light beam reflected by the first reflective surface toward a first skin point having a first predetermined separation distance; and a fourth reflective surface, which reflects the second light beam reflected by the first reflective surface toward a second skin point having a second predetermined separation distance. The third and fourth reflective surfaces are arranged in concentric circles. The radii of the third reflective surface and the radii of the fourth reflective surface are different from each other.

Images