Adaptive Optical Sensor Selection for Wearable Biometric Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable electronic devices, such as ring-type devices, experience inaccurate measurements due to frequent changes in the position of optical sensors when worn, making it difficult to achieve precise biometric data acquisition.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device includes multiple optical sensors that are controlled based on signal characteristics to maintain accurate measurements, considering the device's wearing state and use state, and can adjust operations based on designated events.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple optical sensors are employed to acquire biometric information, then measurement accuracy should improve, but the device position changes frequently causing measurement difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiometric measurement accuracyVSAvoidsensor position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the sensor selection process adaptive rather than static. The system dynamically determines which optical sensor to use based on real-time signal characteristics and wearing states, allowing the measurement system to adapt to position changes while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of sensor selection based on signal characteristics. Instead of using a fixed sensor, the system varies which sensor is active depending on signal quality metrics and detected wearing states, optimizing measurement accuracy under different conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If optical sensors are controlled uniformly, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to position changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiometric measurement accuracyVSAvoidsensor control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring signal characteristics from optical sensors and using this information to determine optimal sensor selection. The system measures signal quality, compares it against thresholds, and adjusts sensor usage accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains accuracy without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically determining wearing states and selecting appropriate sensors based on signal characteristics without requiring manual intervention. The device self-adjusts its operation mode (measurement mode determination) based on detected conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This approach allows for more accurate measurement of biometric data by ensuring that the optical sensors are properly aligned and functioning optimally regardless of the device's position or use state, enhancing measurement precision.

Implementation Method 1

A wearable electronic device, for example, a ring-type wearable electronic device worn on a finger, may be equipped with a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor so as to acquire information from the user's body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoplethysmography (PPG): Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4201319B1Electronic device having plurality of optical sensors and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4201319B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4201319B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4201319B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

An electronic device and a method for controlling the electronic device are provided. The electronic device includes a motion sensor and optical sensors. Each of the optical sensors includes a light emitter and a light receiver. The optical sensors are separately driven to determine a respective signal characteristic of each of the optical sensors. A current state of an object to be measured is determined, based on at least one signal received through the motion sensor or the optical sensors. A light emitter of at least one of the optical sensors is driven, based on the respective signal characteristics of the optical sensors according to the current state of the object to be measured. Based on the respective signal characteristics of the optical sensors, a light signal sensed through a light receiver of at least one of the optical sensors is selected and received.