Bilirubin Sensor Segmentation for Continuous Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bilirubin concentration measurement systems using optical methods are large and cumbersome, making it difficult to continuously monitor bilirubin levels in newborns and infants, whose concentrations can change rapidly.
Innovation Solution
A compact bilirubin concentration measurement system comprising a sensor device attachable to a subject, equipped with light emitting elements emitting light in different wavelength bands and a light detection element, which wirelessly transmits intensity data to a terminal device for calculation and display, allowing continuous monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional optical bilirubin measurement apparatuses are used, then bilirubin concentration can be measured non-invasively, but the apparatuses are large in size and cannot achieve continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the measurement system into two independent parts: a compact sensor device that can be attached to the subject for continuous monitoring, and a separate terminal device that processes data and displays results. This segmentation allows the sensor device to be small and portable while the terminal device handles the computational tasks, resolving the contradiction between compact size and measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary between the sensor device and terminal device. This allows data transmission without physical connections, enabling the sensor device to remain compact and portable while maintaining full measurement and communication functionality, thus resolving the size constraint.
2Measurement precision
If conventional optical bilirubin measurement apparatuses are used, then bilirubin concentration can be measured, but medical staff must conduct measurements manually at every time point, making continuous monitoring difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is designed to autonomously perform measurements and wirelessly transmit data to the terminal device without requiring manual intervention. The system automatically calculates bilirubin concentration and continuously monitors changes, enabling self-service operation that resolves the contradiction between measurement precision and automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables continuous monitoring by having the sensor device continuously measure bilirubin concentration and transmit data in real-time. This continuous action eliminates the need for discrete manual measurements at scheduled intervals, allowing the system to track rapid changes in bilirubin levels automatically.
3Measurement precision
If blood sampling method is used, then bilirubin values can be highly accurately measured, but the method is invasive and requires time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical blood sampling process with an optical measurement system. The sensor device uses light emission and detection to measure bilirubin concentration non-invasively, substituting the mechanical needle insertion and blood collection process with optical fields, thereby eliminating invasiveness while maintaining measurement accuracy.
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 system enables continuous, non-invasive, and accurate monitoring of bilirubin concentrations, reducing the burden on medical staff and improving detection of rapid changes in bilirubin levels.
Implementation Method 1
a first light emitting element that emits light in a first wavelength band at a first timing; a second light emitting element that emits light in a second wavelength band at a second timing
Implementation Method 2
a light detection element that detects first reflected light that is the light in the first wavelength band having been incident on skin of the subject and been reflected at the first timing, and detects second reflected light that is the light in the second wavelength band having been incident on the skin of the subject and been reflected at the second timing
Data Source
AI summary
A bilirubin concentration measurement system including: a sensor device attachable to a subject; and a terminal device capable of wirelessly communicating with the sensor device. The sensor device includes: a light emitting diode that emits blue light; a light emitting diode that emits green light; a light detection diode that detects reflected light that is the blue light having been incident on skin of the subject and reflected, and detects reflected light that is the green light having been incident on the skin of the subject and reflected; and a communication unit that wirelessly transmits information about intensities of the reflected light detected by the photodiode. The terminal device includes: a communication unit that receives the information about the intensities of the reflected light transmitted from the sensor device; and a computing unit that calculates a bilirubin concentration using the information about the intensities of the reflected light.