Bio-signal Sensor Texture Interface for Consistent Finger Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bio-signal measuring apparatuses face challenges in achieving consistent and accurate measurements due to variations in finger contact position, leading to reduced reproducibility and inaccurate health indicator estimation.
Innovation Solution
A bio-signal measuring apparatus with a finger contact surface featuring a first and second light-transmitting area, a non-light-transmitting area, and a texture area to provide tactile feedback, ensuring consistent finger placement and stable bio-signal acquisition through a pulse wave sensor and processor for accurate health indicator estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a smooth finger contact surface is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inconsistent finger placement
Solution Approach 1:
The finger contact surface is divided into different regions with distinct textures: a first texture region (smooth) for initial contact and a second texture region (rough) for precise positioning. This local differentiation allows users to easily place their fingers while ensuring consistent, reproducible contact positions for accurate bio-signal measurement.
2Measurement precision
If a textured surface is added to guide finger placement, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire surface complex, only specific local regions are textured. The first texture region provides a smooth area for initial contact, while the second texture region provides a rough area for precise positioning. This localized approach achieves measurement precision without excessive structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The finger contact surface incorporates curved geometric features including a convex second texture region and a concave third texture region. These curved structures naturally guide finger placement through tactile feedback while maintaining relatively simple overall device structure.
3Measurement precision
If multiple texture regions are created, then the measurement precision is improved through better finger guidance, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The finger contact surface is segmented into distinct texture regions (first, second, and third texture regions) with different surface properties. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining clear boundaries that are relatively easy to manufacture and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of convex and concave curved structures provides natural tactile guidance that is robust to manufacturing variations. The geometric forms of the textured regions create inherent positioning cues that do not require extremely tight manufacturing tolerances to be effective.
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 apparatus enhances reproducibility and accuracy of bio-signal measurements by guiding consistent finger placement, resulting in stable and consistent bio-signals, thereby improving the estimation of health indicators.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor configured to be disposed underneath the finger contact surface and sense a light when the light is reflected from the user
Implementation Method 2
a light source configured to emit the light onto tissue of the finger when the finger is in contact with the finger contact surface through the second light-transmitting area
Data Source
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AI summary
A bio-signal measuring apparatus may include: a finger contact surface configured to be in contact with a finger of a user; an optical sensor configured to be disposed underneath the finger contact surface and sense a light when the light is reflected from the user; and a texture area formed on the finger contact surface at a boundary of the optical sensor, and configured to provide a texture different from a texture of a remaining area of the finger contact surface other than the texture area, so as to allow the user to feel a tactile sensation from the texture area when the finger is in contact with the finger contact surface.