Bioinstrumentation Probe Light-Blocking Electrode for Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bioinstrumentation devices using optical photo detectors with organic semiconductors face challenges in accurately detecting light from a living body due to interference from non-body emitted light, leading to noise and inaccurate measurements.

Innovation Solution

A probe with a flexible transparent substrate, an organic light-receiving element, and a light-blocking upper electrode is designed to prevent direct light from the light source from entering the organic photoelectric-conversion layer, using a projection optical path and a connector system to ensure accurate detection of scattered light from the subject.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the organic light-receiving element is provided on a flexible substrate for measuring curved surfaces, then adaptability to living body shapes is improved, but light from the light source may directly enter the photoelectric-conversion layer causing measurement noise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to curved surfacesVSAvoidlight detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The probe is divided into functionally separated regions: a projection optical path region for light emission and a light-receiving element region for detection. This spatial segmentation prevents direct light from reaching the detector while maintaining flexibility for curved surface adaptation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the flexible substrate are assigned different optical properties. The region with the projection optical path has light-transmitting characteristics, while the region with the light-receiving element has light-blocking characteristics to prevent direct light contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Volume of moving object

If the light source and light-receiving element are placed close together on a flexible substrate, then device compactness is improved, but light from the light source directly enters the photoelectric-conversion layer causing noise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe sizeVSAvoidlight detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The probe structure is segmented into distinct light emission and light reception zones. Even though the overall probe size is compact, the internal functional regions are spatially separated to prevent direct light coupling between source and detector.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A light-blocking structure acts as an intermediary element between the light source and the light-receiving element. This mediator blocks direct light paths while allowing the probe to maintain a compact form factor for flexible positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If no light-blocking structure is provided, then device simplicity is improved, but light other than scattered light from the subject is received causing measurement noise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidlight detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Light-blocking properties are applied locally at specific critical positions within the probe structure, particularly at the light-receiving element region. This localized application maintains overall structural simplicity while effectively preventing direct light contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful direct light path is extracted or removed from the optical system by introducing a light-blocking structure that selectively blocks only the direct light path while allowing scattered light from the subject to reach the detector.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 configuration effectively blocks non-body light, allowing for precise detection of light emitted from the subject, enhancing measurement accuracy in bioinstrumentation applications.

Implementation Method 1

an organic light-receiving element that is provided on the transparent substrate, has an organic photoelectric-conversion layer sandwiched between a transparent electrode and an upper electrode, and, when light for measurement is radiated onto a subject, detects scattered light that is scattered by the subject

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

the upper electrode has a light-blocking effect and covers an end of the organic photoelectric-conversion layer on the side of the projection optical path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS10238290B2Probe for bioinstrumentation and bioinstrumentation device

Publication Date: 2019.03.26 HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS KK

AI summary

With a probe 2 in which an end of the organic photoelectric-conversion layer 23 on a projection optical path 10 side is covered by an upper electrode 24 having a light-blocking effect, light passing through the projection optical path 10 from a light source can be prevented from directly entering the organic photoelectric-conversion layer 23.