Biological Information Measurement Device with Segmented Optical Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biological information measurement devices face challenges in acquiring independent measurements due to overlapping light sources and receiving units, leading to low independence of volume pulse wave signals and reduced identification accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A biological information measurement apparatus with a mechanism that uses multiple light emitting and receiving units, where each unit can individually detect light from different measurement sites, preventing overlap and enhancing signal independence through the use of transmissive surfaces, light shielding units, and optical path separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If transmissive type and reflective type measurements are performed using one light source, then measurement capability is improved, but measurement sites overlap and signal independence decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single light source into multiple independent light sources (first light source and second light source) with different wavelengths. This segmentation allows each light source to illuminate different measurement sites independently, preventing overlap between transmissive and reflective type measurements while maintaining both measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent assigns different wavelengths to different light sources specifically tailored for different measurement types. The first light source uses a wavelength suitable for transmissive measurement while the second light source uses a different wavelength optimized for reflective measurement, ensuring each measurement site receives appropriate light quality for its specific measurement purpose.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different wavelength light sources are used for volume pulse wave measurement, then detection method diversity is improved, but light receiving units overlap and measurement sites coincide
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light receiving function into multiple spatially separated light receiving units. Each light receiving unit is positioned to receive light from its corresponding light source through a distinct optical path, ensuring that even though multiple wavelengths are used, the measurement sites remain independent and do not overlap.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the overlap issue by introducing spatial separation as an additional dimension. Instead of relying solely on wavelength differentiation, the patent positions light sources and light receiving units at different spatial locations, creating independent measurement sites through three-dimensional spatial arrangement while maintaining diverse wavelength-based detection methods.
3Volume of moving object
If multiple light receiving elements are disposed on the same plane near a light source, then device compactness is improved, but optical paths overlap and biological information independence decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical measurement system into distinct optical paths for each measurement type. Each light source has its dedicated light receiving unit positioned to receive light through a separate optical path, preventing overlap of biological information despite the compact arrangement of components on the same plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical path separation as an intermediary mechanism between the light sources and light receiving units. This separation ensures that light from different wavelengths travels through distinct paths through the measurement site, preventing contamination of biological information while maintaining compact device geometry.
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 the acquisition of highly independent biological information, improving the accuracy of identifying the state of autonomic nerves by ensuring each measurement site's signal is distinct and not contaminated by others.
Implementation Method 1
a light receiving unit that receives light scattered at a plurality of measurement sites in the living body
Data Source
Figure 1~2C
Figure 3~4B
Figure 5~6B
AI summary
To provide a technology capable of acquiring biological information of different independent measurement sites. Provided is a biological information measurement apparatus including: a light emitting unit that irradiates a living body with light; and a light receiving unit that receives light scattered at a plurality of measurement sites in the living body, in which the biological information measurement apparatus includes a mechanism in which the light scattered at the plurality of measurement sites is individually detected by a plurality of the light receiving units or the same light receiving unit. Furthermore, provided is also a biological information measurement system including: a light emitting device that irradiates a living body with light; and a light receiving device that receives light scattered at a plurality of measurement sites in the living body, in which the biological information measurement system includes a mechanism in which the light scattered at the plurality of measurement sites is individually detected by a plurality of light receiving units or the same light receiving unit.