Biometric Apparatus Using Brain Activity and Pulse Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing biometric systems require movements from the target person to determine their state, limiting the detectable states and accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A biometric apparatus that uses both brain activity information and other biological signals, such as pulse, perspiration, and body temperature, to determine the state of a target person without requiring movement, employing a light source and image sensor to detect internal and surface reflection components for accurate state assessment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If movements are required to detect the state of a target person, then the detection method is simple, but the determinable states are limited and accuracy is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestate determination accuracyVSAvoidrequirement for target person movements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the detection process into two independent detection channels: one for detecting movements (via image processing) and another for detecting brain activity (via photodetectors and light sources). This segmentation allows the system to determine states without relying solely on movements, thereby improving accuracy while reducing the requirement for target person movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a multi-functional detection system that can detect multiple states (awake, sleeping, disturbed consciousness) using multiple detection methods (movement detection and brain activity detection). This universal approach enables the system to determine various states without requiring movements, improving both accuracy and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If only brain activity information is used, then the system is simple, but the ability to determine various states is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to determine various statesVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges brain activity detection (using photodetectors and light sources) with movement detection (using image processing) into a unified state determination system. This combination allows the system to determine various states with high accuracy while managing complexity through integrated processing in the signal processing circuit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If multiple detection methods are used, then state determination accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestate determination accuracyVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested structure where the brain activity detection system (photodetectors, light sources) is integrated within the broader state determination system that also includes movement detection capabilities. The signal processing circuit nestedly processes both types of data, achieving high accuracy while containing complexity within a unified architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Enables more accurate determination of a target person's state, including awake, sleeping, or disturbed consciousness, with improved sensitivity and specificity compared to existing methods.

Implementation Method 1

a light source that emits light and penetrates through a skull of the target person to a brain of the target person

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a photodetector that detects the light that has been reflected or transmitted by the brain

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3730054B1Biological measurement apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.03.27 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3730054B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3730054B1 patent drawingFigure 1C
  • EP3730054B1 patent drawingFigure 1D

AI summary

A biometric apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure is provided with a first detector that detects and outputs a brain activity signal indicating a state of brain activity in a target person, and a signal processing circuit. The signal processing circuit acquires the brain activity signal, acquires a biological signal of the target person that is different from the brain activity signal, and based on the biological signal and the brain activity signal, determines whether a state of the target person is an awake state, a sleeping state, or a state of disturbed consciousness, and generates and outputs a signal indicating the state of the target person.