Multi-Signal Biometric Sensor With Force-Based Contact Validation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-invasive medical devices for measuring biological information suffer from low accuracy and require improvements in signal detection and contact state management to enhance measurement precision.
Innovation Solution
A sensor apparatus that includes a first and second light emitter, a light detector, and a force sensor, along with a processor to manage contact state and signal quality for accurate biological information estimation, using different wavelengths and force measurement to optimize data acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a non-invasive device is used to measure biological information, then the measurement process is simple and painless, but the accuracy of the measurement result is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into multiple stages: first acquiring multiple light signals at different wavelengths, then acquiring contact pressure signals, and finally processing these segmented signals together to obtain accurate biological information while maintaining non-invasive measurement simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple types of signals (light signals at different wavelengths and contact pressure signals) into a unified measurement system, combining optical measurement with pressure sensing to achieve both ease of operation and high measurement accuracy
2Measurement precision
If multiple light signals at different wavelengths are measured, then the biological information estimation accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional sensor that simultaneously measures light signals at multiple wavelengths and contact pressure signals, allowing a single device to perform multiple measurement functions and reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a processor as an intermediary that automatically handles the complex task of combining and analyzing multiple light signals and pressure signals, shielding the user from the complexity while achieving accurate biological information estimation
3Reliability
If contact pressure is monitored to ensure proper contact state, then the measurement reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines contact pressure sensing with optical measurement in a single integrated sensor system, merging the pressure monitoring function with the light signal acquisition to ensure proper contact state without requiring separate monitoring equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the contact pressure signal to verify proper contact state between the sensor and the measurement target, automatically adjusting or validating the measurement process based on the pressure feedback to ensure reliability
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
Enhances the accuracy of biological information estimation by ensuring proper contact state and signal quality, allowing for precise measurement of parameters like heart rate, oxygen saturation, and other vital signs.
Implementation Method 1
a first light emitter disposed on a first substrate and configured to emit a first light to the body part; a light detector configured to detect the first light signal from the first light that is emitted to and then scattered or reflected from the body part
Implementation Method 2
a second light emitter disposed on a second substrate and configured to emit a second light, the second substrate being disposed closer to the cover surface than to the first substrate; a light detector configured to detect the second light signal from the second light that is emitted to and then scattered or reflected from the body part
Implementation Method 3
a force sensor configured to measure a force applied to the body part when the body part is in contact with the cover surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
An apparatus for estimating biological information may include a sensor configured to detect a first light signal and a second light signal from an object of a user and a processor configured to determine whether a condition for estimating biological information is satisfied based on the detected first light signal and estimate biological information based on the second light signal, wherein the sensor includes a force sensor configured to measure a force applied to the object when the object is in contact with a cover surface of the sensor.