Biometric Sensor Module Using Light Amplitude and Phase Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

Biometric sensors in electronic devices can only provide limited information such as heartbeat or oxygen saturation, and are unable to measure or analyze other important metrics like glucose, water, or fat levels, lacking the capability for comprehensive biometric data comparison and analysis.

Innovation Solution

A wearable electronic device equipped with a sensor module that uses modulated light to obtain biometric information by comparing the amplitude and phase of light signals emitted and reflected from the body, allowing for the calculation of absorption and scattering coefficients to determine metrics like glucose, water, and fat levels, and providing comprehensive biometric data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a biometric sensor is used to obtain basic biometric information, then heartbeat and oxygen saturation can be measured, but the device cannot measure or analyze other important metrics like glucose, water, or fat levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiometric measurement capabilityVSAvoidbiometric data completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a multi-functional sensor system that can measure multiple types of biometric information (heartbeat, oxygen saturation, glucose, water, fat levels) using a single integrated device. The sensor module is designed to detect various wavelengths of light and process them to extract different biometric parameters, making the device universal rather than limited to specific measurements

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

2Ease of operation

If a biometric sensor delivers basic biometric information to the user, then simple data transmission is achieved, but the device cannot compare or analyze the pieces of biometric information obtained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata delivery capabilityVSAvoiddata analysis capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that bridges the gap between simple data delivery and complex analysis. The sensor module collects raw biometric data, which is then processed by analysis circuits that compare and interpret the information. This intermediary layer enables sophisticated analysis (comparing multiple biometric parameters) without requiring the entire system to be overly complex, as the analysis function is separated into dedicated processing components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 the electronic device to provide users with detailed biometric information beyond traditional metrics, enabling a comprehensive checkup of body conditions by accurately measuring and analyzing glucose, water, and fat levels through light modulation techniques.

Implementation Method 1

obtain biometric information by comparing the amplitude and phase of light signals emitted and reflected from the body, allowing for the calculation of absorption and scattering coefficients

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

obtain biometric information by comparing the amplitude and phase of light signals emitted and reflected from the body, allowing for the calculation of absorption and scattering coefficients

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP3527124B1Electronic device including sensor for sensing biometric information using multiple receiving units
Publication Date: 2022.11.23 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3527124B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3527124B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3527124B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

An electronic device and a method of operating the electronic device are provided. The electronic device includes a sensor module including a transmitter, a first receiver, and a second receiver; and a processor operatively connected with the sensor module, wherein the processor is configured to output a first signal using the transmitter, receive the first signal using the first receiver, receive a second signal using the second receiver, wherein the second signal is the first signal reflected by a part of a user's body after a tissue-light interaction within the part of the user's body, identify the user's biometric information based on, at least, first data and second data, wherein the first data is based on the first signal and the second data is based on the second signal, and provide the biometric information to the user.