Biometric Sensor Matrix for Compact Multi-Parameter Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable electronic devices face challenges in mounting multiple sensors due to their small size, limiting their ability to detect various biometric information effectively for complex healthcare services.

Innovation Solution

A biometric information sensor is designed to occupy minimal space, incorporating a light emitting unit, light receiving unit, and signal processing unit, which can emit light of different wavelengths and detect various biometric data, such as heart rate, oxygen saturation, and blood glucose, using a matrix arrangement of LEDs and photodetectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensors are mounted in a portable electronic device, then various biometric information can be detected, but the device size increases and mounting space becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidmounting space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple light emitting units (first and second light emitting units with different wavelengths) and multiple light receiving units into a single integrated sensor module. This merging allows the portable device to detect various biometric information (heart rate, oxygen saturation, blood glucose) using one compact component rather than requiring separate sensors for each measurement type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor module is designed with multi-functionality to perform various biometric detections simultaneously. By incorporating light emitting units that emit different wavelengths (visible and infrared) and multiple light receiving units, a single sensor can measure heart rate, oxygen saturation, and blood glucose levels, making it a universal biometric detection solution that eliminates the need for multiple specialized sensors.

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

2Area of stationary object

If a compact sensor is used to reduce mounting space, then device size is reduced, but signal-to-noise ratio decreases and detection accuracy is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor sizeVSAvoidsignal-to-noise ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor module is segmented into distinct functional components: first light emitting unit, second light emitting unit, first light receiving unit, and second light receiving unit. Each component has a specific function (emitting different wavelengths or receiving different wavelengths), and this segmentation allows for optimized signal detection while maintaining a compact overall structure. The segmented design enables precise measurement by assigning specific detection tasks to specific components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the sensor module have specialized local qualities optimized for their specific functions. The first light emitting unit emits visible light optimized for heart rate detection, while the second light emitting unit emits infrared light optimized for oxygen saturation and blood glucose detection. Similarly, the light receiving units are positioned and configured to optimally receive their respective wavelength ranges, ensuring high detection accuracy despite the compact size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light receiving units are positioned at different distances from light emitting units, then various biometric information can be measured, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiometric measurement capabilityVSAvoidsensor structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes spatial dimensionality by positioning light receiving units at different distances from the light emitting units along the optical path. This dimensional arrangement (different positions along the depth axis) enables the detection of multiple biometric parameters simultaneously without requiring a complex two-dimensional array of sensors. The first light receiving unit is positioned at a first distance and the second light receiving unit at a second distance, creating a layered detection structure that simplifies the overall design while maintaining multi-parameter detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 allows for accurate detection of multiple biometric information types, improving the capability of portable devices to provide comprehensive healthcare services by enhancing signal-to-noise ratio and reducing noise interference.

Implementation Method 1

a first LED configured to emit first light having a first wavelength and a second LED configured to emit second light having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a first photodetector configured to detect the first light and a second photodetector configured to detect the second light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3773177B1Biometric information sensing device
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3773177B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3773177B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3773177B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing, light emitting diodes (LEDs) of a first number, photodetectors of a second number, and a control circuit operatively connected to the LEDs and the photodetectors. The control circuit is configured to cause the LEDs of a third number to emit light sequentially or simultaneously and to cause the photodetectors of a fourth number to detect light from the LEDs of the third number. The third number is 1 or 2. The fourth number is one of an integer that is not less than 2 and is not greater than the second number.