Biometric Sensor Mode Switching for Power-Constrained Biological Signal Measurement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing biological signal measurement devices face challenges in continuous blood pressure measurement during extended periods, such as during sleep, due to power consumption issues with PPG sensors, leading to gaps in data collection and hindering medical examination of abnormal blood pressure changes.

Innovation Solution

A biological signal measurement device that switches between intermittent and continuous operation modes based on detected feature changes in the biological signal, ensuring power conservation during normal conditions and uninterrupted data collection during abnormal conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the PPG sensor operates in continuous mode, then measurement reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the operation mode of the PPG sensor between continuous and intermittent based on the detected state of the subject. When abnormal changes are detected in biological signals, the system switches to continuous measurement mode to ensure reliable data collection, while returning to intermittent mode during normal states to conserve power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of the PPG sensor by switching between different measurement modes (continuous vs. intermittent). This parameter change allows the system to optimize the balance between measurement reliability and power consumption based on real-time physiological conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the PPG sensor operates in intermittent mode, then power consumption is reduced, but measurement completeness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidmeasurement data completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from the detection unit that monitors biological signals to determine when to switch between measurement modes. When abnormal changes are detected, the feedback triggers a switch to continuous measurement mode, ensuring that important physiological events are captured without data loss, while allowing power savings during normal states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Duration of action of moving object

If the light emitting element performs intermittent light emission, then battery life is extended, but data continuity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery lifeVSAvoiddata continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the light emission pattern of the PPG sensor based on detected physiological conditions. During normal states, intermittent light emission extends battery life, while during abnormal states, continuous light emission ensures data continuity. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between battery life and data continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Loss of information

If continuous measurement is performed throughout the measurement period, then measurement completeness is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement data completenessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of performing continuous measurement throughout the entire measurement period, the system applies partial action by conducting continuous measurements only when abnormal changes are detected. During normal periods, intermittent measurement is sufficient, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining measurement completeness when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 continuous and accurate measurement of biological signals without fail during abnormal conditions while minimizing power consumption, thereby extending device usage and providing reliable data for medical analysis.

Implementation Method 1

a photoelectric sensor applying plethysmography (PPG) attached to the person's ear

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20220386882A1Biological signal measurement device, method, and non-transitory storage medium storing program

Publication Date: 2022.12.08 OMRON HEALTHCARE CO LTD

AI summary

While power consumption is suppressed, biological information is measured without fail when a condition of a subject changes. An aspect of the present invention is configured to acquire a biological signal related to a beat of a heart of the subject from a biometric sensor, detect a feature of the biological signal from the biological signal acquired, determine an abnormal change in the feature based on the feature detected and first threshold information set in advance, set an operation mode of the biometric sensor to a continuous operation mode when the abnormal change in the feature is determined, and set the operation mode of the biometric sensor to an intermittent operation mode in a period without the abnormal change.