Portable Biometric Sensor with Dynamic Circuit Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable health measurement devices are cumbersome and inefficient due to the need for separate devices for multiple biometric measurements, such as blood glucose and electrocardiogram (ECG), and they suffer from high power consumption and limited miniaturization due to mechanical switches and displays.
Innovation Solution
A portable complex sensor device that automatically selects measurement circuits without mechanical switches, using current sensors and a microcontroller to power only the necessary circuits, transmitting data wirelessly to a smartphone, and incorporating Bluetooth low energy for communication, allowing for simultaneous measurement of multiple biometrics like ECG and blood glucose levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single portable complex sensor device is used to measure multiple biometric items, then the convenience for users is improved, but the device volume and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement circuits (ECG, blood glucose, blood pressure) into a single portable device, integrating functions that previously required separate devices. This merging approach enables users to carry one device instead of multiple separate measurement devices, directly improving user convenience while managing device volume through efficient circuit integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with multi-functionality to perform various biometric measurements including ECG, blood glucose monitoring, and blood pressure measurement. By making the device universal and capable of multiple functions, it replaces several single-function devices, improving ease of operation while the internal circuit architecture manages the volume constraint through selective activation.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical power switches and selection switches are used in the device, then circuit control is achieved, but the device volume increases and miniaturization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical power switches and selection switches with electronic control mechanisms. The microcontroller unit electronically controls the activation of different measurement circuits through electrical signals, eliminating the need for mechanical components. This substitution significantly reduces device volume and enables miniaturization while maintaining full circuit control capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all measurement circuits are powered on simultaneously, then all functions are available, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device implements dynamic power management where the microcontroller selectively activates only the measurement circuits that are currently needed. Instead of having all circuits powered on simultaneously, the system dynamically switches between different measurement functions based on user selection, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining full adaptability and versatility of all measurement functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement circuits are activated periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. The microcontroller controls the power supply to each circuit unit, activating them only when a specific measurement is required and deactivating them when not in use. This periodic activation pattern maintains all function availabilities while significantly reducing average power consumption.
4Loss of information
If a display is included in the device, then measurement results can be shown locally, but the device volume and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the display function from the main device body and relocates it to an external smartphone device. The portable sensor device communicates measurement results wirelessly to the smartphone, which then displays the information. This extraction eliminates the need for a built-in display in the sensor device, reducing both volume and power consumption while ensuring measurement results are effectively displayed through the smartphone's screen.
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
The device is highly portable, reduces power consumption by powering only active circuits, eliminates the need for mechanical switches, and provides user convenience by simplifying operation and reducing battery drain, enabling long-term use on a single battery.
Implementation Method 1
configured such that, when a subject having biometric information is electrically connected to one of the plurality of input terminal sets, a current flows in the subject having biometric information through the electrically connected input terminal set, configured to generate an output signal when sensing the current
Data Source
AI summary
A portable complex sensor device for measuring multiple items of biometric information, according to the present invention, comprises: a plurality of electrodes for receiving the biometric information; a plurality of biometric information measuring circuits for measuring the biometric information received from the plurality of electrodes; a plurality of current sensors which are always supplied with power so as to sense electric current when an object to be measured contacts the electrodes; a wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving data to and from a smart phone; and a microcontroller for controlling the power supply of a battery by being operated in a sleep mode or an active mode on the basis of whether the current sensors have sensed the electric current.