Biometric Sensor Ring for Continuous Physiological Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional biofeedback devices are limited by their short-term testing capabilities and lack of versatility for long-term, continuous use, failing to provide accurate and comprehensive physiological and emotional state assessments outside controlled environments.

Innovation Solution

A biometric sensor ring system with multiple sensors, including EDA, PPG, temperature, and accelerometer sensors, designed for continuous wear on fingers of varying sizes, utilizing flexible circuitry and adjustable geometry for secure skin contact, and powered by a rechargeable battery for extended data collection, communicating data to mobile devices for analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional biofeedback devices are used for short-term testing, then measurement precision is improved, but duration of action and adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephysiological state assessment accuracyVSAvoidcontinuous wear duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into modular sensor components (EDA sensor, PPG sensor, temperature sensor, accelerometer) that can be independently optimized for continuous operation while maintaining measurement precision. Each sensor module is designed to function autonomously over extended periods with minimal power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ring device integrates multiple sensor types into a single universal platform that can perform various physiological measurements simultaneously. This multi-functional design enables the same device to serve both short-term precision testing and long-term continuous monitoring applications.

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

2Measurement precision

If conventional biofeedback devices are used for short-term testing, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability for long-term use deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephysiological state assessment accuracyVSAvoidreal-life situation applicability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ring incorporates adjustable geometric parameters including variable inner circumference, adjustable width, and flexible positioning mechanisms that allow the device to adapt to different finger sizes and shapes. This dynamic adjustability ensures proper sensor contact across diverse user populations while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device utilizes changeable physical parameters such as adjustable ring circumference, variable sensor pressure application, and flexible positioning to accommodate different users and application scenarios. These parameter changes enable the same device to maintain measurement precision across various adaptability requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensors are integrated into the ring, then adaptability and comprehensive monitoring are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive physiological monitoringVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sensor types (EDA, PPG, temperature, accelerometer) are merged into a single integrated ring device with shared processing and communication infrastructure. This combining approach reduces overall system complexity compared to using separate devices while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A universal processing system and communication interface handles all sensor data types, eliminating the need for separate processing pathways for each sensor. This multi-functional architecture simplifies the device by using a single integrated platform for comprehensive physiological monitoring.

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

4Duration of action of moving object

If extended wear capability is implemented, then duration of action is improved, but power supply requirements and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous wear timeVSAvoidpower supply system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed for continuous operation with a power supply system that maintains uninterrupted functionality during extended wear periods. The power management architecture ensures continuous sensor operation and data transmission without requiring user intervention, thereby extending duration of action while controlling power supply complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful 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

Enables continuous, accurate monitoring of the autonomic nervous system in real-life situations, providing comprehensive physiological and emotional state assessments, overcoming the limitations of traditional devices by ensuring proper skin contact and extended wearability.

Implementation Method 1

The EDR device is best known as one element of a police style lie-detector. Some biofeedback devices today utilize the same circuitry and electrodes as utilized when this device was developed decades ago.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

Another specific device is the photoplethysmograph (PPG), which is well known in hospitals for quick assessment of heart rate based on sensing at the fingertip.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

an acceleration sensor configured for sensing accelerations in three dimensions as the user performs their activities

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS9711060B1Biometric sensor ring for continuous wear mobile data applications
Publication Date: 2017.07.18 SENSTREAM
  • US9711060B1 patent drawing
  • US9711060B1 patent drawing
  • US9711060B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A biometric sensing apparatus for estimating the emotional state of a user. A self-contained biometric sensing ring is worn on the finger (or fingers) of the user during their normal activities. Biometric information is collected and sent wirelessly to the user's mobile device configured with application programming for analyzing and displaying the biometric information. The biometric ring is configured with sensors that the structure of the ring retains at a proper pressure against the finger of the user. The sensors comprise at least electrodermal response (EDR), photoplethysmograph (PPG), temperature, and acceleration. The ring has a self-contained power source, and is configured for adjustably fitting a wide range of users.