CMOS Absorbance Sensing for Non-Invasive Antioxidant Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antioxidant measurement methods, such as Raman and absorbance-based methods, face challenges in cost, complexity, and sensitivity to hemoglobin signals, particularly when used in compact wearable devices.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a CMOS image sensor with multiple light sources disposed around it, where the processor drives the light sources to correct absorbance based on distance and analyze substances like carotenoids by combining absorbance values, excluding non-compliant light sources, and integrating fingerprint recognition for user authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Raman measurement method is used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but equipment cost increases and device size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive Raman measurement equipment with a low-cost CMOS image sensor and LED light source system. The CMOS sensor, originally designed for imaging, is repurposed for absorbance measurement, providing a cheap alternative to specialized medical equipment while maintaining adequate measurement capability for antioxidant detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the CMOS image sensor perform multiple functions: it can capture images and simultaneously measure absorbance for antioxidant analysis. By driving multiple LEDs at different wavelengths and capturing reflected light through the same sensor, the system eliminates the need for separate specialized measurement devices, reducing overall system complexity and cost.
2Measurement precision
If multi-wavelength LEDs and photo diode are used, then measurement capability is improved, but manufacturing process becomes complicated and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple LEDs of different wavelengths with a single CMOS image sensor in one integrated module. This merging approach allows the system to perform multi-wavelength absorbance measurements without requiring separate photo diodes for each wavelength, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing production costs compared to traditional multi-wavelength systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a CMOS image sensor, which is a mass-produced consumer electronics component, to replicate the function of specialized medical measurement devices. By copying the measurement capability using off-the-shelf components rather than custom-built specialized sensors, the system achieves ease of manufacture and low production cost while maintaining measurement capability.
3Measurement precision
If white light and photo diode with band pass filter are used, then specific wavelength detection is improved, but sensitivity to hemoglobin signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple LEDs with wavelengths that extend beyond the minimum required for carotenoid detection. By including LEDs with wavelengths in the blue-green region (460-530 nm) in addition to red LEDs (620-680 nm), the system captures more light absorption data points. This excessive action allows the algorithm to differentiate between hemoglobin and carotenoid absorption patterns, reducing hemoglobin interference while maintaining specific wavelength detection capability.
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 enables accurate, cost-effective, and compact antioxidant measurement, minimizing the impact of hemoglobin signals and providing secure user-specific analysis results.
Implementation Method 1
obtain absorbance of each pixel of the image sensor based on an intensity of light received by each pixel
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for analyzing a substance of an object in a non-invasive manner is provided. The apparatus for analyzing a substance of an object includes: a sensor part including an image sensor, and a plurality of light sources disposed around the image sensor; and a processor configured to drive the plurality of light sources to obtain absorbance of each pixel of the image sensor based on an intensity of light received by each pixel, to correct the absorbance of each pixel based on a distance between the plurality of light sources and each pixel, and to analyze a substance of an object based on the corrected absorbance of each pixel.