Concentric Optical Sensing Layout for Higher Signal-to-Noise Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical sensing systems face challenges due to optical losses affecting the determination of physiological information, such as pulse rate, due to components within the system.
Innovation Solution
A concentric architecture is employed with light detectors arranged around light emitters, including a selective transparent layer and Fresnel lens, allowing for different wavelength ranges and dynamic channel association for enhanced measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a basic optical sensing system with a single light emitter and detector is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to optical losses and limited signal-to-noise ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensing system is segmented into multiple functional components: multiple light emitters operating at different wavelengths (e.g., 530nm, 660nm, 940nm), multiple light detectors arranged in a concentric pattern, selective transparent layers for wavelength-specific detection, and Fresnel lenses for light focusing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific measurement functions, improving overall measurement precision while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a linear or planar arrangement of emitters and detectors to a three-dimensional concentric architecture where detectors are positioned at different radial distances and angles around the emitters. This spatial dimensionality enhancement enables multi-pathlight detection, improving signal-to-noise ratio by capturing light from multiple tissue paths simultaneously
2Reliability
If multiple light emitters and detectors are arranged in a concentric architecture, then the signal-to-noise ratio improves, but the device complexity increases due to multiple components and configurations
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light emitters and detectors are merged into a compact concentric architecture where detectors are positioned around emitters at defined separation distances. This merging integrates multiple measurement functions into a single unified structure, improving signal-to-noise ratio through combined light detection while containing complexity within a standardized geometric framework
Solution Approach 2:
The concentric architecture serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enables detection of different wavelength ranges (visible and infrared), supports multiple measurement modes (reflective and transmissive), and allows dynamic channel association for various physiological parameters. This multi-functionality improves reliability across different measurement scenarios while using a single versatile structural design
3Measurement precision
If a selective transparent layer is added to overlay the light detectors, then the measurement precision improves through wavelength-specific detection, but the device complexity increases due to additional layers and materials
Solution Approach 1:
Selective transparent layers are applied locally over specific detectors to transmit certain wavelength ranges (e.g., infrared-transparent material over infrared detectors) while blocking others. This local quality differentiation enables wavelength-specific detection precision without requiring the entire device structure to be complex, as only specific regions receive specialized layer treatment
4Productivity
If Fresnel lenses are used in the light emitter regions, then the light detection efficiency improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Fresnel lenses with curved refractive surfaces are positioned in the light emitter regions to focus and direct light paths toward the detectors. The curved geometry optimizes light detection efficiency by concentrating light energy, while the Fresnel design allows for reduced material usage and simplified manufacturing compared to traditional spherical lenses, balancing optical performance with manufacturability
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 concentric architecture improves measurement accuracy and signal-to-noise ratio by optimizing light detection and emission, enabling precise physiological signal derivation.
Implementation Method 1
The Fresnel lens can include a plurality of regions, such as a first region and a second region. The first region can be located in the field of view(s) of the first light emitter(s), and the second region can be located in the field of view(s) of the second light emitter(s).
Implementation Method 2
The selective transparent layer can include a plurality of first sections transparent to a second wavelength range (e.g., infrared wavelengths) and non-transparent to a first wavelength ranges (e.g., visible wavelengths).
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device including optical sensing with a concentric architecture and methods for operation thereof is disclosed. The concentric architecture can include light detector(s) arranged in a concentric manner around light emitter(s). In some examples, at least one light emitter can be located in the center of the device, and each light detector can be located the same separation distance from the light emitter. Each light detector can be arranged such that the separation distance from the centrally located light emitter can be greater than the separation distance from another light emitter. Examples of the disclosure further include a selective transparent layer overlaying the light detector(s). The selective transparent layer can include section(s) transparent to a first wavelength range and non-transparent to a second wavelength ranges. In some examples, the selective transparent layer can further include section(s) transparent to the second wavelength range.