Contactless QOL Monitoring Using Respiratory and Motion Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring quality-of-life (QOL) parameters in clinical trials are invasive, costly, and impractical for long-term use, making it difficult to assess the impact of interventions on QOL in ambulatory settings.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing contactless and minimal-contact sensors, combined with subjective data capture, for monitoring QOL parameters, including non-contact biomotion sensors, audio sensors, temperature sensors, and minimal-contact devices like weighing scales, to gather objective and subjective data without disrupting daily routines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional contact sensors (ECG patches, oximeters, EEG electrodes) are used for QOL monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to adhesion requirements and prolonged wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based sensors with optical sensors that detect physiological parameters through non-contact means. Specifically, optical sensors measure blood flow changes, skin temperature variations, and sweat gland activity to derive QOL parameters without requiring adhesive patches or prolonged skin contact, thereby maintaining measurement precision while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fields as intermediaries between the sensor and the physiological parameters. Instead of direct mechanical contact with electrodes, optical sensors use light interaction with biological tissues (photoplethysmography, thermography, sweat detection) to indirectly measure physiological states, eliminating the need for adhesive contact while preserving measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If polysomnography is used for sleep quality measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple sensors and laboratory requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single optical sensor system that performs multiple functions previously requiring separate specialized sensors. The optical sensor simultaneously measures blood flow, temperature, and sweat parameters to comprehensively assess sleep quality, replacing the complex polysomnography setup with a unified, multi-functional device that can be used in home environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple measurement functions (blood flow detection, temperature monitoring, sweat analysis) into a single optical sensing platform. This consolidation integrates what were previously separate measurement systems into one unified device, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive sleep quality assessment capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If wearable measurement devices are used for QOL monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to direct impact on the quality-of-life parameter being studied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical wearable sensors with non-contact optical sensing. By using light-based measurement rather than physical contact, the system eliminates the mechanical disruption caused by wearing devices, allowing subjects to maintain natural behaviors and physiological states while still achieving precise QOL parameter measurement.
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 accurate, non-invasive, and cost-effective monitoring of QOL parameters, such as sleep quality, stress, and pain, facilitating reliable assessment of intervention effects in clinical trials.
Implementation Method 1
a movement detector based on radio-wave reflections
Implementation Method 2
an infrared camera recording the surface temperature
Implementation Method 3
a hand-held surface ECG monitor
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system comprising a first non-contact sensor configured to generate first sensor data, and one or more processors configured to receive the first sensor data, isolate, using a classification system, periods of the first sensor data in which respiratory-related movement is predominant from periods of the first sensor data in which bodily movement is predominant based on a frequency value derived from the first sensor data, obtain, using the classification system, respiratory data from the periods of the first sensor data in which respiratory-related movement is predominant, obtain, using the classification system, objective data from the respiratory data and the periods of the first sensor data in which bodily movement is predominant, calculate a quality of life index based on the objective data, and generate feedback based on the calculated quality of life index.