Depth-Resolved Bioimpedance Sensor Using Multi-Electrode Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biosignal measurement devices face challenges in accurately determining depth-specific bioelectrical impedance due to interference from multiple skin layers, requiring innovative methods to isolate and measure bioelectrical signals effectively.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising an optical sensor and a bioelectrical impedance sensor with adjustable electrode spacing, area, and frequency settings, allowing for depth-specific bioelectrical impedance measurement using multiple electrodes symmetrically arranged with respect to the optical sensor, enabling precise measurement of bioimpedance at different depths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If impedance spectroscopy is used to measure blood glucose from the dermis, then blood glucose information can be obtained, but the measurement is influenced by other skin layers (stratum corneum, epidermis)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the skin measurement into multiple depth layers by using multiple electrodes with different spacing configurations. Each electrode pair measures impedance at a specific depth, allowing separation of signals from different skin layers (stratum corneum, epidermis, dermis). This enables isolated measurement of dermal blood glucose information without contamination from other layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a depth dimension to the traditional single-layer impedance measurement. By configuring electrodes at multiple spacing distances (first spacing for shallower depth, second spacing for deeper depth), the system creates depth-resolved impedance measurements, transforming a two-dimensional surface measurement into a three-dimensional depth-aware measurement space.
2Loss of information
If multiple types of sensors are aggregated in a composite sensor, then more comprehensive biosignal information can be obtained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single electrode assembly multi-functional by enabling it to perform both optical sensing and bioelectrical impedance sensing functions. The same electrodes are used for different measurement modes (different spacing configurations for different depths), eliminating the need for separate sensor assemblies and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive biosignal information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges optical sensor functionality and bioelectrical impedance sensor functionality into a single integrated measurement system. By combining these functions in one device with shared components (electrodes, processing unit), the system achieves comprehensive biosignal information while avoiding the complexity of completely separate sensor assemblies.
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 determination of biometric information such as body fat mass, muscle mass, and blood glucose levels by isolating and measuring bioelectrical impedance at specific depths, reducing interference from other skin layers and improving diagnostic precision.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor configured to emit light in a measurement region to an object of interest and receive an optical signal reflected from the object of interest
Implementation Method 2
a bioelectrical impedance sensor configured to measure a depth-specific bioelectrical impedance in the measurement region of the optical sensor
Implementation Method 3
an impedance measurer configured to measure a first bioelectrical impedance at a first depth using the first electrode and the second electrode
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and method for measuring a biosignal are provided. The apparatus may include an optical sensor configured to emit light in a measurement region to an object of interest, and receive an optical signal reflected from the object of interest. The apparatus may include a bioelectrical impedance sensor configured to measure a depth-specific bioelectrical impedance in the measurement region of the optical sensor