Ear Canal Biometric Sensor with Molecular Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices lack a single solution for accurately measuring multiple biometrics from a single site, particularly in challenging scenarios such as with agitated subjects, young children, or in emergency situations, due to limitations in technology and user compliance.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing an ear-canal based apparatus equipped with molecular spectroscopy means, including an emitter and detector, to capture biometric data from the ear tissue and blood, along with additional sensors for sound, motion, temperature, and oxygen saturation, enabling comprehensive biometric monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual devices are used to measure different biometrics (thermometer, sphygmomanometer, pulse oximeter), then measurement coverage is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple biometric measurement functions (temperature, oxygen saturation, pulse, respiratory rate, blood pressure) into a single integrated device that can be applied to the ear. This merging of previously separate devices (thermometer, pulse oximeter, sphygmomanometer) into one unified apparatus resolves the contradiction by improving measurement coverage while maintaining manageable device complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The ear-based device is designed to perform multiple biometric measurements simultaneously using a single application site. The device incorporates sensors for temperature, oxygen saturation, pulse detection, respiratory rate monitoring, and blood pressure measurement, all accessible through the ear canal or ear structure, making it a universal monitoring solution that eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices.
2Measurement precision
If blood pressure sphygmomanometers with inflatable cuffs are used, then blood pressure measurement is improved, but ease of operation and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the blood pressure measurement function from the traditional cuff-based sphygmomanometer and relocates it to the ear. By using the ear canal as an access point for measuring pulse pressure and calculating blood pressure through alternative physiological parameters, the device eliminates the need for bulky inflatable cuffs, improving ease of operation and comfort while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cuff inflation system with optical and acoustic sensing mechanisms. Instead of using mechanical pressure application through cuffs, the device uses light-based sensors (photoplethysmography) and acoustic sensors to detect cardiovascular parameters, thereby eliminating complex mechanical components while achieving blood pressure measurement through physiological signal analysis.
3Measurement precision
If oxygen saturation sensors are applied to pigmented skin areas (finger), then oxygen saturation measurement is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to racial bias
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach of placing oxygen saturation sensors on pigmented skin surfaces (fingers) by relocating the sensor to the ear canal, which provides access to non-pigmented or lightly pigmented tissue. This inversion of the measurement location eliminates the racial bias inherent in finger-based oximetry while maintaining accurate oxygen saturation measurement through the same photoplethysmographic principle applied to different tissue characteristics.
4Measurement precision
If respiratory rate is counted covertly by staring at the subject's chest, then respiratory rate measurement is improved, but social appropriateness and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the device to automatically detect and measure respiratory rate without requiring the subject's conscious cooperation or creating social discomfort. By placing sensors in the ear that continuously monitor physiological signals including respiration, the device performs self-service measurement where the subject simply wears the device and all biometric parameters are captured passively, eliminating the need for covert observation or special instructional protocols.
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 solution provides a robust and accurate means of capturing multiple biometrics, including oxygen saturation, heart function, and respiratory rate, even in difficult-to-assess subjects, overcoming limitations of current devices and improving patient monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
molecular spectroscopy means comprising at least part of an emitter and associated detector configured to capture biometric data relating to the molecular constituents of: blood passing through the ear of said human or other animal
Implementation Method 2
sensor means comprising at least part of an emitter and associated detector of a photoplethysmography sensor means configured to be directed to non-pigmented ear tissue so as to capture biometric data from said non-pigmented ear tissue
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for capturing biometric data from a human or other animal. At least part of the apparatus includes an ear portion configured to be receivable in an ear of the human or other animal. The ear portion includes a molecular spectroscopy device including at least part of an emitter and associated detector configured to capture biometric data relating to the molecular constituents of: blood passing through the ear of the human or other animal; and/or ear tissue of the human or other animal.