Ear-wearable Device Orthostatic Intolerance Screening via Optical Sensing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current diagnostic techniques for orthostatic intolerance conditions, such as orthostatic hypotension and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, are limited and can only be performed in a clinical setting, making it difficult to conveniently and frequently screen for these conditions.

Innovation Solution

An ear-wearable device equipped with a control circuit, microphone, electroacoustic transducer, and a sensor package including a motion sensor and optical sensor, which processes signals to detect postural transitions and screen for orthostatic intolerance conditions by analyzing inter-beat interval changes, pulse rate changes, and blood flow morphology.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If current diagnostic techniques are used, then diagnostic accuracy is maintained, but accessibility and convenience deteriorate due to clinical setting requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreening convenienceVSAvoiddiagnostic system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ear-wearable device integrates multiple sensing capabilities (accelerometer, gyroscope, optical sensor) into a single consumer electronics platform, enabling the device to perform both audio processing and orthostatic intolerance screening functions. This multi-functionality allows clinical-grade screening to be conducted using a universally worn device rather than specialized clinical equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables users to perform self-screening for orthostatic intolerance conditions by automatically detecting postural transitions and collecting physiological data without requiring clinical personnel. The device autonomously processes signals and provides screening results, making the diagnostic service accessible to individuals in their own environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If clinical diagnostic procedures are performed, then measurement precision is maintained, but frequency and continuity of screening deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreening frequencyVSAvoidorthostatic intolerance detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The ear-wearable device continuously monitors physiological parameters (inter-beat intervals, pulse rate, blood flow morphology) throughout the day, enabling frequent and repeated screening events. Unlike intermittent clinical visits, the device maintains continuous data collection, allowing multiple screening opportunities without interrupting the user's normal activities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex mechanical clinical diagnostic equipment with optical sensing and signal processing algorithms. The optical sensor detects blood flow changes and the control circuit analyzes inter-beat interval variations, substituting physical measurement tools with electronic sensing and computational analysis to maintain precision while enabling continuous monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensors are integrated, then screening capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreening capabilityVSAvoidsensor package complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensing functions (motion detection via accelerometer and gyroscope, optical blood flow detection, and audio processing) into an integrated sensor package within a single ear-wearable device. The control circuit merges data from all sensors to comprehensively detect postural transitions and screen for orthostatic intolerance, achieving versatile screening capability through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 ear-wearable device enables convenient and frequent screening for orthostatic intolerance conditions in a natural setting, allowing for early detection and monitoring of changes in orthostatic intolerance, thereby reducing the risk of falls and injuries.

Implementation Method 1

an optical sensor... process signals from the optical sensor to screen for an orthostatic intolerance condition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoplethysmography: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20250134472A1Ear-wearable devices and systems with orthostatic intolerance condition screening features

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 STARKEY LABORATORIES INC

AI summary

Embodiments herein relate to ear-wearable devices and systems that can be used to screen for orthostatic intolerance conditions. In an embodiment, an ear-wearable device can be included having a control circuit, a microphone, an electroacoustic transducer, and a sensor package. The sensor package can include a motion sensor and an optical sensor. The ear-wearable device can be configured to process signals from the motion sensor to detect a postural transition of a device wearer to a standing position, trigger operation of the optical sensor, and process signals from the optical sensor to screen for an orthostatic intolerance condition. Other embodiments are also included herein.