Fingerprint Sensor Pulse Wave Measurement Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for non-invasive blood pressure measurement, such as cuff-based and cuff-less techniques, face challenges in accuracy and user comfort, particularly in dynamic environments where finger position changes occur.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method utilizing a sensor to generate pixel data from a fingerprint image, acquiring a pulse wave signal by setting a region of interest based on feature points, and estimating amplitude values to guide user adjustments for optimal signal acquisition, incorporating light sources and detectors for precise bio-signal measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a fixed sensor position is used for pulse wave measurement, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates when finger position changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor arrangement structureVSAvoidpulse wave signal accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the sensor arrangement adaptable to different finger positions. Instead of a fixed sensor layout, the system dynamically determines optimal sensor positions based on detected fingerprint features, allowing the measurement configuration to change according to actual usage conditions while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the spatial parameters of the sensor arrangement based on fingerprint analysis. By extracting feature points from the fingerprint image and calculating optimal positions relative to these features, the system adjusts the sensor coordinates and arrangement to match the actual finger placement, thereby maintaining measurement precision across different positions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If the entire fingerprint image area is used for pulse wave measurement, then the signal acquisition area is maximized, but the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates due to inclusion of non-vascular regions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement areaVSAvoidsignal-to-noise ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating between different regions of the fingerprint image and assigning different functions to each. The system identifies vascular regions through fingerprint feature analysis and selectively uses only those regions for pulse wave measurement, while excluding non-vascular areas, thereby improving signal quality without sacrificing necessary measurement area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the relevant vascular regions from the complete fingerprint image. By identifying feature points and determining regions of interest based on fingerprint patterns, the system separates and isolates the useful measurement areas containing blood vessels from the rest of the image, using only the extracted relevant portions for pulse wave signal acquisition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensors are arranged to cover all possible finger positions, then the measurement coverage is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefinger position coverageVSAvoidsensor array configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by first capturing a fingerprint image and analyzing its features before proceeding to sensor arrangement. This preliminary fingerprint-based positioning allows the system to determine the optimal sensor configuration for the actual finger placement, enabling accurate measurement with a smaller number of sensors positioned strategically based on pre-acquired fingerprint data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This approach enables accurate and user-friendly non-invasive blood pressure measurement, providing bio-information like blood pressure, vascular age, and stress index, while adapting to changes in finger position, enhancing measurement reliability and comfort.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor configured to generate pixel data representing a fingerprint image of an object by detecting light scattered or reflected from the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

a sensor configured to generate pixel data representing a fingerprint image of an object by detecting light scattered or reflected from the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) or one or more laser diodes as a light source configured to emit the light to the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3593712B1Apparatus and method for measuring signal and obtaining bio-information
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3593712B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3593712B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3593712B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

An apparatus for measuring a signal is provided. The apparatus for measuring a signal may include a sensor configured to generate pixel data representing a fingerprint image of an object by detecting light scattered or reflected from the object and a processor configured to acquire the fingerprint image of the object based on the pixel data and acquire a pulse wave signal based on the fingerprint image and the pixel data.