Multi-sensor device with flexible backing for biometric detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional biometric sensors require precise positioning over biological structures like arteries, which can be challenging due to movement and variability in tissue location, making accurate measurement difficult.
Innovation Solution
A multi-sensor device with a flexible backing and multiple sensors, including optical, bio-impedance, and ultrasonic sensors, that can dynamically adjust for misalignment and identify targeted biological structures by comparing output signals to reference signals, allowing for accurate biometric property determination without perfect placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sensors are positioned close to the skin surface to detect biological features, then measurement capability is improved, but positioning difficulty increases due to movement and variability of biological structures
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the sensing function into multiple discrete sensors arranged in an array along the flexible backing. This segmentation allows the system to scan across different locations and identify which specific sensor is positioned over the target biological structure, eliminating the need for precise manual placement of a single sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically identifies and adapts to the position of biological structures by continuously monitoring output signals from multiple sensors. The processor dynamically determines which sensor is over the target structure and adjusts measurements accordingly, allowing the system to accommodate movement and positional variability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are used to accommodate positioning variability, then positioning tolerance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensors of the same or different types are integrated onto a single flexible backing, creating a universal device that can detect biological structures at various positions. This multi-functional arrangement allows the device to perform the same measurement function regardless of which specific sensor is over the target structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically identifies which sensor is positioned over the target biological structure by analyzing output signals, eliminating the need for external assistance or complex manual positioning procedures. The device self-corrects for placement variations through signal analysis and automatic sensor selection.
3Area of stationary object
If sensors are positioned over moving biological structures, then measurement coverage is improved, but measurement reliability decreases due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array segments the measurement function across multiple locations, allowing the system to scan and identify which segment (sensor) is currently over the target biological structure. This ensures that measurements are always taken from the correct sensor regardless of device or tissue movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from output signals to continuously monitor and identify the position of biological structures. By analyzing signal characteristics, the processor receives feedback about which sensor is over the target and adjusts measurements accordingly, maintaining reliability despite movement.
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 properties like blood pressure and pulse rate without the need for precise sensor placement, accommodating movement and variability in biological structures, thereby improving measurement reliability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
optical sensors may penetrate only a few millimeters below the skin
Implementation Method 2
optical sensors may penetrate only a few millimeters below the skin
Implementation Method 3
ultrasonic sensors may penetrate several centimeters below the skin
Implementation Method 4
bio-impedance sensors
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, devices, systems, and non-transitory processor-readable storage media are disclosed for determining one or more biometric properties of a subject using multiple sensors positioned along a flexible backing. At least one processor of the multi-sensor device may be configured to receive output signals from the multiple sensors, identify at least one output signal from the received output signals that exhibit measurements of a targeted biological structure, determine the one or more biometric properties of the subject based on the identified at least one output signal received from at least one of the multiple sensors, and provide the determined one or more biometric properties.