Foldable Device Bio-Information Estimation via Contact Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for non-invasive blood pressure measurement, such as cuff-based and cuffless techniques, face limitations in accuracy and convenience, particularly in estimating bio-information like blood pressure and vascular health without the need for invasive equipment.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device with image sensors and processors that obtain contact images and pressure data to estimate bio-information by analyzing pulse wave signals and oscillometric envelopes, allowing for non-invasive measurement of blood pressure and other vascular health metrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cuff-based methods are used for blood pressure measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation and convenience deteriorate due to requiring upper arm access and cuff application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cuff-based measurement system with an optical imaging system. Image sensors capture contact images of the measurement object, and processing circuits analyze these images to estimate blood pressure, eliminating the need for mechanical cuff application and inflation while achieving convenient finger-based measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces contact images as an intermediary medium between the measurement object and the measurement system. The image sensors capture optical information from the contact area, which then serves as the basis for blood pressure estimation, replacing the direct mechanical pressure application of traditional methods.
2Ease of operation
If cuffless methods are used for blood pressure measurement, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from direct pressure detection to optical image analysis. By capturing contact images and analyzing parameters such as contact area, pressure distribution, and image intensity variations, the system achieves accurate blood pressure estimation through indirect optical measurement rather than direct mechanical sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the image sensor serve multiple functions: it captures contact area information, pressure distribution data, and optical characteristics of the measurement object. This multi-functionality allows a single component to provide comprehensive measurement data for accurate blood pressure estimation without requiring additional specialized sensors.
3Ease of operation
If foldable device structure is used, then portability and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional image sensors and coordination mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement functions into a single foldable device structure. The first and second image sensors, along with their respective processing circuits, are integrated into the foldable housing, combining contact image capture, marker image capture, and blood pressure estimation functions in one portable unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the foldable dimension to enable different measurement configurations. When folded, the device captures contact images in a compact form; when unfolded, it can display markers and capture additional images, providing measurement flexibility across different spatial configurations without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms.
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 and convenient estimation of bio-information, including blood pressure, vascular age, and fatigue level, through a foldable device that uses image sensors and processors to analyze contact images and pressure changes, improving upon existing methods by providing a portable and user-friendly solution.
Implementation Method 1
an optical signal emitted to a subject and then reflected back from the subject
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Provided are foldable electronic device and method for estimating bio-information by using the same. The foldable electronic device may include: a main body part including a first main body and a second main body that are configured to be folded toward each other or unfolded from each other along a fold line where the first main body and the second main body meet; an image sensor part including a first image sensor and a second image sensor which are disposed at the first main body; and a processor configured to obtain a contact image of an object from the first image sensor disposed at the first main body and obtain an image of a marker that is displayed on the second main body, from the second image sensor disposed at the first main body, when the object is in contact with the first image sensor and the main body part is folded along the fold line, and estimate bio-information based on the contact image of the object and the image of the marker.