Image Oxygen Saturation Measurement Using Multi-Point Light Source Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oximeter devices for measuring oxygen saturation are limited by their point-based measurement, which fails to accurately reflect oxygen saturation in areas with weak distal blood circulation and is affected by skin color and irregular heart pulses, leading to incomplete and inaccurate readings.
Innovation Solution
An image oxygen saturation measurement device and method using a light source unit with multiple red and infrared lights that irradiate a selected skin area, an operational unit controlling light periods, and an image analysis unit to calculate oxygen saturation indices for each coordination point, creating a distribution diagram for accurate area-based measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a point light source is used for single point measurement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and representativeness of oxygen saturation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into multiple independent light sources (first light source and second light source) positioned at different locations, each measuring oxygen saturation at its respective measurement point. This segmentation allows simultaneous multi-point measurement, improving measurement precision and representativeness while keeping each individual light source simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point measurement to multi-point spatial measurement by arranging light sources in different spatial positions. This dimensional expansion from one measurement point to multiple measurement points enables comprehensive assessment of oxygen saturation distribution across the measurement area, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If transmitted light is used as basis for determination, then the measurement can be performed, but the accuracy is affected by lower blood amount, different skin colors, and irregular heart pulse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses reflected light measurement as an alternative 'copy' of the optical measurement process. Instead of measuring transmitted light which is heavily influenced by skin properties, the system measures reflected light that provides oxygen saturation information while being less sensitive to skin color, blood amount, and heart pulse variations, thereby reducing the harmful effects mentioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from transmitted light intensity to reflected light intensity. This parameter change fundamentally alters the measurement characteristics, making oxygen saturation measurement less susceptible to interference from skin color, blood volume, and cardiac rhythm, thus improving accuracy under diverse physiological conditions.
3Measurement precision
If multiple measurements are conducted for different skin areas, then the oxygen saturation information for specific areas can be obtained, but the measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement functions into a single system by positioning multiple light sources simultaneously to measure different skin areas at the same time. This combining approach allows the system to obtain oxygen saturation information for multiple specific areas in parallel, significantly reducing the total measurement time compared to sequential measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous simultaneous measurement across multiple skin areas by maintaining all light sources active at the same time. This continuous action eliminates the need to stop and reposition the device between measurements, ensuring uninterrupted data collection and reducing overall measurement time while maintaining area-specific accuracy.
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 enhances measurement accuracy and convenience by providing a larger measurement area with reduced external interference and improved resolution, exempting effects from poor blood circulation and skin color variations.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a version of the plurality of red lights and infrared lights reflected from the selected skin area
Implementation Method 2
two optical beams having respective wavelengths which may be absorbed by oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin in human body are provided for measurement
Implementation Method 3
the photoelectric conversion technique is used to acquire respective electric type signals of the oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an image based oxygen saturation measuring device and method thereof. The method comprises steps of providing a plurality of red lights and a plurality of infrared lights arranged uniformly in an interlocked fashion and turned on alternatively; controlling the plurality of red lights and infrared lights to irradiate onto a selected skin area of a testee to have a red light turn-on period and an infrared light turn-on period; receiving a reflected version of the plurality of red lights and infrared lights from the selected skin area, respectively; and analyzing one reflected red light and one infrared light to acquire an oxygen saturation index for each of the coordination points. By means of the present invention, the measurement of oxygen saturation may be much exempted from effects brought from exterior interference and poor blood circulation, and may achieve a large measurement area in a single time.