Interleaved Pulse Oximetry Detectors for Shadowing Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pulse oximetry devices face challenges in accurately discriminating between oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin using light absorption measurements, particularly due to overlapping wavelength intervals and geometrical shadowing effects.
Innovation Solution
A pulse oximetry device with a light emission device emitting light in two non-overlapping wavelength intervals (e.g., 660 nm and 940 nm) and dual light detectors with interleaved reception surfaces, allowing for simultaneous emission and separate detection of light in each interval, thereby enabling clear discrimination between oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light absorption measurement is performed using conventional pulse oximetry devices, then oxygen saturation can be determined non-invasively, but measurement accuracy is reduced due to overlapping wavelength intervals and geometrical shadowing effects
Solution Approach 1:
The detector array is segmented into multiple detectors, each responsible for detecting light in a specific wavelength interval. This segmentation allows simultaneous detection of multiple wavelength intervals without overlapping, improving measurement accuracy by eliminating cross-contamination between wavelength bands while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges light reception surfaces of multiple detectors in a common plane rather than stacking them in three-dimensional space. This planar arrangement reduces geometrical shadowing effects and allows all detectors to receive light simultaneously without one detector blocking another, thereby improving measurement accuracy while keeping the device design compact and manageable.
2Measurement precision
If multiple wavelength intervals are detected simultaneously, then discrimination between oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional detectors and complex arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is divided into multiple independent detectors, each tuned to a specific wavelength interval. This segmentation enables simultaneous detection of multiple wavelength intervals with clear spectral separation, improving hemoglobin discrimination accuracy while avoiding the complexity of trying to detect all wavelengths with a single detector.
Solution Approach 2:
By arranging all light reception surfaces in a common plane, the patent eliminates the need for complex three-dimensional stacking or angular arrangements of detectors. This planar configuration simplifies the device structure while still enabling simultaneous multi-wavelength detection, thereby improving hemoglobin discrimination without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If light reception surfaces are arranged in a common plane, then geometrical shadowing effects are reduced, but the area occupied by the detector array increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional stacked detector arrangement to a two-dimensional planar arrangement. This dimensional change eliminates geometrical shadowing effects that occur when detectors are stacked vertically, as all detectors in the common plane can receive light simultaneously without blocking each other. The trade-off of increased planar area is acceptable given the significant improvement in measurement 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 configuration allows for accurate and straightforward calculation of oxygen saturation with improved measurement accuracy and compact device design, reducing geometrical shadowing and crosstalk issues.
Implementation Method 1
a light emission device (200) configured to emit light (211, 221) with a wavelength in a first wavelength interval and light (221) with a wavelength in a second wavelength interval
Implementation Method 2
determination of the arterial oxygen saturation is carried out by a light absorption measurement while shining light through the skin of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
A pulse oximetry device includes a light emission device configured to emit light with a wavelength in a first wavelength interval and light with a wavelength in a second wavelength interval, a first light detector configured to detect light with a wavelength in the first wavelength interval, but not to respond to light with a wavelength in the second wavelength interval, and a second light detector configured to detect light with a wavelength in the first wavelength interval and detect light with a wavelength in the second wavelength interval, wherein the first light detector has a first light reception surface, the second light detector has a second light reception surface, and the first light reception surface and the second light reception surface are arranged in a common plane and are interleaved with one another.