Integrated Keyboard Sensor for Physiological Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current non-invasive physiological parameter measurement devices are limited in their ability to provide continuous and early detection of diseases, requiring separate devices and not being easily integrated into daily life activities.

Innovation Solution

A measuring device integrated into computer or mobile device keyboards, featuring an optical measuring unit for oximetry and plethysmography, ECG unit, and bio-electrical impedance measurement, allowing for non-invasive determination of physiological parameters like oxygen saturation, blood glucose levels, and cardiovascular health.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple separate devices are used for different physiological parameter measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysiological parameter measurementVSAvoidnumber of separate devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple diagnostic sensor units into a single integrated device. Each sensor unit measures different physiological parameters (oximetry, plethysmography, ECG, temperature, impedance) and they are merged into one handheld device, allowing simultaneous or sequential measurement of multiple parameters without requiring separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device performs multiple diagnostic functions through different sensor units. The device can measure oxygen saturation, blood volume changes, electrocardiogram signals, temperature, and electrical impedance, making it a universal diagnostic tool that replaces multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple separate devices are used for different physiological parameter measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysiological parameter measurementVSAvoidoperation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If continuous monitoring is implemented, then reliability of disease detection is improved, but loss of time for data processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisease detection reliabilityVSAvoiddata processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The evaluation unit continuously processes measuring signals from all sensor units and provides immediate feedback. The system evaluates oximetry signals for oxygen saturation, plethysmography signals for blood volume changes, ECG signals for cardiovascular parameters, and impedance signals for tissue composition, enabling real-time disease detection without significant time delay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 frequent, reliable, and non-invasive monitoring of physiological parameters, allowing for early disease recognition and continuous health monitoring without the need for separate devices, with the ability to log and transmit data for user convenience.

Implementation Method 1

The light is scattered and partly absorbed in the body tissue. The scattered light is ultimately detected by means of a light sensor in form of a suitable photo cell (photo diode).

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

Light absorption of oxihaemoglobin and desoxihaemoglobin differs substantially within this range.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

By means of the diagnostic sensor unit of an ECG device, electrical signals are derived with two or more ECG electrodes from the body of a patient to be examined.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical signal detection: Electrical Impedance Tomography

Implementation Method 4

or comprised of a temperature or heat sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation detection: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS9603521B2Medical measuring device

Publication Date: 2017.03.28 FLORE INGO

AI summary

A measuring device for non-invasive determination of at least one physiological parameter includes at least one diagnostic sensor unit to generate measuring signals, and an evaluation unit for processing of measuring signals. The diagnostic sensor unit is integrated into or connectible to the keyboard of a computer or into a mobile device of entertainment or communication technology, with the diagnostic sensor unit including: an optical measuring unit including at least one radiation source for irradiation of the examined body tissue and at least one radiation sensor for detection of the radiation scattered and/or transmitted from the body tissue, and/or an ECG unit for capturing an ECG signal via two or more ECG electrodes, and/or a temperature or heat sensor, and/or a bio-electrical impedance measuring unit.