Light Guide Focusing Mechanism for Biosignal Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image sensors in smartphones, designed for scenic images and videos, are not suitable for biological measurements like heart rate and blood pressure, as they are not sensitive enough and require precise positioning, which can lead to inaccurate results due to user error.
Innovation Solution
A sensor module utilizing CMOS sensors with dynamically adjustable sensing elements and a light guide with a plurality of sheets to focus reflected light onto the sensor, allowing for multiple area sensing and preprocessing of signals to enhance sensitivity and accuracy, enabling the capture of biological changes such as heart rate and blood pressure with increased freedom in sensor placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional image sensors designed for scenic images and videos are used, then the device complexity is low and manufacturing cost is reduced, but the measurement precision and sensitivity to biological changes are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic focusing capability where the sensor can adjust its focal point to different areas of the body part. The sensor module includes a focusing mechanism that can dynamically change the focal distance, allowing the same sensor to optimize for different measurement scenarios and body part positions, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring multiple dedicated sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the image sensor by introducing adjustable focusing distances and multiple sensing modes. The sensor can operate at different focal lengths and adjust its sensitivity parameters to detect subtle biological changes, transforming a static imaging device into a dynamic biosensing tool with improved measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If a standalone detector is used for biological measurements, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring precise positioning of the body part
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensing area into multiple focal zones, each optimized for different body part positions. The sensor module can selectively activate different segments or combine them, allowing users to place their body part in various positions while the system automatically or manually adjusts to maintain measurement precision across different zones
Solution Approach 2:
The focusing mechanism dynamically adjusts the focal point based on the position of the body part. This dynamic adaptation allows the sensor to maintain high measurement precision regardless of whether the user positions their finger precisely or with some variation, significantly improving ease of operation
3Volume of moving object
If the sensor size is reduced for mobile devices, then the device portability is improved, but the measurement precision and signal sensitivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality enhancement by concentrating the sensing capability into a small, highly optimized focal area. The sensor module uses a focusing mechanism that concentrates light and signal from a specific region of the body part onto a compact sensor array, achieving high measurement precision in a small volume by optimizing the local sensing quality rather than relying on large sensor area
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
The solution provides enhanced signal sensitivity and accuracy for biological measurements, reducing user error by allowing flexible sensor placement and simultaneous signal capture from multiple areas, thereby improving the reliability of heart rate and blood pressure readings.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide with a plurality of sheets to focus reflected light onto the sensor
Implementation Method 2
an array of photosensors... each of the pixels including one photosensor and generating a charge, wherein the charge represents a reflected light
Data Source
AI summary
A focusing mechanism or module is designed to reduce the size of an optical lens-based focusing system that would be otherwise used in a portable device. According to one aspect of the present invention, the focusing mechanism includes a light guide with first and second sides. The light guide includes a plurality of light passages slanted inwardly formed evenly from the first side towards a center of the second side, wherein the light guide, disposed on top of the image sensor, collects a reflected light from a human body part and focuses the reflected light onto the image sensor, each of photosensors generates an proportional charge from the reflected light.