Non-contact Physiological Monitoring via Projected Light Texture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to non-invasively and effectively monitor physiological parameters like respiration rate, heart rate, and their variability over extended periods without direct contact, especially in situations where contact is undesirable or impossible, such as during sleep or in low-light environments.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a light source element that imparts an additional light texture to a person's body, a video camera to capture variations in this texture, and a computing element to process the data, allowing for the detection of physiological parameters like respiration and heart rate through changes in illumination distribution, shape, size, and position of light elements, even under covering items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct contact methods are used to monitor physiological parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates (requires direct contact which is undesirable or impossible in certain situations)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact-based monitoring (seismocardiography, ballistocardiography) with optical field-based monitoring. A light source projects a pattern onto the body surface, and a camera captures optical reflections to detect physiological movements non-contactly, substituting mechanical sensing with optical sensing to achieve both precision and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical pattern (light texture) as an intermediary between the monitoring system and the body. This pattern serves as a mediator that reflects physiological movements back to the camera, enabling indirect but accurate measurement without direct contact. The optical pattern acts as the intermediary carrier of physiological information.
2Ease of operation
If non-contact optical methods are used, then ease of operation is improved (no direct contact needed), but measurement precision deteriorates (signal detection becomes difficult)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by projecting a specific optical pattern (texture) onto localized regions of the body surface rather than uniform illumination. This patterned lighting creates high-contrast features that amplify local physiological movements, making subtle signals detectable. Different regions may have different pattern densities optimized for their specific monitoring needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes optical reflection properties and intensity variations (analogous to color changes) to detect physiological movements. The camera captures changes in light reflection patterns caused by body surface movements, translating these optical intensity variations into physiological signals. The system monitors temporal variations in reflected light properties to extract heart rate, respiration, and other physiological parameters.
3Measurement precision
If additional light texture is projected onto the body, then measurement precision is improved (signal amplification), but use of energy increases (light source power consumption)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic modulation of the light source to project the optical pattern intermittently rather than continuously. The light source can be pulsed or modulated at frequencies synchronized with the camera frame rate, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining sufficient signal amplitude for detection. This periodic illumination strategy balances signal quality with energy efficiency.
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 non-contact monitoring of physiological parameters with high temporal resolution, significantly amplifying signal components related to heart and respiration activity, allowing for accurate detection even when the person is covered or in low-light conditions, providing detailed temporal characteristics of heartbeats and respiration cycles.
Implementation Method 1
a light source element which main function is to illuminate a set of areas of a person's body
Implementation Method 2
a video camera element which main function is to collect a set of video frames for at least a part of said illuminated areas
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses methods suitable for obtaining information related to at least one physiologic parameter of a person belonging to the group comprising respiration rate, heart rate, respiration rate variability, heart rate variability, temporal characteristics of at least a part of a heartbeat, and temporal characteristics of at least a part of a respiration cycle in a non-contact fashion. The present invention also discloses systems suitable for obtaining information related to at least one physiologic parameter of a person belonging to said group of physiologic parameters in a non-contact fashion.