Mobile Camera Blood Oxygenation Using Wavelength Image Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pulse oximeter sensors require additional hardware, such as infrared light sources, and cannot be easily integrated into mobile communication devices without extensive hardware modifications, making them inconvenient for users who need to monitor blood oxygen levels on the go.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that uses a mobile communication device's camera to capture images of skin at different wavelengths, processing the image characteristics to determine blood oxygen levels without the need for dedicated light sources or hardware changes, leveraging existing CMOS imagers and image analysis techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pulse oximeter sensors use dedicated infrared light sources and photodiodes, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the mobile device's existing camera to perform dual functions: capturing images for normal photography and measuring blood oxygen levels. The camera sensor serves as both a standard imaging device and a photodetector for pulse oximetry, eliminating the need for dedicated infrared light sources and photodiodes. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining measurement precision while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the mobile device's own existing components (camera sensor and ambient light source) to perform blood oxygen measurement without requiring additional dedicated hardware. The device serves itself by repurposing its built-in camera system for health monitoring, thereby simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining measurement capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If pulse oximeter sensors require additional dedicated devices, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the blood oxygen measurement function with the mobile device that users already carry and operate daily. Instead of requiring a separate pulse oximeter device, the measurement functionality is integrated into the existing mobile device, allowing users to perform health monitoring using a device they already have in their pocket, thereby significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the mobile device to serve multiple purposes: normal communication, photography, and health monitoring. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for users to carry and operate a separate dedicated pulse oximeter device, making blood oxygen measurement as convenient as taking a photograph with their existing mobile device.
3Measurement precision
If pulse oximeter sensors use dedicated infrared light sources, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies extraction by removing the requirement for dedicated infrared light sources and photodiodes from the measurement system. Instead of integrating complex specialized hardware, the solution extracts and utilizes the mobile device's existing camera sensor and ambient light environment, dramatically simplifying the manufacturing process and device integration while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies copying by using the mobile device's existing camera imaging system to perform the photodetection function traditionally requiring specialized photodiodes. The camera sensor captures optical information that is then processed to extract blood oxygen measurement data, copying the essential measurement function using readily available components rather than specialized hardware.
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 users to non-invasively measure blood oxygen saturation and heart rate using a mobile device's camera, eliminating the need for additional hardware and providing a convenient, portable solution for fitness and health monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
A pulse oximeter sensor can use red and infrared light to determine a heart rate for a user. As the user's heart pumps blood, a corresponding pulse distends blood-transporting capillaries, such as arteries and arterioles, in the subcutaneous tissue of the user. A corresponding change in volume can be detected by illuminating the skin with, for example, red and infrared light emitting diodes and then measuring the amount of light that is transmitted or reflected by use of a photodiode.
Implementation Method 2
determining blood oxygen level based on comparing the image characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
A method (300) and apparatus (110) that determines blood oxygenation using a mobile communication device is disclosed. The method can include capturing (320) a plurality of images of skin using an array of pixels in a camera on a portable electronic device. The method can include comparing (330) image characteristics corresponding to the plurality of captured images at a first wavelength with image characteristics corresponding to the plurality of captured images at a second wavelength, the second wavelength being substantially distinct from the first wavelength. The method can include determining (340) blood oxygen level based on comparing the image characteristics.