Mobile Phone Hemoglobin Prediction via Optical Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring hemoglobin levels require invasive laboratory tests or point-of-care systems that involve pricking the finger, which are not convenient or accessible for frequent monitoring, especially in non-clinical settings.
Innovation Solution
A device and method using a mobile phone with broadband light sources and optical sensors to noninvasively predict hemoglobin levels by illuminating a body part and analyzing reflected light, extracting features from image data to compare with a model for prediction, allowing for easy and cost-effective hemoglobin measurement in various settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laboratory tests or point-of-care systems are used to measure hemoglobin levels, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to invasive procedures requiring blood draws
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/invasive blood draw systems with an optical detection system using a mobile phone camera and light sources to noninvasively measure hemoglobin levels through hemochromic analysis of blood coloration in the skin
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the mobile phone camera to capture optical information (a copy of the blood's optical properties) rather than physically extracting blood, allowing remote and noninvasive measurement while preserving measurement capabilities
2Measurement precision
If specialized equipment like Quest HemoCue is used for hemoglobin measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mobile phone camera perform multiple functions including hemoglobin measurement, photographing, and video recording, eliminating the need for specialized dedicated equipment while maintaining measurement precision through software-based hemochromic analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the mobile phone to perform hemoglobin measurement using its own existing components (camera, light sources, processor) without requiring external specialized equipment, making the device self-sufficient for medical measurement purposes
3Measurement precision
If invasive blood draw methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of substance increases due to blood loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical blood draw process with optical detection through the skin, eliminating blood loss entirely while maintaining measurement precision by analyzing the optical absorption properties of hemoglobin in the skin's blood vessels
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 noninvasive, frequent, and cost-effective hemoglobin level prediction using existing mobile devices, improving accessibility and reducing the need for specialized equipment, with accurate results comparable to clinical measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light sources including at least one broadband light source configured to provide light in a range of wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
The optical sensors may be configured to detect incident light having respective wavelengths within the range of wavelengths
Implementation Method 3
Optical solutions using wavelengths of Red and IR light can be used to detect total hemoglobin levels. Existing optical solutions rely on a method called hemochromatic analysis, which is an analysis of the coloration of the blood.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples described herein include electronic devices which may serve as hemochromatic analyzers, leveraging sensors and computation available on the electronic devices themselves, such as smartphones and smartwatches. In this manner, minor to no hardware modification may be required to a mobile phone or other electronic device to allow the device to predict hemoglobin levels.