Mobile Reflectance Spectroscopy Device for Tissue Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack a low-cost, rapid, and noninvasive means for clinicians and patients to effectively monitor vital tissue properties like hemoglobin levels and oxygen saturation, particularly in remote or resource-scarce areas, where infrastructure and resources are limited.
Innovation Solution
A reflectance optical spectroscopy device with a light source that applies broadband light to a sample, a light-receiving feature to isolate reflected light, and an optical detection system capable of differentiating individual wavelengths, which can be assembled for use on mobile devices or electronic devices, enabling noninvasive and real-time monitoring of tissue vitals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reflectance optical spectroscopy device is used for monitoring tissue properties, then monitoring capability is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a light source module, a light-receiving module with optical isolation, and a detection system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture, making the device more manageable and potentially reducing complexity while maintaining monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
An optical isolation mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the light source and the light-receiving feature. This intermediary component prevents direct light leakage from the source to the detector, enabling more flexible device design and reducing the need for complex shielding while maintaining measurement reliability.
2Reliability
If reflectance optical spectroscopy device is used for monitoring tissue properties, then monitoring capability is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device design allows the same optical components to serve multiple functions: the light source provides broadband illumination for spectral measurement, while the optical isolation mechanism simultaneously prevents stray light interference. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, potentially lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent describes the ability to replicate the device configuration on mobile devices, suggesting a standardized, modular design that can be manufactured and deployed multiple times. This copying approach enables economies of scale and simplifies manufacturing processes, reducing per-unit costs while maintaining the monitoring capability across multiple devices.
3Measurement precision
If traditional monitoring methods are used in hospital labs, then measurement precision is maintained, but accessibility and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical laboratory infrastructure with an optical-based spectroscopy system that can be integrated into mobile devices. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky laboratory equipment and infrastructure, maintaining measurement precision while dramatically improving accessibility to remote and resource-limited areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a stationary laboratory-based system to a mobile, portable platform. This dimensional change from fixed infrastructure to mobile deployment enables the system to be transported and operated in diverse locations, improving accessibility while maintaining the precision of optical spectroscopy measurements through careful optical design and calibration.
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 low-cost, real-time, and noninvasive monitoring of tissue properties, such as hemoglobin levels and oxygen saturation, in various settings, including remote regions without significant infrastructure, reducing the risk of injuries and illnesses associated with inadequate monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a light source arranged and disposed to apply broadband light to sample, and a light-receiving feature configured to receive reflected light produced by the applying of the broadband light to the sample
Implementation Method 2
The light-receiving feature is arranged and disposed to direct the reflected light to an optical detection system and isolate the reflected light from the broadband light
Implementation Method 3
The optical detection system is capable of differentiating individual wavelengths of the reflected light
Data Source
AI summary
Devices for reflectance spectroscopy, processes of assembling devices for reflectance spectroscopy, and health care processes of using reflectance optical spectroscopy devices are disclosed. The devices include a light source arranged and disposed to apply broadband light to sample, and a light-receiving feature configured to receive reflected light produced by the applying of the broadband light to the sample. The light-receiving feature is arranged and disposed to direct the reflected light to an optical detection system and isolate the reflected light from the broadband light. The optical detection system is capable of differentiating individual frequencies of the reflected light. The processes of assembling include removably positioning the devices on electronic devices. The health care processes include positioning the devices.