Multi-Wavelength Bio-Signal Measurement With Depth-Resolved CMOS Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Non-invasive bio-signal measurement devices suffer from low accuracy, necessitating improvements in signal differentiation and depth penetration to enhance measurement precision.

Innovation Solution

A bio-information measurement apparatus utilizing multiple light emitters with different wavelengths to penetrate varying depths of the body, combined with a CMOS image sensor and pixel control signals for accurate signal detection and processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If non-invasive measurement methods are used to avoid pain, then subject comfort is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubject comfortVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the measurement process into multiple sequential exposures with different light wavelengths, where each pixel row captures signals from different tissue depths. This segmentation allows the system to maintain non-invasive comfort while achieving accurate measurements by analyzing depth-resolved signals separately and combining them through signal processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the wavelength parameter of light across different pixel rows to penetrate different tissue depths. By varying the light wavelength parameter and analyzing the differential absorption characteristics, the system achieves accurate bio-signal measurement while maintaining non-invasive measurement conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple light wavelengths are used to penetrate different tissue depths, then signal differentiation capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal differentiation capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention makes a single image sensor perform multiple functions by assigning different pixel rows to detect different light wavelengths. This multi-functional approach allows one device to achieve depth-resolved spectroscopic measurement without requiring separate sensors for each wavelength, thereby improving signal differentiation while limiting complexity growth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses periodic sequential illumination with different wavelengths corresponding to different pixel row exposures. This periodic action pattern enables systematic collection of depth-resolved signals over time, allowing complex multi-wavelength measurement to be achieved through time-multiplexed periodic illumination rather than simultaneous complex hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Measurement precision

If sequential illumination of different wavelengths is used, then signal analysis accuracy is improved, but measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal analysis accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention maintains continuous useful action by sequentially exposing different pixel rows to different wavelengths in rapid succession during a single measurement cycle. This continuous sequential process minimizes idle time between wavelength measurements, allowing accurate spectral analysis to be performed without significant time loss compared to traditional sequential methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Enhances the accuracy and speed of bio-signal measurement by differentiating and analyzing signals from different tissue layers, providing quick response times and improved precision in bio-information detection.

Implementation Method 1

A bio-information measurement apparatus utilizing multiple light emitters with different wavelengths to penetrate varying depths of the body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight penetration: Light

Implementation Method 2

An array of photo-detectors detects light reflected back by the body part and generates signals corresponding to an image of the light reflection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3970609B1Apparatus for measuring bio-information, and electronic device including the same
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3970609B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3970609B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3970609B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

An apparatus for measuring bio-information includes: a light source including a first light emitter that emits first light of a first wavelength, and a second light emitter that emits second light of a second wavelength; an image sensor including a first pixel region including first pixels that detect the first light reacted with an object, and a second pixel region including second pixels that detect the second light reacted with the object; a light source controller that controls the first light emitter to emit the first light of the first wavelength when a first light exposure operation is performed on the first pixels, and controls the second light emitter to emit the second light of the second wavelength when a second light exposure operation is performed on the second pixels; and a processor that obtains a bio-signal of the object from data detected by the image sensor.