Multi-Vital Sign Finger Cuff Using Photoplethysmography and Dynamic Light Scattering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for capturing multiple vital signs from human subjects are cumbersome due to problematic sensor affixation, recording, storage, and communication methods, leading to inefficiencies in data collection and transmission.
Innovation Solution
A multi-vital-sign smartphone system comprising a detachable finger cuff with a printed circuit board, a SpO2 subsystem, and microprocessors, which includes a digital infrared sensor and a micro dynamic light scattering sensor, enabling the measurement of various vital signs and their communication to a medical records system via interoperability managers and various communication protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are integrated into a single detachable finger cuff, then measurement versatility and signal quality improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors (photoplethysmogram sensor for SpO2 and heart rate, micro dynamic light scattering sensor for respiration rate and blood pressure, temperature sensor, and pulse volume sensor) into a single integrated finger cuff assembly. This merging approach allows simultaneous measurement of multiple vital signs from one device, improving measurement versatility while the detachable design manages the complexity by allowing modular replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The finger cuff is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple measurement functions simultaneously - optical measurements for SpO2 and heart rate, dynamic light scattering for respiration and blood pressure, temperature sensing, and pulse volume detection. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate sensors and affixation methods.
2Ease of operation
If a detachable finger cuff design is used, then ease of operation and patient comfort improve, but connection reliability and signal transmission may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into detachable segments - the finger cuff can be separated from the main processing unit. This segmentation improves ease of operation by allowing the cuff to be easily applied and removed from the patient's finger, while the connection interface is designed to maintain reliable signal transmission between segments.
Solution Approach 2:
A printed circuit board serves as an intermediary component within the detachable cuff, providing a stable interface for electrical connections between the sensors and the main processing unit. This intermediary structure ensures reliable signal transmission despite the detachable nature of the design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication protocols are implemented, then interoperability with various medical records systems improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements multiple communication protocols (HL7, FHIR, DICOM, ASTM F2246) to create a universal interface capability that can communicate with various electronic medical records systems. This multi-protocol approach allows the device to function as a universal data source for different healthcare information systems without requiring separate dedicated interfaces for each protocol.
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
The system provides accurate and efficient measurement of multiple vital signs, including temperature, heart rate, and oxygen saturation, with improved signal quality and reduced operational complexity, enabling seamless data transfer to electronic medical records systems.
Implementation Method 1
the photoplethysmogram sensor includes one infrared detector that detects infrared energy at two different transmitted wavelengths, red and near infrared
Implementation Method 2
a micro dynamic light scattering sensor, the micro dynamic light scattering sensor includes two photo diode receivers and one laser transmitter
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, an apparatus includes a first microprocessor, a digital infrared sensor operably coupled to the first microprocessor, an ambient temperature sensor operably coupled to the first microprocessor, a battery operably coupled to the first microprocessor, a multi-vital-sign finger cuff that is detachable and removable from the apparatus and that includes: a printed circuit board, a SpO2 subsystem that is operably coupled to the printed circuit board and that includes a photoplethysmogram sensor and that is operably coupled to the printed circuit board, the photoplethysmogram sensor includes one infrared detector that detects infrared energy at two different transmitted wavelengths, red and near infrared, and a micro dynamic light scattering sensor, the micro dynamic light scattering sensor includes two photo diode receivers and one laser transmitter.