Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Non-Invasive Physiological Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing athletic performance through anaerobic threshold and oxygen consumption rates are invasive, time-consuming, and require expensive equipment and trained operators, making them impractical for field measurements.
Innovation Solution
Non-invasive near-infrared spectroscopy systems that measure tissue spectra to determine anaerobic thresholds and oxygen consumption rates without the need for invasive blood withdrawals or sophisticated gas analysis equipment, allowing for portable and user-friendly monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex gas analysis equipment is used to measure oxygen consumption rates, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical gas analysis equipment with an optical detection system using near-infrared spectroscopy. The system uses light absorption characteristics of hemoglobin to indirectly measure oxygen consumption rates, substituting mechanical gas analysis with optical field measurements that are simpler and more portable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces hemoglobin oxygen saturation as an intermediary parameter. Instead of directly measuring oxygen consumption through complex gas analysis, the system measures hemoglobin oxygen saturation levels in tissue, which serves as a proxy indicator that can be obtained through simpler optical means.
2Measurement precision
If multiple invasive blood withdrawals are performed to determine anaerobic threshold, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical blood withdrawal procedures with non-invasive optical detection. By using near-infrared light to measure tissue hemoglobin oxygen saturation, the system eliminates the need for repeated finger sticks and blood samples while maintaining the ability to determine anaerobic threshold.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the tissue itself to provide the measurement information through its optical properties. The hemoglobin in the tissue naturally absorbs near-infrared light at specific wavelengths according to its oxygen saturation level, enabling the tissue to 'self-report' its metabolic state without requiring external blood sampling.
3Measurement precision
If trained operators use sophisticated equipment for performance assessment, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces sophisticated gas analysis equipment requiring trained operators with a simplified optical detection system. The near-infrared spectroscopy device automatically processes light absorption data to calculate hemoglobin oxygen saturation and derive performance metrics, eliminating the need for operator expertise in complex gas analysis procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a simplified optical copy of the physiological information that would otherwise require complex gas analysis. By measuring the optical absorption characteristics of hemoglobin, the system captures the essential metabolic information in a form that can be processed automatically without requiring operators to interpret complex gas exchange data.
4Measurement precision
If laboratory-based measurement methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces laboratory-based gas analysis systems with portable optical detection devices. The near-infrared spectroscopy system can be deployed in field settings and provides real-time or near-real-time measurements of tissue oxygen saturation, eliminating the need for time-consuming laboratory analysis of gas samples or blood draws.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous measurement of tissue oxygen saturation during exercise without interruption. The optical sensor can continuously monitor hemoglobin oxygenation levels as the subject exercises, providing a continuous record of metabolic rate changes without requiring periodic sampling and laboratory analysis interruptions.
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 real-time, non-invasive assessment of anaerobic thresholds and oxygen consumption rates, reducing costs and operator expertise while providing accurate, portable monitoring suitable for various environments.
Implementation Method 1
Non-invasive near-infrared spectroscopy systems that measure tissue spectra to determine anaerobic thresholds and oxygen consumption rates
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems are disclosed for determining an anaerobic threshold and/or an oxygen consumption rate in a human or animal subject. The methods include exposing a tissue of the subject to illumination radiation, collecting emitted radiation from the tissue, the emitted radiation including a portion of the illumination radiation reflected or transmitted from the tissue, processing the emitted radiation to form a spectrum of the tissue, and determining, based on the spectrum of the tissue, the anaerobic threshold and/or the oxygen consumption rate of the subject.