Optical Chest Compression Depth Measurement Using Time-of-Flight Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring chest compression depth during CPR are often inaccurate and prone to human error, especially in out-of-hospital settings, due to the reliance on cumbersome and expensive devices that are not portable or accessible to lay individuals, and existing technologies like accelerometers suffer from cumulative errors and environmental interference.
Innovation Solution
The use of optical sensors, such as CMOS or CCD image sensors, to measure chest compression depth through time-of-flight principles or optical flow, providing accurate and reliable data on compression depth, rate, and other CPR parameters without the limitations of inertial measurements, allowing for precise monitoring and training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If accelerometers are used to measure chest compression depth, then measurement capability is provided, but cumulative errors and environmental interference occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/inertial measurement systems (accelerometers) with optical measurement systems. The optical sensor uses light reflection principles to measure chest compression depth, avoiding the cumulative errors and environmental interference problems inherent in accelerometer-based mechanical systems. This substitution fundamentally changes the measurement approach from inertial to optical, resolving the reliability issue while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If cumbersome and expensive devices are used for measurement, then measurement capability is achieved, but portability and accessibility to lay individuals are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive optical sensors that can be easily manufactured and distributed, replacing expensive and cumbersome measurement devices. The optical sensor system is designed to be cost-effective, allowing widespread distribution to lay individuals without requiring complex infrastructure or expensive equipment, thereby dramatically improving accessibility and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with simpler optical sensing technology. This substitution reduces device complexity, size, and cost while maintaining measurement precision, making the system portable and accessible for out-of-hospital CPR settings where lay individuals would use it.
3Ease of operation
If human judgment is used to assess CPR quality, then no additional equipment is needed, but accuracy and objectivity are compromised due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an optical feedback system that provides real-time, objective measurement of chest compression depth and quality. The optical sensor continuously monitors CPR performance and provides immediate feedback to the rescuer, enabling accurate assessment of CPR quality without relying on human judgment. This feedback mechanism maintains operational simplicity while dramatically improving measurement precision and objectivity.
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
This approach offers a highly accurate, portable, and cost-effective method for determining chest compression depth and other CPR parameters, reducing human error and environmental interference, thereby improving CPR quality and accessibility for both emergency responders and lay individuals.
Implementation Method 1
The optical sensor is aimed generally downward to visualize a portion of the victim and uses time-of-flight principles to determine compression depth
Implementation Method 2
The use of optical sensors, such as CMOS or CCD image sensors, to measure chest compression depth through time-of-flight principles or optical flow
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention are related to a method and device for the determination and calculation of the depth of chest compressions during the administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Embodiments use an optical sensor to monitor the distance that a victim's chest is displaced during each compression throughout the administration of CPR. The optical sensor is most commonly an image sensor such as a CMOS or CCD sensor, and more specifically a CMOS image sensor capable of three-dimensional imaging based on the time-of-flight principle. An infrared emitter may illuminate the victim's body and any visible piece of ground beside the victim. As the infrared light interacts with any surfaces it encounters, it is reflected and returns to the image sensor where the time of flight of the infrared light is calculated for every pixel in the image sensor. The distance data is used to gauge the effective displacement of the victim's chest. The optical sensors can be used to visualize the size of a patient and immediately gauge the body type and instruct the user accordingly. Furthermore, optical measurement techniques can be used to accurately measure chest rise during artificial respiration and ensure that proper ventilation is being administered in between compressions. In addition, optical measurements of the chest of the victim and the hands of the rescuer can be used to help ensure that the rescuer has positioned his or her hands in the anatomically correct location for effective CPR.