Optical Probe Pulse-Wave Measurement System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vessel pulse wave measurement systems face challenges in obtaining accurate pulsation waveform data due to unstable operation caused by changes in attachment state, skin thickness, and type of optical probe, leading to inaccurate measurements and low accuracy in abnormal respiration detection.

Innovation Solution

A vessel pulse wave measurement system using an optical probe circuit with a light emitting element and a light receiving element, where the system includes a drive circuit, detection circuit, and a controller to control operating points for maximum self-oscillation signal levels, and a calibration part to convert blood pressure value voltage to blood pressure values, enabling accurate measurements across varying propagation distances and attachment conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a light emitting element and light receiving element are used to measure pulse wave, then non-contact or non-invasive measurement is achieved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to unstable operation caused by changes in attachment state, skin thickness, and optical probe type

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenon-contact measurementVSAvoidpulse wave measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically adjusts the operating parameters (drive signal frequency, detection sensitivity) based on the measured propagation distance of light through the skin. By dynamically changing these parameters according to the specific attachment conditions and skin properties, the system maintains measurement accuracy across varying conditions while preserving the non-contact measurement advantage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the detected light signal characteristics are used to automatically adjust the drive circuit parameters and detection settings. This closed-loop control compensates for variations in attachment state and skin thickness, maintaining measurement precision without requiring manual recalibration or contact-based methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the propagation distance of light from the light emitting element to the light receiving element varies, then adaptability to different attachment conditions is improved, but measurement stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different attachment conditionsVSAvoidmeasurement stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts its operating parameters based on the measured propagation distance. The drive circuit frequency and detection sensitivity are automatically adjusted according to the specific attachment conditions, allowing the system to maintain measurement stability across varying propagation distances while preserving adaptability to different attachment scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If a complex calibration system is used to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblood pressure measurement accuracyVSAvoidcalibration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-calibration using the measured propagation distance and light signal characteristics. The calibration parameters are automatically determined based on the specific measurement conditions without requiring external calibration equipment or complex manual procedures. This self-service approach maintains measurement precision while minimizing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 achieves stable and accurate vessel pulse wave measurements and abnormal respiration detection with a simpler configuration, improving measurement accuracy and calibration efficiency compared to prior art.

Implementation Method 1

a light emitting element that radiates light to a blood vessel through skin and a light receiving element that receives, through the skin, reflected light from the blood vessel or transmitted light through the blood vessel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a detection circuit that converts the light received by the light receiving element to an electrical signal and outputs the electrical signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2752156B1Blood vessel pulse-wave measuring system
Publication Date: 2017.09.27 ACT MEDICAL SERVICE
  • EP2752156B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2752156B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2752156B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A blood vessel pulse wave measurement system performs vessel pulse wave measurement using an optical probe circuit provided with an optical probe including a light emitting element and a light receiving element, a drive circuit, and a detection circuit. A measurement device directly and synchronously feeds back an electrical signal from the optical probe to the drive circuit as a drive signal to generate a self-oscillation signal from the detection circuit, and measures the self-oscillation signal as a vessel pulse wave signal. A controller controls an operating point of at least one of the detection circuit and the drive circuit such that the self-oscillation signal substantially reaches a maximum level thereof.