Optical Pulse-Wave Sensing for Cuffless Cardiovascular Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cuff-based methods cause discomfort and cuffless methods like PTT and PWA lack accuracy in estimating cardiovascular information.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and computer-program product that utilizes a pulse wave measurer and contact pressure measurer to extract cardiovascular characteristic values from pulse wave signals and contact pressure, employing a processor to estimate cardiovascular information using a mathematical algorithm or table-based model.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cuff-based measurement method is used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but subject comfort deteriorates due to cuff pressure causing pain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cuff from the measurement system entirely, replacing it with a cuffless measurement approach that uses optical sensors and pulse wave analysis to obtain cardiovascular information without applying external pressure to the subject's body
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cuff-based measurement system with an optical measurement system that uses light sources and photodetectors to detect pulse waves and estimate blood pressure through non-contact means
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cuffless measurement method is used, then subject comfort is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional measurement system that simultaneously captures multiple parameters including pulse wave signals, contact pressure, and optical signals, then integrates these diverse data sources through a processor to comprehensively estimate cardiovascular information with improved accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that includes a processor executing mathematical algorithms to translate optical signals and contact pressure data into accurate blood pressure estimates, bridging the gap between non-invasive measurement and accurate cardiovascular information
3Object-affected harmful factors
If pulse wave analysis method is used, then measurement non-invasiveness is improved, but measurement reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement approaches by combining optical pulse wave detection, contact pressure sensing, and mathematical modeling algorithms into a unified system that cross-validates results and enhances the reliability of cardiovascular information estimation
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
Provides accurate and comfortable estimation of cardiovascular information such as blood pressure and other parameters without the drawbacks of traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a first pulse wave signal and a second pulse wave signal from an object by using light of different wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
measuring contact pressure between the object and the pulse wave measurer
Data Source
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AI summary
It is provided an apparatus for estimating cardiovascular information, the apparatus comprising: a pulse wave measurer comprising a light source configured to emit a first light of a first wavelength and a second light of a second wavelength onto an object, the first wavelength being different from the second wavelength and a photodetector configured to measure a first pulse wave signal and a second pulse wave signal by receiving the first light and the second light which are reflected or scattered from the object, respectively; a contact pressure measurer configured to measure a contact pressure between the object and the pulse wave measurer; and a processor configured to extract a cardiovascular characteristic value based on the first pulse wave signal, the second pulse wave signal, and a change in the contact pressure, and estimate cardiovascular information based on the extracted cardiovascular characteristic value.