Optical Respiratory Vibration Detection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring respiratory rate in clinical settings are laborious, subjective, and impractical, especially in high-volume settings, as they require long setup times and are not accessible to all patients, with existing solutions like ECG and capnography being costly and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that emit and receive light at specific positions on the skin to capture diffused light that has traversed the dermis layer but not the subcutaneous fat layer, obtaining and processing vibration signals to extract respiratory parameters, which are more direct and accurate than traditional optical methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual counting of chest movements is used to measure respiration, then no specialized equipment is needed, but the method is slow, laborious and highly subjective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual counting of chest movements with an optical detection system that uses light emission and reception to automatically detect respiratory vibrations through skin movement, eliminating the need for human observation and counting while dramatically increasing measurement speed and objectivity
2Measurement precision
If ECG and capnography are used for objective monitoring of respiration, then measurement accuracy is improved, but setup time increases and patient movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical and gas analysis systems (ECG, capnography) with a simplified optical vibration detection system that measures respiratory motion directly through light-based sensors detecting skin vibrations, reducing setup time and patient restrictions while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and isolates only the vibrational component of respiratory motion for detection, using optical sensors to specifically detect mechanical vibrations of the skin surface caused by breathing, thereby simplifying the measurement approach while maintaining accuracy
3Loss of time
If traditional optical methods are used for respiratory measurement, then setup time is reduced, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selecting specific measurement locations on the body (such as the chest or abdomen) where respiratory vibrations are most pronounced, and by using optical sensors positioned to detect vibrations at optimal depths within the tissue, thereby enhancing signal strength while maintaining rapid setup
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifically targets and amplifies the mechanical vibration signal generated by respiratory motion, using optical detection to capture these vibrations directly, which improves the signal-to-noise ratio by focusing on the characteristic vibrational frequency of breathing rather than attempting to measure broader physiological parameters
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 provides a convenient and accurate measurement of respiratory parameters, including breath frequency and cough events, with improved signal-to-noise ratio and reduced setup time, suitable for both clinical and remote settings.
Implementation Method 1
emitting an emission light at a first position on the skin and receiving a diffused light from the emission light at a second position on the skin
Implementation Method 2
obtaining and storing a vibration signal comprising a light intensity of the diffused light received over time. The vibration signal corresponds to a mechanical vibration of the dermis layer
Data Source
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Figure 4B~5
AI summary
Method for measuring respiratory vibration on a human or animal skin, including emitting an emission light at a first position on the skin and receiving a diffused light from the emission light at a second position on the skin; storing a vibration signal including a light intensity of the diffused light received over time; wherein the vibration signal corresponds to a mechanical vibration of the skin, and extracting a respiratory parameter from the vibration signal. In particular, at least one of the first position and the second position is in proximity to or at a trachea, a neck or a chest. The system for carrying out the method includes an emitter, a receiver, a circuit, and a processing unit. A set of a sensor module and a skin adhesive patch is also provided.