Optical Sensor Array for Non-Invasive Bio-Signal Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Invasive methods for measuring blood sugar levels in diabetes management are painful, inconvenient, and risky, while non-invasive methods using optical sensors face challenges in accuracy and reliability.
Innovation Solution
An optical sensor system comprising a photodetector and a light source that operates in alternating modes based on a control signal, with a common electrode to reflect light and a processor to control multiple sensors for acquiring optical absorption information, enabling non-invasive measurement of bio-signals like blood glucose and estimating bio-information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If invasive methods are used to measure blood sugar, then measurement reliability is improved, but user comfort deteriorates due to pain, inconvenience, and infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical invasive blood sampling method with an optical measurement system. The optical sensor uses light sources and photodetectors to measure blood glucose levels through optical absorption, eliminating the need for needle punctures and blood collection, thus removing pain and infection risks while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct blood analysis to optical absorption characteristics. By measuring how blood absorbs light at different wavelengths, the system indirectly determines glucose concentration without invasive contact, transforming the measurement approach from mechanical to optical domain
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive optical measurement is used, then user comfort is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical sensor into multiple independent units, each containing a light source and photodetector pair. By arranging multiple sensors in an array and using them in different configurations (transmission mode, reflection mode, different path lengths), the system captures multiple optical absorption measurements that can be processed to improve accuracy while maintaining non-invasive operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic switching between different measurement modes using the same sensor array. Sensors are alternately configured for transmission measurements, reflection measurements, and different optical path lengths in a periodic sequence, allowing the system to gather diverse measurement data over time and improve overall measurement precision through temporal multiplexing
3Measurement precision
If multiple optical sensors are used in different modes, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs each optical sensor unit to be multi-functional, capable of operating in both transmission mode and reflection mode, and supporting different optical path lengths. This universal sensor design allows a single standardized unit to perform multiple measurement functions, reducing the need for specialized components for each measurement type and simplifying the overall system architecture despite the multiple measurement capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of the sensor array where sensors can be programmatically assigned to different measurement modes based on real-time requirements. The system dynamically switches between transmission and reflection modes, adjusts optical path lengths, and reconfigures sensor assignments during operation, allowing flexible adaptation to different measurement needs without physical reconfiguration
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 provides accurate, non-invasive, and pain-free measurement of bio-signals, improving user experience and reducing the risk of infection by using a stacked light source and photodetector structure, and a processor-controlled array for enhanced accuracy and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
acquire optical absorption information of optical pathlengths with respect to an object of interest
Implementation Method 2
The common electrode may be configured to reflect light that is emitted from a light emitting layer of the light source toward the photodetector
Data Source
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Figure 3A
AI summary
An optical sensor, an optical sensor array, and an apparatus and method for measuring a bio-signal are provided. The optical sensor includes a photodetector, and a light source disposed on the photodetector. The optical sensor is configured to operate the light source in a light source mode, and operate the photodetector in a photodetector mode, based on a control signal.