Optical Sensor Device for Non-Invasive Physiological Parameter Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical diagnosis relies heavily on human physicians to observe and analyze skin color, texture, and appearance, which is limited, expensive, and prone to errors, while there is a need for non-invasive, cost-effective devices that can detect physiological information remotely and accurately.
Innovation Solution
The development of methods and devices using an array of photodetectors to measure biological, biophysical, and physiological parameters through electric signals generated from light scattered or reflected from objects, including skin, allowing for the detection of parameters like oxygen saturation, pH, glucose levels, and skin risk diagnostic markers without physical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If human physicians use visible light to observe skin color and texture for diagnosis, then diagnostic capability is provided, but the process is limited to visible spectrum, expensive, and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor device is designed to detect multiple spectral ranges (ultraviolet, visible, and infrared) using a single integrated system with multiple photodetector arrays, enabling comprehensive diagnostic capability across different wavelength regions rather than being limited to visible light only
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the human physiological detection system (eyes and brain processing visible light) with electronic photodetector arrays that can measure multiple spectral ranges, eliminating the limitations of human vision and providing more accurate, objective measurements
2Measurement precision
If pulse oximetry uses coherent light sources at predetermined wavelengths, then oxygen saturation measurement is achieved, but the system requires physical contact with the patient and uses specific wavelengths only
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor device incorporates multiple photodetector arrays sensitive to different spectral ranges (ultraviolet, visible, infrared) that can detect various physiological parameters simultaneously, replacing the single-wavelength pulse oximetry approach with a multi-parameter detection system
Solution Approach 2:
The device captures reflected light patterns from the skin surface that contain information about subsurface physiological conditions, creating an optical signature that can be analyzed to determine oxygen saturation and other parameters without physical contact
3Measurement precision
If diagnostic devices require physical attachment to the patient, then measurement is obtained, but the process is invasive and limits patient comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The device obtains diagnostic information by analyzing reflected light patterns from the skin surface, creating an optical copy or signature that contains subsurface physiological information without requiring penetration or physical attachment to internal tissues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical measurement systems with non-contact optical detection using photodetector arrays that measure reflected light characteristics, eliminating the need for physical attachment while maintaining measurement capability
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
Enables non-invasive, remote detection of various physiological and biochemical parameters with high accuracy, reducing costs and human error, and providing valuable diagnostic information for medical conditions, food quality assessment, and environmental contamination monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
light scattered or reflected from objects, including skin
Implementation Method 2
light scattered or reflected from objects, including skin
Implementation Method 3
array of photodetectors to measure biological, biophysical, and physiological parameters through electric signals generated from light
Data Source
AI summary
Optical sensor devices, image processing devices, methods and computer readable code computer-readable storage media for detecting biophysical parameters, chemical concentrations, chemical saturations, vital signs and physiological information such as a malignant condition are provided. In some embodiments, the optical sensor includes an array of photodetectors, where each photodetector is configured to detect a spectrum of light. In some embodiments, the image processing device receives a live still or video electronic image, or alternatively, the electronic image is provided from an electronic storage media. Exemplary physiological parameters include but are not limited to a pulse rate, a biophysical or physiological property of skin, a cardiovascular property, a property related to an organ such as the liver or the kidneys, and a temperature fluctuation. In some embodiments, the physiological parameter is indicative of a malady including but not limited to an autoimmune disease, a cancer, a nutritional deficiency, a malignant condition of bone marrow, a present of an infectious microbe such as a fungus, a present of hepatitis, and a cardiovascular disorder a pulmonary disorder. Exemplary chemical concentrations include but are not limited to a chemical saturation, a pH level, a pH level in blood vessels such as capillaries or in skin, a glucose level such as a blood glucose level, a urea nitrogen level such as a blood urea nitrogen level, a CO2 level such as a blood CO2 level or a CO2 saturation level, and an oxygen level such as a blood oxygen level or a blood oxygen saturation level. In some embodiments, the biophysical parameter, physiological parameter or chemical concentration is obtained from reflecting light from tissue from a mammalian subject. Alternatively one or more of these parameters are detected from a food item such as food tissue, a consumable beverage such as an alcoholic beverage, a dairy product, wine, a baked good, a fruit and a vegetable. Exemplary parameters related to food items include but are not limited to a parameter indicative of cooking or spoilage, a pH, a concentration of an antioxidant, and a concentration of an anti-inflammatory agent.