Photoelectric Sensor Array Adaptive Filtering for Pulse Signal Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Photoelectric type pulse signal detection in wearable devices is hindered by ambient light and motion interference, which existing methods struggle to effectively eliminate without increasing power consumption or hardware complexity.

Innovation Solution

A photoelectric type pulse signal measuring method and apparatus using a photoelectric sensor array to obtain main-path and auxiliary-path light signals, adaptively filtering ambient light or motion interference based on auxiliary-path light signals, allowing for precise pulse signal extraction without rigid skin contact or high-intensity light sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the light source transmission intensity is strengthened to overcome ambient light interference, then the pulse detection signal intensity is improved, but the power consumption increases excessively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepulse detection signal intensityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful ambient light interference into a useful signal source by using the auxiliary photoelectric converter to detect ambient light, which is then processed through adaptive filtering to remove interference while preserving the pulse signal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary adaptive filtering mechanism that processes the signal from the auxiliary photoelectric converter to eliminate ambient light interference before combining it with the main pulse signal, thereby reducing the need for high-intensity light sources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the photoelectric sensor is made to tightly contact the skin to eliminate motion interference, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation and user comfort deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion interference eliminationVSAvoiduser comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the photoelectric detection system into two independent paths: a main path for pulse signal detection and an auxiliary path for motion interference detection, allowing each to be optimized independently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from requiring tight skin contact to using adaptive signal processing that can eliminate motion interference mathematically, thereby maintaining measurement precision without compromising comfort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If an accelerometer is added to detect and eliminate motion interference, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion interference eliminationVSAvoidhardware and software complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the photoelectric sensor system multi-functional by using the same sensor to detect both pulse signals and motion interference through the auxiliary converter, eliminating the need for separate accelerometer hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a copy of the light detection path through the auxiliary photoelectric converter that specifically captures motion-related light intensity changes, which is then used to subtract motion interference from the main signal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 solution effectively eliminates ambient light and motion interference, improving pulse signal detection precision, reducing power consumption, and simplifying the measuring system by using the same signal sampling system for both types of interference, thereby extending device lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

A photoelectric transmitter transmits light beams to the skin, the light beams are reflected by the skin and received by a photoelectric receiver

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

obtain at least one auxiliary-path light signal for receiving an ambient light signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3106086B1Photoelectric-type pulse signal measurement method and measurement device
Publication Date: 2019.10.09 GOERTEK INC
  • EP3106086B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3106086B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3106086B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The present invention discloses a photoelectric type pulse signal measuring method and apparatus. The method according to the present invention comprises: obtaining a main-path light signal transmitted by a photoelectric transmitter and reflected back from a surface of skin having an artery underneath, obtaining at least one auxiliary-path light signal receiving an ambient light signal, and based on the at least one auxiliary-path light signal, adaptively filtering an ambient light interference from the main-path light signal and obtaining an adaptive filtration result; or obtaining at least one auxiliary-path light signal transmitted by the same photoelectric transmitter and reflected back from a surface of skin without any artery underneath, and based on the auxiliary-path light signal, adaptively filtering a motion interference from the main-path light signal; then extracting a pulse signal from the adaptive filtration result. By using the photoelectric sensor array technology to adaptively remove the ambient light interference or motion interference from the main-path light signal without need to rigidly limit the contact degree of the apparatus and skin, the technical solution according to the present invention can simply and effectively eliminate the ambient light interference or motion interference upon photoelectric pulse signal measurement.