Pixel-Integrated Bio-Sensor for Non-Invasive Antioxidant Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bio-sensing technologies lack an efficient and non-invasive method for estimating antioxidant levels in the body, which are crucial for protecting against oxidative stress-related diseases.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method utilizing a display with unit pixels that include light sources emitting different wavelengths and detectors to obtain a spectrum, allowing for the estimation of bio-information such as antioxidant levels by controlling the light sources and detectors based on the contact position and type of information to be measured.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional bio-sensing technologies are used, then bio-information can be detected, but the method is invasive and lacks efficiency for estimating antioxidant levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantioxidant level detection accuracyVSAvoidnon-invasive measurement capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines light sources emitting different wavelengths and detectors into a single integrated display structure. Multiple light sources (red, green, blue LEDs) and detectors are merged within the same pixel structure, enabling the display to function both as a visual output device and as a bio-sensing device. This integration allows non-invasive measurement of antioxidant levels through light absorption analysis without requiring separate sensing equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a conventional display for visual output and as a bio-sensor for detecting antioxidant levels. The same pixel structure that displays images also contains light sources and detectors that can analyze light absorption by biological samples, enabling the device to function as a multi-functional instrument for both visualization and health monitoring.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light sources and detectors are integrated in each pixel, then bio-information estimation capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebio-information estimation capabilityVSAvoidpixel structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display is divided into multiple pixels, and each pixel is further segmented into distinct functional components: light sources (red, green, blue LEDs) and detectors. Each pixel operates as an independent sensing unit that can be controlled individually. This segmentation allows the complex multi-functional pixel to be managed as a modular unit, where each component has a specific function, making the overall system design and control more manageable despite the increased functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 accurate and non-invasive estimation of bio-information, including antioxidant levels, by generating spectra from light interactions, improving the detection of various health markers like skin carotenoids, glucose, and cholesterol.

Implementation Method 1

determine detector pixels configured to detect light that is scattered or reflected from the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

determine detector pixels configured to detect light that is scattered or reflected from the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

A light source, such as an array of LEDs, emit light through the surface so as to be reflected and partially absorbed by the body part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP4023145B1Apparatus and method for estimating bio-information
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4023145B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4023145B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4023145B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

An apparatus for estimating bio-information includes a display including unit pixels, each of the unit pixels including light sources configured to emit light having different wavelengths, and detectors configured to detect light having the different wavelengths. The apparatus further includes a processor configured to determine source pixels configured to emit light onto an object, among the unit pixels, determine detector pixels configured to detect light that is scattered or reflected from the object, among the unit pixels, control the determined source pixels and the determined detector pixels to obtain a spectrum based on the light having multiple wavelengths that is detected by the detector pixels, and estimate bio-information, based on the obtained spectrum.