Bio-Information Estimation Using PPG and Pressure Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bio-information estimation technologies face challenges in non-invasively and accurately measuring bio-signals such as blood pressure in a mobile healthcare setting, where environmental factors and user interaction can affect measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The proposed apparatus includes a PPG sensor to measure PPG signals and an internal pressure sensor within a closed space to measure pressure applied when a user contacts the device, allowing for the estimation of bio-information like blood pressure based on these signals and pressure readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a PPG sensor is used to measure bio-signals in a mobile healthcare setting, then non-invasive measurement is achieved, but measurement accuracy is affected by environmental factors and user interaction
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure sensor is introduced as an intermediary device to measure contact pressure between the user's finger and the sensor. This pressure information is used as a mediator to correct and compensate for measurement errors caused by environmental factors and user interaction, thereby improving overall measurement accuracy without compromising non-invasive measurement capability
2Measurement precision
If contact pressure is not considered in bio-information estimation, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but estimation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor is integrated into the same housing as the PPG sensor, merging two measurement functions into a single device. The pressure sensor measures contact pressure while the PPG sensor measures blood flow, and both measurements are combined and processed together to improve bio-information estimation accuracy without requiring multiple separate devices
3Reliability
If an internal pressure sensor in a closed space is added to measure contact pressure, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closed space housing serves multiple functions: it protects the pressure sensor, provides a reference environment for pressure measurement, and structures the user interaction interface. This multi-functional design improves contact pressure measurement reliability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity by avoiding separate structural components
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 enables accurate and non-invasive estimation of bio-information, such as blood pressure, by accounting for contact pressure and environmental factors, enhancing the reliability of mobile health monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensor disposed in the main body and configured to measure a PPG signal from an object of a user
Implementation Method 2
an internal pressure sensor disposed in a closed space formed in the main body, and configured to measure a pressure applied to the closed space when the object applies force to a surface of the main body
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for estimating bio-information, may include: a main body; a photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensor disposed in the main body and configured to measure a PPG signal from an object of a user; an internal pressure sensor disposed in a closed space formed in the main body, and configured to measure a pressure applied to the closed space when the object applies force to a surface of the main body; and a processor configured to estimate the bio-information of the user based on the PPG signal and the pressure applied to the closed space.