Multi-Wavelength Pulse Wave Sensor Channel Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for estimating cardiovascular characteristics without a pressure cuff, such as pulse wave analysis (PWA) and pulse wave velocity (PWV), face challenges in achieving accurate and reliable measurements.

Innovation Solution

The proposed apparatus and method utilize a pulse wave sensor with multiple channels emitting light of different wavelengths to detect scattered or reflected light, and a processor to convert phase delays into Lissajous waveforms, allowing for the selection of an optimal channel based on specific criteria for improved bio-information estimation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If pulse wave analysis (PWA) or pulse wave velocity (PWV) methods are used to extract cardiovascular characteristics without a pressure cuff, then the convenience and non-invasiveness are improved, but the measurement accuracy and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of measurementVSAvoidaccuracy of cardiovascular characteristic measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the pulse wave measurement into multiple channels, each detecting pulse waves at different locations or depths. By dividing the measurement into multiple segments (channels) and selecting the optimal one, the system achieves both convenience and improved accuracy in cardiovascular characteristic measurement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of light wavelength by using multiple wavelengths (e.g., red and infrared) to detect pulse waves. This parameter change enables differentiation between arterial and venous components, improving the accuracy of cardiovascular measurements while maintaining non-invasive convenience

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple channels with different wavelengths are used to detect pulse waves, then the accuracy of bio-information estimation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of bio-information estimationVSAvoidcomplexity of multi-channel sensor system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the pulse wave sensor multi-functional by enabling it to perform both oxygen saturation measurement and cardiovascular characteristic extraction using the same hardware components. The multiple channels serve dual purposes, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement accuracy

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functionality of multiple channels into a unified sensor system that simultaneously captures pulse wave signals at different wavelengths and locations. By combining these channels and applying systematic selection criteria, the system achieves high accuracy without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 approach enhances the accuracy of bio-information estimation by selecting the most suitable channel for measuring cardiovascular characteristics, thereby improving the reliability of measurements compared to traditional methods.

Implementation Method 1

at least one light receiver configured to detect the light of the first wavelength and the light of the second wavelength, which is scattered or reflected from the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

at least one light receiver configured to detect the light of the first wavelength and the light of the second wavelength, which is scattered or reflected from the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

The at least one light receiver may include at least one of a photodiode array or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3977924B1Apparatus and method for estimating bio-information
Publication Date: 2025.02.19 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3977924B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3977924B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3977924B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

An apparatus for estimating bio-information, the apparatus including a pulse wave sensor and a processor. The pulse wave sensor includes a plurality of channels, each channel of the plurality of channels being configured to measure a first pulse wave signal of a first wavelength and a second pulse wave signal of a second wavelength that is different from the first wavelength. The processor is configured to: for each channel of the plurality of channels, generate a first oscillogram based on the first pulse wave signal, generate a second oscillogram based on the second pulse wave signal, and convert a phase delay between the first oscillogram and the second oscillogram into an area. The processor is further configured to determine a channel among the plurality of channels based on the area of each channel, and estimate bio-information based on the determined channel.