Reflectance Spectroscopy Probe for Non-Invasive Hemoglobin Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Invasive methods for measuring blood and skin constituents like hemoglobin and bilirubin are painful, risky, and costly, while non-invasive methods suffer from inaccuracies due to melanin interference and require expensive components.
Innovation Solution
A portable, hand-held device using reflectance spectroscopy with an optical shield to measure blood and skin components non-invasively, employing a probe with light-emitting diodes and sensors to determine oxy- and deoxy-hemoglobin levels, and a processor for real-time analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive blood draw methods are used to measure blood constituents, then measurement accuracy is improved, but patient discomfort and infection risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical invasive blood draw system with an optical measurement system. The device uses light-emitting diodes to illuminate the skin and photodetectors to measure light absorption, thereby determining blood constituent levels without penetrating the skin. This substitution eliminates needles and blood draws while maintaining measurement capability through optical properties of blood components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system consisting of light-emitting diodes and photodetectors that mediate between the measurement goal and the blood constituents. Instead of directly accessing blood through invasion, the system uses light as an intermediary that interacts with blood components through the skin, enabling indirect but accurate measurement of hemoglobin, bilirubin, and other constituents.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive optical methods are used to measure blood constituents, then patient discomfort is reduced, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to melanin interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical measurement into multiple wavelength channels, each sensitive to different blood constituents. By using multiple LEDs emitting at different wavelengths and corresponding photodetectors, the system can distinguish between melanin absorption and blood constituent absorption patterns. This segmentation allows mathematical separation of overlapping spectral signatures, maintaining accuracy despite melanin presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by utilizing multiple wavelengths of light rather than a single wavelength. Different blood constituents and melanin have distinct absorption spectra across the visible range. By measuring absorption at multiple wavelengths and applying computational algorithms, the system can isolate blood constituent signals from melanin interference, preserving measurement accuracy in diverse skin tones.
3Reliability
If traditional laboratory equipment and personnel are required for blood constituent measurement, then measurement reliability is improved, but cost and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the measurement system to be self-contained and self-operating. The device integrates light sources, detectors, processing electronics, and algorithms into a single portable unit that can perform measurements autonomously without requiring laboratory infrastructure or trained personnel. The system processes signals and calculates blood constituent levels internally, providing reliable results in point-of-care settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal measurement device that can determine multiple blood constituents (hemoglobin, oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, bilirubin, melanin) using a single integrated system. This multi-functional device replaces multiple specialized laboratory tests and equipment, reducing overall complexity and cost while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability across different clinical scenarios.
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
Provides accurate, continuous monitoring of blood and skin constituents with reduced discomfort and cost, minimizing melanin interference through an optical shield, suitable for various skin tones and hemoglobin forms.
Implementation Method 1
the amount of light absorbed by the skin is proportional to the concentration of hemoglobin and bilirubin in the blood
Implementation Method 2
a photodetector to detect the light
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a method and device to determine blood and/or skin constituents of a mammal. The device includes a plurality of light emitting diodes, one or more sensors and a processor.