Ring Biometric Sensor With Inward Optical Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional devices for monitoring oxygen saturation, such as smart watches and finger clips, are uncomfortable for daily wear, provide noisy data due to lack of skin contact, and have limited battery life, making all-day monitoring impossible.
Innovation Solution
A ring with a light source and photodetector positioned inwardly to transmit light through the finger, combined with power-saving measures and motion sensing to reduce noise, allowing for extended battery life and seamless data transmission to portable devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional pulse oximetry devices (smart watches, fitness bands) are used for oxygen saturation monitoring, then portability and comfort are improved, but measurement reliability and data accuracy deteriorate due to lack of consistent skin contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by using a ring form factor that replicates the functionality of traditional pulse oximetry devices while adapting to a different body part (finger) that provides better skin contact consistency. The ring design copies the essential light source and photodetector configuration but positions it in a location that naturally maintains contact with the finger, thereby resolving the contradiction between comfort and measurement reliability.
2Measurement precision
If traditional hospital-grade pulse oximetry devices are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of wear and suitability for daily activities deteriorates due to tethered design and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the tethered connection and bulky hospital-grade housing, extracting only the essential light source and photodetector components needed for accurate oxygen saturation measurement. This allows the device to be worn comfortably as a ring while maintaining measurement precision, resolving the contradiction between accuracy and daily wear comfort.
3Duration of action of moving object
If smart watches and fitness bands continuously monitor biometric data, then continuous health monitoring capability is improved, but battery life deteriorates due to high power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the periodic action principle by implementing motion sensing that triggers data collection only during periods of low motion or specific activity states, rather than continuous monitoring. This periodic sampling approach maintains the capability for continuous health monitoring while significantly reducing power consumption and extending battery life.
4Device complexity
If reflective detection techniques are used in smart devices, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to light reflection noise from skin surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by using the finger itself as a mediator between the light source and photodetector. The light passes through the finger tissue rather than reflecting off the skin surface, eliminating the noise problem associated with reflective detection while maintaining relatively simple device architecture. This resolves the contradiction between device simplicity and measurement precision.
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
The ring provides accurate, continuous biometric data with extended battery life, enabling comfortable all-day monitoring of oxygen saturation and other health metrics without obstructing daily activities.
Implementation Method 1
A ring is provided with a light source and a photodetector. The photodetector is directed inwardly toward a finger of a user when the ring is worn on the finger.
Implementation Method 2
The combination of the light source(s) and the photodetector(s) can be used to detect absorption of light at, for example, one wavelength in comparison to light at another wavelength.
Implementation Method 3
photodetector(s) for detecting the light that is reflected from and/or transmitted through at least a portion of the finger
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a ring-shaped wearable device for detecting biometrics with a light source and a photodetector directed towards a digit wearing the ring-shaped device. The ring can thus detect oxygen saturation of a wearer based on light transmitted through the wearer's finger. The ring can include power saving measures to extend the battery life. A motion sensor can help determine opportune moments for data collection such as when the wearer is still. The motion sensor can be used to remove noise from the data caused by motion. After data is collected or during data collection, the ring can wirelessly communicate the data to another portable electronic device such as a phone or watch.