Physiological Sensor Light-Conducting Element Spatial Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing physiological measurement sensors, such as pulse sensors, are sensitive to sensor location and require optimal positioning over capillary beds or artery veins to obtain reliable signals, which can be challenging due to individual variations in anatomy and movement.
Innovation Solution
A wearable sensor apparatus with multiple light sources and a light-conducting element that allows light to enter at spatially separated locations, using a diffractive structure to guide reflected light to a light detector, enabling flexible measurement across various body locations and reducing the need for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single light source and light detector are used for physiological measurement, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement reliability is poor due to sensitivity to sensor location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing area into multiple spatially separated locations along the light-conducting element, with multiple light sources and openings distributed at different positions. This segmentation allows the sensor to capture physiological signals from multiple anatomical features (capillary beds, artery veins) simultaneously, improving measurement reliability without requiring complex repositioning
Solution Approach 2:
The light-conducting element serves multiple functions: it conducts light from multiple light sources, receives reflected light from multiple spatially separated locations through openings, and guides all this light to a single light detector. This multi-functionality improves measurement reliability while avoiding the need for multiple separate detector systems
2Measurement precision
If the sensor requires optimal positioning over capillary beds or artery veins, then the measurement quality is high, but the ease of operation is reduced due to individual anatomical variations and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the sensing capability from a single point to a linear distribution along the light-conducting element. By arranging multiple light sources and openings at different positions along the length of the element, the sensor can capture physiological signals from multiple anatomical features simultaneously, making the measurement quality less dependent on precise positioning at any single location
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor design accommodates movement and anatomical variations by distributing sensing capabilities dynamically along the light-conducting element. As the user moves or anatomical features shift, the sensor can still capture adequate physiological signals from multiple locations, maintaining measurement quality without requiring repositioning
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are used to enable measurements at multiple locations, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources, multiple openings, and a single light-conducting element into an integrated sensor structure. The light-conducting element merges the functions of multiple light guides, and multiple openings are integrated along its length. This combining approach improves adaptability while controlling overall device complexity through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The light-conducting element acts as an intermediary that receives light from multiple light sources at different locations and guides it to a single light detector. This intermediary structure enables the system to function as multiple sensors while using a single detector, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing detector complexity
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 enhances the reliability and flexibility of physiological measurements by allowing multiple measurement points from a single sensor, adapting to individual anatomical differences and movement, while minimizing the need for extensive additional components.
Implementation Method 1
a light-conducting element configured to conduct light to the light detector, wherein the apparatus is configured to allow light reflected from the tissue of the user to enter the light-conducting element at a plurality of spatially separated locations
Implementation Method 2
the apparatus comprises a diffractive structure at said plurality of locations to guide the light reflected from the tissue of the user into the light-conducting element
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including a plurality of light sources configured to emit light for reflection from tissue of a user wearing the apparatus, at least one light detector configured to detect light that enters the light detector to produce a detected signal for a physiological measurement, and a light-conducting element configured to conduct light to the light detector, wherein the apparatus is configured to allow light reflected from the tissue of the user to enter the light-conducting element at a plurality of spatially separated locations.