Single Sensor Multi-Parameter Physiological Measurement

Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical devices require multiple setups and high manufacturing costs to measure multiple physiological parameters, leading to a poor user experience and difficulty in miniaturization due to the need for separate light sources and sensors.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that convert images of a subject's vessel into grayscale images across different wavelength ranges, using a single light source and image sensor to determine physiological parameters such as vein patterns, pulse wave signals, and blood oxygen levels by calculating light intensities based on color component values and quantum efficiencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple separate light sources and sensors are used to measure multiple physiological parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysiological parameter measurement accuracyVSAvoidnumber of light sources and sensors

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single imaging device to measure multiple physiological parameters (blood oxygen saturation, pulse rate, vein patterns) simultaneously through computational processing of images captured under different lighting conditions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensors for each parameter

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the illumination parameter by capturing images under different lighting conditions (natural light, artificial light, different wavelengths) and uses computational algorithms to extract multiple physiological parameters from these varying optical conditions, allowing one device to perform multiple measurement functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple separate light sources and sensors are used to measure multiple physiological parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysiological parameter measurement accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single imaging device to measure multiple physiological parameters (blood oxygen saturation, pulse rate, vein patterns) simultaneously through computational processing of images captured under different lighting conditions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensors for each parameter

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple measurement functions into a single imaging device by combining computational algorithms that process images taken under different lighting conditions to extract multiple physiological parameters, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate hardware components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If multiple separate light sources and sensors are used to measure multiple physiological parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but device miniaturization becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysiological parameter measurement accuracyVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single imaging device to measure multiple physiological parameters (blood oxygen saturation, pulse rate, vein patterns) simultaneously through computational processing of images captured under different lighting conditions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensors for each parameter

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If multiple separate light sources and sensors are used to measure multiple physiological parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysiological parameter measurement accuracyVSAvoiduser experience

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single imaging device to measure multiple physiological parameters (blood oxygen saturation, pulse rate, vein patterns) simultaneously through computational processing of images captured under different lighting conditions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensors for each parameter

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous multi-parameter monitoring by capturing a sequence of images under different lighting conditions and processing them through computational algorithms to continuously provide multiple physiological parameters without requiring the user to switch between different devices or measurement modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Enables the simultaneous measurement of multiple physiological parameters with a single device, reducing costs and improving user experience by utilizing a single light source and image sensor, while maintaining high accuracy in parameter determination.

Implementation Method 1

detecting light reflected by or transmitted through a body part of the subject using an image sensor, thereby generating the plurality of images of the vessel of the subject

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

Optical imaging technologies can noninvasively differentiate among soft tissues, and between native soft tissues and tissue labeled with either endogenous or exogenous contrast media, using their different photon absorption or scattering profiles at different wavelengths

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

Optical imaging technologies can noninvasively differentiate among soft tissues, and between native soft tissues and tissue labeled with either endogenous or exogenous contrast media, using their different photon absorption or scattering profiles at different wavelengths

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS11751766B2Method and apparatus for determining physiological parameters of a subject, and computer-program product thereof

Publication Date: 2023.09.12 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD

AI summary

A method for determining one or more physiological parameters of a subject. The method includes providing a plurality of images of a vessel of the subject in response to illumination of the vessel to light of different wavelengths; converting each of the plurality of images of the vessel into at least two grayscale images, thereby generating a plurality of first grayscale images of a first wavelength range and a plurality of second grayscale images of a second wavelength range, the first wavelength range and the second wavelength range being different from each other; and determining the one or more physiological parameters of the subject based on at least the plurality of first grayscale images and the plurality of second grayscale images.