Multiparameter Smart Wristband With Multi-Point PPG Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-invasive wrist-worn monitoring technologies face challenges in achieving clinical-grade accuracy and consistency for assessing physiological parameters like SpO2 and NIBP due to complex wrist physiology, and they struggle to seamlessly integrate multiparameter monitoring of vital signs such as HR, HRV, SpO2, NIBP, RR, and body temperature.
Innovation Solution
A sleek, single-piece, stadium-shaped wearable smart wristband equipped with custom-designed reflective PPG sensors, a thermopile temperature sensor, and ECG electrodes, utilizing a microcontroller for data processing and wireless communication, enabling real-time multiparameter monitoring with clinical-grade accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If reflective PPG methodology is used to acquire arterial pulse waveform signals from the wrist, then the device can non-invasively monitor physiological parameters, but the complex wrist physiology (deeply embedded arteries and capillaries in bony structure) hinders clean data acquisition and reduces measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The wristband divides the measurement task into multiple segments by using three separate PPG sensors positioned at different locations (distal, middle, and proximal positions) on the wrist. Each sensor captures pulse waveform data independently, allowing the system to segment the arterial pulse detection across multiple measurement points to overcome the difficulty of single-point measurement in complex wrist physiology.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-point measurement to multi-dimensional measurement by placing sensors at three different spatial positions along the wrist (distal, middle, and proximal). This dimensional approach allows the system to capture pulse waveforms from multiple locations simultaneously, improving measurement accuracy by compensating for the challenges of deeply embedded arteries in the wrist's bony structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple biosensors and monitoring functions are integrated into the wristband, then multiparameter monitoring capability is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wristband merges multiple monitoring functions (PPG-based pulse monitoring, ECG monitoring, temperature sensing, and accelerometer-based activity tracking) into a single integrated device. By combining these diverse biosensing capabilities in one wristband, the system achieves multiparameter monitoring while managing device complexity through unified hardware and software architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The wristband is designed as a universal monitoring platform that can simultaneously perform multiple physiological parameter measurements including SpO2, NIBP, HR, HRV, RR, and temperature. The device uses a common microcontroller and shared signal processing infrastructure to handle diverse sensing modalities, making the complex device versatile and adaptable to various monitoring needs.
3Measurement precision
If three PPG sensors are positioned at different locations on the wrist, then pulse transit time and pulse wave velocity can be measured for NIBP calculation, but the device design and sensor placement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each of the three PPG sensors is designed with specific local characteristics tailored to its position on the wrist. The distal, middle, and proximal sensors are strategically placed to capture pulse waveforms at different anatomical locations, with each sensor optimized for its specific measurement zone. This local quality approach allows the system to measure pulse transit time and wave velocity while managing placement precision through purposeful sensor differentiation.
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 smart wristband achieves clinical-grade accuracy in measuring NIBP, SpO2, HR, HRV, RR, and temperature by leveraging specialized algorithms and fusion techniques, providing seamless remote monitoring and health alerts.
Implementation Method 1
This technology generally comprises a photodiode (PD) or optical sensor along with closely located light emitting diodes (LEDs) that contact the skin of the wrist. When the LEDs glow, some light from the LEDs is absorbed by the skin while the remainder is reflected back. The PD picks up the reflected light that changes its intensity based on the changes in blood volume inside capillaries caused by the pumping of the blood by the heart.
Implementation Method 2
the device backplate is provided with a thermopile temperature sensor in between two of the three reflective PPG arterial pulse sensors
Implementation Method 3
The user then touches the smartwatch face electrodes with a finger of the other hand. This completes the ECG circuit and configures the electrodes to measure the biopotential difference between the left and right side of the body.
Data Source
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AI summary
An ergonomically designed smart wristband for clinical-grade multiparameter monitoring is disclosed. The smart wristband incorporates multiple sensors including custom-designed reflective arterial pulse sensors, a thermopile sensor, and electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes. When the smart wristband is worn on the wrist, the biosensors contact the skin. The smart wristband may tether wirelessly to a mobile or any other computing device to continuously acquire and stream information like arterial pulse waveform and temperature data. Algorithms running on the computing device or onboard microprocessor analyze the acquired data to report parameters like blood pressure, body temperature, respiration, and blood oxygen. The device can also operate in a fully-standalone mode to accomplish continuous multiparameter physiological monitoring, analysis, and reporting. Whenever the user touches an electrode on the device with a finger of the other hand, an ECG signal is additionally acquired for monitoring parameters such as heart rate and heart rate variability.