Apparatus and method for estimating target component

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing non-invasive methods for estimating components like blood glucose and carotenoids using Raman or Near-infrared spectroscopy are hindered by the absorption effects of hemoglobin and melanin, leading to reduced accuracy across different skin colors.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that corrects reflectance values based on melanin and hemoglobin indices, converting reflectance to absorbance, and applying correction ratios to estimate target components accurately.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If spectrum-based sensing is used to estimate target components, then non-invasive measurement is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to melanin absorption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy in estimating target componentsVSAvoidmelanin absorption effect
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful melanin absorption effect into a beneficial factor by using the melanin index as a correction parameter. The system measures the melanin index from the spectrum and applies it to correct the target component estimation, thereby transforming the previously harmful absorption effect into a useful correction mechanism that improves measurement accuracy across different skin tones

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter space by introducing the melanin index as an additional correction parameter. Instead of directly using the raw spectrum for target component estimation, the system first calculates the melanin index and then uses it to adjust the estimation parameters, thereby compensating for melanin's absorbing effect and improving measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If spectrum-based sensing is used to estimate target components, then non-invasive measurement is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to hemoglobin absorption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy in estimating target componentsVSAvoidhemoglobin absorption effect
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful hemoglobin absorption effect into a beneficial factor by using the hemoglobin index as a correction parameter. The system measures the hemoglobin index from the spectrum and applies it to correct the target component estimation, thereby transforming the previously harmful absorption effect into a useful correction mechanism that improves measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter space by introducing the hemoglobin index as an additional correction parameter. Instead of directly using the raw spectrum for target component estimation, the system first calculates the hemoglobin index and then uses it to adjust the estimation parameters, thereby compensating for hemoglobin's absorbing effect and improving measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Improves accuracy in estimating target components by compensating for the effects of melanin and hemoglobin, enhancing precision across various skin tones.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor (110) configured to obtain a spectrum of light scattered or reflected from an object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

a sensor (110) configured to obtain a spectrum of light scattered or reflected from an object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

convert the second reflectance value into an absorbance value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorbance measurement: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentEP3977917B1Apparatus and method for estimating target component
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3977917B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3977917B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3977917B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for non-invasively estimating a target component value based on a light spectrum. The apparatus for estimating the target component value may include a sensor configured to obtain a spectrum of light scattered or reflected from an object, and a processor configured to correct a first reflectance value of the spectrum based on a melanin index; obtain a second reflectance value based on correcting the first reflectance value; convert the second reflectance value into an absorbance value; estimate the target component value based on the absorbance value; and correct the target component value based on a hemoglobin index.