Wearable Optical Sensor for Respiratory Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory rate monitoring technologies face challenges in accuracy, reliability, and wearability, often being uncomfortable and obtrusive, which leads to subject compliance issues during long-term monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A wearable optical sensor system with a chest monitor using an optical reader and grid spacing to track chest movement, employing filtering and calibration techniques to distinguish respiratory activities from noise, and incorporating a slidable tab attachment system for reduced form factor and improved comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contact-based methods (acoustic, airflow, chest movement sensors) are used to monitor respiratory rate, then measurement capability is provided, but the devices become uncomfortable to wear and obtrusive during activities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based sensors (acoustic sensors, airflow sensors, chest movement sensors) with optical detection methods. The optical sensor detects respiratory movements by monitoring changes in light reflection from the chest surface, eliminating the need for physical contact sensors that cause discomfort and interfere with normal activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium between the subject and the measurement system. Instead of direct mechanical contact, light reflects off the chest surface and carries information about respiratory movements to the optical sensor, providing a non-intrusive measurement approach that maintains reliability while improving wearability.
2Ease of operation
If non-contact methods (radar, optical, thermal imaging) are used to monitor respiratory rate, then wearability is improved, but measurement accuracy and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from distant non-contact optical measurement to near-contact optical measurement by placing the optical sensor directly on the chest surface. This dimensional change in sensor positioning allows the use of light reflection principles to achieve both the wearability of contactless methods and the accuracy of contact-based methods, as the optical sensor can detect subtle chest movements with high precision.
3Ease of operation
If traditional respiratory monitoring devices are made comfortable and wearable, then subject compliance improves, but measurement precision and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from mechanical sensor output (acoustic signals, airflow data) to optical parameter variations (light reflection intensity and pattern changes). This parameter change enables the use of a flexible, wearable optical sensor that maintains high measurement precision by detecting subtle changes in light reflection caused by chest movements during respiration.
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 system achieves reliable and accurate respiratory rate monitoring with reduced obtrusiveness and improved wearability, suitable for continuous applications in various settings, including sports, medical, and veterinary use.
Implementation Method 1
the movement may be registered by tracking movement between an optical reader and a grid of known spacing
Data Source
AI summary
A respiratory monitor, systems of respiratory monitoring, and methods of calibrating sensing equipment are described. The respiratory monitor may be configured to identify respiratory patterns while ignoring normal noise aberrations from a sensing device. The monitor may be configured for more comfortable use by a patient. Calibration techniques are also described. These calibration techniques may be employed to adjust sensing systems and to correct for unwanted noise in output signals of sensing equipment.