Wearable Skin Autofluorescence Sensor Geometry for Surface-Artifact Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing skin autofluorescence (SAF) measurement devices are inaccurate due to surface reflections, are large and costly, and cannot provide continuous monitoring, limiting their ability to track trends in SAF levels effectively.
Innovation Solution
A wearable computing device with a diffuse optical geometry using a skin autofluorescence sensor that includes emitters and detectors separated by a distance, with a light blocking material and an optical long pass filter to measure SAF levels beneath the skin surface, allowing continuous monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing AGE readers use reflection geometry with light source and detector at the same area, then the device structure is simple, but surface artifacts negatively impact measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar reflection geometry to a three-dimensional transmission geometry by separating the light source and detector spatially. The light source is positioned at one location while the detector is positioned at a different location, allowing light to penetrate through the skin in a curved path rather than reflecting off the surface. This dimensional separation eliminates surface artifacts while maintaining wearable device compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces skin tissue as an intermediary medium between the light source and detector. Instead of direct reflection, light passes through the skin tissue to reach the detector, using the tissue itself as the transmission medium. This intermediary approach filters out surface reflections and captures only the transmitted light signal, improving measurement accuracy.
2Productivity
If existing AGE readers are used for spot checks, then the device is available, but continuous monitoring and trend tracking are not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring by keeping the optical sensor in constant contact with the skin surface. The wearable device can continuously take SAF measurements without requiring removal or repositioning, enabling uninterrupted data collection over time. This continuous action eliminates gaps in measurement and enables trend analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-contained continuous measurements without requiring external intervention. The optical sensor automatically captures SAF data at regular intervals, and the system processes the data locally, enabling autonomous continuous monitoring without needing clinical setting involvement or manual operation.
3Ease of operation
If existing AGE readers are large and costly, then the measurement equipment is available, but the device cannot be worn continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical measurement function into a compact, integrated sensor unit that can be incorporated into wearable devices. Instead of using a large, complex AGE reader, the optical components are divided into small, wearable-sized elements that can be continuously worn on the body while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the optical sensor to optimize for wearable conditions. The sensor uses specific wavelength ranges and detection parameters that are optimized for continuous wear, and the device adjusts measurement parameters based on wear status, enabling both portability and accuracy.
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 device provides more accurate and continuous SAF measurements by penetrating through the skin, reducing surface artifacts, and improving the accuracy of SAF readings, especially for collagen cross-linking-related health metrics.
Implementation Method 1
the first detector including an optical long pass filter... the optical long pass filter can prevent light having a wavelength of, for example, less than about 500 nanometers from reaching the first detector
Implementation Method 2
the one or more emitted light signals can penetrate to the user's dermis... the one or more emitted light signals can penetrate to the user's subcutaneous tissue... the one or more emitted light signals can penetrate beneath the user's skin by an average distance of about 0.01 millimeters to about 3 millimeters
Implementation Method 3
measure skin autofluorescence (SAF) via a diffuse optical method... the one or more emitted light signals can have a wavelength ranging from about 300 nanometers to about 900 nanometers
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable computing device for measuring skin autofluorescence is provided. The device includes a skin autofluorescence sensor having one or more emitters configured to output one or more emitted light signals, a first detector configured to receive a first returned light signal, the first detector including an optical long pass filter, and a second detector configured to receive a second returned light signal. In addition, a light blocking material is disposed between the one or more emitters and the first detector, the second detector, or both. The device also includes a processor configured to calculate a skin autofluorescence level based on a measured intensity level of the first returned light signal and a measured intensity level of the second returned light signal. A method of measuring skin autofluorescence using the device is also provided.