Wearable Sensor Array for Accurate Physiological Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing physiological monitoring devices face challenges in accurately and reliably measuring a range of physiological parameters, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, due to variations in user physiology and the need for improved sensor placement and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The development of a wearable device with a dual-module design, featuring an upper and lower module with sensors that can be customized to optimal positions on the wrist, utilizing a combination of optical, ECG, and other sensors to collect and analyze physiological data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical sensors are used to detect physiological parameters, then heart rate and other parameters can be monitored, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to variations in user physiology
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple sensor types (optical sensors for PPG, ECG electrodes, accelerometers, gyroscopes) that segment the measurement task across different physiological detection mechanisms, allowing each sensor type to contribute to overall measurement accuracy despite individual limitations
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable device incorporates multiple sensor types that can detect various physiological parameters (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, movement) using a single integrated platform, enabling the system to overcome limitations of individual sensor types through multi-functional measurement capabilities
2Ease of manufacture
If sensor placement is standardized, then device manufacturing is simplified, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to individual physiological variations
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic sensor placement capabilities where sensors can be positioned at multiple locations on the wrist, and the system dynamically selects or adjusts which sensors are active based on individual user physiology and optimal measurement locations, rather than using fixed standardized placement
Solution Approach 2:
Different sensor types are placed at different locations on the wrist to optimize local measurement quality, with optical sensors, ECG electrodes, and motion sensors positioned according to their specific measurement requirements rather than uniform placement
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensor types are integrated, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor types (optical PPG sensors, ECG electrodes, accelerometers, gyroscopes) are merged into a single integrated wearable device housing, allowing simultaneous collection of multiple physiological signals from different measurement modalities in one unified system
Solution Approach 2:
The device achieves multi-functionality by integrating diverse sensor types that can measure various physiological parameters (cardiac activity, blood flow, movement, respiration) through a single platform, reducing the need for multiple separate devices
4Weight of moving object
If the device is made lightweight and small, then user comfort is improved, but sensor accuracy deteriorates due to reduced sensor size and quality
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses flexible circuit boards and thin-film sensor technologies that maintain sensor functionality while reducing overall device thickness and weight, allowing accurate physiological measurements in a lightweight wearable form factor
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensor functions are combined into integrated sensor modules that reduce overall device size and weight while maintaining measurement accuracy through compact sensor arrangements and shared electronic components
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
This solution enhances the accuracy and reliability of physiological parameter measurement, improves user comfort, and allows for personalized sensor placement, thereby addressing the limitations of existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
Light that passes through the body tissue impinges on the photo detector resulting in an electrical signal that is synchronized to each heartbeat
Implementation Method 2
Optical energy emitted by the light sources passes through the skin of the targeted tissue region, is scattered, partially absorbed, and is reflected by blood flowing through arteries
Implementation Method 3
Optical energy emitted by the light sources passes through the skin of the targeted tissue region, is scattered, partially absorbed, and is reflected by blood flowing through arteries
Implementation Method 4
Optical energy emitted by the light sources passes through the skin of the targeted tissue region, is scattered, partially absorbed, and is reflected by blood flowing through arteries
Data Source
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AI summary
Described herein are systems and methods for collecting physiological information from a user and determining information including, but not limited to, a user's heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels (Sv02), hydration, respiration rate, and heart rate variability. Physiological information is collected from one or more modules, each comprising a sensor array. The sensor array(s) can comprise, among other things, light sources, photo detectors, ECG electrodes/sensors, bio impedance sensors, galvanic skin response sensors, tonometry/contact sensors, accelerometers, pressure sensors, acoustic sensors, and electromagnetic sensors. The information collected from a user can be used to cross-reference a database comprising similar information for a number of subjects as well as verified measurements for each subject including, but not limited to, blood pressure, oxygen levels (Sv02), hydration, respiration rate, and heart rate variability. As such, a user's blood pressure, oxygen levels, hydration, respiration rate, and heart rate variability can be accurately estimated without direct measurement.