Wearable Skin Spectroscopy with Integrated Spectrometers and Light Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical measurement devices are limited to measuring only a few parameters with low accuracy, are not flexible, and require specialized environments and trained personnel, lacking miniaturized spectrometers for wearable applications.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, portable, non-invasive device integrating monolithically integrated optical spectrometers and light sources on an electronic substrate, enabling simultaneous measurement of multiple physiological parameters using hyperspectral filters and multiple illumination sources, with configurations for both reflectance and transmittance spectroscopy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If discrete wavelength optical sensors are used for physiological parameter measurement, then device simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and spectral resolution are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete optical sensors with different spectral sensitivities into a single integrated sensor array, allowing simultaneous measurement of multiple physiological parameters with high spectral resolution while maintaining relatively simple device architecture. The merged sensor system captures broadband light and resolves spectra through computational methods rather than requiring separate narrowband filters for each parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal optical sensing platform that can measure multiple physiological parameters (oxygen saturation, pulse rate, blood pressure, glucose, etc.) using a single spectrometer-based device. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate specialized devices for each parameter, achieving high measurement precision across diverse applications while managing device complexity through software configuration rather than hardware multiplication.
2Measurement precision
If specialized clinical equipment is used for spectroscopy measurements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation and accessibility deteriorate due to requiring trained personnel and controlled environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-calibrating and self-diagnosing algorithms that automatically compensate for environmental variations, skin tone differences, and motion artifacts without requiring trained operators. The device performs real-time quality assessment and adaptive calibration, enabling accurate measurements in diverse settings by ordinary users rather than requiring specialized clinical expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts measurement parameters such as wavelength selection, integration time, and illumination intensity based on real-time conditions detected by the sensor array. This adaptive parameter modification maintains high measurement accuracy across varying environmental conditions and user characteristics while simplifying operation through automated optimization rather than manual configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are used for different physiological measurements, then measurement coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal optical sensing platform that can measure multiple physiological parameters (oxygen saturation, pulse rate, blood pressure, glucose, etc.) using a single spectrometer-based device. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate specialized devices for each parameter, achieving high measurement precision across diverse applications while managing device complexity through software configuration rather than hardware multiplication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic parameter selection and adaptive measurement strategies that adjust the spectral bands and measurement modes based on which physiological parameters are currently being monitored. This dynamic configuration allows the device to maintain versatility for multiple parameters while optimizing performance and reducing computational complexity for any given measurement session.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for measuring optical response from skin includes one or more illumination sources configured to irradiate light directly onto skin or tissue, where each illumination source is configured to provide light within a predetermined range of optical wavelengths. The device further includes one or more spectrometers, each including a plurality of interference filters overlaying one or more optical sensors, where each of spectrometers has a sensing range within a predetermined range of optical wavelengths and is configured to capture light emitted from the skin or tissue. Each of the one or more spectrometers included of the device is positioned a predetermined distance from at least one illumination source of the one or more illumination sources.