Device for measurements for a wearable device sensor
Inventors
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12313429-B2
Publication Date
2025-05-27
Expiration Date
2044-06-10
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Abstract
In accordance with an example embodiment, there is provided a device for measurements for a wearable device sensor, the device comprising: a support configured to receive an appendage of a human body; at least one light source; at least one light detector; and an actuator configured to move the at least one light source, or the at least one light detector, or both to at least two different measurement positions in relation to the support.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a device for measurements designed to aid in the development of wearable device sensors. This device includes a support configured to receive an appendage of a human body, at least one light source, at least one light detector, and an actuator. The actuator is configured to move the light source, the light detector, or both to at least two different measurement positions relative to the support. This movement can be rotational around the support, and can be automatic or manual, enabling synchronized or independent movement of the light source and detector. The device is capable of emitting light over a wide wavelength range and detecting light using a spectrometer or other optical sensors.
The problem addressed by the invention arises from variability between users that causes inconsistencies in physiological data collected by wearable devices. Specifically, decisions on the locations and wavelengths of light sources and detectors in wearable sensors are challenging, given the varying optical properties of human tissue and the influence of device positioning on measurement accuracy. The invention seeks to provide a testing device that can collect measurement data from multiple positions around a human appendage, such as a finger or wrist, to optimize the wearable sensor design.
By enabling movement of the light source and detector around the appendage and collecting measurement data from multiple positions, the device provides a plurality of measurement results from different human tissue and sensor configurations. These results assist designers in making informed decisions regarding optimal sensor placement and wavelengths, thereby improving the performance and reliability of wearable device sensors.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains one independent device claim and one independent method claim, each detailing features related to measurement devices and methods for designing wearable device sensors.
Device with movable light source and detector relative to a support
The device includes a support for receiving a human appendage; at least one light source and at least one light detector each configured to move independently from the support; and an actuator to move the light source, the light detector, or both to at least two different measurement positions relative to the support. Two of these elements are positioned substantially opposite the appendage.
Actuator configured for rotational and automatic movement
The actuator is configured to rotate at least one of the light source or light detector around the support and to perform this movement automatically.
Synchronized or independent movement of light source and detector
The actuator can synchronize movement between the light source and light detector or allow independent movement between them.
Wide wavelength range light source and spectrometer detector
The light source has a wide wavelength range possibly covering infrared to ultraviolet wavelengths and may emit white light. The light detector is a spectrometer capable of detecting intensity over different wavelengths.
Multiple light sources and detectors; output capability
The device can comprise two or more light sources and/or two or more light detectors, and includes an output configured to provide information related to light detected at different measurement positions.
Method for measurement with movable light source and detector around an appendage
The method arranges at least one light source and detector around a human appendage positioned substantially opposite one another; moves the light source, detector, or both to at least two different positions relative to the appendage; and collects light detection information from these positions.
Method includes rotating movement and optional synchronization
Moving includes rotating the light source and/or detector around the appendage, with options for synchronized or independent movement executed automatically or by rotating a wearable device around the appendage.
Provision of collected information for sensor design optimization
The method further comprises providing the collected measurement information to optimize locations of light sources, detectors, and wavelengths used in wearable device sensors.
The independent claims cover a device and a corresponding method in which at least one light source and detector are movable relative to a support receiving a human appendage, enabling collection of measurement data from various positions to support wearable sensor design. The claims encompass features including actuators for rotational and automatic movement, synchronized or independent motion, spectrometer use, wide wavelength emission, and output for data utilization.
Stated Advantages
The device assists designers in making beneficial decisions on locations of light sources and detectors and on wavelengths used in wearable device sensors.
It provides a plurality of measurement results from different human tissue and sensor settings, allowing optimization of measurement locations and wavelengths.
The device accounts for variability in tissue thickness, skin tone, and other properties by enabling calibration phases to adjust light intensity and avoid detector saturation.
Documented Applications
The device is used for test measurements for the purpose of developing and optimizing wearable device sensors.
It supports studying optical properties of human appendages to optimize wearable sensor design, including applications in Diffuse Optical Tomography and other measurement methods.
The device can be used to evaluate physiological parameters such as skin temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood oxygen levels via wearable devices like rings or watches.
The collected data may be utilized to optimize the locations and wavelengths of light sources and detectors in wearable devices for accurate physiological measurement.
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