Blood oxygen concentration is one of the most important vital signs healthcare professionals use when deciding on treatment options. These vitals are taken using pulse oximeters, which work by emitting red and infrared light through the blood and converting measured absorbances to oxygen concentrations. Many small hospitals and clinics in developing countries do not have access to hospital-grade oximetry. Oximetry is not only important for general vitals, but major surgery mortality rate drops 90% with oximeters.

Our solution is a new form factor for a pulse oximeter with a unique algorithm to analyze incoming absorbance data. We plan to measure the peak-to-trough distance from our oxygen data to create a ratio of oxygenated blook to total blood, making the factor of skin tone irrelevant. We also plan to move the oximeter from the finger to the ear lobe, where more blood vessels are located and are less prone to changes in internal body temperature. Additionally, we plan to use a modified display to lower material costs and power consumption (Benchmark LEDs).

Team: Shyam P., Kieran F., Ryan R., Vincent N.