Description:Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to medical diagnostic devices, particularly wearable health monitoring sensors. Specifically, the invention pertains to a wearable, non-invasive sensor designed to detect anemia by measuring hemoglobin levels and transmitting real-time data wirelessly. The device is particularly tailored for monitoring pregnant women in community-based healthcare settings, facilitating early detection and timely intervention for anemia-related complications.
Background of the Invention
Anemia, characterized by low hemoglobin levels, remains a major global health issue, particularly affecting pregnant women in community and rural settings. Anemia during pregnancy significantly increases maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality due to its association with complications such as preterm delivery, low birth weight, and postpartum hemorrhage. Thus, continuous and reliable monitoring of hemoglobin levels in pregnant women is essential for timely diagnosis and management.
Currently, the standard method for detecting anemia is invasive blood sampling followed by laboratory analysis. This method has several inherent limitations, especially in resource-limited, community-based healthcare environments:
1. Invasiveness and Patient Discomfort: Frequent blood sampling is painful and stressful for pregnant women, potentially reducing patient compliance with recommended monitoring protocols.
2. Delayed Results: Traditional laboratory tests often result in delays from hours to days, hampering timely intervention, particularly in remote or rural communities.
3. Limited Accessibility: Many rural or community-based healthcare centers lack access to equipped laboratories, trained personnel, or consistent electricity supply, complicating the rapid assessment and effective management of anemia.
4. Cost and Infrastructure: Laboratory-based testing methods require expensive equipment, trained laboratory staff, consumables, and logistical support, making regular screening and monitoring economically unsustainable in low-resource areas.
5. Lack of Real-Time Monitoring: Existing solutions do not offer continuous or real-time hemoglobin data, limiting the ability of healthcare providers to intervene swiftly in case of critical hemoglobin fluctuations.
Object of the Invention
The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a non-invasive, wearable anemia detection device capable of continuously monitoring hemoglobin levels in pregnant women.
Further specific objectives include:
1. Real-Time Monitoring: To enable immediate, real-time wireless transmission of hemoglobin data, allowing prompt clinical decisions and timely interventions.
2. Improved Patient Compliance: To offer a painless, comfortable alternative to invasive blood sampling, thus enhancing acceptance and adherence to regular monitoring among pregnant women.
3. Cost-Effectiveness: To develop an economically viable and sustainable diagnostic solution suitable for resource-limited and community-based healthcare settings.
4. Accessibility and Ease of Use: To create a portable, user-friendly, and robust wearable device that can be reliably operated by healthcare workers or community health volunteers without specialized laboratory training.
5. Enhanced Community Healthcare: To strengthen community-based maternal care through early detection, timely referral, and efficient management of anemia-related complications, thereby reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention provides a wearable, non-invasive anemia detection device integrated with real-time wireless data transmission, specifically designed for community-based pregnancy care. This innovative solution addresses the limitations of current invasive, delayed, and infrastructure-dependent anemia screening methods.
The device consists of a compact wearable sensor—such as a finger ring, wristband, or earlobe clip—capable of estimating hemoglobin levels using optical spectroscopy or photoplethysmography (PPG). The sensor is connected to a low-power microcontroller with embedded Bluetooth or GSM/IoT communication module, enabling real-time data transmission to a mobile health application or cloud-based clinical dashboard.
Key features include:
• Non-invasive hemoglobin monitoring using optical sensors.
• Continuous or periodic measurements for trend analysis and early detection.
• Wireless data transmission to healthcare providers for real-time alerts.
• Battery-efficient design for long-term wear in low-resource environments.
• Integration with maternal health records to support longitudinal tracking.
• User-friendly interface for both patients and community health workers.
By eliminating the need for frequent blood draws and laboratory dependency, this invention empowers frontline healthcare workers to screen, monitor, and refer anemic pregnant women at the community level—enhancing the accessibility, efficiency, and effectiveness of maternal healthcare services in underserved regions.
Brief Description of the Drawings
• Figure 1: Front and Side View of the Wearable Device
This figure illustrates the external design of the wearable anemia detection sensor, showing the placement of the optical sensor (e.g., LED and photodiode), adjustable strap or clip mechanism, and indicator lights. It may take the form of a ring, wristband, or earlobe clip for user comfort.
• Figure 2: Block Diagram of System Architecture
This diagram outlines the internal electronic components and functional flow of the device, including the hemoglobin sensing module, signal processing unit, microcontroller, wireless communication unit (Bluetooth/GSM), rechargeable battery, and data output interface.
• Figure 3: Data Transmission Workflow to Mobile and Cloud
This figure shows the data pathway from the wearable device to a smartphone or tablet application, and onward to a cloud-based maternal health database or clinical dashboard used by community healthcare providers.
• Figure 4: Use Case Illustration in a Community Health Setting
This drawing depicts a pregnant woman wearing the device during a routine checkup conducted by a community health worker, demonstrating real-world application and integration into existing antenatal care pathways.

. 7. Detailed Description of the Invention
Wearable Anemia Detection Sensor with Real-Time Data Transmission for Community-Based Pregnancy Care
A. Components and Materials Used
1. Sensor Unit
o Type: Optical sensor (based on photoplethysmography or spectrophotometry)
o Components: LED emitters (red and infrared), photodiodes
o Material: Medical-grade biocompatible polymer for housing; hypoallergenic silicone for contact surfaces
2. Microcontroller Unit (MCU)
o Type: Low-power MCU (e.g., ARM Cortex-M series)
o Functions: Controls sensor operation, processes signals, manages data encryption
3. Wireless Communication Module
o Options: Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) / GSM / NB-IoT
o Purpose: Enables real-time transmission of hemoglobin data to smartphones or cloud platforms
4. Power Supply
o Component: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery (100–200 mAh)
o Charging: USB or wireless induction charging
5. Casing and Strap
o Material: Lightweight ABS or flexible TPU
o Design: Adjustable, wearable (ring/wristband/ear clip form factor)
6. Mobile Application / Dashboard
o Platform: Android/iOS and web-based dashboard for healthcare workers
o Functions: Displays hemoglobin levels, trends, alerts, and integrates with patient records
B. Working Mechanism and Method of Operation
1. Sensor Activation
o The device, when worn, automatically activates and emits light of specific wavelengths (typically red and IR).
o Light passes through capillary-rich tissues (e.g., fingertip or earlobe).
2. Hemoglobin Estimation
o Hemoglobin absorbs light differentially based on its oxygenation and concentration.
o The reflected light is captured by a photodiode; the signal is digitized and processed using proprietary algorithms to estimate hemoglobin concentration.
3. Data Processing and Transmission
o Processed hemoglobin data is stored locally and transmitted wirelessly via BLE/GSM to a mobile application.
o The application logs readings, sends alerts if values fall below threshold, and forwards data to a secure cloud server for clinician access.
4. User Interface
o Visual and haptic feedback (e.g., LED indicators or gentle vibration) informs the user of device status.
o The app displays real-time and historical data and generates referral prompts for low readings.
C. Preferred Embodiments
1. Wristband Format
o Suitable for regular, long-term wear.
o Ideal for antenatal monitoring during routine activities.
2. Earlobe Clip Format
o Offers more stable signal for spot-checks during field visits by healthcare workers.
3. Mobile Application Integration
o App includes features such as GPS tagging of patient location, health education, and compliance tracking.
D. Alternate Embodiments
1. Ring-Type Sensor
o Miniaturized version for discreet wear, preferred by users in conservative or traditional settings.
2. Standalone Unit with Display
o Includes a small OLED screen for direct hemoglobin display, useful in areas without mobile network access.
3. Multi-Parameter Monitoring
o Future versions may integrate pulse oximetry, pulse rate, and blood pressure sensors for comprehensive maternal health monitoring.
4. Solar Rechargeable Version
o Designed for off-grid rural areas, allowing power independence using a solar module on the wristband.
, Claims:For the invention titled: Wearable Anemia Detection Sensor with Real-Time Data Transmission for Community-Based Pregnancy Care
Independent Claims
1. A wearable device for non-invasive detection of anemia, comprising:
o a hemoglobin sensing module based on optical spectroscopy;
o a microcontroller configured to process sensor signals;
o a wireless communication unit adapted to transmit hemoglobin data in real time;
o a power source operably connected to the sensing module and the communication unit;
o wherein the device is configured to be worn on the body and provides real-time monitoring of hemoglobin levels.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the data is transmitted wirelessly to a mobile application and/or cloud-based server accessible by healthcare providers for patient monitoring.
3. A method for non-invasive anemia detection and transmission of hemoglobin data, comprising the steps of:
o placing the wearable device on a body site rich in capillaries;
o illuminating the site using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) of at least two wavelengths;
o detecting the reflected light using photodetectors to calculate hemoglobin concentration;
o processing and transmitting the data in real-time via a wireless communication module to a remote receiver.
Dependent Claims
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the hemoglobin sensing module operates using photoplethysmography (PPG) principles.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the wireless communication unit comprises Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), GSM, or NB-IoT protocol.
6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a user feedback system, including LED indicators or vibration alerts for abnormal hemoglobin readings.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the wearable form factor is selected from a wristband, finger ring, or earlobe clip.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the power source is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with optional solar charging capability.
9. The method of claim 3, further comprising storing hemoglobin data in a mobile application and generating trend analytics for clinical decision-making.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the sensor housing is made from biocompatible, hypoallergenic materials suitable for prolonged skin contact during pregnancy.