A wearable electrocardiogram monitoring system based on a clothing-type thermoelectric generator

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of wearable smart health monitoring, and specifically discloses a wearable electrocardiogram monitoring system based on a clothes-type thermoelectric generator. The wearable electrocardiogram monitoring system comprises a clothes-type thermoelectric generator unit, a heartbeat monitoring unit and an upper computer. The heartbeat monitoring unit comprises a voltage conversion circuit and an electrocardiogram data acquisition module, and the upper computer comprises an analysis unit and a display. The clothes-type thermoelectric generator unit is used to power the heartbeat monitoring unit, the electrocardiogram data acquisition module is used to acquire and wirelessly transmit electrocardiogram data and heart rate data, and the analysis unit is used to analyze the heart rate data stored in the upper computer and to determine the risk of pulmonary arterial hypertension according to the resting heart rate data, the maximum heart rate data and the time-varying heart rate data. The clothes-type thermoelectric generator unit and the heartbeat monitoring unit of the present application are both worn on the human arm, have the advantages of portability and lightness, and can be used as an auxiliary diagnostic device for determining pulmonary arterial hypertension, thus having great potential in medicine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wearable smart health monitoring technology, and in particular to a wearable electrocardiogram monitoring system based on a clothing-type thermoelectric generator. Background Technology

[0002] Pulmonary hypertension is a serious condition characterized by elevated pulmonary artery pressure, which often leads to abnormal changes in heart rate. Therefore, heart rate monitoring is crucial for patients with pulmonary hypertension. Traditional heart rate monitoring relies on equipment such as electrocardiographs (ECGs), which are bulky, difficult to carry, and require external power. This undoubtedly increases the burden on patients with pulmonary hypertension during monitoring and can easily lead to inaccurate data.

[0003] Currently, the gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary hypertension is right heart catheterization, an invasive procedure. While this method can definitively diagnose pulmonary hypertension, it is invasive and prone to causing infection at the wound site, resulting in low patient comfort and requiring a high level of skill from the physician. Therefore, researchers are dedicated to developing a non-invasive method for the early identification of pulmonary hypertension.

[0004] The 6-minute walk test is a simple, economical, and safe method for assessing a patient's exercise tolerance and cardiopulmonary function. Exploring heart rate changes during the 6-minute walk test is of significant importance for the analysis of pulmonary hypertension. Currently, 6-minute walk test devices are large and bulky. Weight-bearing exercise is undoubtedly a further burden on pulmonary hypertension patients with pre-existing heart rate abnormalities, leading to more severe comfort problems and potentially affecting test results. Furthermore, current 6-minute walk test devices cannot measure heart rate changes in real time, limiting the use of dynamic physiological data for medical analysis. Therefore, there is a need for a portable, wearable, real-time heart rate monitoring device for daily use or for heart rate monitoring in medical settings such as for pulmonary hypertension patients. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring system based on a clothing-type thermoelectric generator. This wearable ECG monitoring system, comprising both a clothing-type thermoelectric generator and a heart rate monitoring unit, is worn on the human arm, offering advantages such as portability and lightweight design. It can be used as an auxiliary diagnostic device for assessing pulmonary hypertension, demonstrating significant potential in medicine.

[0006] A wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring system based on a clothing-type thermoelectric generator includes a clothing-type thermoelectric generator unit, a heartbeat monitoring unit, and a host computer. The clothing-type thermoelectric generator unit comprises a thermoelectric generator and an elastic fabric; the heartbeat monitoring unit includes a transformer circuit and an ECG data acquisition module; and the host computer includes an analysis unit and a display. The clothing-type thermoelectric generator unit powers the heartbeat monitoring unit. The ECG data acquisition module collects and wirelessly transmits ECG and heart rate data. The host computer stores the ECG and heart rate data. The analysis unit analyzes the heart rate data stored in the host computer and uses it to assess the risk of pulmonary hypertension based on resting heart rate data, maximum heart rate data, and time-varying heart rate data. The display shows various data, graphs, and / or analysis results, as well as the assessment results of the pulmonary hypertension risk. The clothing-style thermoelectric power generation unit is worn on the forearm of the human body, with the bottom surface of the thermoelectric power generation unit in close contact with the human skin. Based on the temperature difference between the human skin and the air, electricity is generated and boosted by the transformer circuit included in the heartbeat monitoring unit to supply power to the electrocardiogram data acquisition module included in the heartbeat monitoring unit worn on the human forearm.

[0007] Furthermore, a thermoelectric power generation unit is embedded in the elastic fabric to form a clothing-type thermoelectric power generation unit, which consists of P-type and N-type semiconductor thermoelectric particles and Kirigami structure flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) electrodes. The external positive and negative wires of the clothing-type thermoelectric power generation unit are connected to the input terminals of the transformer circuit of the heartbeat monitoring unit. The transformer circuit stores the electrical energy in a capacitor and boosts it to 3V through a transformer chip (LTC3108) to power the ECG data acquisition module. The three electrodes of the ECG data acquisition module are respectively attached to the first intercostal space of the left midclavicular line, the first intercostal space of the right midclavicular line, and the sixth intercostal space of the left midclavicular line to collect ECG data. The collected ECG data is transmitted wirelessly to the host computer.

[0008] Furthermore, the transformer circuit utilizes the LTC3108 chip, which is connected to a small step-up transformer. The positive and negative terminals of the thermoelectric generator are connected to the input terminals of the transformer, respectively. Electrical energy is used to boost the input voltage through the transformer and coupling capacitor. The boosted voltage is then output to the ECG data acquisition module through the VOUT pin. A storage capacitor is designed into the transformer circuit and connected to the VOUT pin of the LTC3108. When there is no load, the thermoelectric generator charges the storage capacitor to provide power when there is no power source.

[0009] Furthermore, the ECG data acquisition module is based on the commercial AD8232 module and includes three electrodes. It employs a single-lead ECG mode, with the three electrodes respectively attached to the first intercostal space along the left midclavicular line, the first intercostal space along the right midclavicular line, and the sixth intercostal space along the left midclavicular line. The acquired ECG and heart rate data are filtered and amplified before being output to the serial port for continuous transmission to the host computer.

[0010] Furthermore, the host computer stores ECG and heart rate data, and the display shows the ECG, real-time heart rate, and analysis results. The wearable ECG monitoring system, comprising a clothing-type thermoelectric generator and a heart rate monitoring unit, is sequentially worn on the forearm and upper arm of the human arm. After wearing, the resting heart rate is first obtained, followed by a 6-minute walking test to obtain the maximum heart rate. The time-varying heart rate is then calculated based on the obtained resting and maximum heart rates. The analysis unit performs the following judgments on the resting heart rate, maximum heart rate, and time-varying heart rate, and the display shows the real-time ECG, real-time heart rate, resting heart rate, maximum heart rate, and judgment results:

[0011] (1) Is the resting heart rate between 60-100 beats / min?

[0012] (2) The moment when the maximum heart rate occurs during the 6-minute walk test;

[0013] (3) Whether the time-varying heart rate is ≥40 beats / min;

[0014] (4) If the resting heart rate is less than 60 beats / min, the display shows “bradycardia”; if the resting heart rate is greater than 100 beats / min, the display shows “tachycardia”; if the time-varying heart rate reaches 40 beats / min, the display shows “risk of pulmonary hypertension”; otherwise, the display shows “low risk of pulmonary hypertension”.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0016] 1. This invention relates to a wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring system based on a clothing-type thermoelectric power generation device. Both the clothing-type thermoelectric power generation unit and the heart rate monitoring unit are worn on the human arm, offering advantages such as portability and lightweight design, and possessing significant potential in medicine. The working principle of the thermoelectric power generation unit is as follows: based on Seebeck's principle, the temperature difference between the inner and outer surfaces of the respiratory monitoring unit of the thermoelectric device creates a temperature difference between the two ends of the thermoelectric particles that are thermally connected in parallel and electrically connected in series, resulting in an output voltage from the thermoelectric device. Heat generated by the human body comes into contact with the thermoelectric power generation device, causing a temperature difference between its two ends, thereby generating electricity. This invention utilizes a thermoelectric leg that directly contacts the human skin, employing Kirigami-structured FPCB electrodes to enhance tensile properties and better conform to the complex surface of the human skin. This thermoelectric power generation device exhibits excellent output performance, with a maximum open-circuit voltage of 940mV and a maximum output power of 23.8mW at a temperature difference of 30K.

[0017] 2. This invention conducted a 6-minute walk test on 40 groups of volunteers with pulmonary hypertension and healthy cardiopulmonary function, monitoring heart rate changes in real time throughout the test, and statistically analyzing their resting heart rate and maximum heart rate during the 6-minute walk. A T-test was performed on the difference between the maximum heart rate during the 6-minute walk and the resting heart rate, demonstrating that this indicator has a significant statistical difference between pulmonary hypertension patients and healthy cardiopulmonary volunteers. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a physical image of the wearable electrocardiogram monitoring system of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the output voltage and power of a thermoelectric generator unit. The testing process is as follows: First, place the clothing-type thermoelectric generator unit on a heating platform and insert thermocouples into its upper and lower surfaces. Then, place a water-cooled radiator on the upper surface of the clothing-type thermoelectric generator unit and the corresponding thermocouples. Next, connect the positive and negative terminals of the clothing-type thermoelectric generator unit to an adjustable resistance box and use a multimeter to test the current and voltage of the clothing-type thermoelectric generator unit. Then, turn on the heating platform to heat the clothing-type thermoelectric generator unit until the temperature difference between its upper and lower surfaces reaches 10℃, 20℃, and 30℃, and record the output voltage and current of the clothing-type thermoelectric generator unit. Finally, plot the output voltage and power based on the obtained data.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a seated electrocardiogram (ECG). The test process is as follows: the volunteer wears the clothing-type thermoelectric power generation unit (forearm) and heart rate monitoring unit (back of arm) of this invention as required. The clothing-type thermoelectric power generation unit supplies power to the heart rate monitoring unit. Then, the three electrodes of the heart rate monitoring unit are attached to the volunteer's body according to the test requirements. The volunteer sits quietly for ten minutes in a seated position before the test is performed. The host computer displays the heart rate and ECG in real time.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a distribution chart of volunteers' resting heart rates;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a distribution map of the maximum heart rate obtained from a 6-minute walking test conducted by volunteers.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a statistical analysis chart of time-varying heart rates obtained from volunteers' 6-minute walking test;

[0024] Figure 7 The ROC curves and cut-off values ​​of time-varying heart rate are for 40 groups of pulmonary hypertension patients and cardiopulmonary healthy volunteers.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a real-life image of a volunteer wearing the wearable electrocardiogram monitoring system of this invention performing a 6-minute walking test;

[0026] Figure 9 This is a graph showing the change in heart rate over time during a 6-minute walk test conducted by volunteers wearing the wearable electrocardiogram monitoring system of this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments; specific implementation methods can be determined according to the technical solution of the present invention and actual circumstances.

[0028] like Figure 1 A wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring system based on a clothing-type thermoelectric generator is disclosed. The system includes a clothing-type thermoelectric generator unit, a heartbeat monitoring unit, and a host computer. The clothing-type thermoelectric generator unit comprises a thermoelectric generator and an elastic fabric. The heartbeat monitoring unit includes a transformer circuit and an ECG data acquisition module. The host computer includes an analysis unit and a display. The clothing-type thermoelectric generator unit powers the heartbeat monitoring unit. The ECG data acquisition module collects and wirelessly transmits ECG and heart rate data. The host computer stores the ECG and heart rate data and displays the ECG. The analysis unit analyzes the data stored in the host computer. The clothing-type thermoelectric generator unit is worn on the forearm, with its bottom surface in close contact with the skin. Based on the temperature difference between the skin and the air, electricity is generated and boosted by the transformer circuit in the heartbeat monitoring unit before supplying power to the ECG data acquisition module in the heartbeat monitoring unit worn on the forearm.

[0029] A thermoelectric power generation unit is embedded in elastic fabric to form a clothing-type thermoelectric power generation unit, which consists of P-type and N-type semiconductor thermoelectric particles and Kirigami structure flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) electrodes. The external positive and negative wires of the clothing-type thermoelectric power generation unit are connected to the input terminals of the transformer circuit of the heartbeat monitoring unit. The transformer circuit stores the electrical energy in a capacitor and boosts it to 3V through a transformer chip (LTC3108) to power the ECG data acquisition module. The three electrodes of the ECG data acquisition module are attached to the first intercostal space along the left midclavicular line, the first intercostal space along the right midclavicular line, and the sixth intercostal space along the left midclavicular line to collect ECG data. The collected ECG data is transmitted wirelessly to the host computer.

[0030] In this embodiment, the fabrication process of the Kirigami structure flexible printed circuit board electrode is the same as the preparation method described in the "Detailed Embodiments" section of invention patent application CN116761491A. The fabrication process of the thermoelectric power generation unit is as follows:

[0031] (1) Processing of elastic fabric: Commercial elastic fabric is selected as the flexible substrate. A hole array through which thermoelectric particles pass is prepared on the elastic fabric by laser cutting. The length of the hole array is 1.4 mm, the width is 1.4 mm, and the hole spacing is 2 mm.

[0032] (2) Preparation of P-type and N-type semiconductor thermoelectric particles: Sb2Te3 was used as the raw material for P-type semiconductor thermoelectric particles and Bi2Te3 was used as the raw material for N-type semiconductor thermoelectric particles. Both P-type and N-type semiconductor thermoelectric particles were formed into bulk particles with a size of 1.4×1.4×2.5mm. The spacing between the thermoelectric particles matched the spacing between the holes in the hole array on the elastic cloth, both being 2mm.

[0033] (3) Fabrication of Kirigami-structured flexible printed circuit board electrodes: According to the fabrication method described in the "Detailed Embodiments" section of patent application CN116761491A, Kirigami-structured flexible printed circuit board electrodes, serving as upper and lower electrodes, are fabricated, with the upper and lower electrodes being compatible. The flexible printed circuit board electrodes are based on a polyimide film, and the desired electrodes are fabricated on the polyimide film. The electrodes are obtained by laser cutting. Figure 1 The Kirigami structure shown includes a flexible PCB board with 10×8 geometric units per Kirigami structure, and the spacing between adjacent geometric units is 5mm.

[0034] (4) Place the Kirigami structure flexible printed circuit board electrode, which is the lower electrode, prepared in step (3) on a heating plate. Coat the metal electrode surface of the flexible printed circuit board electrode with a layer of tin paste. Then, alternately place P-type and N-type semiconductor thermoelectric particles on the tin paste coated on the surface of the corresponding electrode, with a spacing of 2 mm between each thermoelectric particle. After placement, press a glass plate on it to prevent the P-type and N-type semiconductor thermoelectric particles from moving during heating. Heat the heating plate to 150°C. After welding, allow it to cool naturally to room temperature before removing the glass plate.

[0035] (5) After completing step (4), the elastic cloth from step (1) is covered on the surface of the P-type and N-type semiconductor thermoelectric particles, and the elastic cloth is pressed down so that the P-type and N-type semiconductor thermoelectric particles pass through the hole array; then, a layer of tin paste is coated on the top of the P-type and N-type semiconductor thermoelectric particles, and the Kirigami structure flexible printed circuit board electrode, which serves as the upper electrode, is placed on the P-type and N-type semiconductor thermoelectric particles coated with tin paste on the top. The geometric units in the Kirigami structure flexible printed circuit board electrodes, which serve as the upper and lower electrodes, correspond to each other, so that the P-type and N-type semiconductor thermoelectric particles in each geometric unit form an electrically connected series and thermally connected parallel structure; then, the geometric units are connected by wires so that the whole forms an electrically connected series and thermally connected parallel structure; finally, the heating temperature of the heating plate is adjusted to 150°C, and the welding is completed at a heating temperature of 150°C.

[0036] The transformer circuit utilizes the LTC3108 chip, which is connected to a small step-up transformer. The positive and negative terminals of the thermoelectric generator are connected to the input terminals of the transformer, respectively. Electrical energy is used to boost the input voltage through the transformer and coupling capacitor. The boosted voltage is then output to the ECG data acquisition module through the VOUT pin. A storage capacitor is designed into the transformer circuit and connected to the VOUT pin of the LTC3108. When there is no load, the thermoelectric generator charges the storage capacitor to provide power when there is no power source.

[0037] The ECG data acquisition module is based on the commercial AD8232 module and includes three electrodes. It employs a single-lead ECG mode, with the three electrodes respectively attached to the first intercostal space along the left midclavicular line, the first intercostal space along the right midclavicular line, and the sixth intercostal space along the left midclavicular line. The acquired ECG and heart rate data are filtered, amplified, and output to a serial port for wireless transmission to the host computer.

[0038] The host computer is used to store ECG data and heart rate data, and to display the ECG, real-time heart rate, and analysis results.

[0039] The aforementioned wearable electrocardiogram monitoring system was used in a 6-minute walk test for 40 groups of pulmonary hypertension patients and cardiopulmonary healthy volunteers. Figure 8 The system records the maximum heart rate during the test and the resting heart rate before the test in real time. The analysis unit included in the host computer performs statistical analysis (T test) on the collected heart rate data. The statistical analysis results show that there is a significant statistical difference between the maximum heart rate and the resting heart rate during the 6-minute walk test for both pulmonary hypertension patients and cardiopulmonary healthy volunteers.

[0040] 6-minute walk test

[0041] 1. Environmental conditions: The test will be conducted in a 30-meter-long corridor provided by the hospital, which is in a temperature-controlled, quiet and well-ventilated area. Markers will be placed every 3 meters, and cone-shaped signs will be placed at the turning points.

[0042] 2. Test Preparation: Forty groups of volunteers were selected, each consisting of one pulmonary hypertension patient (PH) and one cardiopulmonary healthy volunteer (Control). Within each group, the cardiopulmonary healthy volunteer and the PH patient were matched for gender, age, and body mass index. Before the test, all 40 volunteers wore the wearable electrocardiogram monitoring system described above and changed into test clothing and shoes to ensure comfort. The PH patient in each group continued to use their usual medications as prescribed, and there had been no recent adjustments to their medications.

[0043] 3. Resting heart rate test: 40 groups of volunteers rested for 10 minutes at the starting point of the 6-minute walk test without strenuous activity within 3 hours after a meal to test their resting heart rate; the ECG data acquisition module collected ECG data and heart rate data and wirelessly transmitted them to the host computer.

[0044] 4. Maximum Heart Rate Test: After the resting heart rate test, 40 groups of volunteers walked back and forth along the corridor as fast as possible within 6 minutes ("as fast as possible" means walking at the maximum speed within the volunteers' tolerance range according to the requirements of the 6-minute walking test), without hesitation or stopping when turning; the ECG data acquisition module collected ECG data and heart rate data and wirelessly transmitted them to the host computer.

[0045] 5. The host computer stores ECG data and heart rate data, and displays the ECG and real-time heart rate on the screen.

[0046] 6. Statistical Analysis of the Host Computer's Analysis Unit: This unit analyzes the heart rate data acquired and transmitted to the host computer by the ECG data acquisition module, including analysis of resting heart rate data, maximum heart rate data, and time-varying heart rate (maximum heart rate - resting heart rate = time-varying heart rate) data. Details are as follows:

[0047] (6.1) The resting heart rate data of 40 volunteers were divided into two groups: one group consisted of resting heart rate data from pulmonary hypertension patients (PH) and the other group consisted of resting heart rate data from cardiopulmonary healthy volunteers (Control). Statistical analysis was then performed on the data from these two groups, and the resulting statistical distribution histograms are shown below. Figure 4 Calculate their normal distribution parameters and compare the differences in confidence intervals between the two: the 95% confidence interval for the resting heart rate of the cardiopulmonary healthy volunteers is 61-108 beats / min, while the 95% confidence interval for the resting heart rate of the pulmonary hypertension patients is 53-103 beats / min.

[0048] (6.2) The maximum heart rate data obtained from the 6-minute walk test of 40 groups of volunteers were divided into two groups: one group consisted of maximum heart rate data from patients with pulmonary hypertension, and the other group consisted of maximum heart rate data from volunteers with healthy cardiopulmonary function. Statistical analysis was then performed on the data from these two groups, and the resulting statistical distribution histogram is shown below. Figure 5 The normal distribution parameters were calculated, and the differences in confidence intervals between the two groups were compared: the 95% confidence interval for the maximum heart rate of the cardiopulmonary healthy volunteers was in the range of 82-150 beats / min, while the 95% confidence interval for the maximum heart rate of the pulmonary hypertension patients was in the range of 87-167 beats / min; the pulmonary hypertension volunteers had higher values ​​than the cardiopulmonary healthy volunteers.

[0049] (6.3) The time-varying heart rate data obtained from testing 40 groups of volunteers were divided into two groups: one group consisted of time-varying heart rate data from patients with pulmonary hypertension, and the other group consisted of time-varying heart rate data from volunteers with healthy cardiopulmonary function. Statistical analysis was then performed on the data from these two groups, and box plots were generated as follows: Figure 6 As shown, comparing the median and quartiles of the two groups, the T-test yielded P<0.001, indicating that there was a significant statistical difference in this indicator between the pulmonary hypertension patient group and the cardiopulmonary healthy volunteer group.

[0050] (6.4) Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated from the time-varying heart rate data of 80 volunteers in 40 groups. Figure 7 The cut-off value was 40 bpm, with a sensitivity of 65% and a specificity of 87.5%. Calculations showed that, in 40 groups of 80 volunteers, a time-varying heart rate of 40 bpm was used to diagnose the volunteer with pulmonary hypertension with an accuracy of 75%.

[0051] like Figure 9 The display showed the moment when the maximum heart rate occurred. In the PH group, the maximum heart rate occurred at the 5th minute, while in the Control group, it occurred at the end of the 6th minute. On the one hand, the fact that the maximum heart rate in the PH group did not occur at the end of the 6th minute demonstrates that the wearable ECG monitoring system of this invention can perform stable real-time monitoring. On the other hand, it shows that the maximum heart rate in patients with pulmonary hypertension does not necessarily occur at the end of the 6th minute, unlike in cardiopulmonary healthy individuals.

[0052] The wearable electrocardiogram monitoring system of the present invention can better observe the heart rate fluctuations of the test subject through dynamic monitoring.

[0053] Therefore, a person uses the wearable electrocardiogram monitoring system of the present invention, wearing the clothing-type thermoelectric power generation unit and the heart rate monitoring unit sequentially on the forearm and hindarm of the arm; after wearing, the resting heart rate is first measured, and then a 6-minute walking test is performed to obtain the maximum heart rate, and the time-varying heart rate is obtained based on the obtained resting heart rate and maximum heart rate; the analysis unit makes the following judgments on the resting heart rate, maximum heart rate, and time-varying heart rate, and the display shows the real-time electrocardiogram, real-time heart rate, resting heart rate, maximum heart rate, and judgment results:

[0054] (1) Is the resting heart rate between 60-100 beats / min?

[0055] (2) The moment when the maximum heart rate occurs during the 6-minute walk test;

[0056] (3) Whether the time-varying heart rate is ≥40 beats / min;

[0057] (4) If the resting heart rate is less than 60 beats / min, the display shows “bradycardia”; if the resting heart rate is greater than 100 beats / min, the display shows “tachycardia”; if the time-varying heart rate is ≥40 beats / min, the display shows “risk of pulmonary hypertension”; otherwise, the display shows “low risk of pulmonary hypertension”.

[0058] Based on the above statistical analysis, the wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring system of the present invention achieves the acquisition of ECG and heart rate data. It is comfortable to wear, easy to use, has good real-time performance, wide application scenarios, and excellent monitoring results. When a user wears the wearable ECG monitoring system of the present invention, by obtaining resting heart rate, maximum heart rate, and time-varying heart rate, it is possible to determine whether the user has pulmonary hypertension. Therefore, the wearable ECG monitoring system of the present invention can be used as an auxiliary diagnostic device for the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension.

[0059] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the inventive concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring system based on a clothing-type thermoelectric power generation device, comprising a clothing-type thermoelectric power generation unit, a heartbeat monitoring unit, and a host computer; the clothing-type thermoelectric power generation unit includes a thermoelectric power generation unit and an elastic fabric, the heartbeat monitoring unit includes a transformer circuit and an ECG data acquisition module, and the host computer includes an analysis unit and a display; the clothing-type thermoelectric power generation unit is used to power the heartbeat monitoring unit, the ECG data acquisition module collects and wirelessly transmits ECG data and heart rate data, the host computer is used to store and display the ECG data and heart rate data, the analysis unit is used to analyze the heart rate data stored in the host computer and to determine the risk of pulmonary hypertension based on resting heart rate data, maximum heart rate data, and time-varying heart rate data, and the display shows various data, graphs, and / or analysis results; The clothing-type thermoelectric power generation unit is worn on the forearm of the human body, with the bottom surface of the thermoelectric power generation unit in close contact with the human skin. Based on the temperature difference between the human skin and the air, electricity is generated and then boosted by the transformer circuit included in the heartbeat monitoring unit to supply power to the electrocardiogram data acquisition module included in the heartbeat monitoring unit worn on the back of the human body. The wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring system, comprising a clothing-type thermoelectric power generation unit and a heart rate monitoring unit, is sequentially worn on the forearm and hindarm of the human arm. After wearing, the resting heart rate is first measured, followed by a 6-minute walking test to obtain the maximum heart rate. The time-varying heart rate is then calculated based on the obtained resting and maximum heart rates, where maximum heart rate - resting heart rate = time-varying heart rate. The analysis unit performs the following judgments on the resting heart rate, maximum heart rate, and time-varying heart rate, and the display shows the real-time ECG, real-time heart rate, resting heart rate, maximum heart rate, and judgment results: (1) Is the resting heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute? (2) The moment when the maximum heart rate occurs during the 6-minute walk test; (3) Whether the time-varying heart rate is ≥40 beats / min; (4) If the resting heart rate is less than 60 beats / min, the display shows "bradycardia"; if the resting heart rate is greater than 100 beats / min, the display shows "tachycardia"; if the time-varying heart rate reaches 40 beats / min, the display shows "risk of pulmonary hypertension"; otherwise, it shows "low risk of pulmonary hypertension".

2. The wearable electrocardiogram monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thermoelectric power generation unit is embedded in the elastic fabric to form a clothing-type thermoelectric power generation unit, which is composed of P-type and N-type semiconductor thermoelectric particles and Kirigami structure flexible printed circuit board electrodes; the external positive and negative wires of the clothing-type thermoelectric power generation unit are respectively connected to the input terminal of the transformer circuit of the heartbeat monitoring unit; the transformer circuit stores the electricity in the capacitor and boosts it to 3V through the transformer chip LTC3108 to power the ECG data acquisition module; The three electrodes of the ECG data acquisition module are attached to the first intercostal space along the left midclavicular line, the first intercostal space along the right midclavicular line, and the sixth intercostal space along the left midclavicular line to collect ECG data. The collected ECG data is then transmitted to the host computer indefinitely.

3. The wearable electrocardiogram monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transformer circuit utilizes the LTC3108 chip, which is connected to a small step-up transformer. The positive and negative terminals of the thermoelectric power generation unit are connected to the input terminals of the transformer, respectively. Electrical energy is used to increase the input voltage through the transformer and coupling capacitor. The increased voltage is then output to the ECG data acquisition module through the VOUT pin. A storage capacitor is designed in the transformer circuit and connected to the VOUT pin of the LTC3108. When there is no load, the thermoelectric power generation unit charges the storage capacitor to provide power when there is no power supply.

4. The wearable electrocardiogram monitoring system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ECG data acquisition module is based on the commercial AD8232 module and contains three electrodes. It adopts a single-lead ECG mode, with the three electrodes attached to the first intercostal space along the left midclavicular line, the first intercostal space along the right midclavicular line, and the sixth intercostal space along the left midclavicular line, respectively. The acquired ECG and heart rate data are filtered and amplified before being wirelessly transmitted to the host computer.

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