Multi-Sensor Resistive Fabric ECG System

Abstract

An ECG sensor system includes: a substrate having a first side and a second side, the substrate being a non-conductive material; a plurality of woven-based sensors located on the first side, each of the plurality of woven-based sensors being spaced apart from each other on the first side, the second side covering one side of each of the plurality of woven-based sensors as an insulating cover, each of the plurality of woven-based sensors comprising conductive fibers interwoven with each other; and conductive traces connected to each of the plurality of woven-based sensors, each conductive trace being used to connect the plurality of woven-based sensors to an electronic controller, the electronic controller being used to send and receive electronic signals from a selected pair of sensors of the plurality of woven-based sensors.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to ECG sensors for smart fabrics. Background Art

[0002] Existing wearable devices on the market for measuring ECG signals (especially for health applications) are limited to recording from fixed locations. Any noise (or artifacts) will attenuate the recorded signal. Similarly, these wearable devices cannot be used for research purposes because they are limited to specific locations on the body. In addition, existing ECG data acquisition tools (non-wearable devices) that have been widely used for medical applications can record high-quality ECG signals from different locations on the body. These data acquisition tools use gel electrodes to record ECG signals. Therefore, they are subject to (a) the need for clinician supervision of recording from the patient, (b) the need for skin preparation, and (c) the need for a stable location to connect the electrode wires to the patient (cannot be used to continuously record ECG signals every day).

[0003] Although current non-fiber gel electrodes can be used to collect ECG signals, woven or knitted ECG sensors suffer from intermittent or poor contact with the wearer's skin. Therefore, fabric-based sensors cannot measure ECG signals with the desired resolution because they are limited to specific locations on the body, such that the inherent lack of firm skin contact during the measurement process hinders adequate measurement resolution. Therefore, the collection of necessary ECG features for heart-related diagnosis may not be obtained through woven, knitted electrodes.

[0004] Thus, as observed, current gel electrodes can be used to provide better signal quality at lower impedance than fabric-based electrodes. However, gel electrodes also suffer from potential skin irritation (if used for extended periods of time), must always be firmly attached to the body (e.g., using adhesives), require complex wiring, and require skin preparation by a clinical professional prior to (and during) signal collection. Summary of the invention

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a system of textile-based electrodes and sensors suitable for ECG measurements that obviates or mitigates at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0006] The multi-sensor fabric-based ECG platform (e.g., band) measures ECG signals with the required resolution from different locations on the patient's body to facilitate appropriate measurements when it is not possible to make all electrodes firmly contact the skin at the same time. In addition, the platform provides additional opportunities to collect required ECG features for heart-related diagnosis, which cannot be achieved with a single electrode.

[0007] Advantages of using multiple fabric electrodes for ECG measurements may include: providing reasonably good signal quality; biocompatible (no skin allergies); higher impedance than conventional gel electrodes; contact with the body; less skin preparation; can work wirelessly; can be incorporated into fabrics, thereby being able to be used as a wearable device and therefore reusable.

[0008] A first aspect provides an ECG sensor system, comprising: a substrate having a first side and a second side, the substrate being a non-conducting material; a plurality of woven-based sensors located on the first side, the individual sensors of the plurality of woven-based sensors being spaced apart from each other on the first side, the second side serving as an insulating cover covering one side of each of the plurality of woven-based sensors, each of the plurality of woven-based sensors comprising conductive fibers interwoven with each other; and conductive traces connected to each of the plurality of woven-based sensors, each conductive trace being used to connect the plurality of woven-based sensors to an electronic controller, the electronic controller being used to send electronic signals from a selected pair of sensors of the plurality of woven-based sensors and to receive electronic signals. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The foregoing and other aspects will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is a system view of an example of a fabric for wearing or otherwise being positioned adjacent to a wearer's body;

[0011] Figure 2 , Figure 2a yes Figure 1 An exemplary view of a fabric computing platform of a garment of FIG. 1 , which is incorporated into a garment including various sensors / actuators and conductive paths;

[0012] Figure 3a Shows Figure 2 A side view of an embodiment of an ECG sensor system of a fabric computing platform is shown;

[0013] Figure 3b Shows Figure 2 Another side view of the ECG sensor system of the fabric computing platform shown;

[0014] Figure 4a Shows Figure 3b A top view of a sensor of the system;

[0015] Figure 4b Shows Figure 3b Alternative embodiments of sensors;

[0016] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 An example component view of a controller of a system;

[0017] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Embodiment of the fiber interlacing of the woven fabric;

[0018] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Another embodiment of interweaving fibers of a woven fabric;

[0019] Figure 8 Yes means Figure 1 Example ECG traces of signals of the system; and

[0020] Fig. 9 yes Figure 1 An example component view of a computer device of a system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] refer to Figure 1 , shows a wearer's body 8, which is used to wear one or more fabric-based computing platforms 9, which are arranged near one or more areas of the body 8 (e.g., knees, ankles, elbows, wrists, hips, shoulders, neck, etc.). For simplicity, the fabric-based computing platform 9 may also be referred to as a fabric computing platform 9. For example, the fabric computing platform 9 may also be referred to as a wrist sleeve 9, a knee sleeve 9, a shoulder sleeve 9, an ankle sleeve 9, a hip sleeve 9, a neck sleeve 9, a chest sleeve, etc. It is also recognized that the sleeve may be referred to as a belt. It should also be recognized that the fabric computing platform 9 can be incorporated as part of a larger garment 11 (e.g., a pair of underwear 11 as shown in the outline view for demonstration purposes only). It should be recognized that the garment 11 may also be a shirt, pants, tights as needed. In this way, the fabric / fabric body 13 of the garment 11 can be used to set the fabric computing platform 9 in a selected area of ​​the body 8. In other words, the fabric computing platform 9 includes many fabric computing components, such as sensors / actuators 18, electronic circuits 17, controllers 14 - see Figure 2, all of which are incorporated into or otherwise mounted in the fabric / woven fabric body 13 of the garment 11. It should also be appreciated that the fabric computing platform 9 can be incorporated into a fabric 11 (e.g., a fabric sheet, covering, or other fabric structure) that is not worn by the body but is instead disposed adjacent to the body. Examples of fabrics 1 may include bed sheets, seat covers (e.g., car seats), etc. In terms of the use of the fabric computing platform 9, it is contemplated that one or more fabric computing platforms 9 may be distributed around (e.g., worn by) the user's body 8. Whether embodied as a single fabric computing platform or multiple fabric computing platforms 9, it is contemplated that one or more fabric computing platforms 9 provide multiple sensors / electrodes 18 for strategically being disposed around the body to measure, for example, ECG signals that require appropriate contact with the skin of the body 8. As further described below, a system 19 of multiple sensors 18 is provided so that the controller 14 can determine which of the sensors / electrodes 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d of the multi-sensor system 19 is not in contact with the skin and is therefore discarded as a signal generator 6a / receiver 6b for generating / collecting ECG signals 6a, 6b of a desired resolution while utilizing a collection of fabric-based sensors / electrodes 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d (e.g., system 19) - see Figure 2 .

[0022] Reference again Figure 1 and Figure 2, the fabric computing platform 9 can be integrated with the fabric / fabric body 13 (e.g., multiple fibers / threads / yarns interwoven into a woven and / or knitted body 13 as desired). The fabric computing platform 9 has a controller 14, which is used to send / receive signals to one or more sensors / actuators 18 distributed around the body 13. The shape of the sensor / actuator 18 can be slender (e.g., as a strip extending in a preferred direction), or can extend in multiple directions as a patch (e.g., from one side to the other and from one end to the other). Signals are transmitted between the sensor / actuator 18 and the controller 14 via one or more electronic circuits 17 that connect the controller 14 to each sensor / actuator 18. It should also be recognized that the electronic circuit 17 can also be between pairs of sensors / actuators 18 as needed. As further described below, the sensor / actuator 18 can be fabric-based, i.e., incorporated by interweaving (e.g., knitting, weaving), as an integral part of the material structural integrity of the fabric layer of the body 13 (formed as a plurality of interwoven threads having conductive and optionally non-conductive properties). In addition, the electronic circuit 17 (e.g., conductive threads) can also be incorporated / interwoven (e.g., knitted, woven, etc.) into / adjacent to the adjacent fabric layer of the body 13 (also comprising a plurality of interwoven threads / fibers). The controller 14, further described below, can include a network interface (e.g., wireless or wired) for communicating with a computing device 23 (e.g., a smart phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, etc.) via a network 25.

[0023] It is recognized that the conductive fibers 24a of the woven-based sensor 18 can be interwoven with the non-conductive fibers 24b in the body of the base fabric layer 13, and it is recognized that the non-conductive fibers 24b electrically insulate the individual sensors 18 (e.g., sensors 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d of the system 19) from undesirably communicating with each other via the body of the base fabric layer 13. As further described below, it is desirable that the individual sensors 18 communicate with each other 7 via the wearer's body 8. Reference Figure 2a , showing the communication of electrical signals 7 between the various sensors 18a, 18b, 18c via conductive paths of the wearer's body 8.

[0024] like Figure 3a , Figure 3b As shown, the fabric layer of the main body 13 has a first side portion 10 and a second side portion 12, such that the sides 10, 12 are opposite to each other (e.g., front and back) relative to the wearer's body 8. For example, the base fabric layer 13 of the "front" side or top side 10 has base fibers 24b that protect the sensor / actuator 18 from undesirable contact with the environment external to the wearer (e.g., moisture / grounding, etc.). With respect to the back side 12, the sensor / electrode 18 is formed from the base fabric layer 13 (serving as a substrate - see Figure 4a and Figure 4b ) are exposed to provide direct contact with the wearer's skin, while at the same time, the base fabric layer 13 insulates the sensors / electrodes from each other via internal spacing 20 between sensors 18 within a group, while also having internal spacing 22 between individual groups. For example, referring to Figure 3a , Figure 3b , the generator group 24 includes a group of actuator sensors 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, and the receiver group 26 includes a group of receiver sensors 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h, 18i, 18j, 18k. It should be appreciated that the internal spacing 20 between sensors 18 within a group can be less than the internal spacing 22 between the groups (or groups 24, 26) of sensors 18. It should be appreciated that the internal spacing 20 between sensors 18 within a group can be greater than the internal spacing 22 between the groups (or groups 24, 26) of sensors 18. It should be appreciated that the internal spacing 20 between sensors 18 within a group can be equal to the internal spacing 22 between the groups (or groups 24, 26) of sensors 18. Regardless, the groups / sets 24, 26 of sensors 18 can be used to specify the functionality of the sensors 18, for example, as discussed, with an actuator group 24 and a receiver group 26. It should be appreciated that the actuator group 24 can have more individual sensors 18 than the sensors 18 contained within the receiver group 26. It should be appreciated that the actuator group 24 may have fewer individual sensors 18 than the sensors 18 included in the receiver group 26. It should be appreciated that the actuator group 24 may have an equal number of individual sensors 18 than the sensors 18 included in the receiver group 26.

[0025] In view of the above, as further described below, the controller 14 can utilize one of the sensors 18 from the actuator group 24 and one or more of the sensors 18 from the receiver group 26 to generate a signal 6a therefrom and collect the signal 6b via the electrical conductor path 7. One or more of the collected signals 6b can be checked by the controller 14 for appropriate signal quality, thereby identifying signals that are deemed to be of undesirable quality (e.g., signal amplitude below a set amplitude minimum, signal details such as less than a set number of desired signal characteristics / features present, such as peaks, intervals, and other ECG indicators - see Figure 8 ) will be discarded by the controller 14, and an alternative sensor 18 will be selected for generating and collecting the signals 6a, 6b. Figure 3a , Figure 3b, the controller 14 may select and generate a signal 6a from the sensor 18a (from the actuator group 24), and then collect and receive signals 6b from one or more sensors 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h, 18i, 18j, 18k from the collector group 26. After checking the one or more collected signals 6b, the controller will analyze the one or more signals 6b to determine whether they have acceptable signal quality. If so, the controller 14 may continue to use the actuator sensor 18a to generate the signal 6a, and one or more receiver sensors 18e, 18f, 18g, 18h, 18i, 18j, 18k to collect one or more signals 6b. On the other hand, if one or more collected signals 6b are deemed to be of unacceptable quality, the controller may decide to select another generator sensor (e.g., sensor 18b) to serve as the signal 6a generator. In this way, the controller 14 can utilize the system of multiple sensors 19 to select a pairing of sensors 18, for example, an actuator sensor 18a and a receiver sensor 18f, that will produce an acceptable collected signal 6b that is considered to be of ECG quality. It should be recognized that, as described above, any sensor 18 of the system 19 may change its degree of direct contact with the wearer's skin during the measurement of the signal 6a, signal 6b, for example due to movement of the wearer.

[0026] This real-time changing potential for direct contact between any sensor 18 of the system 19 and the skin requires the controller 14 to analyze the collected signals 6b over time to determine whether changes in the sensors 18 used in the sensor pairing for ECG signal 6a, signal 6b collection are needed in view of the determined signal quality. Likewise, it should be recognized that over time, the sensor 18 pairings that are considered acceptable (e.g., selected actuator sensors 18 of the generation group 24 and selected receiver sensors 18 of the receiver group 26) can change dynamically during ongoing signal generation and collection. It is assumed that one or more signals 6b that are considered to be of poor or unacceptable quality can be attributed to direct skin contact of any sensor 18 being below a set contact standard or contact limit / threshold. For example, the set contact standard or contact limit / threshold can be defined using parameters such as, but not limited to, the following; 1) a specified percentage of the surface area of ​​the sensor 18 is in direct contact with the skin, 2) a specified force or a specified pressure between the surface of the sensor 18 and the skin, 3) a specified level of moisture between the surface of the sensor 18 and the skin, and / or 4) a specified location of the sensor 18 relative to an identified / expected location on the wearer's skin. Thus, it should be appreciated that the desired position and / or direct contact parameters of the sensor 18 may change over time (e.g., in real time), and thus the controller 14 may sense these changes in the direct contact of the sensor 18 based on the determined quality of the signal 6b. It should be appreciated that the degree of direct contact of the sensor 18 with the skin may be proportional to the conductivity between the sensor 18 and the skin, and thus may represent the degree of quality (e.g., amplitude, presence of key signal features / characteristics, etc.) present in one or more collected signals 6b. For example, in the extreme case where the generator sensor 18a and / or the receiver sensor 18f are in contact / not in contact with the skin, the controller 14 will recognize that there are no collected signals 6b in response to the generated signal 6a, and thus will make a selection to deselect the currently used generator sensor 18a and / or receiver sensor 18f, and try again to pair with a different sensor 18 (e.g., retry with sensors 18b and 18f, retry with sensors 18a and 18e, and / or retry with sensors 18b and 18g, etc.). Alternatively, for example, in the other extreme case where the generator sensor 18a and / or the receiver sensor 18f are in acceptably contact with the skin, the controller 14 will identify the collected signal 6b as being of acceptable quality in response to the generated signal 6a, and will therefore make the choice to continue using the currently used generator sensor 18a and / or receiver sensor 18f, rather than trying again to pair with a different sensor 18 (e.g., retrying with sensors 18b and 18f, retrying with sensors 18a and 18e, and / or retrying with sensors 18b and 18g, etc.).Alternatively, for example, in a situation where the generator sensor 18a and / or the receiver sensor 18f are in intermittent contact with the skin or otherwise in the middle of acceptable marginal contact, the controller 14 will identify the collected signal 6b as being of marginal / acceptable / or unacceptable quality in response to the generated signal 6a and will therefore take action accordingly, e.g., electing to continue using the currently utilized generator sensor 18a and / or receiver sensor 18f or to try again with a different sensor 18 pairing (e.g., retrying with sensors 18b and 18f, retrying with sensors 18a and 18e, and / or retrying with sensors 18b and 18g, etc.).

[0027] It should also be appreciated that the controller 14 may try different sensor 18 pairings in order to select the best received signal 6b to use as the reporting signal 6b for the time period. In other words, the controller 14 may alternately select sensor 18 pairings using a selection frequency that is greater than the signal reporting frequency (i.e., the controller 14 tries 10 pairings in sequence and picks the best signal 6b to report as a representative of the 10 pairings). Therefore, it should be appreciated that the controller 14 is continuously monitoring the quality of the collected signals 6b and selecting / deselecting sensor 18 pairings. In addition, it should be appreciated that the sensor 18 pairings may be one-to-one (18a to 18e), many-to-one (18a, 18b to 18e), or one-to-many (18a to 18e, 18f) relationships, as desired for the following manner: the controller 14 utilizes the system 19 to generate and collect signals 6a, signals 6b that are considered relevant to the task at hand, for example, the collection of quality ECG signals.

[0028] As for the sensor 18 itself, the material of the fiber 24a can be a conductive yarn knitted into the sensor 18. The shape of the sensor can be circular or rectangular, for example, with a contact conductive surface 40 and a back insulating surface 42 (see Figure 3a , Figure 3b ), but the shape is not critical as a specific shape can be selected / used for each application. This arrangement of sensors 18 and groups 24, 26 can horizontally cover the entire area around the heart (due to the size of the sensors 18, the number of sensors 18, the distribution of the sensors 18 on the base fabric layer 13 and the associated individual leads (e.g., the conductive signal paths / circuits 17 connecting the sensors 18 to the controller 14). It should be appreciated that the spacing 20 can be selected based on the density and resolution of the signals 6b that are desired to be captured via the controller 14. As discussed further below, the mechanism used by the controller 14 underlying all ECG signals 6a, 6b is based on calculating the potential between a pair of electrodes 18 conducted via the body conductive path 7. Dividing the electrodes into two different groups 24, 26 (e.g., two sides) can also help record ECG signals 6b from different respective relative distances.

[0029] Reference again Figure 2a , Figure 3a , Figure 3b , preferably, the side 10 and the side 12 of the fabric layer of the body 13 are located in the same plane (e.g., a flat or curved fabric surface of thickness T - uniform or varying) in the composition of the fabric computing platform 9 of the garment 11 (see Figure 2 ). It will be appreciated that the sensors / actuators 18 of the fabric-based computing platform 9 may be formed as an integral component of the interweaving of fibers that make up the body 13 - see Figure 4a , Figure 6 , Figure 7 The fabric of the main body 13 can be composed of interwoven elastic fibers 24b (e.g., stretchable natural and / or synthetic materials and / or a combination of stretchable and non-stretchable materials, recognizing that at least some of the fibers comprising the sensor / actuator 18 are conductive, i.e., metallic). It should also be recognized that the fibers 24a comprising the sensor 18 can be separated from the interweaving of the fibers 24b comprising the main body layer 13 of the fabric - see Figure 4b , so that the fibers 24a of the sensor 18 are woven / knitted independently from the fibers 24b, thereby applying the already formed sensor 18 as an applique or a single patch to the already formed base fabric layer 13. In this example, the fibers 24a of the sensor 18 are non-integral relative to the fibers 24b of the base fabric layer 13.

[0030] In view of the above, a multi-sensor 18 (e.g., in the form of a belt) of a fabric-based ECG system 19 can be used to measure ECG signals 6b with appropriate resolution from different locations of the body 8 (based on the location of the sensors 18 within the garment / fabric 11 and the location of the garment / fabric 11 itself relative to the body 8) to facilitate correct measurement when all electrodes 18 are not in firm (i.e., deemed appropriate by the controller 14 via analysis of the signal 6b quality) contact with the skin at the same time. In addition, the system 19 can provide additional opportunities to collect desired ECG features for cardiac-related diagnosis that cannot be achieved with a single electrode. Therefore, as shown, one embodiment of the fabric computing platform 9 is as an ECG belt, which includes multiple fabric electrodes 18 with embedded electronic devices (e.g., controller 14) that provide continuous recording of ECG signals 6b from different locations on the body 8. The ECG belt 9 can not only provide the wearer with a wearable device that is comfortable to use every day, but can also record ECG signals 6b of the desired quality deemed by the controller 14. The recorded signal 6b can be stored on an SD card (electronic device - for example, memory 211 - see Figure 8), or via communication between the controller 14 and the networked computer device 23 via the network 25 through a cloud network service - see Figure 2 The design of the fabric computing platform 9 may include, for example, 11 fabric electrodes 18 distributed (eg, evenly) via spacing 20 to provide full spectrum ECG recording (see Figure 8 ).

[0031] Furthermore, it is advantageous because the fabric computing platform 9 (e.g., a waistband) can be used to continuously record high-quality ECG signals 6b from multiple locations on the body 8 and is repositionable and / or reusable. Therefore, the fabric computing platform 9 has great significance for the detection and diagnosis of heart-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, heart failure, post-pericardiotomy syndrome, etc.

[0032] Features of the fabric computing platform 9 may be, for example, but not limited to, the following features: 1) The multi-sensor ECG strap 9 provides a significant signal feature that captures the cardiac signal 6b - see Figure 8 , 2) The main advantage of the multi-sensor 18 strategy of the system 19 is that the reliability of the measurement system can be improved by replacing / deselecting a lost / low-quality signal / sensor 18 (weak point) with another available / redundant sensor 18, and / or the possibility of extracting the main features of the cardiac signal 6b is improved. The ECG band 9 includes, for example, 11 evenly distributed (distance: 0.5 cm) electrodes 18, which are connected to the corresponding electronic module 207 of the controller 14. The fabric electrodes 18 can be made of highly conductive silver yarn with a surface resistivity of 30±15 ohms (shape: for example a circle with a radius of 1.9 cm), and / or the fabric electrodes 18 can be knitted / woven with different interlacing structures.

[0033] In view of the above, the system 19 disclosed herein can be implemented by a person and can include a garment 11 (e.g., a suit or a belt / belt) that includes a plurality of sensors 18 (e.g., fabric-based ECG sensors) attached or otherwise embedded / embedded in a fabric layer 13 of the garment 11 for measuring the ECG activity of the wearer (e.g., signal 6b). The generated / collected signals 6a, 6b of the sensors 18 can be sent / received via wires or electrical cords (e.g., conductive paths 17) to an electronic device (e.g., PCB) 14 that is attached to the fabric of the garment body layer 13 via an electrical connector 6 (e.g., but not limited to a snap-on connector) for transmitting the information as sensor data (e.g., via a wireless network module 202 - see Figure 5 ) to computing device 200 – see Fig. 9(eg, a mobile device). The computing device 200 and / or the controller 14 may include a processor 208 for running an application 201 (eg, an ECG application) capable of interpreting the sensor 18 data.

[0034] For example, the application 201 may process the data from the sensor 18 to derive an ECG record 50 having various ECG features 52 collected over time 54 (see Figure 8 ). Capacitance and / or resistance (e.g., electrical potential) may be measured by the controller 14 across the body conductive path 7 between the sensors 18. For example, changes / absolute measurements of resistance and / or capacitance (i.e., electrical potential) may be measured using a bridge circuit (e.g., a Wheatstone bridge or a Wien bridge) contained or otherwise sensed by the controller device 14, in which two circuit branches are "bridged" by a third branch connected at some midpoint between the first two branches. A power source (e.g., a battery) for the controller device 14 may be connected to the bridge circuit along with a measurement device (e.g., a voltmeter, ammeter, or galvanometer) of the controller device 14 to detect the electrical potential signal 6b in the conductive path 7 between the selected sensors 18.

[0035] The electronic device 14 (e.g., controller 14) can be any device that can be incorporated into the garment / fabric 11 to receive signals from one or more sensors 18 and send the received signals (e.g., via a wireless transmitter) to the computing device 200. Non-limiting examples of electronic devices 14 according to embodiments are printed circuit boards, RF modules, transceiver modules, and system-on-chip modules. In one embodiment, the electronic device 14 can be an eight-channel printed circuit board with a Bluetooth low energy wireless transmitter for sending information received from the sensor 18 to the computing device 200. The power supply of the controller 14 can be attached to the garment body layer 13, for example, via one or more connectors 6, to provide power to the one or more sensors 18 and the electronic device 14 attached to the garment 11. In one embodiment, the power supply can be a battery included in the electronic device 14. For example, the power supply can be activated by an on-off switch connected to the power supply and accessible to the wearer of the garment 11.

[0036] Application 201

[0037] The system may include an application 201 running on a computing device 200 and / or a controller 14 (e.g., a smartphone or tablet) that may receive transmissions from the electronic device 14 of the garment 11, the transmissions including sensor data 6b representing information received by the electronic device 14 from one or more sensors 18 (e.g., an ECG sensor) of the garment 11 and optionally orientation data generated by the electronic device 14. The data 6b (e.g., sensor data and / or orientation data in a digital format) received by the computing device 200 from the electronic device 14 may be stored by the computing device 200 in a memory 211 that is accessible by a processor 208 of the computing device 200 capable of running the application 201. Similarly, the controller 14 may have a memory 211 that is accessible by a processor 208 of the computing device 200 capable of running the application 201.

[0038] The application 201 can be programmed to instruct the processor 208 to parse and / or interpret the sensor data 6b received from the sensors 18 of the garment 11, and to activate various sensors 18 to generate signals 6a. For example, where the garment includes multiple sensors 18, the application 201 can parse the sensor data 6b into separate data pools, wherein each pool contains data collected by a different sensor 18, the data relating to one or more body 8 locations below one or more sensors 18 on / in the layer 13 adjacent to one or more body parts. The processor 208 can interpret the data from each pool to determine the activity pattern collected by a single sensor 18 over the entire duration. For example, the application 201 can determine whether a particular sensor 18 is active (i.e., transmitting a signal 6b) during an ECG recording period and when the sensor 16 is active (e.g., in firm contact with the skin) during the recording. If the processor 208 determines that a particular sensor 18 was active (i.e., transmitting signal 6b to the electronic device 14) at a particular time during a recording period, the processor 208 can then further determine the amplitude of the signal 6b generated by the sensor 18 at that time and whether it contained the necessary ECG features 52 (e.g., peaks, intervals, etc.) within that recording period 54.

[0039] The application 201 can be executed as a set of instructions by the processor 208 and / or the controller 14 of the computing device 200. Each mode of the application 201 (e.g., interactive mode; calibration mode) can also include a set of instructions for execution by the processor 208, and the processor 208 can communicate with each mode and / or component of the mode (e.g., 207) to execute the instructions. For example, in the "real-time" interactive mode, the processor 208 can communicate with the electronic device 207 to transmit / receive signals 6a, 6b. It should be understood, therefore, that the application 201 includes executable instructions capable of generating / receiving sensor data 6a, 6b (and optional directional data) from selected sensors 18, to deselect or otherwise select an alternative sensor 18 for the system 19 in the event that a particular sensor pairing is deemed to be of questionable or unacceptable quality, to select multiple sensor 18 pairings and determine which pairing provides the best / most desired signal 6b based on processing the received data to identify acceptable features 52 of the ECG recording 50 compared to an ECG feature model 56 stored in the memory 211, and to display the results of the processing to the user interface 204 of the computing device 14, 200 for display to a user of the computing device 14200.

[0040] In view of the above, it should be appreciated that the application 201 can be configured as a general activity (e.g., ECG) based application 201 for monitoring the ECG signal 6b of a specified body part associated with one or more sensors 18 in / on a garment fabric layer 13 adjacent to the one or more body parts.

[0041] refer to Fig. 9, the computing device may be device 200. In some embodiments, the electronic device may be device 200. When the electronic device is device 200, at least some sensor signal processing (and optionally, directional data processing) may be performed using the electronic devices of garment 11 before sending the processed information (e.g., as sensor data). Device 200 may be configured to communicate with connection interface 202 via a communication network (e.g., Bluetooth, wireless network, etc.), and thus communicate via controller 14. Application 201 may receive data input by a user (e.g., via user interface 204) and / or by another application running on data processing system 206 to access sensor data (e.g., processed or otherwise). Device 200 may be a land-based network-enabled personal computer. However, the present invention is not limited to use with a personal computer. For example, if the communication network is configured to facilitate wireless data communications, device 200 may include a wireless communication device, such as a wireless-enabled personal data assistant, tablet computer, or mobile phone. In addition, the present invention is not limited to only facilitating the transmission of sensor data (and optional directional data) between an electronic device and a computing device (e.g., device 200), and can be used to transmit raw data, processed sensor data, and / or any other multimedia data other than sensor data or any other multimedia data replacing sensor data as needed. Device 200 may include a network interface 202, a user interface 204, and a data processing system 206 that communicates with the network interface 202 and the user interface 204. Typically, the network interface 202 includes an Ethernet network circuit card, but the network interface 202 may also include an RF antenna for wireless communication through a communication network. Preferably, the user interface 204 includes a data input device (such as a keyboard 209, a microphone or a writing tablet) and a display device 210 (such as a CRT or LCD display). The user interface 204 may include one or more user input devices, such as, but not limited to, a QWERTY keyboard (e.g., a keyboard 209, a keypad, a stylus, a mouse, a microphone, and a user output device, such as an LCD screen display and / or a speaker). If the screen is touch-sensitive, the display may also be used as a user input device controlled by the data processing system 206. The device 200 may include a network interface 202, such as a network interface card or a modem, which is coupled to a data processing system 206 via a connector. The network interface 202 may be connected to a network (e.g., an intranet and / or an extranet, such as the Internet) during operation of the device 200, which enables the devices 200 to communicate with each other as appropriate. The network may support communication of various transmission data (e.g., sensor data) between network messages.The data processing system 206 may include a processor 208 and a non-volatile memory storage device (DISC) 211 (such as a disk storage or electronic memory) and a read / write memory (RAM) 211 in communication with the processor 208. The DISC includes data that, when loaded into the memory 211, includes processor instructions for the processor 208 that define memory objects for allowing the device 200 to communicate over a communication network. The data processing system 206 facilitates the operation of the device 200. The memory 212 is used to store data for access by a corresponding user and / or executable instructions of the operating system / device 200. The processor 208 facilitates the performance of the device 200 configured for the intended task by executing instructions related to the task, through the operation of the network interface 202, the user interface 204, and other applications / hardware of the device 200. These task-related instructions may be provided by an operating system and / or software application located in the memory 212, and / or by operability in an electronic / digital circuit configured to one or more processors 208 designed to perform one or more specific tasks. In addition, it should be recognized that the data processing system 206 may include a computer-readable storage medium 211 coupled to the processor 208, which is used to provide instructions and / or load / update instructions to the processor 208. The computer-readable medium 211 may include hardware and / or software, such as, by way of example only, a disk, a tape, an optically readable medium such as a CD / DVD ROM, and a memory card. In each case, the computer-readable medium 211 may take the form of a small disk, a floppy disk, a cassette, a hard drive, a solid-state memory card, or a RAM disposed in the memory 211. It should be noted that the example computer-readable media 211 listed above may be used alone or in combination. In addition, it should be recognized that the device 200 may include an executable application including code or machine-readable instructions for implementing a predetermined function / operation, including those of an operating system. Processor 208 as used herein is a device and / or a group of machine-readable instructions for performing the configuration of the operation described in the above example. As used herein, processor 208 may include any one or combination of hardware, firmware and / or software. Processor 208 acts on information used by executable process or information device by manipulation, analysis, modification, conversion or transmission, and / or by routing information relative to output device. For example, processor 208 can use or include the ability of controller or microprocessor. Therefore, any function of executable instruction (for example, by the module associated with selected task) can be implemented with hardware, software or a combination of the two. Therefore, for simplicity, processor 208 is generally referred to as processor / module as device and / or a group of machine-readable instructions hereinafter.Memory 211 is used for storing data locally and facilitating access to remote data stored on other devices connected to the network. Data can be stored in a table, which can be generally referred to as a physical / logical representation of a data structure, for providing a special format for organizing and storing data. Common data structure types can include types such as but not limited to arrays, files, records, tables, trees, etc. Usually, any data structure is intended to organize data to fit a specific purpose so that data can be accessed and used in an appropriate manner. In the context of the current environment, a data structure can be selected or otherwise designed to store data so that data can be processed using various algorithms executed by components of executable instructions, depending on its application for each device 200. It should be recognized that the terminology of table / database can be interchanged with the terminology of data structure with reference to the components of the environment.

[0042] refer to Figure 5, the computing device may be the controller 14. When the electronic device is the controller 14, at least some sensor signal processing (and optionally, directional data processing) may be performed using the electronic device of the garment 11 before the processed information is sent (e.g., as sensor data). The controller 14 may be configured to communicate with the connection interface 202 via a communication network (e.g., Bluetooth, wireless network, etc.), and thus communicate via the computing device 14. The application 201 may receive data input by a user (e.g., via the user interface 204) and / or by another application running on the data processing system 206 to access the sensor data (e.g., processed or otherwise). The controller 14 may be a land-based network-enabled personal computer. However, the present invention is not limited to use with a personal computer. For example, the controller 14 may include a wireless communication device, such as a wireless-enabled personal data assistant. In addition, the present invention is not limited to only facilitating the transmission of sensor data (and optionally directional data) between an electronic device and a computing device (e.g., device 200), and may be used to transmit raw data, processed sensor data, and / or any other multimedia data other than sensor data or any other multimedia data replacing sensor data as needed. The controller 14 may include a network interface 202, a user interface 204, and a data processing system 206 that communicates with the network interface 202 and the user interface 204. Typically, the network interface 202 includes an Ethernet network circuit card, but the network interface 202 may also include an RF antenna for wireless communication through a communication network. Preferably, the user interface 204, which is optional for the controller 14, includes a data input device (e.g., a keyboard 209, a microphone, or a writing tablet) and a display device 210 (e.g., a CRT or LCD display). The user interface 204 may include one or more user input devices and user output devices such as an LCD screen display and / or a speaker. If the screen is touch-sensitive, the display may also be used as a user input device controlled by the data processing system 206. The device 200 may include a network interface 202, such as a network interface card or a modem, which is coupled to the data processing system 206 via a connector. The network interface 202 may be connected to a network (e.g., an intranet and / or an extranet, such as the Internet) during operation of the controller 14, which enables the controllers 14 to communicate with each other appropriately. The network may support communication of various transport data (eg, sensor data) between network messages. The data processing system 206 may include a processor 208 and a non-volatile memory storage device (DISC) 211 (such as a disk storage or electronic memory) and a read / write memory (RAM) 211 in communication with the processor 208 .The DISC includes data that, when loaded into the memory 211, includes processor instructions for the processor 208 that define memory objects for allowing the controller 14 to communicate over the communication network 25 and interact with the sensors 18 of the fabric computing platform 9. The data processing system 206 facilitates the operation of the controller 14. The memory 211 is used to store data for access by various users and / or executable instructions of the operating system / controller 14. The processor 208 facilitates the performance of the controller 14 configured for the intended task through the operation of the network interface 202, the user interface 204, and other applications / hardware of the controller 14 by executing task-related instructions. These task-related instructions may be provided by an operating system and / or software applications located in the memory 211, and / or by operability in one or more processors 208 configured to perform one or more specific tasks. In addition, it should be recognized that the data processing system 206 may include a computer-readable storage medium 211 coupled to the processor 208 for providing instructions to the processor 208 and / or loading / updating instructions. The computer-readable medium 211 may include hardware and / or software, such as, for example only, a disk, a tape, an optically readable medium such as a CD / DVD ROM, and a memory card. In each case, the computer-readable medium 211 may be in the form of a small disk, a floppy disk, a cassette, a hard disk drive, a solid-state memory card, or a RAM disposed in the memory 211. It should be noted that the example computer-readable medium 211 listed above may be used alone or in combination. In addition, it should be recognized that the controller 14 may include an executable application program including a code or machine-readable instruction for implementing a predetermined function / operation, which includes those functions / operations of an operating system. The processor 208 as used herein is a device and / or a set of machine-readable instructions configured to perform operations as described in the above examples. As used herein, the processor 208 may include any one or combination of hardware, firmware, and / or software. The processor 208 acts on information by manipulating, analyzing, modifying, converting, or transmitting information used by an executable process or an information device, and / or by routing information relative to an output device. For example, the processor 208 may use or include the capabilities of a controller or a microprocessor. Thus, any functionality of the executable instructions (e.g., by a module associated with a selected task) may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. Thus, for simplicity, processor 208 is hereinafter used as a device and / or a set of machine-readable instruction sets are generally referred to as processor / module. Memory 211 is used to store data locally and facilitate access to remote data stored on other devices connected to the network.Data may be stored in a table, which may generally be referred to as a physical / logical representation of a data structure that provides a specialized format for organizing and storing data. Common data structure types may include types such as, but not limited to, arrays, files, records, tables, trees, and the like. In general, any data structure is intended to organize data to fit a particular purpose so that the data may be accessed and used in an appropriate manner. In the context of the present environment, a data structure may be selected or otherwise designed to store data so that the data may be processed using various algorithms executed by components of executable instructions, depending on its application to the respective controller 14. It should be appreciated that the terminology of a table / database may be interchangeable with the terminology of a data structure with reference to components of the environment.

[0043] An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) can be defined as a process of recording the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time using electrodes 18 placed on the skin of the body 8. The controller 14 can use these electrodes 18 to detect tiny electrical changes on the skin, which are caused by the electrophysiological pattern of depolarization and repolarization of the myocardium during each heartbeat. It is very common to perform the detection of any heart problem. In a conventional 12-lead ECG, ten gel electrodes (i.e., non-textile electrodes) are fixedly placed on the patient's limbs and chest surface. Then, the overall amplitude of the heart's electrical potential is measured from twelve different angles ("wires") and recorded for a period of time (usually 10 seconds). In this way, at every moment throughout the cardiac cycle, the fixed contact and position of the gel electrodes are relied on to capture the overall amplitude and direction of the electrical depolarization of the heart, which is promoted by the clinician who manages the ECG test. The voltage versus time graph generated by this non-invasive medical process is an electrocardiogram. In conventional methods, the use of gel electrodes allows clinicians to always rely on each gel electrode to respond reliably (i.e., transmit when transmitting and receive when receiving). Thus, during conventional gel-based electrode procedures, there is no need to deselect or otherwise select the sensor 18 for optimally recording the signal 6a. Since contact between the skin and the gel electrode is ensured. For example, if the gel electrode stops working, the ECG test stops, and if the gel electrode is reconnected securely, the ECG test continues. During conventional ECG testing, when using gel electrodes, the clinician decides which sensor pairing should be relied upon to provide the desired ECG signal. Therefore, the current system 19 is different in that the degree of skin contact of the fabric-based sensor 18 can vary (e.g., from contact to no contact, from no contact to contact, and / or vary in contact quality) during the ECG test period 54 (see Figure 8 ).

[0044] Reference again Figure 8Generally speaking, there are three main components 52 of the ECG signal 6b: the P wave, which represents the depolarization of the atria; the QRS complex, which represents the depolarization of the ventricles; and the T wave, which represents the repolarization of the ventricles. It can also be further subdivided into the following components / characteristics 52: O is the origin or reference point before the cycle, P is the contraction pulse during atrial systole, Q is the downward deflection just before the ventricular contraction, R is the peak of the ventricular contraction, S is the downward deflection just after the ventricular contraction, T is the recovery of the ventricles, and U is the successor to the T wave, but it is small and not always observable. Therefore, during each heartbeat, a healthy heart has an orderly depolarization process, starting from the pacemaker cells in the sinoatrial node, spreading throughout the atria, passing through the atrioventricular node down into the bundle of His and Purkinje fibers, and spreading down and to the left throughout the ventricles. This orderly depolarization pattern generates the characteristic ECG trace represented by signal 6b. ECG signal 6b conveys a large amount of information about the structure of the heart and the function of its conductive system to trained clinicians. Among other things, ECG signal 6b can be used to measure the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat, the size and position of the heart chambers, the presence of any damage to the muscle cells or conduction system of the heart, the effect of cardiac drugs, and the function of implanted pacemakers. It is further recognized that the controller 14 provides the basic component to the ECG as an instrumentation amplifier via the electronic device 207, which is responsible for obtaining the voltage difference between the leads 17 of the sensor 18 and amplifying the signal 6b. The ECG voltage measured on the body 8 as signal 6b can be on the order of hundreds of microvolts to 1 millivolt (the small square on the standard ECG is 100 microvolts). This low voltage preferably relies on the circuits and instrumentation amplifiers of the electronic device 207 that are considered to be "low" noise. The controller 14 can use an analog-to-digital converter in the electronic device 207 to convert the signal 6b into a digital signal, which can then be operated by digital electronics. This can provide a digital record of the ECG and use it on a computer.

[0045] Electronic device 207 and / or associated application 201 may include a rhythm analysis algorithm for computerized interpretation of ECG. The results of these algorithms may be considered to be "preliminary" until verified and / or modified by personnel trained in interpreting ECG. The calculation of common parameters 52 may be included in this analysis, and the common parameters 52 include PR interval, QT interval, QT (QTc) interval of correction, PR axis, QRS axis, etc. In addition, in ECG measurement, electrode / sensor 18 is a conductive pad based on fabric attached to the actual surface of the body. Any pair of electrodes 18 can measure the potential difference between two corresponding attachment positions via body conductive path 7. Such a pair can be defined as forming a lead. However, "lead" can also be formed between physical electrode and virtual electrode, which is called Wilson center terminal, and its potential is defined as the average potential measured by three limb electrodes attached to right arm, left arm and left foot respectively.

[0046] refer to Figure 6 , showing an exemplary knitted construction of a sensor 18, for example, in a segment of a conductive circuit 17 and / or a network 3505 of conductive fibers of a sensor / actuator 18 (see Figure 1 ). In this embodiment, as controlled by a controller 3508 (e.g., controller 14), an electrical signal (e.g., current) is transmitted from a power source (not shown) to the conductive fiber 3502 through the first connector 3505. The electrical signal is transmitted across the non-conductive fiber 3501 at a junction point 3510 along the electrical path along the conductive fiber 3502. The electrical signal does not propagate into the non-conductive fiber 3501 at the junction point 3510 because the non-conductive fiber 3501 cannot conduct electricity. The junction point 3510 may refer to any point where adjacent conductive fibers and non-conductive fibers contact (e.g., touch) each other. Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, non-conductive fibers 3501 and conductive fibers 3502 are shown interwoven by knitting together. Knitting is merely an exemplary embodiment of interweaving adjacent conductive and non-conductive fibers. It should be noted that the non-conductive fibers forming the non-conductive network 3506 can be interwoven (e.g., by knitting, etc.). The non-conductive network 3506 may include non-conductive fibers (e.g., 3501) and conductive fibers (e.g., 3514), wherein the conductive fibers 3514 are electrically connected to the conductive fibers (e.g., 3502) that transmit electrical signals. For example, Figure 6 The interweaving method of fibers in fabric can be called weft knitting.

[0047] exist Figure 6In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical signal continues to propagate from node 3510 along conductive fiber 3502 until the electrical signal reaches node 3511. Here, the electrical signal propagates laterally (e.g., transversely) from conductive fiber 3502 into conductive fiber 3509 because conductive fiber 3509 can conduct electricity. Node 3511 can refer to any point where adjacent conductive fibers (e.g., 3502 and 3509) contact (e.g., touch) each other. Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, conductive fibers 3502 and conductive fibers 3509 are shown interwoven by knitting together. Again, knitting is merely an exemplary embodiment of interweaving adjacent conductive fibers. The electrical signal continues to be transmitted from node 3511 along the electrical path to connector 3504. At least one fiber of network 3505 is attached to connector 3504 to transmit the electrical signal from the electrical path (e.g., network 3505) to connector 3504. Connector 3504 is connected to a power source (not shown) to complete the circuit.

[0048] Figure 7 An exemplary knitted construction of a network 3555 of conductive fibers is shown. In this embodiment, an electrical signal (e.g., current) is transmitted from a power source (not shown) to the conductive fibers 3552 through a first connector 3555 as controlled by a controller 3558 (e.g., controller 14). The electrical signal is transmitted across the non-conductive fibers 3551 at a node 3560 along an electrical path along the conductive fibers 3552. The electrical signal does not propagate into the non-conductive fibers 3551 at the node 3560 because the non-conductive fibers 3551 do not conduct electricity. A node 3560 may refer to any point where adjacent conductive fibers and non-conductive fibers contact (e.g., touch) each other. In Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the non-conductive fibers 3551 and the conductive fibers 3552 are shown as being interwoven by weaving together. Weaving is merely an exemplary embodiment of interweaving adjacent conductive and non-conductive fibers. It should be noted that the non-conductive fibers forming the non-conductive network 3556 are also interwoven (e.g., by weaving, etc.). The non-conductive network 3556 may include non-conductive fibers (e.g., 3551 and 3564), and may also include conductive fibers that are not electrically connected to conductive fibers that transmit electrical signals. The electrical signal continues to be transmitted from the node 3560 along the conductive fibers 3552 until the electrical signal reaches the node 3561. Here, the electrical signal propagates laterally (e.g., transversely) from the conductive fibers 3552 into the conductive fibers 3559 because the conductive fibers 3559 can conduct electricity. The node 3561 may refer to any point where adjacent conductive fibers (e.g., 3552 and 3559) contact (e.g., touch) each other. In Figure 7In the embodiment shown, conductive fibers 3552 and conductive fibers 3559 are shown as being interwoven by weaving together. The electrical signal continues to be transmitted from node 3561 along the electrical path through multiple nodes 3561 to connector 3554. At least one conductive fiber of network 3555 is attached to connector 3554 to transmit the electrical signal from the electrical path (e.g., network 3555) to connector 3554. Connector 3554 is connected to a power source (not shown) to complete the circuit. Similarly, weaving is only an exemplary embodiment of interweaving adjacent conductive fibers, such as fibers 24a, fibers 24b, as shown in the interweaving technique shown, which weaves the sensor 18 of fiber 24a including fiber 24b connected to the body 13 via connecting fiber 24c.

[0049] It should be appreciated that, in general, knitted fabrics are composed of one or more fibers formed into a series of loops that form rows and columns of vertical and horizontal interconnected stitches. The vertical columns of stitches are called wales, and the horizontal rows of stitches are called courses.

[0050] Given that Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 6 , Figure 7 , knitting can be used as an interweaving method (also called flat knitting) to provide the interweaving of fibers 24a, 24b, 24c (optional) that bind the sensor 18 to the fabric layers of the body 13 via warp knitting (describes the production direction of the fabric), which is a family of knitting methods in which the fibers 24a, 24b, 24c are zigzag along the length of the fabric (the combination of the wall structure 28 and the body 13), that is, following adjacent columns or longitudinal rows of loops knitted, rather than a single row (also called weft knitting). Warp knitted products are made of multiple parallel fibers that are synchronously looped vertically (simultaneously) to form a fabric. Warp knitted products are typically produced on a horizontal bed knitting machine that delivers flat yardage. For example, a "Flat" or Vee bed knitting machine can include two flat needle beds arranged in an inverted "V" shape. The maximum width of these needle beds is 2.5 meters. The carrier (also called Cambox or Head) moves back and forth on these needle beds, causing the needles to work to selectively knit, sew or transfer stitches. Flat bed knitting machines can provide complex stitch designs, shaped knitting and precise width adjustment. As the name suggests, flat bed is a horizontal needle bed where the yarn moves in a feeder through a V-shaped needle bed.

[0051] For comparison, knitting across the entire width of the fabric is called weft knitting (also called circular knitting), see e.g. Figure 6. In contrast to warp knitting, weft knitting (describing the direction in which the fabric is produced) is a fabric made from a single yarn that is looped to form horizontal rows or courses of loops, each row building on the previous one. Weft knitting is usually performed on a circular knitting machine, which produces a tube of fabric. For example, circular, as the name suggests, is knitted in an arc. Here, the yarns are fed directly (up to 32 individual yarns) into a needle bed that rotates in one direction and forms a tube through the center on the fabric. The simultaneous construction of the desired sensor 18 in combination with the fabric layers of the body 13 cannot be performed as desired using circular knitting technology. Therefore, for interweaving to be done as knitting, warp knitting is required in combination with the fabric layers of the body 13 to simultaneously construct the desired sensor 18.

[0052] In addition, the interweaving of the fibers 24a, 24b, 24c (optional) that make up the sensor 18 with the fabric layer of the body 13 can be provided using weaving as an interweaving method, which is composed of a series of warp (longitudinal) fibers interwoven with a series of weft (transverse) fibers. Thus, in a woven fabric, the terms warp and weft refer to the directions of the two groups of fibers that make up the fabric. As discussed, the sensor 18 can be integral with the interweaving of the fabric body layer 13. Alternatively, as discussed, the sensor 18 can be non-integral with the interweaving of the fabric body layer 13.

Claims

1. An ECG sensor system, comprising: a substrate having a first side and a second side, the substrate being a non-conductive material; a plurality of woven-based sensors on the first side of the substrate, each of the plurality of woven-based sensors being spaced apart from one another on the first side of the substrate, the second side of the substrate covering one side of each of the plurality of woven-based sensors as an insulating cover, each of the plurality of woven-based sensors comprising conductive fibers interwoven with one another; as well as a conductive trace connected to each of the plurality of woven-based sensors, each of the conductive traces for connecting the plurality of woven-based sensors to an electronic controller for sending and receiving electronic signals from a selected pair of sensors of the plurality of woven-based sensors, Wherein, the multiple fabric-based sensors include at least one fabric-based ECG generator electrode and at least one fabric-based ECG receiver electrode, the at least one fabric-based ECG generator electrode is used to transmit the generated signal through the user's skin, the fabric-based ECG receiver electrode is separated from the fabric-based ECG generator electrode, and the at least one fabric-based ECG receiver electrode is configured to sense the generated signal through the user's skin.

2. The ECG sensor system according to claim 1, wherein: The non-conductive material is a non-woven material.

3. The ECG sensor system according to claim 2, wherein: The non-woven material is plastic.

4. The ECG sensor system according to claim 1, wherein: The non-conductive material comprises non-conductive fibers as an interwoven material, and the interwoven material is selected from the group consisting of: a woven material and a knitted material.

5. The ECG sensor system according to claim 1, wherein: The substrate is in the form of a tape, and the plurality of woven-based sensors are distributed along the tape.

6. The ECG sensor system of claim 1 , further comprising: The plurality of fabric-based sensors are divided into a generator group and a receiver group so that a group spacing between generator sensors of the generator group and receiver sensors of the receiver group is greater than a spacing between the sensors within the generator group and a spacing between the sensors within the receiver group, and the generator sensors are adjacent to the receiver sensors.

7. The ECG sensor system according to claim 4, wherein: The conductive fibers and the non-conductive fibers are interwoven with each other to form an integral interwoven structure.

8. The ECG sensor system according to claim 4, wherein: The conductive fibers and the non-conductive fibers are connected to each other to form a non-integrated structure.

9. The ECG sensor system according to claim 8, wherein: The non-integrated structure is stitching.

10. The ECG sensor system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein: Respective conductive surfaces of the plurality of woven-based sensors protrude from a surrounding insulating surface of the first side.

11. The ECG sensor system of claim 1 , further comprising the controller, the controller being configured via stored instructions for execution by a computer processor to deselect at least one sensor from the selected pair of sensors and select a replacement sensor from the plurality of fabric-based sensors, the basis for the deselection being based on an analysis of a quality of the electronic signal.

12. The ECG sensor system of claim 1 , further comprising the controller, the controller being configured via stored instructions for execution by a computer processor to: alternate different pairs of sensors from the plurality of fabric-based sensors as the selected pair of sensors and select a determined best signal from the electronic signals received from the alternating different pairs.

13. The ECG sensor system of claim 1, wherein: The controller is configured to: generating the generated signal; transmitting the generated signal via the at least one fabric-based ECG generator electrode; sensing the generated signal from the at least one fabric-based ECG generator electrode via the at least one fabric-based ECG receiver electrode; determining, based on the sensing of the generated signal via the at least one fabric-based ECG receiver electrode, that the at least one fabric-based ECG generator electrode and / or the at least one fabric-based ECG receiver electrode is causing the generated signal to have unacceptable signal quality; deselecting the at least one fabric-based ECG generator electrode and / or the at least one fabric-based ECG receiver electrode and selecting an additional fabric-based ECG generator electrode and / or ECG receiver electrode; as well as The generated signal is repeatedly generated and sensed using the additional fabric-based ECG generator electrodes and / or ECG receiver electrodes.

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