3D Camera Electrode Positioning for ECG Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ECG technologies face challenges in accurately localizing heart dysfunction such as premature ventricular contraction (PVC) and other arrhythmias due to inaccuracies in electrode placement, which affects the precision of electrical activity distribution and movement analysis through heart tissue.

Innovation Solution

A 3D Camera software integrated into the Cardiac Isochrone Positioning System (CIPS) is used to accurately localize ECG electrodes on the chest wall, allowing for the creation of a subject-specific electrode torso model, which enhances the estimation of electrical activity distribution and movement by aligning a 3D image with a 3D anatomical model, accounting for individual anatomical variations and electrode misplacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If standard ECG electrode placement methods are used, then the process is simple and quick, but electrode misplacement occurs leading to inaccurate localization of heart dysfunction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode placement accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A 3D camera system serves as an intermediary tool between the electrode placement process and the final ECG analysis. The camera captures 3D images of the torso and electrodes, providing accurate spatial information that mediates between simple placement and precise localization, eliminating the need for complex manual measurement procedures while ensuring accurate electrode positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional mechanical measurement methods (rulers, calipers, anatomical landmarks) are replaced with optical 3D imaging technology. The system uses cameras to capture and process 3D images, substituting mechanical measurement systems with optical fields and digital image processing algorithms, thereby improving precision without significantly increasing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If 3D camera system is implemented, then electrode localization accuracy improves, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode position measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The 3D camera system serves multiple functions: it captures torso anatomy, locates electrodes, verifies placement accuracy, and provides spatial reference for ECG analysis. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating multiple measurement and verification tasks into a single integrated system, reducing the need for separate devices and procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a 3D digital copy of the patient's torso and electrode positions. This virtual model serves as an accurate representation that can be analyzed without physical manipulation, allowing precise measurement and verification while simplifying the analysis process. The digital copy replaces the need for complex physical measurement and reconstruction procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If individual anatomical variations are accounted for, then diagnostic accuracy improves, but processing time and computational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary 3D scanning and anatomical modeling before ECG analysis. By capturing the patient's unique anatomy upfront and creating a personalized 3D model, the system prepares individualized reference data in advance. This preliminary action allows subsequent ECG analysis to proceed more quickly with pre-established anatomical context, reducing overall processing time while maintaining high diagnostic accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system transforms physical anatomical parameters into digital 3D model parameters. By converting real-world anatomical variations into standardized digital representations with measurable coordinates and spatial relationships, the system enables efficient computational processing of individual anatomical differences without requiring complex manual analysis of each variation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3139826B1Estimating distribution, fluctuation and/or movement of electrical activity through a heart tissue
Publication Date: 2022.03.02 PEACS INVESTMENTS BV
  • EP3139826B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3139826B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3139826B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A computer implemented method for processing measurement data from electrocardiogram, ECG, electrodes on a subject. The method includes obtaining a 3D anatomical model of the torso of the subject, and obtaining a 3D image of the torso of the subject. The three dimensional image is aligned with the three-dimensional model. A position of each electrode in the three- dimensional model is determined from the three dimensional image. The positions of the electrodes in the three dimensional model are used for estimating the distribution, fluctuation and/or movement of electrical activity through heart tissue.