Baseband Impulsive Wireless Sensor for Vital Signs Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vital sign monitoring systems in hospitals are hindered by the complexity and cost of existing wireless telemetry systems, which suffer from interference and are not optimized for continuous, mobile monitoring due to the need for multiple cables and complex devices.
Innovation Solution
A network of reprogrammable wireless devices using baseband impulsive signals for transmitting vital signs, eliminating the need for a carrier frequency, reducing interference, and allowing for flexible, efficient, and cost-effective continuous monitoring with ultra-wideband radio transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cable-based ECG monitoring systems are used, then reliable vital sign measurement is achieved, but patient mobility is severely limited and cable management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless electromagnetic communication system. The ECG sensor unit is coupled to the patient through patch electrodes without physical cables, using wireless transmission to send signals to the monitor, thereby eliminating cable constraints on patient movement while maintaining measurement reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary wireless transmission system between the ECG sensor and the monitor. This intermediary layer (wireless communication protocol) allows the sensor to be physically separated from the monitor, enabling patient mobility without compromising the continuity of vital sign monitoring
2Ease of operation
If wireless telemetry systems with RF carriers are used, then patient mobility is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the RF carrier wave component from the wireless transmission system. By using baseband transmission directly without modulation onto an RF carrier, the system removes the need for complex RF generators, mixers, and tuned circuits, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining wireless functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic time-division multiplexing where the ECG signal is transmitted in periodic time slots. This periodic transmission approach simplifies the communication protocol by replacing continuous RF carrier modulation with discrete time-based signal segments, reducing overall system complexity
3Ease of operation
If RF-based wireless transmission is used, then wireless monitoring is achieved, but interference from other wireless devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless transmission into discrete time slots for different ECG leads. By dividing the transmission into separate time periods for each lead, the system eliminates frequency-based interference from other wireless devices, as each transmission occurs in its own time window rather than sharing the RF spectrum
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modulating the ECG signal onto an RF carrier and transmitting at high frequency (conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by transmitting the baseband ECG signal directly at low frequency. This inversion of the transmission strategy avoids RF interference entirely while maintaining wireless communication capability
4Reliability
If multiple cables are used for comprehensive vital sign monitoring, then complete patient monitoring is achieved, but operator workload for cable management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multiple physical cables with a wireless communication system that transmits multiple ECG leads through electromagnetic signals. This substitution eliminates the need for operators to physically manage, reposition, and connect multiple cables, significantly reducing operational time while maintaining complete multi-lead monitoring capability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides a flexible, cost-effective, and interference-resistant system for continuous vital sign monitoring, minimizing patient discomfort and operator time spent on cable management, while ensuring reliable and efficient data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a baseband transceiver for transmitting and receiving baseband impulsive signals
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention consists in a system for the permanent monitoring of the vital signs and it includes one or more wireless sensors for the vital signs monitoring. Each sensor is equipped with a transceiver for receiving and transmitting baseband impulsive signals. The system includes at least a base unit (BU) equipped with a transceiver for receiving and transmitting baseband signals to one or more of the said sensors and connected to at least one monitor. The system provides that at least one sensor and one base unit communicate by using impulsive ultra wideband signals with a baseband multiplexing technique.