Bio-signal Estimation Using Sliding Window Envelope Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bio-signal analysis technologies face challenges in accurately estimating bio-information, particularly in high signal-to-noise environments, due to instability in obtaining oscillometric waveform envelopes.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that include a bio-signal obtainer and a processor to obtain and process bio-signals by applying predetermined functions to sliding windows, generating oscillometric waveform envelopes, and estimating bio-information using preprocessing algorithms such as Savitzky-Golay filtering and polynomial fitting, even in noisy conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional bio-signal analysis methods are used, then the system is simple to implement, but the measurement precision deteriorates in high signal-to-noise environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the bio-signal into multiple sections using sliding windows of predetermined size. Each section is processed independently to obtain function values (RMS or ABS), which are then combined to form the oscillometric waveform envelope. This segmentation approach improves measurement precision by reducing noise impact in each segment while maintaining manageable processing complexity through systematic reconstruction of the complete waveform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies predetermined functions (RMS or ABS calculations) to each windowed section before combining them to form the envelope. This preliminary processing of signal segments prepares the data in advance for envelope reconstruction, improving the accuracy of bio-information estimation while organizing the processing workflow into manageable stages that control overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If no preprocessing is applied to the oscillometric waveform envelope, then the processing steps are minimal, but the reliability of bio-information estimation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preprocessing algorithms (Savitzky-Golay filtering, polynomial fitting, or Gaussian fitting) to the oscillometric waveform envelope before bio-information estimation. These preprocessing steps are performed in advance to stabilize the envelope and remove artifacts, ensuring reliable and consistent bio-information extraction while maintaining a structured processing pipeline that manages complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs different preprocessing algorithms that modify the envelope parameters through mathematical transformations. Savitzky-Golay filtering smooths the envelope while preserving features, polynomial fitting adjusts the curvature, and Gaussian fitting optimizes peak characteristics. These parameter changes enhance envelope stability and reliability, with each algorithm providing different trade-offs between smoothing and feature preservation.
3Measurement precision
If a single ABS value calculation method is used, then the calculation is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates in noisy conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the amplitude values into two groups: those greater than a reference amplitude value and those lower than the reference value. By calculating separate ABS values for each segment and then combining them, the method improves measurement precision in noisy conditions by treating different amplitude ranges differently, while maintaining systematic processing that controls overall calculation complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for estimating bio-information includes a bio-signal obtainer configured to obtain a bio-signal from an object; and a processor configured to: obtain function values by applying a predetermined function to sections of the bio-signal, corresponding to respective windows of a predetermined size, while sliding a window on a time axis of the bio-signal, obtain an oscillometric waveform envelope based on the obtained function values, and estimate bio-information of the object based on the oscillometric waveform envelope.