Biometric Pressure Mapping System for Cardiovascular Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for non-invasive, continuous monitoring of cardiovascular health parameters, such as blood pressure, are limited in accuracy and require bulky equipment, and there is a need for a system that can provide real-time dynamic pressure maps to determine physiological signals relevant to blood vessel states.
Innovation Solution
A biometric pressure mapping system using a combination of pressure sensing arrays and actuators to produce dynamic pressure maps of the skin surface, with polymeric thin-film sensor arrays and actuation mechanisms that apply controlled pressure to isolate and analyze pressure changes from blood vessels, enabling the determination of systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional pressure sensing methods are used, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision is insufficient and equipment becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensing system is divided into multiple discrete pressure sensors arranged in an array configuration. Each sensor independently measures pressure at its location, and the combined data creates a spatial map of pressure distribution. This segmentation enables precise localized measurements without requiring a single large bulky sensor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from point-pressure measurement to distributed spatial-pressure mapping by adding the spatial dimension. Multiple sensors arranged in two or three dimensions create a pressure distribution map, enabling precise identification of pressure changes associated with blood vessels through spatial analysis rather than relying on bulky single-point measurement equipment.
2Productivity
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then real-time physiological data is obtained, but measurement precision is compromised without proper pressure isolation
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and isolates the pressure signal component generated by blood vessel activity from the total pressure measurements. By separating the blood vessel pressure waves from other pressure sources and motion artifacts, the system maintains measurement precision during continuous monitoring operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its analysis methods based on real-time pressure map characteristics. Through continuous spatial and temporal analysis of pressure changes, the system adapts its signal processing to maintain precision while providing continuous monitoring, identifying blood vessel locations and isolating their pressure signatures as they change over time.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If pressure changes are measured on skin surface, then non-invasive monitoring is achieved, but harmful factors such as motion artifacts and external pressure interfere with measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor array acts as an intermediary that captures the complete pressure distribution pattern across the skin surface. By measuring pressure at multiple locations simultaneously, the system can identify and separate the localized pressure changes caused by blood vessels from global pressure changes caused by motion or external factors, thereby reducing the impact of harmful interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously analyzes the pressure map data to identify patterns consistent with blood vessel pressure waves versus motion artifacts. Through feedback from the spatial distribution and temporal characteristics of pressure changes, the system can distinguish between physiological signals and interference, maintaining measurement precision despite the presence of motion artifacts and external pressure variations.
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
Enables non-invasive, continuous, and accurate monitoring of cardiovascular health parameters with high spatial resolution, reducing the need for bulky equipment and providing real-time dynamic pressure maps for precise physiological measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor array configured to sense one or more pressure changes on a skin surface of the wearer
Implementation Method 2
the support is configurable in: a non-occlusion configuration; and an occlusion configuration for occluding the blood vessel
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are systems and methods to evaluate cardiovascular health parameters, comprising a system configured to create a pressure map of the physiological surface (such as, skin) using a combination of actuators and pressure sensing arrays.