Biometric Ring Integrating ECG and PPG Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biofeedback devices are limited to short-term, specific applications and do not combine data from multiple sensors for long-term, continuous monitoring of physiological states like blood pressure and sympathetic nervous system activity.
Innovation Solution
A ring form factor biometric sensor system incorporating ECG, PPG, and EDA sensors with a flexible circuit board and Bluetooth Low Energy module for continuous data collection, allowing for accurate assessment of physiological states through multichannel data analysis on a mobile device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple biometric sensors (ECG, PPG, EDA) are integrated into a ring device for continuous monitoring, then the capability to assess physiological states comprehensively is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple biometric sensors (ECG electrodes, PPG sensor, EDA electrodes) into a single ring device, merging their functions to comprehensively monitor heart rate, blood pressure, and sympathetic nervous system activity simultaneously from one wearable unit
Solution Approach 2:
The ring device is designed to perform multiple physiological monitoring functions through different sensor types, making it a universal health monitoring tool that can assess various physiological states including heart rate, blood pressure estimation, and stress levels without requiring separate specialized devices
2Duration of action of moving object
If the ring device incorporates sufficient battery capacity for extended wear, then the duration of continuous data collection is improved, but the device weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes battery capacity parameters to achieve extended wear duration while managing weight constraints, selecting a battery that provides sufficient energy for continuous monitoring throughout the day or night without making the ring excessively heavy or bulky
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor circuit is designed to fit different ring sizes, then the adaptability to different users is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable or flexible ring size mechanisms that allow the sensor circuit to adapt to different finger circumferences, enabling the same device to fit multiple users while maintaining consistent sensor-skin contact pressure through adjustable sizing options
4Measurement precision
If discrete testing devices are used for specific purposes, then the measurement precision for specific parameters is improved, but the ability to combine data for multichannel calculations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete sensor functions into one integrated device, enabling simultaneous collection of ECG, PPG, and EDA data that can be processed together for multichannel calculations and comprehensive physiological assessment, eliminating the need for separate testing devices
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 continuous, long-term monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, and sympathetic nervous system activity, providing a comprehensive view of physiological states in real-life situations without the need for additional hardware on the mobile device.
Implementation Method 1
a photoplethysmograph (PPG) sensor disposed within the housing on the first surface and configured to contact or be placed adjacent the skin surface to register a pulse rate of the user
Implementation Method 2
a first electrode and second electrode disposed within the housing on said first surface and configured to contact the skin; a third electrode disposed on an exterior surface of said housing and configured to allow contact with a contralateral portion of the user's body, wherein said combination of first, second and third electrodes are configured for obtaining electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable biometric sensing ring apparatus for continuous heart rate and blood pressure monitoring having a ring housing for retention on a finger of a user, a photoplethysmograph (PPG) sensor disposed within the housing on an interior surface of the ring to contact or be placed adjacent the finger to register a pulse rate of the user, a first electrode and second electrode disposed within the housing on said interior surface of the ring to contact the finger on a first side of the user's body, and a third electrode disposed on an exterior surface of the ring housing to contact a contralateral portion of the user's body. A combination of first, second and third electrodes are configured for obtaining electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements. A controller and programming are provided for receiving analog pulse rate data from the PPG sensor and analog ECG data from the first, second and third electrodes, converting the analog pulse rate data and ECG data into digital data, calculating one or more of heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure (BP) from a combination of the digital ECG and PPG sensor data, and graphically outputting one or more of the calculated HR, HRV and BP.