Biometric Weighing Scale for PAD Risk Detection via PWV
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for diagnosing cardiovascular diseases, such as Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), are often done only when symptoms appear, missing opportunities for early detection due to the need for specialized medical facilities and equipment.
Innovation Solution
A weighing scale equipped with electrodes and processing circuitry to measure biometric signals like ECG, PPG, and BCG, estimating pulse wave velocity (PWV) for early detection of PAD risk by determining pulse arrival time (PAT) and transit time (PTT) between limbs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional diagnostic methods (Brachial-Ankle pressure index, Doppler, Ultrasound imaging) are used to diagnose PAD, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but device complexity and accessibility worsen due to requiring specialized medical facilities and equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing scale is transformed into a multi-functional device that not only measures weight but also performs cardiovascular health assessments by detecting ECG, PPG, and BCG signals through integrated sensors and electrodes on the platform and handles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified version of complex medical diagnostic equipment by using consumer-grade sensors and a weighing scale platform to replicate the functionality of specialized medical devices like Doppler and Ultrasound imaging systems for PAD detection
2Measurement precision
If conventional diagnostic methods are used, then diagnostic precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to requiring trained medical personnel and specialized facilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to perform their own cardiovascular health assessments by simply standing on the weighing scale platform and gripping the handles, with automated signal processing and PAD risk estimation eliminating the need for trained medical personnel to operate the equipment
3Loss of time
If early detection of cardiovascular diseases is enabled through consumer devices, then loss of time for disease detection is reduced, but measurement precision may worsen compared to specialized medical equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing scale acts as an intermediary device that captures multiple biometric signals (ECG, PPG, BCG) simultaneously and uses processing circuitry to derive PAD risk estimates, serving as a bridge between consumer accessibility and medical-grade diagnostic 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
Enables early detection of cardiovascular diseases through everyday consumer devices, providing precise PAD risk assessment and comprehensive cardiovascular health evaluation.
Implementation Method 1
obtain a plurality of biometric signals of the user, including one or more electrocardiogram, ECG, signals for one or more ECG leads
Implementation Method 2
determine, based on the plurality of biometric signals, a respective pulse arrival time, PAT
Implementation Method 3
determine, based on the PAT, an approximated pulse wave velocity, PWV
Implementation Method 4
a base, i.e. platform configured to support the user standing on the base and determine a weight of the user
Data Source
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AI summary
It relates to a weighing scale (100) for monitoring biometric data of a user (180). Theweighing scale (100) comprises a first group and a second group of a plurality of electrodes arranged on one or more handles (120) and configured to be brought into contact with a first hand and a second of the user (180). The weighing scale (100) further comprises a base (140) configured to support the user (180) and determine a weight of the user (180). A first portion of a top surface of the base (140) comprises a third group of the plurality of electrodes configured to be brought into contact with a first foot of the user (180) and a second portion of the top surface of the base (140) comprises a fourth group of the plurality of electrodes configured to be brought into contact with a second foot of the user (180). The weighing scale (100) further comprises a processing circuitry configured to obtain a plurality of biometric signals and to determine, based on the plurality of biometric signals, a pulse wave velocity, PWV, for the first and second hand and the first and second foot of the user (180) for estimating a peripheral arterial disease, PAD, risk of the user (180).