Biopotential Measurement Bus for Isochronous Synchronization and Zero Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biopotential and bioimpedance measurement systems face challenges with simultaneous and continuous isochronous synchronization of units, high power consumption in wireless communication, leakage current issues, and impractical battery recharging methods, particularly in environments where wireless communication is restricted or hygiene is a concern.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a bus of electrical conductors for simultaneous isochronous synchronization and wired communication between units, with the reference unit controlling leakage currents to zero, and allowing simultaneous recharging without removing units from the body, using periodic synchronization signals, phase-lock loops, self-clocking encoding, and shared bus conductors for power and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication is used for communication between units, then communication flexibility is improved, but power consumption increases and communication reliability deteriorates in environments with body absorption or wireless restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the body itself as an intermediary medium for communication by injecting currents through measuring units and detecting voltage drops, replacing wireless electromagnetic waves with electrical current flow through the body as the communication channel
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the wireless electromagnetic field-based communication system with an electrical current-based communication system that uses the body's electrical conductivity, substituting one physical mechanism for another more suitable for the application
2Reliability
If periodic reassignment of reference unit is used for synchronization, then isochronous synchronization is achieved, but synchronization complexity increases and continuity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The reference unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the synchronization master for all measuring units, functions as a communication hub for current injection and voltage detection, and provides the reference potential for all measurements, eliminating the need for periodic role reassignment
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves continuous synchronization through self-service mechanisms where the reference unit continuously provides synchronization signals and the measuring units automatically maintain isochronous operation without requiring external intervention or periodic reconfiguration
3Adaptability or versatility
If current injection through body is used for communication, then communication capability is improved, but leakage current through reference unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference unit continuously monitors the leakage current generated by communication operations and uses this feedback information to adjust and control the current injection, minimizing harmful leakage while maintaining communication functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts current injection parameters (amplitude, frequency, duration) based on communication needs and leakage current measurements, optimizing the balance between communication effectiveness and harmful effect minimization
4Use of energy by moving object
If units are removed from garment for recharging, then battery recharging is achieved, but operational convenience deteriorates and hygiene is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The garment itself serves as the intermediary charging infrastructure, with integrated charging contacts that automatically connect to the units when worn, eliminating the need for separate charging operations and manual unit removal
Solution Approach 2:
The units automatically recharge themselves whenever worn on the body through the garment's integrated charging system, requiring no user intervention for charging operations and maintaining continuous operational readiness
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 efficient, continuous, and synchronized biopotential and bioimpedance measurements with reduced power consumption, zero leakage current, and convenient recharging, suitable for environments where wireless communication is prohibited and maintains hygiene by allowing units to be washed in place.
Implementation Method 1
connected together to a bus of one or more electrical conductors (3, 3')
Implementation Method 2
the reference unit (1) measures voltage drops (u1) caused by circulation of currents (i1, i0, j1)
Implementation Method 3
allows simultaneous recharging of all units
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
An object of the invention concerns a biopotential and/or bioimpedance measurement system comprising one reference unit and one or more measuring units connected together to a bus including one or more electrical conductors, means for simultaneous and continuous isochronous synchronization of all units, and means for wired communication between units, and/or means for adjustment of injected currents of two measuring units so that the leakage current through the reference unit is controlled to zero, and/or means for simultaneous recharging of all units.