Capacitive Biosignal Electrode Coupling Quality Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capacitive biosignal detection systems face challenges in efficiently determining the quality of capacitive coupling between measuring electrodes and biosignal sources, particularly in complex systems with multiple electrodes, where crosstalk and external factors can affect signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
The system employs additional injection electrodes to feed distinct injection signals into the biosignal source, allowing the determination unit to assess the capacitive coupling quality using signal components from these signals, thereby simplifying the evaluation process and reducing the need for complex modifications to measuring electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If carrier signals are fed into the biosignal source via measuring electrodes to monitor coupling quality, then the quality of capacitive coupling can be determined, but the system complexity increases significantly and crosstalk occurs between electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the injection function from the measuring electrodes by introducing dedicated injection electrodes. Each injection electrode is assigned a specific injection signal, while measuring electrodes only perform measurement. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex signal management at each electrode and prevents crosstalk between channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces injection electrodes as intermediary elements that facilitate coupling quality assessment. These injection electrodes act as mediators by providing a controlled signal path through the biosignal source, allowing the determination unit to evaluate coupling quality without requiring the measuring electrodes to handle injection signals.
2Measurement precision
If multiple carrier signals are generated for multiple measuring electrodes, then coupling quality can be monitored for each electrode, but the complexity of signal generation and wiring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The determination unit serves multiple functions: it generates injection signals, processes measuring signals, and determines coupling quality for all electrodes through a single unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate signal generation circuits at each electrode and simplifies the overall wiring architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a single determination unit that processes signals from multiple electrodes, effectively creating a centralized control architecture. Instead of replicating complex signal generation and processing circuits at each electrode, one determination unit handles all electrodes, reducing manufacturing complexity and wiring requirements.
3Measurement precision
If measuring electrodes are modified to feed injection signals, then coupling quality can be assessed, but the electrodes become more complex and less adaptable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrode system into two distinct functional groups: injection electrodes dedicated to signal injection and measuring electrodes dedicated to signal acquisition. This segmentation allows measuring electrodes to remain simple and adaptable for various measurement applications while injection electrodes handle the coupling quality assessment function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modifying measuring electrodes to perform injection functions, the patent inverts the approach by introducing separate injection electrodes. This inversion maintains the simplicity and versatility of measuring electrodes while achieving coupling quality assessment through the dedicated injection electrodes.
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
This approach enables effective determination of capacitive coupling quality for each measuring electrode, improving signal evaluation and reducing the complexity and cost of implementing the system, especially in applications like vehicle seats where comfort and flexibility are crucial.
Implementation Method 1
system for the capacitive acquisition of electrical biosignals from a biosignal source (2), the system having at least one capacitive measuring electrode (30)
Data Source
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AI summary
System for capacitively recording electrical bio-signals from a bio-signal source, wherein the system has at least one capacitive measuring electrode and at least one electronic evaluation unit which is coupled to the measuring electrode and is intended to evaluate the electrical signals from the measuring electrode, and wherein the system also has means for monitoring the quality of the capacitive coupling between the measuring electrode and the bio-signal source, characterized in that the means for monitoring the quality of the capacitive coupling have, in addition to the measuring electrode(s), at least two injection electrodes which are electrically separated from one another and are intended to feed injection signals into the at least one measuring electrode via the bio-signal source, wherein the system has signal generators for generating a first injection signal and a second injection signal which differs from the first injection signal, which signals are fed into the measuring electrode by means of the injection electrodes via the bio-signal source, and wherein the system has a determination unit which is set up to determine the quality of the capacitive coupling between the measuring electrode and the bio-signal source on the basis of the signals received via the measuring electrode on the basis of the signal components which are contained therein and stem from the first and second injection signals.