Human Body Communication for Wearable Sensor Data Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication techniques in ambulatory physiological monitoring and therapeutic intervention systems face issues such as large and variable signal attenuation, poor security, and high power consumption, making them unsuitable for reliable data transmission.

Innovation Solution

Implementing human body communication (HBC) techniques for wireless data transmission between components of physiological monitoring and therapeutic intervention systems, utilizing frequencies under 32 MHz to minimize power consumption and ensure reliable communication through body tissue.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If commonly used wireless communication techniques are used, then data transmission can be achieved, but signal attenuation becomes large and variable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidsignal attenuation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the human body itself as an intermediary medium for signal transmission. By applying electrodes to the body surface and using the body's conductive properties, the signal travels through the body tissue rather than through air, which eliminates the large and variable signal attenuation problems of conventional wireless communication. This intermediary approach (the body) provides a stable transmission path with predictable electrical properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If commonly used wireless communication techniques are used, then data transmission can be achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional electromagnetic wireless communication (which requires high power transmission through air) with electrical signal transmission through the body's conductive medium. This substitution uses the body's natural electrical conductivity to transmit signals with much lower power requirements, eliminating the need for high-power transmitters and receivers while maintaining reliable communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If commonly used wireless communication techniques are used, then communication can be established, but security deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidsecurity vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The human body serves as a unique intermediary that provides inherent security. Since the transmission path requires direct contact with the user's body through electrodes, unauthorized access becomes significantly more difficult. The body itself becomes part of the communication channel, creating a secure link that is inherently more protected than conventional wireless methods that transmit through open air spaces accessible to anyone with a receiver.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

HBC configurations provide low energy consumption, flexible wearables, and reliable sensor information communication, allowing for smaller battery sizes and reduced wearable form factors while maintaining effective data transfer.

Implementation Method 1

a transmitter configured to be operably connected to the sensor electronics, the transmitter having or being configured to have at least a portion thereof positioned at a first location adjacent to and/or in contact with an external surface of a body of a host during a sensor session, the transmitter further configured to wirelessly transmit sensor information using human body communication

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHuman Body Communication: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a first display device comprising a display and a receiver, the receiver having or being configured to have at least a portion thereof positioned at a second location adjacent to and/or in contact with the external surface of the body of the host during the sensor session, the receiver further configured to wirelessly receive the sensor information from the transmitter using human body communication

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHuman Body Communication: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20260025211A1Network physical layer configurations for ambulatory physiological parameter monitoring and therapeutic intervention systems

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 DEXCOM INC

AI summary

Certain embodiments herein relate to a physiological parameter monitoring system. The system may include a sensor and sensor electronics connectable to the sensor. The system may also include a transmitter operably connected to the sensor electronics, the transmitter having or being configured to have at least a portion thereof positioned at a first location adjacent to and/or in contact with an external surface of a body of a host during a sensor session, the transmitter further configured to wirelessly transmit sensor information using human body communication. The system may further include a first display device comprising a display and a receiver, the receiver having or being configured to have at least a portion thereof positioned at a second location adjacent to and/or in contact with the external surface of the body during the sensor session, the receiver further configured to receive sensor information from the transmitter using human body communication.