Capacitive Electrocardiac Signal Analysis Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrocardiac signal measurement devices cause skin discomfort and allergic reactions due to direct contact, and are prone to environmental noise interference, making them unsuitable for daily monitoring in office environments.
Innovation Solution
An electrocardiac signal analysis device using capacitive coupling type detection electrodes that operate in a non-contact state, combined with active guard circuits to reduce noise, and both linear and non-linear analytical methods to calculate autonomic nerve indices and Lyapunov exponents for accurate health evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contact-type detection electrodes are used, then electrocardiac signal can be measured, but skin rash, metal allergy, and discomfort occur causing stress that affects the signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces capacitive coupling as an intermediary mechanism between the detection electrode and the body. Instead of direct contact, the electrode detects signals through capacitive coupling with the body surface, eliminating skin contact while maintaining signal detection capability. This resolves the contradiction by removing the harmful skin contact effect while preserving the measurement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based detection system with an electrical field-based capacitive coupling system. The detection electrode generates an electric field that couples capacitively with the body's electrical properties, substituting the mechanical contact mechanism with an non-contact electrical field interaction, thereby eliminating skin discomfort while maintaining measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If conventional detection electrodes are used in office environment, then measurement can be performed, but environmental noise from power supplies interferes with the signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces active guard circuits as intermediary components between the detection electrode and the signal processing system. These guard circuits act as shielding that blocks environmental noise from reaching the detection electrode, while allowing the desired electrocardiac signal to pass through. This resolves the contradiction by adding a protective intermediary layer that filters out harmful noise while preserving signal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs active guard circuits that utilize feedback mechanisms to dynamically adjust and maintain the shielding effect. The guard circuits continuously monitor and respond to environmental noise conditions, adjusting their operation to optimize noise rejection while maintaining signal detection accuracy. This feedback-based approach enables adaptive noise cancellation in varying office environments.
3Measurement precision
If only linear analysis method is used, then autonomic nerve index can be calculated, but health evaluation accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the analysis process into multiple independent analytical modules: linear analysis for autonomic nerve index calculation and non-linear analysis for additional health parameters. Each module processes the electrocardiac signal separately using its specific mathematical framework, allowing comprehensive health evaluation without overwhelming complexity. The segmentation enables parallel processing and independent optimization of each analysis method.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal analysis system that integrates multiple analysis methodologies (linear and non-linear) within a single device framework. The system can perform various health evaluation functions using different mathematical approaches, making the device multi-functional for comprehensive health assessment. This universality allows the device to provide both traditional autonomic nerve evaluation and advanced non-linear health parameters from the same electrocardiac signal.
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
The device safely and accurately measures electrocardiac signals with reduced noise and discomfort, enabling more precise evaluation of health conditions, fatigue, stress, and fitness levels in daily environments by integrating capacitive coupling electrodes and active guard circuits with linear and non-linear analysis capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of detection electrodes 6, 6 of a capacitive coupling type that detect a heart rate of a subject in a non-contact state
Implementation Method 2
a pair of active guard circuits 7, 7 that reduce noise included in the primary signals
Data Source
AI summary
An electrocardiac signal analysis device measures an electrocardiac signal of a subject in a daily environment such as an office. The electrocardiac signal is analyzed by a plurality of methods, contributing to accurate evaluation of a health condition of the subject. A measurement unit includes a pair of detection electrodes of a capacitive coupling type that detect a heart rate of a subject in a non-contact state and output the heart rate as primary signals. A pair of active guard circuits reduce noise in the primary signals and output secondary signals. A potential difference of the secondary signals is amplified and output as an electrocardiac signal. A feedback electrode is configured to remove an influence of an in-phase signal of the secondary signals. An analysis unit linearly analyzes the electrocardiac signal to calculate an autonomic nerve index, and nonlinearly analyzes the electrocardiac signal to calculate a Lyapunov exponent.