Cardiac Device Using Accelerometer and Thoraco-Cardiovascular Model
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cardiac monitoring methods, such as ECGs, are invasive and restrictive, limiting patient mobility and providing incomplete information about cardiovascular mechanics, while SCGs offer valuable mechanical data but are complex and underutilized due to interpretation challenges.
Innovation Solution
A cardiac monitoring device using a smartphone with an accelerometer and a thoraco-cardiovascular model, applying a Kalman filter and Luenberger observer to process signals and derive cardiac activity indicators, enabling non-invasive, continuous monitoring of cardiovascular mechanics beyond traditional ECG limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ECG is used for cardiac monitoring, then electrical activity can be monitored, but patient mobility is significantly reduced and mechanical state information is not obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional ECG electrical measurement system with a seismocardiography-based mechanical vibration measurement system. An accelerometer sensor detects mechanical vibrations of the chest wall caused by cardiac activity, substituting electrical field measurement with mechanical field measurement. This allows continuous monitoring without restricting patient mobility while capturing mechanical state information of the cardiovascular system.
2Loss of information
If SCG measurements are taken to obtain cardiovascular mechanical data, then mechanical state information is obtained, but interpretation becomes very delicate and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based signal processing system where the raw SCG signal is continuously processed through filtering, feature extraction, and comparison with reference patterns. The system provides feedback loops that refine the interpretation of mechanical vibrations by comparing detected features against known cardiac mechanical patterns, thereby simplifying the interpretation process while preserving cardiovascular mechanical information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer between the raw SCG measurements and the final interpretation. This intermediary system includes signal filtering, feature extraction algorithms, and pattern recognition components that translate complex mechanical vibration data into clinically interpretable parameters, reducing the complexity of direct SCG interpretation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes and specific devices are used for ECG, then precise electrical activity monitoring is achieved, but the examination becomes cumbersome and invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement functions into a single accelerometer sensor placed on the chest. Instead of using multiple electrodes distributed across the body for ECG, the system combines cardiac detection, mechanical vibration sensing, and positional monitoring into one integrated sensor unit, significantly reducing the number of components required while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the accelerometer sensor universal and multi-functional, enabling it to perform multiple cardiac monitoring tasks including detecting mechanical vibrations, determining chest wall motion, and monitoring patient position. This single sensor replaces the need for multiple specialized electrodes and devices, reducing system complexity while preserving essential monitoring functions.
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 facilitates comprehensive, non-invasive cardiac monitoring outside clinical environments, providing important cardiovascular indicators and reducing the need for multiple devices, with interpretable measurements that enhance disease management and patient care.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor arranged to measure vibrations of a patient's chest when said patient is in a supine position, said sensor being an accelerometer
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a cardiac device comprising an accelerometer (4) and a filter (6) arranged to eliminate noise from an SCG signal from the accelerometer (4), as well as a computer (8) arranged to apply a thoraco-cardiovascular model to the signal from the filter (6) and to obtain at least one cardiac activity indicator (CI) from same.