Cascaded Reference Circuit for Low Noise Subsurface Spectrogram
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wearable devices are not convenient for everyday life activities and fail to accurately and continuously measure stress with the accuracy of medical devices, as they require more power and are not practical for continuous use due to their size and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The development of wearable devices that use a cascaded reference system to accurately measure electrovesselgram (EVG) and subsurface spectrogram (SSG) signals with minimal power consumption, allowing for real-time feedback on stress levels and relaxation, using fewer electrodes and an arbitrary waveform to cancel out ambient noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional ECG electrodes are used for stress measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the body into multiple measurement zones (trunk, wrist, finger) and uses a multi-element electrode configuration that can be selectively activated. This allows the system to achieve medical-grade measurement accuracy by focusing on specific body regions rather than requiring comprehensive body coverage, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional ECG electrode placement to a three-dimensional distributed electrode array that can be positioned on various body surfaces. This dimensional change enables the system to capture cardiac and stress signals with medical accuracy while allowing flexible, simplified electrode configurations depending on the measurement location and requirements.
2Reliability
If continuous stress monitoring is implemented, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through event-driven sampling, where the electrode array is activated only during specific events or time windows (such as during stress episodes or at predetermined intervals) rather than continuously. This allows the system to maintain reliability for continuous monitoring while dramatically reducing power consumption by keeping the electrode array in a low-power state between events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of measurement parameters and electrode activation based on real-time conditions. The system can switch between high-power continuous monitoring mode and low-power intermittent mode depending on the user's stress state and monitoring requirements, enabling reliable continuous monitoring capability when needed while conserving battery power during normal operation.
3Measurement precision
If medical device accuracy is achieved in wearable form factor, then measurement precision is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement function across multiple small, distributed electrode elements that can be independently positioned on the body. This segmentation allows the system to achieve medical-grade accuracy through distributed sensing rather than requiring a single large measurement device, enabling the wearable to maintain compact size while preserving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal electrode array that can serve multiple measurement functions (ECG, stress monitoring, respiration tracking) simultaneously at different body locations. This multi-functionality allows a single compact wearable device to provide medical-level measurements without requiring separate dedicated devices for each measurement type, thereby reducing overall device size.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides cascaded reference circuits and low amplitude signal sensing circuits used to perform a Subsurface Spectrogram (SSG). The Subsurface Spectrogram can detect the conductive properties of skin and the underlying tissues. The conductive properties inform what electrolytes and moisture levels are present, which in turn can provide information about the physiological state of the mammal. The Subsurface Spectrogram uses an arbitrary waveform generator to provide a reference signal, the return signals are captured and compared to their original characteristics for changes in amplitude, phase and frequency. From these calculations insight into the amount of skin moisture and electrolyte configuration can be gained. Embodiments of such systems may be especially useful in health and fitness wearable devices where feedback on health and exercise can help mammals achieve an optimal workout, or help them to know when they are experiencing unhealthy stress levels. Methods are provided for using the devices of this disclosure to privately alert wearers to an increase in bad stress in the moment when they can take actions to reduce their physiological stress responses. These devices are useful for measuring and increasing the effectiveness of relaxation techniques. As a result of using methods and devices of this disclosure, people are healthier, they make more responsible decisions, and relationships improve.