Contactless Sensor Device Using Adaptive Electromagnetic Signal Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing monitoring systems for vital functions in living subjects or industrial processes often require contact or precise positioning, limiting their effectiveness and sensitivity, especially when trying to monitor physiological parameters like heart rate or respiration rate.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising multiple emitters and receivers that emit and receive electromagnetic signals to penetrate or reflect from the subject, allowing for adaptive and position-independent monitoring by selecting the most sensitive emitters and receivers based on predetermined characteristics, enabling high-sensitivity monitoring without the need for exact positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contact-dependent sensors (electrodes) are attached to the subject body, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for attachment and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-dependent mechanical sensors (electrodes requiring physical attachment) with contactless electromagnetic field-based sensors. The sensor device uses electromagnetic fields to detect physiological parameters through the body without requiring physical contact or attachment, thereby maintaining measurement precision while significantly improving ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If optical sensors are integrated into portable devices, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to limited range of sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the sensor from optical detection with limited sensitivity range to electromagnetic field-based detection. By using electromagnetic fields with adjustable frequencies and penetration depths, the system extends the effective sensing range while maintaining measurement precision, allowing portable devices to accurately monitor subjects at greater distances.
3Ease of operation
If contact-independent electromagnetic sensors are used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to dependence on correct positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptation mechanisms that automatically adjust sensor parameters (frequency, amplitude, orientation) based on real-time feedback about the subject's position and physiological state. This dynamic adjustment compensates for positioning variations, maintaining measurement precision while preserving the ease of operation provided by contactless sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops that continuously monitor the quality and strength of detected electromagnetic signals from the subject. Based on this feedback, the sensor automatically adjusts its operating parameters to optimize signal quality, ensuring consistent measurement precision regardless of the subject's position relative to the sensor.
4Measurement precision
If multiple emitters and receivers are added to improve sensitivity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing function into multiple independent emitter-receiver units that can operate semi-autonomously. Each unit contributes to the overall measurement, and the system selectively activates only the units needed for a given measurement task. This segmentation approach improves measurement precision through multiple measurement paths while managing device complexity by enabling selective activation and modular operation.
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
Enables continuous and adaptive monitoring of vital functions with high sensitivity and spatial resolution, reducing the need for precise alignment and minimizing radiation exposure, while optimizing energy consumption and extending device service life.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one emitter is configured to emit at least one input signal... the at least one input signal being effective for penetrating the subject body and/or for being reflected from the subject body
Data Source
AI summary
A device (1) for monitoring a response of a subject body (2, 21, 211) comprises an emitter (3) for emitting an input signal (5, 51, . . . ) and a receiver (4) for receiving an output signal (6, 61, . . . ). A first response (R1) of the subject body (2, 21, 211) is evaluated from the comparison between the signals. A further emitter (31, 311, . . . ) evaluates a second response (R2), wherein one of the responses is selected for a further monitoring of the response, and/or at least one further receiver (41, 411, . . . ) evaluates a third response (R3), wherein either the first response (R1) or the third response (R3) is selected for a further monitoring of the response, and/or wherein the input signal (5, 51, . . . ) is an electromagnetic field and the device (1) further comprises a signal modulator (9) which alters the input signal (5, 51, . . . ).