CPR Feedback System Using Computer Vision and Signal Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for cardiac rescue during CPR often result in decreased survival rates due to pauses in CPR to assess ECG, contamination of ECG signals by CPR artifacts, and lack of real-time feedback on CPR quality, particularly in untrained responders and over time due to rescuer fatigue.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing computer vision, inertial measurement units, and time-of-flight technology to determine and provide real-time feedback on CPR depth and rate, remove CPR artifacts from ECG signals, and calculate End Tidal CO2, enabling continuous ECG analysis without pausing CPR and guiding rescuers on optimal compression techniques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If ECG is collected during CPR pauses, then ECG analysis can be performed, but CPR quality decreases and survival rate decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveECG analysis accuracyVSAvoidCPR continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes CPR artifact signals from the ECG signal using signal processing techniques. By identifying and separating the harmful CPR artifacts from the useful ECG signal, the system enables continuous ECG analysis during CPR without requiring pauses, thus maintaining both measurement accuracy and CPR continuity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary signal processing system that acts as a mediator between the ECG sensor and the analysis output. This intermediary component filters out CPR artifacts and reconstructs the clean ECG signal, allowing simultaneous CPR performance and accurate ECG analysis without interruption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If ECG is collected during CPR, then continuous monitoring is achieved, but ECG signal is contaminated by CPR artifacts

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveECG monitoring continuityVSAvoidECG signal accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful CPR artifacts into useful information by using them as reference signals for artifact removal algorithms. The artifacts, which initially contaminate the ECG signal, are utilized to create filter profiles that effectively eliminate their own contamination, turning a harmful factor into a beneficial tool for signal purification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Productivity

If real-time CPR feedback is provided, then CPR quality improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCPR qualityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single comprehensive system that simultaneously monitors CPR quality parameters (compression depth, rate, recoil), analyzes ECG signals, provides real-time feedback, and generates after-action reports. By making the system multi-functional, the patent avoids the need for separate devices for each function, thereby managing complexity while improving CPR quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements real-time feedback mechanisms that provide immediate guidance to rescuers based on monitored CPR parameters and ECG analysis. This feedback loop continuously adjusts and improves CPR quality by alerting rescuers to proper compression depth, rate, and recoil, while the system complexity is managed through automated processing rather than manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

This approach enhances treatment efficacy by improving CPR quality and survival rates by providing real-time feedback and continuous ECG analysis, reducing rescuer fatigue, and ensuring accurate ECG interpretation.

Implementation Method 1

employing remote photoplethysmography (RPPG) to calculate heart rate, using a time-of-flight sensor as a data generation device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

employing remote photoplethysmography (RPPG) to calculate heart rate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoplethysmography: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

calculating End Tidal CO2 (ETCO2) by analyzing any variations in the infrared frequency of exhalations from the cardiac victim

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11938332B2Method to provide computational analysis and feedback during a cardiac rescue

Publication Date: 2024.03.26 ALTRIX MEDICAL INC

AI summary

A method to provide feedback, coaching, and ECG analysis during a cardiac event. A rescuer would typically be attempting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and/or administering an electrical shock from a defibrillator and/or collecting electrocardiogram (ECG) data. The method includes a step of providing a data-generation device (e.g., a camera) and computing components. The computer is used to calculate distances on the fly using data generated by the data-generation device, such as a camera, that may be in motion. The method uses the computer to calculate movement of the chest of a patient and to assess outcomes. When CPR contaminates an ECG, the computer removes the unwanted contamination so that proper guidance to the rescuer can be delivered during CPR.