Displacement Current Sensor Signal Separation for ECG and Pulse Waves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in simultaneously measuring multiple bio-signals, particularly electrocardiogram and arterial pulse wave signals, which are indicative of heart and arterial functions, with a desire for integrated and efficient detection methods.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a displacement current sensor and circuitry to measure and process electrical signals, separating electrocardiogram and variable impedance signals caused by arterial pulse waves, using guard electrodes and demodulation techniques to isolate and analyze these signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate sensors are used for electrocardiogram and arterial pulse wave measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ECG and arterial pulse wave sensing capabilities into a single sensor assembly. The sensor includes an ECG electrode and a variable impedance sensor positioned to detect both electrocardiogram signals and arterial pulse wave signals simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate sensors while maintaining measurement precision through integrated signal processing circuitry
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting ECG signals through the ECG electrode, detecting arterial pulse wave signals through the variable impedance sensor, and processing both signal types through integrated circuitry. This multi-functional design reduces device complexity while preserving the precision needed for both measurement types
2Productivity
If multiple bio-signals are measured simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to signal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly segments different sensing functions into distinct components: an ECG electrode for electrocardiogram detection and a variable impedance sensor for arterial pulse wave detection. The integrated circuitry further segments signal processing tasks, separately processing ECG signals and variable impedance signals to prevent interference while maintaining simultaneous measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuitry acts as an intermediary that receives both ECG and variable impedance signals from the sensor, processes them through separate signal paths, and outputs distinct measurement results. This intermediary processing stage prevents signal interference while enabling simultaneous measurement of multiple bio-signals
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 simultaneous and accurate measurement of electrocardiogram and arterial pulse wave signals, providing comprehensive assessment of heart and arterial functions, suitable for patient and personal health monitoring, fitness assessment, and exercise effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a displacement current sensor configured to measure for a subject one or more sensed electrical signals
Implementation Method 2
circuitry configured to process the one or more sensed electrical signals to obtain an electrocardiogram signal
Implementation Method 3
a variable impedance signal caused by an arterial pulse wave
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising: a displacement current sensor configured to measure for a subject one or more sensed electrical signals; and circuitry configured to process the one or more sensed electrical signals to obtain an electrocardiogram signal and a variable impedance signal caused by an arterial pulse wave.