Dual Eddy Current Sensor Artifact Cancellation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Eddy current measurement instruments face challenges in accurately separating desired measurements of internal bodily functions from unwanted artifacts, such as motion, due to their sensitivity to various physical variables, which can interfere with the intended signals, especially during dynamic activities.
Innovation Solution
The use of dual eddy current instruments with a main probe sensitive to internal organs and an auxiliary probe sensitive only to outer body layers, combined with signal processing techniques like filtering and deep machine learning, to cancel out motion artifacts and isolate the desired signals, employing low power analog circuitry for efficient and accurate measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If eddy current measurement instruments are used to detect internal bodily functions, then measurement sensitivity is improved, but susceptibility to motion artifacts and unwanted physical variables increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into multiple independent sensors, each tuned to detect specific artifacts (motion, temperature, orientation) separately from the main physiological signal. This segmentation allows each sensor to specialize in detecting one type of interference, making artifact removal more effective while preserving the primary measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary artifact sensors that detect unwanted physical variables (motion, temperature, orientation) as separate signals. These intermediary measurements serve as mediators that can be mathematically combined with the main measurement to cancel out artifacts, effectively separating the desired physiological signal from unwanted interference.
2Measurement precision
If additional artifact sensors are added to cancel unwanted measurements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single microcontroller unit that performs multiple functions: it controls the excitation signal generation, processes data from multiple artifact sensors, performs mathematical operations for artifact cancellation, and manages power consumption. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity despite the presence of multiple sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts operational parameters such as excitation frequency, sensor sampling rates, and processing algorithms based on detected artifact levels and measurement requirements. This adaptability allows the system to optimize performance while minimizing power consumption and computational complexity in real-time.
3Reliability
If real-time artifact cancellation is implemented, then measurement reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic excitation signals at optimized frequencies that maximize physiological signal detection while minimizing artifact generation. The system uses periodic sampling and processing intervals, activating full artifact cancellation algorithms only when artifacts are detected above threshold levels, thereby reducing continuous power consumption while maintaining measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or hardware-based artifact cancellation mechanisms with software-based digital signal processing algorithms. This substitution enables flexible, adaptive artifact removal that can be implemented in firmware, reducing the need for additional physical components and minimizing power consumption compared to hardware-based solutions.
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 significantly improves the accuracy of minute eddy current measurements, reducing error rates to clinically acceptable levels, even during motion, while minimizing power consumption and maintaining real-time data processing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
when eddy currents are induced in them by locally generated AC magnetic fields
Implementation Method 2
eddy current measurement instruments... contactless measurements of material properties... non-invasive measurement of internal bodily properties and functions
Data Source
AI summary
An ultra-miniature and micro-powered system, apparatus, and method utilizing electromagnetic imaging via minute eddy currents, analog circuit averaging and artifact cancellation, that attaches to the outside of clothing and measures internal bodily functions including but not limited to heart rate, respiration rate, and wetness of underclothing.