Dynamic Pressure Sensor Responsivity for Vital Sign Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure-sensitive mats (PSMs) for non-obtrusive monitoring of vital signs face limitations in versatility across different weights and body types, and struggle to reliably detect low-intensity signals as individuals change position, leading to suboptimal monitoring of vital signs like heart rate and breathing rate.
Innovation Solution
A system with a mat equipped with pressure sensors whose responsivity can be dynamically adjusted based on monitored pressure signals, using circuitry to modify electrical parameters of the sensors to enhance signal detection and calibration for accurate vital sign monitoring, including varying the pressure sensitivity of sensors to prevent saturation and improve detection of small pressure variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensors have fixed responsivity, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates for different body types and positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of pressure sensor responsivity through circuitry that modifies electrical parameters (such as bias voltage or gain) based on detected pressure levels. This allows the sensor system to adapt its sensitivity in real-time, improving measurement precision for different body types and positions while maintaining a relatively simple overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameters of the pressure sensors to modify their pressure responsivity. By adjusting parameters such as excitation voltage, bias current, or amplifier gain, the sensor output signal is optimized for different pressure ranges, enabling accurate detection across diverse应用场景 without requiring multiple specialized sensors.
2Measurement precision
If pressure sensor responsivity is increased, then detection of small pressure variations improves, but signal saturation occurs with higher pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic responsivity adjustment where the circuitry monitors pressure levels and automatically modifies sensor electrical parameters to prevent saturation. When high pressure is detected, the system reduces sensor gain or bias to keep the output within the linear range, while maintaining high sensitivity for small pressure variations during low-pressure states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the output signal from pressure sensors is monitored and fed back to the control circuitry. This feedback loop enables real-time adjustment of sensor electrical parameters to maintain optimal operating conditions, preventing signal saturation while maximizing detection sensitivity for vital sign-related pressure variations.
3Reliability
If pressure sensor responsivity is decreased, then signal saturation is prevented, but detection of low-intensity vital sign signals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different sensor responsivity settings based on the current pressure environment. The control circuitry adjusts electrical parameters to use lower responsivity when high pressure is present to prevent saturation, and switches to higher responsivity when pressure levels are low to enhance detection of subtle vital sign 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
The system provides improved monitoring of vital signs by dynamically adjusting sensor responsivity, enhancing the detection of small pressure variations and maintaining signal quality across different body types and positions, leading to more accurate and reliable health metric tracking.
Implementation Method 1
Different technologies using electrical (resistive, piezo-resistive, capacitive), mechanical or optical pressure sensors have been used in PSMs
Data Source
AI summary
System and method that use a pressure sensitive mat to monitor vitals signs of an individual positioned on the pressure sensitive mat. The pressure sensor mat is coupled to pressure sensors that each have an adjustable pressure responsivity. In order to be able to monitor the vital signs without interruption due to the individual repositioning themself on the pressure sensitive mat and thereby running the risk of increasing the pressure on some pressure sensors to the point of saturation, or running the risk of decreasing the pressure on other pressure sensors to the point losing any usable signal, the system comprises circuitry that monitors a baseline pressure sensor at one pressure sensor and controls, as a function of the monitored signal, the pressure responsivity at a neighbor pressure sensor. This allows the neighbor sensor to generate a monitored signal with discernable time dependent features associated with the individual's vital signs.