Respiratory Rate Detection via ECG Decomposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring respiratory rate are invasive, expensive, cumbersome, and inaccurate, limiting their suitability for continuous remote monitoring, especially in telehealth and home-based applications.
Innovation Solution
A wireless sensor device processes ECG data using Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition to decompose the signal into Intrinsic Mode Functions, evaluating their spectral content to determine respiratory rate, enabling non-invasive and real-time monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods (stethoscopes, spirometry, capnography) are used to measure respiratory rate, then measurement capability is provided, but the methods are expensive, invasive, and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical and invasive measurement devices (stethoscopes, spirometers, capnographs) with an electrical signal-based system. Specifically, it uses ECG electrical signals to detect respiratory rate through decomposition into intrinsic mode functions, eliminating the need for mechanical chest straps, nasal prongs, or other invasive devices while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ECG signals as an intermediary to indirectly measure respiratory rate. Instead of directly measuring breathing mechanics, the system uses the electrical cardiac signal which contains respiratory-related information, processing it through decomposition algorithms to extract respiratory rate data without direct contact with the respiratory system
2Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used, then respiratory rate can be measured, but they interfere with natural physiological breathing patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical interference by replacing physical breathing monitoring devices with electrical signal analysis. The ECG-based decomposition method detects respiratory rate through signal processing rather than mechanical contact, completely avoiding the interference that chest straps or nasal prongs would cause in natural breathing patterns
3Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used for point-of-care applications, then measurement is available, but they are not suitable for remote sensing and long-term monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky mechanical monitoring devices with a compact electrical signal processing system that can be integrated into wearable electronics. The ECG decomposition algorithm runs on portable processors, enabling the system to be worn continuously and transmitted remotely via wireless communication, making it suitable for both point-of-care and long-term telehealth monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the ECG signal that can be processed, stored, and transmitted without physical constraints. The decomposed intrinsic mode functions serve as a digital representation of respiratory patterns that can be analyzed remotely and continuously, enabling telehealth applications without requiring physical connection to complex mechanical devices
4Ease of operation
If ECG decomposition is used to determine respiratory rate, then non-invasive monitoring is achieved, but the method requires signal processing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ECG signal into multiple intrinsic mode functions through decomposition. This segmentation separates different frequency components of the ECG signal, allowing the respiratory-related components to be isolated and analyzed independently. The segmentation process simplifies the overall analysis by breaking down a complex signal into manageable, interpretable components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic decomposition methods that adapt to the varying characteristics of ECG signals. The intrinsic mode function decomposition dynamically adjusts to different heart rates, breathing patterns, and signal qualities, making the system robust to variations in physiological conditions while maintaining ease of operation through automated adaptive processing
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for determining a respiratory rate of a user using an electrocardiogram (ECG) segment of the user are disclosed. The method comprises decomposing the ECG segment into a plurality of functions and evaluating the plurality of functions to choose one of the plurality of functions based on a respiratory band power. The method includes determining the respiratory rate using the one of the plurality of functions and a domain detection.