Wearable ECG Signal Routing via Motion-Adaptive Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable ECG systems face challenges in accurately determining R-wave peaks due to high power consumption and complexity, and when motion is present, pure analog circuits struggle to filter out noise, limiting their application scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A wearable ECG system that includes a multiplexor, analog and digital detection modules, and a motion detection module, where the processor selectively routes electrode outputs based on acceleration, using Quadratic Spline Wavelet filters and Short-term Autocorrelation algorithms to filter noise, and a calibration voltage generator to ensure accurate heartbeat detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ADC and digital signal processor are used to determine R-wave peaks, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ECG detection system into multiple functional modules: analog frontend circuit, ADC, digital signal processor, and motion detection module. Each module operates independently and can be selectively activated based on motion conditions, allowing the system to achieve high measurement precision when needed while consuming less power during low-motion periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different detection modes based on motion detection. When motion is detected, the system activates the full ADC and digital signal processing chain for accurate R-wave detection. When no motion is detected, the system can operate in a lower-power mode, optimizing the balance between measurement precision and power consumption in real-time.
2Use of energy by moving object
If pure analog circuits are used to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but reliability decreases due to inability to filter noise during motion
Solution Approach 1:
The motion detection module serves as an intermediary between the analog frontend and the digital processing components. It monitors motion conditions and triggers the appropriate detection mode, enabling the system to maintain reliability during motion by activating digital filtering only when motion is detected, rather than operating continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters based on motion detection. During low-motion periods, it operates in analog-only mode with lower power consumption. During high-motion periods, it switches to digital mode with enhanced noise filtering capabilities, thereby adapting the system's reliability and power consumption characteristics to match the actual operational conditions.
3Measurement precision
If conventional ECG system with ADC and digital signal processor is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases making it unsuitable for wearable applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ECG system into distinct functional segments that can be independently optimized. The analog frontend handles initial signal acquisition and conditioning, while the ADC and digital signal processor handle precise R-wave detection. This segmentation allows each module to be minimized for wearable applications while maintaining overall measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements partial digital processing only when necessary. Instead of continuously operating the full digital signal processing chain, the system activates digital processing only during motion events or when high-precision R-wave detection is required, thereby reducing the effective complexity and power consumption while maintaining measurement precision when needed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If motion detection is implemented to switch between analog and digital modes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motion detection module serves multiple functions: it detects motion events, triggers mode switching between analog and digital detection, and can potentially provide additional features such as activity classification. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing adaptability across different operational scenarios without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable ECG system includes a plurality of electrodes; a multiplexor, the multiplexor including an input port, two output ports, and a control port, the input port of the multiplexor being connected with the electrodes; an analog detection module being connected with one output port of the multiplexor; a digital detection module being connected with the other output port of the multiplexor; a processor being connected with the control port of the multiplexor and the digital detection module; and a motion detection module connected with the processor and configured to detect acceleration of the wearable ECG system and output an electrical signal accordingly. The processor is configured to receive the electrical signal from the motion detection module, and control the multiplexor to selectively transmit output of the electrodes to the analog detection module or the digital detection module based on the electrical signal.