Antenna System for Noise Detection in ECG Studies
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Solution Overview
Problem
In healthcare environments, such as those conducting electrocardiogram (ECG) studies, noise interference from sources like ungrounded electrical extension cords and high-energy equipment can disrupt the measurement and resolution of small biopotential signals, necessitating a system to detect and isolate noise sources to enhance signal processing performance.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an ECG signal acquisition system connected to electrodes on a subject's skin, an antenna system with subcircuits on a circuit board that mimics the electrode arrangement, and a location system to detect and communicate noise interference signals, displaying their amplitude and orientation within a defined space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an ECG signal acquisition system is used to measure small biopotential signals, then measurement precision is improved, but noise interference from electrical sources degrades signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary antenna system that acts as a mediator between noise sources and the ECG acquisition system. The antenna system detects noise interference and provides this information to the ECG system, allowing the system to distinguish between actual cardiac signals and noise interference, thereby maintaining measurement precision while mitigating harmful noise factors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the antenna system continuously monitors the electromagnetic environment and provides real-time noise interference information back to the ECG acquisition system. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to changing noise conditions and maintain accurate biopotential signal measurement despite the presence of noise interference
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If noise detection and location capabilities are added to the ECG system, then ability to identify noise sources is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the antenna system multi-functional by enabling it to serve both as a traditional ECG signal acquisition component and as a noise detection device. The same antenna array used for measuring biopotential signals also detects noise interference, eliminating the need for separate dedicated noise detection equipment and thereby reducing the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the noise detection function with the existing ECG signal acquisition system by integrating the antenna system into the same hardware platform. The antenna system is combined with the ECG acquisition system's processing equipment, allowing both signal measurement and noise detection to be performed within a unified system architecture
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 system effectively detects and isolates noise sources, improving signal processing performance, reducing study completion time, and enhancing maintenance and debugging of ECG recording systems by visualizing noise interference locations and amplitudes.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna system that detects and communicates the noise interference signal to the ECG acquisition system
Data Source
AI summary
A system to use in combination with an ECG signal acquisition system is provided. The ECG signal acquisition system can be operable to connect to an arrangement of electrodes on a subject. The system can include a circuit board and a plurality of subcircuits mounted on the circuit board. The plurality of subcircuits can be arranged on the circuit board having an electrical impedance that correlate to an electrical impedance of the arrangement of electrodes on the skin surface of the subject. The system can further include an output connector connected in electrical communication to receive signals communicated from the plurality of subcircuits for communication to the ECG acquisition system.