Electrode Configuration for Passive Electrical Activity Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for measuring electrical activity require professional assistance for electrode placement and specific patient positioning, limiting the ability to passively measure electrical activity without oversight.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a pressure-sensing layer and an electrode layer that determines user orientation and selects appropriate electrodes based on pressure data, allowing for passive measurement of electrical activity without professional intervention, using dry electrodes integrated with woven conductive thread and machine learning for body position classification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional skin surface electrodes are used to measure electrical activity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to requiring professional assistance for electrode placement and specific patient positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the electrode array into multiple independently controllable groups, where each group can be selectively activated based on the detected body position. This allows the system to use only the necessary electrodes for the current measurement scenario, simplifying operation while maintaining measurement precision through appropriate electrode selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which electrodes are active based on real-time detection of body position using pressure sensors. The electrode configuration changes automatically according to the user's posture, eliminating the need for manual positioning while preserving measurement accuracy through context-appropriate electrode selection.
2Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes are used to improve measurement coverage, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring professional assistance for proper electrode placement
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting body position through pressure sensors and selecting the appropriate electrode subset without requiring professional intervention. The device autonomously adapts its electrode configuration to the user's posture, maintaining measurement precision while eliminating placement complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the electrode array based on detected body position, dynamically selecting which electrodes to activate. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain optimal measurement precision across different positions without increasing device complexity, as the same physical electrodes are used in different configurations.
3Device complexity
If fixed electrode configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability worsens due to inability to accommodate different body positions without professional guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static electrode configuration to a dynamic one where the active electrode subset changes based on detected body position. Pressure sensors continuously monitor user posture, and the system automatically reconfigures which electrodes are active, providing adaptability across different positions while maintaining simple device architecture through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The same electrode array serves multiple functions and positions through automated selection. The system can accommodate various body positions (supine, seated, side-lying) using the same physical electrodes, with the processing unit selecting the appropriate subset for each scenario. This universal design provides adaptability without increasing device complexity.
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
Enables accurate, independent measurement of electrocardiogram and other electrical activities, such as electrodermal and electromyogram, without the need for pre-determined body positioning, enhancing user autonomy and reducing reliance on health professionals.
Implementation Method 1
The first layer is configured to collect pressure data
Implementation Method 2
the second layer comprises a plurality of electrodes configured to sense electrical activity
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an apparatus and a processing unit configured for sensing electrical activity with improved temporal and spatial electrode configuration. The apparatus includes a first layer configured to collect pressure data and a second layer comprising a plurality of electrodes configured to sense electrical activity. The processing unit is communicatively coupled to the apparatus to select a subset of the plurality of electrodes of the second layer from which electrical activity is measured based on an orientation of a user determined by received pressure data from the first layer. In an example, a body map of an individual can be produced from pressure distribution information received from the apparatus. This body map can then be used to select specific electrodes to measure the individual's electrical activity based on the body map pressure distribution information.