Electrode Position Adjustment for Bioelectrical Signal Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
ECG measurements are plagued by motion artefacts due to changes in the relative position of electrodes on the skin, which significantly disturb bioelectrical signals and reduce measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that continuously adjusts the position of electrodes based on real-time displacement data from accelerometers to minimize artefacts, using a closed-loop control system that compensates for electrode movement during measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrode pressure on the skin is increased to reduce motion artefacts, then measurement reliability is improved, but wearing comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system dynamically adjusts its position using an actuator mechanism that responds to detected motion artefacts. This allows the electrode to actively compensate for movements rather than relying on constant high pressure, thereby maintaining measurement reliability while reducing the need for excessive pressure that would compromise comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a feedback loop where motion artefacts are detected in real-time, and this information is used to control an actuator that adjusts electrode position. This closed-loop control enables the system to maintain reliable measurements by actively counteracting movements rather than relying solely on increased pressure.
2Measurement precision
If skin-electrode resistance is lowered to reduce artefact sensitivity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the traditional approach of using complex electrical signal processing or specialized low-resistance electrode materials with a mechanical solution: an actuator that physically adjusts electrode position. This mechanical substitution achieves improved measurement precision by maintaining optimal contact while reducing artefact sensitivity, without requiring complex electrical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves as an intermediary mechanism between the electrode and the skin surface. Rather than directly modifying the electrode or skin interface to reduce resistance, the actuator mediates the interaction by dynamically adjusting position, thereby reducing artefact sensitivity while maintaining simple electrode design.
3Reliability
If electrode position is continuously adjusted to minimize artefacts, then signal integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system transitions from a static to a dynamic configuration through the integration of an actuator. This allows continuous adjustment of electrode position in response to detected motion artefacts, maintaining signal integrity while using a relatively simple mechanical adjustment mechanism rather than complex active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback control system is implemented where motion artefacts are detected and this information drives actuator operation to adjust electrode position. This feedback loop improves signal integrity by actively compensating for movements, while the simplicity of the actuator mechanism keeps the overall device complexity manageable.
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
Substantially reduces motion artefacts, enhancing the performance of bioelectrical signal measurement systems by actively controlling electrode position to maintain signal integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the determination unit preferably comprises an accelerometer. Preferably an accelerometer is used, which is adapted for measuring acceleration in several directions.
Implementation Method 2
the adjusting unit comprises an actuating element for moving the electrode relative to the user's skin based on the electrode displacement determined in a prior step.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system and method for measuring bioelectrical signals of a user. Furthermore the invention relates to a computer program for measuring bioelectrical signals of a user. In order to provide a technique for measuring bioelectrical signals with reduced motion artefacts a new method is provided, comprising the steps of determining the displacement of an electrode, the electrode being adapted for measuring a bioelectrical signal, and adjusting the position of said electrode depending on the determined displacement. The present invention can be used in any system for measuring bioelectrical signals, which uses electrodes, e.g. in any ECG measurement system. With the reduction of artefacts according to the present invention the performance of all those systems can be substantially increased.