EM Transducer Pressure Control for Artifact Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electromagnetic (EM) transducer technologies face challenges in accurately analyzing EM signals from human subjects due to artifacts induced by breathing and cardiac movements, which affect the reliability of EM measurements.

Innovation Solution

The use of an EM transducer unit with a pressure sensor and a pressure applying unit that applies variable pressure on the skin area, allowing for control of EM signal transmission and analysis based on pressure parameters to reduce artifacts and ensure proper positioning, thereby improving measurement accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pressure is applied to ensure proper positioning of the EM transducer unit, then measurement reliability is improved, but breathing and cardiac movements cause artifacts that worsen measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidbreathing and cardiac artifacts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors pressure parameters and uses this feedback to control EM signal transmission and reception. The controller adjusts the EM transmission based on real-time pressure data, enabling dynamic compensation for artifacts caused by breathing and cardiac movements, thereby maintaining measurement reliability despite physiological variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by monitoring pressure variations and adjusting EM signal transmission accordingly. When pressure changes indicate breathing or cardiac movements, the system modifies transmission timing or characteristics to minimize artifact contamination, transforming a static measurement approach into a dynamic parameter-adjustment strategy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If pressure parameters are monitored and used to control EM signal transmission, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEM signal analysis accuracyVSAvoidtransducer unit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated transducer unit: EM signal transmission, pressure sensing, and artifact control are merged into one device. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate devices for each function, while still achieving improved measurement precision through coordinated operation of the integrated components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The EM transducer unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an EM signal source and a pressure sensing device. The pressure sensor integrated into the transducer unit provides dual purposes: monitoring positioning and detecting physiological movements, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring additional dedicated sensors for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If variable pressure is applied dynamically during measurement, then artifact reduction is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to automated control requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveartifact reductionVSAvoidmanual positioning simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service operation by automatically monitoring pressure parameters and controlling EM signal transmission without requiring manual intervention. The automated controller detects pressure changes indicating breathing or cardiac movements and adjusts transmission parameters accordingly, reducing artifacts while maintaining ease of operation through autonomous functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 approach enhances the accuracy of EM signal analysis by minimizing artifacts from breathing and cardiac movements, allowing for more reliable extraction of intrabody parameters such as thoracic fluid volume and movement patterns.

Implementation Method 1

measuring at least one pressure parameter indicative of a pressure applied on the skin area using the at least one pressure sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure sensing:

Implementation Method 2

measuring EM signal using the at least one EM transducer; The EM signal includes radiofrequency (RF) or microwave (MW) radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation transmission:

Data Source

PatentUS11529051B2Controlling electromagnetic (EM) transmission based on pressure parameters

Publication Date: 2022.12.20 SENSIBLE MEDICAL INNOVATIONS LTD

AI summary

A method of controlling an analysis of electromagnetic (EM) signal of a human subject. The method comprises positioning an EM transducer unit in front of a skin area above a target intrabody volume of a human subject, the EM transducer unit having at least one EM transducer, a pressure applying unit that applies a variable pressure on the skin area, and a pressure sensor, measuring at least one pressure parameter indicative of the variable pressure using the pressure sensor, capturing EM signal using the at least one EM transducer, and performing an analysis of the EM signal to infer at least one intrabody parameter of the target intrabody volume. The analysis is controlled according to the at least one pressure parameter.