Exercise Intensity Estimation via Normalized T Wave Amplitude

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wearable ECG waveform measurement devices face challenges in accurately estimating exercise intensity due to variations in amplitude levels, which affect the evaluation of T wave changes, making it difficult to correctly assess heart load and blood flow during physical activity.

Innovation Solution

The method involves normalizing the T wave amplitude by the RS amplitude and combining it with heart rate to generate indices that accurately reflect exercise intensity, thereby accounting for amplitude variations and providing a reliable estimation of exercise intensity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If T wave amplitude is used to estimate exercise intensity, then exercise intensity can be estimated based on ventricular diastole changes, but the estimation becomes inaccurate when ECG waveform amplitude varies due to electrode wetting or contact conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexercise intensity estimation accuracyVSAvoidT wave evaluation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the T wave amplitude parameter from an absolute value to a relative value by calculating the ratio of T wave amplitude to RS wave amplitude. This parameter transformation makes the measurement independent of electrode contact conditions and amplitude variations, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If wearable ECG measurement devices are used for convenience, then ease of operation is improved, but amplitude level variations occur due to electrode wetting or contact conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewearable device usabilityVSAvoidECG waveform amplitude stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of amplitude variations caused by electrode wetting or contact issues into a beneficial feature. By using the RS wave amplitude (which varies similarly to the T wave) as a reference for normalization, the system eliminates the impact of contact conditions on the final T wave/RS wave ratio measurement, maintaining measurement precision while preserving wearable device convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Device complexity

If absolute T wave amplitude is measured, then the measurement process is simple, but it cannot distinguish between amplitude changes due to exercise intensity and those due to contact conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement process simplicityVSAvoidexercise intensity information accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the RS wave amplitude as an intermediary reference parameter to mediate between the T wave amplitude and the final exercise intensity estimation. This intermediary allows the system to distinguish between amplitude changes caused by exercise intensity and those caused by contact conditions, as the RS wave varies similarly to the T wave under contact variations but independently under exercise conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3777673B1Exercise intensity estimation method, exercise intensity estimation device, and program
Publication Date: 2022.10.12 NIPPON TELEGRAPH & TELEPHONE CORP
  • EP3777673B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(c)
  • EP3777673B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3777673B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An exercise intensity estimation apparatus includes an RS wave calculation unit (3) configured to calculate an RS amplitude from a peak value of an R wave to a peak value of an S wave in an ECG waveform of a target person, a T wave calculation unit (4) configured to calculate an amplitude of a T wave of the ECG waveform, a heart rate calculation unit (5) configured to calculate a heart rate from the ECG waveform, an index calculation unit (6) configured to calculate, as a first index indicating exercise intensity of the target person, the amplitude of the T wave normalized by the RS amplitude, and an index calculation unit (7) configured to calculate, as a second index indicating the exercise intensity of the target person, a value obtained by multiplying the first index by the heart rate.