Fetal Heartbeat Monitoring via Sensor Matrix Spatial Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring fetal heartbeat sounds during pregnancy and labor are inadequate due to high levels of extraneous noise, require invasive procedures, or fail to accurately isolate fetal heartbeat signals from artifact noise, especially during labor contractions.
Innovation Solution
A smartphone-based system utilizing a sensor matrix with piezoelectric sensors arranged in a pattern to detect fetal heartbeat sounds, which includes a signal conditioner and multiplexer connected to a smartphone for processing signals to isolate fetal heartbeat from maternal and environmental noise, providing a full waveform and accurate monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If stethoscopes are used to monitor fetal heartbeat, then the monitoring can be performed during pregnancy and labor, but the monitoring accuracy deteriorates due to high levels of extraneous noise during labor contractions
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system segments the detection task by using multiple sensors (at least two sensors) positioned at different locations to capture sound signals from different spatial perspectives. This segmentation allows the system to isolate the fetal heartbeat signal from maternal and environmental noise through spatial signal processing, thereby maintaining measurement precision while preserving ease of operation during labor contractions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that includes a processor configured to receive signals from multiple sensors and apply signal processing techniques to isolate the fetal heartbeat. This intermediary layer filters out extraneous noise while preserving the target signal, resolving the contradiction between maintaining operational simplicity and achieving accurate heartbeat detection during noisy labor conditions
2Duration of action of moving object
If ultrasonic transducers are used to monitor fetal heartbeat, then continuous monitoring during pregnancy is possible, but the heartbeat characteristics are disguised as extraneous noise due to tissue movement producing Doppler signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the ultrasonic mechanical wave-based detection system with an acoustic sensor-based system that listens to sound waves directly transmitted through the maternal abdomen. This substitution eliminates the Doppler effect interference caused by tissue movement, as the acoustic sensors detect actual heartbeat sounds rather than relying on reflected ultrasonic waves, thereby maintaining continuous monitoring capability while significantly improving heartbeat signal clarity
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts the fetal heartbeat signal from the complex acoustic environment by using multiple sensors to capture sound from different positions and applying signal processing to isolate the specific frequency and temporal characteristics of the fetal heartbeat. This extraction process separates the target signal from extraneous noise including maternal heartbeat and environmental sounds, resolving the contradiction between continuous monitoring and signal clarity
3Measurement precision
If electrode attachment is used to monitor fetal heartbeat, then accurate heartbeat data can be obtained, but invasive procedures are required that cannot be performed until cervical opening and amniotic sack rupture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the invasive electrical electrode attachment system with a non-invasive acoustic sensor system that detects fetal heartbeat sounds through the maternal abdomen. This substitution eliminates the need for cervical opening and amniotic sack rupture, allowing monitoring to begin much earlier in pregnancy while maintaining accurate heartbeat data through acoustic signal detection and processing
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic sensors act as an intermediary that can detect fetal heartbeat sounds through the maternal abdominal wall without requiring direct contact with the fetus or invasive procedures. This intermediary approach enables early monitoring during pregnancy while maintaining measurement precision by capturing the acoustic signature of the fetal heartbeat through the intervening maternal tissues
4Loss of information
If the resulting electrical signal from ultrasonic transducers is processed, then fetal heartbeat characteristics can be obtained, but the low power and low frequency characteristics make it difficult to isolate signals from spurious atmospheric noise and radio interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the signal capture process by using multiple sensors positioned at different locations to simultaneously capture the acoustic environment. This segmentation enables spatial signal processing that can isolate the fetal heartbeat signal from low-power atmospheric noise and radio interference by identifying the unique spatial and temporal characteristics of the target signal versus background noise
Solution Approach 2:
The processor analyzes signals from multiple sensors and applies feedback-based signal processing techniques to enhance the fetal heartbeat signal while suppressing background noise. The system continuously adjusts signal processing parameters based on the received signals to maintain optimal isolation capability, resolving the contradiction between low signal power and noise isolation by using adaptive feedback control
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
The system effectively cancels background noise and provides accurate, continuous monitoring of fetal heartbeat sounds without the need for radiation or invasive procedures, allowing for early detection and reliable data recording throughout pregnancy and labor.
Implementation Method 1
System and method for fetal heartbeat sound monitoring and recording by propagation and spacial location analysis by a sensor matrix
Implementation Method 2
A smartphone-based system utilizing a sensor matrix with piezoelectric sensors arranged in a pattern to detect fetal heartbeat sounds
Data Source
AI summary
A system for monitoring a fetal heartbeat sound has a sensor matrix adapted to be placed adjacent to a fetus, a processor for receiving signals transmitted by the sensor matrix, a processor for receiving signals transmitted by the sensor matrix, and a display connected to the processor so as to provide a humanly perceivable indication of the heartbeat sound. The sensor matrix has a plurality of sensors of which at least one of which is facing the fetus. The processor identifies a fetal heartbeat sound from among other sounds. The sensor array is affixed to a wearable article that is adapted to be worn by mother.