Foot Measuring Station with Dynamic DC-AC Switching for Biometric Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring stations for biometric signal measurements lack the capability to obtain high-quality measurements of various physiological parameters simultaneously and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A measuring station comprising a set of electrodes on the underside of each foot, a direct voltage source, and a switch to activate DC or AC configurations, allowing for multiple biometric measurements such as ECG, impedance analysis, and ESC with improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple biometric measurements are performed simultaneously using existing measuring stations, then the quantity of measurements increases, but the measurement precision and quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between DC and AC configurations using a switch that activates different electrode connections based on the measurement type required. This allows the system to adapt its electrical configuration in real-time, optimizing measurement quality for each specific biometric parameter while maintaining the capability to perform multiple measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes electrical parameters by switching between direct current (DC) voltage source configuration for ESC measurements and alternating current (AC) configuration for impedance measurements. This parameter change allows the same electrode system to perform different types of measurements with appropriate electrical characteristics for each, thereby maintaining measurement precision across multiple measurement types
2Device complexity
If a single electrode system is used for multiple measurement types, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision for each parameter deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal electrode system where the same electrodes can perform multiple measurement functions (ESC and impedance measurements) by changing the electrical configuration. The switch enables the electrode system to be universally applicable to different measurement types without requiring separate dedicated electrodes for each measurement, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining precision through proper configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains measurement precision across different measurement types by changing electrical parameters (DC vs AC configuration) rather than changing the physical electrode structure. This allows a single electrode system to achieve high precision for both ESC and impedance measurements by adjusting the electrical characteristics appropriate to each measurement type
3Measurement precision
If DC configuration is used for ESC measurement, then the sweat function measurement quality improves, but the capability to perform impedance measurements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration capability where the switch can transition the electrode system from DC configuration (optimized for ESC measurement quality) to AC configuration (optimized for impedance measurements). This dynamic adaptability ensures that the system maintains high ESC measurement quality when performing sweat function analysis while retaining full capability to perform impedance measurements when needed
4Adaptability or versatility
If AC configuration is used for impedance measurement, then the impedance analysis capability improves, but the ESC measurement capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching that allows the system to be in AC configuration for impedance measurements and then switch to DC configuration for ESC measurements. This ensures that impedance measurement capability is fully utilized when performing bioimpedance analysis, while ESC measurement precision is preserved when sweat function analysis is required
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 measuring station enables the simultaneous and accurate measurement of various biometric signals, enhancing the quality and reliability of health monitoring data.
Implementation Method 1
electrochemical skin conductance analysis ('ESC analysis' or simply 'ESC' in the present description) and evaluation of sweat function
Implementation Method 2
impedance measurement (impedance analysis of the human body), including impedance-plethysmogram (IPG), impedance-cardiogram (ICG) and bioimpedance analysis (BIA, for the mass of fat, water, muscle, etc.)
Implementation Method 3
electrocardiogram (ECG)
Implementation Method 4
photoplethysmogram (PPG)
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring station includes a left set of electrodes, including at least two electrically independent electrodes arranged to contact the underside of a user's left foot, a right set of electrodes, including at least two electrically independent electrodes arranged to contact the underside of a user's right foot, a direct voltage source, a switch configured to activate and deactivate a DC configuration in which at least one electrode of at least one set of electrodes is connected to the direct voltage source.