Head-Mounted ECG Electrode Layout for Reliable Low-Noise Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ECG detection systems in head-mountable devices suffer from weak and noisy signals due to low amplitude and overlap with EEG, and require high storage space due to the continuous nature of the electrical connection, and the high data volume, and the continuous nature of the ECG detection results in high data storage requirements and costs.

Innovation Solution

A head-mountable device with a first electrode in contact with the head and a second electrode that contacts the user on demand, along with a ground electrode, to capture differential potentials, and an electronic unit for processing and filtering the ECG signal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If continuous ECG detection is performed using two electrodes mounted on opposite temples of head-mountable device, then continuous heart activity monitoring is achieved, but the detected ECG signal becomes weak and noisy with low reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous monitoring durationVSAvoidECG signal reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a third electrode as an intermediary reference point (ground electrode) to improve signal quality. This third electrode serves as a mediator that provides a stable reference potential, enabling the system to distinguish cardiac signals from noise and EEG interference, thereby resolving the reliability issue while maintaining continuous monitoring capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the ECG detection function into multiple independent electrodes (first electrode, second electrode, and third electrode) positioned at different locations on the head. This segmentation allows for better signal differentiation and enables the system to capture multiple components of the cardiac electrical activity, improving overall signal reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Duration of action of stationary object

If continuous ECG detection is performed with electrical connection to body parts, then continuous ECG data is obtained, but storage space requirements and costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous monitoring durationVSAvoiddata storage volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by using only three electrodes instead of the traditional twelve leads for ECG monitoring. This partial approach captures the essential cardiac information needed for health monitoring while significantly reducing the data volume requiring storage, thereby lowering storage costs while maintaining continuous monitoring capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the spatial parameters of electrode placement on the head to optimize signal capture with minimal electrodes. By strategically positioning the three electrodes at specific locations (temples and forehead), the system achieves effective ECG monitoring with reduced data generation, addressing the storage volume issue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution provides accurate and reliable ECG signals with reduced data volume, enhancing user comfort and reducing storage and processing costs.

Implementation Method 1

at least one first electrode (210) arranged on the supporting structure (110) so as to be in contact with the head of a user when such a user wears the head-mountable device (100) in order to detect a first electrical potential

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

at least one second electrode (220) arranged on the supporting structure (110) so as to not be continuously in contact with a body part of a user when such a user wears the head-mountable device (100) in order to detect a second electrical potential

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

configured to collect the electric potentials detected by the at least one first electrode (210) and the at least one second electrode (220) and to determine the electrocardiographic signal on the basis of the difference of said detected electric potentials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPotential difference measurement: Ohm's Law

Data Source

PatentEP4659664A1Head-mountable device and ECG detection system for detecting an electrocardiogram signal comprising said head-mountable device

Publication Date: 2025.12.10 LUXOTTICA SRL

Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2

AI summary

Head-mountable device (100) comprising: - a supporting structure (110) configured to be mounted on a head of a user; - at least one first electrode (210) arranged on the supporting structure (110) so as to be in contact with the head of a user when such a user wears the head-mountable device (100) in order to detect a first electrical potential; - at least one second electrode (220) arranged on the supporting structure (110) so as to not be continuously in contact with a body part of a user when such a user wears the head-mountable device (100) in order to detect a second electrical potential on demand; wherein said head-mountable device (100) is configured to be connected to an electronic unit (230) configured to collect the electric potentials detected by the at least one first electrode (210) and the at least one second electrode (220) and to determine the electrocardiographic signal on the basis of the difference of said detected electric potentials.