Heart Rate Detection Using Waveform Characteristic Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heart rate detection methods based on photoplethysmogram (PPG) signals are inefficient and prone to high error rates due to long calculation times and incorrect readings, especially when users are in motion or fail to properly press the light source.

Innovation Solution

A heart rate detection method and apparatus that analyzes specific waveform characteristics, such as slope differences and AC components, to determine if the user is in a resting state, prompting them to adjust their position if necessary, thereby ensuring accurate and rapid calculation of heart rate values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If heart rate detection is performed using PPG signals with conventional calculation methods, then the detection can be implemented in wearable devices, but the calculation time is long and the calculation error is great

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheart rate detection accuracyVSAvoidcalculation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing waveform templates and characteristic parameters (such as P-wave, QRS complex, T-wave patterns) before actual heart rate detection. The system pre-processes reference ECG waveforms to create template patterns that can be quickly matched against incoming PPG signals, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations and significantly reducing computation time while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts key characteristic parameters from complex PPG waveforms, focusing only on essential features such as peak detection, interval measurements (RR intervals), and morphological parameters. By extracting only the critical information needed for heart rate calculation rather than processing the entire waveform, the system achieves fast and accurate results with minimal computational overhead

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If conventional PPG-based heart rate detection is used in smart terminals, then the device portability is good, but the error rate is high especially when users are in motion or fail to properly press the light source

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice portabilityVSAvoiddetection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring signal quality metrics and providing real-time feedback on detection confidence levels. The system adjusts processing parameters dynamically based on detected motion artifacts or poor contact conditions, and can prompt users to adjust their position or pressure on the sensor, thereby improving reliability without compromising portability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses intermediary algorithms that act as mediators between the raw PPG signal and the final heart rate output. These include motion artifact removal algorithms, signal filtering stages, and quality assessment intermediaries that process the raw signal to eliminate noise and interference before extraction, ensuring reliable detection even during user movement or improper positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 method allows for quick and accurate heart rate detection, reducing errors by up to 5 BPM compared to ECG methods and providing real-time feedback, with results obtained within 4 to 6 seconds, even when users are in motion or fail to properly press the light source.

Implementation Method 1

detect the heart rate by means of causing the light having a specific wavelength (for example, the red light having a wavelength of 660 nm to 720 nm) to irradiate the fingers of the users and acquiring photoplethysmogram (PPG) signals via the cameras

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoplethysmogram (PPG): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3241492B1Heart rate detection method and device
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 SHENZHEN GOODIX TECH CO LTD
  • EP3241492B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3241492B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3241492B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention discloses a heart rate detection method and a heart rate detection apparatus, the method includes: acquiring a heart rate signal; extracting a heart rate characteristic from a waveform corresponding to the heart rate signal; judging whether the heart rate characteristic satisfies a predetermined condition; and outputting a corresponding heart rate value according to the heart rate signal when it is judged that the heart rate characteristic satisfies the predetermined condition. In the technical solution of this embodiment, since a waveform of a heart rate signal normally detected has some common features, the feature based on the waveform may judge whether detection of the heart rate is in a normal condition, and in the normal condition, the waveform of the heart rate signal is stable with no need of detecting for a long period whether the waveform is changed, which is favorable to rapidly calculating a heart rate value, and capable of preventing an error for the reason that a correct heart rate value is obtained by calculating the heart rate value based on the heart rate signal in the normal condition.