Heartbeat and Pulse Wave Sensor Fusion for Rapid Continuous Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heartbeat detection technologies, such as heartbeat sensors and pulse wave sensors, are not suitable for continuous monitoring, especially when the detection target is moving, as they require physical contact and take several tens of seconds to provide accurate pulse rate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A detection apparatus and method that combines a heartbeat sensor and a pulse wave sensor, using the heartbeat sensor's signal as an index to quickly detect and estimate the pulse rate from the pulse wave sensor's signal, allowing for faster and more convenient continuous monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pulse wave sensor is used to detect pulse continuously when the detection target is walking, then convenience of continuous detection is improved, but detection time becomes several tens of seconds or more
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using the heartbeat sensor to detect heartbeat signals in advance, which serve as reference information to guide and accelerate the pulse detection process. The heartbeat detection occurs simultaneously with or before the pulse wave analysis, allowing the system to prepare detection parameters and reduce the overall time required for accurate pulse rate estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the heartbeat signal as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between quick detection and accurate pulse measurement. The heartbeat detection provides intermediate reference data that helps the pulse wave sensor converge faster on accurate pulse rate values, effectively mediating between the need for speed and the need for accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If a heartbeat sensor is used to detect heartbeat, then detection accuracy is improved, but the detection target needs to be touching the electrodes which reduces convenience for continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of two different sensors - the heartbeat sensor (electrode-based) and the pulse wave sensor (optical). By combining these sensors, the system maintains the high accuracy of heartbeat detection when needed while also providing the convenience of continuous non-contact monitoring through the pulse wave sensor, allowing the detection target to walk or move freely.
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
This combination significantly reduces the time required to detect a pulse and estimate the pulse rate, improving convenience and accuracy during continuous monitoring, even when the detection target is walking or engaging in physical activity.
Implementation Method 1
a heartbeat sensor that includes a plurality of electrodes and detects a first detection signal indicating heartbeat of a detection target via the plurality of electrodes
Implementation Method 2
a pulse wave sensor that detects a second detection signal indicating a pulse wave of the detection target... A pulse wave sensor irradiates a living body serving as a detection target with light from a light source, such as a light-emitting diode (LED), and obtains a signal indicating the intensity of light reflected from the detection target
Implementation Method 3
Hemoglobin in the blood flowing through the blood vessel of the detection target has a property of absorbing light
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a detection apparatus including: a heartbeat sensor that includes a plurality of electrodes and is configured to detect a first detection signal indicating heartbeat of a detection target via the plurality of electrodes; a pulse wave sensor configured to detect a second detection signal indicating a pulse wave of the detection target; and a processing unit configured to detect a pulse of the detection target on the basis of the first detection signal and the second detection signal.