Bioelectrical Impedance Measurement Apparatus With Programmable Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bioelectrical impedance measurement devices are limited in their application range due to custom hardware configurations and require complex signal processing, making them unsuitable for diverse medical applications and environments.
Innovation Solution
A portable apparatus with a processing system, signal generator, and sensor that applies alternating signals through electrodes, using buffer circuits to reduce noise and movement artifacts, and employs demodulation techniques like FFT to accurately measure bioelectrical impedance for various medical analyses, including cardiac function and oedema diagnosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If custom hardware configurations are used for impedance measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal processing system that can perform multiple impedance measurement functions through software configuration rather than dedicated hardware for each application. The system can be programmed to perform different types of impedance analyses (e.g., cardiac function, oedema diagnosis, body composition) using the same hardware platform, thereby achieving multi-functionality without increasing physical device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces custom hardware configurations with a programmable processing system that uses software algorithms to achieve precise impedance measurements. Instead of building different hardware circuits for different applications, the system uses configurable signal processing routines that can be loaded and executed on a standard hardware platform.
2Measurement precision
If custom hardware configurations are used for impedance measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex custom hardware configurations with a programmable processing system that achieves precise measurements through software-based signal processing. The system uses a standard hardware platform with configurable firmware or software algorithms that can be updated without changing the physical hardware, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables precise impedance measurements by changing software parameters and processing algorithms rather than modifying hardware circuitry. The system can adjust measurement frequencies, signal amplitudes, and processing methods through software configuration, allowing precise measurements across different applications without increasing hardware complexity.
3Measurement precision
If complex signal processing is used for impedance measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements efficient signal processing using a programmable processing system that combines hardware acceleration with optimized software algorithms. The system uses configurable processing pipelines that can be tailored to specific measurement requirements, achieving high precision while maintaining processing efficiency through intelligent resource allocation and algorithm optimization.
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
Enables flexible and accurate impedance measurements across different medical applications, reducing processing requirements and allowing a single device to perform multiple analysis types, while ensuring accurate data interpretation and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the electrical impedance of a subject's body using a series of electrodes placed on the skin surface
Implementation Method 2
senses voltage or current signals from the subject
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus for performing impedance measurements on a subject. The apparatus includes a first processing system (10) for determining an impedance measurement procedure and determining instructions corresponding to the measurement procedure. A second processing system (17) is provided for receiving the instructions, using the instructions to generate control signals, with the control signals being used to apply one or more signals to the subject. The second processing system then receives first data indicative of the one or more signals applied to the subject, second data indicative of one or more signals measured across the subject and performs at least preliminary processing of the first and second data to thereby allow impedance values to be determined.