Motion Sensor Heart Rate Detection via Dynamic Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for continuous background heart rate and heartbeat events detection, such as ECG and PPG, are impractical for wearable devices due to high power requirements and impracticality of placing multiple electrodes or optical sensors on the body, and BCG measurements are affected by user movement.

Innovation Solution

A system and method using a low-power, low-noise motion sensor, like a 3-axis accelerometer, for continuous heart rate and heartbeat events detection, employing a smart scheduling framework that switches between normal and low-power modes based on user activity, and utilizing combined channel selection, cross-correlation, and a probability hybrid network to optimize signal processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If ECG or PPG methods are used for continuous background heart rate detection, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases and device complexity increases due to multiple electrodes or optical sensors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheart rate detection precisionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensing modalities (accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer) into a single integrated motion sensor package, merging the functions of what would traditionally require separate ECG electrodes and PPG optical sensors into one compact unit that detects heart rate through body motion and pressure changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The motion sensor serves multiple functions: it detects heart rate through ballistocardiography, monitors user activity levels, and provides orientation data, replacing the need for dedicated ECG electrodes and PPG sensors while consuming less power

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If ECG or PPG methods are used for continuous background heart rate detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple electrodes or optical sensors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheart rate detection precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensing modalities (accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer) into a single integrated motion sensor package, merging the functions of what would traditionally require separate ECG electrodes and PPG optical sensors into one compact unit that detects heart rate through body motion and pressure changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The motion sensor serves multiple functions: it detects heart rate through ballistocardiography, monitors user activity levels, and provides orientation data, replacing the need for dedicated ECG electrodes and PPG sensors while consuming less power

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Use of energy by moving object

If BCG measurements are used for heart rate detection in wearable devices, then power consumption is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to user movement artifacts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidheart rate detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the heart rate detection process into two distinct operational modes: a low-power mode using only accelerometer data for basic heart rate estimation, and a high-precision mode that activates additional sensors (gyroscope, barometer) and processing algorithms when motion artifacts are detected, allowing the system to optimize between power consumption and measurement precision dynamically

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts its operational characteristics by switching between different sensing modes and processing intensities based on detected motion levels, adapting the measurement precision and power consumption in real-time to match the user's activity state

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If continuous background heart rate monitoring is implemented, then productivity is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous monitoring capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic heart rate monitoring with variable intervals based on activity level, performing frequent measurements when the user is stationary or sleeping and reducing measurement frequency during high-activity periods, thereby maintaining continuous monitoring capability while significantly reducing average power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically adjusts its monitoring strategy based on detected activity patterns, using the accelerometer data to self-determine when high-precision heart rate measurement is necessary versus when lower-power modes suffice, eliminating the need for manual user input or configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Extends battery life, increases precision in beat location detection, and provides flexible, precise heart rate monitoring without the need for multiple leads or high power consumption, suitable for wearable devices prone to movement artifacts.

Implementation Method 1

a motion sensor configured to output a sensor signal that correlates to motion of the user

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS10667724B2System and method for continuous background heartrate and heartbeat events detection using a motion sensor
Publication Date: 2020.06.02 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US10667724B2 patent drawing
  • US10667724B2 patent drawing
  • US10667724B2 patent drawing

AI summary

As a non-limiting example, various aspects of this disclosure provide embodiments of continuous background heartrate and heartbeat events detection using a motion sensor during various phases of activity by a user.