Multimodal Biosignal Front End for Wearable Low-Noise Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biosignal acquisition devices are not miniaturized enough for wearable applications, lack modularity, and cannot simultaneously measure multiple bioelectrical modalities, limiting their use in mobile and real-world scenarios for Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) and neuroergonomics.
Innovation Solution
The development of a Mobile, Modular, Multimodal Biosignal Acquisition (M3BA) device that combines high-precision bio-optical and bio-electrical measurements, allowing for modular scalability, simultaneous measurement of multiple bioelectrical and optical signals, and flexible reference setups, using a shared Analog Front-End and a powerful microcontroller for efficient data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If biosignal acquisition devices are miniaturized for wearable applications, then portability and wearability are improved, but measurement precision and signal quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple biosignal acquisition functions (EEG, ECG, EMG, fNIRS) into a single integrated device with shared analog front-end and digital processing resources. This consolidation enables miniaturization while maintaining measurement precision through optimized signal paths and reduced interference between channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The device implements multi-functional capability to acquire multiple types of biosignals (electrical and optical) using a unified platform with configurable channels and modalities. This universal design allows the compact device to perform diverse measurements without sacrificing signal quality through dedicated optimization for each modality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If devices acquire multiple bioelectrical modalities simultaneously, then measurement versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple biosignal acquisition systems into a single integrated device with shared analog front-end, ADC, and digital processing resources. The device can simultaneously acquire EEG, ECG, EMG, and fNIRS signals through time-division multiplexing and shared hardware resources, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The device implements dynamic configuration capabilities where channels and modalities can be selectively enabled or disabled based on measurement requirements. The system adapts its operational mode to acquire single or multiple biosignal types simultaneously, optimizing resource utilization and managing complexity through flexible, reconfigurable architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If devices are made modular and scalable, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing and integration difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a modular architecture where the biosignal acquisition device is divided into functional modules (analog front-end, digital processing, wireless communication, power management) that can be independently developed, tested, and manufactured. This segmentation enables scalable configurations while simplifying manufacturing through standardized interface definitions and modular assembly procedures.
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 M3BA device achieves miniaturization, high precision, and low noise levels, enabling flexible and customizable biosignal acquisition suitable for wireless body area networks, with improved performance in both EEG and fNIRS measurements, enhancing BCI and neuroergonomics applications.
Implementation Method 1
a monolithic photodiode and a single-supply transimpedance amplifier (Burr-Brown OPT101) is used as opto-electronic converter
Data Source
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AI summary
Biosignal acquisition device for the acquisition, in particular the concurrent or simultaneous acquisition of optical and electrical biosignals, wherein the optical and electrical biosignals are both received by an Analog Front End Device for biosignals, with an opto-electric converter for converting the optical biosignals into electrical signals.