Heart Rhythm Analysis Using PPG Sensors for Motion Artifact Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for treating and analyzing heart conditions, such as atrial fibrillation, using electrocardiograms are inefficient and can lead to over or under treatment due to inaccuracies, especially when performed on computing devices with real-time or near real-time constraints.

Innovation Solution

A method and instrument utilizing photoplethysmographic sensors and accelerometers to analyze heart rhythms, employing peak detection methods and machine learning classifiers to differentiate between normal sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation, and correct for motion artifacts, enabling accurate detection of premature contractions and ventricular rhythms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If electrocardiograms are used to analyze electrical impulses for heart condition treatment, then treatment decisions can be made, but measurement precision deteriorates leading to over treatment or under treatment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment decision speedVSAvoidheart condition detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrocardiogram-based electrical impulse analysis with photoplethysmographic signal analysis. The PPG sensor optically measures blood volume changes in the tissue, providing a different physical basis for heart condition detection that achieves both speed and accuracy in distinguishing normal sinus rhythm from atrial fibrillation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the detection parameter from electrical impulse amplitude (ECG) to optical signal characteristics (PPG). By analyzing the photoplethysmographic signal's temporal and spectral characteristics, the system achieves improved measurement precision while maintaining real-time capability for treatment decisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If photoplethysmographic sensors are used to detect heart rhythms in real-time, then treatment speed improves, but measurement precision deteriorates due to motion artifacts and signal noise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time analysis speedVSAvoidheart rhythm detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts motion artifacts and signal noise, which are harmful factors, into useful diagnostic information. By analyzing the spectral characteristics of PPG signals and using machine learning classifiers, the system distinguishes between artifacts caused by motion and genuine cardiac signals, turning what would be errors into diagnostic clues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer between the PPG sensor and diagnosis. This includes signal preprocessing steps, spectral analysis, and machine learning classification that filter out motion artifacts while preserving genuine heart rhythm information, enabling accurate real-time detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If multiple peak detection methods are employed to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepeak detection accuracyVSAvoidsignal processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the peak detection process into multiple specialized methods, each optimized for specific heart rhythm patterns. Different peak detection algorithms are applied to detect different types of peaks (e.g., P-wave, QRS complex, T-wave) and their variations, allowing accurate detection of diverse cardiac conditions without requiring a single complex system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs multiple peak detection methods, applying more computational resources than a single method would require. By using several detection algorithms simultaneously and then synthesizing their results, the system achieves high accuracy in detecting complex heart rhythm patterns that would be difficult to capture with a single detection method.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

Improves the accuracy of heart condition detection, reducing errors in treatment administration by distinguishing between different heart conditions, thereby minimizing complications from over or under treatment.

Implementation Method 1

receiving a photoplethysmographic signal based on a photoplethysmographic sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoplethysmography: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

an accelerometer mounted on the instrument

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcceleration: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS20250268482A1Heart condition treatment and analysis

Publication Date: 2025.08.28 UNIV OF CONNECTICUT

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to techniques for the estimating anomalies within photoplethysmographic signals. The techniques may include use of instruments that include photoplethysmographic and acceleration sensors. Time-frequency spectra may be used to determine the anomalies. Corrupted signals may be detected and corrected through applications of machine learning and feature extraction.