2D Pressure Sensor Array for Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blood pressure monitoring methods, particularly cuff-based systems, are cumbersome and have limited sensitivity and specificity for ambulatory and everyday use, necessitating the need for more accurate and user-friendly solutions for hypertension detection and management.
Innovation Solution
A two-dimensional array of pressure sensors is used for applanating an artery, processing signals to estimate ambulatory blood pressure, which includes filtering, cross-coherence analysis, and Kalman filtering to determine systolic and diastolic blood pressure values, enabling accurate and non-invasive monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cuff-based devices are used for blood pressure measurement, then blood pressure can be measured in office settings, but the devices are cumbersome and difficult to use for ambulatory and everyday monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cuff-based measurement system with an applanation tonometry system that uses a two-dimensional array of pressure sensors to directly contact and measure arterial pressure. This substitution eliminates the need for inflating cuffs and manual operation, enabling continuous ambulatory monitoring while improving ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-point or linear sensor arrays to a two-dimensional array of pressure sensors. This dimensional expansion allows for more comprehensive arterial pressure mapping and improves measurement accuracy by capturing pressure distribution across the arterial surface, thereby enhancing ease of operation through better signal quality.
2Measurement precision
If cuff-based devices are used for blood pressure measurement, then measurements can be obtained, but the sensitivity and specificity are limited at 75%
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement function across multiple pressure sensors arranged in a two-dimensional array. Each sensor contributes to the overall measurement, allowing for segmentation of the arterial pressure field into discrete measurement points. This segmentation improves sensitivity and specificity by enabling more precise localization and characterization of arterial pressure waves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines signals from multiple pressure sensors through signal processing techniques including cross-coherence analysis and Kalman filtering. By merging information from multiple sensors, the system achieves superior measurement precision with enhanced sensitivity and specificity compared to single-sensor approaches.
3Measurement precision
If a two-dimensional array of pressure sensors is used for applanating an artery, then accurate ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated signal processing algorithms that automatically identify arterial pressure waves, filter noise, and calculate blood pressure values from the multi-sensor data. The system performs self-calibration and adaptive filtering, reducing the need for manual intervention and making the complex device easier to operate while maintaining high measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms through Kalman filtering and cross-coherence analysis, where the system continuously monitors sensor signals, compares them against expected arterial pressure waveforms, and adjusts processing parameters in real-time. This feedback loop maintains measurement accuracy while managing device complexity through intelligent adaptive processing.
4Measurement precision
If signal processing techniques including cross-coherence analysis and Kalman filtering are applied, then systolic and diastolic blood pressure values are accurately determined, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing sensor signals through filtering and normalization before main analysis. Cross-coherence analysis is performed preliminarily to identify valid arterial pressure signals, and Kalman filtering parameters are pre-calibrated based on expected physiological ranges. This preliminary processing reduces the complexity of subsequent blood pressure calculation while maintaining high accuracy.
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 approach provides accurate and user-friendly ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, improving detection and management of hypertension by enhancing the sensitivity and specificity of blood pressure measurements, facilitating continuous monitoring in daily activities.
Implementation Method 1
A two-dimensional array of pressure sensors is used for applanating an artery, processing signals to estimate ambulatory blood pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Representative methods, apparatus and systems are disclosed for blood pressure and other vital sign monitoring using arterial applanation tonometry, including ambulatory blood pressure and other vital sign monitoring. A representative system comprises a wearable apparatus. The various embodiments measure blood pressure and other vital sign monitoring using a plurality of pressure sensors of a pressure sensor array, with one or more of the pressure sensors 140 applanating an artery, such as a radial artery. In a first embodiment, a pressure sensor signal is utilized which has the highest cross-coherence with the signals of its nearest pressure sensor neighbors of the pressure sensor array. In a second embodiment, Kalman filtering is utilized for the pressure sensor signals from the pressure sensor array.