Pulse Wave Velocity Sensor Clock Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pulse wave velocity measurement systems face challenges in clock synchronization between two sensor components, leading to inaccuracies in blood pressure estimation due to clock drift, especially when sensors are positioned at different locations on the body.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that synchronize the clocks of two sensor components by transmitting a pulse from a first sensor component and receiving it at a second sensor component, comparing the known transmission and receipt times to optimize the system, and notify the user of successful synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two independent sensor components with separate clocks are used to measure pulse wave velocity, then the system can capture physiological signals from different body locations, but clock drift between the two components causes inaccuracies in pulse transit time measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by having the first sensor component transmit a synchronization pulse to the second sensor component, which then compares the transmitted pulse timestamp with its own clock. The difference is fed back to adjust and synchronize the clocks, eliminating drift and ensuring accurate pulse transit time measurements while maintaining flexible sensor positioning.
2Measurement precision
If clock synchronization is implemented by transmitting a test pulse between sensor components, then clock drift is eliminated improving measurement accuracy, but the system complexity increases due to additional synchronization mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The first sensor component serves dual functions: it acts as both a physiological signal sensor and a pulse generator for clock synchronization. The synchronization pulse uses the same communication interface and processing circuitry already present in the system, eliminating the need for separate dedicated synchronization hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for optimizing a pulse wave velocity measurement system, comprising: (i) transmitting a pulse from a pulse generator of a first sensor component of the pulse wave velocity measurement system, wherein the first sensor component further comprises a first clock, and wherein the pulse is transmitted from the pulse generator at a known transmission time based on the first clock; (ii) receiving the transmitted pulse by a pulse receiver of a second sensor component of the pulse wave velocity measurement system, wherein the second sensor component further comprises a second clock, and wherein the pulse is received at a known receipt time based on the second clock; (iii) comparing the known transmission time to the known receipt time; and (iv) optimizing, based on the comparison, the pulse wave velocity measurement system.