Radar Heartbeat Interval Extraction From Reflection BCG Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heart rate variability estimation methods require physical contact with the body, are cumbersome, and lack accuracy under low light or obstructed conditions, necessitating professional supervision.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive radar system using THz or millimeter-wave radar signals processes reflection signals to derive interbeat intervals and heart rate variability through continuous wavelet transforms and matrix profile techniques, enabling accurate heartbeat measurements without direct contact and under various environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ECG machine with electrodes is used for heartbeat detection, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring professional supervision and physical contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical contact-based ECG system with a radar-based electromagnetic wave system. The radar device transmits electromagnetic waves that reflect off the body to detect heartbeat movements without requiring physical contact or professional operation, thus maintaining measurement precision while dramatically improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The radar system creates a virtual copy of the ECG functionality using electromagnetic wave reflection instead of direct electrical contact. By detecting the mechanical movements of the heart through reflected radar waves, the system replicates heartbeat detection capabilities without needing electrodes or professional supervision
2Ease of operation
If PPG measurements are used for heartbeat detection, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates under low light or obstructed conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical PPG system with an electromagnetic radar system. Radar waves can penetrate clothing and work in low light conditions where optical sensors fail, maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving reliability across various environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter from optical absorption (PPG) to electromagnetic wave reflection (radar). This parameter change allows the system to operate reliably under low light and obstructed conditions while maintaining the portability and ease of operation of wearable devices
3Ease of operation
If wearable heart monitoring devices are used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to malfunctions and inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based wearable sensors with contactless radar technology. This substitution eliminates the mechanical and electrical contact issues that cause malfunctions and inaccuracies in wearable devices, while maintaining the convenience of remote monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The radar system introduces electromagnetic waves as an intermediary between the detector and the body, eliminating the need for direct contact between sensors and skin. This intermediary approach removes the source of many measurement errors and malfunctions while preserving wearability and convenience
4Ease of operation
If contactless radar method is used for heartbeat detection, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to signal extraction difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary signal processing steps including bandpass filtering, Hilbert transform, and peak detection algorithms to the radar signal before analysis. These preliminary actions prepare the signal by removing noise and extracting relevant features, making the contactless measurement as precise as contact-based methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces signal processing algorithms as intermediaries between the raw radar signal and the heartbeat measurement. These computational intermediaries extract and enhance the heartbeat information from the reflected radar waves, resolving the precision issue while maintaining contactless operation
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
Provides highly accurate heartbeat interval and variability measurements with minimal resources, allowing real-time physiological condition monitoring and early indication of health issues, even in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a reflection radar signal reflected from the subject
Implementation Method 2
a reflection radar signal reflected from the subject
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system for deriving interbeat interval (IB1) measurement of subject. A radar device receives a reflection radar signal reflected from subject. A signal portion of reflection radar signal at a range of subject is extracted, the signal portion collected over predefined intervals and consisting of an in-phase component and a quadrature component. The signal portion is filtered by applying a complex valued continuous wavelet transform (CWT) to derive a time domain ballistocardiograph (BCG) signal with cyclically repeating features, such that the time displacement between repeating features of the derived BCG signal is representative of a first heartbeat interval measurement of subject. At least one segment of the BCG signal over a selected time duration may be identified using a matrix profile technique, such that the time displacement between successive identified segments is representative of a second heartbeat interval measurement. Radar signal may be THz/millimeter-wave and FMCW radar signal.