Sensor Position Guidance via Motion Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable sensors for monitoring respiration and heart rate often require optimal placement, which can vary between individuals and is challenging due to differences in physiology and sensitivity to artifacts, especially in ambulatory patients, where traditional methods like video-based monitoring are ineffective.
Innovation Solution
A device and method using image data from cameras to create motion and pulsatility maps, determining optimal sensor placement based on maximum motion or pulsatility, while considering comfort levels and restrictions, to ensure accurate signal quality and reduce trial-and-error placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If video-based monitoring is used to determine optimal sensor placement, then motion analysis can be performed, but it fails for ambulatory patients and requires controlled lighting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces video-based optical monitoring with a wearable sensor that directly measures body motion. This substitution eliminates the need for cameras and lighting control, enabling accurate measurement during ambulatory activities while maintaining precise sensor placement guidance through direct mechanical motion detection.
2Measurement precision
If trial-and-error sensor placement is used, then optimal position can be found, but it is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary motion analysis before final sensor placement. By having the patient perform specific motions (breathing, heartbeat simulation) and analyzing the resulting body motion patterns in advance, the system identifies the optimal sensor position beforehand, eliminating time-consuming trial-and-error adjustments during actual monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback during the placement process by analyzing body motion and comparing it against optimal patterns. This feedback mechanism guides the user to adjust sensor position until optimal signal quality is achieved, significantly reducing placement time while maintaining high accuracy through iterative refinement.
3Ease of operation
If fixed body location is used for sensor placement, then placement is simple, but signal quality varies due to individual physiology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by customizing sensor placement to each individual's unique body characteristics. Instead of using a fixed universal location, the system analyzes each patient's specific motion patterns (breathing, heartbeat) and determines the optimal local position on their body, thereby maintaining placement simplicity while maximizing signal quality for each individual.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device, system and method for sensor position guidance to guide a user or the subject to place a wearable sensor to the optimum position at the subject's body. The device comprises an image data input (40) for obtaining image data of at least a subject's body area showing motion of said body area, an analyzer (41) for analyzing the obtained image data to determine one or more locations of the body area showing maximal movement caused by respiration and/or heart beat, and a guidance output (42) for selecting from the determined one or more locations an optimum location based on the strength of movement and for providing guidance information indicating the optimum location, at which a wearable sensor (6) for monitoring respiration and/or heart rate should be placed to said subject's body.