Shared Electrode Bio Signal Measurement System

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bio signal measurement systems face challenges in accurately and efficiently measuring multiple bio signals simultaneously due to interference and complexity, leading to increased costs and user inconvenience.

Innovation Solution

A bio signal measurement apparatus and method that uses a sensing unit with shared electrodes to apply and detect stimulus signals and naturally generated bio signals, employing temporal or electric separation to acquire and separate the signals without interference, allowing for simultaneous measurement of multiple bio signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple measurement modules are connected to the main body to measure various bio signals, then the measurement functionality is improved, but the device complexity and costs are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single sensor module to perform multiple measurement functions (ECG, SpO2, blood pressure, body fat, skin resistance) through sequential measurement modes. The sensor module can measure different bio signals by switching between measurement modes, eliminating the need for multiple separate measurement modules while maintaining comprehensive measurement capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If measurement items are selected and measurement modes are changed for each item sequentially, then the measurement completeness is improved, but the measurement time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous measurement by enabling the sensor module to sequentially measure multiple bio signals without interruption. The controller automatically switches between measurement modes to continuously acquire ECG, SpO2, blood pressure, body fat, and skin resistance data in a seamless sequence, eliminating idle time between measurements and maintaining continuous monitoring of all parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If sensors for each measurement item are separately prepared to measure multiple bio signals, then the measurement precision is improved, but the costs are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single sensor module to perform multiple measurement functions (ECG, SpO2, blood pressure, body fat, skin resistance) through sequential measurement modes. The sensor module can measure different bio signals by switching between measurement modes, eliminating the need for multiple separate measurement modules while maintaining comprehensive measurement capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If bio signals are measured sequentially using a selecting switch, then the measurement accuracy is maintained, but the measurement time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous measurement by enabling the sensor module to sequentially measure multiple bio signals without interruption. The controller automatically switches between measurement modes to continuously acquire ECG, SpO2, blood pressure, body fat, and skin resistance data in a seamless sequence, eliminating idle time between measurements and maintaining continuous monitoring of all parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful 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

Enables timely and accurate measurement of various bio signals without interference, reducing measurement time and costs, and simplifying user operations by integrating multiple measurements into a single apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

a first bio signal which is generated in response to a stimulus signal and a second bio signal which is naturally generated, wherein the sensing unit is configured to share at least one electrode among the plurality of electrodes to apply the stimulus signal or to detect each intermediate signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical stimulus response: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

a signal acquisition unit which separates and acquires the first and second bio signals from each intermediate signal detected from the sensing unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal separation: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentUS7758513B2Apparatus and method for simultaneously measuring bio signals
Publication Date: 2010.07.20
  • US7758513B2 patent drawing
  • US7758513B2 patent drawing
  • US7758513B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus and method for simultaneously measuring at least two different bio signals without interference are provided. The apparatus includes a stimulus signal generating unit generating the stimulus signal to be applied to a human body, a sensing unit contacting the human body, including a plurality of electrodes to which the stimulus signal is applied and from which at least one intermediate signal containing the first and second bio signals is detected, configured to share at least one of the plurality of electrodes to apply the stimulus signal or to detect each intermediate signal, and a signal acquisition unit separating and acquiring the first and second bio signals from each intermediate signal detected from the sensing unit.