Single Electrode Human Body Communication Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The commercialization of human body communication devices is hindered by the need for multiple electrodes to maintain contact with the body, causing inconvenience and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A human body communication device utilizing a single electrode with a matching circuit, switch, sensor, and controller that alternates between sensing and communication states to optimize power usage and reduce the number of electrodes required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple electrodes are used to maintain contact with the human body, then communication reliability is improved, but user convenience deteriorates and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sensing and communication functions into a single electrode, eliminating the need for multiple separate electrodes. The single electrode alternates between sensing mode (detecting body contact) and communication mode (transmitting data), merging previously separate functions into one component that reduces wearability burden while maintaining communication reliability through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic switching between sensing and communication modes using a switch controlled by a controller. The electrode alternates between detecting body contact (sensing mode) and transmitting data (communication mode) in time-division multiplexing fashion. This periodic action allows reliable communication while minimizing the physical burden on the user through single-electrode design.
2Reliability
If multiple electrodes are used to maintain contact with the human body, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges sensing and communication operations into a single electrode system, reducing the total number of active components that consume power. By using one electrode for both functions through time-division multiplexing, the system eliminates redundant power consumption associated with multiple separate electrodes and their associated circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The periodic switching between sensing and communication modes allows the system to optimize power usage by activating only the necessary components at each moment. The switch controls the electrode to operate in sensing mode or communication mode alternately, reducing overall power consumption compared to having multiple electrodes continuously active for both functions simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If a single electrode is used, then user convenience is improved and power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operation of the single electrode into distinct time intervals: sensing mode for detecting body contact and communication mode for data transmission. The controller divides the operational timeline into segments, switching between functions using a switch component. This temporal segmentation allows a single electrode to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate hardware components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic switching between sensing and communication modes through a controlled switch. The electrode's function changes dynamically over time based on operational requirements rather than being statically assigned. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to maintain simplicity in terms of electrode count while managing the increased functional complexity through time-varying operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A human body communication device includes an electrode, a matching circuit, a switch providing a first path electrically connected to the matching circuit and a second path electrically connected to the matching circuit, a sensor, in a first state, connected to the matching circuit through the switch, outputting a first sensing signal to the matching circuit, and outputting a second sensing signal when a difference between a signal generated from the matching circuit in response to the first sensing signal and the first sensing signal is greater than or equal to a threshold, a transmitter, in a second state, connected to the matching circuit through the switch, and outputting a data signal to the matching circuit, and a controller controlling the switch from the first state to the second state in response to receiving the second sensing signal from the sensor, in the first state.