Skin Displacement Sensor for Exercise Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise monitoring apparatuses rely on multiple sensors, such as accelerometers and heart rate monitors, which can be cumbersome and require additional equipment, and may not accurately measure exercise intensity or energy expenditure without considering various physiological factors.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that measure noise generated by the relative displacement between a user's skin and a sensor attached to the skin, using half-cell potential or impedance changes, to determine the number of steps taken and calculate exercise intensity, energy consumption, and oxygen consumption, without the need for additional acceleration sensors, utilizing a lookup table or physiological information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If accelerometer sensors and heart rate monitors are used to measure exercise, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the skin displacement sensing function with the existing electrode structure of cardiac electrical signal sensors. The same electrode that detects cardiac signals also measures skin displacement through impedance changes, merging two measurement functions into a single integrated sensor system, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode is designed to serve multiple functions: detecting cardiac electrical signals, measuring skin displacement through impedance changes, and potentially monitoring other physiological parameters. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate accelerometer sensors, reducing overall device complexity while preserving exercise measurement accuracy
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to monitor exercise, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges skin displacement measurement with cardiac signal monitoring by using the same electrode contact points. Users only need to apply electrodes to their chest, and the system simultaneously captures both cardiac electrical signals and skin displacement information, eliminating the need for separate sensor applications and simplifying user operation
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode system performs multiple measurement functions simultaneously - cardiac signal detection and exercise intensity monitoring through skin displacement - using a single application method. This multi-functionality maintains high measurement precision while significantly improving ease of operation, as users don't need to manage multiple separate sensing devices
3Measurement precision
If additional equipment is used for exercise monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines energy consumption measurement capability with the existing cardiac monitoring equipment. By analyzing skin displacement data from the same electrodes used for cardiac signals, the system calculates exercise intensity and energy expenditure without requiring separate metabolic measurement devices, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing equipment complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cardiac electrode system is enhanced to perform multiple functions including cardiac signal detection, motion artifact detection, skin displacement measurement, and energy consumption calculation. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for additional specialized equipment while maintaining accurate measurement of exercise-related parameters
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
This approach allows for accurate, real-time calculation of exercise performance, enabling users to adjust their routines based on precise energy and oxygen consumption data, potentially reducing equipment costs and enhancing user experience by providing a more integrated monitoring solution.
Implementation Method 1
measuring noise generated by a relative difference in displacement between a skin of a user and a sensor attached to the skin of the user; measuring noise by detecting, from the sensor, a change of impedance generated by the relative difference in displacement
Implementation Method 2
measuring noise by detecting, from the sensor, a half cell potential (HCP) generated by the relative difference in displacement between the skin of the user and the sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A method of calculating an amount of exercise performed includes measuring noise based on a relative difference in displacement between a skin of a user and a sensor attached to the skin of the user, and determining a number of steps taken by the user based on the measured noise.