Systems and Methods for Generating Synthetic Cardio-Respiratory Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cardiac and respiratory signal monitoring technologies require electrical equipment and sensors connected via wires, belts, or attachments, limiting mobility and repeatability, especially in non-hospital settings, and are inconvenient for long-term use.

Innovation Solution

Generating synthetic cardio-respiratory signals from ballistocardiogram (BCG) sensors, using non-contact sensors like pressure, load, weight, force, motion, or accelerometer sensors to capture mechanical vibrations, transforming them into electrical and audio signals that mimic heart and lung functions, enabling contactless monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electrical sensors connected via wires, belts, or attachments are used for cardiac and respiratory signal monitoring, then measurement precision can be maintained, but subject mobility is limited and long-term monitoring convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal monitoring accuracyVSAvoidsubject mobility and monitoring convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional electrical sensors with mechanical sensors that detect ballistocardiogram signals through physical contact with the subject's body. The mechanical sensor system uses force-sensitive resistors or piezoelectric elements to capture mechanical vibrations from the heart and respiratory movements, eliminating the need for wired electrical connections while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that converts mechanical sensor outputs into synthetic electrocardiogram and respiratory signals. The system uses signal processing algorithms to transform the mechanical vibration data into clinically recognizable waveforms, serving as a mediator between the mechanical sensing approach and the electrical signal output format

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If contact sensors are used for cardiac and respiratory monitoring, then signal quality can be maintained, but the need for re-attachment limits repeatability and consistency over long periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidrepeatability and consistency over time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous monitoring by using mechanical sensors that remain in constant contact with the subject throughout the monitoring period. The sensors are positioned on the chest or back and continuously capture ballistocardiogram signals without requiring periodic re-attachment, ensuring uninterrupted data collection and maintaining consistent measurement conditions over extended periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If wired electrical equipment is used for monitoring, then diagnostic accuracy can be achieved, but mobility and ability to use in non-hospital settings is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidmobility and setting flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces wired electrical monitoring equipment with wireless mechanical sensing technology. The mechanical sensors detect body movements and vibrations related to cardiac and respiratory function, transmitting data wirelessly to analysis systems. This substitution enables monitoring in diverse settings including homes, clinics, and mobile environments while maintaining diagnostic capability through accurate signal capture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 continuous, mobile, and long-term monitoring of cardiac and respiratory conditions, detecting conditions like atrial fibrillation, apnea, and heart murmurs, providing accurate spatial maps for diagnosis, and allowing remote analysis and reporting.

Implementation Method 1

obtain ballistocardiogram (BCG) data from one or more sensors, where the one or more sensors capture BCG data for one or more subjects

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBallistocardiogram:

Data Source

PatentUS20260092806A1Systems and Methods for Generating Synthetic Cardio-Respiratory Signals

Publication Date: 2026.04.02 SLEEP NUMBER CORP

AI summary

Devices and methods for generating synthetic cardio-respiratory signals from one or more ballistocardiogram (BCG) sensors. A method for determining item specific parameters includes obtaining ballistocardiogram (BCG) data from one or more sensors, where the one or more sensors capture BCG data for one or more subjects in relation to a substrate. For each subject, the captured BCG data is pre-processed to obtain cardio-respiratory BCG data. The cardio-respiratory BCG data is sub-sampled to generate the cardio-respiratory BCG data at a cardio-respiratory sampling rate conducive to cardio-respiratory signal generation. The sub-sampled cardio-respiratory BCG data is cardio-respiratory processed to generate a cardio-respiratory parameter set. A synthetic cardio-respiratory signal is generated from at least the cardio-respiratory parameter set and a cardio-respiratory event morphology template. A condition of the subject is determined based on the synthetic cardio-respiratory signal.