Systems and Methods for Utilizing Gravity to Determine Subject-Specific Information
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-contact sensing technologies face challenges in accurately distinguishing external vibrations from subject-specific biometrics, particularly in determining weight, location, and position due to air pressure variations and inability to detect static signals, especially when multiple subjects are present.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing multiple load sensor assemblies integrated into a substrate with legs, which support the substrate and connect to a floor, processing data from load cells and other sensors to differentiate and track individual signals, enhancing accuracy by leveraging gravity and motion sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If noncontact sensing methods are used to detect biometrics and body movements, then subject presence and basic vitals can be monitored, but the system cannot accurately distinguish external vibrations from subject-specific signals or differentiate between multiple subjects
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is divided into multiple independent sensor units distributed across the substrate. Each sensor captures local vibration and load data, which are then processed individually before being combined. This segmentation allows the system to spatially resolve signals from different subjects and distinguish external vibrations through their spatial distribution patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensor types (load cells, vibration sensors, pressure sensors) are integrated into a unified sensing system that combines their outputs. By merging data from sensors with different measurement principles, the system achieves enhanced signal discrimination capability, where the combined data set allows differentiation between subject-specific biometrics and external vibrations through pattern recognition.
2Speed
If traditional sensing mechanisms are used to detect static signals, then dynamic movements can be captured, but the system fails to detect static loads and is affected by air pressure variations
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system incorporates multiple sensor types that each excel at different measurement functions. Load cells are optimized for static weight measurement, while vibration and pressure sensors capture dynamic movements. This multi-functional sensor array allows the system to simultaneously and accurately measure both static loads and dynamic signals without the limitations of single-sensor systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple subjects are present on the substrate, then the system must track multiple individuals, but the sensing mechanism cannot differentiate between individual signals
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is divided into multiple sensing zones with distributed sensors that capture spatially-resolved data. By segmenting the measurement space and assigning sensors to specific regions, the system can track the position and movements of multiple subjects independently, differentiating their signals through spatial location and movement patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously processes sensor data to update subject location and identity, using this feedback to adjust ongoing measurements. By comparing current sensor readings with historical data and tracking movement patterns, the system can maintain accurate differentiation between multiple subjects even as they move across the substrate.
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
The system effectively measures biometric parameters and person-specific information for single or multiple subjects, accurately distinguishing individual signals from external noise, enabling real-time monitoring and long-term data analysis for health and sleep pattern insights.
Implementation Method 1
Each load sensor assembly associated with a respective leg configured to measure a static load and changes in load on the substrate through the leg
Data Source
AI summary
A system for measuring data specific to a subject using gravity comprises a substrate on which a subject lies, the substrate having multiple legs extending from the substrate to a floor to support the substrate, and load sensor assemblies. Each load sensor assembly is associated with a respective leg and comprises a cap configured to receive a load from the substrate, a base configured to provide contact with the floor, the base and cap configured to fit together to maintain alignment of the cap to the base while allowing vertical movement of the cap, a load cell between the base and the cap, one of the base and cap configured to translate the load to the load cell and a printed circuit board that processes and outputs data from the load cell, wherein a combination of all load sensor assemblies receive an entire load to which the substrate is subjected.