Ultrasonic Receiver Array Beamforming for Wearable Blood Pressure Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic-based devices for blood pressure estimation face challenges in achieving accurate measurements due to limited receiver separation, leading to error-prone pulse wave velocity (PWV) estimations and cumbersome arrangements, especially in compact form-factors like smart watches.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a single array of ultrasonic receiver elements with a control system that applies receiver-side beamforming to estimate blood pressure based on changes in cross-sectional area and blood flow rate, eliminating the need for separate receivers and enabling accurate measurements at a single arterial location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate ultrasonic receivers are used for PWV and cross-sectional area measurements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate ultrasonic receiver functions into a single ultrasonic receiver array. This single array performs both pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurements and cross-sectional area measurements that traditionally required separate receivers, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through integrated signal processing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The single ultrasonic receiver array is designed to perform multiple functions: it simultaneously enables PWV estimation and cross-sectional area measurement. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated separate receivers for each measurement type, reducing hardware requirements while preserving the accuracy needed for blood pressure estimation
2Reliability
If separate ultrasonic receivers are used for different measurements, then measurement reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple separate ultrasonic receivers into a single integrated receiver array, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining the reliability needed for accurate PWV estimation through advanced signal processing techniques
3Volume of moving object
If compact form-factor devices are created with limited receiver separation, then portability is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the ultrasonic receiver array, specifically the spacing between elements, to optimize performance for compact form factors. By adjusting these parameters and using advanced signal processing, the system maintains PWV estimation accuracy despite the reduced physical separation between receivers that is necessary for portable device sizes
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 more accurate blood pressure estimation with reduced hardware complexity and cost, suitable for compact form-factors, such as wearable devices, by utilizing a single array of ultrasonic receivers for both PWV and cross-sectional area measurements.
Implementation Method 1
The ultrasonic sensor system may be configured to transmit ultrasonic waves to a target object and to receive ultrasonic waves reflected by the target object
Implementation Method 2
The control system may be configured to apply a receiver-side beamforming process to the ultrasonic receiver signals, to produce a beamformed ultrasonic receiver image
Implementation Method 3
The control system may be configured to estimate a change in a blood flow rate within the artery based on the ultrasonic receiver signals
Data Source
AI summary
Some disclosed blood pressure estimation methods involve controlling, by a control system, an ultrasonic sensor system to transmit ultrasonic waves to a target object on an outer surface of an apparatus, the ultrasonic sensor system having M ultrasonic receiver elements in a single array. Some such methods involve receiving, by the control system from the ultrasonic sensor system, ultrasonic receiver signals from each of a plurality of the M ultrasonic receiver elements in the single array, the ultrasonic receiver signals corresponding to ultrasonic waves reflected from the target object. Some such methods involve detecting, by the control system, an artery within the target object based on the ultrasonic receiver signals. Some such methods involve estimating, by the control system, a blood pressure within the artery based on the ultrasonic receiver signals.