Vectorcardiographic Exertion Assessment via ECG R-T Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining exertion level during fitness exercises, such as heart rate monitoring, do not accurately reflect the heart's pumping efficiency and stress levels, especially during intense or prolonged activities, as they fail to account for changes in ion concentrations and oxygen supply that affect heart function.
Innovation Solution
A portable arrangement using multidimensional electrocardiographic (ECG) data from multiple electrodes positioned on the body to measure the angle between R and T wave vectors, providing a vectorcardiographic representation that combines with heart rate information to assess the heart's pumping efficiency and determine an accurate exertion level or stress parameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If heart rate monitoring is used to determine exertion level, then the measurement is simple and widely applicable, but it does not accurately reflect the heart's pumping efficiency and stress levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines heart rate information with vectorcardiographic measures (derived from ECG signals) into a unified exertion level determination system. This merging allows the system to capture both the simplicity of heart rate monitoring and the accuracy of vectorcardiographic analysis, resolving the contradiction between measurement simplicity and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional heart rate measurement to a multi-dimensional assessment by incorporating vectorcardiographic parameters (such as QRS-T angle, spatial orientation of heart vectors). This dimensional expansion enables more accurate exertion level measurement while maintaining system feasibility through portable ECG technology.
2Measurement precision
If vectorcardiographic measures are used to assess heart pumping efficiency, then the assessment accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and measurement difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts key vectorcardiographic features (such as QRS-T angle, spatial vector orientation) from complex ECG signals and uses only these essential parameters for exertion level determination. This extraction approach maintains measurement accuracy while reducing the complexity of signal processing and interpretation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a measurement system that can simultaneously provide multiple health metrics (heart rate, vectorcardiographic measures, exertion level, stress assessment) from a single ECG monitoring setup. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, thereby lowering overall measurement difficulty.
3Measurement precision
If multiple ECG components from spatially separated electrodes are measured and combined, then the vectorcardiographic representation accuracy is improved, but the number of electrodes and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ECG measurement into distinct spatial components (different electrode placements capturing different vector orientations) and processes each segment independently before combining them into the final vectorcardiographic representation. This segmentation allows accurate multi-dimensional heart activity assessment while organizing the electrode system in a manageable, modular configuration.
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 a more precise assessment of exertion and stress levels by analyzing the relationship between R and T wave vectors, offering personalized exercise instructions based on heart pumping efficiency, ensuring safe and effective workout levels.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a first electrocardiographic (ECG) signal component on a first coupling of at least two electrodes and measuring a second ECG signal component on a second coupling of the at least two electrodes
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus in connection with a fitness exercise of a person, including means for processing (666) multidimensional electrocardiographic data ofthe person, the multidimensional electrocardiographic data comprising at least two spatially separately measured electrocardiographic signal components, means for forming (670) a vectorcardiographic measure on the basis of the multidimensional electrocardiographic data, and means for applying (674) the vectorcardiographic measure in determination of a fitness exercise related parameter.