Vital Sign Measurement Robot Electrode Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vital sign measurement methods are inconvenient as they require electrodes to be attached to a patient's body by a nurse or the patient, disrupting the monitoring process.

Innovation Solution

A vital sign measurement robot equipped with an input unit, image recognition unit, control unit, and measurement unit that automatically detects a person's vital signs and measurement points, moves electrodes to the correct location on the body, and applies a predetermined pressure for measurement, using a pressure sensor and impedance control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If electrodes are attached to a patient's body by a nurse or the patient, then vital signs can be measured, but it causes inconvenience and disrupts the monitoring process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of vital sign measurementVSAvoidmanual attachment of electrodes
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The robot performs self-service by automatically locating and attaching electrodes to the patient's body without requiring manual intervention from nurses or patients. The image recognition unit identifies measurement locations, and the robot hand autonomously positions and secures electrodes, enabling the system to service itself completely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of electrode attachment with an automated robot system. The robot uses image recognition (optical system) to locate measurement points and robotic manipulation (mechanical system) to attach electrodes, substituting human manual operations with an automated electromechanical system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manual attachment of electrodes is used, then measurement can be performed, but it increases time consumption and reduces efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of vital sign measurementVSAvoidtime for electrode attachment
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The image recognition unit performs preliminary action by pre-identifying the exact locations where electrodes need to be attached, based on stored measurement location data. This preparation allows the robot to directly proceed to electrode attachment without time-consuming manual locating, significantly reducing the overall measurement time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The robot enables continuous monitoring by eliminating interruptions for manual electrode attachment. Once the robot is positioned, it continuously performs measurement actions without pause, maintaining uninterrupted monitoring of the patient's vital signs throughout the measurement process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If electrodes are manually positioned, then measurement can be conducted, but positioning accuracy varies and measurement reliability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of electrode placementVSAvoidconsistency of measurement results
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs feedback through the image recognition unit, which continuously captures images of the patient's body and compares them with stored measurement location data. This feedback loop allows real-time verification and adjustment of electrode positioning, ensuring high precision and reliability of measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The robot controls the positioning parameters of its hand movements with high precision, using coordinated joint angles and positions to place electrodes exactly at required locations. The automated control system adjusts parameters such as position, orientation, and pressure to ensure consistent and reliable electrode placement across multiple measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9101324B2Vital sign measurement robot and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2015.08.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US9101324B2 patent drawing
  • US9101324B2 patent drawing
  • US9101324B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A vital sign measurement robot which automatically measures vital signs, and a control method thereof. The vital sign measurement robot includes an input unit to receive vital sign measurement instructions, an image recognition unit to detect a distance between the robot and a person, vital signs of whom are to be measured, and a measurement portion of the body of the person, when the vital sign measurement instructions are received, a control unit to move electrodes provided on hands so as to locate the electrodes at the measurement portion of the body of the person, when the distance between the robot and the person and the measurement portion of the body of the person are detected, and a vital sign measurement unit to measure a vital sign, when the electrodes are located at the measurement portion of the body of the person.