Wearable Biopotential Sensing for Precise Reaction Time Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reaction time tests are inaccurate due to system and electromagnetic noise, leading to variability and delays in measurement, which hinders the assessment of a user's physiological state.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with electrodes and a biopotential microchip that includes an accelerometer, gyroscope, and processor to process biopotential, acceleration, and angular rate data, coupled with a machine learning classifier to generate gesture outputs, and precise timestamping for determining response times with millisecond accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional reaction time tests are used, then the test can be administered, but the measurements are inaccurate due to system and electromagnetic noise causing variability and delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (precise timestamping system with monotonic clock) between the stimulus presentation and response detection to accurately measure reaction time without being affected by electromagnetic noise. The timestamping system acts as a mediator that records time with millisecond precision, isolating the measurement from noise interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/electrical measurement systems that are susceptible to electromagnetic noise with a software-based timestamping system using a monotonic clock. This substitution eliminates the harmful effects of electromagnetic interference on measurement accuracy while maintaining the ability to capture reaction time data.
2Quantity of substance
If biopotential sensing wearable devices are used, then gesture data can be collected, but the limited surface area and volume of biopotential chips restrict the gathering of biopotential signals and other relevant data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple data collection functions (biopotential signal sensing, acceleration measurement, angular rate detection) into a single integrated biopotential chip. This consolidation allows the limited chip volume to perform multiple sensing functions simultaneously, increasing the overall data gathering capacity without requiring additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The biopotential chip is designed with universal multi-functionality, incorporating not only biopotential signal acquisition but also acceleration sensing and angular rate detection capabilities. This multi-functional design maximizes the utility of the limited chip volume by enabling it to gather diverse types of physiological and motion data through a single device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple signal processing components are integrated, then gesture detection capability is enhanced, but the arrangement and placement of electrodes and components becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the biopotential chip is placed inside the wearable device housing, and the electrodes are arranged on the interior surface of the housing. This nesting approach organizes multiple components in a compact, hierarchical arrangement that simplifies placement while maintaining enhanced gesture detection capabilities through the integration of multiple sensing functions.
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 accurate assessment of a user's physiological state by measuring reaction times with high precision, identifying conditions such as concussion, intoxication, neurodegenerative disease, or mental fatigue, and improving gesture detection through dynamic reconfiguration and increased signal quality.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of electrodes disposed on an interior of the wearable device and configured to obtain biopotential signals from the user's arm
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the one or more analog inputs being coupled to a respective differential amplifier configured to amplify differences in signals between pairs of electrodes
Implementation Method 3
an accelerometer, the accelerometer being disposed onboard the biopotential microchip and configured to output acceleration data indicating an acceleration of the portion of the user's arm
Implementation Method 4
a gyroscope, the gyroscope being disposed onboard the biopotential microchip and configured to output angular rate data indicating an angular rate of the portion of the user's arm
Implementation Method 5
one or more analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), the one or more ADCs being configured to convert the biopotential signals to biopotential data
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for gesture control are described. In some embodiments, a system for assessing a physiological state of a user. The system may include the wearable device comprising one or more sensors configured to be disposed adjacent to an external surface of the skin portion. A first timestamp may be determined. The first timestamp may indicate a first time at which a stimulus is presented to the user. A second timestamp, which indicates a second time at which physiological data indicates a responsive action of the user, may be determined. Based at least on the first timestamp and the second timestamp, determine a subject response time for the user. The subject response time may be compared to a baseline response time for the user to generate an assessment of a physiological state of the user.