Wearable Biosignal Controller Motion State Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable articles with sensors face challenges in effectively measuring biosignals like ECG without requiring sensors to be positioned close to the heart or continuously held tightly against the skin, especially for daywear and nightwear applications, due to discomfort and aesthetic issues with tight-fitting athletic clothing.
Innovation Solution
A controller that determines the motion state of the wearer and selectively performs measurements using contextual data, such as motion or location data, to optimize sensor operation, allowing measurements only in low motion states to reduce motion artefacts and conserve power and memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are positioned close to the heart and held tightly against the skin, then measurement precision is improved, but comfort and wearability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts measurement operations based on detected motion states. The controller monitors motion sensors and selectively performs ECG measurements only during low-motion periods, adapting the measurement strategy to real-time wearer conditions rather than requiring constant tight contact
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different measurement modes based on motion detection. When motion exceeds thresholds, the system pauses measurements or adjusts sampling rates, effectively changing the measurement parameters to match current wearability conditions
2Productivity
If measurements are performed continuously, then productivity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic measurement operations interrupted by motion detection events. Instead of continuous measurement, the controller periodically checks motion sensors and only performs ECG measurements during low-motion intervals, creating a periodic measurement pattern that conserves energy while maintaining monitoring coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from motion sensors to control measurement operations. Motion detection data feeds back to the controller, which adjusts measurement timing and duration based on current motion levels, optimizing the balance between monitoring coverage and power consumption
3Ease of operation
If sensors are positioned away from the heart, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary motion assessment before initiating ECG measurements. By checking motion sensors in advance and only proceeding with measurements during low-motion states, the system ensures adequate signal quality without requiring optimal sensor positioning
Data Source
AI summary
The controller is operable to enter a first measurement mode (S101). In the first measurement mode, the controller obtains contextual data indicative of whether a wearer of the wearable article is in a first motion state or a second motion state representative of a higher degree of activity of the wearer than the first motion state (S102). The controller determines from the contextual data whether the wearer of the wearable article is in the first motion state (S103). In response to the wearer being in the first motion state, the controller performs a measurement using a sensor of the wearable article (S104). The controller therefore selectively performs measurements based on the motion state of the wearer and may only perform measurements in the first measurement mode when the wearer is in the first motion state.