Wearable Electronics Module for Automatic ECG and PPG Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable devices require manual user input to switch between ECG and PPG modes, leading to user error, increased form factor, and higher cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An electronics module with an electrical sensor and optical sensor that automatically configures its operation based on contextual information, such as connection to electrodes and line of sight with the skin surface, without user input, using sensors like motion, capacitance, electrostatic, or magnetic field sensors to determine the appropriate measurement mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a button is added to manually switch between ECG and PPG modes, then the device can change measurement modes, but the form factor, cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically determines the appropriate measurement mode (ECG or PPG) by detecting contextual information such as the type of wearable article worn and the location of the electronics module, eliminating the need for manual user input via a button. The controller autonomously configures sensor operation based on detected context.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical button interface is replaced with sensor-based contextual detection (motion sensors, capacitive sensors, electrostatic sensors, or magnetic field sensors) that automatically identifies the wearing scenario and configures the appropriate measurement mode without physical user interaction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a button is added to manually switch between ECG and PPG modes, then the device can change measurement modes, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing sensors (motion, capacitive, electrostatic, or magnetic field sensors) that are already part of the wearable device are utilized for dual purposes: their primary functions plus contextual detection for automatic mode selection. This eliminates the need for additional dedicated components for mode switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses its existing sensor suite to automatically determine the appropriate measurement mode, eliminating the need for costly additional components like buttons, switches, or dedicated mode-selection hardware.
3Device complexity
If manual mode switching is required, then the device structure is simpler, but user error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device autonomously determines the correct measurement mode by detecting contextual information about the wearable article type and module location, eliminating human intervention and the associated errors. The controller automatically configures the appropriate sensor based on detected context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors contextual information from sensors and automatically adjusts the measurement mode based on the detected wearing scenario, providing real-time feedback and correction without requiring user input or interpretation.
Data Source
AI summary
The electronics module (102) is for monitoring physical activity of a user. The electronics module (102) comprises an electrical sensor (104), an optical sensor (106) and a controller (108). The controller (108) obtains contextual information indicative of the type of wearable article that the electronics module (102) is coupled to or the location of the electronics module on the wearable article. The controller (108) is arranged to use the contextual information to automatically configure the operation of the electrical sensor (104) and the optical sensor 106. In some examples, the controller (108) automatically switches between performing measurements using the electrical sensor (104) and the optical sensor (106) based on the contextual information. The contextual information may indicate whether the electrical sensor (104) is coupled to one or more electrodes of a wearable article.