Wearable Biopotential Sensor Fit Detection via Amplifier Current Draw
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable devices often suffer from improper fit, leading to degraded user experience and increased battery consumption due to the need for additional sensors to check fit, which can make the devices heavier and less comfortable.
Innovation Solution
Measuring the current draw to amplify biopotential signals, such as EMG sensors, to determine proper affixation without additional sensors, allowing for automatic adjustment of the fit to optimize comfort and reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added to check fit, then fit detection capability is improved, but device weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing biopotential sensor serve dual functions: its primary function of detecting biopotential signals and a secondary function of detecting fit quality through current draw measurement. This eliminates the need for separate fit detection sensors, reducing device complexity while maintaining fit detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The amplifier is utilized for both signal amplification and fit detection through current draw measurement, allowing one component to perform multiple functions. This reduces the need for additional dedicated fit detection components, thereby reducing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added to check fit, then fit detection capability is improved, but device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing biopotential sensor and amplifier are made to perform dual functions: primary signal detection and secondary fit detection through current draw measurement. This eliminates the need for additional physical sensors, thereby preventing device weight increase while maintaining fit detection capability.
3Reliability
If higher current is used to amplify degraded signal, then signal quality is improved, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by measuring current draw and using it to assess fit quality and signal quality. This feedback mechanism allows the device to detect when fit is poor (requiring higher amplification current) and can trigger alerts or adjustments to optimize signal quality while being aware of the energy trade-off.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing amplifier and current draw measurement infrastructure to self-assess fit quality and signal quality, eliminating the need for separate detection mechanisms. The device monitors its own operational parameters (current draw) to determine fit status and signal quality.
4Ease of operation
If biopotential sensor is not properly affixed, then user comfort is improved, but signal quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to users about their device fit quality by measuring current draw. When fit is improper (either too loose or too tight), the system can alert users to adjust their wear, optimizing both comfort and signal quality. This feedback loop enables users to achieve the optimal balance between comfort and signal quality.
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
Ensures proper fit of wearable devices while reducing battery consumption and maintaining comfort by using existing sensors to monitor signal amplification, thus extending battery life and improving signal recording.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is connected to an amplifier to adjust amplification of the biopotential signal to a particular amplitude for signal processing
Data Source
AI summary
An example method for securing a wearable device to a user occurs while the wearable device is worn around a body part. The wearable device includes a biopotential-signal sensor connected to an amplifier to adjust amplification of biopotential signal. The method includes receiving first information representative of power needed to amplify the biopotential signal to the particular amplitude for signal processing. The method also includes, in accordance with a determination that the first information indicates that the wearable device is not properly affixed to the body part, providing first instructions to adjust how the wearable device is affixed to the body part. The method includes receiving second information, and, in accordance with a determination that the second information indicates that the wearable device is properly affixed to the body part, forgoing providing second instructions to adjust how the wearable device is affixed to the body part.