Wireless Physiology Monitor Using Doppler RF Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heart and lung monitoring technologies are invasive, expensive, bulky, and expose patients to harmful radiation, or require immobility, limiting their effectiveness and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A Doppler-based physiological monitoring technique using modulated radio frequency signals, such as IEEE 802.11(x) OFDM signals, to non-invasively measure heart and lung functions by analyzing differences between transmitted and received signals, allowing for heart rate and respiratory rate monitoring without physical contact or harmful radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrodes are physically connected to the patient for EKG monitoring, then heart rate and rhythm can be measured, but the patient experiences discomfort and inconvenience during the monitoring period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical electrode-skin contact system with an electromagnetic field-based Doppler radar system. The system transmits RF signals that interact with moving blood cells in the heart, converting mechanical heart motion into measurable frequency shifts without requiring physical contact or electrodes on the patient's body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic waves as an intermediary between the measurement system and the heart. Instead of direct electrical contact through electrodes, the system uses RF signals that penetrate tissue and interact with moving blood cells, serving as a non-invasive mediator that carries information about heart motion without requiring physical attachment to the patient.
2Measurement precision
If CT scanners are used to generate 3D images of internal organs, then detailed anatomical information can be obtained, but patients are exposed to harmful x-ray radiation and the equipment is expensive and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful x-ray radiation into beneficial non-ionizing RF electromagnetic waves. Instead of using ionizing radiation that can damage tissue, the system uses safe RF signals that interact with moving blood cells through the Doppler effect, providing diagnostic information without radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the x-ray imaging system with an electromagnetic field-based Doppler measurement system. Rather than using high-energy photons to penetrate and image organs, the system uses lower-energy RF waves that interact with moving blood cells to measure physiological function, eliminating radiation hazards.
3Measurement precision
If MRI scanners are used to generate images of the body, then detailed soft tissue imaging can be achieved, but the equipment is expensive, large, and requires patients to remain immobile during the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex MRI system with a simplified Doppler radar system. Instead of using strong magnetic fields and radio waves that require precise positioning and immobility, the system uses electromagnetic waves to measure the motion of blood cells, providing physiological information without requiring the patient to remain still.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from static anatomical imaging to dynamic physiological function measurement. By focusing on the motion of blood cells rather than static tissue structure, the system can provide diagnostic information while allowing patients to be more mobile and comfortable during the measurement.
4Ease of operation
If Doppler radar technology is used for physiological monitoring, then non-invasive heart and lung function measurement can be achieved, but the system complexity increases due to signal processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified model of the complex physiological signal processing by focusing on the essential Doppler frequency shift component. Instead of processing all aspects of the RF signal, the system extracts and analyzes only the frequency modulation caused by blood cell motion, reducing processing complexity while maintaining diagnostic capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential information from the complex RF signals by isolating the Doppler frequency shift component. The system separates the useful physiological signal from the background noise and interference, focusing analysis only on the frequency changes caused by moving blood cells, thereby simplifying the overall processing requirements.
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 non-invasive, real-time monitoring of heart and lung functions using standard wireless communication protocols, reducing costs and improving accessibility, while avoiding the limitations of existing technologies like EKGs, CT scans, and MRI scanners.
Implementation Method 1
using Doppler Effect principles, heart rate and motion can be measured from the differences in frequency, phase, and/or wavelength between the source signal and the modified signal reflected back from the heart moving within the patient
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a new non-invasive technique for organ, e.g., heart and lung, monitoring. In at least one embodiment of the invention, a subject is radiated with a non-harmful and relatively low power electromagnetic source diagnostic signal normally associated with a communications protocol such as, but not limited to a version of the IEEE 802.11(x) family of protocols in the 2.4, 3.6, or 5 GHz spectrum bands. After passing through the patient, a return signal is acquired from the patient and compared to the original source signal. The differences between the source and modified signals are then analyzed to monitor the heart, e.g., measure heart rate and detect defects within the heart, and the lung. For example, using Doppler Effect principles, heart rate and motion can be measured from the differences in frequency, phase, and/or wavelength between the source signal and the modified signal reflected back from the heart moving within the patient.