Electrode array for physiological monitoring and device including or utilizing same
Inventors
Zuckerman-Stark, Galit • Ben-Israel, Nir • RACHELI, Noam • YESHAYA, Aviad • AMOSSI, Aviem
Assignees
Publication Number
US-11992303-B2
Publication Date
2024-05-28
Expiration Date
2036-01-06
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Abstract
Electrode array for monitoring of physiological parameters and devices including or utilizing same, the electrode array including an active electrode configured to provide an electrical signal and at least two inactive electrodes configured to collect the electrical signal transferred from the active electrode, wherein each of the at least two inactive electrodes are positioned at a different predetermined distance from the active electrode.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an electrode array and devices for monitoring physiological parameters such as galvanic skin resistance (GSR). The electrode array includes an active electrode configured to provide an electrical signal and at least two inactive measurement electrodes configured to collect the electrical signal transferred from the active electrode through the subject's skin. Each inactive electrode is positioned at a different predetermined distance from the active electrode. The array is designed for attachment along the length of a subject's finger, enabling measurements to be customized based on individual differences in skin dryness or finger length.
The problem being solved is the challenge in obtaining accurate GSR measurements due to variability in the distance between active and inactive electrodes and differences in skin conductance properties across subjects. Previous systems typically use one or two electrodes positioned on separate fingers or hand palms, where varying distances influence resistance and sensitivity of the measurements. Additionally, skin dryness or wetness varies between individuals, affecting conductance readings and potentially causing signal saturation or poor sensitivity. The invention addresses these issues by providing a scaffold with multiple inactive electrodes at known different distances, allowing selection of an optimal electrode to accommodate physiological and anatomical differences, and adjusting calculations based on electrode spacing.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes a number of inventive features covering the electrode array structure, associated sensors, and methods for determining skin conductance and physiological parameters.
Electrode array with multiple measurement electrodes at different distances
A galvanic skin response electrode array including a scaffold for attachment along a finger length, having at least one active electrode delivering an electrical signal and at least two measurement electrodes simultaneously collecting the signal, each measurement electrode positioned at a different predetermined distance from the active electrode.
Connection point enabling electrical signal transmittal
The scaffold has a connection point configured to transmit electrical signals collected by the measurement electrodes for external processing or measurement.
Use of hydrogel to mediate skin contact
The active electrode and each measurement electrode include hydrogel components to mediate contact with the subject's skin, enhancing signal quality.
Variation in measurement electrodes' material, size, or shape
The measurement electrodes may be identical or differ in material composition, size, or shape to influence signal properties or serve as identification markers.
Incorporation of additional sensors with the electrode array
The array may include sensors such as PPG sensors, accelerometers, temperature sensors, diffused correlation spectroscopy sensors, acoustics sensors, bio-impedance sensors, piezoelectric sensors, or combinations thereof to monitor multiple physiological parameters concurrently.
Scaffold elements including electrical components
The scaffold may include electrical elements such as resistors, capacitors, solenoids, and diodes which can serve functions like signal scaling or protection from electrical disturbances.
Dynamic application of alternating current excitation
The active electrode can receive alternating current (AC) signals at varying frequencies to assist in measuring physiological parameters at different depths or responses.
Method for electrode selection and conductance determination
Methods receive signals from multiple measurement electrodes, determine a preferred electrode based on signal quality, and calculate skin conductance considering both the received signal and the distance between electrodes.
Application of weighting factors for conductance calculation
Providing a weight factor to the received electrical signal based on the distance between the active electrode and the optimal measurement electrode to improve accuracy.
Measurement of changes in conductance over time
Measuring changes in skin conductance by comparing electrical signals obtained from the preferred electrode at different times.
Method for physiological parameter determination using multiple electrodes
Applying AC excitation to active electrode(s), measuring signals from multiple inactive electrodes after predetermined times, and determining physiological parameters such as blood flow, heart rate, pulse transit time, and respiration metrics based on those signals.
Probe incorporating sensors and connection to electrode array
A probe includes at least one physiological sensor (e.g., PPG, accelerometer) and a connection point for a GSR electrode array, activating the probe sensors upon connection to the array and enabling coordinated measurements.
The inventive features define a finger-attached electrode array with multiple inactive electrodes at predetermined distances from an active electrode, enabling customizable and accurate skin conductance measurements and physiological parameter determination, enhanced by integrated sensors and dedicated circuitry, and supported by methods for signal processing and optimal electrode selection.
Stated Advantages
Enables compensation for inter-person differences in skin dryness and conductance by selecting inactive electrodes at different distances from the active electrode.
Allows customization of electrode spacing according to individual finger dimensions and physiological properties.
Improves sensitivity and accuracy of GSR measurements by considering the known distance impact during signal analysis.
Enhances signal quality and measurement reliability through incorporating additional sensors like PPG, accelerometers, temperature sensors, piezoelectric sensors, and thermistors.
Provides protection to monitoring equipment from defibrillation pulses and electrostatic discharge through integrated resistors and diodes.
Facilitates ease of use and integration by enabling attachment along a single finger and combination with finger probes containing complementary sensors.
Documented Applications
Monitoring galvanic skin resistance as an indicator of physiological arousal or pain level.
Measuring physiological parameters including heart rate, pulse transient time, blood flow, respiration rate, apnea, and changes in respiration.
Providing integrated physiological monitoring in medical devices and finger probes combining multiple sensors for comprehensive patient assessment.
Adjustment of conductance measurements for environmental and subject-specific factors such as temperature and skin hydration.
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