Electrode belt device for measuring bio-signal
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12053269-B2
Publication Date
2024-08-06
Expiration Date
Abstract
Disclosed is a fabric electrode belt for measuring a biometric signal. The fabric electrode belt for measuring a biometric signal according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes: a belt body unit including a stretchable material, and provided with electrodes to be in contact with a subject to be examined; and a circuit unit coupled to the belt body unit and configured to receive an electric signal based on impedance of a subject to be examined, measured by the electrodes, the circuit unit being disposed between the belt body units.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an electrode belt apparatus for measuring a biometric signal using electrical impedance tomography (EIT). At least one belt body unit is provided with four or more electrodes positioned from one end to the other for tomographic measurement while in contact with a subject to be examined. A circuit unit is electrically coupled to the belt body unit and receives an electric signal based on impedance of the subject as measured by the electrodes.
The circuit unit is disposed between and electrically coupled to different belt body units, or electrically coupled to opposite ends of a common belt body unit, and the circuit unit has two ends electrically connected to the different belt body units or to opposite ends of the common belt body unit. The belt body unit includes an electrode layer configured to be in contact with the subject, a circuit layer coupled to the electrode layer and electrically connected between the electrodes and each end of the circuit unit, and a cover layer coupled to the circuit layer. A contact element for electric contact between each electrode and the circuit layer is formed between the electrode layer and the circuit layer.
The at least one belt body unit and both ends of the circuit unit are alternately and electrically connected to form a single body extending horizontally. The circuit unit is configured to input and output analog signals directly from and to an EIT apparatus, enabling impedance-based tomographic measurement with stable electrode contact in response to changes in subject volume and comfortable long-term wear.
Additional embodiments include a modular cable unit coupled to the belt and foldable/unfoldable with the belt, using a flexible PCB or a conductive yarn substrate. The belt body includes a hollow internal space and exposure holes, with elastic connection units between modular measurement modules, and coupling projections that facilitate interaction with the measurement modules.
Claims Coverage
The document provides one independent claim (clm-00001) defining the core electrode belt apparatus and signal interfacing for EIT, with dependent claims refining belt structure, electrode/circuit coupling, wiring constraints, and impedance-related circuit operation. The main inventive features center on a tomographic electrode belt with an integrated circuit unit that inputs and outputs analog signals directly with an EIT apparatus.
Tomographic electrode belt with impedance-based biometric measurement
An electrode belt apparatus for measuring a biometric signal includes at least one belt body unit provided with four or more electrodes placed for tomographic measurement at different positions from one end to the other to be in contact with a subject to be examined.
Circuit unit receiving impedance-based signals and disposed between belt units
A circuit unit electrically coupled to each belt body unit is configured to receive an electric signal based on impedance of a subject to be examined, measured by the electrodes, and the circuit unit is disposed between and electrically coupled to different belt body units, or electrically coupled to opposite ends of a common belt body unit.
Alternate electrical connection forming a single horizontally extending body
The at least one belt body unit and both ends of the circuit unit are alternately and electrically connected to form a single body extending horizontally.
Layered belt construction with electrode layer, circuit layer, cover layer and contact element
The belt body unit comprises an electrode layer configured to be in contact with the subject, a circuit layer coupled to the electrode layer and electrically connected between the electrodes and each end of the circuit unit, and a cover layer coupled to the circuit layer, wherein a contact element for electric contact between each electrode and the circuit layer is formed between the electrode layer and the circuit layer.
Direct analog signal input/output with EIT apparatus
The circuit unit is configured to input and output analog signals directly from and to an electrical impedance tomography (EIT) apparatus.
The claim set primarily covers an electrode belt apparatus in which a tomographic multi-electrode belt and an intermediate circuit unit are alternately electrically connected into a single horizontally extending body, while the circuit unit receives impedance-based signals and directly inputs and outputs analog signals with an EIT apparatus.
Stated Advantages
Improving stable electrode contact despite changes in subject volume.
Enabling long-term comfortable wear.
Documented Applications
Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) measurement of a biometric signal using tomographic electrodes arranged along a belt.
Direct interfacing of the electrode belt circuit unit with an EIT apparatus for impedance-based tomographic measurement.
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