Integrated wireless patch for physiological monitoring
Inventors
Beck, James • Sattiraju, Venkateswara R. • Niknejad, Ali M. • Yun, Louis C. • Lee, Randall • Magar, Surendar • Fisher, Lois M.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-8718742-B2
Publication Date
2014-05-06
Expiration Date
Abstract
A sensor system in accordance with the present invention comprises a plane member, a plurality of electrodes within the plane member, adapted to contact a human body to detect and monitor human generated voltages. The sensor can be applied to monitor a variety of applications relating to health, disease progression, fitness and wellness. Some of the specific applications include the monitoring of ECG, EEG, EMG, glucose, electrolytes, body hydration, dehydration, tissue state and wounds. Various aspects of the invention are shown by illustrating certain embodiments. Many other embodiments can be used to implement the invented schemes.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a sensor system having a plane member with a plurality of electrodes on a first side for contacting a human body to detect and monitor human generated voltages. A circuit on a second side provides signals over a wireless link, and the plane member is folded over so that the first side overlies the second side.
The circuit includes a plurality of amplifiers that simultaneously amplify signals received from the electrodes, with each amplifier detecting differential signals from different pairs of electrodes of the plurality. The signals are then filtered, converted to digital signals by an analog to digital converter (ADC), and processed by a digital signal processor for further handling of the digital signals.
A radio wirelessly transmits the digital signals from the circuit. The patch architecture supports multiple electrode pairs with differential amplification and filtering, digitization by a shared ADC, and digital signal processing prior to wireless transmission.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim covers a sensor system with a folded plane-member patch, multiple body-contact electrodes for detecting human generated voltages, and a wireless signal chain including differential amplification, filtering, ADC digitization, digital signal processing, and radio transmission. Dependent claims refine the differential electrode pairing, add a multiplexer, restrict the electrode type to ECG electrodes, and specify receiver hardware including stationary patient monitor and/or mobile device capture of transmitted signals.
Folded plane-member electrode sensor with wireless circuit
A sensor system with a plane member carrying a plurality of electrodes on a first side to contact a human body and detect and monitor human generated voltages, and a circuit on a second side providing signals over a wireless link, wherein the plane member is folded over so the first side overlies the second side.
Simultaneous differential amplification from different electrode pairs
The circuit comprises a plurality of amplifiers configured to simultaneously amplify signals received from the electrodes, where each amplifier detects differential signals from different pairs of electrodes of the plurality.
Signal-processing chain with filters, ADC, and DSP
The circuit further includes a plurality of filters, an analog to digital converter (ADC) converting the signals to digital signals, and a digital signal processor for processing the digital signals.
Radio for wirelessly transmitting digitized signals
The circuit includes a radio for wirelessly transmitting the digital signals.
Differential signals from opposite electrode pairs
Each amplifier detects differential signals from opposite pairs of electrodes.
Multiplexer for filter-to-ADC signal routing
A multiplexer that receives signals from multiple filters and outputs the signals to the analog to digital converter (ADC).
ECG electrodes
The plurality of electrodes are ECG electrodes.
Simultaneous differential detection from at least three electrode pairs
The amplifiers simultaneously detect differential signals from at least three pairs of electrodes.
Stationary patient monitor and/or mobile device receiver
The transmitted radio signals are captured by a stationary patient monitor and/or a mobile device configured to capture the transmitted radio signals.
The core coverage is a folded plane-member sensor patch with multiple electrodes contacting a human body, a wireless circuit that performs simultaneous differential amplification from electrode pairs, filters the signals, converts them via an ADC to digital signals, processes them with a DSP, and transmits the processed digital signals by radio; dependent claims further specify opposite electrode pairing, multiplexer routing to the ADC, ECG electrode use, simultaneous detection from at least three electrode pairs, and receiver capture by a stationary patient monitor and/or mobile device.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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