Enhanced Active Electrode with Adaptive Chopper Modulation for Improved Signal Quality
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved active electrode system for sensing electric potential differences, featuring adaptive chopper modulation to minimize flicker noise and optimize signal quality.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed an active electrode having a closed-loop unit-gain amplifier with chopper modulation. However, the modulation frequency was fixed, which limited the system's ability to adapt to varying noise conditions. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by introducing dynamically adjustable modulation frequencies to optimize signal quality and minimize noise.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced active electrode system comprises an electrode for sensing bio-potentials, a shield placed adjacent to and electrically insulated from the electrode, and a closed-loop unit-gain amplifier with adaptive chopper modulation. The amplifier operates at a frequency higher than the corner frequency, minimizing flicker noise and improving signal quality. The modulation frequency is dynamically adjustable to optimize signal quality and minimize noise. The system also includes a method for reducing noise in the electric field sensor by applying a modulation signal to the bio-potential signal at a frequency greater than the corner frequency, thereby shifting the noise spectrum and reducing low-frequency flicker noise.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces adaptive chopper modulation, which allows the system to dynamically adjust the modulation frequency to optimize signal quality and minimize noise. This is a significant improvement over the original patent's fixed modulation frequency, as it enables the system to adapt to varying noise conditions and provides better signal quality.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include using different types of amplifiers or modulation techniques, such as pulse-width modulation or amplitude-shift keying. Additionally, the system could be implemented using different materials or fabrication techniques to improve its performance and reliability.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced active electrode system has potential commercial applications in various industries, including medical devices, biomedical research, and industrial sensing. The system's improved signal quality and noise reduction capabilities make it an attractive solution for applications requiring high-fidelity sensing of electric potential differences.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Biomedical signal processing and electrical sensing systems, specifically focused on low-noise bio-potential measurement techniques using active electrodes and noise reduction strategies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
An electrical engineer with expertise in analog circuit design, signal processing, noise reduction techniques, and biomedical instrumentation, typically holding a master's degree or equivalent professional experience in electrical engineering or biomedical engineering
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's adaptive chopper modulation represents an incremental improvement to the source patent's fixed-frequency noise reduction technique. The core concept of frequency-based noise mitigation remains consistent, with the PTD merely extending the original approach by introducing dynamic frequency adjustment to optimize signal quality across varying noise conditions.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,328 |
|---|---|
| Title | Active electrode having a closed-loop unit-gain amplifier with chopper modulation |
| Assignee(s) | T&W Engineering A/S |