Enhanced Active Electrode with Adaptive Noise Reduction
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved active electrode system for sensing electric potential differences, featuring adaptive noise reduction techniques to enhance signal quality and minimize noise interference.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed an active electrode with a closed-loop unit-gain amplifier and chopper modulation. However, it had limitations in terms of noise susceptibility, particularly flicker noise and thermal noise. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing adaptive noise reduction techniques, such as dynamic modulation frequency adjustment, low-noise material coatings, and optimized duty cycles.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced active electrode system comprises an active electrode component with a closed-loop unit-gain amplifier and chopper modulation. The amplifier is configured to operate at a higher gain during periods of high noise to improve signal quality. Additionally, the input signal is modulated with a modulation signal having a duty cycle of less than 50% to reduce flicker noise. The electrode is coated with a low-noise material to minimize thermal noise. The system also features a reference electrode providing an electric potential reference, and the shield is actively driven to minimize capacitive coupled noise. Furthermore, the amplifier dynamically adjusts the modulation frequency based on the detected noise level, ensuring optimal noise reduction.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel and non-obvious features, including adaptive noise reduction techniques, low-noise material coatings, and optimized duty cycles. These innovations provide a significant improvement over the original patent, enhancing signal quality and minimizing noise interference.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include using different low-noise materials, varying the duty cycle of the modulation signal, or implementing additional noise reduction techniques, such as filtering or shielding. These variations can be applied to different applications, such as biomedical sensing, industrial monitoring, or consumer electronics.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced active electrode system has significant commercial potential in various industries, including biomedical sensing, industrial monitoring, and consumer electronics. The improved signal quality and noise reduction capabilities make it an attractive solution for applications requiring high-accuracy sensing, such as medical devices, industrial automation, and IoT devices.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Biomedical signal processing and electrical sensing systems, with expertise in low-noise amplification techniques, bio-potential measurement, and noise reduction strategies for electric field sensors
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
An electrical engineer with advanced degree and 3-5 years experience in analog circuit design, signal processing, biomedical instrumentation, with knowledge of noise reduction techniques, amplifier design, and chopper modulation principles
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable engineering solutions to known noise challenges in bio-potential sensing systems. The disclosed adaptive noise reduction techniques, such as dynamically adjusting modulation frequency and using low-noise material coatings, are logical extensions of the source patent's core teachings about minimizing signal interference. These modifications represent standard design optimization strategies that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to improve electric field sensor performance.
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 |