Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Philips Files Patent Application for BP, ECG Underpants

Filed under: not funny

You are not going to get our expert opinion on this one. We plead the fifth. The following is from the patent application:

Preferably the sensors are of a type which do not require special attachment systems, gels or pastes to make proper electrical contact, for example they may be dry electrodes of a type recently developed, made from conductive rubber, which rely only on naturally-produced sweat to make a conductive bridge between the skin and the electrode. Preferably, the undergarment comprises underpants having electrodes arranged internally, at least in the waistband area. Preferably, electrodes are so arranged as to measure the passing of pulses of the central artery, and the left and right femoralis, as well as the ECG. The system may also be arranged to monitor the temperature, the posture and the level of activity of the subject.

Preferably, pulse detection is achieved using bio-impedance methodology, by injecting a small AC current using a first pair of electrodes, and detecting voltage changes caused by the injected current, with a second pair of electrodes so as to produce an impedance plethysmogram. The preferred arrangement of the electrodes is such that it is possible to measure the plethysmogram of the central aorta, as well as the left and right femoralis. At the same time, it is also possible to measure the ECG, using the dry electrodes in the waistband.

Patent application: WEARABLE BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM

(hat tip: NewScientist via Engadget)

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