WO2011135386A1 - Apparatus for determining and storing the excitement level of a human individual, comprisind ecg electrodes and a skin resistance monitor - Google Patents

Apparatus for determining and storing the excitement level of a human individual, comprisind ecg electrodes and a skin resistance monitor Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011135386A1
WO2011135386A1 PCT/HU2010/000137 HU2010000137W WO2011135386A1 WO 2011135386 A1 WO2011135386 A1 WO 2011135386A1 HU 2010000137 W HU2010000137 W HU 2010000137W WO 2011135386 A1 WO2011135386 A1 WO 2011135386A1
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Prior art keywords
output
input
unit
excitement level
level determination
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PCT/HU2010/000137
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French (fr)
Inventor
Christian Berger
Zsolt Csende
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Christian Berger
Zsolt Csende
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Publication of WO2011135386A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011135386A1/en

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/02—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
    • A61B5/0205—Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular conditions and different types of body conditions, e.g. heart and respiratory condition
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/05—Detecting, measuring or recording for diagnosis by means of electric currents or magnetic fields; Measuring using microwaves or radio waves 
    • A61B5/053—Measuring electrical impedance or conductance of a portion of the body
    • A61B5/0531—Measuring skin impedance
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/16—Devices for psychotechnics; Testing reaction times ; Devices for evaluating the psychological state
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/16—Devices for psychotechnics; Testing reaction times ; Devices for evaluating the psychological state
    • A61B5/165—Evaluating the state of mind, e.g. depression, anxiety
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
    • A61B5/6801—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be attached to or worn on the body surface
    • A61B5/6813—Specially adapted to be attached to a specific body part
    • A61B5/6825—Hand
    • A61B5/6826—Finger
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
    • A61B5/6801—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be attached to or worn on the body surface
    • A61B5/683—Means for maintaining contact with the body
    • A61B5/6831—Straps, bands or harnesses
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
    • A61B5/6801—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be attached to or worn on the body surface
    • A61B5/683—Means for maintaining contact with the body
    • A61B5/6838—Clamps or clips
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/02—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
    • A61B5/024—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate
    • A61B5/02438—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate with portable devices, e.g. worn by the patient
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/08—Detecting, measuring or recording devices for evaluating the respiratory organs
    • A61B5/0816—Measuring devices for examining respiratory frequency
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/24—Detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof
    • A61B5/316—Modalities, i.e. specific diagnostic methods
    • A61B5/318—Heart-related electrical modalities, e.g. electrocardiography [ECG]
    • A61B5/346—Analysis of electrocardiograms
    • A61B5/349—Detecting specific parameters of the electrocardiograph cycle
    • A61B5/352—Detecting R peaks, e.g. for synchronising diagnostic apparatus; Estimating R-R interval
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/40—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the nervous system
    • A61B5/4005—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the nervous system for evaluating the sensory system
    • A61B5/4023—Evaluating sense of balance

Definitions

  • the subject of this invention is an apparatus for recording the excitement level of a biological human individual, for determining said individual's state of excitation, and for storing the resultant information.
  • the apparatus according to this invention may be used to advantage especially for market research studies (e.g. into the impact of television on viewers), for recording the excitement levels of biological individuals based on psycho-physiological variables, for calculating scalar values from the recorded signals, for producing typical data on and/or offline, as desired, and, once data has been downloaded from the apparatus, with the aid of accessory units, for additional data processing, including, for instance, fast data evaluation, or the analysis of information at an immediate or subsequent point in time.
  • neuro-physiological variable refers, for example, to the changing value of the heart-rate signal, respiratory rate signal, or skin resistance signal as measured at the fingers, while the term “state of excitation” refers to a classification of "low,” “medium,” or “high,” based on a measured level of excitement.
  • patent specification HU 205241 describing a differential phycho-physiological measuring device, usable primarily for clinical and occupational suitability studies.
  • the device records strength, sense of balance, muscular tremors, reaction time, and pulse.
  • This known solution uses different variables - in accordance with its purpose - and has the deficiency that it is unable to calculate an excitation factor.
  • patent specification US2007156457 as an interactive health status monitoring and advisory system, used primarily for medical purposes.
  • the device is used to measure one or more physiological variables and, using the dynamic changes in these variables, to provide the user with pre-determined health advice from a remotely operated server.
  • This invention has set for itself the objective of eliminating the deficiencies inherent in other known solutions and of creating an apparatus that can be used to record the excitement level of a human biological individual using psycho-physiological variables, to determine the individual's state of excitation - an integrated psycho-physiological parameter - and to store this information, to provide recorded information to the user, to download the information in question from the apparatus, online, and to evaluate and analyse it quickly and immediately, and to download the same information offline and evaluate and analyse it at a later point in time; that is used primarily for the purposes of market and medical research; and that can be constructed simply, can be made portable, and can be produced economically.
  • the solution according to this invention is based on the realisation that if an apparatus is created that has at least two ECG electrodes, a heart rate monitoring unit, a respiratory rate monitoring unit, and a skin resistance monitoring unit that can be attached to the fingers; and the heart rate signal, respiratory rate signal, and measured skin resistance signal values are channelled concurrently, wirelessly, preferably via a Bluetooth connection, into a central unit used to determine a state of excitation, where a mathematical algorithm is used to calculate a scalar value, at the given sampling frequency, that characterises the individual's level of excitement; and, if desired, the human biological individual's location is also determined using 3D acceleration sensors, to be evaluated based on the change in excitement levels found to prompt a change in locations; and this information is provided online and/or stored in a data storage unit; and the information is downloaded from the apparatus online or offline, as desired, for evaluation and analysis; then the apparatus according to this invention meets the objectives that have been set for it.
  • the subject of this invention is an apparatus used to record the excitement level of a human biological individual, determine said individual's state of excitation, and store the resultant information.
  • the apparatus has at least two ECG electrodes, whose outputs are connected to the inputs of one heart rate monitoring unit and one respiratory rate monitoring unit, and which also includes a data storage unit.
  • the apparatus according to this invention is characterised in that the output of the heart rate monitoring unit is connected to the first input of a central excitement level determination unit, the output of the respiratory rate monitoring unit is connected to the second input of the central excitement level determination unit, and the output of the skin resistance monitoring unit, whose input is connected to the fingers of the individual, is connected wirelessly, preferably via Bluetooth, to the third input of the central excitement level determination unit.
  • One of the outputs of the central excitement level determination unit acts as the apparatus's online data provision output, while its other output, in the event of a data storage unit that is an integral part of the central excitement level determination unit, acts as the output of the apparatus's offline data access function directly; or, in the event of a data storage unit that stands separately, acts as the output of the apparatus's offline data access function indirectly, via the data storage unit.
  • the central excitement level determination unit preferably includes both a microprocessor that calculates a scalar value for the excitement level parameter using a mathematical algorithm, and a logical unit that regulates sample frequency.
  • Another preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to this invention is characterised in that it has a 3D acceleration sensor for detecting the location of the human biological individual, the output of which is connected to the input of a storage and processing unit, the output of the storage and processing unit being in turn connected to the fourth input of the central excitement level determination unit.
  • a further preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to this invention is characterised in that the units of the apparatus, with the exception of the skin resistance monitoring unit, are placed in a single, integral belt that can be attached to the individual's body, preferably the chest.
  • the apparatus has at least 2 ECG electrodes (1), the outputs (11) of which are connected to the input (21) of the heart rate monitoring unit (2) and to the input (31) of the respiratory monitoring unit (3).
  • the apparatus additionally has a skin resistance monitoring unit (4), whose input (41) is connected to the individual's fingers.
  • the output (22) of the heart rate monitoring unit (2) is connected to the first input (51) of the central excitement level determination unit (5)
  • the output (32) of the respiratory rate monitoring unit (3) is connected to the second input (52) of the central excitement level determination unit (5)
  • the output (42) of the skin resistance monitoring unit (4) is connected wirelessly, preferably via Bluetooth, to the third input (53) of the central excitement level determination unit (5).
  • One of the outputs (54) of the central excitement level determination unit (5) is also the apparatus's online data transmission output.
  • the apparatus additionally has a data storage unit (5) which performs various functions, including the storage of scalar excitement level values, and which forms either an integral part of the central excitement level determination unit (5), or is designed as a separate unit. (For both cases, the data storage unit (6) is indicated in the drawing by a dashed line.)
  • the other output (55) of the central excitement level determination unit (5) also acts as the apparatus's offline data access output. If, however, the data storage unit (6) is designed as a separate unit, then the other output (55) forms the output of the apparatus's offline data access function indirectly, via connection to the input (61) of the data storage unit (6), using the output (62) of the same.
  • the apparatus will have additional units, including a 3D acceleration sensor (7), and a storage and processing unit (8), indicated in the drawing as dashed lines.
  • the output (71) of the 3D acceleration sensor (7) is connected to the input (81) of the storage and processing unit (8), while the output (82) of the storage and processing unit (8) is connected to a fourth input (56) on the central excitement level determination unit (5).
  • the data storage unit (6) stores not only scalar excitement level values, but also information on the signal for what is known as the individual's trajectory.
  • the central excitement level determination unit (5) includes, among other things, a microprocessor that calculates scalar excitement level values using a mathematical algorithm, along with a unit that regulates frequency.
  • the units of the apparatus are placed in a belt the forms a single, integral unit and that can be attached to the individual's body, preferably to the chest.
  • the apparatus according to this invention may be said to function in the following manner:
  • the belt which forms a single, integral unit, and which includes each of the apparatus's units, with the exception of the skin resistance monitoring unit (4), is attached to the body, preferably the chest, of the human biological individual to be tested, such that one of the minimum of two, moistened ECG electrodes (1) is attached to the individual's left side and the other to the right.
  • the belt also includes a power source that provides the units with electricity.
  • An electrode signal is produced at the output (11) of the ECG electrodes (1) for each individual cardiac cycle, to be channelled to both the input (21) of the heart rate monitoring unit (2) and the input (31) of the respiratory rate monitoring unit (3).
  • a skin resistance signal is also produced at the output (42) of the skin resistance monitoring unit (4), whose input (41) is attached to the individual's fingers.
  • the heart rate signal produced at the output (22) of the heart rate monitoring unit (2) is transmitted directly to the first input (51) of the central excitement level determination unit (5)
  • the respiratory rate signal produced at the output (32) of the respiratory rate monitoring unit (3) is transmitted, also directly, to the second input (52) of the central excitement level determination unit (5)
  • the measured skin resistance signal produced at the output (42) of the skin resistance monitoring unit (4) is transmitted wirelessly, preferably via Bluetooth, to a third input (53) on the central excitement level determination unit (5).
  • Excitement levels are recorded preferably using a 2 Hz or 10 Hz sampling frequency, depending on the task at hand, preferably using a software package, by a logical unit that regulates the sampling frequency and that forms an integral part of the central excitement level determination unit (5).
  • the sampling frequency signal can also be produced using a hardware device, such as a timing unit connected to the heart rate monitoring unit (2), the respiratory rate monitoring unit (3), and the central excitement level determination unit (5).
  • a lower sampling frequency might be used for market research studies, and a higher frequency for medical studies and purposes.
  • the ECG electrodes (1) record an electrode signal for each cardiac cycle, with signals averaged in 2 or 10-second cycles.
  • Determination of an actual level of excitement is performed based on the heart rate signal, the respiratory rate signal, and the measured skin resistance signal using a microprocessor that calculates scalar excitement level values using a mathematical algorithm, such that an integral parameter - an excitement level value - that characterises the human biological individual under study at a given point in time is established.
  • the mathematical algorithm for excitement level is designed using the experimental findings of Kahneman (1973) and Beaty (1978). This algorithm is then used to calculate a value for excitement level based on the intensity of stimuli received and the subject's biological responses to them. As an extra function, the algorithm is also used to normalise excitement level values calculated using the microprocessor for age, gender, and BMI.
  • the resultant excitement level values are stored either in a data storage unit (6) incorporated into the central excitement level determination unit (5), or a separate data storage unit (6), or, depending on the query algorithm used, are made available online at one of the outputs (54) of the unit that determines excitement level (5) as data output signal excitation state data, e.g. as the output of a radio transmitter antenna.
  • the information is transmitted wirelessly to an online data display unit that is not part of this invention (preferably a PC or mobile telephone), where they may be evaluated and analysed quickly and without delay.
  • the other output (55) of the central excitement level determination unit (5) acts as the output of the apparatus's offline data access function directly, permitting the downloading of excitation state data, preferably to a processing unit that may be connected to a PC via USB or Bluetooth, where, in turn, they may be further evaluated and analysed.
  • the data storage unit (6) is designed as a separate unit, the output (62) of this unit acts as the apparatus's offline data access output. Offline data retrieval allows for a maximum of 72 hours' data storage.
  • the apparatus will have additional units, such as a 3D acceleration sensor (7), and a storage and processing unit (8).
  • x, y, and z coordinate signals enter the storage and processing unit (8) from the output (71) of the 3D acceleration sensor (7), proceeding from the output (82) of this unit as trajectory signals to the fourth input (56) of the central excitement level determination unit (5).
  • these signals are processed, to be made available in a form suitable for further analysis among the data on one of the unit's outputs (54) and the other of the unit's outputs (55).
  • the data output signal will include not only excitation state values, but also trajectory signal data.
  • - Data may be processed immediately, rather than in 1 to 2 months.
  • the scalar excitement level value can be calculated quickly and easily using psychophysiological variables and a mathematical algorithm.
  • the sampling frequency can be selected to suit the task at hand; e.g. a lower sampling frequency may be used for market research studies and a higher one for medical purposes.
  • the apparatus allows for both online and offline data access, as well as quick, immediate evaluation and analysis. - It is capable of storing the excitement level of the human biological individual (person) under examination every 2 seconds, for a maximum of 72 hours.

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Abstract

The subject matter of this invention is an apparatus for recording the excitment level of a human biological individual, determining the state of excitation of said individual, and for storing the resultant information, having at least two ECG electrodes (1), whose output (1) is connected to the input (21) of a heart rate monitoring unit (2) and the input (31) of a respiratory rate monitoring unit (3), and which also includes a data storage unit (6). The essence of the invention is that the output (22) of the heart rate monitoring unit (2) is connected to the first input (51) of the central excitement level determination unit (5), the output (32) of the respiratory rate monitoring unit (3) is connected to the second input (52) of the central excitement level determination unit (5), and the output (42) of a skin resistance monitoring unit (41) with its input connected to the individual's fingers is connected wirelessly, preferably by Bluetooth, to the third input (53) of the central excitement level determination unit (5). One of the outputs (54) of the central excitement level determination unit (5) is the apparatus's online data access output, while its other output (55) is the apparatus's offline data access output.

Description

APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING AND STORING THE EXCITEMENT LEVEL OF A HUMAN INDIVIDUAL, COMPRISIND ECG ELECTRODES AND A SKIN RESISTANCE MONITOR
The subject of this invention is an apparatus for recording the excitement level of a biological human individual, for determining said individual's state of excitation, and for storing the resultant information.
The apparatus according to this invention may be used to advantage especially for market research studies (e.g. into the impact of television on viewers), for recording the excitement levels of biological individuals based on psycho-physiological variables, for calculating scalar values from the recorded signals, for producing typical data on and/or offline, as desired, and, once data has been downloaded from the apparatus, with the aid of accessory units, for additional data processing, including, for instance, fast data evaluation, or the analysis of information at an immediate or subsequent point in time.
The term "psycho-physiological variable" refers, for example, to the changing value of the heart-rate signal, respiratory rate signal, or skin resistance signal as measured at the fingers, while the term "state of excitation" refers to a classification of "low," "medium," or "high," based on a measured level of excitement.
As is commonly known, numerous apparatuses have been constructed for use in psycho-physiological research that are suitable for measuring and recording heart rate, respiratory rate, and other cardio-respiratory variables. Known devices measure each of these variables separately, with evaluation occurring separately in subsequent data analysis processes and investigations. The disadvantage of such known apparatuses is that they are usually produced for the study of one or two given parameters and are task-specific. Thus, they offer no opportunity for integrated analysis, such as interprets the phycho-physiological reactions of the entire organism as a whole. It is for precisely this reason that these devices can perform only correlative data comparison with the aid of a separate software package.
Of documents protecting industrial property, prior art is represented, for example, by patent specification HU 205241, describing a differential phycho-physiological measuring device, usable primarily for clinical and occupational suitability studies. The device records strength, sense of balance, muscular tremors, reaction time, and pulse. This known solution uses different variables - in accordance with its purpose - and has the deficiency that it is unable to calculate an excitation factor.
Also representing prior art is patent specification US2009088611, an instrument placed in the external auditory canal that measures body temperature, arterial oxygen saturation, pulse-oxymetry-based heart and respiratory rates, blood pressure, ECG, and material concentration in the blood or tissues. A small analytical unit is attached to the sensors, enabling the instrument to be connected to a mobile telephone. The instrument measures pulse-oxymetry-based heart and respiratory rates and serves the primary purposes of monitoring out-patients undergoing rehabilitation, as well as an individual's general state of health during day-to-day life; the solution according to this invention, on the other hand, is not based on pulse oxymetry, determining heart and respiratory rates based on original data, and also includes a data storage unit for the purposes of storing information.
Another patent specification representing prior art, published under number US2003194205, describes a life-saving device that gathers information on human behaviour using body-mounted sensors. From this information, the device establishes a stress level. If this level becomes too high, then - depending on condition of the user - the device launches a stress-reduction program stored on a pre-programmed database. This known solution is based on the measurement of stress levels, storing and recording only stress-related data and providing the life-saving behavioural information thus obtained in the form of feedback. With the solution according to this invention, however, it is a subject's excitement level that is measured, no feedback is provided, and in recording the level of excitement, actual variables are used.
A solution that falls nearer that of the present invention is described by patent specification US2007156457 as an interactive health status monitoring and advisory system, used primarily for medical purposes. The device is used to measure one or more physiological variables and, using the dynamic changes in these variables, to provide the user with pre-determined health advice from a remotely operated server.
The deficiency inherent in this known solution is that it can be used only for medical purposes, facilitating the rehabilitation process by providing advice to patients, and therefore can be used neither to calculate a value for the subject's state of excitation, nor for performing market research studies.
This invention has set for itself the objective of eliminating the deficiencies inherent in other known solutions and of creating an apparatus that can be used to record the excitement level of a human biological individual using psycho-physiological variables, to determine the individual's state of excitation - an integrated psycho-physiological parameter - and to store this information, to provide recorded information to the user, to download the information in question from the apparatus, online, and to evaluate and analyse it quickly and immediately, and to download the same information offline and evaluate and analyse it at a later point in time; that is used primarily for the purposes of market and medical research; and that can be constructed simply, can be made portable, and can be produced economically.
The solution according to this invention is based on the realisation that if an apparatus is created that has at least two ECG electrodes, a heart rate monitoring unit, a respiratory rate monitoring unit, and a skin resistance monitoring unit that can be attached to the fingers; and the heart rate signal, respiratory rate signal, and measured skin resistance signal values are channelled concurrently, wirelessly, preferably via a Bluetooth connection, into a central unit used to determine a state of excitation, where a mathematical algorithm is used to calculate a scalar value, at the given sampling frequency, that characterises the individual's level of excitement; and, if desired, the human biological individual's location is also determined using 3D acceleration sensors, to be evaluated based on the change in excitement levels found to prompt a change in locations; and this information is provided online and/or stored in a data storage unit; and the information is downloaded from the apparatus online or offline, as desired, for evaluation and analysis; then the apparatus according to this invention meets the objectives that have been set for it.
Thus, the subject of this invention is an apparatus used to record the excitement level of a human biological individual, determine said individual's state of excitation, and store the resultant information. The apparatus has at least two ECG electrodes, whose outputs are connected to the inputs of one heart rate monitoring unit and one respiratory rate monitoring unit, and which also includes a data storage unit. The apparatus according to this invention is characterised in that the output of the heart rate monitoring unit is connected to the first input of a central excitement level determination unit, the output of the respiratory rate monitoring unit is connected to the second input of the central excitement level determination unit, and the output of the skin resistance monitoring unit, whose input is connected to the fingers of the individual, is connected wirelessly, preferably via Bluetooth, to the third input of the central excitement level determination unit. One of the outputs of the central excitement level determination unit acts as the apparatus's online data provision output, while its other output, in the event of a data storage unit that is an integral part of the central excitement level determination unit, acts as the output of the apparatus's offline data access function directly; or, in the event of a data storage unit that stands separately, acts as the output of the apparatus's offline data access function indirectly, via the data storage unit.
One preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to this invention is characterised in that the central excitement level determination unit preferably includes both a microprocessor that calculates a scalar value for the excitement level parameter using a mathematical algorithm, and a logical unit that regulates sample frequency.
Another preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to this invention is characterised in that it has a 3D acceleration sensor for detecting the location of the human biological individual, the output of which is connected to the input of a storage and processing unit, the output of the storage and processing unit being in turn connected to the fourth input of the central excitement level determination unit. A further preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to this invention is characterised in that the units of the apparatus, with the exception of the skin resistance monitoring unit, are placed in a single, integral belt that can be attached to the individual's body, preferably the chest.
The solution according to this invention is described in greater detail with reference to the schematic diagram of the apparatus provided as Figure 1. The apparatus has at least 2 ECG electrodes (1), the outputs (11) of which are connected to the input (21) of the heart rate monitoring unit (2) and to the input (31) of the respiratory monitoring unit (3).
The apparatus additionally has a skin resistance monitoring unit (4), whose input (41) is connected to the individual's fingers. The output (22) of the heart rate monitoring unit (2) is connected to the first input (51) of the central excitement level determination unit (5), the output (32) of the respiratory rate monitoring unit (3) is connected to the second input (52) of the central excitement level determination unit (5), and the output (42) of the skin resistance monitoring unit (4) is connected wirelessly, preferably via Bluetooth, to the third input (53) of the central excitement level determination unit (5). One of the outputs (54) of the central excitement level determination unit (5) is also the apparatus's online data transmission output. (In the drawing, this output is depicted as an antenna.) The apparatus additionally has a data storage unit (5) which performs various functions, including the storage of scalar excitement level values, and which forms either an integral part of the central excitement level determination unit (5), or is designed as a separate unit. (For both cases, the data storage unit (6) is indicated in the drawing by a dashed line.) In the event the data storage unit (6) forms an integral part of the central excitement level determination unit (5), then the other output (55) of the central excitement level determination unit (5) also acts as the apparatus's offline data access output. If, however, the data storage unit (6) is designed as a separate unit, then the other output (55) forms the output of the apparatus's offline data access function indirectly, via connection to the input (61) of the data storage unit (6), using the output (62) of the same.
In some cases, detection of the location of the human biological individual may also be desired. In such a case, the apparatus will have additional units, including a 3D acceleration sensor (7), and a storage and processing unit (8), indicated in the drawing as dashed lines. In such a case, the output (71) of the 3D acceleration sensor (7) is connected to the input (81) of the storage and processing unit (8), while the output (82) of the storage and processing unit (8) is connected to a fourth input (56) on the central excitement level determination unit (5). In such a case, the data storage unit (6) stores not only scalar excitement level values, but also information on the signal for what is known as the individual's trajectory.
The central excitement level determination unit (5) includes, among other things, a microprocessor that calculates scalar excitement level values using a mathematical algorithm, along with a unit that regulates frequency.
The units of the apparatus, with the exception of the skin resistance monitoring unit (4), are placed in a belt the forms a single, integral unit and that can be attached to the individual's body, preferably to the chest.
Given the above information, the apparatus according to this invention may be said to function in the following manner:
The belt, which forms a single, integral unit, and which includes each of the apparatus's units, with the exception of the skin resistance monitoring unit (4), is attached to the body, preferably the chest, of the human biological individual to be tested, such that one of the minimum of two, moistened ECG electrodes (1) is attached to the individual's left side and the other to the right. (Naturally, the belt also includes a power source that provides the units with electricity.) An electrode signal is produced at the output (11) of the ECG electrodes (1) for each individual cardiac cycle, to be channelled to both the input (21) of the heart rate monitoring unit (2) and the input (31) of the respiratory rate monitoring unit (3). At the same time, a skin resistance signal is also produced at the output (42) of the skin resistance monitoring unit (4), whose input (41) is attached to the individual's fingers. Subsequently, the heart rate signal produced at the output (22) of the heart rate monitoring unit (2) is transmitted directly to the first input (51) of the central excitement level determination unit (5), the respiratory rate signal produced at the output (32) of the respiratory rate monitoring unit (3) is transmitted, also directly, to the second input (52) of the central excitement level determination unit (5), and the measured skin resistance signal produced at the output (42) of the skin resistance monitoring unit (4) is transmitted wirelessly, preferably via Bluetooth, to a third input (53) on the central excitement level determination unit (5). Excitement levels are recorded preferably using a 2 Hz or 10 Hz sampling frequency, depending on the task at hand, preferably using a software package, by a logical unit that regulates the sampling frequency and that forms an integral part of the central excitement level determination unit (5). Naturally, the sampling frequency signal can also be produced using a hardware device, such as a timing unit connected to the heart rate monitoring unit (2), the respiratory rate monitoring unit (3), and the central excitement level determination unit (5). For example, a lower sampling frequency might be used for market research studies, and a higher frequency for medical studies and purposes. The ECG electrodes (1) record an electrode signal for each cardiac cycle, with signals averaged in 2 or 10-second cycles.
Determination of an actual level of excitement is performed based on the heart rate signal, the respiratory rate signal, and the measured skin resistance signal using a microprocessor that calculates scalar excitement level values using a mathematical algorithm, such that an integral parameter - an excitement level value - that characterises the human biological individual under study at a given point in time is established. The mathematical algorithm for excitement level is designed using the experimental findings of Kahneman (1973) and Beaty (1978). This algorithm is then used to calculate a value for excitement level based on the intensity of stimuli received and the subject's biological responses to them. As an extra function, the algorithm is also used to normalise excitement level values calculated using the microprocessor for age, gender, and BMI. In this way, the effects of both age, and variance in the biological variables linked to the human biological individuals under examination are handled in a statistically filtered manner. The resultant excitement level values are stored either in a data storage unit (6) incorporated into the central excitement level determination unit (5), or a separate data storage unit (6), or, depending on the query algorithm used, are made available online at one of the outputs (54) of the unit that determines excitement level (5) as data output signal excitation state data, e.g. as the output of a radio transmitter antenna. In this way, the information is transmitted wirelessly to an online data display unit that is not part of this invention (preferably a PC or mobile telephone), where they may be evaluated and analysed quickly and without delay.
Where the data storage unit (6) forms an integral part of the central excitement level determination unit (5), the other output (55) of the central excitement level determination unit (5) acts as the output of the apparatus's offline data access function directly, permitting the downloading of excitation state data, preferably to a processing unit that may be connected to a PC via USB or Bluetooth, where, in turn, they may be further evaluated and analysed. Where, instead, the data storage unit (6) is designed as a separate unit, the output (62) of this unit acts as the apparatus's offline data access output. Offline data retrieval allows for a maximum of 72 hours' data storage.
In the event of a need for detection of the human biological individual's location, the apparatus according to this invention will have additional units, such as a 3D acceleration sensor (7), and a storage and processing unit (8). In such a case, x, y, and z coordinate signals enter the storage and processing unit (8) from the output (71) of the 3D acceleration sensor (7), proceeding from the output (82) of this unit as trajectory signals to the fourth input (56) of the central excitement level determination unit (5). In the central excitement level determination unit (5), these signals, too, are processed, to be made available in a form suitable for further analysis among the data on one of the unit's outputs (54) and the other of the unit's outputs (55). In such a case, the data output signal will include not only excitation state values, but also trajectory signal data.
The apparatus according to this invention has met the objectives set for it and offers the following advantages:
- It satisfies a heretofore unmet need in the area of market research.
- It can be used to measure the emotional reactions of any market research segment across a highly sensitive scale.
- Data may be processed immediately, rather than in 1 to 2 months.
- The scalar excitement level value can be calculated quickly and easily using psychophysiological variables and a mathematical algorithm.
- The sampling frequency can be selected to suit the task at hand; e.g. a lower sampling frequency may be used for market research studies and a higher one for medical purposes.
- The apparatus allows for both online and offline data access, as well as quick, immediate evaluation and analysis. - It is capable of storing the excitement level of the human biological individual (person) under examination every 2 seconds, for a maximum of 72 hours.
- It is simple in its construction, and is
- light,
- portable,
- and economic to produce.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS ECG electrode
output
heart rate monitoring unit
input
output
respiratory monitoring unit
input
output
skin resistance monitoring unit
input
output
central excitement level determination unit
first input
second input
third input
one output
other output
fourth input data storage unit
input
output
3D acceleration sensor
output
storage and processing unit
input
output

Claims

1. An apparatus for the recording of the excitement level of a human biological individual, determining said individual's excitation state, and storing the resultant information, having at least two ECG electrodes (1), whose outputs (11) are connected to the input (21) of a heart rate monitoring unit (2) and the input (31) of a respiratory rate monitoring unit (3), and which also includes a data storage unit (6), characterised by that the output (22) of the heart rate monitoring unit (2) is connected to the first input (51) of the central excitement level determination unit (5), the output (32) of the respiratory rate monitoring unit (3) is connected to the second input (52) of the central excitement level determination unit (5), and the output (42) of a skin resistance monitoring unit (4) with its input (41) connected to the individual's fingers is connected wirelessly, preferably by Bluetooth, to the third input (53) of the central excitement level determination unit (5); in that one of the outputs (54) of the central excitement level determination unit (5) acts as the apparatus's online data access output, while its other output (55), in the event the data storage unit (6) is an integral part of the central excitement level determination unit (5), acts as the apparatus's offline data access output directly, or, where the data storage unit (6) is designed to stand separately, acts as the apparatus's offline data access output indirectly, via the data storage unit (6).
2. The apparatus according to Claim 1, characterised by that the central excitement level determination unit (5) includes a microprocessor that calculates scalar excitement level values using a mathematical algorithm and a logical unit that regulates sampling frequency.
3. The apparatus according to either of Claims 1 or 2, characterised by that the apparatus additionally has a 3D acceleration sensor (7) for detecting the human biological individual's location, the output (71) of which is connected to the input (81) of a storage and processing unit (8), while the output (82) of the storage and processing unit (8) is connected to the fourth input (56) of the central excitement level determination unit (5).
4. The apparatus according to any of Claims 1 through 3, characterised by that the apparatus's units, with the exception of the skin resistance monitoring unit (4), are placed in a single, integral belt that can be attached to the human biological individual's body, preferably the chest.
PCT/HU2010/000137 2010-04-27 2010-12-08 Apparatus for determining and storing the excitement level of a human individual, comprisind ecg electrodes and a skin resistance monitor WO2011135386A1 (en)

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HU1000229A HUP1000229A2 (en) 2010-04-27 2010-04-27 Equipment for registering the excitement level as well as determining and recording the excitement condition of human beings
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