# US 10,499,827 B2 · System and method for interpretation of signal-to-noise ratios detected in an array of electrodes sensors in terms of physical and cognitive state

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- Number: US 10,499,827 B2
- Document ID: US10499827B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 15/708,945
- Filed: 2017-09-19
- Published: 2019-03-21
- Granted: 2019-12-10
- Earliest claimed: 2017-09-19
- Assignees: Honeywell International Inc.
- Applicants: Honeywell International Inc.
- Inventors: Zdenek Moravek; David Kunes; Lukas Maly
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10499827B2

## CPC

- A61B 5/318: Heart-related electrical modalities, e.g. electrocardiography [ECG]
- A61B 5/18: for vehicle drivers {or machine operators}
- A61B 5/282: Holders for multiple electrodes (for introduction into the body A61B5/287)
- A61B 5/364: Detecting abnormal ECG interval, e.g. extrasystoles, ectopic heartbeats
- A61B 5/7207: {of noise induced by motion artifacts}
- A61B 5/7221: {Determining signal validity, reliability or quality (preventing, reducing or removing noise induced by motion artefacts A61B5/7207; noise originating from a therapeutic or surgical apparatus A61B5/7217)}
- A61B 2562/046: in a matrix array
- A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D)

## Abstract

A method and system are provided for measuring the cognitive state of an individual by combining analysis of 2 independent quantities derived from a single sensor. The method comprises placing an array of electrocardiogram (ECG) sensors in contact with the individual. The sensors continually measure the ECG voltages and signal-to-noise ratios from each ECG. A distance to sensor and pressure applied to sensor our calculated for each ECG sensor that corresponds to the ECG voltage and signal-to-noise ratio measurements from each respective ECG sensor. Next, a graphical distance and pressure map is generated based on the combined signal-to-noise ratios of the ECG sensors and continually analyzed to determine the cognitive state of the individual.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method for measuring the cognitive state of an individual, comprising:
placing an array of electrocardiogram (ECG) sensors in contact with the individual;
continually measuring the signal-to-noise ratio for each ECG sensor;
calculating a distance and pressure between the individual and each ECG sensor that corresponds to the signal-to-noise ratio for each respective ECG sensor;
generating a graphical distance and pressure map based on the combined signal-to-noise ratios of the ECG sensors, where the graphical distance and pressure map uses color coding to indicate relative values of the combined signal-to-noise ratios; and
continually analyzing the distance and pressure map to detect high amplitude and repeated irregular patterns that indicate a fatigued cognitive state of the individual.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, where the array of ECG sensors comprises a rectangular shaped grid pattern of sensors.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The method of claim 2, where the rectangular shaped grid pattern of sensors is longer in the horizontal direction.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The method of claim 3, where the array of ECG sensors is in physical contact near the chest of the individual.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, where the array of ECG sensors comprises a 3×3 grid of sensors.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, where contact comprises up to 1 centimeter (cm) of insulation between the individual and each ECG sensor.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, where the calculated distance and pressure on each ECG sensor correspond to movement of the individual.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, where the calculated distance and pressure on each ECG sensor correspond to posture of the individual.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, where the calculated distance and pressure on each ECG sensor correspond to a breathing pattern of the individual.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, where the calculated distance and pressure on each ECG sensor correspond to a pulse rate of the individual.

### Claim 11 (depends on 10)

The method of claim 10, where the pulse arrival and transit times are determined by from the delay between the R-peak and blood pressure (BP) wave of the ECG signal.

### Claim 12 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, where the distance and pressure map is generated based on combined amplitudes of the signal-to-noise ratios of the ECG sensors.

### Claim 13 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, where the distance and pressure map is generated based on combined periodicity and chaotic descriptors of the signal to noise ratios of the ECG sensors.

### Claim 14 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, where the distance and pressure map is generated based on combined speed of onset and decline of the signal-to-noise ratios of the ECG sensors.

### Claim 15

A system for measuring the cognitive state of an individual, comprising:
an array of electrocardiogram (ECG) sensors placed in contact with the individual, where the ECG sensors continually measuring the ECG voltage and related signal-to-noise ratio for each ECG sensor of the array; and
a microprocessor that receives the signal-to-noise ratio from each ECG sensor, where the microprocessor,
calculates a distance to each ECG sensor and pressure applied to each ECG sensor that corresponds to the ECG voltage and signal-to-noise ratio measurements,
generates a graphical distance and pressure map based on the combined signal-to-noise ratios of the ECG sensors, where the graphical distance and pressure map uses color coding to indicate relative values of the combined signal-to-noise ratios, and
continually analyzes the distance and pressure map to detect high amplitude and repeated irregular patterns that indicate a fatigued cognitive state of the individual.

### Claim 16 (depends on 15)

The system of claim 15, where the individual is an aircraft pilot.

### Claim 17 (depends on 15)

The system of claim 15, where the individual is a vehicle driver.

### Claim 18 (depends on 15)

The system of claim 15, where the individual is a plant operator.