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  KEYWORD

Model development and testing of non-contact ECG sensors

Reference persons LUCA MESIN

Research Groups Mathematical Biology and Physiology

Thesis type EXPERIMENTAL

Description Introduction
The sector of Wearable technologies in recent years has shown exponential growth. It includes medical and non-medical devices, which provide the end user with information on their state of health. These devices are able to extract numerous vital parameters with the most advanced technologies that do not require parts in contact with the skin. They range from LED photoplethysmography to body temperature analysis performed through infrared detection. Despite this, however, some types of analyzes still require physical parts in contact with the skin in order to be efficient: for example, the electrocardiogram, body impedance measurement and in general all those tests that require electrodes.

Technology

In recent years, different technologies have been evaluated that can guarantee the execution of these analyzes through the use of joint electrodes not necessarily in contact with the skin. We are talking in particular about capacitive and inductive sensors (for example for magnetocardiography, done through high-sensitivity magnetic sensors). All this with the aim of improving the execution processes of these analyzes, ensuring a stable signal independent of movement artifacts and allowing the integration of this technology within smart clothes.


Purpose of the thesis

The thesis has the following objectives:

1. The research and study of the scientific literature available online concerning the development of capacitive and inductive sensors;
2. The analysis of the main differences that distinguish these technologies and the identification of the positioning patterns for the reduction of movement artifacts;
3. The design and physical construction of two prototypes for each proposed sensor category
4. Laboratory testing of the two types of sensors developed, to evaluate the goodness of the signal acquired by the heart;
5. Further optimization processes of these technologies.

In conclusion, the candidate will have to analyze the feasibility of an ECG equivalent analysis using non-contact electrode technologies, implement physical prototypes of such electrodes, study thoracic placement geometries with the aim of optimizing the signal by reducing artifacts from movement, perform pilot tests to evaluate the goodness of the signal.
The results of this study will be shared with the start-up H-Cube (incubated at I3P) and used as a pilot study for the application of this technology in particular smart clothes.

Note
The front-end electronics part that will be interfaced with the prototype sensors will be developed in collaboration with a graduate student in electronics. The candidate is required to work in a team to share information useful for the design of the analog front end. H-cube in collaboration with the Polytechnic will provide the resources for electronics and the development of materials necessary for the fulfillment of the objectives defined above.

Required skills Elements of physiology and biomedical sensors


Deadline 11/10/2022      PROPONI LA TUA CANDIDATURA




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