Jan Nedoma

Non-Invasive Fetal Monitoring: A Maternal Surface ECG Electrode Placement-Based Novel Approach for Optimization of Adaptive Filter Control Parameters Using the LMS and RLS Algorithms

This paper is focused on the design, implementation and verification of a novel method for the optimization of the control parameters (such as step size μ and filter order N) of LMS and RLS adaptive filters used for noninvasive fetal monitoring. The optimization algorithm is driven by considering the ECG electrode positions on the maternal body surface in improving the performance of these adaptive filters. The main criterion for optimal parameter selection was the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). We conducted experiments using signals supplied by the latest version of our LabVIEW-Based Multi-Channel Non-Invasive Abdominal Maternal-Fetal Electrocardiogram Signal Generator, which provides the flexibility and capability of modeling the principal distribution of maternal/fetal ECGs in the human body. Our novel algorithm enabled us to find the optimal settings of the adaptive filters based on maternal surface ECG electrode placements. The experimental results further confirmed the theoretical assumption that the optimal settings of these adaptive filters are dependent on the ECG electrode positions on the maternal body, and therefore, we were able to achieve far better results than without the use of optimization. These improvements in turn could lead to a more accurate detection of fetal hypoxia. Consequently, our approach could offer the potential to be used in clinical practice to establish recommendations for standard electrode placement and find the optimal adaptive filter settings for extracting high quality fetal ECG signals for further processing. Ultimately, diagnostic-grade fetal ECG signals would ensure the reliable detection of fetal hypoxia.

A Phonocardiographic-Based Fiber-Optic Sensor and Adaptive Filtering System for Noninvasive Continuous Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring

This paper focuses on the design, realization, and verification of a novel phonocardiographic- based fiber-optic sensor and adaptive signal processing system for noninvasive continuous fetal heart rate (fHR) monitoring. Our proposed system utilizes two Mach-Zehnder interferometeric sensors. Based on the analysis of real measurement data, we developed a simplified dynamic model for the generation and distribution of heart sounds throughout the human body. Building on this signal model, we then designed, implemented, and verified our adaptive signal processing system by implementing two stochastic gradient-based algorithms: the Least Mean Square Algorithm (LMS), and the Normalized Least Mean Square (NLMS) Algorithm. With this system we were able to extract the fHR information from high quality fetal phonocardiograms (fPCGs), filtered from abdominal maternal phonocardiograms (mPCGs) by performing fPCG signal peak detection. Common signal processing methods such as linear filtering, signal subtraction, and others could not be used for this purpose as fPCG and mPCG signals share overlapping frequency spectra. The performance of the adaptive system was evaluated by using both qualitative (gynecological studies) and quantitative measures such as: Signal-to-Noise Ratio—SNR, Root Mean Square Error—RMSE, Sensitivity—S+, and Positive Predictive Value—PPV.

A Non-Invasive Multichannel Hybrid Fiber-Optic Sensor System for Vital Sign Monitoring

In this article, we briefly describe the design, construction, and functional verification of a hybrid multichannel fiber-optic sensor system for basic vital sign monitoring. This sensor uses a novel non-invasive measurement probe based on the fiber Bragg grating (FBG). The probe is composed of two FBGs encapsulated inside a polydimethylsiloxane polymer (PDMS). The PDMS is non-reactive to human skin and resistant to electromagnetic waves, UV absorption, and radiation. We emphasize the construction of the probe to be specifically used for basic vital sign monitoring such as body temperature, respiratory rate and heart rate. The proposed sensor system can continuously process incoming signals from up to 128 individuals. We first present the overall design of this novel multichannel sensor and then elaborate on how it has the potential to simplify vital sign monitoring and consequently improve the comfort level of patients in long-term health care facilities, hospitals and clinics. The reference ECG signal was acquired with the use of standard gel electrodes fixed to the monitored person’s chest using a real-time monitoring system for ECG signals with virtual instrumentation. The outcomes of these experiments have unambiguously proved the functionality of the sensor system and will be used to inform our future research in this fast developing and emerging field.

Influence of PDMS encapsulation on the sensitivity and frequency range of fiber-optic interferometer

Fiber-optic sensors are one of the dynamically developing areas of photonics and photonic applications. This group of sensors can also include fiber-optic interferometers which enable very sensitive sensing. They are entirely passive regarding power supply, and immune to electromagnetic interference. This type of sensor is dependent on the phase change. It mostly used in the field which requires high measurement accuracy. We can achieve a change of sensitivity in the order of 10-8. The fundamental problem of fiber-optic interferometry is a design and imposition (encapsulation) of the measuring arm and reference arm of the interferometer. Polydimethylsiloxane elastomer (PDMS) is one of the possibilities to encapsulation of the sensory arm. Two-component PDMS Sylgard 184 is used type. The article analyzes the effect of encapsulation into a PDMS of the measuring arm of the interferometer to frequency response and sensitivity of the Mach-Zehnder interferometer with the division of power in a ratio of 1:1 (measuring arm and reference arm). Input power set to a reference value of 1 mW, this value was constant for all performed experimental measurements. The generator of a harmonic signal with fixed amplitude signal used for analysis of the frequency characteristic of the interferometer. The application written in LabView development environment, evaluated the amplitude-frequency spectra of the signal. Repeated test of assembled prototype verified the measured results.

FBG sensor of breathing encapsulated into polydimethylsiloxane

The technology of Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) belongs to the most widespread fiber-optic sensors. They are used for measuring a large number of physical and chemical quantities. Small size, immunity to electromagnetic interference, high sensitivity and a principle of information encoding about the measurement value into spectral characteristics causes usability of FBG sensors in medicine for monitoring vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. An important factor is the use of an inert material for the encapsulation of Bragg gratings in this area. A suitable choice is a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer having excellent thermal and elastic properties. Experimental results describe the creation of FBG sensory prototype for monitoring breathing in this paper. The sensor is realized by encapsulation of Bragg grating into PDMS. The FBG sensor is mounted on the elastic contact strap which encircles the chest of the patient. This tension leads to a spectral shift of the reflected light from the FBG. For measurement, we used a broadband light source Light-Emitting Diode (LED) with central wavelength 1550 nm and optical spectrum analyzer.

Comparison of BCG, PCG and ECG signals in application of heart rate monitoring of the human body

The aim of this article is evaluation and comparison of three different signals from three different sensors in application of monitoring the Heart Rate (HR) of the human body. Authors assembled two different types of fiber optic sensors. The first type of sensor uses Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) and monitoring of heart rate is based on Ballistocardiography (BCG) principle. The second type of sensor utilizes fiber interferometer and monitoring of heart rate is based on Phonocardiography (PCG). Evaluation of signal from the first two types of sensors was acquired by proposed Optical Interrogators. In case of third type (reference signal), heart rate signal was acquired with the use of standard gel electrodes and modules fixed to the monitored persons chest using a real-time monitoring system for an Electrocardiography (ECG) with virtual instrumentation (National Instruments ELVIS II). The experimental tests were carried out on six subjects of both sexes in a laboratory conditions with their written consent. The obtained data were compared objectively by the Bland-Altman method.

Analysis of non-invasive FBG sensor for monitoring patient vital signs during MRI

This article focuses on the analysis and verification of a non-invasive fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor used for the monitoring of a patient`s heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR) in a magnetic resonance environment (MRI). Measuring heart and respiratory rate were carried out on a group of five volunteers with their written consent during MRI examinations. The type of the scanner used in the experiment was GE Signa HDxt 1.5T. The benefit of this article lies in the design of a sensor in the form of a sensor pad. The sensor is placed beneath a patient`s body lying supine. The purpose is to increase and improve the patient`s safety as well as to help doctors to predict panic and hyperventilation attacks of patients during MRI examinations. Provided Bland-Altman statistical analysis demonstrates the heart and respiratory rate detection with a satisfactory accuracy for all five volunteers.

Analysis of the high way tunnels monitoring using an optical fiber implemented into primary lining

Abstract This article is focused on the analysis of the use of distributed fibre-optic technology for security monitoring of road tunnel and motorway tunnel structural load. The authors focused on the measurements of deformation utilizing Brillouin Time Domain Reflectometry (BOTDR). The principle is based on the measurement of stimulated Brillouin scattering. The article describes and analyses real measurements within a period of 5 months, which were carried out during the tunnelling and the whole process of building a new tunnel in Žilina, Slovakia. The performed experimental measurements were carried out using a standard optic telecommunication cable with water-absorbing aramid yarns and a jacket with a diameter of 4.2 mm. The contribution of this article lies in the introductory analysis of the implementation and use of the fibre-optic technology for security monitoring of road tunnel and motorway tunnel structural load.

Mathematical model of optimized design of multi-point sensoric measurement with Bragg gratings using wavelength divison multiplex

Fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) belongs to the single-point optical sensors used in many fields and applications where they often replace a standard sensors. They are easy to multiplex and the wavelength division multiplex is the most widely used method. FBGs in sensory branch are designed for a different Bragg wavelength which gives different measure and sensitivity coefficients. Existing algorithm is based on the determination of left and right boundaries of the measuring channel and the central Bragg wavelength. In this paper is presented the new mathematical model for calculation of Bragg wavelength, sensitivity coefficient and channel width of any FBG in the single step. The model takes into account the following input parameters: wavelength of the optical source, source bandwidth, the type of measured quantity, measuring ranges, width of the FBG reflected spectrum and the guard band between adjacent channels. The mathematical model is verified by using a simulation in software OptiSystem.

Fixing methods for the use of optical fibers in interferometric arrangements

Today interferometric sensors are among the most accurate available thanks to their inherent high sensitivity. These highly versatile sensors may be used to measure phenomena such as temperature, strain, fluid level, flow, vibration, stress, etc. This article concentrates on the composition of fiber-optic interferometers, in particular the Mach-Zehnder type. The Mach-Zehnder type is composed of two arms, one for measurement and a second serving as a reference. When light enters the interferometer, ideally the phase of the light is shifted only in the measurement arm while the phase in the second arm remains unchanged. Interference occurs when the light recombining at the output and the resulting light intensity is proportional to the measurand. A major issue in the application of fiber based sensors is laying and fixing the fibers effectively in real life environments. Different approaches are necessary for both arms. The reference arm should as far as possible be isolated from the measurand. In this paper, various isolating materials are considered, however there are almost unlimited materials that may be used for isolation purposes. Conventional construction methods and materials were used such as aluminum tubing, flexible PVC tubing, double sided tape, steel clinches, superglue, PVC strips and PVC strips filled by silicon.