Wearable multichannel pulse condition monitoring system based on flexible pressure sensor arrays

Pulse diagnosis is an irreplaceable part of traditional Chinese medical science. However, the traditional method is difficult to modernize because true signals are hard to capture and subjective fingertip sensations are not readily digitized. The authors propose a novel wearable multichannel pulse monitoring platform that combines TCMS pulse theory with flexible pressure sensor arrays to simultaneously detect pulses at three positions (Cun, Guan, Chi). Signals are fitted to smooth surfaces to enable 3D pulse mapping, revealing pulse length and width and addressing shortcomings of single-point sensors. The system measures pulses from individuals under different conditions and distinguishes differences in signals. It provides comprehensive temporal and spatial information akin to physicians’ fingertip sensations. This cost-effective, easily designed platform based on flexible pressure sensor arrays shows promise for modernization of TCMS and intelligent health care.

Jie Wang, Yirun Zhu, Zhiyong Wu, Yunlin Zhang, Jian Lin, Tao Chen, Huicong Liu, Fengxia Wang, Lining Sun