Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is currently one of the greatest threats to humanity. Overall, up to 31% of the world’s population is due to cardiovascular disease. Every year in the European Union, CVD succumbs to more than 1.9 mil. people, which represents 40% of all deaths. Caring for human health is closely related to prevention and early diagnosis. However, the rapid lifestyle of today’s world leads people to often neglect the first signs of health problems. At the same time, medical electronics is one of the most progressive areas of industry with rapid implementation of innovations into practice. The project focuses on research and design of non-invasive heart monitoring methods to reduce the impact of cardiovascular disease. New methods of sensing low-voltage heart signals will be investigated with an emphasis on providing a quality signal without artifacts. One of the tasks will be the design of suitable preparation of suitable sensory structures based on organic semiconductors and flexible materials with regard to their applicability in flexible imaging applications. Human heart signals are a big source of data, so one of the stages will be focused on research of methods of automated evaluation of heart signals by neural networks and design of algorithms for evaluation of heart activity and early detection of anomalies. A biometric heart monitoring system interface will be established between the physical layer and the system transmission layer with respect to wireless transmission and storage of data in the data field. Part of the project implementation will be the design of a system for remote data transfer to the data field with the possibility of data visualization for specialists (cardiologists, arrhythmologists). Based on the acquired knowledge, a complex heart monitoring system with several parallel measurement channels will be implemented based on the use of electrodes from new materials and automatic processing of the measured signal. The project is fully in line with the Slovak Intelligent Specialization Strategy RIS3.

The objectives of the submitted project are as follows:

– analysis of heart biosignals and types of changes and anomalies of signals, proposal of using selected methods of heart activity monitoring and analysis of possibilities of using automated recognition of biosignals by neural networks.

– research and design of methods for sensing and monitoring low-voltage heart signals to provide a signal free of artifacts in the direction of different heart axes

– analysis and research of properties of new organic materials, durability and stability with regard to their use in the field of preparation of flexible biometric sensors

– research of methods of automated evaluation of heart signals by neural networks, development of algorithms for evaluation of heart activity and detection of anomalies

– Creation of a biometric heart monitoring system interface between the physical layer and the system layer with respect to wireless transmission and storage of data in the data field

– Implementation and verification of a comprehensive cardiac signal monitoring system with multiple simultaneous measured heart channels

– creating a comprehensive methodology for designing and developing solutions-day monitoring of cardiac and health with a focus on cardiovascular disease character. Identified objectives are fully in line with the strategy of smart specialization RIS3, approved by the government in November, 2013.

Research, design and preparation of technology and methodology of preparation of modern electronic system with sensory module based on micro / nano-sensory special electrodes for sensing electrical activity of brain activity, nervous system and muscles, electronic module with artificial neural networks (ANN) for processing and quality evaluation signals and modules for fast processing, storing data in data fields, back extraction and visualization of experimental data. Optimization and verification of a modern system based on experimental data, ANN training to achieve high quality identification and evaluation of human body electrical signals. Preparation of methodology of optimization and adaptation of modern electronic system for implementation in health care facility.

Project objectives:

Research and preparation of technology for preparation of modular electronic system, identification of suitable location of sensors, wireless transmission and subsequent signal processing using trained ANN, their verification and optimization. Preparation of software tools for processing and storing data in fast data fields, data extraction and visualization. Integration of modules into an intelligent electronic system, configuration, optimization and functional verification. Preparation of the methodology for the implementation of the system in the healthcare facility.

Analysis and research and development of methods of design and preparation of progressive modular electronic system with modules:

• sensory (physical layer) based on micro / nano-sensors for sensing muscle and nerve activity

• electronic signal processing and experiment control

• computer science for processing, storing and displaying experimental data.

Integration of the above modules and verification of the properties, functionality, reliability and safety of a complex intelligent electronic system and its implementation into a model medical device used for rehabilitation. Optimization of electronic system design on the basis of obtained experimental data as well as its modularity for providing an intelligent rehabilitation program, self-adaptable for a specific activity (rehabilitation, regeneration).

Project objectives:

Research and development of methods of design and preparation of modern intelligent electronic system based on micro / nano-sensors and progressive electronic elements and ICs. Preparation, verification of functionality and testing of modular electronic system with adaptability options based on various input conditions. Integration of electronic modules with appropriate software and high user comfort. Design and preparation of model medical device (device) for rehabilitation and regeneration purposes with integrated electronic system for sensing muscular and nervous system.

Health and quality of life are now one of the most serious topics of the modern world. The development of medical electronics is one of the most progressive areas of industry with a huge future market in a wide range. The project deals with the research of innovative sensory structures, dynamic SMART integrated systems and analytical methods for automated processing and evaluation of bio-signals for health diagnostics using in the area of ​​prevention and monitoring. Original and innovative organic sensors with unique universal biosignal sensing properties will be designed along with thin-film sensors on piezoelectric substrates. Integration electronic modules sensors will be designed for energy efficient communication with sensors to create universal SMART elements useful for monitoring of cardiovascular disorders. In the field of monitoring, thanks to the wide applicability of this sensor, it will be possible to develop completely new medical devices for prevention, usable even without the assistance of a doctor. Sensors will have great potential for use in medical facilities. Part of the project will be the development of methods of signal processing and evaluation as an element of assisted cardiovascular prevention system with the help of machine learning. Finally, a methodology for designing and integrating the SMART system for applications in healthcare facilities with a high degree of originality and innovation with international impact will be prepared.

Project objectives:

Research of the properties of SMART sensors for sensing biosignals, e.g. heart activity to improve early prevention. Research of thin-film organic sensors on piezolelectric footplates and their integration with modules of energy efficient electronic systems for signal processing and transmission. Design of methods for evaluation of human physiological and mechanical parameters. Preparation of methodology of design and implementation of SMART sensor system for health monitoring.