biosignal acquisition tool-kit for advanced research applications

Blood Volume Pulse (BVP) Ear-Clip Sensor User Manual
PROTOTYPEBlood Volume Pulse (BVP) Ear Clip
User Manual

PROTOTYPEATTENTION
Please read this datasheet before
using your biosignalsplux sensor.
The current sensor provided is a prototype anddoes not represent the final form-factor. Thesensor and this document may be changed in
the future without further notice.

The information contained in this document has been carefully checked and were made every effort
to ensure its quality. PLUX reserves the right to make changes and improvements to this manual andproducts referenced at any time without notice.
The word Bluetooth and its logo are trademarks of Bluetooth SIG Inc. and any use of such marks isunder license. Other trademarks are the property of their respective own.
Please check your systems and sensors after receiving and before using it the first time to confirm if it
contains all the ordered sensors, accessories and other components. Contact our support via e-mail atsupport@plux.info if there are any variations from your original order.
For regulatory information, please see the Regulatory Disclaimer at the end of this document.

PLUX – Wireless Biosignals, S.A.
Av. 5 de Outubro, n. 70 – 8.
1050-059 Lisbon, Portugal
plux@plux.info
http://biosignalsplux.com/
QMS Reference: Blood Volume Pulse (BVP) Ear Clip User Manual.docx© 2019 PLUXThis information is provided "as is," and we make no express or implied warranties whatsoever with respect to functionality, operability, use, fitness for aparticular purpose, or infringement of rights. We expressly disclaim any liability whatsoever for any direct, indirect, consequential, incidental or special
damages, including, without limitation, lost revenues, lost profits, losses resulting from business interruption or loss of data, regardless of the form of action orlegal theory under which the liability may be asserted, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

Blood Volume Pulse (BVP) Ear Clip
User Manual

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.

General Information ............................................................................................................. 4
1.1. General Description ........................................................................................................... 4
1.2. Typical Unfiltered Sensor Output........................................................................................ 4
1.3. Sensor Specifications ......................................................................................................... 41.4. Features ............................................................................................................................ 4

2. Application Notes ..................................................................................................................... 5
3. Using the Blood Volume Pulse BVP Sensor with biosignalsplux & OpenSignals ........................... 6
3.1. Connecting the sensor to biosignalsplux Systems ................................................................ 6
3.1.1. biosignalsplux 4-Channel Hubs ............................................................................................. 6
3.1.2. biosignalsplux 8-Channel Hubs ............................................................................................. 6
3.1.3. biosignalsplux Solo & Single-Channel openBAN Devices ..................................................... 7
3.2. Configuring the Sensor in OpenSignals................................................................................ 7
3.2.1. OpenSignals (r)evolution (Windows, macOS, Linux) ............................................................ 7
4. Safety & Maintenance ............................................................................................................ 104.1. Safety Instructions ........................................................................................................... 104.2. Transportation and Storage.............................................................................................. 114.3. Cleaning .......................................................................................................................... 11
5. Ordering Guides, Regulatory & Legal Information .................................................................... 125.1. Contact & Support ........................................................................................................... 125.2. Regulatory Disclaimer ...................................................................................................... 123 of 13Blood Volume Pulse (BVP) Ear ClipUser Manual

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1. General Information
1.1. General Description
The biosignalsplux Blood Volume Pulse (BVP) Ear Clip sensor is an optical, non-invasive sensor
measures changes in the arterial translucency using the light emitter and detector adjusted to an ear
clip form-factor.
When the heart pumps blood, the arteries become opaquer, allowing more light to be reflected fromthe emitter back to the receiver. This variation in light reflection can be used to determine importantcharacteristics of cardiac monitoring (e.g. heart rate) which can afterwards be used for further analysis(e.g. heart rate variation).

1.2. Typical Unfiltered Sensor Output
Figure 1 shows a typical unfiltered BVP sensor output acquired using the ear-clip form factor at the earlobe.

Figure 1: BVP ear clip sample signal.

1.3. Sensor Specifications> Type:Optical sensor> Wavelength of Peak 530nm (green)
Emission:> Bandwidth:> Centroid
Wavelength:0.02-2.1Hz
535±10nm

1.4. Features> High signal-to-noise ratio> Medical-grade raw data output> Ready-to-use form factor> Unobtrusive & lightweight sensor> Pre-conditioned analog output

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2. Application Notes
The Blood Volume Pulse (BVP) Ear-Clip sensor is intended for acquisition at the ear lobe as shown in .
It is recommended to place the sensor (LED & detector) at the centre of the ear lobe Figure 2.

Figure 2: Application of the ear-clip form-factor.

In addition, the sensor comes with a flexible silicon cable holder which provides additional support tohold the sensor in place. This accessory aims to reduce the risk of signal artefacts due to sensor
displacements caused by the weight of the sensor itself and its cable. The use of this accessory is notmandatory but strongly recommended.

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3. Using the Blood Volume Pulse BVP Sensor with biosignalsplux &OpenSignals
3.1. Connecting the sensor to biosignalsplux Systems
3.1.1. biosignalsplux 4-Channel Hubs
The biosignalsplux BVP sensor is compatible with all 8 analog input channels of the 4-channel
biosignalsplux hub, but incompatible with the reference/ground port. Connect the sensor to an analog
input to use it with this device.

Figure 3: Compatible biosignalsplux channels (green checkmarks).

3.1.2. biosignalsplux 8-Channel Hubs
The biosignalsplux BVP sensor is compatible with all 8 analog input channels of the 8-channel
biosignalsplux hub, but incompatible with the reference/ground and digital I/O ports. Connect thesensor to an analog input to use it with this device.

Figure 4: BVP compatible biosignalsplux channels (green checkmarks).

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3.1.3. biosignalsplux Solo & Single-Channel openBAN Devices
The biosignalsplux BVP sensor is compatible with the analog input channel of the biosignalsplux Solo(openBAN) device. Connect the sensor to the analog input channel to use it with this device.

Figure 5: Connect the BVP to the analog input channel of the biosignalsplux Solo (openBAN).

3.2. Configuring the Sensor in OpenSignals
3.2.1. OpenSignals (r)evolution (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Open the OpenSignals (r)evolution device manager to access and configure your biosignalsplux device.

Figure 6: Access the OpenSignals (r)evolution device manager.

Select the device you intend to use for acquisition by clicking on ENABLE button on the device panel inthe OpenSignals device manager. The device is activated for acquisition if the ENABLE button is blue.

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Figure 7: Enabling the device for acquisition.

Click on the biosignalsplux logo to access the available settings. Select the channel your sensor isconnected to and select the BVP from the dropdown menu highlighted in the next screenshot.

Figure 8: Set the channel type of the channel you have your BVP sensor connected to, to BVP.

Activate the channel for acquisition by clicking on the circle next to the channel type (must be blue).
Click on the record button in the OpenSignals main interface whenever you’re ready for youracquisition.

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Figure 9: Start the acquisition whenever you’re ready.

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4. Safety & Maintenance4.1. Safety Instructions
Please read the following safety instructions before using your biosignalsplux system with the BVP
sensor to prevent any damages or problems with the user, test persons and/or biosignalsplux devices.
Violations of these instructions can lead to inferior signal quality and/or damages to the biosignalsplux
system and user.
!

The user should always keep the device and its accessories dry.

!

The user must turn off the biosignalsplux device and contact Technical Support if the system oraccessories reach uncomfortable temperatures.

!

The user should not use the biosignalsplux device in noisy environments (environments withmicrowaves and other similar equipment). Doing so will lead to noise increase in the acquired
signals and Bluetooth connectivity issues.

!

The user must not use the device near the fire or in potentially explosive atmospheres, such asatmospheres with flammable gas.

!

The user should only use the detection surfaces or other approved accessories purchased fromPLUX or by a PLUX agent.

!

The user should inspect the sensors on a regular basis to ensure that they remain in goodworking order.

!

The user should stop using the biosignalsplux device if experience any kind of discomfort orskin irritation.

!

Do not use the system on persons with allergies to silver.

!

The user should dispose detection surfaces after using the biosignalsplux device. Detection surfaces are single-user and disposable. Reusable electrodes should be reused by the same user.
Do not use reusable electrodes on several users.

!

The user must not place the device in the microwave.

!

The user must not insert objects into the holes of the device.

!

The user should not open the biosignalsplux device or its accessories. The repair of the sameshould be only done by properly authorized PLUX personnel.

!

The user should make sure the cables do not obstruct the passage of people.

!

The user should use the sensor cables with extreme caution to avoid risk of strangulation.

!

The user should keep a safe distance between the biosignalsplux device and other devices toensure their proper functioning.

!

The user should only send the device to repair to qualified PLUX personnel.
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The user should not immerse the sensors or the biosignalsplux device, nor clean with liquid orabrasives.

!

The user should handle the biosignalsplux device with caution and not expose the device oraccessories to high accelerations and vibrations.

!

biosignalsplux devices should not be used in patients with implanted electronic devices of any
kind, including pace-makers, electronic infusion pumps, stimulators, defibrillators or similar.

!

Do not apply electrodes over damaged or irritated skin.

!

Do not use your device while charging its internal battery.

4.2. Transportation and Storage
Please follow these recommendations to ensure safe transportation and storage of your biosignalsplux
equipment and sensors to prevent any damaging of your system.
The biosignalsplux equipment and sensors should be stored in the original box in a dry place whenthose are not being used.
•••

Relative humidity: up to 95% with no condensation
Ambient temperature: 10°C to 30°C
Atmospheric pressure between 500hPa and 1060hPa

Whenever the equipment needs to be transported, it should be placed in the original box, since thiswas designed and tested to ensure the equipment and accessories are securely stored.
Take care while handling the transportation of the system and avoid dropping it, since the device is
not shock-proof and should not be placed under stress or sudden acceleration.

4.3. Cleaning
Please follow these cleaning instructions to prevent any damage of the system or the user because of
conducting cleaning methods that may cause any damage.
•The biosignalsplux and sensors should be visually checked before each use and cleaning
process to ensure that no mechanical damage occurred.

•The biosignalsplux equipment and sensors (including the cables) should be cleaned with aslightly damp cloth or suitable absorbent paper, ensuring no liquid enters the equipment ofsensors. Do not use detergent or any type of cleaning liquid as these may damage yourequipment and/or sensor.

•Do not clean or re-use detection surfaces (electrodes). They are only suitable for single use,and should be disposed of after usage except indicated otherwise.

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5. Ordering Guides, Regulatory & Legal Information
5.1. Contact & Support
Contact us if you are experiencing any problems that cannot be solved with the information given in
the biosignalsplux documentation.
Please send us an e-mail with precise information about the error occurrence, device configuration,
and, if possible, screenshots of the problem to support@plux.info.

5.2. Regulatory Disclaimer
biosignalsplux products are intended for use in life science education and research applications; they
are not medical devices nor are they intended for medical diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or
prevention of disease. we expressly disclaim any liability whatsoever for any direct, indirect,consequential, incidental or special damages, including, without limitation, lost revenues, lost profits,losses resulting from business interruption or loss of data, regardless of the form of action or legal
theory under which the liability may be asserted, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
The currently provided version of this sensor is a prototype and may not represent the final solution.
The regulatory disclaimer above applies to this sensor.

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PROTOTYPEPLUX Wireless Biosignals S.A.
email: plux@plux.info
web: http://www.plux.info
Headquarters
Zona Industrial das Corredouras, Lt. 14 – 1°
2630-369 Arruda dos Vinhos
Portugaltel.: +351 263 978 572
fax: +351 263 978 902
Lisbon Office
Av. 5 de Outubro, n° 79 – 8°1050-059 Lisboa
Portugaltel.: +351 211 956 542
fax: +351 211 956 546

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