Activity-Adaptive Physiological Alerts for Abnormal Vital Sign Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing physiological monitoring systems fail to provide effective and non-disruptive alerts for detecting abnormal vital signs, particularly during sleep or other activities, leading to missed alerts and potential disturbances to the user and others.
Innovation Solution
A system that analyzes activity and physiological signals to generate alerts tailored to the user's current activity level, using a first sensor for continuous monitoring and a second sensor for further investigation, with alert characteristics adjusted based on activity type and user response time, allowing for minimally disruptive yet timely detection of abnormal vital signs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a strong alert signal is used to ensure high response rate, then the reliability of detection is improved, but the disturbance to user and others worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The alert signal characteristics are dynamically adjusted based on the detected activity state. The controller modifies alert parameters (intensity, type, duration) according to whether the user is sleeping, exercising, or in a neutral state, ensuring high response rates when needed while minimizing disturbance during appropriate activities
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of the alert signal based on activity detection. Different activity states trigger different alert configurations - for example, more intense alerts during exercise when the user is likely to respond, and gentler alerts during sleep to reduce disturbance while still maintaining effectiveness
2Object-affected harmful factors
If activity-based alert personalization is implemented, then the disturbance is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The activity monitor serves multiple functions: it detects the user's activity state for alert personalization, and simultaneously provides health monitoring data. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and justifies the added complexity through enhanced system versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects activity state and adjusts alert characteristics without user intervention. The controller continuously monitors activity signals and autonomously determines appropriate alert parameters, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing operational complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures timely and effective detection of abnormal vital signs by personalizing alerts to the user's activity level, reducing disturbance and improving response rates, especially during sleep or exercise.
Implementation Method 1
Photoplethysmography (PPG) is an optical measurement technique that evaluates a time variant change of light reflectance or transmission of an area or volume of interest. PPG is based on the principle that blood absorbs light more than surrounding tissue, so variations in blood volume with every heart beat affect transmission or reflectance correspondingly.
Data Source
AI summary
A physiological parameter sensing system receives signals from (on includes) a first physiological parameter sensor and an activity monitor. The first physiological parameter signal is used to determine when additional physiological parameter sensing is recommended and an alert is then generated. The alert has characteristics which depend on the type and/or level of activity currently being undertaken by the user. In this way, the alert can be selected so that it is perceived by the user but without being an annoyance.