Adaptive SpO2 Measurement Interval Control for Sleep Apnea Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pulse oximeters for measuring arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) are not suitable for continuous, daily use due to power consumption and size constraints, and they fail to accurately detect sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) events during sleeping due to inadequate measurement intervals.

Innovation Solution

A biological information measurement device that includes a motion information measurer, feature calculator, behavior state determiner, and measurement interval controller to adjust SpO2 measurement intervals based on user behavior, allowing for intermittent and efficient SpO2 monitoring, especially during sleep to detect apneas and hypopneas accurately.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If SpO2 measurement is performed continuously to accurately detect sleep apnea events, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracy of sleep apnea eventsVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic measurement action by adjusting the SpO2 measurement interval dynamically based on detected behavior states. During sleeping periods when sleep apnea events are most relevant, measurements are performed at shorter intervals (e.g., every 1-5 minutes) to ensure accurate detection of apneas and hypopneas. During awake periods, measurements are performed at longer intervals or skipped entirely, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining diagnostic accuracy for SAS events.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Measurement precision

If measurement interval is shortened to detect sleep apnea events accurately, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracy of apneas and hypopneasVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the measurement interval adaptive rather than fixed. The system continuously monitors behavior state through motion sensors and other biological parameters, then dynamically adjusts the SpO2 measurement interval in real-time. When the user transitions to a sleeping state, the system automatically shortens the measurement interval to capture potential apnea events. When the user is awake or engaged in activities, the interval is extended, optimizing the balance between detection precision and time efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If SpO2 measurement is performed frequently to ensure accurate diagnosis, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic accuracy of sleep apnea syndromeVSAvoidmeasurement control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by using detected behavior state information to regulate future SpO2 measurement timing. The system creates a closed-loop control mechanism where motion sensors, behavioral analysis algorithms, and SpO2 measurements continuously interact. The behavior state determination unit analyzes motion patterns and other parameters to infer sleeping vs. awake states, then feeds this information back to the measurement control unit, which adjusts the measurement schedule accordingly. This feedback mechanism automates the optimization process, reducing the need for complex manual configuration while maintaining high diagnostic accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

The device reduces power consumption, enables extended continuous operation, and accurately detects sleep apneas and hypopneas, facilitating precise diagnosis of SAS by adjusting measurement intervals according to the user's behavior state.

Implementation Method 1

a light receiver adapted to receive the light transmitted through or reflected from the measurement site

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission and reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10849569B2Biological information measurement device and system
Publication Date: 2020.12.01 KK TOSHIBA
  • US10849569B2 patent drawing
  • US10849569B2 patent drawing
  • US10849569B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a biological information measurement device includes: a biological information measurer configured to carry out intermittent measurement of biological information of a user; a motion information measurer configured to measure motion information of the user; a feature calculator configured to calculate a feature from the motion information; a behavior state determiner configured to determine a behavior state of the user on the basis of the feature; and a measurement interval controller configured to select one intermittent measurement from a plurality of intermittent measurements having different measurement intervals on the basis of the determined behavior state of the user and control the biological information measurer.