BLE Vital Sign Sensor Timestamp Verification for Data Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication systems face limitations in data transmission, particularly in health monitoring environments, where vital sign data from sensors may not always reach receiving devices due to range limitations and interference, leading to data loss, especially when patients move away from the receiver.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing BLE advertising mode to transmit vital sign data packets with timestamps, followed by a verification process to establish connected mode communication when a predetermined waiting time is exceeded, ensuring continuous data retrieval and reducing energy consumption by adjusting communication patterns based on sensor availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connected mode communication is used to send vital sign data, then data transmission reliability is improved, but the number of sensors that can be connected simultaneously is limited to 8 per receiver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication process into two distinct modes: advertising mode for initial connection and data transmission, and connected mode for reliable bulk data transfer. This segmentation allows the system to leverage the strengths of both modes without being constrained by their individual limitations, enabling more than 8 sensors to connect to a single receiver while maintaining data reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If advertising mode is used to send vital sign data, then the number of sensors per receiver is unlimited, but data may be lost when sensor is out of range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a connected mode communication link before the sensor goes out of advertising range. The system proactively switches to connected mode when advertising mode signals become weak or unstable, ensuring that the communication channel is already established and will continue to function even when the sensor moves beyond the advertising mode coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from advertising mode signal quality to dynamically switch between communication modes. When advertising mode signals indicate the sensor is approaching the edge of range, the system responds by transitioning to connected mode, which provides more reliable transmission. This feedback-driven approach ensures continuous data transmission regardless of sensor position.
3Reliability
If connected mode is established frequently to retrieve data, then data loss is minimized, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by establishing connected mode communication only when necessary, specifically when advertising mode signals indicate the sensor is near the edge of range or when data loss is detected. Instead of continuously maintaining connected mode, the system periodically switches to connected mode to retrieve accumulated data, then returns to advertising mode to conserve energy. This periodic approach balances data reliability with energy efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and computing device for remote monitoring of a vital sign of a patient is presented, the computing device comprising a BLE communication module to communicate with a vital sign sensor. More specifically, the method comprises receiving a first BLE advertising communication packet comprising a vital sign data packet, from the sensor; generating a timestamp for the received first BLE advertising communication packet; and performing a first time verification of if the difference between the generated timestamp and a stored timestamp of a previously received BLE advertising communication packet is higher than a predetermined waiting time. In case it is higher, a communication in connected mode is established between the computing device and the sensor, and a plurality of vital sign data packets are retrieved from the sensor.