Dual Protocol Sensor Data Transmission System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional physiological measurement systems are limited by the need for patient cable connections, restricting patient mobility and requiring them to be near the monitoring device.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a disposable module with a sensor element, memory, and battery, and a reusable module with a processor, memory, and wireless communication module, allowing for wireless transmission of physiological data to nearby computing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a patient cable connection is used between sensor and monitor, then reliable data transmission is achieved, but patient mobility is restricted and patient must be located in immediate vicinity of monitor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless communication system. The disposable sensor module communicates with the reusable pairing device via wireless protocols (Bluetooth Low Energy, Wi-Fi), eliminating the physical patient cable that restricted mobility while maintaining reliable data transmission for physiological monitoring
2Ease of operation
If wireless communication is implemented between sensor and monitor, then patient mobility is improved, but data transmission reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The reusable pairing device serves as an intermediary between the disposable sensor module and the patient monitoring system. It establishes and maintains wireless communication links, manages data transmission protocols, and ensures reliable communication by handling pairing, authentication, and data forwarding to the monitoring system
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary pairing and connection establishment between the reusable module and the monitoring system before the disposable sensor module needs to transmit data. This pre-established connection ensures immediate reliable data transmission when the sensor is activated, eliminating delays and potential connection failures
3Device complexity
If disposable sensor module is used, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but data storage capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two functional parts: a simple disposable sensor module that collects physiological data with minimal processing and storage, and a reusable pairing device that provides extended data storage capacity and wireless communication capabilities. This segmentation allows the disposable portion to remain simple and cost-effective while the reusable portion handles data management and storage
Solution Approach 2:
The reusable pairing device acts as an intermediary data storage repository. The disposable sensor module can store data temporarily in its limited memory, then transfer it to the reusable module which provides larger storage capacity for extended periods, effectively overcoming the storage limitation of the disposable component
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for collecting physiological data from a patient is disclosed. The system includes a reusable module and a disposable module. The disposable module collects and transmits physiological data to the reusable module, which in turn transmits the physiological data to a patient monitoring system. The reusable module accesses operation data from the disposable module to validate the disposable sensor assembly. Optionally, the operation data includes sensor life data that may be used to determine life expectancy of disposable module. The disposable sensor assembly may store the physiological data for a predetermined length of time when there is no wireless communication established for the reusable module.