Dynamic LED Drive Voltage Regulation for Low Power Pulse Oximetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pulse oximetry probes consume excessive power due to a constant predetermined LED drive voltage, which is higher than necessary, leading to reduced battery life and limitations in configuring them as remote sensors for continuous patient monitoring.
Innovation Solution
The LED drive voltage is dynamically optimized based on measured voltage losses and operating parameters, using a low loss switching voltage regulator that is turned off during LED pulses, thereby reducing overall power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a constant predetermined LED drive voltage is used, then the LED operates reliably, but power consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of LED drive voltage based on real-time monitoring of voltage losses in the LED drive circuit. The system transitions from a static predetermined voltage approach to a dynamic voltage regulation system that adapts to changing circuit conditions, thereby optimizing power consumption while maintaining reliable LED operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism that continuously measures voltage losses in the LED drive circuit and uses this information to adjust the drive voltage. The system monitors voltage drops across circuit components and feeds this information back to the voltage regulator, which then optimizes the LED drive voltage to minimize power consumption while ensuring reliable operation.
2Reliability
If a higher predetermined LED drive voltage is used, then voltage losses are compensated, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter dynamically rather than using a fixed high voltage. The system measures actual voltage losses in the circuit and adjusts the LED drive voltage accordingly, using only the necessary voltage to compensate for losses. This parameter optimization extends battery life by eliminating excessive voltage application while maintaining adequate compensation for circuit voltage drops.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a constant high LED drive voltage is used, then the LED circuit operates stably, but heat dissipation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage regulation that adjusts LED drive voltage in real-time based on measured voltage losses. This dynamic approach replaces the static high voltage operation with an adaptive voltage system that maintains operational stability only when necessary, thereby reducing continuous heat generation while preserving circuit stability during actual LED operation.
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
This approach minimizes LED circuit power consumption, extending battery life and enabling the pulse oximeter to be configured as a remote sensor for continuous patient monitoring with reduced heat dissipation and energy waste.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter, herein a light emitting diode (LED), driven by a drive circuit
Implementation Method 2
one or more detectors are used to detect the light that is transmitted through or reflected by the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for a light-emitting diode (LED) drive circuit of an optical probe. As an example, a method for an optical probe including an LED in an LED drive circuit comprises reducing power consumption of the LED drive circuit by adjusting a drive voltage of the LED drive circuit based on one or more LED drive circuit characteristics and one or more LED drive circuit operating parameters. In this way, the LED drive circuit may be efficiently operated.