Flexible Sensor Digital Switching for Calibration Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pulse oximeters face inaccuracies in measuring physiological parameters due to incorrect sensor configuration, as they rely on user input for calibration coefficients, leading to potential misplacement and incorrect data if the user fails to notify the correct configuration.
Innovation Solution
A flexible pulse oximetry sensor with embedded memory or resistors that automatically provides calibration coefficients based on its configuration, allowing the monitor to decode and calculate physiological parameters accurately without user input, by using switches and contacts to select the appropriate memory or resistor values corresponding to the sensor's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the monitor relies on user input for sensor configuration, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to potential incorrect user input
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor performs self-identification by automatically detecting its own configuration type (e.g., forehead vs. digit sensor) and transmitting this information to the monitor. This eliminates the need for manual user input while ensuring accurate configuration data is provided, thereby maintaining measurement precision without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor configuration information is predetermined and embedded within the sensor itself during manufacturing. When the sensor is applied to the patient, the monitor automatically reads this pre-stored configuration data, eliminating the need for real-time user input and preventing configuration errors before measurements begin.
2Reliability
If the sensor configuration is automatically detected, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to embedded memory and switching components
Solution Approach 1:
A single sensor design incorporates multiple configuration types (e.g., both forehead and digit sensor capabilities) with each configuration having its own embedded identification data. This universal sensor can be used across multiple application sites without requiring different sensor types, improving reliability while keeping the overall system complexity manageable through standardized multi-functional design.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor uses simple binary or discrete electrical parameters (such as different resistance values or capacitive characteristics) to encode configuration information. These parameter changes are easily detectable by the monitor's existing circuitry without requiring complex additional hardware, thereby improving reliability through automatic detection while minimizing increases in device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple memory locations are used for different configurations, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to switching mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple configuration-specific memory locations or calibration data sets are merged into a single integrated memory structure within the sensor. The monitor automatically accesses the appropriate configuration data based on signals from the sensor, eliminating the need for physical switching mechanisms between multiple separate memory components. This maintains adaptability across different sensor types while reducing device complexity by consolidating memory resources.
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 accurate and automatic calculation of physiological parameters by adapting to different sensor configurations, reducing errors caused by incorrect user input and enhancing the reliability of pulse oximeter readings.
Implementation Method 1
transmits light through a patient's tissue and that photoelectrically detects the absorption and/or scattering of the transmitted light in such tissue
Implementation Method 2
transmits light through a patient's tissue and that photoelectrically detects the absorption and/or scattering of the transmitted light in such tissue
Implementation Method 3
transmits light through a patient's tissue and that photoelectrically detects the absorption and/or scattering of the transmitted light in such tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a flexible sensor configured to be placed into a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the sensor is configured to measure a physiological characteristic. The sensor may include a first memory device configured to store a first set of calibration data and a second memory device configured to store a second set of calibration data. The system may further include a monitor coupled to the sensor, wherein the first memory device is accessible by the monitor in the first configuration and the second memory device is accessible by the monitor in the second configuration.