Handheld Parameter Upgrade Tool for Patient Monitor Processor Boards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Physiological monitoring systems face challenges in efficiently configuring and upgrading processor boards to measure various physiological parameters without requiring multiple part numbers and in-field firmware updates, limiting flexibility and adaptability to changing user requirements.
Innovation Solution
A parameter upgrade system that uses a handheld tool to custom-configure processor boards within physiological monitoring systems, allowing for the addition of new parameters and firmware updates, which can be performed at production, integration, or end-user facilities, and interfaces with various computer platforms for flexible programming and data management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple processor boards with different part numbers are used to measure various physiological parameters, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and inventory management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The processor board is designed with universal capability to measure multiple physiological parameters (SpO2, PR, pH, temperature, glucose, lactate, ketones) through a single part number. The board incorporates multiple wavelength sensors and firmware that can be configured to support different parameter combinations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized boards with different part numbers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses firmware parameter configuration to enable different measurement capabilities on the same hardware platform. By changing firmware parameters and enabling different sensor wavelength combinations through software configuration, the processor board can adapt to measure various physiological parameters without physical hardware changes or different part numbers.
2Productivity
If processor boards are configured at manufacturing, then production efficiency is improved, but flexibility for custom configurations and future upgrades is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The processor board is pre-configured with default parameters and basic functionality at manufacturing to ensure immediate operational capability. However, the board includes built-in upgrade mechanisms and unlocked parameter settings that allow subsequent configuration changes at integration facilities or end-user locations through firmware updates and parameter modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static factory configuration to dynamic multi-stage configuration. The processor board starts with default settings for efficient production, then allows configuration changes at integration facilities for custom requirements, and finally enables future upgrades at end-user locations. This dynamic configuration approach maintains productivity while providing necessary flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If in-field firmware updates are performed, then adaptability to changing requirements is improved, but system reliability and operational stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A dedicated upgrade tool serves as an intermediary between the processor board and the firmware update process. This specialized tool handles all firmware modifications and parameter changes, providing a controlled and verified update mechanism that maintains system reliability while enabling adaptability. The upgrade tool validates firmware integrity and ensures proper configuration before applying changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that verify firmware update success and monitor operational stability after changes. The upgrade process includes validation steps that confirm proper installation, and the system provides feedback to ensure parameters are correctly applied. This feedback loop ensures that in-field updates maintain reliability while achieving the desired adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a handheld upgrade tool comprising nonvolatile memory (320), an information element (330), an I/O port connector (340), a sensor port connector (350) individually attachable to a sensor port (210) of a patient monitor in lieu of a sensor (30), the sensor port electrically connected to a processor board (200) comprising a plurality of firmware instructions executable by the processor board to calculate a plurality of physiological parameters in response to a sensor signal received from the sensor a tool digital signal processor (DSP) (310) configured to authenticate the processor board, wherein to authenticate the processor board the tool DSP is configured to verify that a valid processor board is connected to the sensor port by performing a successful encrypted handshake with the processor board, wherein an encrypted handshake is successful if the upgrade tool recognizes the processor board and the processor board recognizes the upgrade tool, and determine that a board type of the processor board matches an upgrade tool type of the handheld upgrade tool, and based on authentication of the processor board, make an additional parameter available for output by the patient monitor, wherein making the additional parameter available for output by the patient monitor enables the processor board to calculate at least one additional physiological parameter in response to the sensor signal received from the sensor.