IMD Advertising Algorithm Adjusts Transmission Intervals

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing implantable medical device (IMD) systems face challenges in efficiently reestablishing communication sessions with external devices, particularly in scenarios where long inactivity periods lead to increased power consumption and delayed data transmission.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an advertising algorithm in the IMD that adjusts the interval of advertising data packet transmission. Upon terminating a communication session, the algorithm increases the transmission rate for a set duration to facilitate quicker reconnection, then reduces the rate to conserve power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the IMD transmits advertising data packets at a high rate continuously, then the reconnection speed is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereconnection speedVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the advertising data transmission rate variable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts the transmission interval based on operational context: using shorter intervals (faster transmission) when reconnection is needed, and longer intervals (slower transmission) when power conservation is prioritized. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize between speed and energy consumption based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the transmission parameter (advertising data interval) based on the communication state. By monitoring whether a communication session is active or terminated, the system adjusts the advertising interval parameter accordingly - using shorter intervals after session termination to enable faster reconnection, and longer intervals during normal operation to conserve power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by stationary object

If the IMD uses a fixed advertising interval, then the power consumption is reduced, but the reconnection timeliness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidreconnection delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static fixed interval approach to a dynamic adaptive interval approach. The advertising data transmission interval is adjusted based on the communication session state, allowing the system to maintain low power consumption during normal operation while enabling fast reconnection when needed by shortening the interval after session termination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares for potential reconnection by adjusting the advertising interval in advance based on predicted needs. When a communication session terminates, the system proactively shortens the advertising interval before a reconnection request is made, ensuring that the external device can quickly detect and reestablish connection without experiencing excessive delay.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the advertising data transmission interval is shortened, then the reconnection efficiency is improved, but the energy waste increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereconnection efficiencyVSAvoidenergy waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the advertising transmission parameter based on operational context. By switching to shorter intervals only when necessary (after communication session termination) and using longer intervals during normal operation, the system improves reconnection efficiency when needed while avoiding energy waste during periods when fast reconnection is not required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4192575B1Adjustment of advertising interval in communications between an implantable medical device and an external device
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 BOSTON SCI NEUROMODULATION CORP
  • EP4192575B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4192575B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4192575B1 patent drawingFigure 4A

AI summary

An advertising algorithm is disclosed which operates in an Implantable Medical Device (IMD) to adjust an interval at which the IMD will transmit advertising data packets to an external device able to connect with the IMD. When a communication session between the IMD and an external device is terminated, the advertising algorithm will issue advertising data packets at a higher rate for a set duration. This will allow the external device to connect more quickly with the IMD in a next communication session. After the set duration, when it may be assumed that the external device is less likely to connect with the IMD, the algorithm reduces that rate at which advertising data packets are issued, which saves power in the IMD.