IMD Power Saving Communication via Packet Size Prediction

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Solution Overview

Problem

RF-based communication in implantable medical devices (IMDs) consumes more power, leading to reduced battery longevity due to the need for frequent radio equipment power-downs during communication sessions, which can prolong the overall communication time and increase energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a power down processor in the communication unit that selectively activates and deactivates the IMD's radio equipment based on data packet sizes to predict when the IMD has data to transmit, thereby minimizing unnecessary power-down periods and optimizing communication session duration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If RF telemetry is used for communication between IMD and non-implantable communication unit, then communication bit rate and range are improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication bit rateVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic power-down of the radio equipment during communication sessions. The system alternates between active communication periods and power-saving idle periods, allowing the IMD radio to be turned off during intervals when data transmission is not occurring, thus reducing overall power consumption while maintaining RF telemetry capabilities when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Use of energy by moving object

If power save algorithm turns off radio equipment periodically, then power consumption is reduced, but communication session duration is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcommunication session duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent sends notifications to the IMD in advance before the radio equipment is powered down. These notifications allow the IMD to prepare and transmit any pending data before the power-down occurs, ensuring that communication is not interrupted and reducing the need to extend the communication session to accommodate data transmission after power-down events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the communication unit and IMD exchange information about communication status, data buffering states, and power-down timing. This feedback allows both parties to coordinate their actions, optimizing the timing of power-down events to minimize communication session extension while ensuring data integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Duration of action of stationary object

If radio equipment is powered down during communication session, then battery longevity is improved, but data transmission may be interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery longevityVSAvoiddata transmission continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The communication unit sends notifications to the IMD in advance of scheduled power-down events. The IMD uses these notifications to prioritize and transmit time-critical data before the radio equipment is powered down, ensuring that important information is delivered without interruption while still achieving power savings during the communication session.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary notification mechanism that mediates between the power-saving requirements and data transmission needs. The communication unit acts as an intermediary by coordinating power-down events with the IMD's data transmission schedule, buffering data appropriately, and resynchronizing communication after power-down events to maintain reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 reduces the total energy consumption during communication sessions, extends the battery life of IMDs, and ensures faster data delivery without interruptions, while being compatible with existing IMDs without modifications.

Implementation Method 1

RF based telemetry or communication

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio frequency (RF) telemetry: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8700173B2Implantable medical device power saving communication

Publication Date: 2014.04.15 ST JUDE MEDICAL AB

AI summary

A non-implantable communication unit (100) conducts wireless communication with an implantable medical device, IMD, (200). The communication unit (100) comprises a request processor (120) for generating power down requests destined to the IMD (200) and triggering temporary power down of the IMD radio equipment (220). When the communication unit (100) receives a data packet from the IMD (200) or a connected programmer (300) it determines the size of the data packet. A timer processor (140) sets a timer (152, 154) to a value defined based on the determined size. A processor controller (160) selectively controls the operation of request processor (120) to generate or stop generating the power down requests based on a current value of the timer (152, 154). Power down of the IMD radio equipment (220) is thereby prevented if it is likely that the IMD (200) comprises data to transmit to the communication unit (100) as predicted based on data packet sizes.