Implantable Device Motion Threshold Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical systems rely on fixed motion thresholds set during device development, which may not accurately reflect individual patient parameters, leading to reduced precision and accuracy in health condition detection.
Innovation Solution
An implantable medical device equipped with an accelerometer and processing circuitry that obtains motion signals during a calibration period, determines personalized motion thresholds based on directed patient activities, and stores relevant data during a collection period when the threshold is satisfied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed motion thresholds are set during device development based on bench testing and pre-clinical studies, then device manufacturing is simplified and consistent, but measurement precision and accuracy for individual patients deteriorate due to sample size constraints, device/sensor variability, and patient/use variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration during a dedicated calibration period before the collection period. The processing circuitry obtains motion signals during this preliminary phase when the patient performs directed activities, determines patient-specific motion thresholds, and then uses these thresholds for subsequent data collection. This preliminary calibration action resolves the contradiction by establishing accurate patient-specific parameters before actual measurement begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by transitioning from fixed manufacturer-set thresholds to dynamic patient-specific thresholds. The processing circuitry determines motion thresholds based on actual patient motion signals during calibration, thereby changing the threshold parameter from a static factory setting to a dynamic patient-adapted value. This resolves the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If patient-specific motion thresholds are determined through calibration periods with directed activities, then measurement precision and accuracy improve, but device complexity and calibration time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the implantable medical device to automatically perform its own calibration without requiring external equipment or complex external systems. The processing circuitry within the device obtains motion signals from the accelerometer, determines motion thresholds, and stores calibration data all autonomously. This self-calibration capability improves measurement precision while avoiding the complexity of external calibration systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the motion signals obtained during calibration to determine motion thresholds that are then applied during the collection period. The system continuously monitors motion signals and compares them against the determined thresholds to identify when to store patient data. This feedback mechanism automates the calibration process and reduces manual complexity.
3Ease of operation
If motion thresholds are fixed values set by manufacturer, then device operation is simple and consistent, but adaptability to individual patient conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming static fixed thresholds into dynamic patient-adapted thresholds. The processing circuitry determines motion thresholds based on actual patient motion characteristics during calibration, and these thresholds dynamically adjust to each patient's specific conditions. This dynamic approach maintains ease of operation through automated determination while achieving adaptability to individual patients.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by performing patient-specific calibration before data collection begins. During this preliminary phase, the device learns the patient's motion patterns and establishes personalized thresholds. This preliminary adaptation maintains simple operation during the actual collection period while achieving patient-specific adaptability.
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 enhances the accuracy and reliability of health condition detection by using patient-specific thresholds, reducing noise and improving consistency in device operation.
Implementation Method 1
an accelerometer configured to sense motion of a patient
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an implantable medical device and processing circuitry. The implantable medical device includes an accelerometer and sensing circuitry. The processing circuitry obtains, during a calibration period, a first motion signal from the accelerometer. The processing circuitry determines a motion threshold based on the first motion signal. The motion threshold relates to an amount of motion of the patient that is significant for treatment of the health condition of the patient. The processing circuitry obtains, during a collection period, a second motion signal from the accelerometer. Responsive to the second motion signal satisfying the motion threshold, the processing circuitry stores data related to the treatment of the health condition of the patient.