Medical Device Channel Selection Using Adjacent Power Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing channel assessment methods for implantable medical devices (IMDs) in wireless communication, such as those using the MICS or MEDS frequency bands, often select channels based solely on ambient power levels, which can lead to interference and desensitization due to large RF power usage in adjacent channels, especially in environments with multiple communicating devices.
Innovation Solution
A channel selection module assesses channels by measuring ambient power levels on both the channel of interest and adjacent channels, computing channel assessment values that account for desensitization, allowing for better selection of channels for communication, potentially including channels outside the primary frequency band, to minimize interference and ensure optimal telemetry performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If channel selection is based solely on ambient power levels on the channel being assessed, then the selection process is simple and fast, but interference and desensitization occur due to large RF power usage in adjacent channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends channel assessment from a single-dimension approach (only the channel being assessed) to a multi-dimensional approach by incorporating measurements from adjacent channels. The channel assessment value is computed as a function of ambient power on the channel of interest plus ambient power on at least one other channel, typically adjacent channels. This dimensional expansion prevents desensitization while maintaining a relatively streamlined selection process.
2Loss of time
If channel assessment considers only the channel being assessed, then the assessment is quick and computationally simple, but it fails to account for desensitization from adjacent channel RF power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurements of ambient power on multiple channels (including adjacent channels) before final channel selection. By gathering this additional measurement data in advance and incorporating it into the channel assessment value computation, the system avoids desensitization issues without requiring extensive real-time processing during the selection moment.
3Use of energy by moving object
If ambient power is measured only on the channel of interest, then measurement resources are conserved, but interference from adjacent channels is not detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the channel assessment process into distinct measurement and computation stages. It measures ambient power on the channel of interest and separately measures ambient power on adjacent channels. These segmented measurements are then combined in the channel assessment value computation, allowing the system to detect interference from adjacent channels while maintaining organized and efficient resource usage.
Data Source
AI summary
Channel assessment and selection for wireless communication is made between two or more medical devices, such as between an implantable medical device (IMD) and a non-implanted medical device, between two IMDs, or between two non-implanted medical devices. A telemetry module of a medical device operating in accordance with the techniques of this disclosure obtains measured ambient power levels on a plurality of channels of a frequency band regulation, such as the ten channels of the MICS band regulation. The telemetry module computes channel assessment values for at least a portion of the plurality of channels based on the measured ambient power levels on at least one other channel of the plurality of channels and selects a channel to transmit on based on the channel assessment values.