Physiological Monitor Parameter Upgrade via Sensor Port Tools
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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 small update tool to custom-configure processor boards in physiological monitors, allowing for individual parameter additions and firmware updates, with the ability to interface with various computer platforms for flexible programming and data management, enabling seamless upgrades and configuration at production, integration, and end-user facilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple part numbers are assigned for each physiological parameter combination, then manufacturing and inventory management become complex, but the system cannot efficiently support multiple parameter configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The processor board is designed with universal capability to measure multiple physiological parameters (SpO2, pulse rate, HbCO, HbMet, etc.) through a single part number. The board includes multiple wavelength sensors and firmware that can be configured to enable different parameter combinations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized processor boards for different parameter sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses firmware configuration to change the operational parameters of the processor board. By loading different firmware versions or configuring firmware settings, the same hardware board can be adapted to measure different physiological parameters, allowing flexible parameter combinations without hardware changes or multiple part numbers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If in-field firmware updates are implemented, then system adaptability improves, but update complexity and potential errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares firmware updates in advance with proper validation and verification mechanisms. Before implementing firmware updates in the field, the update process is pre-configured with checksum verification, rollback capabilities, and compatibility checks to prevent errors and ensure successful updates without increasing operational complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If processor boards are configured at production facilities, then initial setup is efficient, but future upgrades require returning to manufacturer
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary device (such as a portable configuration tool or external computer interface) that enables field configuration and firmware updates without requiring return to the manufacturer. This intermediary tool communicates with the processor board through standard interfaces, allowing end-users to perform upgrades at their facilities while maintaining configuration efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wavelength sensors are used to measure additional parameters, then measurement capability increases, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The processor board incorporates multiple wavelength sensors that can measure various physiological parameters (SpO2, HbCO, HbMet, pulse rate) using a single integrated design. The same sensor array and processing hardware are used regardless of which specific parameters are being measured, achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures different physiological parameters by changing the operational parameters of the existing sensor and processing system. Different wavelengths of light are activated, and different algorithms are applied to the same hardware platform, allowing expanded measurement capability without adding physical complexity proportional to the number of parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A physiological monitor has a sensor port configured to attach and communicate with a sensor. A processor board is in communications with the sensor port and has a board digital signal processor (DSP). Firmware residing on the processor board is executable by the board DSP so as to calculate physiological parameters in response to a sensor signal received from the sensor. Upgrade tools are individually attachable to the sensor port in lieu of the sensor so as to designate to the processor board which of the physiological parameters, if any, to calculate when the sensor is attached to the sensor port.