Multi-site physiological parameter measurement using combined sensor data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional physiological monitors, such as pulse oximeters, are limited to measuring physiological information at a single patient site, lacking the ability to combine raw or minimally processed sensor data from multiple sites to generate a single measurement of a physiological parameter.
Innovation Solution
The development of noninvasive methods and devices that process data input from optical sensors located at multiple measurement sites to generate a single measurement of a physiological parameter, utilizing multiple photodetectors in a spatial configuration to improve measurement robustness and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used at multiple measurement sites, then measurement robustness and accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor data streams from different measurement sites into a single integrated measurement. The processor merges the raw or minimally processed sensor data from multiple sites, allowing the system to leverage information from all sites while presenting a unified output, thereby improving accuracy without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to process data from multiple measurement sites using a universal processing algorithm that can handle inputs from any number of sites. This multi-functional approach allows the same hardware configuration to adapt to different measurement scenarios, improving robustness without requiring separate processing paths for each site
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are used at multiple measurement sites, then measurement robustness is improved, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs minimally processed sensor data combination, where data from multiple sites is combined in a straightforward manner without excessive preprocessing. This partial processing approach maintains robustness benefits while avoiding the complexity of extensive individual site processing, achieving a balance between reliability and processing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses identical or substantially similar processing algorithms for each measurement site, creating a standardized data processing template that can be applied uniformly across all sites. This copying approach simplifies the overall processing complexity by repeating a proven, simple algorithm rather than designing complex site-specific processing paths
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 allows for the generation of more accurate and robust measurements of physiological parameters by combining data from multiple sites, reducing errors and noise associated with single-site measurements, and providing topology information for correct sensor positioning.
Implementation Method 1
One or more photo detection devices detect the light after attenuation by tissue and fluids of the portion of the body
Implementation Method 2
One or more photo detection devices detect the light after attenuation by tissue and fluids of the portion of the body, and output one or more detector signals responsive to the detected attenuated light
Data Source
AI summary
A patient monitor can noninvasively measure a physiological parameter using sensor data from different measurement sites on a patient. The patient monitor can combine all sensor data from different measurement sites into a raw or minimally processed data form to generate a single, robust measurement of the physiological parameter. An optical sensor of a patient monitor can include multiple photodetectors each configured to generate a signal when detecting light attenuated by the patient's tissue. A measurement of a physiological parameter can be determined based on at least in part on the multiple signals from the multiple photodetectors.