Multi-Wavelength Pulse Oximeter Sensor with Dynamic Wavelength Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pulse oximeters are cumbersome due to the extensive variety of sensors and cables required for different measurement modes, leading to user-friendliness issues and reduced accuracy from potential incompatibility and signal-to-noise ratio problems.
Innovation Solution
A multiwavelength pulse oximeter system with a sensor unit, monitoring unit, and interface unit that employs a memory for emitter activation information to dynamically select and control a desired combination of wavelengths, using an emitter switching unit to optimize time division multiplexing and improve signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors and cables are provided for different measurement modes, then measurement versatility is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit is designed with multiple emitter elements that can emit radiation at different wavelengths, allowing a single sensor to perform multiple measurement functions (e.g., SpO2, carboxyhemoglobin, methemoglobin, total hemoglobin) without requiring separate sensors for each mode. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for extensive sensor and cable inventories while maintaining measurement versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and activates specific emitter elements based on the required measurement mode. The monitoring unit controls which wavelengths are emitted by activating only the necessary emitter elements, allowing flexible adaptation to different measurement requirements without physically changing sensors or cables. This dynamic configuration simplifies the system while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors and cables are provided for different measurement modes, then measurement versatility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal sensor unit with multiple emitter elements replaces the need for multiple specialized sensors and cables. Users no longer need to select and connect different sensor-cable combinations based on measurement mode, significantly simplifying operation while maintaining the ability to perform various measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring unit automatically selects and configures the appropriate emitter elements based on the desired measurement mode, eliminating the need for users to manually configure sensor connections or settings. The system self-adjusts the wavelength combination based on stored emitter activation information, making operation intuitive and simple.
3Device complexity
If fixed internal operation is used for measurement modes, then device simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to reduced signal-to-noise ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts which emitter elements are activated based on the specific measurement mode and available wavelengths. This dynamic selection allows optimization of the signal-to-noise ratio for each measurement type by choosing the most appropriate wavelength combination, while the monitoring unit maintains simple operation through automated control based on stored activation information.
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
Enhances user-friendliness and measurement accuracy by allowing flexible selection of wavelengths, improving signal-to-noise ratio, and dynamically adjusting wavelength combinations based on blood parameters, thus addressing compatibility and accuracy issues.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor normally comprises two or more emitter elements, each emitting radiation at a specific wavelength
Implementation Method 2
a broad spectral band photodetector common to all emitter elements
Implementation Method 3
the detector unit is further configured to produce electric measurement signals indicative of absorption caused by blood of the subject
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring apparatus, a physiological sensor, and an interface unit for determining blood parameters of a subject are disclosed. The sensor comprises an emitter unit comprising a first plurality of emitter elements configured to emit radiation at a second plurality of wavelengths and a detector unit configured to receive radiation generated by the emitter elements and transmitted through the tissue of the subject, wherein the detector unit is further configured to produce electric measurement signals indicative of absorption caused by the blood of the subject. The sensor or the interface unit is provided with a memory that stores emitter activation information for at least a third plurality of wavelengths, thereby to enable a monitoring unit operably connectable to the physiological sensor to employ a combination of wavelengths selected from the third plurality of wavelengths, wherein the third plurality is equal to or smaller than the second plurality.