Network Pulse Oximeter Tracking System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual tracking of medical device usage, particularly for patients who frequently move between hospital premises and use different devices, is tedious and inefficient, necessitating automated solutions for effective healthcare management.

Innovation Solution

A network-based system for tracking medical device usage, specifically a pulse oximeter, where patient information and device identification data are uploaded to a network server, allowing for automated association and monitoring of device data, including vital signs, through a patient monitoring device connected to the oximeter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If manual tracking of medical device usage is performed, then flexibility in device assignment is maintained, but time consumption and labor intensity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime consumption for trackingVSAvoidmanual tracking process

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The pulse oximeter automatically performs self-identification by transmitting its unique identifier to the monitoring device, eliminating the need for manual data entry. The system autonomously captures device information, patient information, and vital sign data, and automatically transmits everything to the server for storage and tracking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of tracking and recording device usage is replaced with an automated electronic system. The pulse oximeter, patient monitoring device, and server communicate through automated data transmission, substituting human operators with electronic automation to reduce time consumption and labor intensity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If disposable mobile medical devices are assigned to single patients, then automated tracking is improved, but device availability and flexibility decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated trackingVSAvoiddevice assignment flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains adaptability by allowing pulse oximeters to be dynamically assigned to different patients based on clinical needs. The automated tracking system records which device is assigned to which patient, enabling flexible reassignment while maintaining accurate tracking. The system can handle both single-patient and multi-patient scenarios, making it universally applicable to various healthcare settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device assignment is dynamic rather than static. The system allows pulse oximeters to be reassigned to different patients as needed, with the automated tracking system automatically updating records. This dynamic approach maintains flexibility and adaptability while enabling automated tracking, resolving the contradiction between automation and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If patient information is manually input into medical devices, then data accuracy can be verified, but the process becomes tedious especially for frequently moving patients

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata input processVSAvoiddata input time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system eliminates manual data input by implementing self-service automation. The pulse oximeter automatically transmits its identifier, the monitoring device automatically captures patient information, and the server automatically stores all data. This automated workflow dramatically improves ease of operation while reducing the time required for data input, especially for patients who move between different locations and devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If automated network tracking is implemented, then efficiency and data accessibility improve, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking efficiencyVSAvoidnetwork system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the pulse oximeter for data collection, the patient monitoring device for data reception and preliminary processing, and the server for centralized storage and management. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, improving overall productivity while managing system complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11361864B2Tracking usage of a pulse oximeter via a network system

Publication Date: 2022.06.14 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

A method for tracking usage of a pulse oximeter via a network system comprising: uploading a patient information with corresponding pulse oximeter identification data to a network server; connecting the pulse oximeter to a patient monitoring device; acquiring the connected pulse oximeter identification data and status data via the patient monitoring device; acquiring and storing pulse oximeter data using the connected pulse oximeter; transmitting the acquired pulse oximeter data, the acquired pulse oximeter identification data, and the acquired status data to the network server; matching the transmitted pulse oximeter identification data with the uploaded pulse oximeter identification data stored in the network server; and associating the transmitted pulse oximeter data to the patient information.