Optical Connector Port Detection for Legacy ECG Cable Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient monitoring devices cannot automatically detect legacy ECG lead sets without embedded processors, requiring manual user input to recognize their connection, which impedes workflow and is cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A connector detection system using an optical sensor with a transmitter and receiver to determine the presence of a connector within a connector port, activating or deactivating frontend circuitry based on the detection, ensuring seamless integration of both smart and legacy cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual user input is used to recognize cable connection, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor performs preliminary detection of cable presence before the system needs to process data. The transmitter emits light and the receiver detects reflected light to determine if a connector is inserted, so that the system is ready to activate frontend circuitry immediately when a cable is connected, without requiring manual user input.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses self-service detection where the optical sensor automatically detects cable insertion and triggers circuitry activation without external user intervention. The processor autonomously monitors the optical sensor output and activates or deactivates frontend circuitry based on detection results, making the system self-recognizing.
2Extent of automation
If optical sensor is added to detect connector presence, then extent of automation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor system serves multiple functions: detecting cable presence, determining connector insertion status, and triggering circuitry activation. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating detection and control tasks into a single integrated system rather than requiring separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor acts as an intermediary between the physical cable connection and the electronic system response. Instead of direct electrical contact detection, the system uses light transmission and reflection as an intermediate detection mechanism, which provides reliable automatic detection without electrical interference.
3Productivity
If automatic detection system is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of cable presence and connector insertion status before data processing begins. The optical sensor continuously monitors the connector interface, so that when a cable is connected, the frontend circuitry can be immediately activated without waiting for manual user input, thereby improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor provides continuous feedback to the processor about connector presence. The processor monitors the optical sensor output and uses this feedback to automatically activate or deactivate frontend circuitry, creating a closed-loop system that responds automatically to connection changes, improving operational efficiency.
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
Enables automatic detection and activation of frontend circuitry for connected cables, enhancing workflow efficiency by allowing both smart and legacy cables to be recognized and processed automatically, reducing user intervention and improving data transfer accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter configured to transmit a light beam across the interior volume
Implementation Method 2
a receiver configured to monitor for a reflected light beam corresponding to the transmitted light beam
Data Source
AI summary
A connector detection system includes a connector interface including a connector port having an interior volume configured receive a connector of a cable; and an optical sensor. The optical sensor includes a transmitter configured to transmit a light beam across the interior volume; a receiver configured to monitor for a reflected light beam corresponding to the transmitted light beam; and processing circuitry configured to determine whether the connector is inserted into the interior volume based on a monitoring for the reflected light beam.