Optical Vital Sign Sensing Mode Switching for Reliable Measurements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical vital signs sensing devices face challenges in ensuring reliable measurements due to variations in reliability between transmission and reflection modes, which are dependent on user skill and experience, leading to potential inaccuracies in vital signs data.

Innovation Solution

A method and processor-controlled system that activates the transmission mode based on motion and signal quality criteria, ensuring reliable measurements by activating the transmission mode only when certain conditions are met, such as low movement and adequate reflection mode signal quality, allowing for dual-mode operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If transmission mode is used for vital signs measurement, then measurement detail and reliability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic mode switching between transmission and reflection modes based on real-time signal quality assessment. The system automatically transitions from reflection mode to transmission mode when signal quality criteria are met, allowing the device to adapt its measurement approach to current conditions rather than being fixed in one mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by switching between different measurement modes (transmission vs reflection) based on signal quality parameters. This allows the device to optimize measurement reliability by selecting the appropriate mode according to real-time conditions, effectively using parameter changes to resolve the contradiction between reliability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If manual control options are provided for mode selection, then user flexibility is improved, but measurement reliability depends on user skill and experience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser flexibilityVSAvoidmeasurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-assessment of signal quality and automatically determines when to switch modes without requiring user intervention. The device monitors its own measurement conditions and makes intelligent decisions about mode switching, eliminating dependence on user skill while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors signal quality parameters and uses this feedback to automatically adjust measurement mode. This closed-loop control ensures that mode selection is based on objective measurement criteria rather than subjective user judgment, improving reliability while preserving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If transmission mode is activated without condition checking, then measurement capability is improved, but measurement accuracy decreases due to motion sensitivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary assessment of signal quality and motion conditions before activating transmission mode. By checking criteria in advance and only transitioning when conditions are favorable, the system ensures that transmission mode measurements are taken under optimal conditions, maintaining both capability and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 the likelihood of obtaining reliable vital signs measurements by ensuring the transmission mode is activated only when conditions are favorable, thereby reducing inaccuracies and ensuring continuity of reliable data capture.

Implementation Method 1

a transmission mode in which light from the optical emitter assembly is transmitted through the body part to reach the optical detector assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

a reflection mode in which light from the optical emitter assembly is emitted into and reflected from the body part to the optical detector assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4702918A1Method and system for controlling an optical vital signs sensing device
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP4702918A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4702918A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4702918A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Provided is a method (100) for controlling an optical vital sign sensing device (10). The method includes activating (106) a transmission mode of the optical vital signs sensing device (10) if movement of the optical vital sign sensing device (10) satisfies a movement criterion and/or if a reflection mode signal quality, e.g. signal strength, of the optical vital sign sensing device (10) satisfies a reflection mode minimum quality criterion. Further provided is a processor (28) for controlling the optical vital signs sensing device (10) and an optical vital signs sensing device (10) comprising the processor (28).