Oximetry Sensor Synchronization to Reduce Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current oximetry measurement technologies are inadequate in providing satisfactory results due to inefficiencies in analyzing optical properties of tissue, leading to unsatisfactory data analysis and interference between sensors.

Innovation Solution

An oximetry system comprising sensors coupled to a module that coordinates and synchronizes optical signal excitation and detection, with a processor generating data and storing calibration information, and a remote device for displaying and storing oximetry values, utilizing wired or wireless communication to minimize noise and interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are used for oximetry measurement, then measurement coverage and data quality improve, but interference between sensors increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoximetry data accuracyVSAvoidsensor interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by sequentially activating sensors in time-synchronized intervals rather than continuous operation. The system controller activates each sensor in sequence, with each sensor operating during its designated time window, thereby eliminating simultaneous operation interference while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage across multiple sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action through pre-cooling sensors before actual measurement begins. The system includes a cooling mechanism that operates beforehand to reduce sensor temperature and minimize thermal effects on measurements. This preliminary cooling action ensures that thermal interference is reduced before data collection starts, improving measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Speed

If sensors continuously measure optical properties of tissue, then real-time data is obtained, but noise and interference increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata acquisition speedVSAvoidmeasurement noise
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic measurement cycles where sensors are activated in sequential time windows rather than continuously. Each sensor operates during its assigned time interval, allowing the system to achieve real-time monitoring capability while minimizing noise through time-division multiplexing. The periodic activation pattern reduces thermal drift and environmental interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary that coordinates sensor activation and data collection timing. This intermediary component manages the time-synchronized operation of multiple sensors, optimizing the measurement schedule to minimize interference while maintaining real-time data acquisition. The controller acts as a mediator between the sensors and the measurement process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If optical signals are transmitted through tissue for oximetry, then tissue parameter measurement is achieved, but signal interference and noise occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetissue parameter accuracyVSAvoidoptical signal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic pulsed optical signals transmitted through tissue at time-synchronized intervals rather than continuous illumination. This periodic transmission allows the detector to sample signals during specific time windows corresponding to each sensor's activation, reducing optical interference and improving signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary cooling to reduce thermal effects on optical signals before measurement begins. By pre-cooling the sensor and detection system, thermal noise and drift are minimized beforehand, ensuring more stable and accurate optical signal transmission through tissue without thermal interference.

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

The system provides accurate and synchronized oximetry data by coordinating sensor operations and communication, reducing interference and enabling reliable tissue parameter measurement, thus improving the accuracy of oximetry readings.

Implementation Method 1

optical detection of one or more tissue parameters

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection: Absorption Spectroscopy

Implementation Method 2

emitter and detector configured for optical detection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentUS9717447B2Oximetry with remote display
Publication Date: 2017.08.01 NONIN MEDICAL INC
  • US9717447B2 patent drawing
  • US9717447B2 patent drawing
  • US9717447B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device includes a first sensor coupler that is configured to receive a first input signal from a first sensor. The first input signal corresponds to a first physiological parameter and is based on optical excitation of a tissue. The device includes a processor coupled to the first sensor coupler. The processor is configured to generate an output signal based on the first input signal. The first physiological parameter is encoded in the output signal. The output signal differs from the first input signal. The device includes an output coupler configured to communicate the output signal to a remote device.