Phase-Specific Parameter Determination for Circadian Physiological Variables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining circadian variation in physiological variables, such as heart rate, are affected by individual deviations in rhythm and rely on fixed time boundaries or patient-defined protocols, which are unreliable and impose on patients, failing to quantify circadian variation effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that calculate phase-specific parameters of physiological variables without prior knowledge of phase boundaries, using a function g(x|τ) to determine temporal means of predecessor values, allowing for the identification of diurnal and nocturnal phases and their lengths, and adaptation of implant functions based on these parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed time boundaries are used to define day and night phases, then the measurement process is simple, but the results are negatively affected by individual/temporary deviations of the rhythm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing fixed time boundaries with dynamic, adaptive phase detection. The system continuously monitors physiological parameters and automatically identifies phase transitions based on observed rhythm patterns, allowing the measurement system to adapt to individual temporal variations while maintaining measurement simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where measured physiological data is continuously fed back into the phase detection algorithm. This allows the system to adjust phase boundaries in real-time based on observed rhythm deviations, improving reliability without complicating the measurement process
2Adaptability or versatility
If patient-defined protocols are used to define diurnal and nocturnal periods, then the system can adapt to individual rhythms, but the protocols are unreliable and pose an imposition on the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by automatically detecting and defining phases without requiring patient input or protocol adherence. The algorithm independently analyzes physiological data to identify phase boundaries, eliminating the need for patients to define their own rhythms while maintaining adaptability to individual patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of patient-defined protocols with an automated computational system. Instead of relying on patient-reported data or manual protocol adherence, the system uses algorithmic analysis of physiological signals to automatically determine phases, improving both reliability and adaptability
3Loss of time
If short measuring times are used for determining day and night means, then the measurement process is rapid, but the results are more susceptible to interferences from temporary rhythm deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by continuously accumulating and pre-processing physiological data before final phase-specific parameter calculation. This allows the system to build a robust dataset in advance that can withstand temporary deviations, enabling rapid final measurements without sacrificing accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to methods and systems for determining phase-specific parameters of a physiological variable, and a related computer program and a related machine-readable storage medium, which are usable in particular to determine parameters of physiological variables that are subject to circadian variation. To this end, phase-specific parameters of a physiological variable X(t) are determined by calculating, at least for a portion of values x lying in a specifiable time period, a mean g(x|τ) in each case of values X(t+τ) for which X(t)=x applies for their predecessors, τ describing a time interval, and determining the phase-specific parameters by evaluating the mean g(x|τ).