Vital-Sign Sensor Probe Detection for Adaptive Light Brightness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vital-sign sensors struggle to quickly and accurately determine the appropriate brightness for light emission based on the type of probe used, leading to inconsistent and inefficient vital sign measurements.
Innovation Solution
A vital-sign sensor that includes a detection circuit and controller to identify the type of probe connected, generating a control signal to drive the probe with the appropriate brightness for accurate vital sign measurement, such as blood oxygen concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the light source is driven to emit light at high brightness to quickly sense blood oxygen concentration, then the sensing speed is improved, but the power consumption increases and may cause misoperation with external devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the brightness parameter of the light source based on the detected probe type. The controller adjusts the driving current to the light source, emitting higher brightness for disposable probes (faster sensing) and lower brightness for reusable probes (power saving), thereby resolving the contradiction between sensing speed and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the detection circuit detects the probe type by measuring voltage division ratios, and the controller uses this feedback information to appropriately adjust the light source brightness. This closed-loop control ensures optimal power consumption while maintaining fast sensing capability.
2Measurement precision
If the light source emits light at appropriate brightness for different probe types, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases due to probe type detection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-service approach where the probe itself provides identification information through its electrical characteristics (voltage division ratio). The detection circuit automatically detects the probe type without requiring external intervention or complex identification mechanisms, achieving accurate measurement while minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection circuit serves multiple functions: it detects probe type, determines voltage division ratios, and provides feedback to the controller for brightness adjustment. By making the detection circuit multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated circuits, thereby improving measurement accuracy while controlling device complexity.
3Speed
If the light source continuously emits light to ensure ready sensing capability, then the response time is reduced, but the power consumption increases when no probe is connected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having the light source emit light in controlled intervals rather than continuously. The controller activates the light source only when a probe is detected and maintains it during measurement, then deactivates it when no probe is present, reducing energy waste while ensuring rapid response when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the light source emission state changeable based on operational conditions. The system dynamically adjusts between active emission (when probe is connected) and inactive state (when no probe), optimizing the balance between response time and energy conservation.
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 quick and accurate calculation of vital signs by adjusting light emission brightness based on probe type, reducing power consumption when not in use with a probe, and preventing misoperation with external devices.
Implementation Method 1
The detection circuit generates a detection signal according to a detection voltage at the input node
Implementation Method 2
The sensing of blood oxygen concentration is accomplished by detecting the light absorption of blood under the skin using a light source and a light sensor in a probe
Data Source
AI summary
A vital-sign sensor is provided. The vital-sign sensor includes an output/input port, a driving/conversion circuit, a detection circuit, and a controller. The output/input port includes a detection pin. The driving/conversion circuit is coupled to the output/input port and controlled by a control signal. The detection circuit includes an input node coupled to the detection pin. The detection circuit generates a detection signal according to a detection voltage at the input node. In response to the output/input port connecting a sensing probe, the detection voltage has a first voltage value, and the controller detects a type of the sensing probe according to the detection signal corresponding to the first voltage value. The controller generates the control signal according to the determined type. The driving/conversion circuit generates a driving signal according to the control signal to drive the sensing probe.