Pulse Oximeter Testing Device Using Optical Signal Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a simple and cost-effective testing device to accurately verify the performance of pulse oximeters, as existing methods are complex and may not adequately detect malfunctions in these devices, leading to potential errors in measuring physiological parameters like blood oxygen saturation and pulse rate.
Innovation Solution
A testing device with a modulating unit that receives and modulates electromagnetic signals to simulate physiological values, allowing for comparison with target values to verify the accuracy of pulse oximeters, using components like liquid crystal panels and digital mirror devices to adjust light absorption and reflection for precise measurement simulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing testing methods are used to verify pulse oximeter performance, then comprehensive verification can be achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified optical model that copies the essential light absorption and scattering characteristics of human tissue. Instead of using complex biological samples or sophisticated phantom materials, the invention uses a simplified structure with light source, modulating layer, and detecting layer that replicates the key optical properties needed for pulse oximeter verification, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining verification reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical model as an intermediary between the pulse oximeter and the verification system. This optical model acts as a mediator that translates complex physiological measurement requirements into simplified optical signal verification, allowing the pulse oximeter to be tested through controlled light absorption and scattering measurements rather than requiring complex physiological test subjects or environments
2Device complexity
If simplified testing devices are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by systematically varying the optical properties of the modulating and detecting layers within the optical model. By adjusting absorption coefficients, scattering coefficients, and layer thicknesses, the simplified device can simulate different physiological conditions (such as varying blood oxygen saturation levels) and maintain measurement precision across multiple test scenarios without increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions within the optical model with specific optical properties. The modulating layer and detecting layer are designed with localized characteristics that mimic specific tissue properties at different depths and locations, allowing the simplified device to accurately represent the heterogeneous optical environment of real tissue while maintaining overall structural simplicity
3Measurement precision
If multiple signal modulating layers are used to simulate physiological conditions, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical model into distinct functional layers (light source layer, modulating layer, detecting layer) with specific roles. Each layer is designed to perform a particular function in the measurement process, allowing for independent optimization and simplification of each component while achieving accurate blood oxygen saturation measurement through their coordinated interaction
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 device effectively verifies the performance of pulse oximeters by simulating real physiological conditions, ensuring accurate measurement of blood oxygen saturation and pulse rate, thereby identifying and potentially correcting malfunctions, and can be used for other non-invasive physiological information detecting devices.
Implementation Method 1
measuring absorbance of light beams with different kinds of pre-determined wavelength after the light beams travel through or are reflected by a pre-determined part of the person's body
Implementation Method 2
light sensors are used to detect the light beams reflected from the incident skin
Data Source
AI summary
A testing device and method thereof verifies performance of a non-invasive physiological information detecting device. The testing device incorporates a first layer to modulate one or more electromagnetic signals, e.g., light, emitted from the non-invasive physiological information detecting device in a first predetermined manner and a second layer to process the electromagnetic signal from the first layer such that the modulated signal received at the physiological information detecting device simulates a change in the electromagnetic signal during a real detecting process. In one embodiment, the second layer modulates one or more electromagnetic signals from the first layer in a second predetermined manner, wherein at least one of the first and second layers modulates one kind of the electromagnetic signals. In another embodiment, the first layer scatters different kinds of electromagnetic signals with different scattering ratios, and the second layer absorbs the electromagnetic signals passing through the first layer.