Sensor Assembly Location Identification via Skin Spectrum Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inaccurate measurements of physiological characteristics, such as blood oxygen saturation and tissue hydration, occur due to improper placement of sensors, as different body locations require specific calibration and emitter-detector spacing, which is not optimized in existing sensors.
Innovation Solution
A method and sensor assembly that determine the location of the sensor by emitting light and detecting it, using spectral analysis to determine skin thickness, color, and other parameters, allowing for patient-specific calibration coefficients to be selected for accurate measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a transmission-type sensor is used on the forehead instead of a finger, then the sensor can be placed on an alternative body site, but the emitter-detector spacing is not optimized for reflectance-type pulse oximetry resulting in inaccurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the emitter-detector spacing parameter based on the detected sensor location. When a transmission-type sensor is detected on the forehead, the system adjusts the spacing to be optimized for reflectance-type operation, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy across different body sites and sensor configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the emitter-detector spacing based on real-time detection of sensor location and type. This dynamic adaptation allows the same sensor to function optimally whether placed on the finger or forehead, resolving the contradiction between placement flexibility and measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If different body locations require specific calibration and emitter-detector spacing, then measurement accuracy can be optimized for each location, but the device complexity increases due to multiple calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects the sensor location and type, then self-adjusts the appropriate calibration coefficients and emitter-detector spacing without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach maintains high measurement precision across different body sites while minimizing the complexity burden on the user
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of sensor location and type before taking physiological measurements. Based on this preliminary information, the appropriate calibration parameters and spacing settings are pre-configured, ensuring optimized accuracy for each location without requiring complex manual calibration procedures
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
This approach ensures accurate and specific calibration of sensors based on location and patient-specific parameters, improving the accuracy of physiological measurements by optimizing emitter-detector spacing and selecting appropriate calibration coefficients.
Implementation Method 1
emitting light into a patient's tissue with at least one emitter disposed on a sensor body
Implementation Method 2
photo-electrically detects the absorption and/or scattering of the transmitted or reflected light in such tissue
Implementation Method 3
the light passed through the tissue is typically selected to be of one or more wavelengths that may be absorbed and/or scattered by one or more constituents of the blood or tissue in an amount correlative to the amount of the constituents present
Implementation Method 4
the light passed through the tissue is typically selected to be of one or more wavelengths that may be absorbed and/or scattered by one or more constituents of the blood or tissue
Implementation Method 5
using spectral analysis to determine skin thickness, color, and other parameters, allowing for patient-specific calibration coefficients to be selected
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for determining the location of the sensor. The method comprises determining a physiological parameter based on detected light and determining the location of the sensor based on the physiological parameter. In addition, a method is provided for operating a sensor that includes calibrating a sensor based on a patient-specific physiological parameter, in which the patient-specific physiological parameter is skin color, age, gender, pooled blood, venous blood pulsation, or abnormal tissue.