Tamper-Evident Identification Bands for Oxygen Saturation Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for ambulatory sleep apnea testing are vulnerable to fraud, as the oxygen saturation monitoring devices can be tampered with or switched between individuals, especially during unsupervised portable tests, leading to inaccurate results and potential safety risks, particularly for individuals in critical occupations.
Innovation Solution
A method involving identification bands with unique serial numbers, securely attached to the patient's body using a bridging band and sensor signal cable, which evidences tampering upon removal, ensuring the sensor remains affixed and the test results are reliable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the oxygen saturation monitoring device is made portable and unsupervised for ambulatory testing, then the ease of operation and patient comfort are improved, but the reliability of test results deteriorates due to fraud and tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-securing the sensor to the patient's body using identification bands with unique serial numbers before the test begins. The bands are configured to evidence tampering upon removal, and the system records the patient's biometric data (fingerprint, photograph, signature) and matches it against the serial numbers on the bands. This preliminary securing and identification process prevents fraud during unsupervised ambulatory testing while maintaining portability and patient comfort.
2Reliability
If the sensor is securely attached to prevent tampering, then the reliability of test results is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional securing mechanisms and identification systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the securing system into separate identification bands with unique serial numbers that can be individually attached to different body parts (fingerprint, photograph, signature areas). Each band is independent but collectively they form a comprehensive anti-tampering system. This segmentation allows the reliability to be improved through multiple security points while managing complexity by using simple, modular band components rather than a single complex securing mechanism.
3Reliability
If tamper evidence mechanisms are implemented, then the reliability is improved by detecting fraud, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to additional setup and monitoring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the identification bands to automatically evidence tampering upon removal without requiring active monitoring or additional components. The bands are configured to show visible signs of tampering, and the system automatically records and matches biometric data with serial numbers. This eliminates the need for continuous supervision or complex monitoring procedures, maintaining ease of operation while improving reliability through automatic fraud detection.
Data Source
AI summary
A method that includes configuring a first and a second identification band with unique serial numbers, each of said bands being connected to a signal cable attached to a sensor is provided. The first identification band is securely fixed to a first location on the patient and the second identification band is securely fixed to a second location on the patient. The first and second identification bands are connected with a bridging band. The signal cable is connected to a diagnostic test monitoring system and the patient's oxygen saturation is monitored. The first and second identification bands are configured to evidence tampering when removed.