Transmit Power Level Determination for Implantable Transceivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for communication apparatuses and methods that maintain quality communication between implantable medical devices and external devices in the face of changing operational conditions, such as changes in relative positions or environmental factors affecting the communication link between implantable and external transceivers.
Innovation Solution
The method involves periodically adjusting the transmit power level of signals between communication interfaces by determining a range of power levels, with the first communication interface adjusting the power until specific reception errors occur, allowing for the selection of a preferred power level to maintain a stable communication link.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the transmit power level is increased to maintain communication quality when the wand moves to a position that reduces the inductive communication link quality, then the communication reliability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmit power level is dynamically adjusted based on the detected communication link quality. The system transitions from a static power level to a dynamic one that adapts to changing conditions, increasing power when the wand moves to suboptimal positions and decreasing it when communication quality is good, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the communication link quality is continuously monitored and used to adjust the transmit power level. The quality indicator serves as feedback that triggers power level changes, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes both communication reliability and energy efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If the transmit power level is frequently adjusted to adapt to changing environmental conditions and relative positions, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the transmit power level parameter in response to detected changes in communication link quality. By modifying this single critical parameter based on simple quality thresholds, the system achieves high adaptability to changing conditions without implementing complex adjustment mechanisms, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity
3Device complexity
If a fixed transmit power level is used to simplify the communication system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the communication quality deteriorates when environmental conditions change
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting changes in link quality and modifying its own transmit power level without external intervention. This self-service capability allows the system to maintain high communication quality while keeping the power control mechanism simple, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and communication quality
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 a consistent and reliable communication link by dynamically adjusting the transmit power level in response to changes in position or environmental conditions, preventing errors and maintaining effective data transmission between implantable and external medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
inductive coupling between two closely-placed coils using the mutual inductance between these coils
Implementation Method 2
radio frequency (RF) telemetry, which involves the transmission and reception of RF signals through antennas
Data Source
AI summary
The power level at which signals are transmitted from an external communication interface to an implanted communication interface through a communications link is periodically adjusted. A range of power levels bounded by a minimum transmit power level and a maximum transmit power level is determined. A preferred transmit power level is selected from within the range of power levels, and is used by the external communication interface to transmit signals to the implanted communication interface. Each of the minimum transmit power level and the maximum transmit power level is determined by intentionally causing a reception error to occur at the implanted communication interface, and then making further power level adjustments until a final minimum transmit power level and final maximum transmit power level are obtained.