Universal Pulse Oximeter Sensor Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pulse oximeters lack standardization, leading to compatibility issues between sensors and devices from different manufacturers, and are often ineffective in monitoring patients with poor peripheral circulation or during motion, making it difficult to upgrade monitoring capabilities and maintain continuous patient monitoring during transport between settings.
Innovation Solution
A universal/upgrading pulse oximeter system that includes a sensor, a first pulse oximeter, and a waveform generator, capable of computing oxygen saturation and pulse rate measurements, and functioning as a universal interface to match incompatible sensors with other pulse oximeter instruments, while also providing a portable solution that integrates with multiparameter patient monitoring systems and can operate in various orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pulse oximeter uses manufacturer-specific sensor interfaces, then device performance can be optimized, but compatibility with sensors from other manufacturers is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse oximeter incorporates a universal sensor interface that can accept and process signals from sensors of different manufacturers and types. The system includes multiple signal processing paths that can adapt to various sensor characteristics, allowing a single device to function reliably with diverse sensor inputs without requiring manufacturer-specific configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a pulse oximeter is designed as a standalone device, then it provides complete monitoring functionality, but it cannot be easily integrated with existing multiparameter monitoring systems
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse oximeter includes an intermediary interface module that acts as a bridge between the standalone oximeter functionality and external multiparameter monitoring systems. This module handles signal translation, data formatting, and communication protocols, allowing seamless integration with existing hospital monitoring infrastructure while preserving the complete monitoring capabilities of the standalone device.
3Speed
If calibration data is stored in fixed memory locations, then access speed is improved, but updating calibration data for different sensor types becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration data storage system transitions from static fixed memory locations to a dynamic structure that can be configured at runtime. The system includes a calibration data manager that loads appropriate calibration profiles into high-speed cache memory based on the detected sensor type, maintaining fast access speeds while enabling flexible updates and adaptation to different sensor characteristics without requiring physical memory reconfiguration.
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 continuous patient monitoring across different settings, enhances compatibility with various pulse oximeter systems, and improves performance in conditions of low tissue perfusion and motion artifact, allowing for seamless integration with existing multiparameter displays and record-keeping systems.
Implementation Method 1
The pulse oximeter determines oxygen saturation (SpO2) by computing the differential absorption by arterial blood of the two wavelengths emitted by the sensor
Implementation Method 2
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Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes a portable physiological monitor including a first local display and configured to communicate with a second physiological monitor including a second display.