Ruggedized Algorithm Testing Module for Vital Sign Monitors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing decision-support algorithms in vital-sign monitors are proprietary and difficult to modify or test, relying on retrospective analysis, which limits their refinement and adaptation by end-users and manufacturers.

Innovation Solution

A system with a storage module, communications module, analysis controller, and test module that receives and processes vital-sign data in real-time, allowing for the execution of decision-support algorithms, determining data quality, and providing outputs, while being compact and ruggedized for field use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If decision-support algorithms are incorporated into vital-sign monitors as proprietary components, then the algorithms can be executed in real-time, but the algorithms become difficult to modify or test by end-users and manufacturers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time algorithm executionVSAvoidalgorithm modification and testing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the algorithm execution environment into a portable unit with storage containing multiple algorithms and a separate vital-sign monitor. The portable unit can be removed and replaced, allowing algorithm testing and modification without affecting the monitor hardware. This segmentation enables independent development and testing of algorithms while maintaining real-time execution capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses portable units that can be copied or replaced to test different algorithms. Instead of modifying proprietary algorithms embedded in the monitor, the system allows insertion of different algorithm versions in the portable unit, enabling easy testing and refinement without altering the original monitor hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If decision-support algorithms are tested using retrospective analysis of previously gathered data, then the algorithms can be evaluated, but the analysis process is time-consuming and does not provide real-time refinement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealgorithm testing capabilityVSAvoidalgorithm development and testing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by storing multiple decision-support algorithms in the portable unit before clinical use. Algorithms can be pre-tested and refined in advance, allowing rapid deployment and real-time execution without time-consuming retrospective analysis during critical periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The portable unit enables continuous algorithm testing and refinement during clinical practice. Multiple algorithms can be sequentially tested and deployed without interrupting vital-sign monitoring, maintaining continuous useful action while improving algorithm reliability through ongoing evaluation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a portable unit with storage and multiple algorithms is used, then algorithm refinement and adaptation are facilitated, but the device becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealgorithm refinement capabilityVSAvoidportable unit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The portable unit is designed as a universal interface that can work with different vital-sign monitors and execute multiple algorithms. This multi-functional design consolidates complexity into a single removable unit rather than distributing it across multiple components, actually reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9697468B2Collection and analysis of vital signs

Publication Date: 2017.07.04 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA THE AS REPRESENTED BY THE SEC OF THE ARMY

AI summary

A system is disclosed having a storage, a communications module for interacting with a medical measurement device, an analysis controller, and a test module that allows for the testing and evaluating of decision-support algorithms. A method for testing decision-support algorithms is disclosed having the steps of receiving into storage of a ruggedized, compact computer at least one decision-support algorithm; detecting with a communications module the initiation of a vital-sign monitoring session; receiving and storing vital-sign information into storage by the communications module; pushing the stored vital-sign information by an analysis controller to a test module running the stored at least one decision-support algorithm; and providing at least one output from the decision-support algorithm to at least one of a database and a display.