Wireless Patient Sensor Loss Detection via Reveal Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless patient monitoring systems face challenges in detecting and preventing the loss of wireless sensors, which can lead to cable clutter, interference, and delayed detection of sensor detachment, often requiring additional infrastructure and complex tracking systems.
Innovation Solution
A patient sensor system that includes a sensor transceiver to transmit data and initiate loss prevention indicators upon communication failure, using existing wireless communications infrastructure to detect and locate lost sensors through reveal signals and output devices for caregiver assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If wireless sensors are made small and lightweight to enhance patient ambulation, then patient mobility is improved, but the sensors become prone to loss and detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous communication between the wireless sensor and patient monitor to detect when the sensor becomes detached or lost. When communication is interrupted, the system automatically triggers a reveal signal to locate the sensor, providing real-time feedback on sensor status and enabling immediate recovery actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor incorporates visual indicators (such as LEDs or light-emitting components) that change color or illuminate to indicate the sensor's status and location. When the sensor is lost or detached, these visual indicators activate to help caregivers quickly locate the small, lightweight device among patient belongings.
2Reliability
If conventional tracking systems are implemented to locate lost sensors, then sensor recovery capability is improved, but system complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patient monitor serves multiple functions: it acts as both the primary patient monitoring device and the sensor tracking system. The same communication infrastructure used for patient data transmission is also used to detect sensor loss and trigger location reveal signals, eliminating the need for separate tracking infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The lost sensor autonomously responds to reveal signals by activating its visual indicators to indicate its location. The sensor itself participates in the tracking process by detecting when it receives the reveal signal and automatically providing location information, rather than requiring external tracking infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If wireless sensors are used to eliminate cables and improve patient mobility, then ease of movement is improved, but visual cues for connection status are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous communication feedback between the sensor and monitor to detect connection status. When the sensor detaches or moves out of range, the communication interruption is immediately detected, and the system triggers a reveal signal to locate the sensor, replacing the visual cable cues with electronic status monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
Visual indicators on both the sensor and monitor provide color-coded status information. Different colors indicate different connection states (connected, disconnected, lost), providing clear visual feedback to caregivers about sensor status without requiring physical cable inspection.
4Use of energy by moving object
If sensors remain inactive after loss to conserve energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but detection and retrieval time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively detects sensor loss through continuous communication monitoring and immediately triggers the reveal signal before the sensor is completely powered down. This preliminary detection and activation sequence ensures the sensor is still responsive and can provide location information while minimizing energy consumption during the inactive state.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous communication feedback mechanism detects when the sensor becomes lost and automatically triggers the reveal signal, creating a responsive system that balances energy conservation with quick retrieval. The sensor only consumes significant energy when actively transmitting location information in response to the reveal signal, not during normal low-power operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for managing patient monitoring devices are disclosed. Patient information is transmitted from a patient sensor operatively coupled to a patient to a patient monitor. The patient sensor and the patient monitor are communicatively coupled over a communications network available in a designated monitoring area. Further, loss of the patient sensor from the designated monitoring area is detected by one or more of the patient sensor, the patient monitor and a user. One or more loss prevention indicators are initiated at the patient sensor upon detecting the loss of the patient sensor. Additionally, the loss prevention indicators are communicated to indicate location of the lost patient sensor.