Enhanced Physiological Sensor Monitoring System
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved system for monitoring the life of a physiological sensor, providing real-time sensor life information, self-testing, and calibration adjustments to ensure accurate measurements and extend sensor lifespan.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent for monitoring the life of a physiological sensor has limitations in accurately tracking sensor usage and detecting degradation. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing an integrated timer, self-test feature, and calibration adjustments to provide a more reliable and efficient sensor monitoring system.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced system comprises a reusable noninvasive physiological sensor with an integrated timer to track usage time. The sensor is connected to a monitor that receives and displays sensor life information. The system also includes a self-test feature to detect sensor degradation and alert the user to replace the sensor. Furthermore, the system calibrates the sensor based on usage time and sensor performance data, ensuring accurate measurements. The inventive concept provides real-time sensor life information, enabling healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about sensor replacement.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce an integrated timer, self-test feature, and calibration adjustments, which are not present in the original patent. These novel features provide a more reliable and efficient sensor monitoring system, enabling accurate measurements and extending sensor lifespan.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include a wireless sensor that transmits usage data to a remote monitor or a cloud-based platform for data analysis and sensor life tracking. Variations of the self-test feature could include automatic sensor calibration or sensor replacement alerts based on usage patterns.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced physiological sensor monitoring system has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in critical care and surgical applications where accurate oxygen monitoring is crucial. The system could be marketed to hospitals, clinics, and medical device manufacturers, offering a reliable and efficient solution for physiological sensor monitoring.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical sensor technology, specifically pulse oximetry and physiological monitoring systems, requiring expertise in biomedical engineering, electronic sensor design, and medical instrumentation
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with 3-5 years of experience in medical sensor design, familiar with electronic sensor monitoring, signal processing, and medical device reliability standards
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that extending the source patent's sensor use tracking with integrated timer, self-test, and calibration features represents a predictable enhancement to existing sensor monitoring technology. The proposed variations solve known limitations in sensor lifecycle management through straightforward technical modifications that would be apparent to someone skilled in medical sensor design. These incremental improvements represent logical extensions of the existing sensor monitoring concept disclosed in the source patent.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,319 |
|---|---|
| Title | System and method for monitoring the life of a physiological sensor |
| Assignee(s) | MASIMO CORPORATION |