System and method for transient response and accuracy enhancement for sensors with known transfer characteristics

• US 5,865,168 A
• Filed: 03/14/1997
• Issued: 02/02/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 03/14/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Isaza, Fernando J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lewis, Aaron J.
• Application Number:
  US08/818,174
• Time in Patent Office: 690 Days
• Field of Search: 128/200.24, 128/204.21, 128/204.23, 128/205.23
• US Class Current: 128/200.24
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/024 including calculation means, e.g. using a processor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2016/0039 in the inspiratory circuit
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 1/6965 comprising means to store calibration data for flow signal calculation or correction
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 25/10 of flowmeters

Abstract

A parameter of interest being measured by a sensor is estimated from output response data from the sensor and the known transfer function of the sensor, allowing fast and accurate sensor data from sensors having a dynamic characteristic otherwise precluding assessment of the sensor input. A parameter of breathing gas from a ventilator is determined based upon the known transfer function and a plurality of the sensor output signals at predetermined intervals of time, to provide an estimation of the parameter of interest.

Claims

1. A system for determining a parameter of interest within a patient ventilation system, the system comprising:

a sensor exhibiting a transient performance, said sensor having a known transfer function and generating sensor output signals indicative of a parameter of interest;

computing means connected to said sensor for receiving a plurality of said sensor output signals at predetermined intervals of time, for processing said plurality of output signals, and for determining an estimate of said parameter of interest based upon said sensor input signals and said known transfer function; and

means for outputting an indication of said parameter of interest.

2. A method for determining a parameter of interest within a patient ventilation system, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a sensor exhibiting a transient performance, said sensor having a known transfer function;

generating sensor output signals from said sensor indicative of a parameter of interest;

determining an estimation of said parameter of interest based upon said known transfer function and a plurality of said sensor output signals at predetermined intervals of time; and

outputting an indication of said estimation of said parameter of interest.

3. In a system for determining a parameter of interest in a patient ventilation system, said patient ventilation system having a source of breathing gas and a ventilation flow path for delivering said breathing gas, comprising:

a sensor for generating sensor output signals indicative of a parameter of interest of said breathing gas in said ventilation flow path, said sensor exhibiting a transient performance, and said sensor having a known transfer function;

computing means connected to said sensor for receiving said sensor output signals at predetermined intervals of time, for processing a plurality of said sensor output signals, and for determining an estimate of said parameter of said breathing gas in said ventilation flow path based upon said sensor output signals and said known transfer function; and

means for outputting an indication of said estimate of said parameter of said breathing gas in said ventilation flow path.

4. A method for determining a parameter of interest in a patient ventilation system, the steps of the method comprising:

providing a ventilator having a source of breathing gas and a ventilation flow path for delivering said breathing gas;

providing a sensor exhibiting a transient performance, said sensor having a known transfer function and generating sensor output signals indicative of a parameter of the breathing gas in the ventilation flow path;

determining an estimation of said parameter of said breathing gas in said ventilation flow path based upon said sensor output signals and said known transfer function; and

outputting an indication of said estimation of said parameter of said breathing gas in said ventilation flow path.