MULTIPLE MEASUREMENT MODE IN A PHYSIOLOGICAL SENSOR

• US 20130041591A1
• Filed: 07/13/2012
• Published: 02/14/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 07/13/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Masimo Corporation
• Original Assignee: Cercacor Laboratories
• Inventors: Lamego, Marcelo
• Granted Patent: US 11,439,329 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 702/19
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14532 for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1455 using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14551 for measuring blood gases
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6826 Finger
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6838 Clamps or clips
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7221 Determining signal validity, reliability or quality A61B5/7207 and A61B5/7217 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/63 for local operation

Abstract

In a physiological sensor that estimates a true parameter value by providing a predicted parameter value, multiple measurements are taken to increase the accuracy of the predicted parameter value. The sensor can be reapplied between measurements to decrease the probability of an erroneous prediction caused by sensor misplacement. Some measurements can be discarded before calculating a predicted parameter value. The physiological sensor can have a plurality of modes, with one of the modes corresponding to multiple measurement process.

Claims

1. A method of providing in a physiological sensor a predicted parameter value, the method comprising:

obtaining a first set of measured input values from a physiological sensor;

obtaining one or more additional sets of measured input values from the physiological sensor, wherein obtaining each of said one or more additional sets of measured input values comprises

reapplying the physiological sensor, and

obtaining a set of measured input values;

calculating a predicted parameter value for each of the first and additional sets of measured input values;

discarding one or more of the calculated predicted parameter values;

determining, from the remaining predicted parameter values, a final predicted parameter value;

providing an indication of the final predicted parameter value to a user.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the discarded one or more predicted parameter values are selected based on the mean of the calculated predicted parameter values.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the discarded one or more predicted parameter values are selected based on the median of the calculated predicted parameter values.

4. A method of providing in a physiological sensor a predicted parameter value, the method comprising:

applying a physiological sensor configured to obtain one or more measured input values;

obtaining a first measured input value;

reapplying the physiological sensor;

obtaining an additional measured input value;

determining a final predicted parameter value; and

providing an indication of the final predicted parameter value to a user.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising calculating a predicted parameter value for each of the measured input values.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising discarding one or more of the calculated predicted parameter values.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein determining the final predicted parameter value is accomplished by averaging the calculated predicted parameter values.

8. The method of claim 5, further comprising:

determining a median predicted parameter value and a next closest predicted parameter value of the calculated predicted parameter values; and

wherein determining the final predicted parameter value is accomplished by averaging the median predicted parameter value with the next closest predicted parameter value.

9. The method of claim 5, wherein determining the final predicted parameter value is accomplished by selecting from among the calculated predicted parameter values a single predicted parameter value that best characterizes the distribution of the calculated parameter values.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein selecting the single predicted parameter value is accomplished by an outlier detection algorithm.

11. A system for determining a predicted parameter value comprising:

a physiological sensor configured to be applied to a measurement site by a user; and

a processor comprising;

an input component configured to receive at least one measured input value from the physiological sensor;

a calculation component configured to calculate a predicted parameter value, and

an output component configured to provide an indication to the user to remove and replace the physiological sensor at least one time.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the indication comprises a sound.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the indication comprises a light.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein the indication comprises a visual prompt in a touch screen user interface.

15. The system of claim 11, wherein the user can indicate that the sensor has been replaced by pressing a button.

16. The system of claim 11, further comprising a touch screen interface, wherein the user can indicate that the sensor has been replaced by interacting with the touch screen.

17. The system of claim 11, wherein the processor provides the indication to the user to remove and replace the sensor three times.