Patient-worn wireless physiological sensor with pairing functionality
Inventors
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12302426-B2
Publication Date
2025-05-13
Expiration Date
2038-01-18
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Abstract
Systems and methods described herein use pairing to associate a wireless sensor with a patient monitoring device such as a bedside patient monitor or a mobile device. A signal emitted by a patient monitoring device can be detected by a wireless sensor. The wireless sensor can be associated with the detected signal and pair the wireless sensor with the patient monitoring device. The wireless sensor can be configured to enter into a patient parameter sensing mode of operation after the association of the wireless sensor with the patient monitoring device.
Core Innovation
The invention provides systems and methods for electronically pairing a non-invasive wireless physiological sensor, such as a wearable patient sensor, with a wireless communication device (e.g., bedside patient monitor or mobile device) through the use of pairing signals. The core process involves the wireless sensor entering a pairing mode—activated, for example, by a button—and detecting a signal, which may be visual, optical, light-based, or audio-based, emitted by the patient monitoring device. Association occurs when the sensor detects the signal, thereby pairing the two devices for subsequent communication.
The invention addresses the difficulties encountered in busy clinical settings where traditional wired sensors hinder patient movement and wireless sensors present pairing and configuration challenges, especially for non-technical staff. The disclosed pairing mechanism avoids reliance on conventional wireless communication protocols such as Bluetooth or WiFi and does not require extra components or antennas. Instead, the sensor utilizes existing detector hardware (e.g., optical detectors, microphones, motion detectors) to detect the pairing signal, simplifying the connection process and minimizing user error.
Upon successful detection and association, a confirmation signal is transmitted from the sensor, and both devices enter an operational communication mode for patient parameter sensing. The system accommodates various sensor types—such as magnetometers, temperature sensors, and acoustic or optical sensors—and supports different modalities for pairing, including matching motion patterns, audio tones, and visual patterns displayed on screens, thereby ensuring versatility across device types and usage environments.
Claims Coverage
There are three independent claims in the patent that set forth the primary inventive features related to pairing wearable physiological sensors with wireless communication devices.
Pairing using motion-based instructions and motion detectors
A system comprising a non-invasive wireless physiological sensor embedded in a wearable, which includes a motion detector configured to detect the position and orientation of the sensor. The system features a wireless communication device and one or more hardware processors that: - Generate a motion instruction (such as direction or movement steps). - Detect a pairing signal from the sensor based on a movement that matches the motion instruction. - Associate the sensor with the device using the pairing signal, enabling operational communication. - Transmit a confirmation signal from the sensor indicating completion of association.
Method for pairing using motion detection and pairing mode
A method involving electronically pairing a non-invasive wireless physiological sensor with a wireless communication device by: - Receiving an indication for the sensor to enter a pairing mode. - Detecting a pairing signal from the wireless communication device via a motion detector in the wearable, which is able to detect position or orientation. - Associating the sensor and the communication device based on the detected pairing signal. - Starting operational communication between the two devices.
Audio-based pairing using microphone and speaker
A system comprising a wireless communication device with a speaker and a non-invasive wireless physiological sensor with a microphone. Hardware processors are configured to: - Generate an audio-based pairing signal using the speaker. - Detect the pairing signal in the sensor's microphone. - Associate the sensor with the device by this audio-based signal. - Send a confirmation signal from the sensor after association. - Begin operational communication between the sensor and the wireless communication device.
In summary, the inventive features focus on non-invasive wireless physiological sensors paired to wireless devices through specific device interactions, such as motion-based signals and audio-based signals, without requiring additional hardware or standard wireless protocols.
Stated Advantages
The system does not require a separate antenna or additional components for pairing, simplifying the devices and setup.
Pairing can be achieved without using wireless communication protocols such as Bluetooth, WiFi, or Zigbee, increasing compatibility and security.
The methods can be implemented without installation of additional hardware components, making it easier to use with familiar devices.
Limited-range pairing signals help prevent unintended association with other nearby devices, reducing pairing errors in crowded environments.
The inventive pairing processes can utilize existing sensors and modalities (optical, motion, audio), promoting versatile implementation across device types.
Documented Applications
Pairing patient-worn wireless physiological sensors with bedside patient monitors in clinical settings for monitoring patient parameters such as position, orientation, heart rate, respiration, moisture, and blood oxygen.
Pairing sensors with mobile devices (e.g., phones, tablets) for collecting and transmitting physiological data.
Pairing with a range of consumer and medical devices including headphones, watches, speakers, computer mice, keyboards, wearable devices, audio headsets, VR/AR headsets, vehicle consoles, and infotainment systems.
Pairing wireless communication devices for exchanging data such as audio, video, location, driving directions, and fare calculations between devices like infotainment systems and wireless headsets.
Using motion-based or audio-based pairing in environments such as hospitals, nursing homes, commercial facilities, public transport, and vehicles to facilitate operational connectivity without technical barriers.
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