PULSE OXIMETER
This will explain my process of completing the tasked assignment: the creation of a pulse oximeter to accurately and precisely test the oxygen levels of a patient. Through the steps of problem identification with multiple designs to solve these problems, and then a final decision of a design with scientific, economical, and logical reasoning, results were given based on critical findings. These findings include but are not limited to, the coding behind the product that will accomplish the functions it requires, material analysis of product that follows safety regulations, and design choice for the most convenient product. These findings would lead to the most effective version of a pulse oximeter that is simple, convenient, and beneficial for medical staff use and patient use. In the evaluation of results, I discuss how my pulse oximeter meets plenty of objectives and proves that a hospital can find it to accurately measure the oxygen levels of a patient to effectively triage them and reduce parking lot congestion.
​
This begins with an identification of objectives that must be met to make the efficient pulse oximeter desired. This is seen in the table below.
Functions must then be established along with multiple methods of accomplishing these functions. This is seen in the table below.
Evaluation of Results:
With all the decisions made in the process of creating this pulse oximeter, I concluded that this product meets most of the objectives I thought were most important to making a proper pulse oximeter. This is a simple product that is easy to operate. It is reusable and lightweight so that it can be carried around for portable use. Cross contamination is avoided if the user uses the disposable wipes as suggested. Oxygen levels are displayed in the form of a decimal that can be made into a percentage. As seen in the serial monitor, the device is precise with displaying my oxygen levels, and it is within +/-.5% of our true value, meaning that our device is accurate as well. As this is a prototype version of a pulse oximeter, I used a USB cable to power on my device as opposed to battery and button, but for future work, a button and battery will be required. A USB cable becomes very inconvenient at times, so it is much more ideal for a user to power their device with an internal source of energy, and that data should be transmittable via Wi-Fi. This deepened study of a pulse oximeter has served to elucidate the type of coding that an Arduino can support, and it also explains all the components of a pulse oximeter for the purpose of finding an economical price point. To make it at an economical price, this product is not made of expensive material, but rather sustainable materials such as cardboard and plastic. With this type of material, the product should not exceed the price point of roughly $20.
The flow charts below show the attendant-user interaction and the device functionality, respectively.
