Measurement site and photodetector size considerations in optimizing power consumption of a wearable reflectance pulse oximeter

Site selection and power consumption play a crucial role in optimizing the design of a wearable pulse oximeter for long-term telemedicine application. In this study we investigated the potential power saving in the design of a reflectance pulse oximeter taking into consideration measurement site and sensor configuration. In-vivo experiments suggest that battery longevity could be extended considerably by employing a wide annularly shaped photodetector ring configuration and performing SpO/sub 2/ measurements from the forehead region.