Abstract:
A photoplethysmographic system and method is provided to identify compatible sensors to monitors and/or for determining sensor attributes. The improved system includes a signal generation means for providing an interrogation signal, an identifying means coupled between a first and second sensor terminal operable to produce multiple outputs upon application of the interrogation signal in two modes of operation, and a processor to interpret the outputs. When the interrogation signal is applied to a sensor terminal in a first mode, a first output is obtained. Upon applying the same interrogation signal to the sensor terminal in a second mode, a second output is obtained. The first and second outputs may then be utilized by the processor comprising, for example, a photoplethysmographic monitor to yield enhanced sensor information. The disclosed method may be carried out utilizing the inventive photoplethysmographic system.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates to the field of photoplethysmography and, more specifically, to an improved system and method for determining sensor attributes. The invention is particularly apt for use in pulse oximetry applications to identify compatible sensors and/or otherwise to provide for the transfer of calibration and of other information between sensors and other system components.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    In the field of photoplethysmography light signals corresponding with two or more different centered wavelengths may be employed to non-invasively determine various blood analyte concentrations. For example, blood oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ) levels of a patient&#39;s arterial blood may be monitored in pulse oximeters systems by measuring the absorption of red and infrared light signals. The measured absorption data allows for the determination of the relative concentration of reduced hemoglobin and oxyhemoglobin and, therefore, SpO 2  levels, since reduced hemoglobin absorbs more light than oxyhemoglobin in the red band and oxyhemoglobin absorbs more light than reduced hemoglobin in the infrared band, and since the absorption relationships of the two analytes in the red and infrared bands are known. See e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,934,277 and 5,842,979.  
           [0003]    Pulse oximeters systems typically comprise a disposable or reusable sensor that is releasably attached to a given patient&#39;s appendage (e.g., finger, ear lobe or the nasal septum) for a given patient monitoring procedure and include at least one red light source and one infrared light source. The light sources are focused though a patient&#39;s tissue and the unabsorbed light that passes through is measured to determine blood analyte concentrations.  
           [0004]    As may be appreciated, in order to accurately compute blood analyte concentrations utilizing a given sensor, it is important that information regarding the sensor be known; for example, the center wavelengths of the light sources employed. A number of approaches have been developed for identifying sensor attributes to pulse oximeter monitors. By way of primary example, many sensors contain an electrical component having a characteristic(s) that may be measured by a pulse oximeter monitor when the sensor is interconnected thereto. Once the characteristic(s) is known, the monitor may determine what center wavelengths correspond with the sensor light sources, for example, by using a stored look-up table or correlation function. In turn, an appropriate calibration value can be utilized in determining blood analyte concentrations. Generally, the information in a stored look-up table or utilized to formulate a correlation function is based on data that corresponds with sensors originating from a known source. Such sources tend to approved by the monitor manufacturers and provide sensors and corresponding data that has been determined and verified through actual clinical use such that the sensors may be used with a high level of confidence. Increasingly, however, sensors are being offered for use with pulse oximeter monitors from additional sources which may, for example, utilize the same or similar identifying means as sensors from known sources while not necessarily utilizing light sources that have center wavelengths as the sensors from the known sources, thereby presenting potential difficulties in assuring accurate performance of the monitor/sensor combinations.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0005]    In light of the foregoing, a primary objective of the present invention is to provide a further improved approach for obtaining photoplethysmographic sensor information.  
           [0006]    A related objective of the present invention is to provide for increased photoplethysmographic sensor information in a manner that does not increase sensor complexity.  
           [0007]    Yet a further objective of the present invention is to provide for the communication of photoplethysmographic sensor information in a manner that facilitates enhanced reliability.  
           [0008]    One or more of the above objectives and additional advantages are indeed realized by the present invention, wherein the disclosed photoplethysmographic system and method provides for the obtainment of at least one data value from a photoplethysmographic sensor in a two-mode process. In one aspect a photoplethysmographic system is provided that comprises: a signal generation means, a sensor identifying means and a processing means. More particularly, the signal generation means is able to provide at least one interrogation signal in two distinct modes of operation to the sensor identifying means. The sensor identifying means is operable to receive at least a first interrogation signal in two distinct modes of operation, wherein the interrogation signal is initially applied with a first polarity and then applied with an opposite polarity. The sensor identifying means is further operable to produce at least one output value for each mode of operation. The outputs produced by the sensor identifying means in response to the application of the two-mode interrogation signal may then be used by the processing means to determine sensor data.  
           [0009]    By way of example, such sensor data may serve to identify a given sensor to a pulse oximetry monitor, wherein the monitor is enabled/disabled or otherwise calibrated for operation with the interconnected sensor. As will be appreciated, in conventional applications of the invention the signal generation means and processing means may be located at a pulse oximeter monitor, while the sensor identifying means may be located at a given cable interconnected thereto.  
           [0010]    The signal generation means may further comprise a means for establishing the first and second modes of operation, wherein the interrogation signal may be applied in two distinct modes to a terminal of the sensor identifying means. For example, in the first mode, the establishing means may provide an interrogation signal to a sensor terminal with an initial polarity, while in a second mode the same interrogation signal may be applied to the same sensor terminal with an opposite polarity. The establishing means may be configured such that it automatically applies the interrogation signal in the two modes of operation when a sensor is attached to a pulse oximeter monitor. In one embodiment, the establishing means may comprise a power supply, an electrical storage means and a switching means. More particularly, the power supply may be operable to both provide an initial polarity to the sensor terminal and to provide power to charge the electrical storage means. For example, a power supply, such as a voltage divider, may supply a steady voltage to charge an electrical storage means and provide an initial interrogation signal with a steady state voltage.  
           [0011]    With regard to the electrical storage means, an electrical potential may be stored from the power supply that may be selectively released by the switching means to change the system, for a predetermined time, from the first mode of operation to the second mode of operation. Releasing the stored electrical potential may cause the electrical operation in the system to be altered from a steady state operation to a transient condition. As will be appreciated, if the sensor identifying means is electrically connected to the signal generation means when the electrical operation is altered, the interrogation signal as applied to the sensor identifying means may also be altered, allowing for a second output reading to be taken during this altered state. For example, by selectively grounding a stored electrical potential, where the storage means is a charged capacitor, may cause an electrical imbalance in the signal generating system while the capacitor discharges. While discharging, the capacitor may pull electrical voltage from all electrically attached components, thus reversing the current flow and the polarity of the voltage as seen in the attached components. Typically, a processor will operate the switching means to selectively discharge the electrical storage means and change the system from the first mode of operation to the second mode of operation.  
           [0012]    With regard to the sensor identifying means, one or more electrical components may be advantageously connected between a first and a second sensor terminal to produce output values in response to interrogation signals. The electrical components may be arranged in a manner such that the application of a single interrogation signal in two modes of operation (e.g., positive polarity and negative polarity) will produce two different output values. For example, an identifying means may comprise a simple resistor and a diode connected in parallel between the two sensor terminals; by applying a known voltage across the terminals such that the diode is reverse-biased and by measuring the resulting voltage drop, the size of the resistor can be determined. By correlating the voltage drop and/or the resistor size with predetermined sensor data tables, characteristics of the currently attached sensor can be determined. By reversing the interrogation signal&#39;s polarity such that the diode is forward biased, a second measurement can be made across the sensor terminals that will generally be different from the first output value since most of the current will pass through the diode. This second output may be correlated with additional predetermined sensor tables to provide additional sensor specific information. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, numerous arrangements of electrical componentry are operable to produce different outputs when the componentry is forward biased and when it is reversed-biased. Typically, pluralities of electrical components are required to produce separate output values in response to an interrogation signal applied with two polarities. Further, one of the electrical components will generally be an active component (e.g., components whose response differs in relation to the direction or magnitude of signals presented thereto), such as a diode, in order for the sensor identifying means to produce multiple outputs.  
           [0013]    As noted, the processing means will generally be located at a monitor that will receive the outputs generated by the sensor identifying means in the two modes of operation. Additionally, the processor may be operable to measure the response of the sensor identifying means to the application of the interrogation signal in the two modes of operation. For example, in a first mode of operation (e.g., a steady state mode), the processor may take a first measurement of the sensor identifying means&#39; response to the interrogation signal. When the system is switched to the second mode of operation, the processor may measure the sensor identifying means&#39; response to the interrogation signal once or multiple times. If the second mode of operation is a transient mode of operation, the sensor identifying means&#39; response may vary over time such that multiple readings may be taken which define a time/response profile. This time/response profile may, for example, record the variation of the voltage across the sensor identifying means from a first point in time to a second point in time. The monitor may then compare these responses, either singly or in combination, against stored data values and/or profiles. By way of example, the monitor may use the first response/output (e.g., a voltage value) to determine if an interconnected sensor is a sensor or a class of sensors that is recognized by the system (e.g., compare the voltage value to a set of stored voltage values corresponding to a known sensor/class of sensors) and accordingly enable or disable the monitor. The monitor may then use the second response/output (e.g., compare a second voltage reading to a second stored data value) to obtain additional information regarding the sensor (e.g., the particular type of sensor from a class of sensors, calibration data etc.) that may be used to further adjust the operation of the system.  
           [0014]    As will be appreciated, since the interrogation signal&#39;s polarity is reversed as applied to the sensor identifying means, a single steady state electrical signal may be applied in what amounts to two interrogation signals, one with positive polarity and one with negative polarity, thus allowing for multiple sensor outputs from a steady state signal. Though discussed in reference with a single steady state interrogation signal, it will be appreciated that if more than one interrogation signal is used (e.g., 5 volts and 10 volts) multiple outputs may be obtained for each interrogation signal. Additionally, the system may be operable to generate multiple outputs in response to variable interrogation signals.  
           [0015]    In another aspect of the present invention, a method is disclosed to read at least one data value from a photoplethysmographic sensor in a two-mode process. After releasably interconnecting a sensor to a photoplethysmographic monitor wherein the sensor includes first and second sensor terminals and an identifier means electrically coupled between the first and second sensor terminals, a first interrogation signal is applied to the first sensor terminal with an initial polarity to obtain a first output. Then the interrogation signal polarity is reversed such that it is applied to the first sensor terminal with an opposite polarity to obtain a second output. Last, the first and second outputs are employed to identify sensor characteristics to the photoplethysmographic monitor.  
           [0016]    The step of reversing may further entail charging an energy storage means with the interrogation signal initial to produce a stored electrical potential and utilizing this stored electrical potential to selectively reverse the interrogation signal&#39;s polarity as applied to the first sensor terminal for a predetermined time. The initial interrogation signal may comprise a steady state electrical signal, such as a constant voltage, that may produce a steady state condition across the sensor identifying means. Accordingly, this steady state condition may be measured as a first output reading. Releasing the stored electrical potential on the system may then produce another mode of operation in which the polarity of the interrogation signal is reversed as applied to the first sensor terminal. During this period, at least a second condition, such as a transient response, may be produced across the sensor identifying means; accordingly, a second or multiple measurements may be taken during this period to obtain a second output.  
           [0017]    As may be appreciated, employing the first and second outputs may include the sub-steps of first comparing a first data value corresponding with the first output (e.g., a first measured voltage drop) with a first predetermined data range and, second, comparing a second data value corresponding with the second output value (e.g., a second measured voltage drop) with a second predetermined data range. In one arrangement, if either of such comparisons indicate a data value outside of the corresponding predetermined range, the method may further provide for an output to a user (e.g., via a display) indicating that the interconnected sensor is not intended for use with the monitor. Alternatively and/or additionally, the monitor may be automatically disabled for use with the interconnected sensor. Last, when one or more output values are within the predetermined data ranges, the values can be used alone or in combination to select calibration information for use with the sensor.  
           [0018]    Additional aspects and corresponding advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the further description that follows. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0019]    [0019]FIG. 1 illustrates a photoplethysmographic system.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 2 is an electrical schematic illustration for a two-mode signal generation means in a pulse oximeter monitor employable in the system of FIG. 1.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 3 is an electrical schematic illustration for a two-mode signal generation means, which further details system response at various points. FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of one process embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0022]    [0022]FIG. 1 generally illustrates a photoplethysmographic system. In the application of FIG. 1, a photoplethysmographic sensor  10  is interconnected to a photoplethysmographic monitor  20  via a first type of cable  30 . As may be appreciated, the photoplethysmographic monitor  20  may vary in type, including differing electrical configurations of its cable interconnection port  22  and corresponding internal processing features. By way of example, monitor  20  may be designed with port  22  including two electrical pins or sockets for driving two light sources for tissue illumination. On the other hand, monitor  20  may be designed with port  22  including three electrical pins or sockets for driving two or more light sources of a photoplethysmographic sensor.  
         [0023]    In operation of the system shown in FIG. 1, the photoplethysmographic monitor  20  may comprise a processor  21  that triggers light source drives  22  to transmit drive signals via cable  30  to light sources  12 ,  14  and/or  16  comprising sensor  10 . In turn, sources  12 ,  14  and/or  16  emit light signals at different, corresponding centered wavelengths. By way of example, in the system application shown in FIG. 1, light sources  12  and  14  may be selectively pulsed to illuminate a patient&#39;s tissue under test. Upon tissue illumination, a light detector  18  comprising sensor  10  may detect the intensity of light transmitted by the tissue under test and provide a corresponding output signal.  
         [0024]    In applications of the system of FIG. 1, such detector output signal may be transmitted by cable  30  for conversion/conditioning by detection circuit  23  and processing by processor  21  comprising monitor  20 . In conjunction with such processing, one or more blood analyte concentration values may be determined and output to a user via monitor display  24 . By way of example, the monitor  20  may utilize the detector output signal to determine SpO 2  and heart rate values. Monitor  20  may further include a user control panel  25  to allow for user control and override options, as will be further described.  
         [0025]    In order for monitor  20  to make accurate determinations regarding analyte concentration values it is important that sensor  10  comprise light sources  12 ,  14  and/or  16  that emit light at corresponding center wavelengths which are known to monitor  20 . For such purposes, sensor  10  is provided with the capability to “identify” itself to monitor  20 . As noted above, a sensor may contain an electrical component that has a characteristic that may be measured by a monitor in the identification process. For example, if the sensor&#39;s electrical component were a resistor, the monitor may measure this resistance and if this measured resistance corresponds to a known value stored in the monitor, the monitor/sensor combination may be enabled for use. Further, it may desirable to obtain additional sensor information or characteristics once the monitor/sensor combination has been enabled. For example, where the identification means is a resistance value, several separately configured sensors (e.g., infant, nasal septum, finger, etc.) may exist that use the same resistance value, therefore, the sensor may contain a second electrical component such that a second piece of sensor information may be measured to determine which of the sensors in that group is being used. The values measured from the electrical components may be used individually as in the above example or in combination for a number of different purposes such as sensor enablement/disablement, selecting sensor calibration values, and determining individual sensor use characteristics such as hours of use, which may affect a sensor&#39;s measurements.  
         [0026]    In this regard, as shown in FIG. 2, sensor  10  comprises an identifier means  40  coupled between first and second sensor terminals  54  and  56 , respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, identifier means  40  includes a resistor  42  and a diode  44  interconnected in parallel between the first and second sensor terminals  54  and  56 . As will be appreciated, other configurations and additional electrical componentry may be utilized in identifier means  40 . However, in all configurations, the electrical componentry will be operable to produce more than one output when a single interrogation signal is applied to the identifier means with opposite polarities. By way of example, an additional identifier resistor (not shown) may be interconnected in series with diode  44  so that both the added resistor and diode  44  are in parallel with resistor  42 , allowing the additional resistor to affect the voltage across the sensor terminals when the diode is forward biased.  
         [0027]    In order to identify the sensor  10  to monitor  20 , processor  21  and identification circuit  26  and procure additional sensor information, the monitor  20  may generate one or more interrogation signals for application to the identifying means  40  included in sensor  10 . Identification circuit  26  and processor  21  may obtain one or more corresponding identifying outputs from the identifying means  40  of sensor  10 . More particularly, in a first mode, a first interrogation signal with an initial polarity may be applied to sensor terminal  54  wherein the voltage drop across identifying means  40  may be measured. Then, in a second mode, the same interrogation signal may be applied with an opposite polarity to sensor terminal  54  wherein the voltage drop across identifying means  40  may again be measured. In the illustrated embodiment, applying the initial interrogation signal with a positive polarity will cause a voltage drop across the identifying means resistor  42  (i.e., since diode  44  will be reversed-biased and substantially all current will pass through the resistor  42 ) producing a first output. In the second mode, the diode  44  will be forward-biased and substantially all current will pass therethrough, producing a lower voltage drop across the identifying means  40  and, thus, a second output. As will be appreciated, each output or a combination of both may be compared to predetermined values stored in the monitor  20  to determine pertinent sensor information.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 2 further shows one embodiment of a signal generating means  100  operable to produce two outputs from a photoplethysmographic sensor  10  using a single interrogation signal. The signal generating means  100  has an establishing means  120  which comprises a power supply  110  (a voltage divider in the illustrated embodiment), an electrical storage means  106  (a capacitor in the illustrated embodiment), and a switching means  104 . The signal generating means  100  in the illustrated embodiment also includes a processor  102  interconnected to the switch (e.g., a CMOS gate)  104 , which in turn is interconnected to a capacitor  106 . Capacitor  106  is interconnectable to sensor  10  (e.g., sensor terminal  54 ) via monitor port  22  and cable  30 . As shown in FIG. 2, capacitor  106  is also interconnected to the voltage divider defined by resistors  110  and  112 , as well as to the non-inverting input of buffer amplifier  114 . The output of buffer amplifier  114  is interconnected back to microprocessor  102 . As shown, sensor identifying means  40  is interconnected in parallel with resistor  112  of the voltage divider.  
         [0029]    Operation of the signal generation means  100  (i.e., when sensor  10  is interconnected to monitor  22   a ) is best understood by reference to FIG. 3 which shows substantially the same circuit as presented in FIG. 2. However, in addition to the signal generation circuit, FIG. 3 shows voltage responses over time for various sites in the system. In particular, response (1) depicts the voltage response over time as measured between microprocessor  102  and switch  104 , response (2) depicts the voltage response over time as measured between switch  104  and capacitor  106 , and responses (3) and (4) depict the voltage response over time measured at junction  108  for two embodiments of the sensor identifying means. Response (3) depicts the response when identifying means  40  contains a resistor  42  and diode  44  in parallel (as shown). The second response (4), which is shown only for comparative purposes, shows the response if identifying means  40  only contained a resistor  42  between sensor terminals  54  and  56  (not shown). As will be appreciated, the response of junction  108  is the same as the response at terminal  54  and the input of buffer amplifier  114 .  
         [0030]    In operation of the identifying means containing the diode  44  in parallel with resistor  42 , switch  104  may be set so that in a first mode of operation a positive voltage (e.g., 2 volts), provided by microprocessor  104 , is seen at the output of switch  104 . Additionally, a positive voltage (e.g., 5 volts) as defined by the voltage divider  110  and resistors  42  and  112  may be applied to junction  108  and sensor terminal  54 . This same voltage (5 volts) is seen at the input of the buffer amplifier  114  which is converted at the input to processor  102  via an analog-to-digital converter for use by processor  102 . As will be appreciated, this results in capacitor  106  having a 5-volt charge on one terminal  107  and a 5-volt charge on a second terminal  109  during steady state operation.  
         [0031]    To begin the second mode of operation, the voltage at the output of switch  104  may be switched from a positive voltage (e.g., 2 volts) to ground, at t 1 , for a predetermined time (Δt) and then back to a positive voltage (e.g., 2 volts) at t 2 , via signals provided by microprocessor  102  to switch  104 . This selective grounding of the signal generating means  100  at t 1  causes the discharge of the capacitor  106 ; however, as will be appreciated, there cannot be an instantaneous change of voltage across the terminals of a capacitor. Therefore, at t 1  the output of the processor  102 , as shown by response (1), drops from the initial voltage (2 volts) to zero and sections (2) and (3) are pulled negative by −3 volts, the difference in potential across the capacitor. Accordingly, circuit junction  108  and sensor terminal  54  are pulled to a negative voltage. Responses (2) and (3) show the corresponding drop in voltage of the sections (2) and (3) at t 1 . Junction  108  will return to a steady state positive voltage as capacitor  106 , which still contains a charge at terminal  109 , is discharged through the parallel impedance of resistors  110 ,  112 , and identifying means  40 . In the latter regard, when a negative charge is applied to sensor terminal  54  current flow through identifying means  40  is reversed. As shown by response (3), upon initially switching to the second mode of operation the voltage in section (3) drops to −3 volts. During the time section (2) remains grounded (Δt), the potential stored on the capacitor terminal  109  will discharge across capacitor  106  to capacitor terminal  107  and to ground. The rate of discharge will be affected by the parallel impedance of resistors  110 ,  112  and identifying means. When a diode is present in the identifying means and forward-biased the rate of discharge will be greatly increased, as shown by the sharp upward slope of the voltage in response (3) over Δt. In comparison, response (4) shows a much slower discharge when only a resistor is present in identifying means  40 . As will be appreciated, the system would return to a steady state mode of operation if the capacitor were allowed to fully discharge.  
         [0032]    At the second switch at t 2  (i.e., positive going), sections (1) and (2) are returned to 2 volts and the voltage at the voltage divider will be pulled positive (e.g., 5 volts), resulting in a positive voltage being restored at junction  108 . In addition, there will be a voltage overshoot equal to the discharge of the capacitor in section (3). This voltage overshoot will discharge through RC time constants until a steady state voltage (e.g., 5 volts) is restored. During the above process, the voltage at junction  108  may be sampled through the buffer amplifier  114  by the analog and digital converter at the input of processor  102  once or continuously, and thereby provide a second measurement or a time profile of the interrogation signal as seen through the identifying means during the second mode of operation.  
         [0033]    Again referring to FIG. 2, the identifying means  40  can utilize numerous combinations of electrical components between the sensor terminals  54 ,  56 . However, as noted above, the components are combined so as to provide different outputs when positive and negative polarities are applied across the sensor terminals  54  and  56 . In the illustrated embodiment, when a positive voltage is applied to terminal  54 , diode  44  is reverse-biased so that substantially all current flowing through information circuit  40  passes through resistor  42 , thereby lowering the voltage seen at the non-inverting input of the buffer amplifier  114 . In turn, the observed voltage at buffer  114  is converted at the input to microprocessor  102  via an analog-to-digit converter for use by processor  102  to identify sensor  10  characteristics (e.g., via comparison of the voltage value to a predetermined range associated with a compatible sensor). When a negative voltage is applied to terminal  54 , the current discharging the capacitor  106  bypasses the resistor  42  and flows through the diode  44 . In turn, a second voltage is observed at buffer  114  and converted by the processor  102  to identify additional sensor  10  characteristics. The voltage seen at junction  108  after either switch or over a period of time may be compared to a predetermined value range, e.g., corresponding with the voltage that should be seen when diode  44  is present in the interconnected sensor. Such comparison can be realized to confirm the compatibility of the interconnected sensor  10  with a monitor  20  and/or can otherwise be utilized for calibration purposes in blood analyte concentration determinations. The signal generation means  120  provides a simple apparatus wherein one input signal can be applied to a sensor terminal with two polarities to produce two separate outputs from the sensor.  
         [0034]    The photoplethysmographic monitor  20  may be provided with pre-programmed or preset process functions to utilize the outputs from the identifying means. Referring to FIG. 4, following interconnection  200  of sensor  10  to monitor  20 , a sensor information procedure may be initiated (step  202 ). Such sensor information procedure may be automatically initiated by monitor  20  upon electrical sensing of one or more of the interconnections made in step  200  above. Alternatively, the sensor information procedure may be initiated by a user via interface with user control panel  25  of monitor  20 , e.g., upon prompting by display  24  of monitor  20 . In any case, monitor  20  may be pre-programmed so that the sensor information procedure must be completed or manually overridden by a user before photoplethysmographic patient monitoring of blood analyte concentration, etc. can proceed.  
         [0035]    Upon initiation of the sensor information procedures, monitor  20  may automatically apply a first interrogation signal to a first sensor terminal (step  204 ) and correspondingly obtain a first output value ( 206 ). The interrogation signal polarity may then be reversed by monitor  20  to the first sensor terminal (step  208 ). Reversing signal polarity may further comprise the sub-steps of charging an electrical storage means (step  209 ) using the first interrogation signal such that there is a stored electrical potential in the system. The second sub-step of reversing includes selectively grounding (step  210 ) the stored electrical potential in the signal generation means  120  to reverse the interrogation signal polarity for a predetermined time. Correspondingly, a second output value may be obtained at the first sensor terminal (step  211 ).  
         [0036]    Upon obtainment of the output values, processor  21  of monitor  20  may determine whether the value extracted from the first output is within a first predetermined range (step  212 ). By way of example, in the arrangement shown in FIG. 2 a voltage output value from buffer amplifier  114  may be compared with a predetermined voltage range wherein a value within the range indicates that a known, compatible sensor (i.e., sensor  10 ) is interconnected to the monitor  20 . Next, the processor  21  of monitor  20  may determine if the second output is within a second predetermined range (step  213 ). If both outputs are within their respective predetermined ranges, the processor  21  may automatically provide for continuation of photoplethysmographic monitoring procedure (step  218 ), wherein one or more blood analyte concentration levels are determined by sensor  10  and the monitor  20 . Alternatively, processor  21  may provide an output to a user (e.g., at display  24 ) indicating that a compatible sensor (i.e., sensor  10 ) has been detected and prompt the user to provide an input at user control panel  25  to initiate photoplethysmographic monitoring procedures. In conjunction with blood analyte concentration determinations, the first information output value may be utilized to select appropriate calibration values for sensor  10  (step  220 ).  
         [0037]    In the event that the first, second or both information output values are outside of the corresponding predetermined range, processor  21  may be pre-programmed to disable monitor  20  from continuing a photoplethysmographic monitoring procedure (step  214 ). Such disablement may be accompanied by a corresponding output at display  24 , indicating to the user that an inappropriate or incompatible sensor has been interconnected to the monitor  20 . Alternatively, a warning signal may be output to a user at display  24 , whereupon processor  21  may be preprogrammed to allow a user to provide an override input at the user control panel  25  and continue photoplethysmographic monitoring procedures (step  216 ).  
         [0038]    The embodiment described above is for exemplary purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various adaptations, modifications and extensions of the described sensor/system/method will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are intended to be within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims that follow.