MX2012003192A - System and method for avoiding data collision and saving power in a network of wireless medical devices. - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method for avoiding data collision in the transmission of communication messages between at least one wireless medical device, which is linked to a remote central device upon selecting the best transmission channel based on a minimum level of power transmission required to achieve a correct transmission of the data communication message between the wireless medical device and the remote central device, thus attaining a power saving in the wireless medical device.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD TO AVOID COLLECTING DATA AND PROVIDING ENERGY SAVING IN A NETWORK OF WIRELESS MEDICAL DEVICES TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to wireless communication systems, and in particular refers to a system and method for avoiding data collision in the transmission of communication messages between at least one wireless medical device linked to a remote central device by selecting the best transmission channel based on a minimum transmission power level required to achieve a correct transmission of the data communication message between the wireless medical device and the remote central device, thus achieving energy saving in the wireless medical device .

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the present, a large number of wireless medical devices are used in hospitals and by physicians to carry out the simultaneous monitoring of the physical conditions of a plurality of patients, in such a way that the wireless medical devices transmit communication messages, with information perceived from the body of the patient and / or generated by the decision making of the same medical device, towards a remote central device that receives said messages through radiofrequency signals, and which in turn is in wired or wireless connection to at least a monitor or computer that interprets and / or displays the information received for further analysis by the specialist doctor. Some examples of wireless medical devices are: cardiac monitoring equipment, pulmonary monitoring equipment, body temperature monitoring equipment, brain signal monitoring equipment, medication management monitoring equipment, glucose or oxygen level monitoring equipment .

Given the number of applications based on wireless communication systems, the communication bands such as the ISM (Industrial Scientific and Medical bands) are very populated, since they are commonly used worldwide, many of the applications are developed in a communication frequency of 2.4 GHz, because it is not a band of restricted use in any country. The population of signals causes the coexistence of communication equipment in radiofrequency to be increasingly complex, causing the loss of information due to data collision that is caused when two or more computers are transmitting data in the same channel and / or frequency .

Figure 1 shows a graph of power against frequency in which the coexistence of signals in the same communication band that gives rise to the above problem is illustrated. Two or more devices may be transmitting data in the same channel and / or frequency as illustrated in A and in which case the signal with the highest power level is more likely to reach its destination, and it may be the case that a of the signals has a very large amplitude and bandwidth B that cause the transmissions of lower bandwidth and / or power C to be covered by signals B. Many of the signals can be temporary, that is, they are not continuous in time, and periodically occur periods in which there will be data collision. Radio frequency signals may have different power levels and bandwidths as represented in the time domain, particularly in B, D and E, and may populate the frequency band in different ways, in which there will be areas of non-transmission and / or low noise F. In these areas of non-transmission F it is possible to house communication channels G where the signal quality will be ensured with a minimum transmission power level required by the absence of signals and in which case it can be take advantage of the transmission channel without affecting the adjacent radiofrequency communication equipment and in the same way without affecting the equipment transmitting on the channel.

An example of a current solution for the aforementioned problem is described in the publication of US patent application US-20011/0149759 by James Jollota. This document describes a method of operating a wireless coordinator device within a network of wireless medical devices, wherein the loss of wireless synchronization for a data communications channel in use between the wireless coordinator device and the wireless coordinator device is first detected. wireless medical device, to then measure the communication quality of the data communications channel in use and in case the quality of communication is poor according to an established criterion, the selection of a new data communication channel for the wireless medical device, to finally transmit the information through this new data communication channel between wireless coordinator device and the wireless medical device.

Given the existence of commercial equipment that operates with standard communication protocols such as WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee and cordless telephones, it is necessary to diagnose the number of free communication channels in the operating environment of wireless medical devices. Wireless doctors may or may not be operating on the basis of batteries that are a limited and finite energy source, since the transmission of data consumes a large part of the energy obtained from said battery, hence the efficient consumption of energy in said wireless medical devices and the Saving energy in them is of the utmost importance, from the problem described above, therefore it is necessary to provide a system and method to avoid data collision and save energy in wireless medical devices linked to a remote central device, in such a way that the communication between the wireless medical device and The remote central device is at a minimum transmission power level required for each transmission channel to achieve a correct transmission of data between the wireless medical device and the remote central device making use of the lower transmission power required by the channel.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-described and in order to solve the limitations encountered, it is the object of the invention to provide a method to avoid data collision and save energy in a wireless medical device within a wireless network of wireless medical devices linked to a remote central device, the method has the steps of: configuring a list of available transmission channels for wireless data communication between the wireless medical device and the remote central device, such that the channel list of? transmission is ordered according to a minimum transmission power level required for each transmission channel to achieve a correct transmission of data between the wireless medical device and the remote central device; tuning the transmission channel best positioned by its minimum required transmit power level of said ordered list of transmission channels; adjust the level of transmission power according to the minimum transmission power level required for the tuned transmission channel; and transmitting at least one communication message between the wireless medical device and the remote central device through the tuned transmission channel and the adjusted power level.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a system for avoiding data collision and saving energy in a wireless medical device within a wireless network of wireless medical devices linked to a remote central device, such that the remote central device is' enabled to configure a list of available transmission channels for wireless data communication between the wireless medical device and the remote central device, so that the list of transmission channels is ordered according to a minimum transmission power level required for each transmission channel to achieve a correct transmission of data between the wireless medical device and the remote central device; and tuning the best positioned transmission channel by its minimum required transmit power level of said ordered list of transmission channels, for wireless data communication with the wireless medical device; and on the other hand the wireless medical device is enabled to adjust its transmission power level according to the minimum transmission power level required for the transmission channel selected by the remote central device; and transmitting at least one communication message to the remote central device through the selected transmission channel and at the adjusted power level.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The characteristic details of the invention are described in the following paragraphs in conjunction with the figures that accompany it, which are for the purpose of defining the invention but without limiting the scope thereof.

Figure 1 shows a graph of power against frequency in which the coexistence of signals in the same communication band is illustrated.

Figure 2 shows a system for avoiding data collision and saving energy in a wireless medical device within a wireless network of wireless medical devices linked to a remote central device according to the invention.

Figure 3 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of the wireless medical device according to the invention.

Figure 4 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a wireless communication module of the wireless medical device according to the invention.

Figure 5 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of the remote core device according to the invention.

Figure 6 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a transmission-reception module of the remote central device according to the invention.

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for preventing data collision and saving energy in a wireless medical device within a wireless network of wireless medical devices linked to a remote core device according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a system and method for avoiding data collision in the transmission of communication messages between at least one wireless medical device linked to a remote central device by selecting the best transmission channel based on a minimum transmission power level required to achieve a correct transmission of the data communication message between the wireless medical device and the remote central device, thus achieving energy saving in the wireless medical device.

In Figure 2, a system 10 for preventing data collision and saving energy in a wireless medical device within a wireless network of wireless medical devices linked to a remote central device according to the invention is shown. The system 10 has at least one wireless medical device 20 to which a patient cable 30 is connected which in turn has a plurality of terminals 40 which are connectable to the body of a patient 50 according to the medically accepted standards for the acquisition of the biollectric signals generated in the body and derived from the electrical impulses of the heart or from the physiological functions of the patient's body 50. The system 10 has a remote central device 60 in communication with each wireless medical device 20 and in communication with at least an information deployment and storage team 70.

The patient cable 30 and its respective terminals 40 can be connected to the patient's body 50 in different configurations to perform different types of electrocardiographic tests, such as electrocardiograms with "n" number of electrodes, Holter tests among others.

Each wireless medical device 20 determines the type of test being performed on the patient 50 as a function of the number of terminals 40, and processes and converts the bioelectrical analog signals, sensed from the patient 50 through the terminals 40, into digital signals that are transmitted to the patient. remote medical device 60 in communication messages through defined transmission channels between the wireless medium device and the remote central device. The wireless medical device 20 sends the communication messages through a wireless communication module 80 preferably placed inside the wireless medical device 20.

The communication messages are sent to the remote central device 60, which is capable of receiving and managing the communication of multiple wireless medical devices 20. The remote central device 60 communicates wirelessly or wirelessly to at least one deployment equipment and storage 70, which can be but is not limited to a personal computer, through a standard serial communication bus such as but not limited to a USB port, to be processed and displayed on screen or stored for subsequent revision.

In Figure 3 a block diagram of an embodiment of the wireless medical device 20 according to the invention is illustrated. The wireless medical device 20 has at least one local electronic processor 21 in electrical-electronic connection to an analog-digital converter 22, to a signal filter amplifier 23, to at least one local memory 24, to a power source 25. and the wireless communication module 80. Alternatively, the power supply includes batteries 26 and the electronic processor 21 is electrically and electronically connected to at least one interface for configuration 27.

The patient cable 30 and respective terminals 40 are electrically and electronically connected to the signal filter amplifier 23, in such a way that the bioelectric signals acquired from the patient's body (not shown) through the terminals 40 are received analogically by the signal filter amplifier 23 which proceeds to amplify and filter these signals so that their amplitude is greater against noise. The amplified and filtered analog signal is sent via a communication bus 28 to the analog-digital converter 22.

The analog-digital converter 22 converts the amplified and filtered analog signal into a digital signal that can be processed and interpreted by the local electronic processor 21. This digital signal is sent to the electronic local processor 21 via a communication bus 29. analog-digital converter 22 is enabled to be reconfigured through programming commands that allow it to change its behavior characteristics depending on programming requests received from the local electronic processor 21 through the interface for configuration 27.

The electronic local processor 21 is enabled to discern the type of electrocardiographic test that is being performed on the patient (not shown) by perceiving which terminal (s) 40 are connected to the patient's body, thereby determining which bioelectric signal acquisition channel associated with the patient. each terminal 40 is operating and only takes the readings of these bioelectric signal acquisition channels, thereby enabling the analog-digital converter 22 to be turned on for the necessary time depending on the test and likewise the electronic local processor 21 trims its tasks of processing and passes to a state of disqualification or low power consumption to those channels for the acquisition of bioelectric signals that are not operating through an acquisition control bus 35, thereby helping to reduce the power consumption of the same device wireless doctor 20.

The local electronic processor 21 has the ability to communicate towards at least one local memory 24, which can be but is not limited to an SD memory card, microSD or a FLASH type memory chip that communicates via a communication bus bidirectional digital 31 for storing and obtaining data from local memory locations 24. This local memory 24 can store the data of the digital signals of certain type of electrocardiographic tests, such as the Holter test. Likewise, the wireless medical device 20 consists of the ability to communicate through serial communication 32 with the interface for configuration 27 for issues of direct configuration to the wireless medical device 20.

The local electronic processor 21 also has a serial communication port 33 for bidirectional communication to the wireless communication module 80 which has the necessary elements to wirelessly transmit the digital information of the captured bioelectric signals to the remote central device (no shown).

All the components of the wireless medical device 20 are electrically powered via a power bus 34 which handles the voltage levels favorable for each of the components and which obtains power from the power source 25 which includes at least one battery 26 for storage and power supply.

In Figure 4 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a wireless communication module 80 of the wireless medical device 20 according to the invention. The wireless communication module 80 has a communication processor 801, a communication oscillator 802, a transmit-receive controller 803, communications module 804, a modulator circuit 805, a demodulator circuit 806, a signal synthesizer 807, a impedance matching transformer 808, a programmable power amplifier 809, a low noise amplifier 810 and an antenna 811.

The communication processor 801 is enabled to perform the network functions and integrity identifications of the received data, it also stores the necessary parameters to allow the wireless communication module 80 to change its transmission power level and central frequency of data transmission according to the method described below.

The communications processor 801 has a bidirectional communication bus 815 to access the communications module 804. The communication module 804 has two independent FIFO memories (not shown), in which the data that is received is temporarily stored. or waiting to be transmitted.

The communications oscillator 802 is in electronic connection with the communications processor 801 and feeds the base time to the communications processor 801 and gives the time base for the entire operation of the wireless communication module 80.

The transmit-receive controller 803 is in electronic connection with the communication processor 801 via a control bus 812, and in electronic connection with the impedance matching transformer 808 via a first control line 813, and in electronic connection with the programmable power amplifier 809, the low noise amplifier 810 and multiplexer 821 by a second control line 814. The transmission-reception controller 803 interprets the commands received through the control bus 812 and handles the first and second lines control 813 and 814 through which the wireless communication module 80 functions as a transmitter or as a receiver, and also provides a signal proportional to the power level indication with which the data transmission will be performed.

The communication module 804 is in electronic connection with the communication processor 801 by means of a bidirectional communication bus 815 and with the communication oscillator 802, it is also in electronic connection with the modulator circuit 805 and with the demodulator circuit 806 by a first unidirectional data bus 816 and a second unidirectional data bus 817 respectively. Also, the communication module 804 is connected to the signal synthesizer 807. The communication module 804 has two independent FIFO memories (not shown), in which the data that is received or waiting to be stored is temporarily stored. transmitted.

The modulator circuit 805 is responsible for mixing the data signal to be transmitted with the carrier signal, and has the ability to use different types of modulation, such as but not limited to FSK (Frequency Shift Keying). Likewise, the demodulator circuit 806 has the appropriate circuitry to demodulate. Through the first and second unidirectional data buses 816 and 817 data that is transmitted or received to the modulator circuit 805 and from the demodulator circuit 806 is fed or received in a serial manner. The data modulated by the modulator circuit 805 is fed to the impedance matching transformer 808, while the data demodulated by the demodulator circuit 806 is sent to the communication module 804 through the second unidirectional bus 817. The signal with the modulated data will be available on a pair of output lines 818 and 819 as a differential signal between both lines of communication.

The signal synthesizer 807 indicates the center frequency at which the transmission channel will operate, while the low noise amplifier 810 allows to improve the quality of the received signals and enters into operation in data reception mode, when the transmission controller is reception 803 connects the antenna 811 through a pair of selectors 820 and 821 to the low noise amplifier 810 and the impedance matching transformer 808 is configured as a receiver.

The communications processor 801 generates a control signal of the signal synthesizer 807 which is responsible for providing the central frequency corresponding to the transmission channel in which the data is transmitted or received, this control signal is provided through the communication bus 822 , while the modulated data are obtained in the output lines 818 and 819 of the modulator circuit 805, and are fed to impedance matching transformer 808, which is also controlled from the transmission-reception controller 803 which indicates to the transformer which of the windings will be active.

The selectors 820 and 821 are control elements that interconnect the terminals of the impedance matching transformer 808 depending on the mode described by the transmission-reception controller 803, so that if the data is being transmitted, the transmission-reception controller 803 it places the positions of the selectors 820 and 821 in the transmit position, whereby it connects the terminals of the impedance matching transformer 808 to the programmable power amplifier 809 and the antenna 811.

The data to be transmitted or received is fed through the serial communication port 33 and is received or transmitted (as the case may be) by the communication processor 801, which is responsible for controlling the general operation of the radio in addition to the functions of the radio. communication protocol. Also, the serial communication port 33 serves as the communication interface for the electronic local processor (not shown) of the wireless medical device.

The communication processor 801 controls the time of the communication as well as the direction in which it is established, through the control bus 812, which provides the signals to the transmission-reception controller circuit 803 that divides the control signals between the different the selectors 820 and 821. The communications processor 801 obtains the timing signals from the communications oscillator 802, which in turn feeds the communication module 804, in which the data that is transmitted and received in a two buffer is addressed. independent FIFO type (one to transmit and one to receive), also the communications module 804 generates a control signal to the signal synthesizer 807 which indicates the central frequency to which the transmission channel will operate, said frequency indication is fed through the control buses 823 and 824 to the modulator circuit 805 and the demodulator circuit 806, respectively.

In Figure 5 a block diagram of an embodiment of the remote central device 60 according to the invention is illustrated. The remote central device 60 has at least one central transmission-reception module 61 connected to an electronic central processor 65 which in turn has a central memory 66 and a communication bus 67 to the information storage and deployment equipment ( not shown).

In an alternative embodiment, which is described in this Figure 5, the remote central device 60 has a plurality of central transmission modules- reception 61, 62, 63 and 64 for the purpose of greater control, in the case that a plurality of wireless medical devices of different types or different communication bands are linked to the remote central device 60.

Each central transmission-reception module 61, 62, 63 and 64 is enabled to control the communication with at least one of these linked wireless medical devices (not shown), whereby between the wireless medical device (not shown) and the remote central device 60 channels are established. transmissions independent of each other to transmit information data perceived from the patient or messages of a communication protocol established between both devices.

The electronic central processor 65 controls each of the transmission-reception center modules 61, 62, 63 and 64 and establishes in the central memory 66 the communication protocol with the wireless medical devices. Likewise, the electronic central processor 65 establishes in the central memory a list of transmission channels that can be used to establish communication with each of the transmission-reception station modules 61, 62, 63 and 64.

This configuration of the remote central device 60 allows that the analysis tests of channels can be performed simultaneously in several channels, likewise that the wireless medical devices are working in different operating modes simultaneously.

A list of transmitted transmission channels is stored in the central memory 66 according to a minimum transmission power level required for each transmission channel, so that with this minimum transmission power level a correct transmission of data is achieved. between the wireless medical device (not shown) and the remote central device 60.

Via the communication bus 67, the electronic central processor 65 transfers the information storage and deployment equipment (not shown) to the patient information received from at least one wireless medical device (not shown).

In Figure 6 there is illustrated a block diagram of an embodiment of a transmit-receive module 61 of the remote central device 60 according to the invention. The transmit-receive module 61 has a communication processor 601, a communications oscillator 602, a transmit-receive controller 603, a communication module 604, a modulator circuit 605, a demodulator circuit 606, a signal synthesizer 607 , an impedance matching transformer 608, a programmable power amplifier 609, a low noise amplifier 610, an antenna 611 and a power meter 600.

The communication processor 601 is enabled to perform the network functions and integrity identifications of the received data, it also stores the necessary parameters to allow the transmission-reception module 61 to change its level of transmission power and frequency central data transmission according to the method described below.

The communications processor 601 has a bidirectional communication bus 615 to access the communications module 604. The communication module 604 has two independent FIFO memories (not shown), in which the data that is received is temporarily stored. or waiting to be transmitted.

The communications oscillator 602 is in electronic connection with the communications processor 601 and feeds the base time to the communication processor 601 and gives the time base for the entire operation of the transmit-receive module 61.

The transmit-receive controller 603 is in electronic connection with the communication processor 601 via a control bus 612, and in electronic connection with the impedance matching transformer 608 via a first control line 613, and in electronic connection the amplifier of programmable power 609, the low noise amplifier 610 and with the selectors 620 and 621 by a second control line 614. The transmission-reception controller 603 interprets the commands received through the control bus 612 and handles the first and second control lines 613 and 614 through which the transmit-receive module 61 functions as a transmitter or as a receiver, furthermore it provides a signal proportional to the power level indication with which the data transmission will be performed.

The communications module 604 is in electronic connection with the communication processor 601 via a bi-directional communication bus 615 and with the communications oscillator 602, it is also in electronic connection with the modulator circuit 605 and with the demodulator circuit 606 by a first unidirectional data bus 616 and a second unidirectional data bus 617, respectively. Likewise, the communication module 604 is connected to the signal synthesizer 607. The communication module 604 has two independent FIFO memories (not shown), in which the data that is received or waiting to be stored is temporarily stored. transmitted.

The modulator circuit 605 is responsible for mixing the data signal to be transmitted with the carrier signal, and has the ability to use different types of modulation, such as, but not limited to, FSK (Frequency Shift Keying). Also, the demodulator circuit 606 has the appropriate circuitry to demodulate. Through the first and second unidirectional data buses 616 and 617 data that is transmitted or received to the modulator circuit 605 and from the demodulator circuit 606 are fed or received in a serial manner. The data modulated by the modulator circuit 605 are fed to the impedance matching transformer 608, while data demodulated by demodulator circuit 606 is sent to communication module 604 through the second unidirectional bus 617. The signal with the modulated data will be available on a pair of output lines 618 and 619 as a differential signal between both lines of communication.

The signal synthesizer 607 indicates the central frequency at which the transmission channel will operate, while the low noise amplifier 610 allows to improve the quality of the received signals and it enters into operation in data reception mode, when the transmission controller- reception 603 connects the antenna 611 through a pair of switches 620 and 621 to the low noise amplifier 610 and the impedance matching transformer 608 is configured as a receiver.

The communications processor 601 generates a control signal of the signal synthesizer 607 that is responsible for providing the central frequency corresponding to the transmission channel in which the data is transmitted or received, this control signal is provided through the communication bus 622 , while the modulated data are obtained in the output lines 618 and 619 of the modulator circuit 605, and are fed to impedance matching transformer 608, which is also controlled from the transmission-reception controller 603 which indicates to the transformer which of the windings will be active.

The selectors 620 and 621 are control elements that interconnect the terminals of the impedance matching transformer 608 depending on the mode described by the transmission-reception controller 603, so that if the data is being transmitted, the transmission-reception controller 603 it places the positions of the selectors 620 and 621 in the transmit position, whereby it connects the terminals of the impedance matching transformer 608 to the programmable power amplifier 609 and the antenna 611.

The data to be transmitted or received is fed through the serial communication port 615 and is received or transmitted (as the case may be) by the communication processor 601, which is responsible for controlling the general operation of the radio in addition to the functions of the radio. communication protocol. Also, the serial communication port 625 serves as the communication interface to the electronic local processor (not shown) of the wireless medical device.

The communications processor 601 controls the time of the communication as well as the direction in which it is established, through the control bus 612, which provides the signals to the transmission-reception circuit 603 that divides the control signals between the different selectors 620 and 621. The communications processor 601 obtains the timing signals from the communications oscillator 602, which in turn feeds the communication module 604, in which the data that is transmitted and received is addressed in a two buffer type Independent FIFO (one to transmit and one to receive), also the communications module 604 generates a control signal 622 to the signal synthesizer 607 which indicates the center frequency at which the transmission channel will operate, said frequency indication is fed through control buses 623 and 624 to modulator circuit 605 and demodulator circuit 606, respectively.

The power and noise meter 600 is in connection with the antenna 611 and the electronic central processor (not shown) of the remote central device through the communications processor 601 and the serial communication port 625. The power meter 600 measures the transmitting power level of a signal received through antenna 611, such a power level can be determined by several methods known in the state of the art, one of them being the method based on the Reception Signal Strength Indicator best known by its acronym in English as RSSI (Receive Signal Strenght Indication). The RSSI method is based on the principle that a signal received at the antenna of the central transmit-receive module is converted into an electric current and for which, in one embodiment of the present invention, the power meter makes use of Shottky diodes in whose joints of the materials of the diode is made the measurement of the voltage at semiconductor level and these analog measurements are converted to digital and passed to the central electronic processor of the remote central device to determine the level of transmit power with the one signal was received.

Now, in relation to Figures 7 and 8, the method for avoiding data collision and saving energy in a wireless medical device within a wireless network of wireless medical devices linked to a remote central device according to the invention is described. The method, in general, consists of the following stages: a) 'Firstly, a list of transmission channels for wireless data communication between the wireless medical device and the remote central device is configured. The list of transmission channels is ordered according to a minimum transmission power level required for each transmission channel, so that with this minimum transmission power level a correct transmission of data between the wireless medical device and the remote central device. b) Once the list of transmission channels has been ordered, the best positioned transmission channel is selected and tuned for its minimum transmission power level required to transmit to establish communication between the medical device and the central device. remote. c) By selecting and tuning the transmission channel, the wireless medical device adjusts its transmission power level according to the minimum transmission power level required for the selected and tuned transmission channel. d) Finally, the wireless medical device proceeds to operate according to its function, perceiving patient data, which are transmitted by means of data communication messages to the remote central device through the tuned transmission channel and with the level of Minimum transmission power required for that channel, thereby allowing energy savings in the wireless medical device because it transmits at an adequate power level.

The step of configuring the list of available transmission channels for wireless data communication between the wireless medical device and the remote central device, wherein the list of transmission channels is ordered according to the minimum transmission power level required for each channel of transmission, can be carried out in the following way: Prior to the beginning of the configuration stage, a communication protocol is pre-established between the wireless medical device and the remote central device, so that the local memory of the wireless medical device and the central memory of the remote central device are enabled to store a pre-set content for a configuration start message, a test message, an error message and a transmission channel set-up and power level message. LikewiseIn the wireless medical device and in the remote central device, the transmission channels that can opt to establish communication and transmit the information data perceived from the patient or messages characteristic of the configuration stage are established, so that they are configured in the memory central of the remote central device and in the local memory of the wireless medical device the list of transmission channels and a local list of transmission channels, respectively. Furthermore, in the local memory of the wireless medical device, an increment value of the gradual transmission power level or "steps" is established.

As shown in Figure 7, the electronic central processor of the remote medical device can receive an order, for example, via command from a computer equipment to which it is connected, to initiate a configuration process, whereby, in the step 900, the electronic central processor is enabled to initialize in the central memory the list of transmission channels according to the transmission channels established between the remote central device and the wireless medical device, assigning a maximum transmission power level value to each channel as the reference power level value for the table. Also, in step 901, the electronic central processor initializes a control index for the transmission channel list.

Then, in step 902, the electronic central processor of the remote central device transmits a configuration start message to the medical device wireless through the central transmission-reception module, and then verify, in step 903, if the control index has reached its maximum value, and if not, in step 904, the electronic central processor proceeds to tune to the module transmission-reception center in the transmission channel indicated according to the control index of the list of transmission channels to receive at least one test message from the wireless medical device through the central transmission-reception module.

Now in Figure 8, in step 905, the electronic local processor of the wireless medical device detects whether the wireless communication module has received a configuration start message from the remote central device. If so, in step 906, the local electronic processor is enabled to initialize in the local memory the local list of transmission channels according to the transmission channels established between the wireless medical device and the remote central device, initializing a local index control for the local list of transmission channels. Then, in step 907, the electronic local processor of the wireless medical device checks whether the local control index has reached its maximum value and if not, in step 908, it proceeds to adjust the transmission power level of the communication module wireless at a minimum power and then, in step 909, adjust the transmit power level of the wireless communication module with an increase in power level according to the value of the transmission power level increase stored in the local memory.

In step 910, the electronic local processor verifies that the transmission power level is less than or equal to the maximum permitted transmission power level. If so, in step 911, the electronic local processor extracts the content of the test message from the local memory and proceeds to transmit it through the wireless communication module through the transmission channel indicated by the local index of control of the list local transmission channels and increased transmission power level, so, in step 912, proceeds to initialize a timer and compute it in step 913 in order to allow time for the possible reception of a message error from the remote central device.

Returning to Figure 7, in step 914, the central electronic processor of the remote central device detects whether the central transmit-receive module has received a test message from the wireless medical device. If so, in step 915, the electronic central processor proceeds to compare the content of the received test message with the pre-established content for the test message stored in the central memory. In step 916, the electronic central processor determines whether the content of the test message has been received correctly, so if so, in step 917, the electronic central processor by means of the power meter proceeds to determine the power level of transmission with which the test message was received.

In step 918, once the transmission power level has been determined, the electronic central processor proceeds to update the value of the transmission power level indicated for the transmission channel of the transmission channel list with the value of the The transmission power level determined, and then the electronic central processor returns to step 903 to continue with the analysis of the remaining transmission channels of the transmission channel list.

In case step 916, the electronic central processor determines that the content of the test message has been received incorrectly, then in step 919, the electronic central processor of the remote central device commands the central transmit-receive module to transmit a message of error at a maximum transmission power level to the wireless medical device. The error message is transmitted at a maximum transmission power level, by the same transmission channel through which the test message was received, to guarantee its reception in the wireless medical device.

Now in Figure 8, in step 920, the electronic local processor of the wireless medical device detects whether the wireless communication module has received an error message from the remote central device. If affirmative, the local electronic processor returns to step 909 and proceeds to re-adjust the transmission power level of the wireless communication module with an increase in transmission power level according to the value of the stored transmission power level increase. in the local memory, in order to re-send the test message to the remote central device through the same transmission channel, so steps 910, 911, 912 and 913 are repeated. As long as the local electronic processor of the medical device detects that an error message has been received through the wireless communication module from the remote central device and that the maximum transmission power level has not been reached for the same transmission channel by which the test message, then steps 920, 909, 910, 911, 912 and 913 are executed in cycle.

In the event that an error message is not received and in step 921 the local electronic processor determines that the maximum waiting time for receiving an error message has been reached, then the local electronic processor proceeds, in step 922, to indicate to the wireless communication module that changes the transmission channel, whereby the wireless communication module is tuned to the next transmission channel indicated in the local list of transmission channels.

Returning to Figure 7, in case the electronic central processor, in step 903, determines that all the transmission channels indicated in the list of transmission channels have been analyzed, ie, that each transmission channel of the list its minimum required transmission power level has been determined, it is then that in step 923, the electronic central processor orders the list of transmission channels according to the minimum transmission power level required for each transmission channel, i.e. , from the transmission channel with the lowest level of transmission power to the transmission channel with the highest level of transmission power. Then, in step 924, the electronic central processor extracts, from the list of ordered transmission channels that are stored in the central memory, the information of the transmission channel having the lowest transmission power level, to include this information ( transmission channel and power level) in a transmission channel setting and power level message that transmits to the wireless medical device through the central transmission-reception module.

Then, in step 925, the electronic central processor tunes to the central transmission-reception module in the transmission channel indicated in the transmission channel establishment message and power level that was transmitted, in order to prepare the remote central device for the reception of communication messages with information received from the patient and that come from the wireless medical device through the transmission channel in which it is tuned.

Now changing to Figure 8, in case the electronic local processor, in step 907, determines that all the transmission channels indicated in the local list of transmission channels have been analyzed, that is, for each transmission channel it is has sent at least one test message to the remote central device, it is then that in step 926, the electronic local processor detects whether the wireless communication module has received a transmission channel setup message and power level from the central device remote. If so, in step 927, the electronic local processor instructs the wireless communication module to be tuned to the transmission channel indicated in the message and in step 928 instructs it to adjust the transmit power level to the power level of the transmitter. transmission also indicated in the message. Then, in step 929, the electronic local processor prepares the wireless medical device to operate in patient information perception mode, and that once the patient information is sensed through the patient cable and its respective electrode terminals, the electronic local processor proceeds, in step 930, to transmit said patient information in communication messages through the wireless communication module that sends these communication messages through the transmission channel and with the transmission power level established in step Now in Figure 7, in case the electronic local processor, in step 931, detects whether the wireless communication module has received a communication message with perceived patient information from the wireless medical device. If so, in step 932, the electronic central processor proceeds to validate the structure of the communication message, so in step 933, the electronic central processor determines whether the structure of the communication message has been correctly received in its structure , so in the affirmative case, in step 934, the electronic central processor proceeds to transfer the communication message to the deployment or storage equipment, but if not, in step 935, the electronic central processor extracts, from the list of ordered transmission channels that is stored in the central memory, the information of the transmission channel having the next lower transmission power level, to include this information (new transmission channel and new power level) in a message of change of channel and power that transmits to the wireless medical device through the central transmission module- reception which in turn transmits it through the transmission channel through which it was receiving the communication message and at the maximum power level to guarantee its reception in the wireless medical device. Then, in step 936, the electronic central processor tunes to the central transmission-reception module in the new transmission channel indicated in the channel and power change message, in order to prepare the remote central device to continue with the reception of messages of communication with information perceived by the patient and that come from the wireless medical device through the new transmission channel in which it is tuned.

Now changing to Figure 8, in case the electronic local processor, in step 937, detects whether the wireless communication module has received a channel and power change message from the remote central device. If so, in step 938, the electronic local processor instructs the wireless communication module to tune to the new transmission channel indicated in the message and in step 939 commands it to adjust the transmission power level to the new level of transmission. Transmission power also indicated in the message. Then, in step 940, the electronic local processor continues with the transmission of patient information in communication messages through the wireless communication module that sends these communication messages through the new transmission channel and with the new power level of transmission. The steps 937, 938, 939 and 940 are executed in a cyclical manner while still receiving a change of channel and power message from the remote central device.

Finally, in Figure 7, the electronic local processor, in step 931, continues to receive, through the wireless communication module and the new transmission channel, communication messages with perceived patient information from the wireless medical device, to continue in a cyclical way with the execution of steps 932, 933, 934, 935 and 936 while still receiving communication messages from the wireless medical device, thus avoiding the collision of data and always maintaining a level of energy consumption by data transmission to the minimum required by each transmission channel.

Based on the embodiments described above, it is contemplated that modifications to these described embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments will be considered obvious to a person skilled in the art of the art under the present disclosure. It is therefore contemplated that the claims encompass said alternative embodiments that are within the scope of the present invention or their equivalents.

Claims (17)

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, it is considered as a novelty and therefore the content of the following claims is claimed as property:

1. A method for avoiding data collision and saving energy in a wireless medical device within a wireless network of wireless medical devices linked to a remote central device, the method characterized in that it comprises the steps of: configuring a list of available transmission channels for wireless data communication between said wireless medical device and said remote central device, wherein said list of transmission channels is ordered according to a minimum transmission power level required for each transmission channel to achieve a correct transmission of data between the wireless medical device and the remote central device; tune in. the transmission channel best positioned by its minimum transmission power level required from said ordered list of transmission channels; adjust the level of transmission power according to the minimum transmission power level required for the tuned transmission channel; Y transmitting at least one communication message between the wireless medical device and the remote central device through said tuned transmission channel and said adjusted power level.

The method according to claim 1, characterized in that said step of configuring an ordered list of available transmission channels for wireless data communication between said medical transmitting device and said remote receiving device, comprises the steps of: pre-establishing, in the wireless medical device and in the remote central device, a content of a test message; pre-establishing at least one transmission channel between the wireless medical device and the remote central device; pre-establishing, in the remote central device, a list of transmission channels with information of said pre-established transmission channels between the wireless medical device and the remote central device; pre-establishing, in the wireless medical device, at least one value of transmission power level increase; transmitting, from the remote central device to the wireless medical device, the configuration start message; receiving, in the wireless medical device, the configuration start message; and wherein for each transmission channel of the pre-established transmission channels between the wireless medical device and the remote central device the steps of: tuning the wireless medical device and the remote central device to a selected transmission channel of the pre-established transmission channels between the wireless medical device and the remote central device; adjust, in the wireless medical device, the transmission power level by increasing it according to the value of the pre-established transmission power level increase; transmitting from the wireless medical device to the remote central device a test message through the selected transmission channel and at the adjusted transmission power level; receive, in the remote central device, the test message; determining, in the remote central device, the level of transmit power with which the test message was received; determining, in the remote central device, whether the content of the received test message has been received correctly by comparing it with the pre-established content for the test message; and updating, under the determination that the content of the test message has been correctly received, in the remote central device, the value of the transmission power level indicated for the transmission channel tuned to the list of transmission channels with the value of the determined power level of transmission; and ordering, in the remote central device, the list of transmission channels, according to a minimum transmission power level required for each transmission channel.

The method according to claim 1, characterized in that said step of selecting the transmission channel best positioned by its minimum required transmit power level of said ordered list of transmission channels, comprises the steps of: select, in the remote central device, the transmission channel with the lowest transmission power level; tune to the remote central device in the transmission channel with the lowest transmission power level; Y transmitting, from the remote central device to the wireless medical device, a channel and power setting message indicating information of the transmission channel with the selected lower transmission power level.

The method according to claim 1, characterized in that said step of adjusting the transmission power level according to the minimum transmission power level required for the tuned transmission channel, comprises the steps of: receiving, in the wireless medical device, said channel and power setting message; tune to the wireless medical device in the transmission channel with the lowest transmission power level; Y adjust, in the wireless medical device, the transmission power level to the transmission power level received in the channel and power setting message.

The method according to claim 1, characterized in that said step of transmitting at least one communication message between the wireless medical device and the remote central device through said selected transmission channel and at said adjusted power level, comprises the steps from: perceive, the wireless medical device, information of a patient; and transmitting, from the wireless medical device to the remote central device, a communication message with said patient information through the tuned transmission channel and the adjusted transmission power level.

The method according to claim 2, characterized in that it also includes the steps of: transmitting, under the determination that said test message has not been received correctly, an error message from the remote central device to the wireless medical device through the tuned transmission channel; receiving, in the wireless medical device, said error message through the tuned transmission channel; determine, in the wireless medical device, whether the maximum transmission power level for the tuned transmission channel has been reached; re-adjusting, in the wireless medical device under the determination that the maximum transmission power level has not been reached, the transmission power level increasing again according to the pre-set transmission power level increase value; Y re-transmitting from the wireless medical device to the remote central device the test message through the tuned transmission channel and the re-adjusted transmission power level.

The method according to claim 6, characterized in that in said steps of transmitting, under the determination that said test message has not been correctly received, an error message from the remote central device to the wireless medical device through the transmission channel tuned, said error message is transmitted at a maximum transmit power level.

The method according to claim 6, characterized in that it also includes the steps of: change, in the wireless medical device and in the remote central device, under the determination that the maximum transmission power level for the tuned transmission channel has been reached, to another transmission channel of the pre-established transmission channels between the wireless medical device and the remote central device; tune to the wireless medical device and the remote central device on the other selected transmission channel of the preset transmission channels; adjust, in the wireless medical device, the transmission power level by increasing it according to the value of the pre-established transmission power level increase; Y re-transmitting from the wireless medical device to the remote central device the test message through the other tuned transmission channel and at the adjusted transmission power level.

A system to avoid data collision and save energy in a wireless medical device within a wireless network of wireless medical devices linked to a remote central device, the system characterized by: said remote central device is enabled for configuring a list of available transmission channels for wireless data communication between said wireless medical device and said remote central device, wherein said list of transmission channels is ordered according to a minimum transmission power level required for each transmission channel to achieve a correct transmission of data between the wireless medical device and the remote central device; Y tuning the best positioned transmission channel by its minimum required transmit power level of said ordered list of transmission channels, for wireless data communication with the wireless medical device; Y said wireless medical device is enabled for adjusting its transmission power level according to the minimum transmission power level required for the transmission channel selected by the remote central device; Y transmitting at least one communication message to the remote central device through said selected transmission channel and said adjusted power level.

10. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that said remote central device is enabled for pre-establish a content of a test message; pre-establish at least one transmission channel with the wireless medical device; pre-establish a list of transmission channels with information of said transmission channels pre-established with the wireless medical device; transmit a configuration start message to the wireless medical device; tuning in to a selected transmission channel of the pre-established transmission channels with the wireless medical device; receive a test message from the wireless medical device; determine the level of transmit power with which the test message was received; determine whether the content of the received test message has been received correctly by comparing it with the pre-established content for the test message; Y update, under the determination that the content of the test message has been correctly received, the value of the transmission power level indicated for the transmission channel tuned to the list of transmission channels with the value of the transmission power level determined; Y order the list of transmission channels, according to a minimum transmission power level required for each transmission channel; Y said wireless medical device is enabled for pre-establish a content of a test message; pre-establishing at least one transmission channel with the remote central device; pre-set at least one value of transmission power level increase; receive the configuration start message of the remote central device; tuning a selected transmission channel of the pre-established transmission channels with the remote central device; adjust the transmission power level by increasing it according to the pre-established transmission power level increase value; Y transmit to the remote central device the test message through the selected transmission channel and the adjusted transmission power level.

11. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that said remote central device is enabled for select the transmission channel with the lowest transmission power level; tune into the transmission channel with the lowest transmission power level; measure the noise level in the tuned channel; Y transmitting to the wireless medical device a channel and power setting message indicating information of the transmission channel with the selected lower transmission power level.

12. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that said wireless medical device is enabled for receive a channel establishment and power message from the remote central device; tune the received transmission channel in the channel and power setting message; Y adjust the transmission power level to the transmission power level received in the channel and power setting message.

13. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that said wireless medical device is enabled for perceive information of a patient; Y transmitting to the remote central device a communication message with said patient information through the tuned transmission channel and the adjusted transmission power level.

14. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that in addition: said remote central device is enabled for transmitting, under the determination that said test message has not been received correctly, an error message to the wireless medical device through the tuned transmission channel; and said wireless medical device is enabled for receiving said error message by the tuned transmission channel; determine whether the maximum transmission power level for the tuned transmission channel has been reached; re-adjust, under the determination that the maximum transmission power level has not been reached, the transmission power level again increasing it according to the pre-established transmission power level increase value; Y re-transmitting from the wireless medical device to the remote central device the test message through the tuned transmission channel and the re-adjusted transmission power level.

15. The system according to claim 14, characterized in that said remote central device is enabled to transmit said error message to a maximum transmission power level.

16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that in addition said wireless medical device is enabled for changing, under the determination that the maximum transmission power level for the tuned transmission channel has been reached, to another transmission channel of the pre-established transmission channels between the wireless medical device and the remote central device; tune to the other selected transmission channel of the pre-established transmission channels; adjust the transmission power level by increasing it according to the pre-established transmission power level increase value; Y re-transmitting to the remote central device the test message through the other tuned transmission channel and at the adjusted transmission power level; Y said remote central device is enabled for switching to another transmission channel of the pre-established transmission channels between the wireless medical device and the remote central device; Y tune to the other selected transmission channel of the pre-established transmission channels.

17. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that in addition said wireless medical device is enabled for change, under the determination that within the ordered channel list there is a channel that requires a smaller amount of power for transmission, to another transmission channel of the pre-established transmission channels between the wireless medical device and the central device remote that thus requires less energy for the secure transmission of data; tune to the other selected transmission channel of the pre-established transmission channels; adjust the transmission power level by increasing it according to the pre-established transmission power level increase value; Y re-transmitting to the remote central device the test message through the other tuned transmission channel and at the adjusted transmission power level; Y said remote central device is enabled for switching to another transmission channel of the pre-established transmission channels between the wireless medical device and the remote central device; Y tune to the other selected transmission channel of the pre-established transmission channels.