CA2097967A1 - Intelligent sensor apparatus and method for intelligently communicating information and data to and from a vital signs monitor - Google Patents
Intelligent sensor apparatus and method for intelligently communicating information and data to and from a vital signs monitorInfo
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- CA2097967A1 CA2097967A1 CA002097967A CA2097967A CA2097967A1 CA 2097967 A1 CA2097967 A1 CA 2097967A1 CA 002097967 A CA002097967 A CA 002097967A CA 2097967 A CA2097967 A CA 2097967A CA 2097967 A1 CA2097967 A1 CA 2097967A1
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- patient unit
- vital signs
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 12
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 37
- 230000006854 communication Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 37
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 claims description 25
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000009528 vital sign measurement Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 claims 5
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 claims 2
- 238000004146 energy storage Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 abstract description 5
- 230000036772 blood pressure Effects 0.000 description 24
- 230000003750 conditioning effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000012937 correction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000029058 respiratory gaseous exchange Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007792 addition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003321 amplification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004458 analytical method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000008280 blood Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000004369 blood Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000009530 blood pressure measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001143 conditioned effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003199 nucleic acid amplification method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035479 physiological effects, processes and functions Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012552 review Methods 0.000 description 1
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- Measuring And Recording Apparatus For Diagnosis (AREA)
- Measurement And Recording Of Electrical Phenomena And Electrical Characteristics Of The Living Body (AREA)
Abstract
- 17 -ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An intelligent sensor unit, and method for intelligent communication between the intelligent sensor unit and a vital signs monitor is disclosed. The intelligent sensor senses a vital sign for a patient, and converts the sensed vital sign into a signal, then con-verts the signal into a quantitative value. The quantita-tive value is then transmitted to a central vital signs monitor, or stored for later transmission. The vital sign monitor receives the quantitative value transmitted from the sensor unit and outputs the quantitative value to a display means, or stores it for later display. The intelligent sensor is independent of the central monitor, and communicates with the central monitor wirelessly. Accordingly, umbilical cables or other attachments between the sensor and the central monitor are avoided, while quantitative output from the sensor is immediately available.
Description
2~97~
IN~ELLIGENT 8EN80R APPARATU~ AND METUOD FOR
INTE~LIGENTLY COMMUNICATING INFORMATION AND DATA
To AND FROM A VITAL 8IGN8 MONITO~
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for monitoring a patient's vital physiological signs. More particular, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for monitoring a patient's vital signs by use of at least one portable remote sensing unit.
2. Description of the Related Art Vital sign monitors are used extensively in patient care environments. Conventional monitors are able to measure and store data for vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration rate and temperature.
For example, conventional automatic electronic blood pressure monitors are used routinely to quickly, easily and accurately measure the blood pressure of a patient.
The blood pressure measurement data are maintained in nurses logs and/or in the memory of the monitor.
Conventional integrated monitors providing a full range of vital sign sensing present a number of serious drawbacks from an ease of usage standpoint. First, conventional vital sign measuring sensors merely sense the vital signs of a patient and generate signals which must be communicated back to the main monitor for processing.
Second, in order to provide a full range of information, vital signs from a variety of areas of the body are sensed, preventing the sensors from being located in a single module. Finally, measuring vital signs requires sensors which must be in contact with the patient.
Accordingly, in a conventional integrated vital signs monitor, a cable for each sensor must be provided to connect the main monitor to the sensors, which are attached to the patient at a variety of locations. These cables are a nuisance for the doctors, nurses and others involved in the patient's care, interfere with access to the patient, and are easily tangled or damaged, thereby 2~97967 hindering the monitor~s ability to gather the vital signs data.
For 2xample, U.S. Patent 4,981,139 to Pfohl discloses a vital signs monitoring system with sound sensor 18, blood pressure sensor 22 and esophageal catheter 14 connected by cables to the monitor 12 and attached to the patient. While Pfohl discloses an infra-red transmitter and receiver which provides communication between the monitor and a remote unit carried by a physi-cian, none of the problems inherent in the conventional vital signs monitors are avoided by Pfohl.
In contrast U.S. Patents. 4,966,154 to Cooper et al. and 4,909,260 to Salem et al. describe devices which are able to monitor a number of vital signs without connection to a central monitor device. In Cooper et al., a harness system containing a number of vital signs sensors is disclosed. The raw data from the sensors is transmitted by a radio frequency transmitter to a receiver system 200. The receiver system 200 contains a plurality of converters which supply outputs to a computer system 208. The computer system 208 stores the data, makes the requisite calculations, feeds the information to a display monitor 210 of printer 212 and an alarm unit 214. Salem et al discloses a belt-like device containing a number of vital sign sensors, a volatile memory, a nonvolatile memory and a radio frequency transmitter. The device of Salem et al., outputs a radio frequency signal only when preset alarm conditions are encountered. When an alarm condition is encountered, the data from the sensors is dumped into the nonvolatile memory, where it is stored for later analysis by a physician. However, both Cooper et al. and Salem et al. merely transmit the raw, analog data instead of a cleaned, processed data waveform. In addi-tion, the system of Cooper at al. is highly susceptible to noise or interference from other electronic devices and requires a large number of receivers to maintain constant contact with the patient unit. Eurthermore, both Salem et al. and Cooper et al. are limited to the kinds of 2 ~ 9 ~
sensors that can be provided and the sensing locations available due to the single patient unit they disclose.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In the vital physiological signs monitor of the present invention, at least one patient unit, each unit comprising a vital sign sensor for sensing blood pressure or the like, is stored in a patient unit retaining means of the monitor. The vital sign sensor is connected with the monitor solely through a communications means. The patient unit also comprises a battery as a power source.
The battery may be a rechargeable-type battery recharge-able through a rechargeable battery connection to the monitor.
To use the patient unit, the patient unit is removed from the retaining means and attached and secured on an appropriate location on the patient. While the patient unit is attached to the patient, a sensor generates a signal indicative of the patient's vital signs and outputs the signal to a control means of the patient unit. The control means determines an instantaneous quantitative value of the patient's vital signs from the signal and stores it in a memory means.
When the doctor or nurse needs to review the patient's vital sign, the patient unit is detached from the patient and returned to the patient unit retaining means. The monitor detects the return of the patient unit to the retaining means. A communications means is estab-lished with the patient unit. The patient unit then transmits the quantitative data (which was stored in the memory means) indicative of the instantaneous level of the vital sign being monitored to the main monitor. The patient unit may also transmit time data indicating when the vital sign was measured, and status data for verifying the accuracy of the data. The main monitor then stores this transmitted quantitative data (and the other data if provided) for later display and/or immediately displays it.
.
20979~j~
Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a vital sign measurement system having a main monitor and at least one portable patient unit for remotely and intelligently measuring and storing a vital sign of a patient.
It another object of the present invention to provide a vital sign measurement system wherein each of the at least one patient unit comprises a portable sensor which generates measurement data and a control means which processes the measurement data into quantitative data prior to transmitting the data to the main monitor.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a vital sign measurement system comprising a memory means in the patient unit for storing the quantitative data prior to transmission.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a vital signs measurement system comprising at least one portable sensor which wirelessly transmits data to and receives data from the main monitor.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention are described in and are apparent from the following details description of the preferred embodiments of the invention.
RIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The preferred embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings, in which like elements have been denoted with like reference numerals throughout the figures, and in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the main moni-tor;
Figure 2A is a perspective view of a first surface of a tympanic temperature patient unit of a first pre-ferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2B is a perspective view of a second 3S surface of the tympanic temperature patient unit of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;
20~7~7 Figure 2C is a perspective view of a first surface of a tonometric blood pressure patient unit of a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2D is a perspective view of a second surface of a tonometric blood pressure patient unit of the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a block diagram of a retaining means of the main monitor of the present invention;
Figure 4 is a block diagram of the components of a patient unit of the present invention; and Figure 5 is a block diagram of the components of the main monitor of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to Figures 1, 2a, 2b and 3, in a first preferred embodiment, a main monitor 10 comprises at least one patient unit retaining means 12 (designated 12-1 through 12-N), a microprocessor 20 and associated memory 22, other blood pressure device electronics 24 and display means 26. Each patient unit retaining means 12 comprises a communications means 14 and holding means 16. In the first preferred embodiment the communication means 14 comprises an infrared detector or receiver 14A. In a second preferred embodiment, the patient unit retaining means 12 also comprises a pair of rechargeable battery charging terminals 18 for connecting a rechargeable battery to a recharging source. In a third preferred embodiment, the communication means 14 comprises a plug receptacle.
As shown in Fig. 5, the microprocessor 20 is connected to a receiver buffer 14C, which is in turn connected to the receiver 14A. The microprocessor 20 may also be connected to a memory means 22, which comprises a RAM 22A and a ROM 22B. The display means 26 is connected to the microprocessor and can be a cathode ray tube, an LED display, a printer or the like. Finally, the micro-processor 20 is connected to the other blood pressure device electronics 24. As shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, in the first preferred embodiment, the patient unit is a , ' ' .
.
' ~ :
)79fi7 tympanic temperature patient unit, and the main monitor is a standard blood pressure monitor. The main monitor has a blood pressure sensor (not shown) which, in a conventional manner, is connected to the main monitor by appropriate sensor cables and senses blood pressure. The main monitor's blood pressure electronics 24 controls the sensor and processes the signals outp~t by the blood pressure sensor. The blood pressure sensor may be any conventional blood pressure sensor, including a tonometric blood pressure sensor.
In a fourth preferred embodiment shown in Figs. 2C
and 2D, the conventional blood pressure sensor and the blood pressure electronics are replaced by a tonometric blood pressure patient unit, which tonometrically senses blood pressure, and processes the sensor signal in the same manner as the tympanic temper patient unit. In this fourth embodiment other vital signs patient units, such as the tympanic temperature patient unit of the first pre-ferred embodiment, can also be provided.
Referring to Figs. 2A-2D, each patient unit 30 comprises a housing 28 which encloses the-sensor 38 and all of the related electronics. A shown in Figs. 2C and 2D, an attachment means 32, such as a belt, a clip or the like, for attaching the patient unit 30 to the patient may be provided. As shown in Figures 2A-2D, the patient unit 30 comprises a second communication means 34 having an infrared transmitter 34A. The infrared transmitter 34A
preferably is arranged on the patient unit 30 such that when the patient unit 30 is in one of the retaining means 12, the infrared transmitter 34A is opposite the infrared receiver 14A. However, if data is to be transmitted solely when the patient unit is remote from the main monitor, the second communication means 34 can be located anywhere on the patient unit 30.
In the second preferred embodiment, the patient unit 30 also includes a rechargeable-type battery and rechargeable battery terminals 36 which are arranged on the patient unit 30 such that when the patient unit 30 is 2~(379~iV~
in retaininq means 12, the rechargeable battery terminals 36 are in direct contact with rechargeable battery termi-nals 18 provided in the retaining unit 12. The battery terminals 18 and 36 establish a circuit between the rechargeable-type battery 52 (shown in Fig. 4) and the rechargeable battery recharging means (not shown) of main monitor 10. In the third preferred embodiment, the second communication ~eans 34 comprises a plug, and the communi-cation means 1~ comprises a plug receptacle.
As shown in Figure 4, the sensor 38, which is placed in contact with a patient, senses a vital sign of a patient, such as temperature, blood pressure, respiration rate, pulse rate, blood gases, respired gases or the like, and generates an analog signal indicative of the vital sign being measured.
For example, the sensor 38 could be a tympanic temperature sensor, or a tonometric blood pressure sensor such as is described in U.S. Patent 4,802,488 to Eckerle, which is incorporated herein by reference. The sensor 38 which is connected to an electrical transducer 40 which in turn is connected to a signal conditioning means 42. The signal conditioning means conditions the raw data signal generated by the transducer 40 by providing any necessary amplification/scaling, filtering and offset correction to the raw data signal. Each different sensor will generally require different types and amounts of conditioning, but a fuller explanation of this is beyond the scope of this invention.
The signal conditioning means 42 is connected to an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter 44 which converts the analog data signal to a digital data signal. The A/D
converter is connected to a control means 46. The control means 46 converts the digital data signal to a quantita-tive value indicative of the instantaneous value of the vital sign, and stores the quantitative value to a RAM 48A
of a first memory means 48. The control means may also add status data and time data, indicative of the time the measurement of the vital sign was made, to the :; ' `
2~ 97~
quantitative data. The quantitative data is in the form of a single numerical value of the vital sign sensed. For example, a temperature sensing patent unit may store a quantitative datum of 98.6, which is indicative of a normal temperature. The first memory means 48 also contains a ROM 48B for storing a control program for the control means 46.
Also connected to the control means 46 is the second communication means 34. The patient unit 30 also comprises a detection means 54 for detecting whether the sensor is in one of the retaining means 12. Finally, the patient unit 30 has a battery 52 which supplies power to all of the other components of the patient unit 30.
In operation, the patient unit 30 is stored in one of the retaining means 12 when not in use. In the second preferred embodiment, while in the retaining means, the rechargeable-type battery 52 is connected through rechargeable battery terminals 36 and 18 to the rechargeable battery recharging means and is kept in a fully charged state.
When a physician, nurse or the like needs to measure one of a patient's vital signs, such as temperature, the appropriate patient unit 30 is removed from one of the retaining means 12 and placed into an "ON"
2S mode. For example, to measure a patient's temperature, a temperature sensing patient unit is selected. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature sensing patient unit comprises a tympanic temperature patient unit, which is inserted into the patient's ear. In the first preferred embodiment, the tympanic temperature patient unit is held by the physician, nurse or the like, and placed in contact with the patient and a single measurement made. In the fourth preferred embodiment, the tonometric blood pressure patient unit is attached to the patient so that a number of measurements can be made. In further preferred embodi-ments, a vital sign patient unit may be adhesively attached to the patient, or simply placed upon the patient.
2 ~ 7 g Once in contact with the patient, the patient unit may make one, or a series, of vital si~n measurements. In the first preferred embodiment, which uses an infrared transmission system, it would not be necessary to return the patient unit to the retaining means 12. Rather, the patient unit is aimed at the main monitor. The doctor, nurse or the like operates a switch (not shown) provided on the patient unit 30 which causes the control means to begin transmitting data to the main monitor. In this embodiment, the second communication means 34 would have to be aimed at the communication means 14 for communica-tion between the patient unit and main monitor to be established.
To take a measurement of a patient's vital signs, the patient unit 30 is placed into an "ON" mode, placed in contact with the patient and the sensor 38 begins sensing a particular vital sign of the patient. As the sensor 38 senses the vital sign of the patient, it causes the transducer 40 to produce an analog signal indicative of this vital sign. The analog signal is conditioned by running it through the signal conditioning means 42, then converting to digital form by an A/D converter 44. The digital signal is then transmitted to the control means 46, which generates a single quantitative or numerical value of the instantaneous level of the patient's vital sign from the digital signal. This quantitative value is then stored in the RAM 48A. Alternatively, when only a single measurement is to be made, the quantitative value can be held by the microprocessor 46. As the guantitative value is determined, the control means may also generate time data indicative of the time period the quantitation data relates to, and status data for verifying the accuracy of the quantitative data. The time data and status data are also then stored to the gAM 48A.
Once the desired number of vital sign measurements have been taken, the data stored in the microprocessor 46 or RAM 48B is transmitted to the main monitor. In the first preferred embodiment, the communication means 14 is 2 ~ 7 'J (j ~
open. The communication means 14 may be kept open contin-uously, or may open (and close) automatically when the patient unit is removed from (and returned to) the patient unit holding means 16. To automatically open and close the communication means 14, a detection means 56 for detecting the presence and/or absence of the patient unit 30 is provided. In the first preferred embodiment, the patient unit 30 transmits the data directly to the main monitor 10, without any formal handshaking. To ensure the data has been correctly received by the first communica-tion means receiver 14A, the patient unit 30 transmits the data 3 times.
In an alternative preferred embodiment, the data is transmitted automatically upon returning the patient unit 30 to the holding means 16. After detecting means 54 detects that patient unit 30 has been returned to the retaining means, the control means 46 recalls the quanti-tative data (and the time and status data if generated) stored in the RAM 48A and loads it into the receiver transmitter buffer 34C. As in the first preferred embodi-ment, the detection means 56 detects the return of the patient unit 30 and opens the communication means 14. The quantitative data (and time and status data) stored in the buffer 34C is then transmitted by infrared transmitter 34A
to an infrared receiver 14A which converts the infrared signals to electrical signals, which are stored in the receiver transmitter buffer 14C. The microprocessor 20 then removes the quantitative data (and time and status data) from the buffer 14C and either immediately displays the data on the display means 26 or stores it for later display in the RAM 22A. The display means may comprise a CRT, an LED or other usual means; a printer or plotter or other graphical means; or an output means for transmitting an electrical or optical signal to a further processing means. This sequence is also repeated 3 times to ensure the data has been properly transmitted.
In the second preferred embodiment, the recharge-able battery would be automatically recharged when the 2~7~67 patient unit 30 is returned to the retaining unit 12. In the third preferred embodiment, communication between the patient unit 30 and the main monitor 10 would be estab-lished by inserting the plug on the patient unit 30 into the receptacle of the retaining unit 12 to mechanically complete the transmission circuit between the second communication means 34 and the communication means 14.
In a fifth preferred embodiment, the main monitor 10 also includes a transmitter 14B, and the patient unit 30 also includes a receiver 34B. In this manner, fully two way communication, including handshaking, is estab-lished between the main monitor 10 and the patient unit 30. This allows for correction of erroneously transmitted data, and for transmission of data to the control means of the patient unit, such as alarm limits or data for "tuning" the patient unit to the physiology of a particular patient.
While this invention has been described in con-junction with the specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and varia-tions will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention as set forth herein are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
IN~ELLIGENT 8EN80R APPARATU~ AND METUOD FOR
INTE~LIGENTLY COMMUNICATING INFORMATION AND DATA
To AND FROM A VITAL 8IGN8 MONITO~
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for monitoring a patient's vital physiological signs. More particular, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for monitoring a patient's vital signs by use of at least one portable remote sensing unit.
2. Description of the Related Art Vital sign monitors are used extensively in patient care environments. Conventional monitors are able to measure and store data for vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration rate and temperature.
For example, conventional automatic electronic blood pressure monitors are used routinely to quickly, easily and accurately measure the blood pressure of a patient.
The blood pressure measurement data are maintained in nurses logs and/or in the memory of the monitor.
Conventional integrated monitors providing a full range of vital sign sensing present a number of serious drawbacks from an ease of usage standpoint. First, conventional vital sign measuring sensors merely sense the vital signs of a patient and generate signals which must be communicated back to the main monitor for processing.
Second, in order to provide a full range of information, vital signs from a variety of areas of the body are sensed, preventing the sensors from being located in a single module. Finally, measuring vital signs requires sensors which must be in contact with the patient.
Accordingly, in a conventional integrated vital signs monitor, a cable for each sensor must be provided to connect the main monitor to the sensors, which are attached to the patient at a variety of locations. These cables are a nuisance for the doctors, nurses and others involved in the patient's care, interfere with access to the patient, and are easily tangled or damaged, thereby 2~97967 hindering the monitor~s ability to gather the vital signs data.
For 2xample, U.S. Patent 4,981,139 to Pfohl discloses a vital signs monitoring system with sound sensor 18, blood pressure sensor 22 and esophageal catheter 14 connected by cables to the monitor 12 and attached to the patient. While Pfohl discloses an infra-red transmitter and receiver which provides communication between the monitor and a remote unit carried by a physi-cian, none of the problems inherent in the conventional vital signs monitors are avoided by Pfohl.
In contrast U.S. Patents. 4,966,154 to Cooper et al. and 4,909,260 to Salem et al. describe devices which are able to monitor a number of vital signs without connection to a central monitor device. In Cooper et al., a harness system containing a number of vital signs sensors is disclosed. The raw data from the sensors is transmitted by a radio frequency transmitter to a receiver system 200. The receiver system 200 contains a plurality of converters which supply outputs to a computer system 208. The computer system 208 stores the data, makes the requisite calculations, feeds the information to a display monitor 210 of printer 212 and an alarm unit 214. Salem et al discloses a belt-like device containing a number of vital sign sensors, a volatile memory, a nonvolatile memory and a radio frequency transmitter. The device of Salem et al., outputs a radio frequency signal only when preset alarm conditions are encountered. When an alarm condition is encountered, the data from the sensors is dumped into the nonvolatile memory, where it is stored for later analysis by a physician. However, both Cooper et al. and Salem et al. merely transmit the raw, analog data instead of a cleaned, processed data waveform. In addi-tion, the system of Cooper at al. is highly susceptible to noise or interference from other electronic devices and requires a large number of receivers to maintain constant contact with the patient unit. Eurthermore, both Salem et al. and Cooper et al. are limited to the kinds of 2 ~ 9 ~
sensors that can be provided and the sensing locations available due to the single patient unit they disclose.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In the vital physiological signs monitor of the present invention, at least one patient unit, each unit comprising a vital sign sensor for sensing blood pressure or the like, is stored in a patient unit retaining means of the monitor. The vital sign sensor is connected with the monitor solely through a communications means. The patient unit also comprises a battery as a power source.
The battery may be a rechargeable-type battery recharge-able through a rechargeable battery connection to the monitor.
To use the patient unit, the patient unit is removed from the retaining means and attached and secured on an appropriate location on the patient. While the patient unit is attached to the patient, a sensor generates a signal indicative of the patient's vital signs and outputs the signal to a control means of the patient unit. The control means determines an instantaneous quantitative value of the patient's vital signs from the signal and stores it in a memory means.
When the doctor or nurse needs to review the patient's vital sign, the patient unit is detached from the patient and returned to the patient unit retaining means. The monitor detects the return of the patient unit to the retaining means. A communications means is estab-lished with the patient unit. The patient unit then transmits the quantitative data (which was stored in the memory means) indicative of the instantaneous level of the vital sign being monitored to the main monitor. The patient unit may also transmit time data indicating when the vital sign was measured, and status data for verifying the accuracy of the data. The main monitor then stores this transmitted quantitative data (and the other data if provided) for later display and/or immediately displays it.
.
20979~j~
Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a vital sign measurement system having a main monitor and at least one portable patient unit for remotely and intelligently measuring and storing a vital sign of a patient.
It another object of the present invention to provide a vital sign measurement system wherein each of the at least one patient unit comprises a portable sensor which generates measurement data and a control means which processes the measurement data into quantitative data prior to transmitting the data to the main monitor.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a vital sign measurement system comprising a memory means in the patient unit for storing the quantitative data prior to transmission.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a vital signs measurement system comprising at least one portable sensor which wirelessly transmits data to and receives data from the main monitor.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention are described in and are apparent from the following details description of the preferred embodiments of the invention.
RIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The preferred embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings, in which like elements have been denoted with like reference numerals throughout the figures, and in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the main moni-tor;
Figure 2A is a perspective view of a first surface of a tympanic temperature patient unit of a first pre-ferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2B is a perspective view of a second 3S surface of the tympanic temperature patient unit of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;
20~7~7 Figure 2C is a perspective view of a first surface of a tonometric blood pressure patient unit of a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2D is a perspective view of a second surface of a tonometric blood pressure patient unit of the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a block diagram of a retaining means of the main monitor of the present invention;
Figure 4 is a block diagram of the components of a patient unit of the present invention; and Figure 5 is a block diagram of the components of the main monitor of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to Figures 1, 2a, 2b and 3, in a first preferred embodiment, a main monitor 10 comprises at least one patient unit retaining means 12 (designated 12-1 through 12-N), a microprocessor 20 and associated memory 22, other blood pressure device electronics 24 and display means 26. Each patient unit retaining means 12 comprises a communications means 14 and holding means 16. In the first preferred embodiment the communication means 14 comprises an infrared detector or receiver 14A. In a second preferred embodiment, the patient unit retaining means 12 also comprises a pair of rechargeable battery charging terminals 18 for connecting a rechargeable battery to a recharging source. In a third preferred embodiment, the communication means 14 comprises a plug receptacle.
As shown in Fig. 5, the microprocessor 20 is connected to a receiver buffer 14C, which is in turn connected to the receiver 14A. The microprocessor 20 may also be connected to a memory means 22, which comprises a RAM 22A and a ROM 22B. The display means 26 is connected to the microprocessor and can be a cathode ray tube, an LED display, a printer or the like. Finally, the micro-processor 20 is connected to the other blood pressure device electronics 24. As shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, in the first preferred embodiment, the patient unit is a , ' ' .
.
' ~ :
)79fi7 tympanic temperature patient unit, and the main monitor is a standard blood pressure monitor. The main monitor has a blood pressure sensor (not shown) which, in a conventional manner, is connected to the main monitor by appropriate sensor cables and senses blood pressure. The main monitor's blood pressure electronics 24 controls the sensor and processes the signals outp~t by the blood pressure sensor. The blood pressure sensor may be any conventional blood pressure sensor, including a tonometric blood pressure sensor.
In a fourth preferred embodiment shown in Figs. 2C
and 2D, the conventional blood pressure sensor and the blood pressure electronics are replaced by a tonometric blood pressure patient unit, which tonometrically senses blood pressure, and processes the sensor signal in the same manner as the tympanic temper patient unit. In this fourth embodiment other vital signs patient units, such as the tympanic temperature patient unit of the first pre-ferred embodiment, can also be provided.
Referring to Figs. 2A-2D, each patient unit 30 comprises a housing 28 which encloses the-sensor 38 and all of the related electronics. A shown in Figs. 2C and 2D, an attachment means 32, such as a belt, a clip or the like, for attaching the patient unit 30 to the patient may be provided. As shown in Figures 2A-2D, the patient unit 30 comprises a second communication means 34 having an infrared transmitter 34A. The infrared transmitter 34A
preferably is arranged on the patient unit 30 such that when the patient unit 30 is in one of the retaining means 12, the infrared transmitter 34A is opposite the infrared receiver 14A. However, if data is to be transmitted solely when the patient unit is remote from the main monitor, the second communication means 34 can be located anywhere on the patient unit 30.
In the second preferred embodiment, the patient unit 30 also includes a rechargeable-type battery and rechargeable battery terminals 36 which are arranged on the patient unit 30 such that when the patient unit 30 is 2~(379~iV~
in retaininq means 12, the rechargeable battery terminals 36 are in direct contact with rechargeable battery termi-nals 18 provided in the retaining unit 12. The battery terminals 18 and 36 establish a circuit between the rechargeable-type battery 52 (shown in Fig. 4) and the rechargeable battery recharging means (not shown) of main monitor 10. In the third preferred embodiment, the second communication ~eans 34 comprises a plug, and the communi-cation means 1~ comprises a plug receptacle.
As shown in Figure 4, the sensor 38, which is placed in contact with a patient, senses a vital sign of a patient, such as temperature, blood pressure, respiration rate, pulse rate, blood gases, respired gases or the like, and generates an analog signal indicative of the vital sign being measured.
For example, the sensor 38 could be a tympanic temperature sensor, or a tonometric blood pressure sensor such as is described in U.S. Patent 4,802,488 to Eckerle, which is incorporated herein by reference. The sensor 38 which is connected to an electrical transducer 40 which in turn is connected to a signal conditioning means 42. The signal conditioning means conditions the raw data signal generated by the transducer 40 by providing any necessary amplification/scaling, filtering and offset correction to the raw data signal. Each different sensor will generally require different types and amounts of conditioning, but a fuller explanation of this is beyond the scope of this invention.
The signal conditioning means 42 is connected to an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter 44 which converts the analog data signal to a digital data signal. The A/D
converter is connected to a control means 46. The control means 46 converts the digital data signal to a quantita-tive value indicative of the instantaneous value of the vital sign, and stores the quantitative value to a RAM 48A
of a first memory means 48. The control means may also add status data and time data, indicative of the time the measurement of the vital sign was made, to the :; ' `
2~ 97~
quantitative data. The quantitative data is in the form of a single numerical value of the vital sign sensed. For example, a temperature sensing patent unit may store a quantitative datum of 98.6, which is indicative of a normal temperature. The first memory means 48 also contains a ROM 48B for storing a control program for the control means 46.
Also connected to the control means 46 is the second communication means 34. The patient unit 30 also comprises a detection means 54 for detecting whether the sensor is in one of the retaining means 12. Finally, the patient unit 30 has a battery 52 which supplies power to all of the other components of the patient unit 30.
In operation, the patient unit 30 is stored in one of the retaining means 12 when not in use. In the second preferred embodiment, while in the retaining means, the rechargeable-type battery 52 is connected through rechargeable battery terminals 36 and 18 to the rechargeable battery recharging means and is kept in a fully charged state.
When a physician, nurse or the like needs to measure one of a patient's vital signs, such as temperature, the appropriate patient unit 30 is removed from one of the retaining means 12 and placed into an "ON"
2S mode. For example, to measure a patient's temperature, a temperature sensing patient unit is selected. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature sensing patient unit comprises a tympanic temperature patient unit, which is inserted into the patient's ear. In the first preferred embodiment, the tympanic temperature patient unit is held by the physician, nurse or the like, and placed in contact with the patient and a single measurement made. In the fourth preferred embodiment, the tonometric blood pressure patient unit is attached to the patient so that a number of measurements can be made. In further preferred embodi-ments, a vital sign patient unit may be adhesively attached to the patient, or simply placed upon the patient.
2 ~ 7 g Once in contact with the patient, the patient unit may make one, or a series, of vital si~n measurements. In the first preferred embodiment, which uses an infrared transmission system, it would not be necessary to return the patient unit to the retaining means 12. Rather, the patient unit is aimed at the main monitor. The doctor, nurse or the like operates a switch (not shown) provided on the patient unit 30 which causes the control means to begin transmitting data to the main monitor. In this embodiment, the second communication means 34 would have to be aimed at the communication means 14 for communica-tion between the patient unit and main monitor to be established.
To take a measurement of a patient's vital signs, the patient unit 30 is placed into an "ON" mode, placed in contact with the patient and the sensor 38 begins sensing a particular vital sign of the patient. As the sensor 38 senses the vital sign of the patient, it causes the transducer 40 to produce an analog signal indicative of this vital sign. The analog signal is conditioned by running it through the signal conditioning means 42, then converting to digital form by an A/D converter 44. The digital signal is then transmitted to the control means 46, which generates a single quantitative or numerical value of the instantaneous level of the patient's vital sign from the digital signal. This quantitative value is then stored in the RAM 48A. Alternatively, when only a single measurement is to be made, the quantitative value can be held by the microprocessor 46. As the guantitative value is determined, the control means may also generate time data indicative of the time period the quantitation data relates to, and status data for verifying the accuracy of the quantitative data. The time data and status data are also then stored to the gAM 48A.
Once the desired number of vital sign measurements have been taken, the data stored in the microprocessor 46 or RAM 48B is transmitted to the main monitor. In the first preferred embodiment, the communication means 14 is 2 ~ 7 'J (j ~
open. The communication means 14 may be kept open contin-uously, or may open (and close) automatically when the patient unit is removed from (and returned to) the patient unit holding means 16. To automatically open and close the communication means 14, a detection means 56 for detecting the presence and/or absence of the patient unit 30 is provided. In the first preferred embodiment, the patient unit 30 transmits the data directly to the main monitor 10, without any formal handshaking. To ensure the data has been correctly received by the first communica-tion means receiver 14A, the patient unit 30 transmits the data 3 times.
In an alternative preferred embodiment, the data is transmitted automatically upon returning the patient unit 30 to the holding means 16. After detecting means 54 detects that patient unit 30 has been returned to the retaining means, the control means 46 recalls the quanti-tative data (and the time and status data if generated) stored in the RAM 48A and loads it into the receiver transmitter buffer 34C. As in the first preferred embodi-ment, the detection means 56 detects the return of the patient unit 30 and opens the communication means 14. The quantitative data (and time and status data) stored in the buffer 34C is then transmitted by infrared transmitter 34A
to an infrared receiver 14A which converts the infrared signals to electrical signals, which are stored in the receiver transmitter buffer 14C. The microprocessor 20 then removes the quantitative data (and time and status data) from the buffer 14C and either immediately displays the data on the display means 26 or stores it for later display in the RAM 22A. The display means may comprise a CRT, an LED or other usual means; a printer or plotter or other graphical means; or an output means for transmitting an electrical or optical signal to a further processing means. This sequence is also repeated 3 times to ensure the data has been properly transmitted.
In the second preferred embodiment, the recharge-able battery would be automatically recharged when the 2~7~67 patient unit 30 is returned to the retaining unit 12. In the third preferred embodiment, communication between the patient unit 30 and the main monitor 10 would be estab-lished by inserting the plug on the patient unit 30 into the receptacle of the retaining unit 12 to mechanically complete the transmission circuit between the second communication means 34 and the communication means 14.
In a fifth preferred embodiment, the main monitor 10 also includes a transmitter 14B, and the patient unit 30 also includes a receiver 34B. In this manner, fully two way communication, including handshaking, is estab-lished between the main monitor 10 and the patient unit 30. This allows for correction of erroneously transmitted data, and for transmission of data to the control means of the patient unit, such as alarm limits or data for "tuning" the patient unit to the physiology of a particular patient.
While this invention has been described in con-junction with the specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and varia-tions will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention as set forth herein are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
Claims (22)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A vital signs measurement system for measuring vital physiological signs of a patient, compris-ing:
a main monitor; and at least one portable patient unit for remotely measuring a vital sign of a patient, wherein the main monitor comprises:
at least one patient unit retaining means for storing the at least one sensor, first communications means for at least receiving data from the patient unit, a microprocessor connected to the first communications means, for at least receiving data from the first communications means, and an external communication means for providing an output of data from the microprocessor; and wherein each at least one portable patient unit comprises:
a housing, at least one vital sign sensor for generating an analog signal indicative of vital sign of a patient, signal conversion means for converting the analog signal to a digital signal, second communication means for at least transmitting data to the main monitor, control means for controlling the at least one sensor, the second communications means, the signal conversion means and a memory means, and for generating at least a quantified value of a patient's vital signs from the digital signals; and memory means for storing at least a control program for the control means.
a main monitor; and at least one portable patient unit for remotely measuring a vital sign of a patient, wherein the main monitor comprises:
at least one patient unit retaining means for storing the at least one sensor, first communications means for at least receiving data from the patient unit, a microprocessor connected to the first communications means, for at least receiving data from the first communications means, and an external communication means for providing an output of data from the microprocessor; and wherein each at least one portable patient unit comprises:
a housing, at least one vital sign sensor for generating an analog signal indicative of vital sign of a patient, signal conversion means for converting the analog signal to a digital signal, second communication means for at least transmitting data to the main monitor, control means for controlling the at least one sensor, the second communications means, the signal conversion means and a memory means, and for generating at least a quantified value of a patient's vital signs from the digital signals; and memory means for storing at least a control program for the control means.
2. The vital signs measurement system of claim 1, wherein the second communications means comprises a transmitter buffer connected to the control means, and a transmitter connected to the transmitter buffer.
3. The vital signs measurement system of claim 1, wherein the first communications means comprises at least one receiver buffer connected to the microprocessor and at least one receiver connected to one of the at least one receiver buffer.
4. The vital signs measurement system of claim 1, wherein the first communications means comprises an infrared detector and the second communications means comprises an infrared source.
5. The vital signs measurement system of claim 1, wherein the main monitor further comprises a patient unit detector means provided on each at least one patient unit retaining means for detecting the presence of a patient unit in the patient unit retaining means.
6. The vital signs measurement system of claim 1, wherein the main monitor further comprises memory means for storing data connected to the microprocessor.
7. The vital signs measurement system of claim 1, wherein at least one portable patient unit further comprises attachment means provided on the housing for attaching the patient unit to the patient.
8. The vital signs measurement system of claim 1, wherein at least one portable patient unit further comprises detection means for detecting when the patient unit is in one of the at least one retaining means.
9. The vital signs measurement system of claim 1, wherein the control means transmits at least stored quantified vital signs data through the second communica-tion means and the first communications means to the main monitor.
10. The vital signs measurement system of claim 9, wherein at least the quantitative data is transmitted upon one of the at least one patient unit being placed in one of the at least one retaining means,
11. The vital signs measurement system of claim 1, wherein each patient unit retaining means further comprises a first pair of rechargeable battery terminals, the main monitor further comprises a battery charger for charging a rechargeable battery and the patient unit further comprises a rechargeable-type battery, and a second pair of rechargeable battery terminals connectable to one of the first pair of terminals.
12. The vital signs measurement system of claim 1, wherein at least the quantified value is stored in the memory means.
13. A method of monitoring a patient's vital signs by means of a portable patient unit, comprising the steps of:
sensing one of a patient's vital signs by placing a sensing means in contact with the patient;
generating an analog signal indicative of the vital sign;
converting the analog signal to a quantita-tive value indicative of the vital signs;
storing the quantitative value in a first memory means of the patient unit;
transmitting the stored quantitative value from the patient unit to a main monitor, and displaying the transmitted quantitative values for viewing by an operator.
sensing one of a patient's vital signs by placing a sensing means in contact with the patient;
generating an analog signal indicative of the vital sign;
converting the analog signal to a quantita-tive value indicative of the vital signs;
storing the quantitative value in a first memory means of the patient unit;
transmitting the stored quantitative value from the patient unit to a main monitor, and displaying the transmitted quantitative values for viewing by an operator.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of recharging an energy storage device of the portable patient unit while the patient unit is in the retaining means.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of transmitting the stored values comprises:
detecting that the portable patient unit has been placed in a retaining means of the main monitor;
establishing a communication means between the main monitor and the patient unit; and transmitting data from the patient unit to the monitor.
detecting that the portable patient unit has been placed in a retaining means of the main monitor;
establishing a communication means between the main monitor and the patient unit; and transmitting data from the patient unit to the monitor.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein the portable patient unit and the main monitor wirelessly communicate by means of infrared transmitters and receivers.
17. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of displaying the transmitted quantitative values further comprises storing at least one transmitted quantitative value in the main monitor in a second memory means of the monitor.
18. A vital sign measurement system for measuring vital physiological signs of a patient, comprising:
at least one independent patient unit; and a central monitor comprising:
at least one retaining means for retaining one of the at least one patient unit;
receiving means for receiving data from the at least one patient unit;
processing means for processing data trans-mitted from the at least one sensor unit; and display means for outputting the processed data; and each at least one independent patient unit comprises:
sensing means for sensing a vital sign of a patient;
signal processing means for generating and processing a signal from the sensing means;
control means for converting the signal to quantitative data; and transfer means for transmitting data to the central monitor.
at least one independent patient unit; and a central monitor comprising:
at least one retaining means for retaining one of the at least one patient unit;
receiving means for receiving data from the at least one patient unit;
processing means for processing data trans-mitted from the at least one sensor unit; and display means for outputting the processed data; and each at least one independent patient unit comprises:
sensing means for sensing a vital sign of a patient;
signal processing means for generating and processing a signal from the sensing means;
control means for converting the signal to quantitative data; and transfer means for transmitting data to the central monitor.
19. The vital signs measurement system of claim 18, wherein the receiving means of the central monitor includes means for transmitting data and the transfer means of each sensor unit includes means for receiving data transmitted by the receiving means of the central monitor.
20. The vital signs measurement system of claim 18, wherein the receiving means of the central monitor and the transfer means of each patient unit transfer data wirelessly.
21. The vital signs measurement system of claim 20, wherein the wireless transfer of data is by infrared signals.
22. The vital signs measurement system of claim 18, further comprising memory means for storing data from the control means.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US89526692A | 1992-06-08 | 1992-06-08 | |
| US07/895,266 | 1992-06-08 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2097967A1 true CA2097967A1 (en) | 1993-12-09 |
Family
ID=25404236
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002097967A Abandoned CA2097967A1 (en) | 1992-06-08 | 1993-06-08 | Intelligent sensor apparatus and method for intelligently communicating information and data to and from a vital signs monitor |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPH067307A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2097967A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US10750945B2 (en) | 2014-11-13 | 2020-08-25 | Nihon Kohden Corporation | Biological signal recording system |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2827969B2 (en) * | 1995-07-03 | 1998-11-25 | 日本電気株式会社 | Medical telemeter system and medical telemeter device |
| US7020508B2 (en) * | 2002-08-22 | 2006-03-28 | Bodymedia, Inc. | Apparatus for detecting human physiological and contextual information |
-
1993
- 1993-04-30 JP JP5128189A patent/JPH067307A/en active Pending
- 1993-06-08 CA CA002097967A patent/CA2097967A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US10750945B2 (en) | 2014-11-13 | 2020-08-25 | Nihon Kohden Corporation | Biological signal recording system |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH067307A (en) | 1994-01-18 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20000608 |