JP2015507908A - Wireless relay module for monitoring network status - Google Patents

Abstract

A wireless relay module for networked communication between a series of medical devices and a remote monitoring device. An interface circuit coupled to each medical device communicates with the wireless relay module via the wireless relay network. The relay module communicates with the remote monitoring device via an internet accessible wireless communication network. The controller determines the status of the network. When the status indicates that an internet-accessible wireless communication network is available, the transmitter transmits medical device data via this network. When the Internet-accessible wireless communication network is not accessible, another transmitter transmits data to another wireless relay module.

Description

(Related application)
This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending US Patent Application No. 13 / 241,620 (filed September 23, 2011, name “Wireless Relay Module for Remote Monitoring Systems”), Each is a continuation-in-part of pending US Patent Application No. 13 / 006,769 (filed January 14, 2011, entitled “Wireless Relay Module for Remote Monitoring Systems”), each of which is hereby incorporated by reference Are common and are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. This application is also related to U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 006,784 (filed January 14, 2011, entitled “Medical Device Wireless Network Architectures”), which is in common with the present assignee, For all purposes, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

(Field of Invention)
The present application relates to a wireless relay module for communicating between a series of medical devices and a remote monitoring device, and more specifically, receiving communication from a medical device via one or more wireless relay networks; It relates to a wireless relay module for transmitting communications there, for transferring communications received from a remote monitoring device via one or more internet-accessible wireless communication networks and for monitoring the status of the network.

  Caregiver-patient interaction time is considered important in critical care and home health care service centers, including hospitals, clinics, daily life support nursing centers and the like. Further, caregiver response times to serious health conditions and events can be important. A central monitoring system has been developed to better manage caregiver time and patient interaction. In such a system, physiological data from each patient is transmitted to a central location. In this central location, one or a few technicians monitor all of the patient information and determine patient status. Information indicative of patient alarm conditions is communicated to the local caregiver by the technician and / or system, for example via a wireless pager and / or mobile phone and / or by making a voice call in the building, and immediate patient attention Would provide.

  Implementation of such a central monitoring system using a wireless network can present several difficulties. In order to effectively monitor patient status using information provided by various medical devices that can be dynamically assigned to patients in various rooms and various floors within the facility, for example, IEEE 802. It may be desirable to establish communication between the medical device and the central location using a local area network, such as a “WiFi” network based on the 11 standard. However, such networks typically already already support a variety of other functions, such as physician access to electronic medical records (EMR), facility management systems, and other functions. Because it is in place within the facility, it is often undesirable to ensure sufficient local area network access for the purpose of providing centralized surveillance. In addition, when a patient is located remotely (eg, at home) from a critical care health service center, access to conventional local area network functions such as WiFi network can be used to support critical care monitoring applications. It may be impossible or not reliable enough.

  As an alternative to traditional WiFi or IEEE 802.11-based local area networks, ZIGBEE networks based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard for wireless personal area networks include, for example, pulse oximeters, sphygmomanometers, pulse meters, scales , And according to IEEE 11073 Device Specializations for medical device communication in the medical field, including blood glucose meters, is used to collect information from various medical devices. See, for example, ZIGBEE Wireless Sensor Applications for Health, Wellness and Fitness (ZIGBEE Alliance, March 2009) (Non-Patent Document 1) (incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). ZIGBEE networks are dynamically configurable, for example, in a “self-healing” mesh configuration and operate with low power requirements (eg, a ZIGBEE transceiver is coupled to a medical device integrally under battery power) Provides the advantage of However, the transmission range between individual ZIGBEE transceivers is generally limited to only a few hundred feet. As a result, such networks are not available for central monitoring locations located outside the field. In addition, in compliance with the 1996 Health Insurance Interoperability and Accountability Regulation (HIPAA) applicable patient data privacy policy, communication of information between monitored medical devices and central monitoring locations is secure. Must be done.

ZIGBEE Wireless Sensor Applications for Health, Wellness and Fitness, ZIGBEE Alliance, March 2009

  The present invention relates to a wireless relay module for providing networked communication between a series of medical devices and a remote monitoring device. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, one or more medical devices (including, for example, ventilators, enteral feeding devices, pulse oximeters, sphygmomanometers, pulse meters, scales, and blood glucose meters) Is provided to the patient facility. An interface circuit is coupled to each medical device and is configured to communicate with one of the plurality of wireless relay modules via one of the plurality of wireless relay networks. The radio relay module is advantageously one or more internet-accessible radio communication networks, preferably a cellular data network (eg Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) It is further configured to communicate with a remote monitoring device via a wireless wide area network (WWAN), such as a cellular network or an associated wireless data channel, or one based on a WiMAX network. Also, for example, to comply with HIPAA regulations, communication via each of the wireless networks is preferably performed securely using, for example, data and / or command encryption.

  Each of the wireless relay modules medically receives a medical device data from at least one medical device via a wireless relay network and another wireless relay module via the wireless relay network. A first transmitter capable of wirelessly transmitting device data, a second transmitter capable of wirelessly transmitting data via an Internet-accessible wireless communication network, and the first and second transmitters. Controller. “Medical device data” as generally used herein refers to, for example, medical device identification, medical device software, medical device settings or status information (including alarm information and / or alarm priority), patient identification, etc. Information, patient personal identification number “PIN”, patient prescription, and / or patient medical and / or physiological data collected, created, and / or generated by at least one of a medical device and a patient identification device Refers to data from or related to medical devices, as well as wireless relay network information such as location or status information.

  The controller is configured to facilitate communication and information transfer management. For example, the first status module can determine the access status of the internet accessible wireless communication network, and the controller can switch one of the first or second transmitters based on the status and routing criteria. You can choose. The second status module can determine the status of communication via the wireless relay module. For example, when the status indicates that the internet accessible wireless communication network is accessible to the wireless relay module, the controller is configured to transmit medical device data via the internet accessible wireless communication network according to the status. Select the second transmitter.

  When the status indicates that the internet accessible wireless communication network is not accessible to the wireless relay module, the controller selects the first transmitter to transmit the medical device data to another wireless relay module. Another or second wireless relay module may then access the Internet accessible wireless communication network. Thus, another attempt to transmit medical device data via one of a plurality of Internet-accessible wireless communication networks achieves normal transmission via the Internet-accessible wireless communication network. Up to this other wireless relay module (and potentially additional ones of the wireless relay modules). It should be understood that, according to aspects described within this disclosure, additional receivers and transmitters can be employed within a module to communicate with different medical devices via different wireless relay networks.

  Each of the plurality of wireless relay modules may also include an additional receiver for receiving communications from an internet accessible wireless communication network.

  Further, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, information indicating a status of network communication of at least one of the wireless relay network and the internet-accessible wireless communication network is the medical device and / or the internet-accessible wireless communication network. Can be transmitted to at least one of the devices in communication with one of the devices. The wireless relay module may include a display having an indicator of network communication status. The display may further include an indicator of the status of accessibility of communication via the Internet-accessible wireless communication network and / or an indicator representing the status of the wireless relay network.

The invention will become more readily apparent from the detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 represents a block diagram of an exemplary medical device network architecture incorporating a wireless relay module according to the present invention. FIG. 2 represents a block diagram further illustrating exemplary wireless network components of the architecture according to FIG. FIG. 3 (a) represents a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary wireless relay module according to the present invention. 3 (b) -3 (d) represent schematic diagrams illustrating the top, front, and side views, respectively, of the embodiment of the wireless relay module of FIG. 3 (a). FIG. 3 (e) illustrates an exemplary control panel for a wireless relay module according to the present invention. 4 (a) -4 (d) represent a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operation for a wireless relay module according to the present invention. 4 (a) -4 (d) represent a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method of operation for a wireless relay module according to the present invention. 4 (a) -4 (d) represent a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method of operation for a wireless relay module according to the present invention. 4 (a) -4 (d) represent a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method of operation for a wireless relay module according to the present invention. FIG. 5 depicts a flow diagram illustrating another exemplary method of operation for a wireless relay module according to the present invention. FIG. 6 represents a schematic diagram illustrating an alternative exemplary wireless relay module to that depicted in FIG. 3 (a) according to the present invention. FIG. 7 depicts a flow diagram illustrating yet another exemplary method of operation for a wireless relay module according to the present invention.

  Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments for carrying out the invention. Examples of these exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with these embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to the described embodiments. Rather, the present invention is also intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

  In the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. The present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known aspects have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

  For purposes of illustrating the present invention, exemplary embodiments are described with reference to FIGS. 1-7.

  In this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

  A schematic diagram of an exemplary architecture 100 for a system for monitoring medical devices according to the present invention is illustrated in FIG. One or more medical devices 10 are provided to the patient facility 20 for monitoring medical conditions and / or administering medical treatment to one or more patients. The patient facility 20 provides services to one or more patients in a life-saving emergency medical service center (including hospitals, clinics, daily life support nursing centers, etc.) that provides services to several patients. May include personal inclusions (e.g., backpacks) that may be attached to or worn by the patient's home facility, or ambulatory patient.

  Associated with each medical device 10 is an interface circuit 15, which may be, for example, a facility-oriented wireless network such as Low-Rate Wireless Personal Area Network or “LR-WPAN”, a ZIGBEE network, or an existing network Alternatively, for transmitting and receiving signals in another low power personal area network such as a low power Bluetooth network currently being developed or considered, for example, a transmitter and / or receiver in the form of a transceiver One or more of. See, for example, Houda Labiod, et al., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, Zigbee® and WiMax, Springer 2010 (incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). It should be understood that the interface circuit 15 may be included in or external to the medical device 10 according to the present invention. One or more relay modules 30, 30 a are also provided in the patient facility 20.

  Each of the relay modules 30, 30 a includes at least one transceiver configured to communicate with other relay modules 30, 30 a in the wireless relay network 16. The relay module 30a further includes at least a second transceiver for communicating with the access point 40 via the WWAN. As will be described in more detail with respect to FIG. 3 (a), each module 30a receives signals from the interface circuit 15 and transmits signals thereto in one or more of the facility-oriented wireless networks. , Including a first transceiver 31 having a respective receiver and transmitter. Each relay module 30a further transmits and receives signals wirelessly to the access point 40 via a wireless wide area network or “WWAN” as depicted in FIG. 3 (a). Includes a second transceiver 32 having a respective receiver and transmitter.

  Suitable WWANs for use with the present invention are, for example, based on the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) cellular networks, or the International Telecommunication Union Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R). ) 2G, 3G, 3G Long Term Evolution, 4G, and WiMAX cellular radio standards. See, for example, Vijay Garg, Wireless Communications & Networking, Morgan Kaufmann 2007 (incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). Additional suitable exemplary WWANs include a metropolitan network (MAN), campus area network (CAN), local area network (LAN), home area network (HAN), personal area network (PAN), and body area network (BAN) ). It should be readily appreciated that the relay module 30a may include additional transceivers to communicate with additional WWANs or additional facility-oriented wireless networks as described in more detail with respect to FIG. .

  In order to comply with HIPAA regulations, communication via each of the facility-oriented wireless network and the WWAN is preferably encrypted based on, for example, either the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol or the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol. Is done securely using.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, a suitable access point 40 that can be used with the present invention incorporates a transceiver (not shown) to communicate with the relay module 30a via a specific WWAN, Or it may include an inbound web server 41 that otherwise accesses it. The medical device data received by the inbound web server 41 via the WWAN is, for example, secure data configured to log the received data in association with the identification information of the associated medical device Automatically transferred to the storage server 42. “Medical device data” as used herein generally refers to, for example, medical device identification, medical device software, medical device settings, or status information (including alarm information and / or alarm priority), patient, etc. Patient medical and / or physiological data collected, created and / or generated by at least one of identification information, patient personal identification number “PIN”, patient prescription, and / or medical device and patient identification device Means data from or including medical device data, and wireless relay network information such as location or status information.

  Referring back to FIG. 1, the outbound web server 43 is submitted by one or more of the remote monitoring devices 61, 62, and 63, for example, via the broadband network 50 (eg, via the Internet). Receiving and authorizing the read data request, requesting the associated medical device data to be read from the secure data storage server 42, and reading it for display on the associated device display. Data or a portion thereof is formatted and transmitted to one or more remote monitoring devices 61, 62, and 63. Any architecture for the access point 40 that allows reception, storage, and retrieval of medical device data on the device display of one or more remote monitoring devices 61, 62, and 63 may be used with the present invention. It is to be understood that this is preferable. Variations on the example architecture may involve the use of a web server integrated with the data storage server.

  FIG. 2 represents a block diagram further illustrating exemplary components of the architecture of the present invention located in or otherwise associated with the patient facility 20. In FIG. 2, several interface circuits 15 and relay modules 30, 30a are arranged in a single wireless relay network 16 at a patient facility 20 for illustrative purposes only. It should be understood that other interface circuits 15 and relay modules 30, 30 a may communicate via other wireless relay networks similar to network 16 at patient facility 20. In FIG. 2, the interface circuit 15 and the relay modules 30, 30a are configured to communicate with each other via an associated wireless link. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention represented in FIG. 2, the network 16 is a self-configurable mesh network, such as a ZIGBEE compliant mesh network, based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, and is also a self-healing mesh network. be able to. However, the radio relay network 16 or additional radio relay network at the patient facility may include various other radios including, for example, WiFi WLAN based on the IEEE 802.11 standard and BLUETOOTH® WPAN based on the IEEE 802.15.1 standard. It can be organized according to a local area network (WLAN) or WPAN format.

  In the illustrated wireless relay network 16, each of the interface circuits 15 includes a communication interface, such as a wired communication interface, with respect to the associated medical device 10. As described above, each of the relay modules 30, 30 a includes at least one transceiver configured to communicate with other relay modules 30, 30 a in the wireless relay network 16. The relay module 30a further includes at least a second transceiver for communicating with the access point 40 via the WWAN.

  The use of a ZIGBEE mesh network for the network 16 is self-configurable when one or more interface circuits 15 and / or relay modules 30, 30a are added to the network, and one or more interface circuits 15 And / or when the relay module 30, 30a is removed from the network or otherwise disabled therein, it offers the advantage of being self-healing. Sub-groups of interface circuit 15 and relay modules 30, 30a may be provided within a defined geographic space (eg, individual floors or floor areas in a multi-level home or medical facility).

  FIG. 3 (a) provides a block diagram illustrating exemplary components of the relay module 30a. The relay module 30a of FIG. 3A is a first transceiver for wirelessly communicating with the interface circuit 15 and other relay modules 30 and 30a in the WLAN or WPAN network 16 of FIG. 2 via an antenna 31a. 31 is included. The relay module 30a further includes a second transceiver 32 for wirelessly communicating with the access point 40 via the antenna 32a and via the WWAN. Each of the transceivers 31 and 32 operates under the control of a controller, for example, a processor 34, receives data received by the transceivers 31 and 32, and stores the received data in a memory such as a buffer element 35a. It communicates with the data processing circuit 33 comprised as follows. In addition, the data processing circuit 33 further reads the data from the buffer element 35a under the direction of the processor 34 and receives the received data in the selected one of the transceiver 31 or the transceiver 32 for transmission. Configured to provide. To make the selection, the processor 34 is configured to communicate with the respective status modules 31b, 32b of the transceivers 31, 32 to determine the communication status of each of the transceivers 31, 32. One or more of the data processing circuit 33 and / or the controller 34 also preferably encrypts data transmitted by the transceivers 31, 32 and is received by the transceivers 31, 32 according to, for example, HIPAA requirements. A commercially available encryption circuit may be included to decrypt the data.

  The processor 34 also preferably communicates with a memory 35b for storing an operating program for the processor 34 and / or data stored and / or received by the processor 34. The processor 34 also sends signals to one or more display elements of the relay module 30a to indicate the startup or current status of the relay module 30a, including, for example, communication or connection status with the WLAN or WPAN network 16 and the WWAN. Provide and communicate with input / output circuit 36. Input / output circuit 36 also provides a signal indicative of A / C power loss and / or is responsive to a signal provided by one or more input devices provided proximate to one or more display elements. Can be configured to do.

  The relay module 30a is preferably an integrated power plug and power source circuit so that the relay module 30a can be plugged directly into and supported by a conventional wall outlet for providing commercial AC power. Can be provided as a small physical enclosure. The relay module 30a also preferably includes a subsystem battery backup circuit (not shown) that can provide uninterrupted power in the event of a short duration external power supply outage. Battery backup can also be advantageous, for example, for using the relay module 30a in a walking mode that allows a patient to move within the facility 20 and potentially at a distance therefrom. . In this configuration of the facility 20, for example, any of the medical device 10, the interface circuit 15, and the relay module 30a can be conveniently carried within a mobile platform such as any patient wearable backpack, car or other transport container.

  The relay module 30 has a configuration substantially similar to that of the relay module 30a, but it is possible to exclude a transceiver for communicating with the access point 40 via the WWAN.

  Each of FIGS. 3 (b) -3 (d) illustrates a top, front, and side view of an exemplary module configuration 37 for the relay module 30a. Configuration 37 includes a housing 37a, shown in FIG. 3 (b) -3 (d) essentially configured as a rectangular box or prism. However, the housing alternatively has sufficient internal volume to store the associated circuitry, and for installing the control panel 38 (as further illustrated in FIG. 3 (e)) The rear panel has a sufficient area 37c on the front panel 37b of the body 37a, and provides a receptacle support 37e and a power plug 37f for supportably inserting the module structure 37 into a conventional power outlet or socket. Note that it can be configured in any of a variety of three-dimensional shapes that provide sufficient area on 37d. The power plug 37f may also be provided in a modular and replaceable removable configuration that allows the power plug 37f to be configured according to various national or international standards.

  FIG. 3 (e) illustrates an exemplary control panel 38 of the module configuration 37 that may form part of one or more display elements. The exemplary control panel 38 preferably powers the module configuration 37, for example after being connected to a power supply, for example after being plugged into a conventional wall outlet, or after being equipped with a rechargeable battery backup subsystem. And / or a power switch 38a for releasing power supply. In addition, the control panel 38 is preferably coupled to an alarm circuit (not shown) that is configured to trigger an alarm when the user is interrupted, for example, by external AC power to the module configuration 37. An audible alarm (e.g., conventional buzzer, bell, or audible sound generator, and associated loudspeaker (not shown)) that can be muted and / or unmuted Including. The control panel 38 also preferably includes one or more power indicators 38c that may be provided as one or more light emitting diode (LED) indicator segments that are activated when external power is provided to the module configuration 37. . Optionally, indicator 38c may be activated intermittently or periodically (eg, using backup battery power) when AC power is lost, signaling the loss of AC power.

  The exemplary control panel 38 of FIG. 3 (e) may also include a battery indicator 38d to indicate the status of the subsystem battery backup circuit. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3 (e), the battery indicator 38d may preferably include an indicator segment 38h that may be selectively activated to indicate the capacity of the backup battery. The indicator segment 38h may also preferably be provided as an LED segment or as one or more multi-color LEDs whose capacity is indicated by color. When implemented as an individual segment 38h, the segment 38h can be activated, for example, to indicate that the backup battery is fully charged, and the segments of the segment 38h are progressively non-nulled as battery power is drawn. Can be activated (eg, going downward from the top of segment 38h). If the remaining battery power is insufficient to operate the module configuration 37, each of the segments 38h may be deactivated. Alternatively, indicator segment 38h may be provided as one or more multicolor LED segments (eg, red, yellow, and green). In operation, all LED segments 38h are illuminated as green, indicating full backup battery charge, and then gradually and continuously deactivate as the battery charge level is reduced to the first low power threshold. Can be done. The LED segment 38h is then gradually continuous as power is further reduced so that when the battery power is not sufficient to power the module configuration 37, all LED segments are illuminated as red. And can be illuminated as red.

  As further illustrated in FIG. 3 (e), the control panel 38 further includes a relay module network indicator 38 e to provide communication between the relay module 30 a and its associated interface circuit 15 and the medical device 10. May indicate the status of the portion of the WLAN or WPAN network 16 that is used for. This relay module network status indicator 38e is preferably back-lit using one or more multicolored LEDs to indicate the relative “normality” of the associated portion of the network (eg, normal (eg, access “Green” indicating the network (of likelihood level), “yellow” indicating the network that has one or more problems but is still operational, and “red” indicating the network indicating inoperability and alarm conditions use). Optionally, the indicator element 38e provides a communication between the relay module 30a and its associated interface circuit 15 and the medical device 10, so that the portion of the WLAN or WPAN network 16 is relatively between these devices. It may be activated intermittently or periodically when it has a communication failure or is unavailable to support such communication. In addition, audible alarms (eg, conventional buzzers, bells, or audible sound generators, and associated loudspeakers (not shown)) can be triggered under such conditions.

  The indicator element 38f may also be provided, for example, as an array and indicate the status of individual communications with the medical device 10 and / or other relay modules 30, 30a. For example, the indicator element is preferably multicolor capable of illuminating, for example, a green segment for a normal communication path, a yellow segment for an operable communication path with problems, and a red segment to indicate an inoperable communication path An LED 38g may be provided. Alternatively, individual red, yellow, and green LEDs can be used instead of multicolor LEDs.

  A WWAN indicator 38j may preferably be provided to indicate the status of access to the WWAN network ("green" indicating a normal network) "yellow" indicating one or more problems but still operational ”And“ red ”to indicate a network indicating inoperability and alarm conditions). As depicted in FIG. 3 (e), the indicator 38j may preferably be back-lit using one or more multicolor LEDs. Optionally, the indicator element 38j is intermittent when, for example, the signal strength of the WWAN network available to the module configuration 37 is too low to support communication or is unavailable to support such communication. Can be activated periodically or periodically. In addition, an audible alarm can be triggered under such conditions.

  Lastly, the control panel includes a WLAN / WPAN indicator 38i to indicate the overall normality of the entire WLAN / WPAN (or at least the part available to provide an alternate path to the relay module 30a to the WWAN network). Can show. The WLAN / WPAN indicator 38i may preferably indicate the overall status of the WLAN / WPAN ("green" indicating a normal network, "yellow" indicating one or more problems but still operational network, And “red” to indicate a network indicating inoperability and alarm conditions). As depicted in FIG. 3 (e), the indicator 38i may preferably be back-lit using one or more multicolor LEDs. Optionally, indicator element 38i may be activated intermittently or periodically when the WLAN network signal strength available to module configuration 37 is too low or insufficient to support communication. Can be done. In addition, an audible alarm can be triggered under such conditions.

  As described above, the alarm switch 38b may be configured to allow the user to generally mute and / or unmute one or more of the audible alarms, or for a specified period of time ( The indicators of the module arrangement 37, such as the conventional clock alarm “similar to snooze function”, indicators 38a-38j, may preferably be electrically connected to the input-output circuit 36 depicted in FIG. 3 (a).

  In addition, the wireless relay module 30a is, for example, an International Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) H.264. Hardware or software that implements the H.323 codec and enables voice and / or video communication between a caregiver and a remote technician located in close proximity to the wireless relay module can be employed. In such an embodiment, the wireless relay module control panel 38 optionally allows the module configuration 37 to be operated in a voice communication mode and is in a problem state reported by one of the medical devices 10. In some cases, for example, a microphone and speaker element (not shown) coupled to the codec may be included to allow voice communication between the caregiver and the help desk technician. Alternatively or in addition, the control panel 38 may include one or more of camera elements (not shown) and / or display elements (not shown) coupled to the codec to be operated in a visual communication mode. Can be included. For example, the camera element can be used to transfer images from the display of one or more medical devices 10 to one of the remote monitoring devices 61, 62, and 63 of FIG.

  FIG. 4 (a) illustrates the architecture according to FIG. 1 and the relay modules 30, 30a components of FIGS. 2 and 3 (a) related to the transmission of medical device data obtained from the medical device 10 to the access point 40. A flow diagram 400 illustrating an exemplary method of operation is depicted. Initially, in step 402 of the method 400, medical device data is transmitted from the interface circuit 15 and / or one of the other relay modules 30, 30a via the wireless relay network 16 to one of the relay modules 30a. Received at the first. In step 404, the processor 34 of that one relay module 30a determines whether the WWAN is accessible by that relay module 30a.

  The determination of step 404 can be performed in various ways. For example, processor 34 may query status module 32b of transceiver 32 upon receipt of medical device data or thereafter to determine status parameters indicative of transceiver 32 access to the WWAN (eg, transceiver to WWAN). 37 accesses may be determined as a result of the transceiver 32 detecting a WWAN access signal having sufficient signal strength to maintain the data communication at a desired quality level). Alternatively, the processor 34 queries the status module 32b at different times, such as, for example, at system startup and / or periodically (eg, hourly), and displays status indicators that are read upon or after receipt of medical device data. It may be maintained in the buffer 35a or another storage element or the like. In yet another alternative, the relay modules 30, 30 a may be assigned a predetermined fixed role within the network 16. For example, the relay module 30a in the network 16 may be assigned a data routing assignment by the controller or by controlling the relay module or module. By definition, it is assumed that the WWAN status for the relay module 30 that does not have the WWAN access capability has a fixed status of “WWAN inaccessible”.

  If the status module 32b indicates that the WWAN is accessible by the transceiver 32, as provided in step 404, the processor 34 proceeds to step 406 and the data processing circuit 33 of the relay module 30a sends the medical device 33 It would instruct the medical device data to be automatically transferred to the transceiver 32 for reading data from the buffer 35a (if necessary) and transmitting it to the access point 40 via the WWAN.

  Alternatively, at step 404, status module 32b may indicate that the WWAN is not accessible by transceiver 32. For example, if the relay module 30a is located substantially on a basement of a building in an area shielded for WWAN signals, the WWAN may not be accessible to that one relay module 30a. In this case, in step 408, the processor 34 determines whether the second relay module 30a is accessible via WLAN or WPAN. Again, this determination can be made by instructing the transceiver 31 to send a handshake signal transmission destined for the second relay module 30a and to listen for replies therefrom, or to the second relay module 30a. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as by reading a stored status indicator for.

  If the second relay module 30a is accessible, the processor 34 reads the medical device data from the buffer 35a (if necessary) to the data processing circuit 33 of that one relay module 30a, and in step 410, the WLAN Or, it is instructed to automatically transfer the medical device data to the transceiver 31 for transmission to the second relay module 30a via the WPAN. Alternatively, if the second relay module 30a is inaccessible at step 408, this part of the process 400 may preferably be repeated to search for additional relay modules 30a that are accessible. Alternatively, or if no other relay module 30a is available, the processor 34 of that one relay module 30a may preferably issue an alarm notification in step 412. Exemplary alarm notifications include, for example, (i) one or more of local visual and audible alarms as directed by the processor 34 via the input / output circuit 36 of that one relay module 30a, (ii) An alarm message directed by the processor 34 to another accessible WPAN, WLAN or WWAN via one or more of the transceivers 31, 32 and / or (iii) a handshake signal of the relay module 30a is scheduled. An alarm message generated by the inbound web server 41 of the access point 40 of FIG. 1 when the specified period has passed but not received from the wireless relay module 30a in the inbound web server 41 may be mentioned.

  As described above with reference to the control panel 38 of the relay module configuration 37 of FIG. 3 (e), the relay module 30a preferably comprises a relay module network indicator 38e, and the relay module 30a and its associated interface circuit. FIG. 3 shows the status of the portion of the WLAN or WPAN network 16 of FIGS. 1 and 2 used to provide communication between 15 and the medical device 10. FIG. 4 (b) represents a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method of operation 420 for generating status information required by the network indicator 38e of FIG. 3 (e).

  In steps 421 and 422 of FIG. 4 (b), the processor 34 of FIG. 3 (a) sends, for example, from the memory 35b to each medical device 15 accessible to the relay module 30a via the WLAN / WPAN network 16. Instructed to read the current module performance rating scale or history. Performance metrics may include, for example, measured signal strength, noise, bit rate, error rate, packet drop rate, occupancy, availability, and equivalents as conventionally measured for WLAN / WPAN networks. See, for example, Pinto, WMM-Wireless Mesh Monitoring, Technical Report, INESC-ID, 2009 (incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes). The measured performance can additionally take into account some environmental information. For example, the relatively high ambient operating temperature of the relay module 30a (which may lead to possible damage to the data from the medical device caused by such a high ambient temperature).

  In step 423, if the performance history is not sufficiently new (eg, as indicated by the time stamp data) and / or is missing, the processor 34, in step 424, performs conventional means within the transceiver 31. To obtain the current performance rating measure by transmitting the request to the interface circuit 15 of the associated medical device 10 and receiving the current performance data therefrom (eg, via the status module 31b). Preferably, the current performance rating scale is stored in the memory 35b as part of the performance history. The versatility is preferably stored in the memory 35b for reading and reference by the processor 34 at a predetermined time interval (eg, 5 seconds ago, 1 minute ago, the last 1 hour ago interval, etc.). System performance, regulations, and / or other requirements for individual performance metrics.

  After determining in step 423 and 425 that current performance data has been obtained for each medical device accessible to the relay module 30a, the processor 34 in step 426 as a function of the current performance data and performance history. Determine the current module status. For example, current performance data indicates that each medical device 10 is currently accessible to the relay module 30a, and the module performance history indicates that the medical device has been in a predetermined time (eg, over a period of several hours). If the relay module 30a is consistently accessible and the throughput and / or occupancy rate is within predetermined limits, the processor 34 indicates that the wireless relay network 16 is “normal” (eg, step 427, as indicated by illuminating the green LED segment of indicator 38e).

  Current performance data is currently accessible by each medical device 10 to the relay module 30a, but one or more of the devices 10 has a predetermined limit of one or more of throughput and / or occupancy. If the processor 34 indicates that it has the most recent performance history of having been out, the status of “partially accessible” (eg, indicated by illuminating the yellow LED segment of the indicator 38e in step 427). Can be determined. If one or more of the medical devices 10 are currently inaccessible to the relay module 30a, the processor 34 is indicated by “illuminating” the red LED segment of the indicator 38e (eg, in step 427). ) Status can be determined. At step 428, the processor 34 may determine that an alarm condition has been generated, eg, in light of a “partially accessible” or “not accessible” status, and cause the processor 34 to present an alarm (eg, yellow or By illuminating the red LED segment in a blinking manner and / or by providing one or more audible alarms as described above). In step 427, as an alternative to displaying the display status information, the processor 34 may cause the transceiver 31 to transmit status information to one or more of the medical devices 10 or the transceiver 32 to transmit status information to the WWAN. Can be transmitted to a device communicating with the device.

  With further reference to FIGS. 1 and 3 (e), FIG. 4 (c) is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method of operation 440 for generating status information indicated by the WWAN indicator 38j of FIG. 3 (e). Represent. In steps 441 and 442 of FIG. 4C, the processor 34 of FIG. 3A reads the WWAN performance history regarding the status of the WWAN network 44 from the memory 35b, for example. As a performance measure, for example, measured signal strength, noise, bit rate, error rate, call, as conventionally measured for eg WWAN / cellular network via status module 32b of FIG. 3 (a) The set time, the disconnected call rate, the occupation rate, the network availability, and the like may be mentioned. For example, Mike P.M. Wittie et al., MIST: Cellular Data Network for Mobile Applications, Broadband Communications, Networks and Systems Fourth International, E I want to be. In step 443, if the performance history is not sufficiently new (eg, as indicated by the time stamp data), processor 34 employs conventional means in transceiver 32 in step 444 to access the access of FIG. A current performance measure is obtained by transmitting a request to point 40 and receiving data therefrom, and preferably stores the current performance measure in memory 35b as part of the performance history. Alternatively, if another device communicating with access point 40 and / or WWAN 44 collects performance measurement data for WWAN, transceiver 32 transmits the request to access point 40 and / or other devices, Performance data can be read.

  After determining that the WWAN performance data is new at step 443, the processor 34 determines the current WWAN status as a function of the current performance data and performance history at step 445. For example, the current performance data indicates that the WWAN 44 is currently accessible to the relay module 30a, and the module performance history allows the WWAN 44 to access the relay module 30a for a predetermined time (eg, several hours). If yes, indicating that the throughput and / or occupancy is within predetermined limits, processor 34 indicates that WWAN 44 is “normal” (eg, illuminating the green LED segment of WWAN indicator 38j in step 446). Can be determined).

  If the current performance data indicates that the WWAN 44 is currently accessible to the relay module 30a, but has a history that one or more of the throughput and / or occupancy was outside a predetermined limit, the processor 34 may determine a status of “partially accessible” (eg, indicated in step 446 by illuminating the yellow LED segment of WWAN indicator 38j).

  If the WWAN 44 is currently inaccessible to the relay module 30a, the processor 34 may determine a status of “inaccessible” (eg, indicated by illuminating the red LED segment of the WWAN indicator 38j in step 446). . In step 447, which may be performed before or in parallel with step 446, processor 34 determines that an alarm condition has been generated, for example, in light of a “partially accessible” or “not accessible” status. The processor 34 may then present an alarm (eg, by illuminating the yellow or red LED segment in a blinking manner and / or by providing one or more audible alarms as described above). As an alternative to or in addition to displaying the display status information in step 446, the processor 34 may cause the transceiver 31 to transmit status information to one or more of the medical devices 10, or to the transceiver 32. Status information may be transmitted to a device communicating with the WWAN.

  Referring again to FIG. 3 (e), FIG. 4 (d) generates the status information required by the WLAN / WPAN indicator 38i of FIG. 3 (e), and the entire WLAN / WPAN (or at least, FIG. 4 depicts a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method of operation 460 for indicating the overall normality of a portion that can be used to provide an alternate path for a relay module 30a to a WWAN network. In steps 461, 462, and 464 of FIG. 4 (d), the processor 34 of FIG. 3 (a) causes each other relay module (“neighboring module” accessible to the relay module 30a via the WLAN / WPAN network 16. )), The current module performance history is read from the memory 35b.

  As described above, as a performance measure, for example, measured signal strength, noise, as conventionally measured for WLAN / WPAN networks (eg, using status module 31b of FIG. 3 (a)). , Bit rate, error rate, occupancy rate, availability, path usage, and the like. In addition, in step 463, the processor causes the transceiver 31 to request that each neighboring module provide a WWAN status (eg, prepared according to the method described with reference to FIG. 4 (c)). To work.

  In step 465, if the performance history for the neighboring module is not sufficiently new (eg, as indicated by the timestamp data) and / or is missing, the processor 34 in step 466 in the transceiver 31 By taking conventional means, transmitting data to neighboring modules and receiving data from it, the current performance measure is obtained, preferably as part of the performance history in the memory 35b. Memorize the rating scale. In addition, current performance metrics may be obtained for other neighboring devices having, for example, known or recognizable performance (eg, network “beacons”).

  After determining in step 467 that current performance data has been obtained for each neighboring module accessible to the relay module 30a, the processor 34 in step 468 includes the current neighboring module performance data (including neighboring module WWAN status). ) And the neighbor module performance history as a function. For example, the current performance data indicates that each neighboring module 30a is currently accessible to the relay module 30a and has a WWAN status of “accessible”, and the module performance history indicates that the neighboring module 30a has If the relay module 30a is accessible and the throughput and / or occupancy rate indicates that it is within predetermined limits, the processor 34 may be “fully accessible” (eg, in step 469, the WLAN / WPAN indicator 38i Status) (shown by illuminating the green LED segment).

  If the current performance data has a recent performance history where each neighboring module 30a is currently accessible to the relay module 30a, but one or more of the neighboring modules 20a has an inaccessible WWAN status, the processor 34 , “Partially accessible” status (eg, indicated by illuminating the yellow LED segment of the WLAN / WPAN indicator 38i in step 469). If at least two of the neighboring modules 30a are not currently accessible to the relay module 30a, the processor 34 “inaccessible” (eg, by illuminating the red LED segment of the WLAN / WPAN indicator 38i in step 469). Status) can be determined. At step 470, processor 34 may determine that an alarm condition has been generated, eg, in light of a “partially accessible” or “not accessible” status, and cause processor 34 to present an alarm (eg, yellow). Or by illuminating the red LED segment in a flashing manner and / or by providing one or more audible alarms as described above). In step 469, as an alternative to displaying display status information, the processor 34 may cause the transceiver 31 to transmit status information to one or more of the medical devices 10 or the transceiver 32 to transmit status information to the WWAN. Can be transmitted to a device communicating with the device.

  FIG. 5 represents a flow diagram 500 illustrating another exemplary method of operation 500 for the architecture according to FIG. 1 for transmission of a message from an access point 40 received by one of the medical devices 10. This may mean that the access point 40 responds to an error message triggered by the medical device, for example downloading new firmware or software (eg reconfiguring the device or removing it from service, or Enabling communication with the medical device to perform a diagnosis) and to operate the medical device (e.g., adjusting the flow rate for the delivery pump).

  In step 502 of the method 500, a message is received at the first one of the relay modules 30a from the access point 40 via the WWAN. In step 504, the one relay module 30a determines whether the message is intended to reach one of the interface circuit 15 and / or other relay modules 30, 30a located within the facility 20. To decide. This may be stored, for example, by maintaining a list of active devices 15 and modules 30, 30a in the buffer 35a or in a manner in which the one relay module 30a is otherwise accessible, or in the buffer 35a. Or may be accomplished by encoding the identifier of the device 15 or module 30, 30a to include an identification of the facility 20, which is otherwise identifiable to that one relay module 30a.

  If the one relay module 30a determines in step 506 that the device 15 or module 30, 30a is not located in the facility, the one relay module 30 preferably proceeds to step 508 where the message is sent. Discard and / or alternatively, alert the access point 40 with a non-delivery message. When the interface device 15 is located in the facility 20, the one relay module 30a accesses the one relay module 30a via the WLAN or WPAN 16 in step 510. Determine whether it is possible (eg by examining a list stored in the buffer 35a or otherwise accessible to that one relay module 30a, or to the transceiver 31, to the interface devices 15a, 15b By sending a directed handshake transmission and instructing it to listen for a reply).

  If that one relay module 30a determines in step 512 that the device 15 or the relay module 30, 30a is accessible, then in step 514, the device 15 or the transceiver 31 is connected to the device 15 via the network 16. Then, the message is transmitted to the relay modules 30 and 30a. In this case, the message can again be broadcast to all devices 15 and modules 30, 30 communicating with that one relay module 30a, each device 15 or module 30, 30a should act according to the message or ignore it Can be determined (eg, by matching the associated device ID or other identifier in the message). If that one relay module 30a alternatively determines in step 512 that the device or relay module is not accessible, it proceeds to step 516, where the second relay module 30, 30a is connected via WLAN or WPAN. Determine whether it is accessible (e.g., by sending a handshake transmission destined for the second relay module to the transceiver 31 and instructing it to listen for a reply). When the second relay module 30, 30 a is available, that one relay module 30 a sends a message to the transceiver 31 for transmission to the second relay module 30, 30 a via WLAN or WPAN. Automatically forward to. If the second relay module 30, 30a is inaccessible, this part of the process 500 may preferably be repeated to search for an accessible third relay module 30, 30a. Alternatively, or if no other relay module 30, 30a is available, that one relay module 30a is preferably in step 522, preferably as described above with reference to method 400 of FIG. 4 (a). An alarm notification may be issued in one of the same manners.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, each relay module 30, 30a can communicate with several medical devices 10 over a period of time. Communication with some of the medical devices 10 may be considered more urgent than others with regard to patient safety. For example, consider communication with the medical device 10, including each of a thermometer, delivery pump, patient electrode, and ventilator. In this case, communication with the ventilator will likely be the most urgent of the three medical devices, but communication with the thermometer may not be the most urgent of the three medical devices. .

  In accordance with the IEEE 802.14.15 standard, if the wireless relay network 16 is a ZIGBEE mesh network, communications from two or more medical devices will compete for simultaneous access to the wireless relay network 16. There is little risk of waxing. The network 16 operates with a protocol in which the transmission device checks energy for the wireless bus components of the network 16. If the bus is in use, the transmission device waits for a pre-selected time (eg, 10-20 milliseconds) before checking again, and the energy level is other transmission active on the radio bus. Only when data suggests that it is not operating. Nevertheless, in a situation where data packets transmitted by the medical device 10 arrive at the relay modules 30, 30a at approximately the same time, the delivery order may need to be managed by the relay modules 30, 30a.

  For example, consider a medical device data packet from a ventilator indicating a disconnection from a comatose patient that is considered a possible death. In this case, the ventilator should assign high priority to transmission to one or more of the remote monitoring devices 61, 62, and 63, while medical device data transmission from the thermometer and pump is , Until a response to the medical device data packet transmitted by the ventilator is received from one of the remote monitoring devices 61, 62, and 63. For example, a ventilator may be assigned priority 1 while a feed pump is assigned priority 2 and a thermometer is assigned priority 3. The assigned priority is preferably indicated in each data packet transmitted by and transmitted to the medical device, for example as a “priority nibble”.

  Referring to FIG. 3 (a), the processor 34 reads the priority nibble from each received data packet and instructs the data processing circuit 33 to place the data packet in a logical position in the buffer element 35a based on the priority designation. Can be configured to instruct to place. For example, critical data packets related to the ventilator (eg, data packets that include an indication of a life threatening condition) are positioned for initial reading and transmission by the relay module 30, 30a, while other data packets are prioritized. Positioned in order according to degree.

  In addition, an emergency command needs to be transmitted by one of the remote monitoring devices 61, 62, and 63 that is expected based on an emergency data packet from the ventilator (eg, a data packet that includes an alarm). Under possible circumstances, the wireless relay module 30, 30a may additionally receive any new medical device information from other medical devices until the emergency command is relayed and the associated alarm condition is determined or triggered. Can be interrupted.

  The new wireless relay module disclosed herein for providing networked communication between a series of medical devices and remote monitoring devices has several different advantages over other monitoring systems. provide. By adopting a wireless relay network, such as a ZIGBEE network based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, for wireless communication between the medical device 10 and the relay module 30, 30a according to an embodiment of the present invention, power and Size requirements can be minimized so that the interface circuit 15 can be easily and inexpensively applied to and / or integrated with the medical device 10.

  Access to existing and potentially unreliable LAN functions at the facility by introducing a relay module 30a that is part of the wireless relay network and is accessible directly to the off-site monitoring device via the WWAN Reliance on it can be avoided. If the WWAN access to the first relay module 30a is compromised, the communication is relayed from the first relay module 30a to the second relay module 30, 30a. The invention improves the reliability and allows the use of a conventional low cost cellular transceiver within the relay module 30a to access the WWAN.

  FIG. 6 depicts a block diagram illustrating exemplary components of an alternative configuration for relay module 30a relative to the configuration of relay module 30a depicted in FIG. 3 (a). The same reference numbers in FIGS. 3 (a) and (6) refer to the same components, for example, transceivers 31 and 32, data processing circuit 33, buffer 35a, memory 35b, and processor 34. In FIG. 6, as in FIG. 3 (a), the relay module 30a is connected via an antenna 31a to an interface circuit 15 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) in a specific WLAN or WPAN network 16 (shown in FIG. 2). And a transceiver 31 for wirelessly communicating with the other relay modules 30 and 30a. Further, in FIG. 6, as in FIG. 3A, the relay module 30a further communicates with the access point 40 wirelessly via the antenna 32a via a specific WWAN (shown in FIG. 2). The transceiver 32 is included.

  As a component added to the relay module 30a in FIG. 6 that is not shown in FIG. 3A, communication is possible via the antenna 31d via a WLAN or WPAN network different from the network used by the transceiver 31. An additional transceiver 31c, similar to the transceiver 31, for wirelessly communicating with a simple interface circuit and other relay modules. Correspondingly, the relay module 30a in FIG. 6 is similar to the transceiver 32 for communicating wirelessly with an access point via an antenna 38d via a WWAN different from the WWAN used by the transceiver 32. , Still including a further transceiver 32c.

  Each of the transceivers 31, 32, 31c, and 32c receives data received by the transceivers 31, 32, 31c, and 32c under the control of the processor 34, and stores the received data in the buffer element 35a. Communicate with a data processing circuit 33 that is configured to operate. In addition, the data processing circuit 33 further reads the data from the buffer element 35a under the direction of the processor 34 and selects the read data from the transceivers 31, 32, 31c, and 32c for transmission. Configured to provide to one. To make the selection, the processor 34 determines the communication status of the transceivers 31, 32, 31c, and 32c, and determines the status modules 31b, 32b, 31e, respectively of the respective transceivers 31, 32, 31c, and 32c. And 32e. It should be understood that the data processing circuit 33 and the processor 34 can be implemented as separate integrated circuits or chipsets, or their functions can be combined and implemented on a single integrated circuit or chipset.

  The processor 34 also preferably includes one or more display elements of the relay module 30a to indicate the startup or current status of the relay module 30a, including, for example, communication or connection status with WLAN or WPAN networks and WWAN networks. Communicating with input / output circuitry 36 that provides a signal to. Input / output circuit 36 also provides signals for providing A / C power loss and / or provided by one or more input devices provided proximate to one or more display elements. It may be configured to do responsive to the signal.

  The control panel available for module 30a of FIG. 6 involves a corresponding plurality of indicators 38e for indicating the status of different WLAN or WPAN networks, and / or a plurality of indicators 38j for indicating the status of different WWANs. , Substantially similar to the control panel 38 depicted in FIG. 3 (e).

  The relay module 30a configuration of FIG. 6 employs, for example, a method of operation corresponding to that depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5 that incorporates the use of multiple WWAN or WLAN or WPAN networks, substantially the relay of FIG. 3a. It can be operated in a manner similar to the module 30a configuration. However, when performing the method of operation for the relay module 30a of FIG. 6, the steps depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5 may be employed with additional transceiver selection of additional transceivers 37 and 38. For example, FIG. 7 depicts a method of operation 600 for the relay module 30a configuration of FIG. 6, similar to the method 400 of FIG. 4 (a) for the relay module 30a configuration of FIG. 3 (a). Method 400 and 600 include substantially the same steps, but method 600 uses steps 604 and 606 instead of steps 404 and 406 of method 400. These permuted steps 604 and 606 are similar to corresponding steps 404 and 406 that have been extended to utilize the additional transceivers 37 and 38 of FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 7, after the medical device data is received at step 402 by the transceiver 31 or 37 of FIG. 6 via the WLAN or PLAN network, the relay module 30a Determine whether it is accessible by 32 or 38. If the WWAN is not accessible, method 600 proceeds to step 408 and performs substantially the same operations as described with respect to steps 408, 410, and 412 in FIG. 4 (a). Alternatively, if the WWAN is determined to be accessible in step 604 of FIG. 7, the method 600 proceeds to step 606. In step 606, the method 600 transmits medical data to the appropriate access point via the available WWAN via the transceiver 32 or 38.

  Further, in step 604 of FIG. 7, as long as two or more WWANs are accessible, in step 606, the controller 33 in FIG. 6 determines that the medical data is to be transmitted by either the transceiver 32 or 38. One of the possible WWANs must be determined. Such a determination can be made by a number of different criteria or rules, including, for example, based on signal strength, cost, time of day, day of week, or network manager or other user preferences.

  Instead of the modules 30 and 30a, the configuration of the cellular transceiver can be limited to only the relay module 30a in the facility. In addition, by providing the relay module 30a in a compact enclosure, the relay module 30a is easily connected to a reliable commercial power source and reconfigures the wireless relay network according to facility changes as needed. Easily moved to element. The portability for ambulatory use provided by battery backup is an additional advantage.

  While the invention has been described in terms of the disclosed embodiments, it will be understood that many variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims. I want to be. For example, the present invention may be based on any of several current and future WPAN, WLAN, and WWAN standards other than those explicitly described herein. It is also possible to exclusively use the relay module 30a in the WLAN or WPAN network 16 of FIGS. 1 and 2 together with a transceiver for communicating with other relay modules and via the WWAN. I want you to understand.

  In addition, each interface circuit that can be used with the present invention may include and function as a component of module 30 to provide additional flexibility in accordance with the present invention. Furthermore, many configurations of components for the relay module 30a can be used with the present invention in addition to the components shown in FIG. For example, the input-output buffer may be used with a respective switch for directing medical device data to the transceiver 31, 32, 37, or 38 as required under processor control. Further, the scope of the present invention is intended to include any other predictable equivalents of the elements and structures described herein with reference to the drawings. Therefore, it is intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims (20)

A wireless relay module,
A first receiver capable of wirelessly receiving medical device data from at least one medical device via a wireless relay network;
A first transmitter capable of wirelessly transmitting the medical device data via the wireless relay network;
A second transmitter capable of wirelessly transmitting the medical device data via an internet accessible wireless communication network;
A controller coupled to the first and second transmitters;
The controller can select one of the first or second transmitters by controlling the wireless relay module to transmit medical device data received by the first receiver. The first transmitter is further capable of transmitting information indicating a status of at least one network communication of the wireless relay network and the Internet-accessible wireless communication network to the at least one medical device. module.   The wireless relay module according to claim 1, further comprising a display having a first indicator indicating a status of network communication.   The wireless relay module according to claim 2, further comprising a second receiver capable of receiving data via the Internet-accessible wireless communication network.   A status module coupled to the second transmitter and the controller, the status module determining an accessibility status of communication via the Internet-accessible wireless communication network, and determining the accessibility status; The wireless relay module according to claim 2, wherein the wireless relay module can be provided to the controller.   The wireless relay module of claim 4, wherein the display further comprises a second indicator that represents a status of accessibility of communication via the Internet accessible wireless communication network.   The wireless relay module according to claim 2, wherein the display further comprises a second indicator indicating a status of the wireless relay network.   The wireless relay module according to claim 1, wherein the wireless relay network is at least one of a ZIGBEE network or a relay-compatible Bluetooth (registered trademark) network.   The wireless relay module according to claim 1, wherein the Internet-accessible wireless communication network is a mobile communication network. A wireless relay module,
A first receiver capable of wirelessly receiving medical device data from at least one medical device via a wireless relay network;
A first transmitter capable of wirelessly transmitting the medical device data to a second wireless relay module via the wireless relay network;
A second transmitter capable of wirelessly transmitting the medical device data via an internet accessible wireless communication network;
A controller coupled to the first and second transmitters, the controller controlling the wireless relay module to transmit the medical device data received by the first receiver; A controller capable of selecting one of the first or second transmitters by:
A display coupled to the controller, the display comprising: a display capable of displaying information indicating a status of network communication of at least one of the wireless relay network and the Internet-accessible wireless communication network; Relay module.   A first status module coupled to the second transmitter and a controller, wherein the first status module determines a status of a potential communication via the Internet-accessible wireless communication network; and The wireless relay module of claim 9, wherein the potential communication status can be provided to the controller that selects the first or second transmitter based on the network.   The wireless relay module of claim 10, wherein the display is further capable of providing a status indication of a determined status of potential communication via an internet accessible wireless communication network.   The wireless communication according to claim 10, further comprising a second status module coupled to the first transmitter, wherein the second status module is capable of determining a status of communication via the wireless relay network. Relay module.   The wireless relay module of claim 12, wherein the display can further provide a status indicating potential communications via the wireless relay network.   The wireless relay module according to claim 13, wherein the wireless relay network is at least one of a ZIGBEE network and a relay-compatible Bluetooth (registered trademark) network.   The wireless relay module according to claim 9, wherein the Internet-accessible wireless communication network is a mobile communication network.   The first transmitter is further capable of transmitting information indicating a status of at least one network communication of the wireless relay network and the internet accessible wireless communication network to the at least one medical device. The wireless relay module described in 1. A process for operating a relay module in a medical device wireless network, comprising:
Receiving medical device data from at least one medical device via a wireless relay network;
Determining the status of an internet-accessible wireless communication network in communication with the first transmitter of the relay module;
Transmitting the medical device data from the at least one medical device via the communication network by the first transmitter if the determined status meets certain criteria;
A second relay module from the at least one medical device via the wireless relay network by a second transmitter in communication with the wireless relay network if the determined status does not meet the specific criteria Transmitting the medical device data to:
Determining information indicating a status of network communication of at least one of the wireless relay network and the internet accessible wireless communication network.   The process of claim 17, further comprising displaying the determined information indicating a status of network communication.   The process of claim 17, further comprising transmitting the determined information indicating a status of network communication to the at least one medical device. 18. The process of claim 17, further comprising transmitting the determined information indicating a status of network communication to the device communicating with the Internet accessible wireless communication network via the first transmitter.

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