JP2019517284A - Anomaly Identification Logic in External Readiness Monitor for Automatic External Defibrillator AED - Google Patents

Abstract

A monitoring device is described that monitors the readiness of an automated external defibrillator AED and communicates that condition to a remote receiver. The method uses anomaly identification logic operable to detect a dead battery AED. The associated method is described as well. The monitoring device captures both a parameter associated with the activation of the AED anomaly alert indicator and a second parameter indicative of a positive AED battery condition.

Description

  The present invention relates to an improved device and method for maintaining an automatic external defibrillator (AED). In particular, the present invention relates to a monitoring device that captures the readiness of a co-located AED and then communicates that condition to the remote service provider's location.

  FIG. 1 shows a perspective view from above of a conventional AED 100. The AED 100 protects the electronics inside the case and is housed in a sturdy polymer case 102 that protects the user from shocks. Such AEDs are generally mounted with a signboard that displays and shows the location at a unique place, such as the wall of a busy area, or the AED can be placed somewhere in the house. Household AEDs, like other AEDs, may pass for a long time without being used, so they may be stored in unobtrusive places such as closets or drawers.

  A pair of electrode pads are attached to the case 102 by electrical leads. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the electrode pad is in a sealed air-tight cartridge 104 disposed in a recess on the top side of the AED 100. The electrode pad is accessed for use by pulling up on the handle 108 which allows the plastic cover on the electrode pad to be removed. A small preparation light 106 informs the user that the AED is ready. In this embodiment, the preparation light flashes after the AED is properly set up and ready for use. The preparation light 106 is always on when the AED is in use and remains off when the AED needs attention.

  Below the preparation lights is an on / off button 110. The on / off button is pressed to turn on the AED for use. To turn off the AED, the user holds the on / off button for more than one second. The caution light 114 blinks when there is information available to the user. The user presses the information button to access the available information. The caution light 114 flashes when the AED is obtaining heart rate information from the patient, and lights up continuously when shock is recommended, allowing the rescuer and others to make no one touch the patient during these times Warn Interaction with the patient while the cardiac signal is acquired can introduce unwanted artifacts into the detected ECG signal. After the AED informs the rescuer that a shock is recommended, the shock button 116 is pressed to give a shock. An infrared port 118 on the side of the AED is used to transfer data between the AED and the computer. This data port is used when the physician wants to download AED event data to his computer for further analysis after the patient has been rescued.

  The speaker 120 provides voice instructions to the rescuer and guides the rescuer through the use of the AED to treat the patient. When the AED needs attention, such as replacing an electrode pad or requiring a new battery, a "chirp" buzzer 122 is provided. The annunciator includes a vibrating diaphragm that generates acoustic energy. An exemplary type of annunciator is a piezoelectric disc beeper such as the 5V audio transducer EMX-7T05SCL63 manufactured by Myn Tahl Corporation of Fremont, California. Of course, the buzzer 122 requires that the AED battery power be activated.

  FIG. 2 illustrates a typical beep sequence 202 emitted from the AED beeper 122 as a result of an audible anomaly alert 200 discovered during device self-test. After an anomaly is detected, the AED 100 drives the buzzer 122 to emit a series of 125 mS long beeps 204 separated by a beep interval 206 of about 875 mS. The beep frequency in this example is 2400 Hz. The beep sequence 202 is three "chirps", which indicate an anomaly that puts the device into the "not ready" state. The beep sequence may be just one "chirp" if the anomaly requires user attention but is not severe enough to render the device inoperable, such as a mild low battery condition. The beep sequence is repeated every 8 seconds until the anomaly is corrected or the battery is exhausted.

  Other AEDs can have different beep sequences, frequencies, and repeat intervals. However, in all cases, the particular sequence clearly indicates a self-test anomaly, resulting in a predetermined known acoustic signature.

  One problem in the prior art is that the self test anomaly alert is local. If the user is not within the visual or audible range of the AED, no corrective action is possible even if the AED starts to issue an alert. If the alert continues until the AED battery is exhausted, the device may not be ready to use when needed. If the AED battery is completely depleted, there may be no apparent external indication that the device is not functioning. The AED does not chirp in this situation. If the visual readiness indicator is not failsafe, that is, it does not provide a positive indication that the AED can not actually be used, even without power, the user can assume that the device is usable. It may be assumed. Thus, an unnecessary delay to treatment of a cardiac arrest victim may occur.

  We preferably overcome the problems of the prior art AED by describing a device that is preferably located adjacent to the AED storage location to monitor the status of the AED and communicate that status to the remote location and Explain the method. Some features of the present invention ensure that battery power is exhausted completely and / or AEDs removed from storage are positively reported to a remote location.

  In some embodiments, a method of detecting the operating state of a defibrillator having both an anomaly indicator and a power indicator comprises providing 702 a monitoring device positioned adjacent to the defibrillator. Detecting the absence of activation of the abnormality indicator over the predetermined time by the abnormality indicator sensor; and detecting the absence of the power indicator by the power sensor for a second predetermined time. Generating the defibrillator abnormal condition output signal based on both the detecting step and the second detecting step.

  In some embodiments, the monitoring device is disposed adjacent to the defibrillator's anomaly indicator and is operable to detect activation of the anomaly indicator, and the defibrillator's A power sensor disposed adjacent to the power supply indicator and operable to detect activation of the power supply indicator, a hardware processor in electrical communication with both the abnormal indicator sensor and the power sensor, and the defibrillator And an output in communication with the hardware processor to provide a signal indicative of an operating condition.

  In some embodiments, such methods and apparatus provide a transmitter in communication with the monitoring device hardware processor, and / or the defibrillator abnormal operation condition from the transmitter, based on the generating step. It may further include the step of sending a message.

  In another embodiment, the second predetermined time period corresponds to a scheduled self test activation time of the defibrillator. The second detection step can be repeated daily.

  In some embodiments, the power sensor is a light sensor that detects a powered defibrillator power indicator. The light sensor can be configured to detect an infrared data communication signal stream, such as corresponding to an infrared data communication (IrDA) signal, and the AED automatically transmits on a scheduled basis and on a recurring basis.

  In some embodiments, the anomalous indicator sensor may include one selected from the group of a microphone and a sensor operable to detect inaudible parameters associated with diaphragm movement of the anomalous indicator diaphragm. .

  In some embodiments, the anomaly indicator sensor includes an optical sensor that detects an LCD icon, a photoelectric sensor that detects a flashing indicator light, a camera that detects a defibrillator display panel, and an electromechanical condition indicator signal. And one selected from the group of magnetic sensors to detect.

  In some embodiments, the method generates a defibrillator abnormal condition output signal based on detecting activation of the anomalous indicator by the anomalous indicator sensor and / or detecting the activation. It can further include steps.

  In another embodiment, a defibrillator status communication system is disposed outside the defibrillator, the defibrillator having an anomaly indicator output and a power indicator output, the anomaly indicator output and An electronic monitoring device, both adjacent to the power indicator output, and / or a wireless transmitter in communication with the output, operable to transmit a defibrillator status report based on the function of the signal A wireless transmitter can be included.

  In some embodiments, such system can further include a remote service provider computer operable to communicate wirelessly with the wireless transmitter and receive the defibrillator status report. The remote service provider computer may automatically generate a service alert message based on the defibrillator status report.

  The term "processor" as used herein for the purpose of the present disclosure is generally used to describe various devices relating to the operation of a ventilator device, system or method. A processor may be implemented in many ways (eg, using dedicated hardware) to perform the various functions discussed herein. The processor is also an example of a controller using one or more microprocessors that can be programmed using software (eg, microcode) to perform the various functions discussed herein. A controller can be implemented with or without a processor, and is a combination of dedicated hardware that performs some functions and a processor that performs other functions (eg, one or more It can also be realized as a programmed microprocessor and associated circuitry). Examples of controller elements that may be used in various embodiments of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, conventional microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). Absent.

  In various implementations, the processor or controller is referred to as one or more computer storage media (generally referred to as "memory". For example, volatile and non-volatile computer memory such as RAM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM, floppy disks , Compact disc, optical disc, magnetic tape, etc.). In some implementations, a storage medium is encoded with one or more programs that, when executed on one or more processors and / or controllers, perform at least a portion of the functions described herein. It is also good. Various storage media may be fixed or transportable in a processor or controller. As a result, one or more programs stored therein may be loaded into a processor or controller to implement various aspects of the invention described herein. The terms “program” or “computer program” as used herein refer to any type of computer code (eg, software or microcode) that can be used to program one or more processors or controllers. Used in a general sense to refer to.

  In various embodiments, the terms “low power standby circuit”, “clock”, “state change monitor”, “comparator / comparator” are applied to elements generally known in the art and are conventional It may be implemented in a processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or be integrated into the processor or controller described above. "Output" and "signal" can be understood as being electrical or optical energy impulses that represent a specific detection or processing result.

FIG. 2 illustrates a prior art AED shown in top perspective view. FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an exemplary audible alert sequence from a prior art AED. FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary monitoring device 300 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 illustrates some alternative embodiments of sensors in an AED monitoring device. FIG. 7 shows an exemplary block diagram of a monitoring device for detecting the operating state of a defibrillator with an audible annunciator comprising a diaphragm. FIG. 1 illustrates a system for remotely maintaining a defibrillator according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 illustrates a method of monitoring AED 100 according to one embodiment. FIG. 1 illustrates an aspect of a subject device according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 illustrates a method of detecting defibrillator activation status 902 according to another embodiment of the present subject matter.

  To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or step, the highest digit of a reference number refers to the figure number in which the element was first introduced.

  The expressions "in one embodiment", "in various embodiments", "in some embodiments" and the like are used repeatedly. Such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the terms "having," "having," and "including" are synonymous.

  Reference will now be made in detail to the description of the embodiments shown in the drawings. The embodiments are described in connection with the drawings and the associated descriptions, but are not intended to limit the scope to the embodiments disclosed herein. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents. In alternative embodiments, additional devices or combinations of devices described may be added or combined, without limiting the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.

  FIG. 3 shows an exemplary monitoring device 300 for detecting the activation status of the defibrillator or AED 100 according to one embodiment. As mentioned above, the AED 100 includes an audible annunciator 122 with a vibrating diaphragm. AED 100 may also include infrared port 118.

  The monitoring device 300 for detecting the operating state of the AED 100 is shown in a preferred position located adjacent to the defibrillator. This arrangement is such that the sensor 304 is arranged adjacent to the annunciator. In particular, the sensor 304 is of the type operable to detect inaudible parameters associated with movement of the vibrating diaphragm in the annunciator. The monitoring device 300 includes a hardware processor 306 arranged to communicate with the sensor 304. When sensor 304 provides an input to hardware processor 306 for activation of the annunciator, processor 306 emits a signal at output 308 corresponding to its detection. As described, output 308 is preferably provided to a wireless transmitter operable to transmit a corresponding defibrillator status report to a remote receiver.

  Also shown in the monitoring device 300 is a low power standby circuit 310 in communication with the hardware processor 306, a clock 312 and a power supply 314. These elements allow the device 300 to operate for extended periods of time, for example, several months, without external power, by placing the monitoring device 300 in a low power standby mode for most of the time. The clock 312 drives the standby circuit 310 and activates the hardware processor 306 at a predetermined cycle and for a short predetermined time. The activation interval is chosen to be the interval that captures the annunciator induced oscillations, if any.

  The elements of monitoring device 300 are disposed on one or more substrates 316, such as printed circuit boards.

  Also shown is an optional decal 302 configured to be applied to the AED 100 around or near the annunciator. The decal is selected to be used to increase the sensitivity of the sensor 304 to annunciator induced vibrations. Thus, the decal 302 is conductive if the sensor 304 is sensitive to electrical changes induced by the movement of the diaphragm, or the vibration, reflection, or position of the sensor 304 induced by the movement of the diaphragm. It can be optically reflective if it is sensitive to changes. Decal 302 is preferably applied to AED 100 with an adhesive.

  Although not shown in FIG. 3 to facilitate viewing the elements, there is an enclosure for the monitoring device 300 that surrounds at least one side of the AED 100. The enclosure is preferably integrated with the AED 100 carrying case or wall mount.

  FIG. 4 illustrates some alternative embodiments of sensors operable to detect inaudible parameters from annunciator actuation of AED 100. As shown in FIG. Sensor 304 may be one of several techniques as part of monitoring device 300. It is to be understood that the circuitry and processing by hardware processor 306 may vary somewhat between the techniques, but is included within the scope of the present invention.

  The sensor 304 may be a temperature sensor 402. It is known that the buzzer 122 is slightly heated during operation and temperature changes are induced by the rapid oscillatory motion of the annunciator diaphragm. Thus, the temperature sensor 402 is positioned close to the diaphragm of the buzzer 122 and selected with sufficient sensitivity to detect a predetermined temperature change over a time interval corresponding to a known "chirp" or series of chirps. The hardware processor 306 processes the corresponding signal, for example, by comparing the known temperature response of the buzzer 122 in the “chirp” or beep sequence 202 with the sensor signal. If the comparison steps match, the diaphragm movement of the buzzer 122 is indicated. The hardware processor 306 then provides the corresponding signal at the output.

  Alternatively, sensor 304 may be a vibration sensor 404. One embodiment of the vibration sensor 404 is an accelerometer attached to the printed circuit assembly or an accelerometer integrated with the hardware processor 306. The vibration sensor 404 is configured to detect vibrations induced in the AED case 102 and is enabled by the case 102 coupled with the buzzer 122. In this embodiment, the hardware processor 306 compares the detected frequency, duration and / or repetition pattern of the vibration to known parameters to determine if the annunciator has been activated.

  By arranging the shorting coupler 410 between the vibration sensor 304 and the case 102, the vibration coupling between the vibration sensor 404 and the AED case 102 can optionally be improved. The shorting coupler 410 is preferably configured to be mounted to the case 102 when installed with the monitoring device 300. The shorting coupler 410 may be a rigid "whisker", prong or other device known to provide good vibrational coupling between objects.

  Alternatively, sensor 304 may be light sensor 406. The light sensor 406 preferably includes light that illuminates either the annunciator diaphragm or the optical reflective surface of the case 102. The photosensitive detector in light sensor 304 is configured to capture the reflected light and generate a corresponding electrical output signal. Thus, the light sensor 406 detects the change in reflectance caused by the change in diaphragm position during diaphragm movement. One example of the light sensor 406 is an LED laser diode based light transceiver, which includes both a laser light diode and a light sensor tuned to the laser diode frequency for high sensitivity and noise suppression.

  An alternative configuration includes an optical reflective decal 302, which may be applied around the buzzer 122 to detect changes in the decal 302 position caused by the annunciator-induced vibration coupled to the case 102. . Thus, the positioning of the light sensor 406 relative to the annunciator diaphragm is less sensitive.

  Alternatively, sensor 304 may be a capacitive sensor 408 that detects movement of the annunciator diaphragm indicating actuation. The capacitive sensor 408 can be arranged in one of three ways. If sufficiently sensitive, capacitive sensor 408 can be placed directly across the annunciator port in AED case 102. Alternatively, the capacitive sensor 408 is disposed at the end of the flexible stem, which stem extends into the port hole of the case 102 to place the capacitive sensor 408 closer to the diaphragm. Alternatively, a conductive decal may be applied to the defibrillator surface adjacent to the annunciator. Capacitive sensor 408 is positioned adjacent to the decal, and thus can detect annunciator-induced vibrations on the AED 100 surface.

  FIG. 5 shows an exemplary block diagram of a monitoring device for detecting the operating state of the defibrillator, which has an audible annunciator with a diaphragm. Monitoring device 502 includes several elements. Although shown as functional blocks, each element is enabled by structures such as wire traces, semiconductor processors and memories, and circuits interconnected on a substrate by detection devices. Elements may be controlled by software instructions resident in memory and executed on one or more processors.

  The monitoring device 502 receives an input indicating activation of the associated AED 100 annunciator at the diaphragm motion parameter 520, which is an inaudible related parameter. A sensor 504 of the type described above captures input. The sensor 504 sends a signal to the hardware processor 506 via telecommunications. The hardware processor 506 analyzes the signal, and the processor provides an output 508 if the analysis indicates a signal corresponding to diaphragm movement.

  Signal analysis may be performed using computer storage memory 524 such as comparator 516 and non-transitory media. Memory 524 stores data corresponding to known characteristics of the annunciator, such as the aforementioned frequency, duration, repetition rate data, and known temperatures and heating profiles. The comparator 516 compares the characteristic profile with the received parameters. The correlation within the detection threshold indicates a signal corresponding to the movement of the diaphragm. Optionally, hardware processor 506 can be used to later diagnose and troubleshoot the detected diaphragm movement data, such as the number of chirps, the type of alert detected, and the accumulated number of chirps of detected diaphragms. Or the number of operations can be stored.

  The monitoring device 502 also includes a low power standby circuit 510, which can include a clock 512 and a state change monitor. The standby circuit 510 maintains the monitoring device 502 in a very low power standby mode of operation to maximize the life of the monitoring device 502 battery 514. Preferably, clock 512 activates standby circuit 510 for a predetermined duration on a predetermined schedule corresponding to the self-test periodicity of AED 100. Thus, the monitoring device 502 is active only while the AED 100 is active and performing a self test. After the monitoring device 502 verifies the state of the AED 100 and passes the necessary notification to the output 508, the standby circuit 510 returns the hardware processor 506 to the low power standby mode of operation.

  The monitoring device 502 also includes an optional second sensor 518 in communication with the hardware processor 506. A second sensor 518 is disposed adjacent to the AED 100 and is operable to detect an AED data signal 522 output from the defibrillator. Data communication may be from a wireless RF, so the second sensor 518 may be Wi-Fi, Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth (R) receiver or the like. The second sensor 518 may be an IrDA receiver, as the data communication may be optical, such as infrared data communication (IRDA). The standby circuit 510 may optionally be triggered to wake up the hardware processor 506 based on the detected AED data signal 522. Since the AED data signal 522 is typically transmitted when the AED 100 wakes up, the hardware processor 506 adjusts the predetermined periodicity and the timing of the next wake up wakeup based on the detected wireless data communication. Can.

  The communicator signal 526 may optionally be included as another input to the monitoring device 502. This data path may enable monitoring device 502 to adjust itself or adjust AED 100 via AED data signal 522 based on communications from the remote provider. For example, the communicator signal 526 can notify the hardware processor 506 to transmit all collected maintenance data held in the memory 524.

  FIG. 6 illustrates a state communication system 602 for remotely maintaining a defibrillator, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The system has four major components in addition to the defibrillator or AED 100 to be monitored. As mentioned above, the monitoring device 300 includes a sensor 304 operable to detect inaudible parameters associated with the movement of the diaphragm of the buzzer 122. The sensor 304 sends a signal to the hardware processor 306, which in turn provides a status signal to the wireless transmitter 604 via the output 308.

  Wireless transmitter 604 is the second element of state communication system 602. Preferably, the wireless transmitter 604 is a standard communication device, such as a smartphone or a Wi-Fi network node, which is configured to include means for receiving input from the monitoring device 300. The input means may be a USB cable, a custom hardwire ribbon cable, an NFC / Bluetooth wireless connection, or similar interface. The wireless transmitter 604 preferably has software that maintains its own power supply and executes instructions to send defibrillator status information periodically or as needed. Accordingly, radio 604 transmits defibrillator status report transmission 612 to remote receiver 610 via wireless network 606. The service provider can then take necessary corrective action, such as contacting the owner of the AED 100 or initiating a service call. Optionally, the state communication system 602 may be bi-directional. As a result, the receiver 610 can send back a response message to the transmitter 604 for display on the screen associated with the wireless transmitter 604, the monitoring device 300, or the AED 100. The response message may be a control signal that changes the state of the AED 100 or monitoring device 300 to adapt to the nature of the detected abnormality.

  FIG. 7 shows a method of detecting the operating state of a defibrillator with an audible annunciator comprising a diaphragm 700. The method 700 begins at a providing step 702 of providing a monitoring device according to the apparatus of the present invention, wherein the monitoring device is preferably disposed adjacent to the defibrillator as an integral part of the defibrillator storage case or wall mount. The monitoring device 300 preferably starts service in a low power standby mode, and based on a predetermined schedule, thus starting operation. The monitoring device 300 can be synchronized with the AED 100 either manually or automatically at this step. For example, it is performed by immediately activating and keeping the activation until the monitoring device 300 detects the next activation of the AED 100. After this, both devices re-enter the low power standby mode of operation.

  At step 704, the monitoring device 300 activates itself. The preferred method of activation follows a predetermined schedule or periodicity. The schedule and periodicity further preferably correspond to the known self test cycle of the AED 100. Alternatively, the monitoring device 300 can be activated with multiple periodicities of the AED 100 self-test, such as two or three periodic self-tests, to further conserve battery power of the monitoring device 300. To maintain synchronization between the monitoring device 300 and the AED 100, the clock of the monitoring device 300 may be adjusted at start up to match the timer of the AED 100.

  At detection step 706, the activated monitoring device detects the movement of the annunciator of the adjacent AED 100 based on one of the previous apparatus description embodiments. For example, detection step 706 may be optical or capacitive detection of diaphragm motion, detection of temperature change of the annunciator induced by activation, or detection of mechanical vibration of the AED 100 induced by the annunciator. If detection is not performed within the predetermined time, the method proceeds to the corresponding output step 710 or re-enters the low power standby mode at step 714 until the next scheduled activation.

  In an optional comparison step 708, the detected movement characteristics from the detection step 706 are compared to the known characteristics of the activated annunciator diaphragm by one of the methods described above. If the hardware processor 306 in the comparison step 708 determines a match, then activation is indicated for the generation step 710.

  The generating step 710 generates an output signal corresponding to the detecting step 706 and / or the comparing step 708. The output signal is preferably provided by the monitoring device 300 to the associated wireless transmitter 604, which transmits the corresponding wireless communication signal to the remote receiver. Alternatively, the output signal is provided to computer storage memory 524 to maintain a record of operating performance or to allow the signal to be delayed to conserve system power or reduce nuisance alarms. Be done.

  An optional synchronization step 712 is performed by the monitoring device 300 before returning to the low power standby mode of operation. In this step, the monitoring device 300 performs the next "wake up" activation based on the start of the detected second sensor 318 output, such as the periodic information IRDA message output, and the AED 100 self test activation time. Adjust to

  After performing the aforementioned method steps, the monitoring device 300 returns to the low power standby mode of operation when entering the low power standby mode step 714 and waits for the next scheduled start-up step 704. The method may end at step 716 if the AED and / or monitoring device 300 becomes unavailable.

  FIG. 8 shows a local portion of a system 818 for monitoring and communicating the readiness of the AED. System 818 generally includes an AED 100 and a monitoring device 804 located external to the AED adjacent to the AED. The monitoring device 804 includes two or more sensors that detect the output from the AED 100, which can be used to determine the readiness of the AED for use. As can be seen in FIG. 8, all AEDs, monitoring elements and detection elements are included in the carrying case 802. The transport case 802 can be configured in such a way that the monitoring device 804 is held on the lid portion of the case so as to disengage the AED 100 and other accessories needed for use. FIG. 8 shows that the monitoring device 804 can be sized to fit in space or otherwise be filled with a spare battery. Thus, the substrate 316 can be sized appropriately for the desired space. Presumably, the monitoring and notification function of the monitoring device 804 would eliminate and replace the need to have a spare battery in the device.

  The monitoring device 804 may be similar to the monitoring device 300 and the monitoring device 502 in some aspects. The monitoring device 804 can be powered by a battery power supply 814 that is independent of the power supply of the AED 100. Preferably, the power supply 814 has a normal operating life approximately equal to the AED power supply, and thus, the power supply is sized such that the function of the monitoring device 804 functions between 3 and 5 years.

  The monitoring device 804 can also include a hardware processor 810 and standby circuitry and clock 816 similar to the elements described above. The standby circuit and clock 816 are operable to wake up the hardware processor 810 at predetermined times and at predetermined intervals to maximize battery life. In one embodiment, the predetermined periodicity corresponds to the known self-test periodicity of the AED 100. The hardware processor 810 is further operable to synchronize the predetermined periodicity with the self test periodicity based on the detected AED wake up time. The standby circuit and clock 816 preferably maintain the hardware processor 810 in a low power standby mode of operation outside of a predetermined period to maximize battery life.

  Similarly, wireless transmitter 812 with an antenna may be similar to wireless transmitter 604. The AED status output 308 may also be communicated from the hardware processor 810 to the wireless transmitter 812 in the manner described above. Hardware processor 810 may include computer storage memory 524 that stores data indicative of the state of AED 100 for later output and / or wireless transmission.

  FIG. 8 also shows that the monitoring device 804 need not be physically located at both the AED buzzer 122 and the infrared port 118. In this embodiment, activation of the buzzer 122, also referred to herein as an anomaly indicator, can be detected by the anomaly indicator sensor 806, which includes a microphone disposed on the substrate 316 and detecting the chirp of the buzzer 122. Thus, the anomaly indicator sensor 806 need only be located within the audible range of the buzzer 122. Of course, the anomaly indicator sensor 806 can be configured similar to the sensor 304 as desired. The anomaly indicator sensor 806 provides the hardware processor 810 with a boot indication.

  The power sensor 808 can also be located remotely from the monitoring device 804. In this embodiment, the power sensor 808 comprises a sensor configured to detect the IRDA output from the defibrillator and is communicatively connected to the hardware processor 810 via a cable. Alternatively, the power sensor 808 comprises a light sensor configured to detect the blinking of the preparation light 106 when the AED 100 does so for normal preparation. Other embodiments of the anomaly indicator sensor 806 are configured to detect a light sensor configured to detect an LCD ready icon, a photoelectric sensor configured to detect a blinking indicator light, and a defibrillator display panel. A camera and a magnetic sensor configured to detect an electromechanical condition indicator signal.

  Referring to FIG. 6, the local portion of the defibrillator status communication system interacts with the remote portion by transmitting a defibrillator status report transmission 612 corresponding to the status signal described above from the wireless transmitter 812. . The remote portion is a remote service provider computer having a remote receiver 610 operable to receive defibrillator status reports. In a preferred embodiment, the remote service provider computer, upon receiving a status report indicating an AED anomaly, automatically generates a service alert message to initiate corrective action.

  The monitoring device 804 operates in accordance with a method 902 of detecting the activation status of a defibrillator having both the anomaly indicator 122 and the power indicator 118. This method is illustrated in FIG.

  Method 902 begins at step 904 with providing a monitoring device disposed adjacent to the defibrillator in accordance with the apparatus embodiments described above. The monitoring device is disposed adjacent to the defibrillator abnormality indicator and is arranged adjacent to the defibrillator power indicator and an abnormality indicator sensor operable to detect activation of the abnormality indicator Communicate with the hardware processor to provide a signal indicative of the operating status of the defibrillator, a power processor operable to detect activation, a hardware processor in electrical communication with both the anomaly indicator sensor and the power sensor, and And an output unit. In some embodiments, such methods can further include the step of providing a transmitter in communication with the monitoring device hardware processor. An optional memory 524 may be provided as described above to hold defibrillator status information for archival or later transmission.

  Providing step 904 is completed by assembling the system together and starting its operation. One part of initiating the activation may be to synchronize the "wake up" processing of the monitoring device 300 and the defibrillator. This can be done manually by setting the monitoring device's clock or automatically by activating the monitoring device until the next defibrillator wake up is detected. At that time and following the initial check, the monitoring device can enter a low power standby mode of operation until approximately the next predetermined and scheduled defibrillator wake up.

  Monitoring according to a predetermined schedule begins at step 906. The monitoring device 804 preferably activates itself just prior to the scheduled activation of the adjacent defibrillator. The monitoring device 804 then initiates detection for an interval of predetermined duration, and the anomaly indicator sensor 806 and the power sensor 808 detect the output from the defibrillator anomaly indicator and the power indicator, respectively. One exemplary predetermined period is about 8 seconds per day or every 24 hours. In any case, a time interval should be selected to ensure that the monitoring device 804 detects periodic activation of the anomaly indicator and the power indicator. Of course, the specific time period depends on the predetermined schedule on the underlying defibrillator, which corresponds to the defibrillator's scheduled self-test activation time.

  In alternative embodiments, the predetermined period of time for the anomaly indicator sensor may not correspond completely to the second predetermined period of time for the power sensor. This alternative schedule may be desirable for battery power saving reasons at the monitoring device or for more rapid anomaly detection. For example, the monitoring device 804 may operate more frequently but with shorter durations to detect the anomaly indicator "chirp". However, monitoring device 804 may also operate at other times but for longer durations to detect message streams emanating from the power supply sensor.

  In operation, the monitoring device 804 can monitor three different conditions. Chirp anomaly detection, power supply anomaly detection, and the lack of output detected from the defibrillator for a period of time that may indicate a completely dead defibrillator.

  In the chirp detection step 908, the anomaly indicator sensor detects activation of the anomaly indicator or lack of activation for a predetermined time. The detected activation may be a single chirp or multiple chirps of the anomaly indicator, which are additionally detected in a chirp type step 910. Triple Chirp 3x can indicate that the defibrillator is abnormal and inoperable for rescue. A single chirp 1x may indicate that a defibrillator may be used for rescue but corrective action is needed. Information regarding the activation, type, or lack thereof of the anomaly indicator is provided to the hardware processor 810.

  In a power indicator detection step 912, the power sensor detects activation of the power indicator or lack of activation for either a predetermined period or a second predetermined period based on device scheduling. The power sensor may have a light sensor configured to detect a flashing defibrillator power indicator. The power sensor may also be configured to capture a power supply indicator fault indication such as an IRDA message encoded at the power sensor output. Information regarding activation of the power indicator, message type, or lack thereof is provided to the hardware processor 810.

  Although the monitored defibrillator is not fully functional, there may be no anomaly indications as a result, or a synchronization error between the monitoring device and the defibrillator may occur to prevent anomaly detection. is there. In these cases, the monitoring device 804 may further misinterpret the absence of any abnormal indication as an indication of a "good" defibrillator. Dead battery detection step 922 ensures that no such errors occur. If activation is not detected in both the chirp detection step 908 and the power indicator detection step 912 during a predetermined time period, a battery abnormal condition is indicated.

  Optionally, the hardware processor 810 may hold the monitoring device 804 activated to confirm a battery abnormal condition at a confirmation step 914. Thus, the monitoring device 804 continuously monitors the defibrillator signal until a third predetermined time period, such as 24 hours, or a signal from the defibrillator is received.

  Information regarding any activations or lack thereof detected over this third long period of time is provided to the hardware processor 810. If the power supply 814 signal or the abnormal indicator signal is not detected by the monitoring device 804 at the synchronization error step 916, a dead battery condition exists. Monitoring device 804 generates a corresponding status output signal.

  On the other hand, if the monitoring device 804 detects a power indication at synchronization error step 916, a synchronization error between the defibrillator and the monitoring device is indicated. The indication detected at sync error step 916 initiates the routine at sync step 924 to match the defibrillator's self test schedule to the activation schedule of monitoring device 804. The method then returns to monitoring step 906 in preparation for the next scheduled launch.

  The method of detecting defibrillator activation status 902 proceeds to status output signal generation step 918. This causes one or more indications of a defibrillator malfunction or failure to be received. As noted above, the defibrillator's abnormal condition output signal is generated at step 918 based on the lack of chirp detection, power sensor detection, or lack of detection from both sensors. The nature of the output signal may be a local indication at the monitoring device 804, such as a light or an audible alarm. Preferably, step 918 further comprises the transmitting step of transmitting an abnormal status message to the remote service provider. Such transmissions are conventional in the prior art, such as wired telephones to an intermediate transmission device such as a smartphone, Internet transmission, wireless telephone transmission, or wireless short distance transmission (eg, B field, Bluetooth (registered trademark), near field communication NFC) It can be one known.

  The end step 920 can include placing an activation status message in the device memory 524 for archiving and later retrieval. Generally, the method then returns to monitoring step 906 and repeats the process according to the schedule.

Claims (19)

In a method of detecting the operating state of a defibrillator having both an anomaly indicator and a power indicator,
Providing a monitoring device disposed adjacent to the defibrillator, wherein the monitoring device is disposed adjacent to the anomaly indicator of the defibrillator to detect activation of the anomaly indicator An anomaly indicator sensor operable, a power sensor disposed adjacent to a power indicator of the defibrillator and operable to detect activation of the power indicator, both the anomaly indicator sensor and the power sensor And d. A hardware processor in electrical communication with the processor, and an output in communication with the hardware processor to provide a signal indicative of the operating status of the defibrillator.
Detecting the absence of activation of the anomaly indicator for a predetermined period of time by the anomaly indicator sensor;
A second detection step of detecting the absence of the power supply indicator for a second predetermined time by the power sensor;
Generating the defibrillator abnormal condition output signal based on both the detecting step and the second detecting step. Providing a transmitter in communication with the monitoring device hardware processor;
Sending a defibrillator abnormal status message from the transmitter based on the generating step.   The method of claim 1, wherein the second predetermined time period corresponds to a scheduled self-test activation time of the defibrillator.   The method according to claim 3, wherein the second detection step is repeated daily.   The method of claim 1, wherein the power sensor is a light sensor that detects a powered defibrillator power indicator.   The method of claim 1, wherein the anomaly indicator sensor comprises one selected from the group of a microphone and a sensor operable to detect inaudible parameters associated with diaphragm movement of the anomaly indicator diaphragm.   The anomaly indicator sensor includes an optical sensor for detecting an LCD icon, a photoelectric sensor for detecting a blinking indicator light, a camera for detecting a defibrillator display panel, and a magnetic sensor for detecting an electromechanical condition indicator signal. The method of claim 1, having one selected from a group. Detecting activation of said anomaly indicator by said anomaly indicator sensor;
Generating a defibrillator abnormal condition output signal based on the detection of the activation. A monitoring device for detecting the operating state of a defibrillator having both an anomaly indicator and a power indicator, comprising:
A substrate disposed adjacent to the defibrillator;
An anomaly indicator sensor located adjacent to the defibrillator's anomaly indicator and operable to detect activation of the anomaly indicator;
A power sensor disposed on the substrate and adjacent to the defibrillator power indicator and operable to detect activation of the power indicator;
A hardware processor disposed on the substrate and in electrical communication with both the anomaly indicator sensor and the power sensor;
An output in communication with the hardware processor to provide a signal indicative of the operating status of the defibrillator;
The hardware processor is configured to, during a predetermined period of time, lack of detection of the activation of the anomaly indicator by the anomaly indicator sensor and for a second predetermined period of time of detection of the power indicator by the power sensor. A monitoring device that executes software instructions that control the signal based both on the absence of two.   10. The monitoring device of claim 9, wherein the anomaly indicator sensor comprises one selected from the group of a microphone and a sensor operable to detect inaudible parameters associated with diaphragm movement of the anomaly indicator diaphragm.   10. The monitoring device of claim 9, wherein the power sensor further comprises an optical sensor that detects a powered defibrillator power indicator.   The device may further comprise a transmitter in controllable communication with the hardware processor, wherein the transmitter may be controlled to transmit a defibrillator malfunction status message based on a signal indicative of the defibrillator activity status. The monitoring device according to claim 9, which is operable.   The low power standby circuit further comprises a clock, wherein the low power standby circuit is operable to communicate with the hardware processor and operate the hardware processor for a predetermined period of time at a predetermined period. The monitoring device according to claim 9.   14. The monitoring device of claim 13, wherein the predetermined periodicity corresponds to a self test periodicity of the defibrillator.   The power sensor is operable to detect one of wireless data communication and infrared data communication IRDA output from the defibrillator, and the hardware processor is configured to detect the one from the defibrillator. 15. The monitoring device according to claim 14, wherein the monitoring device is operable to adjust the predetermined periodicity based on an output.   15. The monitoring device of claim 14, wherein the hardware processor enters a low power standby mode of operation after the predetermined time.   10. The monitoring device according to claim 9, further comprising a computer storage memory in communication with said hardware processor and said output, said computer storage memory storing data indicative of said anomaly indicator sensor detection and said power sensor detection. . A defibrillator status communication system,
A defibrillator with an anomaly indicator output and a power indicator output;
An electronic monitoring device located external to the defibrillator and adjacent to both the anomalous indicator output and the power indicator output, the anomaly indicator operable to detect activation of the anomalous indicator output. A sensor, a power sensor operable to detect activation of the power indicator output, a hardware processor in electrical communication with both the abnormality indicator sensor and the power sensor, and the abnormality indicator output during a predetermined time period An electronic monitoring device including an output in communication with the hardware processor to provide a signal indicative of the absence of detection of activation of both the unit and the power supply indicator output;
A wireless transmitter in communication with the output, the wireless transmitter operable to transmit a defibrillator status report based on the function of the signal.   The remote service provider computer is further in operable communication with the wireless transmitter and operable to receive the defibrillator status report, the remote service provider computer processing the service based on the defibrillator status report. The system of claim 18, wherein the alert message is generated automatically.

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