JP7012019B2 - Abnormality identification logic in the external preparation monitor for the automated external defibrillator AED - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to improved devices and methods for maintaining an automated external defibrillator (AED). In particular, the invention relates to a surveillance device that captures the readiness of a co-located AED and then communicates that state to the location of a remote service provider.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the conventional AED100 as viewed from above. The AED 100 is housed in a sturdy polymer case 102 that protects the electronics inside the case and also protects the user from impact. Such an AED can generally be attached to a unique location, such as a wall in a busy area, with a sign indicating and indicating the location, or the AED can be placed somewhere in the house. Home AEDs, like other AEDs, may elapse long without use, so they may be stored in an unobtrusive place such as a closet or drawer.

A pair of electrode pads are attached to the case 102 by electric leads. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the electrode pad is located in a hermetically sealed cartridge 104 arranged in a recess on the upper surface side of the AED100. The electrode pad is accessed for use by pulling up a handle 108 that allows the plastic cover on the electrode pad to be removed. The small preparation light 106 informs the user that the AED is ready. In this embodiment, the ready 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 light 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 presses and holds the on / off button for at least 1 second. Caution Light 114 flashes when there is information available to the user. The user presses the information button to access the available information. The attention light 114 flashes when the AED is acquiring heart rate information from the patient and lights continuously when a shock is recommended, so that no one touches the patient during these times, rescuers and others. To warn. Interaction with the patient while the cardiac signal is being 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 the shock. 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 doctor wants to download AED event data to his computer for further analysis after the patient has been rescued.

The speaker 120 provides voice commands to the rescuer and guides the rescuer through the use of the AED to treat the patient. A buzzer 122 that "chirps" is provided when the AED needs attention, such as replacing the electrode pads or requiring a new battery. The annunciator includes a vibrating diaphragm that produces sound energy. A typical type of annunciator is a piezoelectric disc beeper such as the 5V audio transducer EMX-7T05SCL63 manufactured by Myn Thal Corporation in Fremont, Calif. Of course, the buzzer 122 requires the AED battery power to operate.

FIG. 2 shows a typical beep sequence 202 emanating from an AED beeper 122 as a result of an audible anomaly alert 200 discovered during a device self-test. After the 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. In this example, the beep frequency is 2400 Hz. The beep sequence 202 is three "chirps", which indicate anomalies that put the device in an "unready" state. In the case of anomalies that require user attention but are not serious enough to render the device inoperable, such as a mild low battery condition, the beep sequence can simply be a single "chirp". The beep sequence is repeated every 8 seconds until the anomaly is corrected or the battery is drained.

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

One problem with prior art is that self-test anomaly alerts are local. If the user is not within the visual or audible range of the AED, corrective action is not possible when the AED begins issuing alerts. If the alert continues until the AED battery runs out, you may not be ready to use the device when you need it. 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 state. If the visual readiness indicator is not fail-safe, that is, it does not provide a positive indication that the AED is not really usable, even without power, the user will be able to use the device. It may be assumed. This can result in unnecessary delays in the treatment of victims of cardiac arrest.

Inventors and devices that overcome the problems of prior art AEDs by describing devices that are preferably located adjacent to the AED storage location, monitor the condition of the AED, and communicate that condition to remote locations. Explain the method. Some features of the invention ensure that AEDs that are completely depleted of battery power and / or AEDs removed from storage are positively reported to remote locations.

In some embodiments, a method of detecting the operating status of a defibrillator with both an anomaly indicator and a power indicator provides a monitoring device located adjacent to the defibrillator (702). A detection step of detecting the lack of activation of the abnormality indicator for a predetermined time by the abnormality indicator sensor, and a second detection step of detecting the lack of the power supply indicator by the power sensor for a second predetermined time. , The step of generating the defibrillator abnormal operation state output signal based on both the detection step and the second detection step can be included.

In some embodiments, the monitoring device is an anomaly indicator sensor that is located adjacent to the defibrillator anomaly indicator and can be actuated to detect activation of the anomaly indicator, and the defibrillator. A power sensor located adjacent to the power indicator and capable of detecting the activation of the power indicator, a hardware processor telecommunications with both the anomaly indicator sensor and the power sensor, and a defibrillator. It has an output unit that communicates with the hardware processor in order to provide a signal indicating an operating state.

In some embodiments, such methods and devices provide a transmitter that communicates with the monitoring device hardware processor and / or based on the generation step, the defibrillator abnormally operating state from the transmitter. It can further include a step of sending a message.

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

In some embodiments, the power sensor is an optical sensor that detects a lit defibrillator power indicator. The optical sensor can be configured to detect an infrared data communication signal stream that corresponds to an infrared data communication (IrDA) signal, and the AED will automatically transmit on a schedule-based and iterative-based basis.

In some embodiments, the anomaly indicator sensor may include one selected from a group of microphones and sensors that can be actuated to detect inaudible parameters associated with the diaphragm motion of the anomaly indicator diaphragm. ..

In some embodiments, the anomaly indicator sensors are an optical sensor that detects an LCD icon, a photoelectric sensor that detects a blinking indicator light, a camera that detects a defibrillator display panel, and an electromechanical status indicator signal. Has one selected from the group with a magnetic sensor to detect.

In some embodiments, such a method generates a defibrillator abnormal operating state output signal based on the step of detecting the activation of the anomaly indicator by the anomaly inca sensor and / or the detection of the activation. Further steps can be included.

In another embodiment, the defibrillator state communication system is located outside the defibrillator, the defibrillator, which has an anomaly indicator output and a power indicator output, the anomaly indicator output and the anomaly indicator output. An electronic monitoring device adjacent to both the power indicator output and / or a wireless transmitter that communicates with the output and can be actuated to transmit a defibrillator status report based on the function of the signal. Can include radio transmitters.

In some embodiments, such a system may further include a remote service provider computer capable of wirelessly communicating with the radio transmitter and receiving the defibrillator status report. The remote service provider computer can automatically generate a service warning message based on the defibrillator status report.

The term "processor" as used herein for the purposes of this disclosure is commonly used to describe various devices relating to the operation of a ventilator device, system, or method. Processors can be implemented in a number of ways (eg, using dedicated hardware) to perform the various functions discussed in this document. A processor is also an example of a controller that uses 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, a combination of dedicated hardware performing some functions and a processor performing other functions (eg, one or more). It can also be implemented as a programmed microprocessor and related circuits). Examples of controller elements that can be used in the 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). do not have.

In various implementations, a processor or controller is one or more computer storage media (commonly referred to as "memory"; volatile and non-volatile computer memory such as RAM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM, floppy disks, for example. , Compact disk, optical disk, magnetic tape, etc.). In some implementations, the storage medium is encoded in one or more programs that perform at least some of the functions described herein when run on one or more processors and / or controllers. May be good. The various storage media may be fixed within the processor or controller, or may be portable. As a result, one or more programs stored therein can be loaded into a processor or controller to realize the various aspects of the invention described herein. As used herein, the term "program" or "computer program" refers to any type of computer code (eg, software or microcode) that can be used to program one or more processors or controllers. Used in the general sense to refer.

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

It is a figure explaining the AED of the prior art shown in the upper perspective view. It is a figure which shows an example of an exemplary audible alert sequence from a prior art AED. It is a figure which shows the exemplary monitoring device 300 according to one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows some alternative embodiment of a sensor in an AED monitoring device. FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a monitoring device that detects the operating state of a defibrillator with an audible annunciator equipped with a diaphragm. It is a figure which shows the system which maintains the defibrillator by one Embodiment from a remote place. It is a figure which shows the method of monitoring AED100 by one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows one aspect of the subject apparatus by one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the method of detecting the defibrillator operating state 902 by another embodiment of this subject.

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

Expressions such as "in one embodiment", "in various embodiments", and "in some embodiments" are used repeatedly. Such expressions do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. The terms "have," "have," and "include" are synonyms unless otherwise indicated in the context.

In the following, references will be made in detail to the description of the embodiments shown in the drawings. The embodiments are described in connection with the drawings and associated description, but are not intended to limit the scope to the embodiments disclosed herein. Conversely, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equalities. 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 that detects the operating state of a defibrillator or AED 100 according to one embodiment. As mentioned above, the AED 100 includes an audible annunciator 122 with a vibrating diaphragm. The AED 100 can also include an infrared port 118.

The monitoring device 300 for detecting the operational status of the AED 100 is indicated at a preferred location 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 a type that can be actuated to detect inaudible parameters associated with the movement of the vibration diaphragm in the annunciator. The monitoring device 300 includes a hardware processor 306 arranged to communicate with the sensor 304. When the sensor 304 provides an input to the hardware processor 306 for activating the annunciator, the processor 306 emits a signal at the output unit 308 corresponding to the detection. As described, the output unit 308 is preferably provided to a radio transmitter capable of actuating to transmit the corresponding defibrillator status report to the remote receiver.

Further, the monitoring device 300 shows a low power standby circuit 310, a clock 312, and a power supply 314 that communicate with the hardware processor 306. These elements allow the monitoring device 300 to operate over a long period of time, eg, months, without an external power source by placing the monitoring device 300 in 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 period of time. The activation interval is selected to be the interval that captures the annunciator-induced vibrations, if any.

The elements of the monitoring device 300 are arranged on one or more boards 316, such as a printed circuit board.

Also shown is an optional decal 302 configured to apply to the AED100 around or near the annunciator. Decals are 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 sensor 304 is of vibration, reflection, or position induced by the movement of the diaphragm. If it is sensitive to change, it can be optically reflective. Decal 302 is preferably applied to AED100 as an adhesive.

Although not shown in FIG. 3 for ease of viewing the elements, there is an enclosure for the surveillance device 300 that surrounds at least one aspect of the AED 100. The enclosure is preferably integrated with the AED100 carrying case or wall mount.

FIG. 4 shows some alternative embodiments of sensors that can be actuated to detect inaudible parameters from the annunciator activation of the AED100. The sensor 304 may be one of several techniques as part of the surveillance device 300. It should be understood that the circuitry and processing by the hardware processor 306 may vary somewhat between technologies, but is 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 the temperature change is induced by the rapid vibrational motion of the annunciator diaphragm. Therefore, the temperature sensor 402 is located close to the diaphragm of the buzzer 122 and is 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 motion of the buzzer 122 is indicated. After that, the hardware processor 306 supplies the corresponding signal to the output unit.

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

By arranging the short-circuit 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 be optionally improved. The short circuit coupler 410 is preferably configured to be mounted on the case 102 when installed with the monitoring device 300. The short circuit coupler 410 may be a rigid "whisker", prong or other device known to provide good vibrational coupling between objects.

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

An alternative configuration includes an optical reflection decal 302, which can be applied around the buzzer 122 so that the optical sensor 406 detects changes in the decal 302 position caused by the annunciator-induced vibration coupled to the case 102. .. Therefore, the positioning of the optical sensor 406 with respect to the annunciator diaphragm is not very sensitive.

Alternatively, the sensor 304 may be a capacitive sensor 408 that detects movement of the annunciator diaphragm indicating operation. The capacitive sensor 408 can be arranged in one of three embodiments. If sufficiently sensitive, the capacitive sensor 408 can be placed directly across the annunciator port in the AED case 102. Alternatively, the capacitive sensor 408 is placed at the end of the flexible stem, which 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. The capacitive sensor 408 is placed adjacent to the decal and thus can detect the annunciator-induced vibrations on the surface of the AED100.

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

The monitoring device 502 obtains an input indicating activation of the associated AED100 annunciator in the diaphragm motion parameter 520, which is a non-audible related parameter. The aforementioned type of sensor 504 captures the input. The sensor 504 sends a signal to the hardware processor 506 via telecommunications. The hardware processor 506 analyzes the signal, and if the analysis indicates a signal corresponding to the diaphragm operation, the processor provides an output 508.

The signal analysis can be performed using a computer storage memory 524 including a comparator 516 and a non-temporary medium. The memory 524 stores the frequency, duration, repeat rate data described above, as well as data corresponding to known properties of the annunciator such as known temperature and heating profiles. The comparator 516 compares the characteristic profile with the received parameter. The correlation within the detection threshold indicates the signal corresponding to the movement of the diaphragm. Optionally, the hardware processor 506 is used for later diagnostic and troubleshooting data, such as the number of chirps detected, the type of alert detected, and the cumulative number of chirps detected. Alternatively, 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 keeps the monitoring device 502 in a very low power standby operating mode in order to maximize the life of the monitoring device 502 battery 514. Preferably, the clock 512 operates the standby circuit 510 for a predetermined duration on a predetermined schedule corresponding to the self-test periodicity of the AED 100. Thus, the monitoring device 502 is active only while the AED 100 is active and self-testing. After the monitoring device 502 confirms the status 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 operating mode.

The surveillance device 502 also includes an optional second sensor 518 that communicates with the hardware processor 506. The second sensor 518 is located adjacent to the AED 100 and is operable to detect the AED data signal 522 output from the defibrillator. The data communication may be from a radio frequency, so the second sensor 518 may be a Wi-Fi, Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth® receiver or the like. Since the data communication may be optical such as infrared data communication (IRDA), the second sensor 518 may be an IrDA receiver. The standby circuit 510 may optionally be triggered to start 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 is activated, the hardware processor 506 adjusts the predetermined periodicity and the timing of the next wake-up activation based on this detected radio data communication. Can be done.

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

FIG. 6 shows a state communication system 602 for maintaining a defibrillator from a remote location according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system has four key elements in addition to the monitored defibrillator or AED100. As mentioned above, the surveillance device 300 includes a sensor 304 that can be actuated to detect inaudible parameters associated with the movement of the diaphragm of the buzzer 122. The sensor 304 transmits a signal to the hardware processor 306, which in turn provides a status signal to the wireless transmitter 604 via the output unit 308.

The radio transmitter 604 is the second element of the state communication system 602. Preferably, the wireless transmitter 604 is a standard communication device such as a smartphone or Wi-Fi network node, the device being configured to include means for receiving input from the surveillance device 300. The input means may be a USB cable, a custom hard wire ribbon cable, an NFC / Bluetooth® wireless connection, or a similar interface. The radio transmitter 604 preferably has software that maintains its own power supply and executes instructions to transmit defibrillator status information on a regular or as-needed basis. Therefore, the radio 604 transmits the defibrillator status report transmission 612 to the remote receiver 610 via the radio network 606. There, the service provider can take the necessary corrective action, such as contacting the owner of the AED100 or initiating a service call. Optionally, the state communication system 602 may be bidirectional. As a result, the receiver 610 can send the response message back to the transmitter 604 for display on the screen associated with the wireless transmitter 604, the surveillance device 300, or the AED100. The response message may be a control signal that modifies the state of the AED 100 or monitoring device 300 to adapt to the nature of the detected anomaly.

FIG. 7 shows a method of detecting the operating state of a defibrillator with an audible annunciator equipped with a diaphragm 700. Method 700 begins with providing step 702 to provide a monitoring device with the apparatus of the present invention, where the monitoring device is preferably placed adjacent to the defibrillator as an integral part of the defibrillator storage case or wall mount. The monitoring device 300 preferably starts service in low power standby mode and therefore starts operating according to a predetermined schedule. The surveillance device 300 can be synchronized with the AED 100 either manually or automatically in this step. This is done, for example, by booting immediately and keeping it booted until the monitoring device 300 detects the next boot of the AED 100. After this, both devices re-enter low power standby operating mode.

In step 704, the monitoring device 300 activates itself. The preferred method of activation follows a predetermined schedule or periodicity. The schedule and periodicity more preferably correspond to the known self-test cycle of the AED100. Alternatively, the surveillance device 300 can be activated with multiple periodicities of the AED100 self-test, such as two or three periodic self-tests, to further save battery power for the surveillance 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 boot time to match the timer of the AED 100.

In detection step 706, the activated monitoring device detects the movement of an adjacent AED100 annunciator based on one of the embodiments described in the previous device. For example, detection step 706 can be optical or capacitive detection of diaphragm motion, activation-induced temperature change detection of the annunciator, or ananciator-induced mechanical vibration detection of the AED100. If the detection is not made within a predetermined time, the method proceeds to the corresponding output step 710 or re-enters the low power standby mode in step 714 until the next scheduled boot.

In the optional comparison step 708, the characteristics of the detected motion from the detection step 706 are compared with the known characteristics of the activated annunciator diaphragm by one of the aforementioned methods. If the hardware processor 306 in the comparison step 708 determines a match, a boot is indicated for the generation step 710.

The generation step 710 generates an output signal corresponding to the detection step 706 and / or the comparison step 708. The output signal is preferably provided by the monitoring device 300 to the associated radio transmitter 604, which transmitter 604 transmits the corresponding radio communication signal to the remote receiver. Alternatively, the output signal is provided to computer storage memory 524 to allow the signal to be delayed to maintain a record of operational performance or to save system power or reduce unwanted alarms. Will be done.

The optional synchronization step 712 is performed by the monitoring device 300 before returning to the low power standby operating mode. In this step, the monitoring device 300 sets the next "wakeup" start to the next AED100 self-test start time based on the start of the detected output of the second sensor 318, such as the periodic information IRDA message output. Adjust to.

After performing the method steps described above, the monitoring device 300 returns to the low power standby operating mode upon entering the low power standby mode step 714 and waits for the next scheduled start-up step 704. This method can be terminated in step 716 if the AED and / or the monitoring device 300 becomes unavailable.

FIG. 8 shows a local portion of the system 818 for monitoring and communicating the AED readiness. The system 818 generally includes an AED 100 and a monitoring device 804 located outside the AED adjacent to the AED. The surveillance 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 from FIG. 8, all AEDs, monitoring elements, and detection elements are included in the transport case 802. The transport case 802 can be configured in such a manner that the monitoring device 804 is held by the lid portion of the case so as to be detached from the AED100 and other accessories necessary for use. FIG. 8 shows that the surveillance device 804 can be sized to fit in space or otherwise filled with a spare battery. Therefore, the substrate 316 can be appropriately sized for the desired space. Perhaps the monitoring and notification capabilities of the monitoring device 804 will eliminate and replace the need to equip the device with a spare battery.

The monitoring device 804 may resemble 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 AED100. Preferably, the power supply 814 has a normal operating life approximately equal to that of an AED power supply and is therefore sized so 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, a standby circuit, and a clock 816 similar to those described above. The standby circuit and clock 816 can be operated to start the hardware processor 810 at a predetermined time and at a predetermined cycle in order to maximize the battery life. In one embodiment, the predetermined periodicity corresponds to the known self-test periodicity of the AED100. The hardware processor 810 can also be actuated to synchronize a predetermined periodicity with the self-test periodicity based on the detected AED wakeup time. The standby circuit and clock 816 preferably keep the hardware processor 810 in a low power standby operating mode outside a predetermined period of time in order to maximize battery life.

Similarly, the radio transmitter 812 with an antenna may be similar to the radio transmitter 604. The AED state output unit 308 may also be communicated from the hardware processor 810 to the wireless transmitter 812 by the method described above. The hardware processor 810 may include computer storage memory 524 for storing data indicating the state of the AED 100 for later output and / or radio transmission.

FIG. 8 also shows that the surveillance device 804 does not need to be physically located at both the AED buzzer 122 and the infrared port 118. In this embodiment, the activation of the buzzer 122, also referred to herein as an anomaly indicator, can be detected by an anomaly indicator sensor 806 that is located on the substrate 316 and includes a microphone that detects the chirp of the buzzer 122. Therefore, the anomaly indicator sensor 806 only needs to be arranged within the audible range of the buzzer 122. Of course, the abnormality indicator sensor 806 can be configured in the same manner as the sensor 304, if necessary. The anomaly indicator sensor 806 provides a boot indication to the hardware processor 810.

The power sensor 808 may also be located away from the monitoring device 804. In this embodiment, the power sensor 808 has a sensor configured to detect the IRDA output from the defibrillator and is communicably connected to the hardware processor 810 via a cable. Alternatively, the power sensor 808 comprises an optical sensor configured to detect the blinking of the preparation light 106 if the AED 100 does so for normal readiness. Other embodiments of the anomaly indicator sensor 806 are configured to detect an optical sensor configured to detect an LCD ready icon, a photoelectric sensor configured to detect a blinking indicator light, and a defibrillator display panel. Includes a camera and a magnetic sensor configured to detect electromechanical status indicator signals.

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 radio transmitter 812. .. The remote portion is a remote service provider computer with a remote receiver 610 capable of receiving a defibrillator status report. In a preferred embodiment, the remote service provider computer automatically generates a service warning message to initiate corrective action upon receiving a status report indicating an AED anomaly.

The monitoring device 804 operates according to method 902 for detecting the operating state of a defibrillator having both an anomaly indicator 122 and a power indicator 118. This method is shown in FIG.

Method 902 begins with step 904, which provides a monitoring device located adjacent to the defibrillator, based on the device embodiment described above. The monitoring device is located adjacent to the defibrillator anomaly indicator and has an anomaly indicator sensor that can be actuated to detect the activation of the anomaly indicator and an anomaly indicator sensor that is located adjacent to the defibrillator power indicator and of the power indicator. A power sensor that can be actuated to detect activation, a hardware processor that telecommunications with both the anomaly indicator sensor and the power sensor, and a hardware processor that communicates with the hardware processor to provide a signal indicating the operating status of the defibrillator. It can include an output unit to be used. In some embodiments, such methods may further include providing a transmitter that communicates with the surveillance device hardware processor. An optional memory 524 that holds defibrillator status information may be provided as described above for archiving or later transmission.

The provided step 904 is completed by assembling the system together and initiating its operation. One part that initiates its operation may be synchronizing the "wake-up" process of the surveillance device 300 and the defibrillator. This can be done manually by setting the clock of the surveillance device or automatically by activating the surveillance device until the next defibrillator wakeup is detected. At that time and following the initial check, the surveillance device can enter a low power standby mode of operation until almost the next predetermined and scheduled defibrillator wakeup.

Monitoring according to a predetermined schedule begins at step 906. The surveillance device 804 preferably activates itself shortly before the scheduled activation of the adjacent defibrillator. The monitoring device 804 then initiates detection over a predetermined time interval, and the anomaly indicator sensor 806 and power sensor 808 detect outputs from the defibrillator anomaly indicator and power indicator, respectively. One exemplary predetermined period is about 8 seconds per day or every 24 hours. In either case, the time interval should be selected to ensure that the monitoring device 804 detects periodic activation of the anomaly indicator and power indicator. Of course, the particular time period depends on a predetermined schedule in the underlying defibrillator that corresponds to the scheduled self-test activation time of the defibrillator.

In an alternative embodiment, the predetermined period for the anomaly indicator sensor may not fully correspond to the second predetermined period for the power sensor. This alternative schedule may be desirable for reasons of battery power savings in surveillance devices, or for faster anomaly detection. For example, the surveillance device 804 can operate more frequently but for a shorter period of time to detect the anomaly indicator "chirp". However, the surveillance device 804 can also operate at other times but for a longer duration to detect the message stream coming out of the power supply sensor.

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

In the chirp detection step 908, the anomaly indicator sensor detects the activation or lack of activation of the anomaly indicator for a predetermined time. The detected activation may be a single chirp or multiple chirps of the anomaly indicator, which is additionally detected in 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 can be used for rescue, but corrective action is needed. Information about the activation, type, or lack of anomaly indicators is provided to the hardware processor 810.

In power indicator detection step 912, the power sensor detects the activation or lack of activation of the power indicator during either a predetermined period or a second predetermined period based on device scheduling. The power sensor can have an optical sensor configured to detect a blinking photodefibrillator power indicator. The power sensor can also be configured to capture power indicator anomaly indications such as encoded IRDA messages at the power sensor output. Information about the activation of the power indicator, message type, or lack thereof is provided to the hardware processor 810.

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

Optionally, the hardware processor 810 can keep the monitoring device 804 up and running in order to confirm the battery abnormal condition in the confirmation step 914. Therefore, the monitoring device 804 continuously monitors the defibrillator signal for a third predetermined period, such as 24 hours, or until the signal from the defibrillator is received.

Information about any boot or lack thereof detected over this third long term is provided to the hardware processor 810. If the power supply 814 signal or the error indicator signal is not detected by the monitoring device 804 in synchronization error step 916, a dead battery condition is present. The monitoring device 804 produces a corresponding state output signal.

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

The method of detecting the operating state 902 of the defibrillator proceeds to the state output signal generation step 918. This causes one or more indications of an abnormality or failure of the defibrillator to be received. As mentioned above, a defibrillator abnormal operation state output signal is generated in step 918 based on the confirmed lack of chirp detection, power sensor detection, or detection from both sensors. The nature of the output signal may be a local indication in the surveillance device 804 such as an optical or audible alarm. Preferably, step 918 further comprises a transmission step of transmitting an anomaly message to a remote service provider. Such transmission has traditionally been such as wired telephone, internet transmission, radiotelephone transmission, or wireless short-range transmission (eg, B-field, Bluetooth®, short-range communication NFC) to an intermediate transmission device such as a smartphone. It can be one known.

The end step 920 may include putting an operational status message into device memory 524 for archiving and later retrieval. Generally, this method then returns to monitoring step 906 and repeats the process according to a schedule.

Claims (14)

In a method of detecting the operating status of a defibrillator that has both an anomaly indicator and a power indicator.
A step of providing a monitoring device that is placed adjacent to the defibrillator, wherein the monitoring device is placed adjacent to the defibrillator's anomaly indicator and detects the operation of the anomaly indicator. An anomalous indicator sensor that is operable and a power sensor that is located adjacent to the power indicator of the defibrillator and is operable to detect the activation of the power indicator, and both the anomaly indicator sensor and the power sensor. A step comprising a controller communicating with the controller and an output unit communicating with the controller to provide a signal indicating an operating state of the defibrillator.
A detection step of detecting the operation of the abnormality indicator by the abnormality indicator sensor for a predetermined time,
A second detection step of detecting the operation of the power indicator by the power sensor for the predetermined time,
If the operation of the anomaly indicator is not detected in the detection step and the operation of the power supply indicator is not detected in the second detection step, an output signal indicating the dead battery state of the defibrillator is generated. If the operation of the anomaly indicator is detected in the detection step or the operation of the power supply indicator is detected in the second detection step, a step that does not generate an output signal indicating the dead battery state of the defibrillator. And have
A method in which the predetermined time is adapted to the period during which the defibrillator is undergoing a scheduled self-test. A step of providing a transmitter that communicates with the controller, and
The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of transmitting the output signal from the transmitter. The abnormality indicator sensor includes an optical sensor that detects an LCD icon, a photoelectric sensor that detects a blinking indicator light, a camera that detects a defibrillator display panel, and a magnetic sensor that detects an electromechanical state indicator signal. The method of claim 1, comprising one selected from the group. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of generating an output signal indicating an abnormal operating state of the defibrillator based on the detection of the operation of the abnormality indicator. A monitoring device that detects the operational status of a defibrillator, which has both an anomaly indicator and a power indicator in combination with the defibrillator.
A substrate placed adjacent to the defibrillator and
An abnormality indicator sensor placed adjacent to the abnormality indicator of the defibrillator, and
A power sensor located on the substrate and adjacent to the defibrillator power indicator,
A controller that is located on the substrate and electrically communicates with both the anomaly indicator sensor and the power sensor.
It has an output unit that communicates with the controller to provide a signal indicating the operating state of the defibrillator.
The controller detects the operation of the abnormality indicator by the abnormality indicator sensor for a predetermined time, detects the operation of the power supply indicator by the power sensor for the predetermined time, and detects the operation of the power supply indicator by the power sensor for the predetermined time. When the operation of the abnormality indicator is not detected and the operation of the power supply indicator is not detected for the predetermined time, an output signal indicating the dead battery state of the defibrillator is generated and the operation of the power indicator is generated for the predetermined time. If the operation of the abnormality indicator is detected or the operation of the power supply indicator is detected for the predetermined time, a software instruction that does not generate an output signal indicating the dead battery state of the defibrillator is executed. ,
A surveillance device in which the predetermined time is adapted for the period during which the defibrillator is undergoing a scheduled self-test. The monitoring device of claim 5 , wherein the anomaly indicator sensor comprises one selected from a group of microphones and sensors operable to detect inaudible parameters associated with the diaphragm motion of the anomaly indicator diaphragm. The monitoring device of claim 5 , wherein the power sensor further comprises an optical sensor that detects a lit defibrillator power indicator. The monitoring device of claim 5 , further comprising a transmitter that communicates controllably with the controller, wherein the transmitter transmits the output signal. 5. A low power standby circuit further comprising a clock, wherein the low power standby circuit can be actuated to communicate with the controller and operate the controller for a predetermined time in a predetermined cycle. Surveillance device described in. The power sensor can be actuated to detect one of the radio data communication and infrared data communication IRDAs output from the defibrillator, and the controller may detect the detected radio data communication or infrared data communication IRDA. The monitoring device according to claim 9 , wherein the monitoring device can be operated to adjust the predetermined period based on the above. The monitoring device according to claim 9 , wherein the controller enters the low power standby operation mode after the predetermined time. The monitoring device according to claim 5 , further comprising a computer storage memory that communicates with the controller and the output unit, wherein the computer storage memory stores data regarding parameters detected by the abnormality indicator sensor and the power sensor. Defibrillator state communication system
A defibrillator with an anomaly indicator output and a power indicator output,
An electronic monitoring device that is located outside the defibrillator and is adjacent to both the abnormality indicator output unit and the power supply indicator output unit, and can be operated to detect the operation of the abnormality indicator output unit. A sensor, a power sensor that can be operated to detect the operation of the power indicator output unit, a controller that communicates with both the abnormality indicator sensor and the power sensor, and operation of the abnormality indicator output unit for a predetermined time. Is not detected and the operation of the power indicator output unit is not detected for the predetermined time, a signal indicating the dead battery state of the defibrillator is provided, and the abnormality indicator of the abnormality indicator is provided for the predetermined time. An output unit that does not provide an output signal indicating the dead battery status of the defibrillator when operation is detected or operation of the power indicator is detected for the predetermined time with the controller. Electronic monitoring devices, including output units that communicate,
It has a wireless transmitter that communicates with the output unit and is operable to transmit a defibrillator status report based on the signal.
A defibrillator state communication system in which the predetermined time is adapted to the period during which the defibrillator is undergoing a scheduled self-test. Further having a remote service provider computer capable of wirelessly communicating with the wireless transmitter and receiving the defibrillator status report, the remote service provider computer provides a service based on the defibrillator status report. 13. The system of claim 13 , which automatically generates a warning message.

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