Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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CONFIGURABLE, PORTABLE PATIENT MONITORING SYSTEM
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present specification relies on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Number
61/647,361, filed on May 15, 2012, for priority.
The present specification is also a continuation-in-part of United States
Patent
Application Number 13/300,462, of the same title, and filed on November 18,
2011 which claims
priority from United States Provisional Patent Application Number 61/415,799,
entitled "Patient
Monitoring System with Dual Serial Bus (DSB) Interface" and filed on November
19, 2010,
which are both herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Co-pending United States Patent Application Number 13/300,478, entitled "Dual
Serial
Bus Interface", filed on November 18, 2011 and assigned to the applicant of
the present
invention, is also herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD
The present specification relates generally to hospital-based patient
monitoring systems.
More particularly, the present specification relates to a configurable patient
monitoring system
comprised of a monitor and display assembly, optional stand-alone displays,
optional stand-alone
monitors, one or more modules, and a plurality of devices to measure patient
parameters.
BACKGROUND
A patient monitoring system is an electronic medical device that measures a
patient's
various vital signs, collects and processes all measurements as data, and then
displays the data
graphically and/or numerically on a viewing screen. Graphical data is
displayed continuously as
data channels on a time axis (waveforms). Patient monitoring systems are
positioned near
hospital beds, typically in critical care units, where they continually
monitor patient status via
measuring devices attached to the patient and can be viewed by hospital
personnel. Some patient
monitoring systems can only be viewed on a local display, whereas others can
be joined to a
network and thereby display data at other locations, such as central
monitoring or nurses'
stations.
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Portable patient monitoring systems are available for use by emergency medical
services
(EMS) personnel. These systems typically include a defibrillator along with
the monitor. Other
portable units, such as Holter monitors, are worn by patients for a particular
time period and then
returned to the physician for evaluation of the measured and collected data.
Current patient
monitoring systems are able to measure and display a variety of vital signs,
including, pulse
oximetry (Sp02), electrocardiograph (ECG), invasive blood pressure (IBP), non-
invasive blood
pressure (NIBP), electroencephalograph (EEG), body temperature, cardiac
output, capnography
(CO2), mixed venous oxygen saturation (Sv02), bispectral index (BISx), and
respiration. Patient
monitoring systems are capable of measuring and displaying maximum, minimum,
and average
values and frequencies, such as pulse and respiratory rates.
Data collected can be transmitted through fixed wire connections or wireless
data
communication. Power to patient monitoring systems can be supplied through a
main power line
or by batteries. While current patient monitoring systems are effective in
monitoring patient
conditions and notifying medical personnel of changes, they are not without
certain drawbacks
and limitations.
Patient monitoring systems are typically equipped with audio and visual alarms
to notify
medical personnel of changes in the patient's status. The alarm parameters can
be set by the
medical personnel. Audible nurse alarms can often be too loud and distracting
to other patients
and personnel. Bright, flashing visual nurse alarms can also be distracting to
other patients.
Conversely, more subtle visual nurse alarms can be too difficult to visualize,
which can be a
result of visual clutter on the monitoring system display or because the
visual alarm is not
differentiated enough from other information on the display. In addition, it
can be difficult for
nurses to silence an active alarm, delaying care to the patient. The typical
user interface for
alarm control is operated via traditional push-buttons or in many instances a
touchscreen or
keyboard.
Therefore, a need exists for a better alarm mechanism within patient
monitoring systems,
in which both the audible and visual alarms are easily recognized by the
nurses while not
disturbing patients. In addition, there is a need for an alarm mechanism in
which an attending
nurse can quickly silence the alarm and then focus on the patient's needs.
Current patient monitoring systems are traditionally bundled into an
integrated package
that includes the display, enclosure, and electronics. This limits flexibility
and prevents users
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from customizing the monitoring system to their specific needs and available
space. Therefore, a
need exists for a modular patient monitoring system in which the individual
components are
discrete and can be connected in various configurations. Specifically, a need
exists for a monitor
that does not have an integrated display and can connect to a custom or
commercial, off-the-shelf
(COTS) display. Such a monitoring system would enable users to position the
display and
monitor in the most efficient manner, thereby freeing up valuable area in the
patient vicinity.
SUMMARY
The present specification is directed toward a configurable patient monitoring
system
comprised of a plurality of non-integrated components including a display, a
monitor, one or
more modules, and at least one patient parameter measuring device. A variety
of patient
parameters can be monitored and the parameter measuring devices are connected
to the system
via Dual Serial Bus (DSB) connectors and DSB cables.
In one embodiment, the present specification is directed toward a display
device for use
in patient monitoring systems, comprising: a housing having a front face and
defining an
enclosure, wherein said enclosure comprises a first opening on a right side of
said housing and a
second opening on a left side of said housing; a touchscreen mounted to the
front of said
housing, wherein said touchscreen comprises a flat piece of glass having a
central display area
and a black border that extends along a left, right, top, and bottom edge of
said glass; a processor
for determining an alarm state; and, light sources within said touchscreen
which are activated by
said processor during the alarm state, wherein said light sources are
configured to pass through
said black border and concurrently pass through said first opening and second
opening.
In one embodiment, the display device further comprises a single prominent,
programmable capacitive button along the border of said touchscreen. In one
embodiment, the
button comprises a metal capacitive piece. In another embodiment, the display
device includes a
section of the touchscreen programmed for control of the alarm light.
In one embodiment, the alarm lights are configurable by a user to define the
minimum
level of alarm lights that may be activated independent of the on-screen alarm
display and/or
alarm audio.
In one embodiment, the black border of the display device is silk-screened on
the back of
the glass. In another embodiment, the black border of the display device is
comprised of an ink
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that is silk-screened or sprayed onto a masked out border area on the back of
the glass. In
another embodiment, the black border of the display device contains small
apertures that make
the border appear continuous and uniform but allow light to pass through.
In one embodiment, the light sources which emit light passing through the
black border
are the same light sources which emit light passing through the first opening
and second opening.
In one embodiment, the light sources which emit light passing through the
black border
are different than the light sources which emit light passing through the
first opening and second
opening.
In another embodiment, the alarm lights are configured as a single nurse light
across the
top of the display. Additionally or optionally, in an embodiment, another
nurse alarm light is
positioned at the rear to provide complete nurse light visibility from any
angle or position.
In another embodiment, the present specification is directed towards a system
for patient
monitoring comprising: at least one patient monitor that allows for
communication with external
devices, wherein said patient monitor is in electronic communication with and
drives at least one
display, and wherein said display comprises: a housing having a front and
defining an enclosure,
wherein said enclosure comprises a first opening on a right side of said
housing and a second
opening on a left side of said housing; a touchscreen mounted to the front of
said housing,
wherein said touchscreen comprises a flat piece of glass having a central
display area and a black
border that extends along a left, right, top, and bottom edge of said glass;
at least one module for
providing measurements of a plurality of patient parameters, wherein said
module is in electronic
communication with said patient monitor and wherein said module comprises at
least one
interface for electronically communicating with at least one patient parameter
measurement
device; a processor for determining an alarm state; and, light sources within
said touchscreen
which are activated by said processor during the alarm state, wherein said
light sources are
configured to pass through said black border and concurrently pass through
said first opening
and second opening; and at least one Dual Serial Bus (DSB) interface for
enabling electronic
communication between the patient monitor, module, and/or patient parameter
measuring device.
The present specification is also directed toward a system for patient
monitoring
comprising: at least one patient monitor that allows for communication with
external devices,
wherein said patient monitor is in electronic communication with and drives at
least one display,
and wherein said display comprises: a housing having a front and a back; a
touchscreen mounted
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to the front of said housing, wherein said touchscreen comprises a flat piece
of glass having a
central display area and a black border that extends along a left, right, top,
and bottom edge of
said glass, further wherein said monitor is fixedly attached to said back of
said display; at least
one module for providing measurements of a plurality of patient parameters,
wherein said
module is in electronic communication with said patient monitor and wherein
said module
comprises at least one interface for electronically communicating with at
least one patient
parameter measurement device; a processor for determining an alarm state; and,
light sources
within said touchscreen which are activated by said processor during the alarm
state, wherein
said light sources are configured to pass through said black border; and at
least one Dual Serial
Bus (DSB) interface for enabling electronic communication between the patient
monitor,
module, and/or patient parameter measuring device.
In one embodiment, the at least one light source is positioned proximate said
top edge of
said front face of said display device. In one embodiment, the touchscreen
comprises an area
corresponding to said light source for controlling alarm volume level. In one
embodiment, said
area comprises a first portion for decreasing said alarm volume level and a
second portion for
increasing said alarm volume level.
In one embodiment, at least one light source is positioned on said rear face
of said
display.
In one embodiment, said at least one patient monitor comprises a removable
internal
chassis for mounting a plurality of circuit boards.
In one embodiment, said at least one patient monitor comprises a handle
attached to said
patient monitor and wherein said handle further comprises an up and a down
position, a set-point
for balancing said patient monitor perpendicular to the floor when said
patient monitor is carried
using said handle and, a damper to retard downward motion of said handle when
said handle is
released from the up position.
In one embodiment, said at least one patient monitor comprises Li-Ion
batteries and a
microcontroller for monitoring charging, discharging and over-temperature
conditions of said
batteries. In one embodiment, said at least one patient monitor is capable of
operating 8 hours on
battery power while monitoring ECG, NIBP every 15 minutes and taking a
recording every 15
minutes.
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In one embodiment, said at least one patient monitor has a housing of Sabic
Lexan EXL
plastic. In one embodiment, said at least one patient monitor weighs less than
9 pounds.
The present specification is also directed toward a docking station having a
receiving
surface to receive a monitor and display device of a patient monitoring
system, said monitor and
display device having a first connector and a first plurality of monitor
receptacles for
transmission of digital information and power, said docking station
comprising: a second
plurality of receptacles; a second connector positioned on said receiving
surface of said docking
station for mating with said first connector of said monitor and display
device; a circuit board for
controlling said transmission of digital information and power; a molded
recess matching an
external shape of a bottom portion of said monitor and display device; at
least one latching
mechanism for securely holding said monitor and display device in place and, a
release button
for disengaging said latching mechanism for removal of said monitor and
display device from
said docking station; wherein, when said monitor and display device is
securely mounted on said
docking station via said latching mechanism, said first connector is in
electrical communication
with said second connector, further wherein said circuit board transfers said
transmission of
digital information and power away from said first plurality of receptacles,
through said first and
second connectors, and to said second plurality of receptacles.
In one embodiment, said second plurality of receptacles comprises Ethernet
connection,
DVI for external display, USB, serial ports, external nurse alert/external
audio/IR receiver,
power and SDLC (synchronous data link control) port.
In one embodiment, said docking station covers said first plurality of
receptacles on said
monitor and display device when the said monitor and display device is docked
in the docking
station.
In one embodiment, said monitor and display device further comprises a first
plurality of
vents and said docking station further comprises a second plurality of vents,
said first and second
plurality of vents aligning when said monitor and display device is mounted in
said docking
station.
In one embodiment, said molded recess further comprises an outward bevel to
guide the
monitor and display device into position during docking and at least one pin
configured to snugly
fit at least one corresponding opening on said monitor and display device to
further guide
placement of said monitor and display device into said docking station.
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In one embodiment, the docking station further comprises at least one pin
configured to
fit at least one corresponding opening on said monitor and display device to
further guide
placement of said monitor and display device into said docking station.
In one embodiment, said release button is backlit when the monitor and display
device is
docked in the docking station.
The present specification is also directed toward an externally mountable pod
for
attaching to a monitor of a patient monitoring system, said pod comprising: a
plurality of pogo
pins for mating with connectors on said monitor; at least one guide pin for
mating said pod with
said monitor; a latching mechanism for connecting and removing said pod to and
from said
monitor; a button for actuating said latching mechanism; and, a plurality of
receptacles on a side
of said pod.
In one embodiment, said pod is a sidestream capnography or multigas pod.
In one embodiment, the pogo pins enable the pod to receive power from said
monitor and
enable communication between said pod and said monitor.
In one embodiment, said receptacles comprise inlet and scavenging ports.
The aforementioned and other embodiments of the present invention shall be
described in
greater depth in the drawings and detailed description provided below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other objects and advantages of the present specification will
become more
fully apparent from the following detailed description when read in
conjunction with the
accompanying drawings with like reference numerals indicating corresponding
parts through-
out, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting one embodiment of an exemplary
configuration of
the components of the patient monitoring system of the present specification,
illustrating the use
of Dual Serial Bus (DSB) cables to connect patient parameter measuring devices
to the monitor;
FIG. 2A is an oblique side view illustration of one embodiment of a monitor
and display
assembly of the patient monitoring system;
FIG. 2B is an oblique side view illustration of one embodiment of the monitor
and a
portion of the display of a monitor and display assembly, depicting a
rechargeable battery
partially removed from the monitor;
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FIG. 2C is a side view illustration of one embodiment of a monitor and display
assembly
illustrating a handle in an up position;
FIG. 2D is a rear view illustration of one embodiment of a monitor and display
assembly
depicting a plurality of receptacles;
FIG. 3 is a front view illustration of one embodiment of the monitor and
display assembly
of the patient monitoring system depicting a red alarm light on the front of
the display;
FIG. 4 is an oblique inside-view illustration of an embodiment of a monitor
and display
assembly with circuit boards mounted onto a removable internal chassis;
FIG. 5 is an oblique front view illustration of one embodiment of a quick
release mount;
FIG. 6 is an oblique front view illustration of one embodiment of an exemplary
command
module of the patient monitoring system;
FIG. 7A is an oblique front view illustration of one embodiment of a docking
station of
the patient monitoring system;
FIG. 7B is side view illustration of one embodiment of a docking station of
the patient
monitoring system;
FIG. 7C is a rear view illustration a monitor and display assembly of the
patient
monitoring system docked to a docking station;
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustration of an exemplary docking station printed
circuit
board assembly (PCBA);
FIG. 9A is an oblique side view illustration of one embodiment of a sidestream
capnography or multigas pod of the patient monitoring system;
FIG. 9B is an oblique rear view illustration of one embodiment of the monitor
and
display assembly of the patient monitoring system depicting a sidestream
capnography or
multigas pod attached; and,
FIG. 10 is an oblique rear view illustration of one embodiment of the monitor
and display
assembly of the patient monitoring system depicting the monitor and display
assembly docked in
a docking station and a sidestream capnography or multigas pod attached.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In one embodiment, the present specification is directed toward a configurable
patient
monitoring system comprised of a plurality of non-integrated components
including a display
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and monitor assembly, optional additional stand-alone displays, optional
additional stand-alone
monitors, one or more modules, and at least one patient parameter measuring
device. A variety
of patient parameters can be monitored and the parameter measuring devices are
connected to the
system via Dual Serial Bus (DSB) connectors and DSB cables.
The DSB interface comprises a first serial protocol and a second serial
protocol, wherein
the first protocol is a Universal Serial Bus (USB), Firewire, or Ethernet
protocol and the second
serial protocol is a Low Power Serial (LPS) protocol. The DSB interface
manages power
distribution within the system by providing 5 V via the USB protocol or 3.3 V
via the LPS
protocol to connected devices. Within the DSB interface, each component of the
patient
monitoring system is a DSB Host, DSB Device, or, both a DSB Host and DSB
Device. A DSB
Host is in communication with and can supply operating and battery charging
power to a
connected DSB Device and additionally contains a switched Auxiliary Voltage
Supply (AVS)
which can provide up to 15 W of power to attached DSB Devices for battery
charging or other
high power needs. The DSB host recognizes the power requirements of the
attached devices and
switches power delivery accordingly. The DSB interface is presented in greater
detail in co-
pending United States Patent Application Number 13/300,478, entitled "Dual
Serial Bus
Interface", filed on November 18, 2011 and assigned to the Applicant of the
present invention,
which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Monitor and Display Assembly
In one embodiment, the patient monitoring system includes a combined monitor
and
display assembly wherein the monitor is fixed securely and irremovably to the
back of the
display and the display is driven by the monitor.
In one embodiment, the monitor interfaces with the modules and allows for
communication with external devices. The monitor is similar to a CPU tower and
provides a
dock for a parameter module and recorders. In one embodiment, the monitor
contains one bay
that provides power and communication for a proprietary Spacelabs module. In
one
embodiment, the monitor can support both current and old modules and also
front end device
(FED) patient parameter cables. In one embodiment, the monitor contains four
USB ports to
interface with devices including, but not limited to, keyboards, mice, bar
code scanners, and
thumb drives. A Patient Worn Hub (PWH), a small, portable self-contained
monitor described in
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co-pending United States Patent Application Number 13/300,526 entitled "Self-
Contained
Patient Monitor", filed on November 18, 2011 and assigned to the Applicant of
the present
invention, which is hereby incorporated by reference, can also be connected.
The PWH can also
communicate wirelessly with the monitor. In these scenarios, the monitor acts
as the DSB Host
and the PWH is the DSB Device.
In addition, third party devices can be connected to the monitor via Device
Interface
Cables, which translate the output of the third party device to the protocol
embedded within the
DSB connector. The Device Interface Cable has a DSB connector at one end and a
cable
connector at the other end to interface with the host and the third party
device respectively. The
Device Interface Cable is described in greater detail along with the PWH in
the application
referenced directly above.
In one embodiment, the monitor contains a DVI port to allow for connection to
an
independent external display. The monitor also contains an Ethernet port for
communication
with other monitors and hospital infrastructures.
In one embodiment, the monitor contains an alarm relay output for an external
nurse
alert. This port is used for communication with an external display as
described above. In one
embodiment, one port is employed to carry both the signal to activate the
alarm lights and the
alarm audio, eliminating the need for two discrete cables and two discrete
ports. In one
embodiment, the monitor contains an additional nurse alert port that can be
used with a stand-
alone (not in a display) external nurse alert. The monitor also contains a
Synchronous Data Link
Control (SDLC) port for communication with expansion module bays that allows
users to use
more modules through one device. In one embodiment, the monitor contains a
serial port for
touch screen communication, software updates and data logging. In one
embodiment, power is
supplied to the monitor and display assembly via a DC power input. In one
embodiment, the
monitor and display assembly includes an equipotential terminal for grounding
the monitor. The
monitor and display assembly also contains a rechargeable battery that is used
in the event of
power interruption for back-up of module data, powering external nurse alerts,
and powering the
infrared (IR) receiver.
In one embodiment, the monitor utilizes "Smart" Li-Ion batteries to provide
long battery
life and safety. The design provides a custom form factor locking out
insertion of incompatible
batteries. A built in microcontroller monitors charging, discharging and over
temp conditions.
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Thermal and current fuses are also provided as redundant safety features. An
embodiment uses
Inspired Energy NI2040HD24 Smart Battery including a rechargeable Lithium Ion
battery and a
Battery Management Module. The battery consists of 9 Lithium Ion rechargeable
cells of 18650
size, assembled in a 3 series / 3 parallel (3S 3P) configuration. Each cell
has an average voltage
of 3.6V and a typical capacity of 2.4Ah giving a battery pack of 10.8V and
7.2Ah. The battery is
capable of communicating with host or the charger through a System Management
Bus
(SMBus). Protection is provided for over-charge, over-discharge and short
circuit. For
redundancy, passive safety devices are integrated into the pack to protect
against over-current
and over-temperature, and secondary over-voltage is implemented with a logic-
fuse and
controller.
In one embodiment, the monitor can run 8 hours on battery power while
monitoring
ECG, NIBP every 15 minutes and taking a recording every 15 minutes.
In one embodiment, the monitor utilizes Dynamic Network Access (DNA) to bring
lab,
pharmacy, charting, intranet, and Hospital Information System (HIS)
applications to the bedside.
Medical personnel are able to access this information using a Citrix thin
client application
running on the monitor. This requires a Citrix server to host the application
to serve to the
monitors. Nurses and physicians can review information from multiple sources
without leaving
the patient care area. Concise and complete electronic patient records are
created effortlessly. In
one embodiment, the monitor includes data shuffle and bar code scanner support
for fast, error-
free identification and transfer of patient information. With the DNA option,
instant access to
patient information is assured across the network. This results in assuring
optimum patient
safety while simultaneously maximizing caregiver efficiency. In one
embodiment, the special
feature Full Bed Review gives the nurse or physician the ability to remotely
view, control,
review, and record patient data for any other networked or telemetry bed
without leaving the
patient's bedside. In one embodiment, the special feature Remote View/Alarm
Watch allows the
caregiver to see any parameter for any monitored patient on the network from
any bedside.
During an alarm state, waveforms and numerical data may be saved and recorded
for later
review. In one embodiment, the special feature Alarm Limit Review provides the
caregiver a
snapshot view of bedside alarm limits for all active parameters for viewing or
printing. In one
embodiment, the special feature ICS Clinical Event Interface instantaneously
transmits alarms
and waveforms to personal communication devices for immediate viewing,
resulting in quicker
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response times. In one embodiment, flexport interfaces link patient data from
standalone
devices, consolidating waveforms, data, and alarms within the monitor.
Information is then
integrated directly into the monitor trends for output to HIS and CIS
applications.
In one embodiment, the monitor and display assembly includes a pod connection
port for
the addition of a capnography or multigas pod as described below.
In one embodiment, the circuit boards of the monitor are all mounted onto a
removable
internal chassis. The chassis can be removed from the enclosure while still
keeping the monitor
fully functional. Each circuit board is individually accessible to allow
service personnel to easily
troubleshoot all circuit boards/components and replace any one board/component
without having
to completely disassemble the monitor.
In one embodiment, the monitor and display assembly includes a printer slot to
expand
the capabilities of the monitor. In one embodiment, the printer accepts 50 mm
paper.
In one embodiment, the monitor and display assembly includes a handle that can
rotate to
up and down positions. When the handle is released or let go of, it gradually
drops to its default
down position. In one embodiment, a rotational damper retards the downward
motion of the
handle (on release, from its up position) so that the handle does not slam
into the monitor and
display assembly. This allows for quiet use of the handle and monitor and
display assembly
without disturbing patients. In accordance with an embodiment, the handle also
has a
functionality to stop at a predetermined set-point at which the monitor and
display assembly is
balanced enabling the display to be perpendicular to the floor when being
carried using the
handle. This functionality allows the monitor and display assembly to be quite
comfortable to
hold and walk with, using the handle, as it does not get in the way of the
user's leg nor puts
awkward forces on her arm/hand.
In one embodiment, Sabic Lexan EXL plastic is utilized for monitor and display
assembly housing to allow the monitor and display assembly to withstand an
unintentional drop,
chemical cleaning and excessive heat. In one embodiment, the monitor and
display assembly
weighs less than 9 pounds.
In one embodiment, the display includes a 12.1 inch touchscreen and is capable
of
depicting up to eight waveforms. In one embodiment, the monitor and display
assembly contains
speakers for audio alarms.
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In one embodiment, the external display contains integrated visual alarm
lights located on
the front and back of the monitor and display assembly. These alarm lights are
larger than
current visual alarms, providing a better visual indicator to medical
personnel during alarm
situations. In one embodiment, the alarm lights flash red, yellow, and cyan to
indicate high,
medium, and low priority alarms respectively. The alarm lights are
configurable by a user to
define the minimum level of alarm lights that may be activated independent of
the on screen
alarm display and/or alarm audio. A continuous, flat piece of glass occupies
the entire front of
the display and sets into a metal band that wraps the exterior sides of the
display, as a frame, for
robustness. The piece of glass contains no bezels and doubles as both a
touchscreen and as the
lens and means of light dispersion for the visual alarm, resulting in a
reduced part count. The flat
touchscreen glass also provides a continuous surface presented at the front.
This makes cleaning
easier as there are no edges as found in typical bezel implementations which
provide crevices for
accumulation of contaminants. In one embodiment, the metal band extends
slightly out past the
touchscreen to protect the glass if dropped on its face. It should be
appreciated by those of
ordinary skill in the art that the metal band/frame with the flat bezeless
touch screen gives a
contemporary look to the monitor and display assembly. In other words, the
monitor and display
assembly looks akin to consumer electronics such as flat screen TVs and cell
phones. This can
help ease and acclimatize the patient and patient's family since the display
looks more like a
home electronic device and familiar. The monitor and display assembly also has
soft edges as
part of the design to make it look less industrial and more friendly and
approachable.
A light source behind the glass transmits appropriate wavelengths of light to
indicate
alarms. In one embodiment, a black border is silk-screened on the back of the
glass around the
perimeter. In one embodiment, the black border is comprised of an ink that is
silk-screened or
sprayed onto a masked out border area that gives the appearance of a
continuous and uniform
black border but allows light to pass through when the alarm is activated,
yielding a visual alarm.
In another embodiment, the border area that is used for the visual alarm
contains small
apertures that make the border appear continuous and uniform but allow light
to pass through.
This provides a clean, flat modern appearance that shows no indication of
alarm until an actual
alarm occurs.
In one embodiment, the nurse alarm signals, including flash rates for the
display and
audio for the audible alarms, are driven and controlled by the monitor.
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In one embodiment, the external display contains an ambient light sensor that
senses the
brightness level of the environment and adjusts the display brightness
accordingly. In a darker or
poorly lit environment, the ambient light sensor will automatically dim the
display and the alarm
lights. This is particularly beneficial for instances in which the patient is
sleeping, as dimmer
lights will be less likely to disturb the patient. In a brighter or well-lit
environment, the ambient
light sensor will automatically brighten the display. This feature can be
deactivated by a button
on the display.
In one embodiment, the external display contains a capacitive button on the
front of the
touchscreen that can be programmed by the user to perform a variety of
functions. In various
embodiments, the button is a metal plate or other conductive material
utilizing any commonly
used touch and/or pressure sensitive technologies. The button is large and
positioned
prominently as compared to a smaller touch screen button so that it can be
accessed easily. In
one embodiment, the button is located on the top edge of the front of the
display. In another
embodiment, the button is located on the bottom edge of the display. In
another embodiment,
the button is located on the left edge of the display. In another embodiment,
the button is located
on the right edge of the display. In addition, the button is easier to find
because it is not obscured
by the clutter of other buttons or user interface items. Circuitry in the
monitor senses when the
button is touched by an operator and the monitor executes the programmed
function.
In one embodiment, the button is programmed to suspend alarm when touched.
This
allows medical personnel to quickly silence an alarm and reset the alarm
indications, so that they
can tend to the patient's needs and prevent disturbance to other patients in
the area. Since alarms
are produced in response to critical events, it is important that the means
for silencing and/or
resetting them be easy to find and quick to activate. In another embodiment,
the button is
programmed to admit patient when touched. In another embodiment, the button is
programmed
to initiate NIBP measurement when touched. In another embodiment, the button
is programmed
to return the display to its home screen when touched. In yet another
embodiment, the button is
programmed to print the display when touched. The button would primarily be
programmed to
suspend alarm to simplify the action required by a nurse to silence an alarm.
However, one
skilled in the art will understand that the button could be programmed to
perform a variety of
functions not limited to those listed above.
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In another embodiment, the display contains includes a section of the
touchscreen
programmed for control of the alarm light.
In one embodiment, the external display contains a back-lit power button on
the side with
a power symbol that is green when the monitor and display assembly is switched
on.
The display is housed with a metal band and a powder coated finish. The back
of the
monitor and display assembly contains a mounting pattern for standard 75 mm
Video Electronics
Standards Association (VESA) mounts.
External Display and Alarm Indicators
In one embodiment, the patient monitoring system includes one or more optional
stand-
alone displays as disclosed in United States Patent Application Number
13/300,462, entitled
"Configurable Patient Monitoring System", filed on November 18, 2011 and
assigned to the
applicant of the present invention, which claims priority from United States
Provisional Patent
Application Number 61/415,799, entitled "Patient Monitoring System with Dual
Serial Bus
(DSB) Interface" and filed on November 19, 2010, which are both herein
incorporated by
reference in their entirety.
Monitor
In one embodiment, the patient monitoring system includes one or more optional
stand-
alone monitors as disclosed in United States Patent Application Number
13/300,462, entitled
"Configurable Patient Monitoring System", filed on November 18, 2011 and
assigned to the
applicant of the present invention, which claims priority from United States
Provisional Patent
Application Number 61/415,799, entitled "Patient Monitoring System with Dual
Serial Bus
(DSB) Interface" and filed on November 19, 2010, which are both herein
incorporated by
reference in their entirety.
Docking Station
In one embodiment the monitor and display assembly is enabled for portability
using a
docking station that provides a quick single button press un-docking of the
monitor and display
assembly therefrom while still maintaining patient monitoring for
transport/emergency scenarios.
The docking station allows flexibility and ease of use of the monitor and
display assembly with
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respect to connect and disconnect from power, Ethernet, external display and
other external
patient parameter measuring devices. In one embodiment, receptacles such as
Ethernet
connection, DVI for external display, USB, serial ports, external nurse
alert/external audio/IR
receiver, power and SDLC (synchronous data link control) port are duplicated
on the docking
station. Further, the docking station allows for greater portability of the
patient monitoring
system in the hospital environment, where space is often limited and cluttered
with other medical
equipment. In one embodiment of the present invention, the patient cables are
always attached
to the patient, both when the monitor and display assembly is docked and
undocked. Thus, the
cables do not need to be removed from the patient or the monitor and display
assembly and stay
connected to the patient so that the patient can be continuously monitored.
In one embodiment, all external signals are routed to a single docking
connector located
on the bottom of the monitor and display assembly and mating connector at the
top of the
docking station. These signals are switched active when the monitor and
display assembly is
docked and remain inactive when un-docked so that voltages are absent on the
mating connector
pins when the monitor and display assembly is not docked (to prevent
accidental electric shock
to users when the connector pins are exposed in a not docked scenario).
In one embodiment, the docking station is structurally contoured, along with a
standard
4-hole VESA mounting pattern duplication thereon, to allow the same external
wall, roll stand
and fixed mounts used with the monitor and display assembly to work with the
docking station.
In one embodiment, a contoured feature on the back of the docking station is
designed to cover
the plurality of receptacles/ports on the back of the monitor and display
assembly, when docked,
so that the receptacles are prevented from being connected more than once. The
contoured
feature also comprises venting to allow the monitor and display assembly
intake vents at the
bottom to remain unobstructed when docked.
In one embodiment, the docking station has a molded recess around the edge of
the
perimeter that matches the monitor and display assembly's external shape
around the bottom of
the monitor and display assembly. This molded recess on the dock has a slight
bevel outwards
that helps guide the monitor and display assembly into position as a first
coarse adjustment. In
one embodiment, two large domed guide pins engage upon further placement of
the monitor and
display assembly into the dock and settle the monitor and display assembly
exactly, smoothly
mating the monitor and display assembly and docking station connectors.
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In one embodiment, the docking station has a prominent button in the front
that
disconnects the latching and is used for undocking the monitor and display
assembly. In one
embodiment, the docking station button is backlit when the monitor and display
assembly is
docked to allow easy recognition of its location in a darkened room.
Module
The patient monitoring system of the present invention also includes a module
which
provides measurements of a plurality of patient parameters. Many types of
modules exist and
can be utilized, depending on which patient parameters are needed.
In one embodiment, the patient monitoring system includes a command module.
The
command module can measure both adult and neonatal NIBP, IBP, ECG, Sp02,
cardiac output,
and temperature and includes a stop button to manually override NIBP
measurements. The
command module communicates via Synchronous Data Link Control (SDLC) bus with
and
derives power from the patient monitor. In addition, the command module
contains internal
memory to allow the module to be taken with a patient during transport and
plugged into a
separate monitor and display assembly or stand-alone monitor without losing
data. In one
embodiment, the command module is the core of the patient monitoring system,
providing the
processing power for all basic physiologic parameters. Caregivers are able to
select from a
variety of configurations to suit the monitoring needs of specific patients or
care units in the
hospital. In another embodiment, the command module includes three levels of
arrhythmia
monitoring (basic, standard multi-view, and advanced multi-view) as well as
diagnostic 12-lead
ECG analysis and reports with or without measurement and interpretation. In
addition, the
command module also includes ST-segment analysis and event review or Varitrend
4 for event
review of neonatal respiration, heart rate, and Sp02.
In one embodiment, the patient monitoring system includes a capnography module
which
measures the end tidal CO2, minimum inspired CO2, and respiratory rate to aid
in evaluating the
respiratory status of any adult, child, or infant patient. Routine
calibrations are not required
because the module automatically compensates for ambient barometric pressure.
In one
embodiment, the capnography module is flexible in that it combines both
mainstream and
sidestream monitoring modes in a single unit. Sidestream monitoring includes a
low sampling
rate of 50 ml/min which is ideal for smaller patients. In addition, the
capnography module
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enables the user to obtain waveform data, numeric values (kPa, mm Hg, or %),
minimum
inspired CO2 values, and airway respiration rates. This data can further be
displayed,
incorporated into trends, and/or output to charting applications.
In one embodiment, the patient monitoring system includes a Bispectral Index
(BISx)
module which measures depth of consciousness and sedation level of patients in
operating room
and critical care environments, eliminating the need for bulky standalone
systems. This type of
module is used to prevent patients' awareness during surgery by notifying
clinicians when
additional medication is needed. The BISx analysis is calculated from the
frequency, power, and
phase throughout the entire frequency range of the EEG and presented as an
index number
between 1 and 100. Adult and pediatric sensors work with the same module,
which is easily
moved from one monitor to another.
In one embodiment, the patient monitoring system includes a mixed Venous
Oxygen
Saturation (5v02) module which measures 5v02 and Central Venous Oxygen
Saturation (Scv02)
to assess the balance of oxygen delivery and consumption. Venous oxygen
saturation is being
increasingly used in critically ill patients, often as part of an early goal-
directed therapy protocol
and in sepsis screening to aid in the assessment of cardiovascular and
respiratory compromise.
Catheter placement in venous monitoring is less invasive than in arterial
monitoring, making it
available to more patients. The Scv02 probe may be placed into an existing 16
cm or 20 cm
central line, reducing or eliminating the need to exchange central venous
catheters in order to
provide continuous Scv02monitoring.
In one embodiment, the patient monitoring system includes an EEG module which
measures and displays brainwave activity. In one embodiment, this module also
includes one
channel of electromyogram (EMG) monitoring, measuring and displaying muscle
electrical
activity. Data storage options include two, eight, or 24 hours or snapshots.
The data can be
displayed as an analog moving waveform or as a density spectral array (DSA). A
number of
trends are available, including magnitude trends, power ratio trends, and a
selection of frequency
trends. Integrated electrosurgical protection assures patient safety. In one
embodiment, the
module is enclosed by two pieces of sheet metal.
Capnography/Multigas Pod
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In an embodiment, the patient monitoring system includes an externally mounted
sidestream capnography or multigas pod attachable to the rear of the monitor
and display
assembly. Therefore, capnography or multigas functions can be added to any
monitor display
assembly that is configured to accept such an externally mountable pod. In one
embodiment, the
pod receives power from the monitor and display assembly and communicates
through pogo
pins. Large guide pins at the bottom of the pod allow it to be blind mated to
the rear of the
monitor and display assembly. In accordance with an embodiment, the guide pins
have ball stud
ends that provide a positive lock and retention force to the monitor and
display assembly when
fully engaged. The monitor has gold immersion contact pads to allow power,
ground and signal
contacts that are recessed with a small diameter so the user cannot touch live
voltages present on
the contact pins. In an embodiment, a push button on the pod provides a
mechanical actuation of
a latching mechanism for connecting and removing the pod from the monitor and
display
assembly. Persons of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the
modular configuration of
the pod allows users to selectively outfit monitor and display assemblies with
either capnography
or multi-gas based on need.
The present invention is directed toward multiple embodiments. The following
disclosure
is provided in order to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to
practice the invention.
Language used in this specification should not be interpreted as a general
disavowal of any one
specific embodiment or used to limit the claims beyond the meaning of the
terms used therein.
The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and
applications
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Also, the
terminology and
phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and
should not be
considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest
scope encompassing
numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the
principles and features
disclosed. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that
is known in the
technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so
as not to
unnecessarily obscure the present invention.
It should be appreciated that electronic communication between devices may be
effectuated by the transmission and receipt of data between applications
executing in any of the
devices or computing systems. Each application is configured to receive,
transmit, recognize,
interpret, and process such request data and information. It should further be
appreciated that
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both the system described herein have receivers and transmitters capable of
sending and
transmitting data, at least one processor capable of processing programmatic
instructions,
memory capable of storing programmatic instructions, and software comprised of
a plurality of
programmatic instructions for performing the processes described herein.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting one embodiment of an exemplary
configuration of
the components of the patient monitoring system 100, illustrating the use of
DSB cables 120 to
connect patient parameter measuring devices 115 to the monitor and display
assembly 102. In
this embodiment, one module 106 is connected to the monitor 102 via a DSB
cable 116, which is
directly connected to a DSB connector in the module bay (not shown).
Patients are often transported between care areas of the hospital. It is
common practice to
provide monitoring of parameters such as ECG, 5p02, NIBP, capnography and
other parameters
even during transport, especially for critically ill patients. Therefore, in
accordance with an
aspect of the present specification, the patient monitoring system comprises a
combined monitor
and display assembly enabled for portability and overall compactness. The
monitor and display
assembly uses a docking station that is configured for a single button-press
docking and un-
docking of the monitor and display assembly. Also, in one embodiment, an
externally mountable
capnography or multigas pod is attachable to the rear of the docked or
undocked monitor thereby
providing overall modularity of design for portability.
FIG. 2A is an oblique side view illustration of one embodiment of a monitor
and display
assembly 200 of the patient monitoring system. The assembly 200 includes a
monitor 205 fixed
operatively and irremovably to the back of a display 210. In one embodiment,
the display 210
includes a front alarm area 220 proximate the top edge of the front of the
display 210. In one
embodiment, the front alarm area 220 also functions as a touchscreen allowing
user control of
alarm volume, as discussed with reference to Figure 3. The monitor and display
assembly 200
also includes a power button 250. In the pictured embodiment, the power button
250 is
positioned on the lower right side of the display 210. In one embodiment, a
user can power on or
off the assembly 200 by pressing down the power button 250 for 3 seconds. In
one embodiment,
the power button 250 is illuminated with a green backlight to indicate on
status. In one
embodiment, the assembly 200 includes a progress bar (not shown) just below
the power button
250. The progress bar fills to indicate the start up process to the user.
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In one embodiment, the monitor 205 of the monitor and display assembly 200
includes a
printer slot 230 for the addition of a printer to expand the capabilities of
the monitor and display
assembly 200. In one embodiment, the printer accepts 50 mm paper. In one
embodiment, the
monitor 205 of the monitor and display assembly 200 includes a battery
compartment cover 240
that covers the rechargeable battery compartment.
FIG. 2B is an oblique side view illustration of one embodiment of the monitor
205 and a
portion of the display 210 of a monitor and display assembly 200, depicting a
rechargeable
battery 245 partially removed from the monitor 205. The power button 250 is
positioned on the
lower right side of the display 210. In the pictured embodiment, the battery
compartment cover
240 has been opened and the battery 245 has been partially slid out of the
monitor 205. In one
embodiment, the battery 245 comprises "Smart" Li-Ion batteries as described
above.
FIG. 2C is a side view of an embodiment of a monitor and display assembly 200
illustrating a handle 260 in an up position. In one embodiment, the monitor
and display assembly
200 comprises a monitor 205 fixedly attached, and in communication with, a
display 210. In one
embodiment, the monitor 205 is fixedly attached to the back of the display 210
via a set of
screws. The handle 260, in one embodiment, can rotate to up and down
positions. When the
handle 260 is released or let go of, it gradually drops to its default down
position (not shown). In
one embodiment, a rotational damper retards the downward motion of the handle
260 (on
release, from its up position) so that the handle 260 does not slam into the
monitor 205. This
allows for quiet use of the handle 260 and monitor and display assembly 200
without disturbing
patients. In accordance with an embodiment, the handle 260 has a predetermined
set-point at
which the monitor and display assembly 200 is balanced enabling the display
210 to be
perpendicular to the floor when being carried using the handle 260. This
allows the monitor and
display assembly 200 to be quite comfortable to hold and walk with, using the
handle 260, as it
does not get in the way of the user's leg nor put awkward forces on her
arm/hand.
In the pictured embodiment, FIG. 2C shows the right side of the monitor and
display
assembly 200 and also depicts the power button 250, printer slot 230, and
battery compartment
cover 240. The left side of the monitor and display assembly 200 includes a
slot for inserting a
module (shown in FIG.s 9B and 10).
FIG. 2D is a rear view illustration of one embodiment of a monitor and display
assembly
200 depicting a plurality of receptacles. The display 210 portion includes a
back alarm light 225
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to allow for visibility of visual alarms from the back of the assembly 200.
The assembly
includes a set of intake vents 226, 229 at the top and bottom of the monitor
205. The back of the
monitor 205 includes standard 75 mm VESA mounting holes 290 for mounting of
the assembly
200. In one embodiment, the monitor 205 also includes a connection port 280
for a capnography
or multigas pod as described with reference to FIG.s 9A, 9B, and 10. In one
embodiment, the
assembly 200 includes an equipotential terminal 279 for grounding the monitor
205.
In one embodiment, the assembly 200 includes a plurality of receptacles across
the lower
back surface of the monitor 205. In various embodiments, these receptacles
include an alarm
relay output for nurse alert 271, an SDLC port 272, a DVI port for video
output 273, 4 USB ports
274, a serial port 275, an Ethernet port 276, and an input port for DC power
277.
In one embodiment, the display includes an area of the touchscreen for alarm
volume
control. FIG. 3 is a front view illustration of another embodiment of the
patient monitoring
system depicting an external display 304 with a red alarm light 310 on the
front of the display
304. In the pictured embodiment, the glass is treated such that it allows the
transmitted light to
pass through. A black border is silk-screened on the back of the glass around
the perimeter. The
black border is comprised of an ink that is silk-screened or sprayed onto a
masked out border
area that gives the appearance of a continuous and uniform black border but
allows light to pass
through when the alarm is sounded, yielding a visual alarm. Thus, the black
border of the
display 304 appears uniform and continuous until an alarm occurs. Once an
alarm is activated, a
light source built into the body of the display 304 transmits light in an
appropriate wavelength to
the glass covering the front of the display 304 to indicate alarms. In another
embodiment, the
glass contains small apertures that allow the transmitted light to pass
through. The display 304
includes an active touchscreen area 309 proximate the top that allows for
alarm volume control.
In one embodiment, during an active alarm state, a visual alarm bar 310 is
illuminated proximate
the top of the display 304. In one embodiment, the visual alarm bar 310
flashes during an active
alarm state. In another embodiment, the visual alarm bar 310 remains solidly
illuminated during
an active alarm state. In one embodiment, the illumination is provided by LEDs
behind the
glass. In one embodiment, a red light signifies a high priority alarm. The
display is also capable
of transmitting a yellow light signifying a medium priority alarm and a cyan
light signifying a
low priority alarm. The alarm lights are configurable by a user to define the
minimum level of
alarm lights that may be activated independent of the on screen alarm display
and/or alarm audio.
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In one embodiment, the visual alarm bar 310 includes a bell shaped icon with
emanating
sound waves 311 (as pictured) or any other similar icon used to notify medical
personnel of an
alarm state. The bell icon 311 is positioned in the center of the visual alarm
bar 310. The visual
alarm bar 310 further includes a minus icon 312 with a decrease bar 314
between the minus icon
312 and the bell icon 311 positioned on one side of the bell icon 311 and a
plus icon 313 with an
increase bar 315 between the plus icon 313 and the bell icon 311 positioned on
the opposite side
of the bell icon 311. In various other embodiments, the minus icon can be any
other icon that
conveys a meaning of decrease, such as a down pointing arrow, and the plus
icon can be any
other icon that conveys a meaning of increase, such as an up pointing arrow.
In the pictured
embodiment, the minus icon 312 is positioned to the left of the bell icon 311
and the plus icon
313 is positioned to the right of the bell icon 311. In another embodiment,
the icon positions are
reversed. In one embodiment, the minus icon 312 and plus icon 313 are
illuminated green. In
one embodiment, the minus icon 312 and plus icon 313 illuminate when the
visual alarm bar
310, including the bell icon 311, decrease bar 314, and increase bar 315, is
illuminated (in other
words, when an active alarm state begins). In another embodiment, only the
bell icon 311,
decrease bar 314, and increase bar 315 components of the visual alarm bar 310
illuminate when
an active alarm begins and a user must press anywhere on the visual alarm
touchscreen area 309
for the minus icon 312 and plus icon 313 to appear, allowing volume control.
When there is no alarm active, the visual alarm bar 310 appears blacked out.
During an
active alarm state, the visual alarm bar 310 is illuminated a specific color
corresponding to the
current alarm level. A user can decrease the alarm volume by pressing anywhere
in the
touchscreen area 309 that is on the minus icon 312, the decrease bar 314, or
on the part of the
bell icon 311 that is on the same side as the minus icon 312. A user can
continue to decrease the
alarm volume by repeatedly pressing said area. A user can increase the alarm
volume by
pressing anywhere in the touchscreen area 309 that is on the plus icon 313,
the increase bar 315,
or on the part of the bell icon 311 that is on the same side as the plus icon
313. A user can
continue to increase the alarm volume by repeatedly pressing said area.
FIG. 4 is an oblique inside-view illustration of an embodiment of the internal
components of a monitor 440 of a monitor and display assembly wherein circuit
boards 445 of
the monitor 440 are all mounted onto a removable internal chassis 450. The
chassis 450 can be
removed from the monitor and display assembly enclosure while still keeping
the monitor 440
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fully functional. Each circuit board 445 is individually accessible to allow
service personnel to
easily troubleshoot all circuit boards/components and replace any one
board/component without
having to completely disassemble the monitor 440.
FIG. 5 is an oblique front view illustration of one embodiment of a quick
release mount
501 that allows quick disengagement of a monitor and display assembly from a
fixed mount ¨
such as those on a wall, anesthesia machine, table top, etc. Lever 505 slides
over pin 510 and
allows finger pressure to release the pin. This allows easy disengagement of
mounts from the
front of the monitor and display assembly.
FIG. 6 is an oblique front view illustration of one embodiment of a command
module 660
of the patient monitoring system. In one embodiment, the command module can
measure both
adult and neonatal NIBP, IBP, ECG, Sp02, cardiac output, and temperature and
includes a stop
button to manually override NIBP measurements. In one embodiment, the command
module
communicates via SDLC bus with and derives power from Spacelabs Healthcare
monitors. In
one embodiment, the command module contains internal memory to allow the
module to be
taken with a patient during transport and plugged into a separate monitor
without losing data. In
one embodiment, the module is enclosed by two pieces of sheet metal. In one
embodiment, the
module measures 2.2 inches wide by 4.5 inches high x 7.0 inches thick. In
other embodiments,
the module measures from 1.9 to 2.5 inches wide x 3.5 to 5.5 inches high x 5.0
to 9.0 inches
thick.
FIGS. 7A and 7B are different front view illustrations of an embodiment of the
docking
station 700 that allows single button press un-docking of a monitor and
display assembly. FIG.
7C shows a rear view illustration of the monitor and display assembly 715
docked to the station
700. Referring now to FIGS. 7A through 7C simultaneously, a plurality of
receptacles 705 such
as Ethernet connection, DVI for external display, USB, serial ports, external
nurse alert/external
audio/IR receiver, power and SDLC (synchronous data link control) port are
replicated on the
docking station 700. A contoured feature 710 covers the receptacles on the
back of the monitor
and display assembly 715, when docked, so that the receptacles are prevented
from being
connected more than once. All external signals are routed to a single docking
connector (not
visible in the figures) located on the bottom of the monitor and display
assembly 715 and mating
connector 725 on the receiving surface of the docking station 700. These
signals are switched
active when the monitor is docked and remain inactive when un-docked so that
voltages are
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absent on the mating connector pins 725 when the monitor and display assembly
715 is not
docked.
In accordance with an embodiment, a plurality of vents 730, in the contoured
feature 710,
allow monitor and display assembly 715 intake vents at the bottom to remain
unobstructed when
docked. In one embodiment, the docking station 700 is structurally contoured,
along with a
standard 4-hole VESA mounting pattern 735 duplication, to allow the same
external wall, roll
stand and fixed mounts used with the monitor and display assembly 715 to work
with the
docking station 700. In one embodiment, a molded recess 740 around the edge of
the perimeter
of the docking station 700 matches the monitor and display assembly's 715
external shape
around the bottom of the monitor and display assembly 715. The molded recess
740 on the
docking station 700 has a slight bevel outwards that helps guide the monitor
and display
assembly 715 into position as a first coarse adjustment. In one embodiment,
two large domed
guide pins 745 engage upon further placement of the monitor and display
assembly 715 into the
dock 700. The guide pins 745 help settle the monitor and display assembly 715
exactly and
smoothly mate the monitor and display assembly connector with the docking
station connector
725.
An embodiment of the docking station 700 comprises a button 750 in the front
that
disconnects the latching and is used for undocking the monitor and display
assembly 715.
Optionally, the button 750 is backlit when the monitor and display assembly
715 is docked to
allow easy recognition of location in a darkened room.
FIG. 8 shows a block diagram illustration of an exemplary docking station PCBA
(Printed Circuit Board Assembly) 800 where connector 820 mates with a
corresponding
connector on the bottom of the monitor and display assembly, when docked, and
routes all
external signals from the monitor and display assembly to the plurality of
receptacles 850
replicated on the docking station. In one embodiment, an AC/DC Brick
receptacle 851 transfers
DC power in to the monitor and display assembly via connector 820. In one
embodiment,
connector 820 provides serial communication to the monitor and display
assembly via serial port
852. In one embodiment, SDLC and power are communicated from connector 820 to
an SDLC
Flexport 853. In one embodiment, a Y-DVI video signal is communicated from
connector 820
to a 1 Channel DVI Video port 854. In one embodiment, external nurse alert
information is
communicated from connector 820 to a nurse alert port 855. In one embodiment,
four Y-USB
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signals are communicated from connector 820 to two separate four USB ports
856, 857, 858,
859. In one embodiment, a Y-Ethernet signal is communicated from connector 820
to an
Ethernet port 860.
FIGS. 9A and 9B show an embodiment of a sidestream capnography or multigas pod
955
that is externally mountable for attaching to the rear of the monitor and
display assembly 900. In
one embodiment, the pod 955 receives power from the monitor and display
assembly 900 and
also communicates through a plurality of pogo pins 915. The pins 915 provide a
larger area for
grounding contact, allowing less pogo pins to be required for mating
connectors provided at the
rear of the monitor and display assembly. Large guide pins 920 at the bottom
of the pod allow it
to be blind mated to the rear of the monitor and display assembly 900. In
accordance with an
embodiment, the guide pins 920 have ball stud ends 925 that provide a positive
lock and
retention force to the monitor and display assembly when fully engaged. In
accordance with an
embodiment, the monitor and display assembly 900 has gold immersion contact
pads to allow for
power, ground and signal contacts. The contact pads are incorporated within
small diameter
recesses so that users cannot touch live voltages present on the contact pins.
In an embodiment,
a push button 930 on the pod provides a mechanical actuation of a latching
mechanism 935 for
connecting and removing the pod 955 from the monitor and display assembly 900.
Receptacles,
such as inlet port 940 and scavenging port 945 are provided on one side of the
pod 955. Persons
of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the modular configuration
of the pod 955 allows
users to selectively outfit monitor and display assemblies with either
capnography or multi-gas
based on need.
FIG. 9B also depicts a module 960 inserted into the left side of the monitor
905 of the
monitor and display assembly 900.
FIG. 10 is a rear view of the monitor and display assembly 1000 docked into
the docking
station 1020, for portability, and also having an externally mounted
capnography or multigas pod
1055, in accordance with an embodiment. FIG. 10 also depicts a module 1060
inserted into the
left side of the monitor 1005 of the monitor and display assembly 1000.
The above examples are merely illustrative of the many applications of the
system of the
present invention. Although only a few embodiments of the present invention
have been
described herein, it should be understood that the present invention might be
embodied in many
other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the
invention. Therefore, the
26
CA 02873755 2014-11-14
WO 2013/173520 PCT/US2013/041246
present examples and embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not
restrictive, and
the invention may be modified within the scope of the appended claims.
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