CA2403068C - Programmable wireless electrode system for medical monitoring - Google Patents
Programmable wireless electrode system for medical monitoring Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2403068C CA2403068C CA002403068A CA2403068A CA2403068C CA 2403068 C CA2403068 C CA 2403068C CA 002403068 A CA002403068 A CA 002403068A CA 2403068 A CA2403068 A CA 2403068A CA 2403068 C CA2403068 C CA 2403068C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- base unit
- wireless
- individual
- transceivers
- programmable
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
- A61B5/6801—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be attached to or worn on the body surface
- A61B5/683—Means for maintaining contact with the body
- A61B5/6832—Means for maintaining contact with the body using adhesives
- A61B5/6833—Adhesive patches
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/0002—Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network
- A61B5/0004—Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network characterised by the type of physiological signal transmitted
- A61B5/0006—ECG or EEG signals
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
- A61N1/02—Details
- A61N1/04—Electrodes
- A61N1/05—Electrodes for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
- H04L67/01—Protocols
- H04L67/12—Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
- H04L67/125—Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks involving control of end-device applications over a network
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B2560/00—Constructional details of operational features of apparatus; Accessories for medical measuring apparatus
- A61B2560/04—Constructional details of apparatus
- A61B2560/0406—Constructional details of apparatus specially shaped apparatus housings
- A61B2560/0412—Low-profile patch shaped housings
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/24—Detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof
- A61B5/25—Bioelectric electrodes therefor
- A61B5/279—Bioelectric electrodes therefor specially adapted for particular uses
- A61B5/28—Bioelectric electrodes therefor specially adapted for particular uses for electrocardiography [ECG]
- A61B5/282—Holders for multiple electrodes
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W28/00—Network traffic management; Network resource management
- H04W28/02—Traffic management, e.g. flow control or congestion control
- H04W28/10—Flow control between communication endpoints
- H04W28/14—Flow control between communication endpoints using intermediate storage
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W60/00—Affiliation to network, e.g. registration; Terminating affiliation with the network, e.g. de-registration
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W72/00—Local resource management
- H04W72/02—Selection of wireless resources by user or terminal
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W88/00—Devices specially adapted for wireless communication networks, e.g. terminals, base stations or access point devices
- H04W88/02—Terminal devices
Abstract
A wireless, programmable system (10) for bio-potential signal acquisition (e.g., electrocardiogram (ECG) data) includes a base unit (18) and a plurality of individual wireless, remotely programmable transceivers (20) that connect to patch electrodes (22). The base unit (18) manages the transceivers (20) by issuing registration, configuration, data acquisition, and transmission commands using wireless techniques. Bio-potential signals from the wireless transceivers (20) are demultiplexed and supplied via a standard interface to a conventional monitor (14) for display.
Description
PROGRAMMABLE WIRELESS ELECTRODE SYSTEM FOR
MEDICAL MONITORING
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to the field of devices used to measure and display bio-potential signals generated by the body. More particularly, the invention relates to a plurality of wireless, remotely programmable electrode transceiver assemblies that are each coupled to a conventional patch electrode, and an associated base unit. The base unit obtains a patient's electrocardiogram (ECG) or other bio-potential signal from the wireless transceivers and supplies the signal to a monitor unit for display. The display may be a standard ECG monitor.
B. Statement of Related Art Conventional ECG apparatus for hospital bedside monitoring typically requires up to ten wired electrodes. Each electrode is attached to the body of the patient, and has a wire, several feet or more in length, leading to an ECG
monitor.
Such electrodes are used to detect heart signals from the patient and convert them into a multiple-lead ECG evaluation.
The lengthy wired electrodes of conventional ECG apparatus obstruct the patient and limit the patient's freedom of movement. They are also cumbersome for the physician or assisting nurse. Telemetry systems for wireless ECG
monitoring for patients in hospitals currently exist. These systems are more expensive, intended for greater range (higher power), and do not totally eliminate the physical electrode wires attached to the patient. Instead of being connected to the monitor, the electrodes are each wired to a single transmitter box that is worn by the patient. Some telemetry systems also may not handle a 12 lead ECG (10 wires) because of the wiring that is required between the electrodes and the transmitter box. For example, the Spacelabs Ultraview Modular Digital Telemetry system can only handle a maximum of four leads (5 wires).
Wireless medical monitoring and diagnosis systems have been proposed in the prior art. U.S. Patent 5,862,803 to Benson et al. describes a wireless electrodelsensor patch system with sensor, controller and transceiver electronics contained in an electrode patch assembly. L;~.S. Patents 5,307,818, 5,168,814 and 4,981,141, all issued to Segalowitz, describe a wireless electrode system for ECG monitoring.
The Segalowitz patents describe a single piece electrode patch with built-in microchips for wireless one way communication, and a snap on electronic-assembly that fastens to a disposable electrode patch. However, the electrode patch is a special two-conductor type that is not conventional. The electrode assemblies are either transmit only or receive only (not both). A reference signal (generated from a Wilson network) is transmitted from the base unit to only the Right Leg electrode patch, which is receive only. Electrodes can only be programmed via manual switches on the electrode casing, not over-the-air from the base unit. For the multiple electrode embodiment, the base unit contains multiple receivers and antennas which imply multiple transmit frequencies are required for the system and ~ over-the-air signaling (thus making the base unit more costly to implement). There is no mention of error correction or detection capability in the electrodes or base unit.
In another embodiment of the Segalowitz '818 patent, there is discussion of a single strip assembly which contains all of the electrodes required for 12-lead ECG
monitoring with microchip circuitry contained in the strip assembly (not in the individual electrode patches). In this configuration, the ECG signals from each electrode are multiplexed and transmitted from a single transmitter (contained in the strip assembly) via time multiplexing on a single digitally encoded frequency channel.
However, no time multiplexing on a single frequency channel is discussed for their multiple transmit electrode embodiment, as discussed in the present invention.
The present invention is not intended to replace existing telemetry systems, but rather to provide a more convenient and cost effective solution for low power wireless ECG monitoring, in a hospital room environment, without having to replace the hospital's existing ECG bedside monitoring equipment. Furthermore, the present invention provides for programmable features by which a base unit can remotely program multiple wireless transceivers. This provides greater flexibility and customization of a wireless ECG acquisition system. As such, it is believed to be an improvement to the systems proposed by Besson et al. and Segalowitz.
MEDICAL MONITORING
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to the field of devices used to measure and display bio-potential signals generated by the body. More particularly, the invention relates to a plurality of wireless, remotely programmable electrode transceiver assemblies that are each coupled to a conventional patch electrode, and an associated base unit. The base unit obtains a patient's electrocardiogram (ECG) or other bio-potential signal from the wireless transceivers and supplies the signal to a monitor unit for display. The display may be a standard ECG monitor.
B. Statement of Related Art Conventional ECG apparatus for hospital bedside monitoring typically requires up to ten wired electrodes. Each electrode is attached to the body of the patient, and has a wire, several feet or more in length, leading to an ECG
monitor.
Such electrodes are used to detect heart signals from the patient and convert them into a multiple-lead ECG evaluation.
The lengthy wired electrodes of conventional ECG apparatus obstruct the patient and limit the patient's freedom of movement. They are also cumbersome for the physician or assisting nurse. Telemetry systems for wireless ECG
monitoring for patients in hospitals currently exist. These systems are more expensive, intended for greater range (higher power), and do not totally eliminate the physical electrode wires attached to the patient. Instead of being connected to the monitor, the electrodes are each wired to a single transmitter box that is worn by the patient. Some telemetry systems also may not handle a 12 lead ECG (10 wires) because of the wiring that is required between the electrodes and the transmitter box. For example, the Spacelabs Ultraview Modular Digital Telemetry system can only handle a maximum of four leads (5 wires).
Wireless medical monitoring and diagnosis systems have been proposed in the prior art. U.S. Patent 5,862,803 to Benson et al. describes a wireless electrodelsensor patch system with sensor, controller and transceiver electronics contained in an electrode patch assembly. L;~.S. Patents 5,307,818, 5,168,814 and 4,981,141, all issued to Segalowitz, describe a wireless electrode system for ECG monitoring.
The Segalowitz patents describe a single piece electrode patch with built-in microchips for wireless one way communication, and a snap on electronic-assembly that fastens to a disposable electrode patch. However, the electrode patch is a special two-conductor type that is not conventional. The electrode assemblies are either transmit only or receive only (not both). A reference signal (generated from a Wilson network) is transmitted from the base unit to only the Right Leg electrode patch, which is receive only. Electrodes can only be programmed via manual switches on the electrode casing, not over-the-air from the base unit. For the multiple electrode embodiment, the base unit contains multiple receivers and antennas which imply multiple transmit frequencies are required for the system and ~ over-the-air signaling (thus making the base unit more costly to implement). There is no mention of error correction or detection capability in the electrodes or base unit.
In another embodiment of the Segalowitz '818 patent, there is discussion of a single strip assembly which contains all of the electrodes required for 12-lead ECG
monitoring with microchip circuitry contained in the strip assembly (not in the individual electrode patches). In this configuration, the ECG signals from each electrode are multiplexed and transmitted from a single transmitter (contained in the strip assembly) via time multiplexing on a single digitally encoded frequency channel.
However, no time multiplexing on a single frequency channel is discussed for their multiple transmit electrode embodiment, as discussed in the present invention.
The present invention is not intended to replace existing telemetry systems, but rather to provide a more convenient and cost effective solution for low power wireless ECG monitoring, in a hospital room environment, without having to replace the hospital's existing ECG bedside monitoring equipment. Furthermore, the present invention provides for programmable features by which a base unit can remotely program multiple wireless transceivers. This provides greater flexibility and customization of a wireless ECG acquisition system. As such, it is believed to be an improvement to the systems proposed by Besson et al. and Segalowitz.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In a first aspect, a wireless electrocardiogram (ECG) acquisition system is provided. The system includes a plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, each of which are associated with a patch electrode for use in ECG monitoring. The patch electrodes are of conventional design and adapted to be placed on the surface of the patient's body for measuring electrical potentials. The system further includes a base unit comprising a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving messages to the plurality of individual wireless transceivers. The messages include configuration commands for the plurality of individual transceivers.
Examples of the configuration commands include data acquisition commands, transmission control commands, such as frequency selection commands, and other commands described in further detail below.
The base unit, in accordance with this first aspect of the invention, transmits a global time base signal to the plurality of individual wireless transceivers.
The global time base signal is used for synchronizing the timing of transmission of signals acquired by the individual wireless transceivers to the base unit in discrete time slots in a single frequency channel. This time division multiplexing provides that each wireless transceiver transmits its signals to the base unit in discrete time slots, with the wireless transceivers sharing a common channel.
The base unit has an interface to an ECG monitor for display and analysis by the user. Preferably, the ECG monitor is a conventional, standard monitor typically used today in the hospital setting. The ECG signals are provided by the base unit to the monitor in a fashion that is transparent to the monitor, i.e., the data is formatted and provided in a form whereby the monitor cannot distinguish the signals from conventional, wired electrode input signals. The ECG monitor preferably accepts the individual electrode signals in order to develop any required lead configuration.
In a preferred embodiment, the wireless two-way communication between the base unit and the plurality of remotely programmable wireless transceivers is established in accordance with a protocol that provides for transmission of a variety of configuration commands. Examples of such commands include registration information, data acquisition control commands (such as start and stop messages), transmission frequency commands, time slot commands, amplifier gain commands, transmitter control commands, power saving mode commands, initialization commands, and so forth. The ability to remotely program the wireless transceivers gives considerable flexibility over how the electrodes are configured and positioned on the patient's body.
The plurality of individual wireless transceivers could be designed to be installed on particular locations of the patient's body, such as left arm, right arm, left leg, etc. In a more preferred embodiment, the individual wireless transceivers are generic with respect to particular placement locations on the surface of a patient's body. The base unit transmits programming data to the individual wireless transceivers. The programming data includes electrode position location data associated with a unique placement position to be assigned to the individual wireless transceivers, as well as electrode identification data. When the data is acquired from each of the wireless transceivers, the electrode identification data, electrode position location data and the acquired electrode signal are sent from the wireless transceivers to the base unit.
In another aspect of the invention, a dynamically programmable, wireless electrocardiograph (ECG) acquisition system is provided. The system comprises a plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, each transceiver associated with a patch electrode for use in ECG monitoring, and a base unit comprising a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving messages (e.g., commands) to the plurality of individual wireless transceivers. The base unit and the plurality of individual wireless transceivers implement a wireless programming protocol by which information and commands are exchanged between the base unit and individual wireless transceivers. Registration, configuration, and data transmission control properties of the individual wireless transceivers are managed dynamically by the base unit.
As an example of the information that can be transmitted between the base unit and the transceivers, the base unit may transmits a global time base signal synchronizing the timing of transmission of signals acquired by the plurality of individual wireless transceivers to the base unit in discrete time slots in a single frequency channel. Other examples include data acquisition messages, registration messages, initialization messages, frequency selection command messages, and so forth as described in further detail below.
In yet another aspect of the invention, a wireless, remotely programmable transceiver assembly is provided. The wireless transceiver assembly is adapted to attach to a patch electrode for placement on the surface of a patient's body, the assembly transmitting signals acquired from the electrode to a base unit. The electrode transceiver assembly includes an amplifier receiving a signal from the electrode and generating an amplified analog signal, a analog to digital converter converting the amplified analog signal into a digital signal, a computing platform such as a microcontroller with a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) function having a memory storing a set of instructions executable by the microcontroller/DSP, a buffer storing digital signals for transmission to the base unit and a wireless transceiver module including an antenna for wireless transmission of the digital signals to the base unit.
A frequency generator is provided that is responsive to commands from the microcontroller. The frequency generator generates a signal at frequency at which the wireless transmission from the wireless transceiver assembly to the base unit is to occur. The microcontroller is operative to select a frequency for the wireless transmission in response to control commands received from the base unit.
In still another aspect of the invention, a base unit is provided for a plurality of wireless, programmable transceiver assemblies each adapted to attach to a patch electrode for placement on the surface of a patient's body. The base unit includes a transceiver module including an antenna for wireless communication in transmit and receive directions between the base unit and the wireless, programmable transceiver assemblies. The wireless communication from the wireless, programmable transceiver assemblies to the base unit occurs in a plurality of discrete time slots in a single frequency channel. The base unit further includes an encoder/decoder coupled to the antenna, a microcontroller and a memory. The microcontroller performs error correction on signals from the encoder/decoder and executes initialization and transceiver management and command routines.
The base unit further includes a demultiplexer demultiplexing received data from the plurality of wireless transceiver assemblies in the plurality of discrete time slots. A digital to analog converter converts the received, demultiplexed digital signals into analog signal. An interface supplies the analog signals to a monitor for display.
Preferably, the monitor comprises a conventional, pre-existing ECG monitor.
The wireless origin of the supplied analog signals is transparent to the ECG monitor.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a wireless bio-potential signal acquisition system, comprising: a plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, each of the transceivers associated with a patch electrode for use in medical monitoring, and a base unit comprising a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving messages to the plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, the messages including configuration commands for the plurality of individual, programmable wireless transceivers; the base unit transmitting a global time base signal to the plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, the global time base signal for synchronizing the timing of transmission of signals acquired by the plurality of individual, programmable wireless transceivers to the base unit in discrete time slots in a single frequency channel, the base unit further comprising an interface to a monitor, whereby the acquired signals may be sent from the base unit to the monitor for display;
wherein the base unit transmits a frequency selection command messages) to the plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, the plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers responsively selecting a common frequency channel from transmission of the acquired signals to the base unit in the discrete time slots; and 2 0 wherein the individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers store a list of available, predetermined frequency channels for transmission of the acquired signals to the base unit and wherein the frequency selection command messages) commands the plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers to transmit the acquired signals to the base unit on one of the predetermined frequency channels.
2 5 In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a dynamically programmable, wireless bio-potential signal acquisition system, comprising: a plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, each of the transceivers associated with a patch electrode for use in medical monitoring, and a base unit comprising a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving messages to the plurality of individual, remotely 3 0 programmable wireless transceivers, wherein the base unit and the plurality of individual, programmable wireless transceivers implement a wireless programming protocol by which the messages are exchanged between the base unit and the plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers whereby registration, configuration, data acquisition control, and data transmission control properties of the plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers may be managed by the base unit; wherein the base unit further comprises an interface to monitoring equipment, the base unit operable to output data on the interface formatted as electrode input signals.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a dynamically programmable, wireless bio-potential signal acquisition system, comprising: a plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, each of the transceivers associated with a patch electrode for use in medical monitoring, and a base unit comprising a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving messages to the plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, wherein the base unit and the plurality of individual, programmable wireless transceivers implement a wireless programming protocol by which the messages are exchanged between the base unit and the plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers whereby registration, configuration, data acquisition control, and data transmission control properties of the plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers may be managed by the base unit; and wherein the plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers are generic with respect to particular placement locations on a surface of a patient's body, and wherein the base unit transmits programming data to the individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, 2 0 the programming data including electrode position location data associated with a unique placement position for the individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers and electrode identifier data.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a dynamically programmable, wireless bio-potential signal acquisition system, comprising: a plurality of individual, 2 5 remotely programmable wireless transceivers, each of the transceivers associated with a patch electrode for use in medical monitoring, and a base unit comprising a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving messages to the plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, wherein the base unit and the plurality of individual, programmable wireless transceivers implement a wireless programming protocol by which 3 0 the messages are exchanged between the base unit and the plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers whereby registration, configuration, data acquisition control, and data transmission control properties of the plurality of individual, remotely 8a programmable wireless transceivers may be managed by the base unit; wherein the base unit transmits a frequency selection command messages) to the plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, the plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers responsively selecting a common frequency channel for transmission of acquired signals to the base unit in discrete time slots; and wherein the individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers store a list of available, predetermined frequency channels for transmission of the acquired signals to the base unit and wherein the frequency selection command messages) commands the plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers to transmit the acquired signals to the base unit on one of the predetermined frequency channels.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a wireless, programmable transceiver adapted to attach to a patch electrode for placement on a surface of a patient's body, the transceiver transmitting signals acquired from the electrode to a base unit, comprising: an amplifier receiving a signal from the electrode and generating an amplified analog signal; an anti-abasing filter removing undesirable frequencies; an analog to digital converter converting the amplified, filtered analog signal into a digital signal; a computing platform having a memory storing a set of instructions executable by the computing platform and performing signal processing of the digital signal; a buffer storing the digital signal for transmission to the base unit; a wireless transceiver module including an antenna for 2 0 wireless transmission of the digital signal between the wireless programmable transceiver assembly and the base unit; and a frequency generator for generating a frequency at which the wireless transmission is to occur from a stored list of available, predetermined frequency channels; wherein the computing platform is operative to select a frequency for the wireless transmission in response to control commands received from the base unit at the wireless 2 5 transceiver module.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a base unit for a plurality of wireless, programmable transceivers each adapted to attach to a patch electrode for placement on a surface of a patient's body, comprising: a transceiver module including an antenna for wireless communication in transmit and receive directions between the base unit 3 0 and the wireless, programmable transceivers, the wireless communication from the plurality of wireless, programmable transceivers to the base unit occurring in a plurality of discrete time slots in a single frequency channel; an encoder/decoder coupled to the antenna; a 8b computing platform and a memory, the computing platform performing error correction, processing information in control messages and data in digitized signals from the encoder/decoder; a demultiplexer demultiplexing received data from the plurality of wireless, programmable transceiver assemblies in the plurality of discrete time slots; a digital to analog converter for converting received, demultiplexed digital signals from the plurality of wireless, programmable transceiver assemblies into analog signals; and an interface supplying the analog signals to a monitor for display.
These and still other aspects and features of the invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment. In this specification, the terms "wireless transceiver" and "programmable wireless transceiver" are meant to refer to the wireless electrode transceiver assembly as a unit, as distinguished from the actual transceiver module within the assembly, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A presently preferred embodiment of the invention is described below in conjunction with the appended drawing figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in the vaxious views, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the system of the present invention in use with a patient to acquire ECG signals from the patient and supply them to an ECG
monitor;
2 0 FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of one of the patch electrodes and associated remotely programmable wireless transceiver of FIG. 1, it being understood that all of such patch electrodes and wireless transceivers of FIG.I are of a construction similar to that shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the wireless transceiver assembly of FIG. 2;
2 5 FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the base unit of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the time division multiplexing of transmission from the plurality of wireless transceivers of FIG. 1 in the uplink direction (the SC
direction of wireless transmission from the wireless transceivers to the base unit), and the transmission of synchronization, reference and control data from the base unit to the wireless transceivers in a common channel in the downlink direction;
FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a base unit initialization routine;
FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a wireless transceiver initialization routine;
FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a programming procedure for programming the wireless transceivers of FIG. 1 when initializing the ECG system of FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a base unit of FIG. 4 and a group of wireless transceivers being initialized according to the procedure of FIG. 8; and FIG. 10 is a perspective view of three wireless transmitters after the procedure of FIG. 8 has been completed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The present invention provides a system consisting of multiple smart wireless transceiver devices sized to snap onto conventional disposable patch electrodes for wireless medical monitoring, and a base unit communicating with the wireless electrode devices that is also capable of interfacing to existing conventional bedside monitoring and display equipment. The system is particularly suited to wireless ECG
monitoring. The electrode devices receive commands from the base unit such as registration information, transmission frequency commands, amplifier gain commands, transmitter control commands, power saving mode, etc. and include hardware and software or firmware for processing these commands and responsively configuring the wireless transceiver accordingly.
The wireless transceivers will also preferably receive a global time base signal from the base unit. The global time base signal is used for in synchronizing the timing of acquisition of sample points for all electrodes used in measuring input body surface potentials (e.g., ECG signal). The base unit receives the transmitted ECG
signal from each electrode (at predetermined time intervals if time division multiplexing is the embodiment of the communication protocol), demodulates, decodes (with error correction), digitally processes the data, applies any needed signal conditioning (amplification, filtering), and converts back to analog form for outputting the ECG
signals to the standard ECG equipment for display. The base unit also has a universal interface to existing standard ECG equipment so that the wireless link between the electrodes and base unit appears transparent to the ECG equipment. The ECG
equipment will accept the individual electrode signals for developing any required lead configuration.
While time division multiplexing is a presently preferred embodiment for the transmission of electrode bio-potential signals, other transmission formats could be used. An example of an alternative transmission format is code division multiplexing, a technique known in the wireless communications art.
The wireless transceivers and base unit also use a unique over-the-air communication protocol between the base unit and the electrodes which allows wireless programming (configuration), identification, auditing, data acquisition control, and transmitter control of each electrode used in the ECG system. For frequency bandwidth efficiency of the invention, the system could be designed such that transmission of mufti-channel ECG signals is on a single digitally encoded frequency channel between the base unit transceiver and multiple electrode devices by using time division multiplexing. For example, each electrode will receive synchronization data from the base unit on the same receive frequency, and instruction on which time slot to transmit it's digitally encoded ECG data.
This makes it possible for multiple patients to use the wireless ECG system in the same hospital room if there is limited bandwidth.
Referring now to FIG. 1, a system 10 according to a presently preferred embodiment is shown schematically for use with a patient 12. The system 10 acquires ECG signals from the patient 12 and supplies them to an ECG monitor 14.
The system 10 is a wireless system, in that a plurality of electrode assemblies 16 receive commands (e.g., synchronization and control commands) from a base unit using wireless transmission methods, and supply the ECG signals to the base unit 18 using wireless transmission methods as well. Thus, cumbersome wires for the electrode assemblies 16 are eliminated in the illustrated embodiment.
The electrode assemblies 16 of FIG. 1 consist of a plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers 20, each transceiver designed to snap onto a conventional patch electrode 22 (such as the 3M Red dot electrode) used in ECG monitoring. The wireless transceivers are described in further detail in conjunction with Figure 2 and 3. The base unit 18 includes a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving messages to the plurality of individual wireless transceivers, and is described in further detail in conjunction with Figures 4, 6, 8 and 9.
The base unit further has an interface for providing analog ECG signals received from the wireless transceivers 20 to a conventional ECG display monitor 14.
A preferred communications format for wireless communication between the base unit 18 and the wireless transceivers 20 is time division multiplexing in a common frequency channel in the uplink direction, that is between the transceivers and the base unit. Each wireless transceiver 20 transmits ECG signals in a particular time slot in the channel, as indicated in FIG. 5. In the downlink direction, the base unit transmits control commands and other information in a common channel that all the wireless transceivers are tuned to. The time slot assignment, frequency assignment, and other transmission control information is managed and controlled by the base unit 18, as described in further detail below. An alternative embodiment is to use code division multiple access (CDMA) communication format for wireless communication between the base unit 18 and the wireless transceivers 20, a technique known to persons skilled in the wireless digital communication art.
The messages transmitted by the base unit 18 also include configuration commands for the wireless transceivers 20. These configuration commands can be, for example, change or set the data acquisition sampling rate, amplifier gain setting, and channel carrier settings, and can also consist of a timing signal for synchronization of the transmission time slot. Preferably, the base unit 18 transmits a global time base signal to all of the wireless transceivers. The global time base signal synchronizes the timing of transmission of the ECG signals acquired by all of the wireless transceivers 20, such that the transmissions are in discrete time slots in a single frequency channel, as shown in FIG. 5.
The details of the over-the-air programming protocol to exchange messages and information between the base unit and the transceivers may be arnved at in many ways within the spirit of the present invention, and is considered within the ability of i i I ~ i n I
a person sltilled in the pertinent art. In one possible embodiment, packets of data are transmitted between the base unit and the wireless transceivers. ~ Particular fields in the packets (bytes of data) are reserved for control data, payload data, CRC
or error correction data, etc. in accordance with known wireless transmission protocols, conventional data transmission techniques such as IP or Ethernet, or similar techniques. A presently preferred protocol is described in the application of Mohammad Khair et_ al filed concurrently herewith, entitled "Wireless Protocol for , , Medical Monitoring", US 6,441,747 issued August 27, 2002 to Khair et al.
FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of one of the patch electrodes 22 and associated remotely progracrimable wireless transceiver 20 assembly 16 of FIG.
1, it being understood that all of such patch electrodes and wireless transceivers of FIG. 1 are of a construction similar to that shown in FIG. 2. The patch electrode 22 is adhered to the surface of the patient's body 12 in conventional fashion. The patch electrode 22 includes a conductor 24 supplying ECG or other signals to a pin 26. The pin 26 is received in complementary pin receiving structure 28 in the wireless transceiver 20 so as engage (as in a snap fit) the two parts 20 and 22.
The pin receiving structure 28 conducts electrical impulses with respect to a local ground reference to electronic circuitry in the wireless transceiver 20.
The local ground reference consists of a flexible strip 21 connected to the transceiver 20 having a tip or skin contact 21A, made from a conductive material, which is placed underneath the patch electrode 22 in contact with the skin. The purpose is to allow a . the transceiver to measure the bio-potential difference between the signal contact point 26 and the local ground reference 21l21A. The material used for the strip 21 could be a thin flexible material such as plastic with an internal conductive trace or lead wire from the transceiver 20 to the skin contact point 21A. The skin contact point 21A is preferably coated with conductive silver chloride (AgCI) material 21B on one side thereof.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the wireless transceiver of FIG.s 1 and 2. The transceiver assembly 20 snaps onto the post pin 26 of a disposable conventional patch electrode. Electrical signals provided from the electrode 22 are supplied to a low noise, variable gain amplifier 30 in the wireless transceiver 20. The amplifier 30 may include a pre-amp stage. The analog signal is filtered, sampled and converted to digital signals in the A/D converter 32. The digital signals are supplied to a computing platform, illustrated as a microcontroller/Digital Signal Processor 34. The microcontroller performs signal processing of the digital signal supplied by the A/D
converter 32. The signal processing functions include noise filtering and gain control of the digital ECG signal. In an alternative but less-preferred embodiment, gain control in the transceiver assembly could be performed by adjustment of the amplifier '' 30 gain in the analog signal path. The microcontroller also processes commands and messages received from the base unit, and executes firmware instructions stored in a memory 36. The memory further stores a unique electrode identifier as described in further detail below. The memory may also store a position location identifier or data associated with a position the electrode is attached to the patient. The position location identifier or data is dynamically programmable from the base unit.
The processed digital ECG signals are buffered in a buffer 38, supplied to an encoder/decoder 40 and fed to a RF transceiver module 42 for transmission to the base unit via a low power built-in RF antenna 44. The transceiver 42 includes a modulator/demodulator, transmitter, power amp, receiver, filters and an antenna switch. A frequency generator 46 generates a Garner frequency for the RF
transmission. The frequency is adjustable by the microcontroller 34. A battery with a negative terminal connected to a local ground reference provides DC
power to the components. The microcontroller/DSP 34 controls the frequency generator 46 so as to select a frequency for wireless transmission of data and control messages to the base unit. The microcontroller in the computing platform 34 also executes an initialization routine wherein the receiver scans a default receive channel for commands from the base unit, and if the commands are received the transmitter transmits identification information in an assigned frequency and time slot to the base unit.
All or some of the individual blocks shown in FIG. 3 could be combined in a microchip or microchips to miniaturize the size of the snap-on wireless transceiver assembly 20.
Referring now to FIG. 4, the base unit 18 is shown also in block diagram form.
The base unit 18 transmits commands to all of the wireless transceivers and instructs each transceiver to transmit its ECG data individually (such as in time division multiplexing). The base unit receives the transmitted ECG signals from the electrodes (up to 10) in sequence and then demodulates, decodes, error corrects, de-multiplexes, buffers, signal conditions, and reconverts each electrode's data back to an analog signal for interfacing to the standard ECG monitor 14. The base unit also transmits programming information to the electrodes for frequency selection, power control, etc.
The base unit 18 includes a low power RF antenna 50, a frequency generator 52 for generating a carrier frequency and an RF transceiver 54. The transceiver 54 includes a modulator/demodulator, transmitter, power amp, receiver, filters and an antenna switch. The base unit further includes a encoder/decoder 56, a computing platform such as a microcontroller/Digital Signal Processor (DSP) 58, and a memory 60 storing code for execution by the microcontroller/DSP, and I/O interface 59 for connection to a personal computer which is used as a test port for running system diagnostics, base unit software upgrades, etc., and a user interface 61. The user interface 61 may consist of the following: a display for indicating electrode programming information or error/alarm conditions, a keypad or buttons for user requested inputs, an alarm unit for audibly indicating error/alarm conditions (for example a detached, low battery or failed electrode), and LEDs for visually indicating error, alarm or programming status.
The time slot ECG data received from the wireless transceivers is demultiplexed in demultiplexer 62 and supplied to a buffer 64. A digital to analog filter bank 66 converts the multiple channels of digital data from the wireless transceivers to analog form. The analog signals are amplified by amplifiers 68 and supplied to an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) standard ECG monitor interface 70. The interface 70 could be either part of the base unit 18 assembly so that it can directly plug into the ECG display equipment 14 via a standard connector, or it could be part of a cable connection to the display equipment. The idea with the OEM
interface 70 is to supply multiple analog ECG signals to the conventional ECG
display equipment already used in the hospital environment, in a compatible and transparent mariner, such that the display equipment would treat the signals as if they were generated from conventional wired electrodes. Familiarity with the analog signal acquisition hardware or electronics for the ECG display equipment 14 will be required obviously, and the OEM interface circuitry may vary depending on the manufacturer of the display equipment. The OEM monitor interface detailed design is considered within the ability of a person skilled in the art.
Refernng to FIG: 5, a possible transmission scheme between the wireless transceivers 20 and the base unit 18 is time division multiplexing. This allows a single transmit frequency to be used by all the electrodes in the ECG system.
All electrodes receive commands and synchronization data (time base signal, reference signal and control data 76) from the base unit 18 on an assigned receive frequency (downlink) channel. The electrode receive channel may or may not be slotted (time multiplexed). Electrode 1 20/22A transmits it's data on time slot 1 72 (Electrode 2 20/22B on time slot 2 74, etc.) at the assigned transmit frequency (uplink) channel.
The base unit 18 receives the transmission from the electrodes 20/22 and demultiplexes, buffers, and reconstructs the individual electrode data.
The system 10 of FIG. 1 utilizes an over the air programming mechanism to exchange messaging and information between the base unit 18 and the wireless transceivers 20. Various types of information could be exchanged. For example, the base unit 18 transmits a data acquisition control message to the wireless transceivers, which tells the microcontroller in the wireless transceivers to start and stop data acquisition. Another command would be a frequency selection command message sent to the wireless transceivers, in which the wireless transceivers responsively select a common frequency channel for transmission of acquired ECG signals to the base unit in discrete time slots.
The following is a list of some of the possible programming commands and messages that could be sent between the base unit and the wireless transceivers:
a. Registration of electrodes 20/22 with the base unit 18. This would include the detection of the electrode type and an associated unique electrode identifier by the base unit. This could also include transmission of a unique base unit identifier to the electrodes (for example where multiple base units are within RF range of the electrodes) and detection of the base unit identifier by the electrode. Also, a patient reference number could also be stored in each electrode so it only receives commands from a specific patient-assigned base unit. Each electrode reference number is also stored in the base unit, so that data coming only from these electrodes is accepted. An additional registration feature would be assignment of a specific electrode function (i.e., position on the patient's body). This is discussed in more detail below. With each of the above commands and messages, the receiving unit would typically transmit back an acknowledgment signal indicating the receipt of the command and sending back any required information to the transmitting unit.
b. Configuration of data acquisition sampling rate.
c. Configuration of amplifier 30 gain setting.
d. Configuration of preamplifier filter band settings.
e. Configuration of Garner channel settings, namely the frequency of the carrier signal generated by the frequency generator 46 in the transceivers.
f. Configuration of timing signal for transmission time slot. This needs to be synchronized with the data acquisition rate.
g. Battery 45 utilization sleep/activation mode.
h. Battery 45 low voltage level detection.
i. Data acquisition start/stop scenario.
j. Data transmit procedure.
k. Error sample data recover/retransmit scenario.
1. System test diagnostic procedure m. Scan of electrode current channel setting procedure n. Electrode detection procedure.
o. Electrode status audit.
p. Base unit status audit.
q. Data acquisition subsystem audit.
In a preferred embodiment, for every smart wireless transceiver, the system will provide a registration mechanism whereby an electrode identifier is dynamically programmed into the base unit. Additionally, the electrode functional position on the patent (i.e., LA, RA, LL, VI, V2, V3, V4, V5, or V6) is dynamically assigned.
An Electrode Universal Identifier (EUI) will encode the smart electrode unique serial number. During data transaction, each electrode is assigned a temporary identifier after each registration scenario (on power up or reconfiguration). The temporary identifier can be composed of electrode number and random number for example.
Electrode System Initialization Figure 6 shows a flow diagram of a possible initialization procedure (for both the base unit 18 and electrodes 20/22) for use where the transmission scheme between the base unit and the wireless transceivers 20 is time division multiplexing.
This procedure assumes that each electrode in the ECG system contains a unique identifier and a unique functional position 117 (i.e., LA, RA, LL, V l, V2, V3, V4, VS, or V6).
At step 80, the base unit is powered up. The base unit is configured for the number of leads used in the ECG system, such as 3, 5 or 12. The configuration could be facilitated by means of any suitable user interface on the base unit 18, such as a display and buttons as shown in FIG. 9 and described subsequently. At step 82, the base unit scans its receive channels, a list of which is programmed into the base unit.
At step 84, the base unit determines whether any other ECG base unit transmissions are detected. If so, at step 86 the base unit selects the next unused frequency from the list of predetermined frequency channels as a transmit channel. If not, at step 88 the base unit selects the first frequency from the list of predetermined frequency channels as the transmission channel. The process then proceeds to step 90.
At step 90, the base unit stars transmitting electrode registration data and messages on the default programming channel determined in steps 86 or 88. The registration data and messages include a base unit identification code or serial number. The registration data and messages were described earlier. This insures that the wireless transceivers to be associated with this particular base unit being initialized respond to commands from this base unit and no other base unit. At step 92, the Base unit instructs all required electrodes to transmit on a predetermined frequency channel, and assigns time slots to each electrode. The base unit then communicates with electrodes to complete registration. If a particular electrode or electrodes did not complete registration, the base unit indicates via its user interface which electrode is not registered at step 96. If registration is completed for all the electrodes, the base units instruct all electrodes to receive commands on a new predetermined frequency channel at step 98. At step 100, the base unit instructs all electrodes to begin ECG data acquisition and to transmit at the assigned frequency and in the assigned time slot. Step 100 may be started in response to a user prompt via the base unit user interface. During data acquisition, at step 102 the base unit continuously monitors for interference on the receive data channel (uplink direction).
If excessive interference occurs (such as from a high bit error rate detected in the base unit microcontroller), the base unit selects a new channel from the list of available frequencies for the electrodes to transmit on and commands a change in transmit frequency.
FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of an electrode initialization procedure that may be employed. When the electrodes are initially powered up at step 110, the electrodes will be in a receive only mode. At step 112, the electrodes automatically scan the default receive channel to see if any commands and synchronization signals are being transmitted by the base unit. If no commands and synchronization commands are received at step 114, the electrode goes back to step 112 and selects another receive frequency from its list of default frequencies. If commands and synchronization data have been received, at step 116 the electrode sends is unique identification data (containing information on the position on the patient's body) on the assigned frequency and in the assigned time slot back to the base unit, indicating to the base unit that it is ready to acquire ECG signals and is in an operating condition.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers 20 are initially generic with respect to particular placement locations on the surface of a patient's body.
Furthermore, the electrodes could be manufactured without preprogrammed functional position identifiers. This is advantageous since it would not be necessary to have the hospital or user maintain an inventory of individual electrodes based on functional position (i.e., LA, RA, LL, V1, V2, etc.). All the electrode assemblies are considered generic and could be programmed with unique identifiers indicating the position on the body by the base unit when the user sets up the ECG system. The procedure of FIG. 8 could be used for programming of each electrode when initializing the ECG
system.
After first time programming of the electrode assemblies, the system only needs to go through the initialization program of FIG. 6 when it is powered up again.
FIG. 8 shows the initialization procedure in the alternative embodiment. FIG.
9 shows the base unit 18 having a user interface 61 comprising a display 132 and a plurality of buttons or keys 133 for assisting the user to interact with the base unit. A
group of generic wireless transceivers 20 are shown ready for initialization.
The user has a set of pre-printed labels 135, which are removed from a plastic backing and placed on the wireless transceivers as shown in FIG. 10.
Refernng now to FIG. 8 and 9, at step 140 the user sets up the base unit into an electrode programming mode, such as by responding to prompts on the display and selecting the mode with one of the buttons or keys 133. The base unit programming mode could be done at lower power transmissions, requiring the wireless transceiver 20 to be programmed to be adjacent to the base unit (thereby avoiding programming more than one transceiver at a time). Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9, the base unit has a programming initialization interface 136 which makes contact with a socket or other feature in the transceiver for purposes of programming the transceiver during initialization. When the transceiver is placed into contact with the programming initialization interface 136, the base unit could automatically go into programming mode, or it could simply go into programming mode upon power up.
In any event, at step 142 the first electrode assembly 20/22 is powered up and placed near the base unit or positioned in contact with the programming initialization interface 136. The initialization of the electrodes could be done by mechanical means, such as plugging the electrode transceiver 20 into the base unit programming initialization interface 136.
At step 144, the electrode scans the default programming channel. At step 146, the base unit sends a low power programming command on the default transmit channel or some other channel that has the least RF interference. At step 148, the electrode determines whether it has received the programming command. If not, the electrode scans the list of default channels and selects a new channel to listen on. If so, the electrode transmits a response message on its assigned transmit channel at step 1 S0. At step 152, the base unit determines whether it has received the response from the electrode. If not, the base unit goes back to step 146 and transmits the low power programming command on a new transmit channel. If so, the base unit transmits programming data to the electrode at step 153. At step 153, the programming data includes the electrode unique identifier, including the electrode position (LA, RL, or V3, etc.), the base unit unique identifier, and other registration commands as described above. At step 154, the electrode determines whether a programming error was detected, and if so at step 156 sends a retransmit program message to base unit causing it to repeat the programming data at step 152. If no error occurred, the process proceeds to step 158, at which the electrode completes programming with the base unit. At step 160, the base unit instructs the electrode to wait for additional commands. At this point, since the unique base unit ID has been programmed in the wireless transceiver, it can scan ECG system control channels and receive and operate on commands only from the base unit that programmed the transceiver. At step 162, the base unit displays the electrode placement position on the user interface display and prompts the user to place the next electrode for programming into the initialization interface 136.
After all the electrodes have been programmed, the base unit will automatically be configured for the proper number of electrodes used in the ECG
system. As each electrode is programmed the user removes a label 135 from the stock of labels 137 indicating the position programmed on the electrode and applies the label to the electrode (e.g., to the top or upper surface of the wireless transceiver 20), as shown in FIG. 10.
From the foregoing description, it will appreciated that we have described a dynamically programmable, wireless bio-potential signal acquisition system, comprising: a plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers 20, each transceiver associated with a patch electrode 22 for use in medical monitoring, and a base unit 18 comprising a wireless transceiver 54 (FIG. 4) for sending and receiving messages to the plurality of individual transceivers 20.
The base unit and wireless transceivers 22 implement a wireless programming protocol by which messages and information are exchanged between base unit 18 and wireless transceivers 20 (such as shown in FIG. 6 and 8) whereby registration, configuration, and data transmission control properties of the wireless transceivers may be managed by the base unit.
Preferably, the base unit transmits a global time base signal to the wireless transceivers, the global time base signal synchronizing the timing of transmission of biop-potential signals acquired by the wireless transceivers in discrete time slots in a single frequency channel. As shown in FIG. 1 and 4, the base unit further comprises an interface 70 to a conventional ECG monitoring equipment such as a display, whereby acquired ECG signals may be transmitted to the ECG monitoring equipment for display. The system of base unit 18 and wireless remotely programmable transceivers 20 is particularly well adapted for use with standard conventional patch electrodes and existing ECG monitoring equipment, and thus presents a flexible, low cost and convenient system for acquiring ECG signals and presenting them to a display unit for display.
Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the details of the presently preferred embodiment described herein can be changed and modified without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention. The system can be used to acquire ECG signals, electroencephalogram signals, electromyography signals, or other types of signals. This true spirit and scope is to be determined in reference to the appended claims.
In a first aspect, a wireless electrocardiogram (ECG) acquisition system is provided. The system includes a plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, each of which are associated with a patch electrode for use in ECG monitoring. The patch electrodes are of conventional design and adapted to be placed on the surface of the patient's body for measuring electrical potentials. The system further includes a base unit comprising a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving messages to the plurality of individual wireless transceivers. The messages include configuration commands for the plurality of individual transceivers.
Examples of the configuration commands include data acquisition commands, transmission control commands, such as frequency selection commands, and other commands described in further detail below.
The base unit, in accordance with this first aspect of the invention, transmits a global time base signal to the plurality of individual wireless transceivers.
The global time base signal is used for synchronizing the timing of transmission of signals acquired by the individual wireless transceivers to the base unit in discrete time slots in a single frequency channel. This time division multiplexing provides that each wireless transceiver transmits its signals to the base unit in discrete time slots, with the wireless transceivers sharing a common channel.
The base unit has an interface to an ECG monitor for display and analysis by the user. Preferably, the ECG monitor is a conventional, standard monitor typically used today in the hospital setting. The ECG signals are provided by the base unit to the monitor in a fashion that is transparent to the monitor, i.e., the data is formatted and provided in a form whereby the monitor cannot distinguish the signals from conventional, wired electrode input signals. The ECG monitor preferably accepts the individual electrode signals in order to develop any required lead configuration.
In a preferred embodiment, the wireless two-way communication between the base unit and the plurality of remotely programmable wireless transceivers is established in accordance with a protocol that provides for transmission of a variety of configuration commands. Examples of such commands include registration information, data acquisition control commands (such as start and stop messages), transmission frequency commands, time slot commands, amplifier gain commands, transmitter control commands, power saving mode commands, initialization commands, and so forth. The ability to remotely program the wireless transceivers gives considerable flexibility over how the electrodes are configured and positioned on the patient's body.
The plurality of individual wireless transceivers could be designed to be installed on particular locations of the patient's body, such as left arm, right arm, left leg, etc. In a more preferred embodiment, the individual wireless transceivers are generic with respect to particular placement locations on the surface of a patient's body. The base unit transmits programming data to the individual wireless transceivers. The programming data includes electrode position location data associated with a unique placement position to be assigned to the individual wireless transceivers, as well as electrode identification data. When the data is acquired from each of the wireless transceivers, the electrode identification data, electrode position location data and the acquired electrode signal are sent from the wireless transceivers to the base unit.
In another aspect of the invention, a dynamically programmable, wireless electrocardiograph (ECG) acquisition system is provided. The system comprises a plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, each transceiver associated with a patch electrode for use in ECG monitoring, and a base unit comprising a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving messages (e.g., commands) to the plurality of individual wireless transceivers. The base unit and the plurality of individual wireless transceivers implement a wireless programming protocol by which information and commands are exchanged between the base unit and individual wireless transceivers. Registration, configuration, and data transmission control properties of the individual wireless transceivers are managed dynamically by the base unit.
As an example of the information that can be transmitted between the base unit and the transceivers, the base unit may transmits a global time base signal synchronizing the timing of transmission of signals acquired by the plurality of individual wireless transceivers to the base unit in discrete time slots in a single frequency channel. Other examples include data acquisition messages, registration messages, initialization messages, frequency selection command messages, and so forth as described in further detail below.
In yet another aspect of the invention, a wireless, remotely programmable transceiver assembly is provided. The wireless transceiver assembly is adapted to attach to a patch electrode for placement on the surface of a patient's body, the assembly transmitting signals acquired from the electrode to a base unit. The electrode transceiver assembly includes an amplifier receiving a signal from the electrode and generating an amplified analog signal, a analog to digital converter converting the amplified analog signal into a digital signal, a computing platform such as a microcontroller with a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) function having a memory storing a set of instructions executable by the microcontroller/DSP, a buffer storing digital signals for transmission to the base unit and a wireless transceiver module including an antenna for wireless transmission of the digital signals to the base unit.
A frequency generator is provided that is responsive to commands from the microcontroller. The frequency generator generates a signal at frequency at which the wireless transmission from the wireless transceiver assembly to the base unit is to occur. The microcontroller is operative to select a frequency for the wireless transmission in response to control commands received from the base unit.
In still another aspect of the invention, a base unit is provided for a plurality of wireless, programmable transceiver assemblies each adapted to attach to a patch electrode for placement on the surface of a patient's body. The base unit includes a transceiver module including an antenna for wireless communication in transmit and receive directions between the base unit and the wireless, programmable transceiver assemblies. The wireless communication from the wireless, programmable transceiver assemblies to the base unit occurs in a plurality of discrete time slots in a single frequency channel. The base unit further includes an encoder/decoder coupled to the antenna, a microcontroller and a memory. The microcontroller performs error correction on signals from the encoder/decoder and executes initialization and transceiver management and command routines.
The base unit further includes a demultiplexer demultiplexing received data from the plurality of wireless transceiver assemblies in the plurality of discrete time slots. A digital to analog converter converts the received, demultiplexed digital signals into analog signal. An interface supplies the analog signals to a monitor for display.
Preferably, the monitor comprises a conventional, pre-existing ECG monitor.
The wireless origin of the supplied analog signals is transparent to the ECG monitor.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a wireless bio-potential signal acquisition system, comprising: a plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, each of the transceivers associated with a patch electrode for use in medical monitoring, and a base unit comprising a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving messages to the plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, the messages including configuration commands for the plurality of individual, programmable wireless transceivers; the base unit transmitting a global time base signal to the plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, the global time base signal for synchronizing the timing of transmission of signals acquired by the plurality of individual, programmable wireless transceivers to the base unit in discrete time slots in a single frequency channel, the base unit further comprising an interface to a monitor, whereby the acquired signals may be sent from the base unit to the monitor for display;
wherein the base unit transmits a frequency selection command messages) to the plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, the plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers responsively selecting a common frequency channel from transmission of the acquired signals to the base unit in the discrete time slots; and 2 0 wherein the individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers store a list of available, predetermined frequency channels for transmission of the acquired signals to the base unit and wherein the frequency selection command messages) commands the plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers to transmit the acquired signals to the base unit on one of the predetermined frequency channels.
2 5 In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a dynamically programmable, wireless bio-potential signal acquisition system, comprising: a plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, each of the transceivers associated with a patch electrode for use in medical monitoring, and a base unit comprising a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving messages to the plurality of individual, remotely 3 0 programmable wireless transceivers, wherein the base unit and the plurality of individual, programmable wireless transceivers implement a wireless programming protocol by which the messages are exchanged between the base unit and the plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers whereby registration, configuration, data acquisition control, and data transmission control properties of the plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers may be managed by the base unit; wherein the base unit further comprises an interface to monitoring equipment, the base unit operable to output data on the interface formatted as electrode input signals.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a dynamically programmable, wireless bio-potential signal acquisition system, comprising: a plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, each of the transceivers associated with a patch electrode for use in medical monitoring, and a base unit comprising a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving messages to the plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, wherein the base unit and the plurality of individual, programmable wireless transceivers implement a wireless programming protocol by which the messages are exchanged between the base unit and the plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers whereby registration, configuration, data acquisition control, and data transmission control properties of the plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers may be managed by the base unit; and wherein the plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers are generic with respect to particular placement locations on a surface of a patient's body, and wherein the base unit transmits programming data to the individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, 2 0 the programming data including electrode position location data associated with a unique placement position for the individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers and electrode identifier data.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a dynamically programmable, wireless bio-potential signal acquisition system, comprising: a plurality of individual, 2 5 remotely programmable wireless transceivers, each of the transceivers associated with a patch electrode for use in medical monitoring, and a base unit comprising a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving messages to the plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, wherein the base unit and the plurality of individual, programmable wireless transceivers implement a wireless programming protocol by which 3 0 the messages are exchanged between the base unit and the plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers whereby registration, configuration, data acquisition control, and data transmission control properties of the plurality of individual, remotely 8a programmable wireless transceivers may be managed by the base unit; wherein the base unit transmits a frequency selection command messages) to the plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, the plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers responsively selecting a common frequency channel for transmission of acquired signals to the base unit in discrete time slots; and wherein the individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers store a list of available, predetermined frequency channels for transmission of the acquired signals to the base unit and wherein the frequency selection command messages) commands the plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers to transmit the acquired signals to the base unit on one of the predetermined frequency channels.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a wireless, programmable transceiver adapted to attach to a patch electrode for placement on a surface of a patient's body, the transceiver transmitting signals acquired from the electrode to a base unit, comprising: an amplifier receiving a signal from the electrode and generating an amplified analog signal; an anti-abasing filter removing undesirable frequencies; an analog to digital converter converting the amplified, filtered analog signal into a digital signal; a computing platform having a memory storing a set of instructions executable by the computing platform and performing signal processing of the digital signal; a buffer storing the digital signal for transmission to the base unit; a wireless transceiver module including an antenna for 2 0 wireless transmission of the digital signal between the wireless programmable transceiver assembly and the base unit; and a frequency generator for generating a frequency at which the wireless transmission is to occur from a stored list of available, predetermined frequency channels; wherein the computing platform is operative to select a frequency for the wireless transmission in response to control commands received from the base unit at the wireless 2 5 transceiver module.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a base unit for a plurality of wireless, programmable transceivers each adapted to attach to a patch electrode for placement on a surface of a patient's body, comprising: a transceiver module including an antenna for wireless communication in transmit and receive directions between the base unit 3 0 and the wireless, programmable transceivers, the wireless communication from the plurality of wireless, programmable transceivers to the base unit occurring in a plurality of discrete time slots in a single frequency channel; an encoder/decoder coupled to the antenna; a 8b computing platform and a memory, the computing platform performing error correction, processing information in control messages and data in digitized signals from the encoder/decoder; a demultiplexer demultiplexing received data from the plurality of wireless, programmable transceiver assemblies in the plurality of discrete time slots; a digital to analog converter for converting received, demultiplexed digital signals from the plurality of wireless, programmable transceiver assemblies into analog signals; and an interface supplying the analog signals to a monitor for display.
These and still other aspects and features of the invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment. In this specification, the terms "wireless transceiver" and "programmable wireless transceiver" are meant to refer to the wireless electrode transceiver assembly as a unit, as distinguished from the actual transceiver module within the assembly, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A presently preferred embodiment of the invention is described below in conjunction with the appended drawing figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in the vaxious views, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the system of the present invention in use with a patient to acquire ECG signals from the patient and supply them to an ECG
monitor;
2 0 FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of one of the patch electrodes and associated remotely programmable wireless transceiver of FIG. 1, it being understood that all of such patch electrodes and wireless transceivers of FIG.I are of a construction similar to that shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the wireless transceiver assembly of FIG. 2;
2 5 FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the base unit of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the time division multiplexing of transmission from the plurality of wireless transceivers of FIG. 1 in the uplink direction (the SC
direction of wireless transmission from the wireless transceivers to the base unit), and the transmission of synchronization, reference and control data from the base unit to the wireless transceivers in a common channel in the downlink direction;
FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a base unit initialization routine;
FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a wireless transceiver initialization routine;
FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a programming procedure for programming the wireless transceivers of FIG. 1 when initializing the ECG system of FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a base unit of FIG. 4 and a group of wireless transceivers being initialized according to the procedure of FIG. 8; and FIG. 10 is a perspective view of three wireless transmitters after the procedure of FIG. 8 has been completed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The present invention provides a system consisting of multiple smart wireless transceiver devices sized to snap onto conventional disposable patch electrodes for wireless medical monitoring, and a base unit communicating with the wireless electrode devices that is also capable of interfacing to existing conventional bedside monitoring and display equipment. The system is particularly suited to wireless ECG
monitoring. The electrode devices receive commands from the base unit such as registration information, transmission frequency commands, amplifier gain commands, transmitter control commands, power saving mode, etc. and include hardware and software or firmware for processing these commands and responsively configuring the wireless transceiver accordingly.
The wireless transceivers will also preferably receive a global time base signal from the base unit. The global time base signal is used for in synchronizing the timing of acquisition of sample points for all electrodes used in measuring input body surface potentials (e.g., ECG signal). The base unit receives the transmitted ECG
signal from each electrode (at predetermined time intervals if time division multiplexing is the embodiment of the communication protocol), demodulates, decodes (with error correction), digitally processes the data, applies any needed signal conditioning (amplification, filtering), and converts back to analog form for outputting the ECG
signals to the standard ECG equipment for display. The base unit also has a universal interface to existing standard ECG equipment so that the wireless link between the electrodes and base unit appears transparent to the ECG equipment. The ECG
equipment will accept the individual electrode signals for developing any required lead configuration.
While time division multiplexing is a presently preferred embodiment for the transmission of electrode bio-potential signals, other transmission formats could be used. An example of an alternative transmission format is code division multiplexing, a technique known in the wireless communications art.
The wireless transceivers and base unit also use a unique over-the-air communication protocol between the base unit and the electrodes which allows wireless programming (configuration), identification, auditing, data acquisition control, and transmitter control of each electrode used in the ECG system. For frequency bandwidth efficiency of the invention, the system could be designed such that transmission of mufti-channel ECG signals is on a single digitally encoded frequency channel between the base unit transceiver and multiple electrode devices by using time division multiplexing. For example, each electrode will receive synchronization data from the base unit on the same receive frequency, and instruction on which time slot to transmit it's digitally encoded ECG data.
This makes it possible for multiple patients to use the wireless ECG system in the same hospital room if there is limited bandwidth.
Referring now to FIG. 1, a system 10 according to a presently preferred embodiment is shown schematically for use with a patient 12. The system 10 acquires ECG signals from the patient 12 and supplies them to an ECG monitor 14.
The system 10 is a wireless system, in that a plurality of electrode assemblies 16 receive commands (e.g., synchronization and control commands) from a base unit using wireless transmission methods, and supply the ECG signals to the base unit 18 using wireless transmission methods as well. Thus, cumbersome wires for the electrode assemblies 16 are eliminated in the illustrated embodiment.
The electrode assemblies 16 of FIG. 1 consist of a plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers 20, each transceiver designed to snap onto a conventional patch electrode 22 (such as the 3M Red dot electrode) used in ECG monitoring. The wireless transceivers are described in further detail in conjunction with Figure 2 and 3. The base unit 18 includes a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving messages to the plurality of individual wireless transceivers, and is described in further detail in conjunction with Figures 4, 6, 8 and 9.
The base unit further has an interface for providing analog ECG signals received from the wireless transceivers 20 to a conventional ECG display monitor 14.
A preferred communications format for wireless communication between the base unit 18 and the wireless transceivers 20 is time division multiplexing in a common frequency channel in the uplink direction, that is between the transceivers and the base unit. Each wireless transceiver 20 transmits ECG signals in a particular time slot in the channel, as indicated in FIG. 5. In the downlink direction, the base unit transmits control commands and other information in a common channel that all the wireless transceivers are tuned to. The time slot assignment, frequency assignment, and other transmission control information is managed and controlled by the base unit 18, as described in further detail below. An alternative embodiment is to use code division multiple access (CDMA) communication format for wireless communication between the base unit 18 and the wireless transceivers 20, a technique known to persons skilled in the wireless digital communication art.
The messages transmitted by the base unit 18 also include configuration commands for the wireless transceivers 20. These configuration commands can be, for example, change or set the data acquisition sampling rate, amplifier gain setting, and channel carrier settings, and can also consist of a timing signal for synchronization of the transmission time slot. Preferably, the base unit 18 transmits a global time base signal to all of the wireless transceivers. The global time base signal synchronizes the timing of transmission of the ECG signals acquired by all of the wireless transceivers 20, such that the transmissions are in discrete time slots in a single frequency channel, as shown in FIG. 5.
The details of the over-the-air programming protocol to exchange messages and information between the base unit and the transceivers may be arnved at in many ways within the spirit of the present invention, and is considered within the ability of i i I ~ i n I
a person sltilled in the pertinent art. In one possible embodiment, packets of data are transmitted between the base unit and the wireless transceivers. ~ Particular fields in the packets (bytes of data) are reserved for control data, payload data, CRC
or error correction data, etc. in accordance with known wireless transmission protocols, conventional data transmission techniques such as IP or Ethernet, or similar techniques. A presently preferred protocol is described in the application of Mohammad Khair et_ al filed concurrently herewith, entitled "Wireless Protocol for , , Medical Monitoring", US 6,441,747 issued August 27, 2002 to Khair et al.
FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of one of the patch electrodes 22 and associated remotely progracrimable wireless transceiver 20 assembly 16 of FIG.
1, it being understood that all of such patch electrodes and wireless transceivers of FIG. 1 are of a construction similar to that shown in FIG. 2. The patch electrode 22 is adhered to the surface of the patient's body 12 in conventional fashion. The patch electrode 22 includes a conductor 24 supplying ECG or other signals to a pin 26. The pin 26 is received in complementary pin receiving structure 28 in the wireless transceiver 20 so as engage (as in a snap fit) the two parts 20 and 22.
The pin receiving structure 28 conducts electrical impulses with respect to a local ground reference to electronic circuitry in the wireless transceiver 20.
The local ground reference consists of a flexible strip 21 connected to the transceiver 20 having a tip or skin contact 21A, made from a conductive material, which is placed underneath the patch electrode 22 in contact with the skin. The purpose is to allow a . the transceiver to measure the bio-potential difference between the signal contact point 26 and the local ground reference 21l21A. The material used for the strip 21 could be a thin flexible material such as plastic with an internal conductive trace or lead wire from the transceiver 20 to the skin contact point 21A. The skin contact point 21A is preferably coated with conductive silver chloride (AgCI) material 21B on one side thereof.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the wireless transceiver of FIG.s 1 and 2. The transceiver assembly 20 snaps onto the post pin 26 of a disposable conventional patch electrode. Electrical signals provided from the electrode 22 are supplied to a low noise, variable gain amplifier 30 in the wireless transceiver 20. The amplifier 30 may include a pre-amp stage. The analog signal is filtered, sampled and converted to digital signals in the A/D converter 32. The digital signals are supplied to a computing platform, illustrated as a microcontroller/Digital Signal Processor 34. The microcontroller performs signal processing of the digital signal supplied by the A/D
converter 32. The signal processing functions include noise filtering and gain control of the digital ECG signal. In an alternative but less-preferred embodiment, gain control in the transceiver assembly could be performed by adjustment of the amplifier '' 30 gain in the analog signal path. The microcontroller also processes commands and messages received from the base unit, and executes firmware instructions stored in a memory 36. The memory further stores a unique electrode identifier as described in further detail below. The memory may also store a position location identifier or data associated with a position the electrode is attached to the patient. The position location identifier or data is dynamically programmable from the base unit.
The processed digital ECG signals are buffered in a buffer 38, supplied to an encoder/decoder 40 and fed to a RF transceiver module 42 for transmission to the base unit via a low power built-in RF antenna 44. The transceiver 42 includes a modulator/demodulator, transmitter, power amp, receiver, filters and an antenna switch. A frequency generator 46 generates a Garner frequency for the RF
transmission. The frequency is adjustable by the microcontroller 34. A battery with a negative terminal connected to a local ground reference provides DC
power to the components. The microcontroller/DSP 34 controls the frequency generator 46 so as to select a frequency for wireless transmission of data and control messages to the base unit. The microcontroller in the computing platform 34 also executes an initialization routine wherein the receiver scans a default receive channel for commands from the base unit, and if the commands are received the transmitter transmits identification information in an assigned frequency and time slot to the base unit.
All or some of the individual blocks shown in FIG. 3 could be combined in a microchip or microchips to miniaturize the size of the snap-on wireless transceiver assembly 20.
Referring now to FIG. 4, the base unit 18 is shown also in block diagram form.
The base unit 18 transmits commands to all of the wireless transceivers and instructs each transceiver to transmit its ECG data individually (such as in time division multiplexing). The base unit receives the transmitted ECG signals from the electrodes (up to 10) in sequence and then demodulates, decodes, error corrects, de-multiplexes, buffers, signal conditions, and reconverts each electrode's data back to an analog signal for interfacing to the standard ECG monitor 14. The base unit also transmits programming information to the electrodes for frequency selection, power control, etc.
The base unit 18 includes a low power RF antenna 50, a frequency generator 52 for generating a carrier frequency and an RF transceiver 54. The transceiver 54 includes a modulator/demodulator, transmitter, power amp, receiver, filters and an antenna switch. The base unit further includes a encoder/decoder 56, a computing platform such as a microcontroller/Digital Signal Processor (DSP) 58, and a memory 60 storing code for execution by the microcontroller/DSP, and I/O interface 59 for connection to a personal computer which is used as a test port for running system diagnostics, base unit software upgrades, etc., and a user interface 61. The user interface 61 may consist of the following: a display for indicating electrode programming information or error/alarm conditions, a keypad or buttons for user requested inputs, an alarm unit for audibly indicating error/alarm conditions (for example a detached, low battery or failed electrode), and LEDs for visually indicating error, alarm or programming status.
The time slot ECG data received from the wireless transceivers is demultiplexed in demultiplexer 62 and supplied to a buffer 64. A digital to analog filter bank 66 converts the multiple channels of digital data from the wireless transceivers to analog form. The analog signals are amplified by amplifiers 68 and supplied to an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) standard ECG monitor interface 70. The interface 70 could be either part of the base unit 18 assembly so that it can directly plug into the ECG display equipment 14 via a standard connector, or it could be part of a cable connection to the display equipment. The idea with the OEM
interface 70 is to supply multiple analog ECG signals to the conventional ECG
display equipment already used in the hospital environment, in a compatible and transparent mariner, such that the display equipment would treat the signals as if they were generated from conventional wired electrodes. Familiarity with the analog signal acquisition hardware or electronics for the ECG display equipment 14 will be required obviously, and the OEM interface circuitry may vary depending on the manufacturer of the display equipment. The OEM monitor interface detailed design is considered within the ability of a person skilled in the art.
Refernng to FIG: 5, a possible transmission scheme between the wireless transceivers 20 and the base unit 18 is time division multiplexing. This allows a single transmit frequency to be used by all the electrodes in the ECG system.
All electrodes receive commands and synchronization data (time base signal, reference signal and control data 76) from the base unit 18 on an assigned receive frequency (downlink) channel. The electrode receive channel may or may not be slotted (time multiplexed). Electrode 1 20/22A transmits it's data on time slot 1 72 (Electrode 2 20/22B on time slot 2 74, etc.) at the assigned transmit frequency (uplink) channel.
The base unit 18 receives the transmission from the electrodes 20/22 and demultiplexes, buffers, and reconstructs the individual electrode data.
The system 10 of FIG. 1 utilizes an over the air programming mechanism to exchange messaging and information between the base unit 18 and the wireless transceivers 20. Various types of information could be exchanged. For example, the base unit 18 transmits a data acquisition control message to the wireless transceivers, which tells the microcontroller in the wireless transceivers to start and stop data acquisition. Another command would be a frequency selection command message sent to the wireless transceivers, in which the wireless transceivers responsively select a common frequency channel for transmission of acquired ECG signals to the base unit in discrete time slots.
The following is a list of some of the possible programming commands and messages that could be sent between the base unit and the wireless transceivers:
a. Registration of electrodes 20/22 with the base unit 18. This would include the detection of the electrode type and an associated unique electrode identifier by the base unit. This could also include transmission of a unique base unit identifier to the electrodes (for example where multiple base units are within RF range of the electrodes) and detection of the base unit identifier by the electrode. Also, a patient reference number could also be stored in each electrode so it only receives commands from a specific patient-assigned base unit. Each electrode reference number is also stored in the base unit, so that data coming only from these electrodes is accepted. An additional registration feature would be assignment of a specific electrode function (i.e., position on the patient's body). This is discussed in more detail below. With each of the above commands and messages, the receiving unit would typically transmit back an acknowledgment signal indicating the receipt of the command and sending back any required information to the transmitting unit.
b. Configuration of data acquisition sampling rate.
c. Configuration of amplifier 30 gain setting.
d. Configuration of preamplifier filter band settings.
e. Configuration of Garner channel settings, namely the frequency of the carrier signal generated by the frequency generator 46 in the transceivers.
f. Configuration of timing signal for transmission time slot. This needs to be synchronized with the data acquisition rate.
g. Battery 45 utilization sleep/activation mode.
h. Battery 45 low voltage level detection.
i. Data acquisition start/stop scenario.
j. Data transmit procedure.
k. Error sample data recover/retransmit scenario.
1. System test diagnostic procedure m. Scan of electrode current channel setting procedure n. Electrode detection procedure.
o. Electrode status audit.
p. Base unit status audit.
q. Data acquisition subsystem audit.
In a preferred embodiment, for every smart wireless transceiver, the system will provide a registration mechanism whereby an electrode identifier is dynamically programmed into the base unit. Additionally, the electrode functional position on the patent (i.e., LA, RA, LL, VI, V2, V3, V4, V5, or V6) is dynamically assigned.
An Electrode Universal Identifier (EUI) will encode the smart electrode unique serial number. During data transaction, each electrode is assigned a temporary identifier after each registration scenario (on power up or reconfiguration). The temporary identifier can be composed of electrode number and random number for example.
Electrode System Initialization Figure 6 shows a flow diagram of a possible initialization procedure (for both the base unit 18 and electrodes 20/22) for use where the transmission scheme between the base unit and the wireless transceivers 20 is time division multiplexing.
This procedure assumes that each electrode in the ECG system contains a unique identifier and a unique functional position 117 (i.e., LA, RA, LL, V l, V2, V3, V4, VS, or V6).
At step 80, the base unit is powered up. The base unit is configured for the number of leads used in the ECG system, such as 3, 5 or 12. The configuration could be facilitated by means of any suitable user interface on the base unit 18, such as a display and buttons as shown in FIG. 9 and described subsequently. At step 82, the base unit scans its receive channels, a list of which is programmed into the base unit.
At step 84, the base unit determines whether any other ECG base unit transmissions are detected. If so, at step 86 the base unit selects the next unused frequency from the list of predetermined frequency channels as a transmit channel. If not, at step 88 the base unit selects the first frequency from the list of predetermined frequency channels as the transmission channel. The process then proceeds to step 90.
At step 90, the base unit stars transmitting electrode registration data and messages on the default programming channel determined in steps 86 or 88. The registration data and messages include a base unit identification code or serial number. The registration data and messages were described earlier. This insures that the wireless transceivers to be associated with this particular base unit being initialized respond to commands from this base unit and no other base unit. At step 92, the Base unit instructs all required electrodes to transmit on a predetermined frequency channel, and assigns time slots to each electrode. The base unit then communicates with electrodes to complete registration. If a particular electrode or electrodes did not complete registration, the base unit indicates via its user interface which electrode is not registered at step 96. If registration is completed for all the electrodes, the base units instruct all electrodes to receive commands on a new predetermined frequency channel at step 98. At step 100, the base unit instructs all electrodes to begin ECG data acquisition and to transmit at the assigned frequency and in the assigned time slot. Step 100 may be started in response to a user prompt via the base unit user interface. During data acquisition, at step 102 the base unit continuously monitors for interference on the receive data channel (uplink direction).
If excessive interference occurs (such as from a high bit error rate detected in the base unit microcontroller), the base unit selects a new channel from the list of available frequencies for the electrodes to transmit on and commands a change in transmit frequency.
FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of an electrode initialization procedure that may be employed. When the electrodes are initially powered up at step 110, the electrodes will be in a receive only mode. At step 112, the electrodes automatically scan the default receive channel to see if any commands and synchronization signals are being transmitted by the base unit. If no commands and synchronization commands are received at step 114, the electrode goes back to step 112 and selects another receive frequency from its list of default frequencies. If commands and synchronization data have been received, at step 116 the electrode sends is unique identification data (containing information on the position on the patient's body) on the assigned frequency and in the assigned time slot back to the base unit, indicating to the base unit that it is ready to acquire ECG signals and is in an operating condition.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers 20 are initially generic with respect to particular placement locations on the surface of a patient's body.
Furthermore, the electrodes could be manufactured without preprogrammed functional position identifiers. This is advantageous since it would not be necessary to have the hospital or user maintain an inventory of individual electrodes based on functional position (i.e., LA, RA, LL, V1, V2, etc.). All the electrode assemblies are considered generic and could be programmed with unique identifiers indicating the position on the body by the base unit when the user sets up the ECG system. The procedure of FIG. 8 could be used for programming of each electrode when initializing the ECG
system.
After first time programming of the electrode assemblies, the system only needs to go through the initialization program of FIG. 6 when it is powered up again.
FIG. 8 shows the initialization procedure in the alternative embodiment. FIG.
9 shows the base unit 18 having a user interface 61 comprising a display 132 and a plurality of buttons or keys 133 for assisting the user to interact with the base unit. A
group of generic wireless transceivers 20 are shown ready for initialization.
The user has a set of pre-printed labels 135, which are removed from a plastic backing and placed on the wireless transceivers as shown in FIG. 10.
Refernng now to FIG. 8 and 9, at step 140 the user sets up the base unit into an electrode programming mode, such as by responding to prompts on the display and selecting the mode with one of the buttons or keys 133. The base unit programming mode could be done at lower power transmissions, requiring the wireless transceiver 20 to be programmed to be adjacent to the base unit (thereby avoiding programming more than one transceiver at a time). Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9, the base unit has a programming initialization interface 136 which makes contact with a socket or other feature in the transceiver for purposes of programming the transceiver during initialization. When the transceiver is placed into contact with the programming initialization interface 136, the base unit could automatically go into programming mode, or it could simply go into programming mode upon power up.
In any event, at step 142 the first electrode assembly 20/22 is powered up and placed near the base unit or positioned in contact with the programming initialization interface 136. The initialization of the electrodes could be done by mechanical means, such as plugging the electrode transceiver 20 into the base unit programming initialization interface 136.
At step 144, the electrode scans the default programming channel. At step 146, the base unit sends a low power programming command on the default transmit channel or some other channel that has the least RF interference. At step 148, the electrode determines whether it has received the programming command. If not, the electrode scans the list of default channels and selects a new channel to listen on. If so, the electrode transmits a response message on its assigned transmit channel at step 1 S0. At step 152, the base unit determines whether it has received the response from the electrode. If not, the base unit goes back to step 146 and transmits the low power programming command on a new transmit channel. If so, the base unit transmits programming data to the electrode at step 153. At step 153, the programming data includes the electrode unique identifier, including the electrode position (LA, RL, or V3, etc.), the base unit unique identifier, and other registration commands as described above. At step 154, the electrode determines whether a programming error was detected, and if so at step 156 sends a retransmit program message to base unit causing it to repeat the programming data at step 152. If no error occurred, the process proceeds to step 158, at which the electrode completes programming with the base unit. At step 160, the base unit instructs the electrode to wait for additional commands. At this point, since the unique base unit ID has been programmed in the wireless transceiver, it can scan ECG system control channels and receive and operate on commands only from the base unit that programmed the transceiver. At step 162, the base unit displays the electrode placement position on the user interface display and prompts the user to place the next electrode for programming into the initialization interface 136.
After all the electrodes have been programmed, the base unit will automatically be configured for the proper number of electrodes used in the ECG
system. As each electrode is programmed the user removes a label 135 from the stock of labels 137 indicating the position programmed on the electrode and applies the label to the electrode (e.g., to the top or upper surface of the wireless transceiver 20), as shown in FIG. 10.
From the foregoing description, it will appreciated that we have described a dynamically programmable, wireless bio-potential signal acquisition system, comprising: a plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers 20, each transceiver associated with a patch electrode 22 for use in medical monitoring, and a base unit 18 comprising a wireless transceiver 54 (FIG. 4) for sending and receiving messages to the plurality of individual transceivers 20.
The base unit and wireless transceivers 22 implement a wireless programming protocol by which messages and information are exchanged between base unit 18 and wireless transceivers 20 (such as shown in FIG. 6 and 8) whereby registration, configuration, and data transmission control properties of the wireless transceivers may be managed by the base unit.
Preferably, the base unit transmits a global time base signal to the wireless transceivers, the global time base signal synchronizing the timing of transmission of biop-potential signals acquired by the wireless transceivers in discrete time slots in a single frequency channel. As shown in FIG. 1 and 4, the base unit further comprises an interface 70 to a conventional ECG monitoring equipment such as a display, whereby acquired ECG signals may be transmitted to the ECG monitoring equipment for display. The system of base unit 18 and wireless remotely programmable transceivers 20 is particularly well adapted for use with standard conventional patch electrodes and existing ECG monitoring equipment, and thus presents a flexible, low cost and convenient system for acquiring ECG signals and presenting them to a display unit for display.
Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the details of the presently preferred embodiment described herein can be changed and modified without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention. The system can be used to acquire ECG signals, electroencephalogram signals, electromyography signals, or other types of signals. This true spirit and scope is to be determined in reference to the appended claims.
Claims (37)
1. A wireless bio-potential signal acquisition system, comprising:
a) a plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, each of said transceivers associated with a patch electrode for use in medical monitoring, and b) a base unit comprising a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving messages to said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, said messages including configuration commands for said plurality of individual, programmable wireless transceivers;
said base unit transmitting a global time base signal to said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, said global time base signal for synchronizing timing of transmission of signals acquired by said plurality of individual, programmable wireless transceivers to said base unit in discrete time slots in a single frequency channel, said base unit further comprising an interface to a monitor, whereby said acquired signals may be sent from said base unit said monitor for display; and wherein said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers are generic with respect to particular placement locations on the surface of a patient's body, and wherein said base unit transmits programming commands to said individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, said programming commands including electrode position location data associated with a unique placement position for said individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers and electrode identification data.
a) a plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, each of said transceivers associated with a patch electrode for use in medical monitoring, and b) a base unit comprising a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving messages to said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, said messages including configuration commands for said plurality of individual, programmable wireless transceivers;
said base unit transmitting a global time base signal to said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, said global time base signal for synchronizing timing of transmission of signals acquired by said plurality of individual, programmable wireless transceivers to said base unit in discrete time slots in a single frequency channel, said base unit further comprising an interface to a monitor, whereby said acquired signals may be sent from said base unit said monitor for display; and wherein said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers are generic with respect to particular placement locations on the surface of a patient's body, and wherein said base unit transmits programming commands to said individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, said programming commands including electrode position location data associated with a unique placement position for said individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers and electrode identification data.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein said base unit transmits a data acquisition control message(s) to said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein said base unit transmits a frequency selection command message(s) to said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers responsively selecting a common frequency channel for transmission of said acquired signals to said base unit in said discrete time slots.
4. A wireless bio-potential signal acquisition system, comprising:
a) a plurality of individual , remotely programmable wireless transceivers, each of said transceivers associated with a patch electrode for use in medical monitoring, and b) a base unit comprising a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving messages to said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, said messages including configuration commands for said plurality of individual, programmable wireless transceivers;
said base unit transmitting a global time base signal to said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, said global time base signal for synchronizing the timing of transmission of signals acquired by said plurality of individual, programmable wireless transceivers to said base unit in discrete time slots in a single frequency channel, said base unit further comprising an interface to a monitor, whereby said acquired signals may be sent from said base unit to said monitor for display;
wherein said base unit transmits a frequency selection command message(s) to said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers responsively selecting a common frequency channel from transmission of said acquired signals to said base unit in said discrete time slots; and wherein said individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers store a list of available, predetermined frequency channels for transmission of said acquired signals to said base unit and wherein said frequency selection command message(s) commands said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers to transmit said acquired signals to said base unit on one of said predetermined frequency channels.
a) a plurality of individual , remotely programmable wireless transceivers, each of said transceivers associated with a patch electrode for use in medical monitoring, and b) a base unit comprising a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving messages to said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, said messages including configuration commands for said plurality of individual, programmable wireless transceivers;
said base unit transmitting a global time base signal to said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, said global time base signal for synchronizing the timing of transmission of signals acquired by said plurality of individual, programmable wireless transceivers to said base unit in discrete time slots in a single frequency channel, said base unit further comprising an interface to a monitor, whereby said acquired signals may be sent from said base unit to said monitor for display;
wherein said base unit transmits a frequency selection command message(s) to said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers responsively selecting a common frequency channel from transmission of said acquired signals to said base unit in said discrete time slots; and wherein said individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers store a list of available, predetermined frequency channels for transmission of said acquired signals to said base unit and wherein said frequency selection command message(s) commands said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers to transmit said acquired signals to said base unit on one of said predetermined frequency channels.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein said base unit further comprises a display, and wherein said unique placement position for said individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers is displayed on said display to a user.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein said individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers transmit response message(s) to said base unit in response to said programming commands.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein said systems is used to acquire ECG signals.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein said system is used to acquire electroencephalogram signals.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein said system is used to acquire electromyography signals.
10. A dynamically programmable, wireless bio-potential signal acquisition system, comprising:
a) a plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, each of said transceivers associated with a patch electrode for use in medical monitoring, and b) a base unit comprising a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving messages to said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, c) wherein said base unit and said plurality of individual, programmable wireless transceivers implement a wireless programming protocol by which said messages are exchanged between said base unit and said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers whereby registration, configuration, data acquisition control, and data transmission control properties of said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers may be managed by said base unit;
wherein the base unit further comprises an interface to monitoring equipment, the base unit operable to output data on the interface formatted as electrode input signals.
a) a plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, each of said transceivers associated with a patch electrode for use in medical monitoring, and b) a base unit comprising a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving messages to said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, c) wherein said base unit and said plurality of individual, programmable wireless transceivers implement a wireless programming protocol by which said messages are exchanged between said base unit and said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers whereby registration, configuration, data acquisition control, and data transmission control properties of said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers may be managed by said base unit;
wherein the base unit further comprises an interface to monitoring equipment, the base unit operable to output data on the interface formatted as electrode input signals.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein said base unit transmits a global time base signal to said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, said global time base signal for synchronizing timing of transmission of signals acquired by said plurality of individual, programmable wireless transceivers to said base unit in discrete time slots in a single frequency channel.
12. The system of claim 10, wherein said base unit further comprises the interface to conventional monitoring and display equipment, whereby said acquired signals may be sent from said base unit to said monitoring and display equipment for display.
13. A dynamically programmable, wireless bio-potential signal acquisition system, comprising:
a) a plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, each of said transceivers associated with a patch electrode for use in medical monitoring, and b) a base unit comprising a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving messages to said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, c) wherein said base unit and said plurality of individual, programmable wireless transceivers implement a wireless programming protocol by which said messages are exchanged between said base unit and said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers whereby registration, configuration, data acquisition control, and data transmission control properties of said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers may be managed by said base unit; and wherein said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers are generic with respect to particular placement locations on a surface of a patient's body, and wherein said base unit transmits programming data to said individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, said programming data including electrode position location data associated with a unique placement position for said individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers and electrode identifier data.
a) a plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, each of said transceivers associated with a patch electrode for use in medical monitoring, and b) a base unit comprising a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving messages to said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, c) wherein said base unit and said plurality of individual, programmable wireless transceivers implement a wireless programming protocol by which said messages are exchanged between said base unit and said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers whereby registration, configuration, data acquisition control, and data transmission control properties of said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers may be managed by said base unit; and wherein said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers are generic with respect to particular placement locations on a surface of a patient's body, and wherein said base unit transmits programming data to said individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, said programming data including electrode position location data associated with a unique placement position for said individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers and electrode identifier data.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein said base unit further comprises a display, and wherein said unique placement position for said individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers is displayed on said display to a user.
15. The system of claim 10, wherein said base unit transmits a frequency selection command message(s) to said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers responsively selecting a common frequency channel for transmission of acquired signals to said base unit in discrete time slots.
16. A dynamically programmable, wireless bio-potential signal acquisition system, comprising:
a) a plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, each of said transceivers associated with a patch electrode for use in medical monitoring, and b) a base unit comprising a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving messages to said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, c) wherein said base unit and said plurality of individual, programmable wireless transceivers implement a wireless programming protocol by which said messages are exchanged between said base unit and said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers whereby registration, configuration, data acquisition control, and data transmission control properties of said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers may be managed by said base unit;
wherein said base unit transmits a frequency selection command message(s) to said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers responsively selecting a common frequency channel for transmission of acquired signals to said base unit in discrete time slots;
and wherein said individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers store a list of available, predetermined frequency channels for transmission of said acquired signals to said base unit and wherein said frequency selection command message(s) commands said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers to transmit said acquired signals to said base unit on one of said predetermined frequency channels.
a) a plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, each of said transceivers associated with a patch electrode for use in medical monitoring, and b) a base unit comprising a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving messages to said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, c) wherein said base unit and said plurality of individual, programmable wireless transceivers implement a wireless programming protocol by which said messages are exchanged between said base unit and said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers whereby registration, configuration, data acquisition control, and data transmission control properties of said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers may be managed by said base unit;
wherein said base unit transmits a frequency selection command message(s) to said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers, said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers responsively selecting a common frequency channel for transmission of acquired signals to said base unit in discrete time slots;
and wherein said individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers store a list of available, predetermined frequency channels for transmission of said acquired signals to said base unit and wherein said frequency selection command message(s) commands said plurality of individual, remotely programmable wireless transceivers to transmit said acquired signals to said base unit on one of said predetermined frequency channels.
17. The system of claim 10, wherein said system is used to acquire ECG
signals.
signals.
18. The system of claim 10, wherein said system is used to acquire electroencephalogram signals.
19. The system of claim 10, wherein said system is used to acquire electromyography signals.
20. A wireless, programmable transceiver adapted to attach to a patch electrode for placement on a surface of a patient's body, said transceiver transmitting signals acquired from said electrode to a base unit, comprising:
an amplifier receiving a signal from said electrode and generating an amplified analog signal;
an anti-aliasing filter removing undesirable frequencies;
an analog to digital converter converting said amplified, filtered analog signal into a digital signal;
a computing platform having a memory storing a set of instructions executable by said computing platform and performing signal processing of said digital signal;
a buffer storing said digital signal for transmission to said base unit;
a wireless transceiver module including an antenna for wireless transmission of said digital signal between said wireless programmable transceiver assembly and said base unit; and a frequency generator for generating a frequency at which said wireless transmission is to occur from a stored list of available, predetermined frequency channels;
wherein said computing platform is operative to select a frequency for said wireless transmission in response to control commands received from said base unit at said wireless transceiver module.
an amplifier receiving a signal from said electrode and generating an amplified analog signal;
an anti-aliasing filter removing undesirable frequencies;
an analog to digital converter converting said amplified, filtered analog signal into a digital signal;
a computing platform having a memory storing a set of instructions executable by said computing platform and performing signal processing of said digital signal;
a buffer storing said digital signal for transmission to said base unit;
a wireless transceiver module including an antenna for wireless transmission of said digital signal between said wireless programmable transceiver assembly and said base unit; and a frequency generator for generating a frequency at which said wireless transmission is to occur from a stored list of available, predetermined frequency channels;
wherein said computing platform is operative to select a frequency for said wireless transmission in response to control commands received from said base unit at said wireless transceiver module.
21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said memory stores an electrode identifier,
22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said memory stores position location data associated with a position said electrode is attached to said patient, and wherein said position location data is dynamically programmable from said base unit.
23. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said wireless transceiver module transmits said digital signal to said base unit in a time slot assigned by said base unit.
24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein said microcontroller executes an initialization routine wherein said wireless transceiver module scans a default receive channel for commands from said base unit, and if said commands are received transmits identification information in an assigned frequency and time slot in said frequency to said base unit.
25. A base unit for a plurality of wireless, programmable transceivers each adapted to attach to a patch electrode for placement on a surface of a patient's body, comprising:
a transceiver module including an antenna for wireless communication in transmit and receive directions between said base unit and said wireless, programmable transceivers, said wireless communication from said plurality of wireless, programmable transceivers to said base unit occurring in a plurality of discrete time slots in a single frequency channel;
an encoder/decoder coupled to said antenna;
a computing platform and a memory, said computing platform performing error correction, processing information in control messages and data in digitized signals from said encoder/decoder;
a demultiplexer demultiplexing received data from said plurality of wireless, programmable transceiver assemblies in said plurality of discrete time slots;
a digital to analog converter for converting received, demultiplexed digital signals from said plurality of wireless, programmable transceiver assemblies into analog signals; and an interface supplying said analog signals to a monitor for display.
a transceiver module including an antenna for wireless communication in transmit and receive directions between said base unit and said wireless, programmable transceivers, said wireless communication from said plurality of wireless, programmable transceivers to said base unit occurring in a plurality of discrete time slots in a single frequency channel;
an encoder/decoder coupled to said antenna;
a computing platform and a memory, said computing platform performing error correction, processing information in control messages and data in digitized signals from said encoder/decoder;
a demultiplexer demultiplexing received data from said plurality of wireless, programmable transceiver assemblies in said plurality of discrete time slots;
a digital to analog converter for converting received, demultiplexed digital signals from said plurality of wireless, programmable transceiver assemblies into analog signals; and an interface supplying said analog signals to a monitor for display.
26. The base unit of claim 25, wherein said base unit transmits a global time base signal to said plurality of wireless programmable transceivers, said global time base signal for synchronizing timing of transmission of data acquired by said wireless programmable transceivers to said base unit in said discrete time slots in said single frequency channel.
27. The base unit of claim 25, wherein said base unit transmits a frequency selection command message to said wireless programmable transceivers, said wireless programmable transceivers responsively selecting a common frequency channel for transmission of acquired data to said base unit in said discrete time slots in said selected common frequency channel.
28. The base unit of claim 25, wherein said base unit executed an initialization program illustrated in FIG. 6.
29. The base unit of claim 25, wherein said base unit transmits programming data to said wireless programmable transceivers, said programming data comprising an electrode identifier and an electrode position identifier associated with a position in which said wireless programmable transceiver is to be located on a patient.
30. The base unit of claim 29, further comprising a display displaying position information programmed to said plurality of wireless programmable transceivers.
31. The base unit of claim 25, wherein said base unit implements an initialization routine illustrated in FIG. 8.
32. The base unit of claim 25, further comprising a programming initialization interface for contacting said wireless programmable transceivers for transmission of programming commands to said wireless programmable transceivers.
33. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said computing platform includes a microcontroller.
34. The system of claim 14, wherein each of said transceivers includes a digital signal processor.
35. The system of claim 10, wherein said wireless transceivers communicate with said base unit in a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) communication format.
36. The base unit of claim 25, wherein said wireless transceivers communicate with said base unit in a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) communication format.
37. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said wireless transceiver communicates with said base unit in a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) communication format.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/551,718 | 2000-04-18 | ||
US09/551,718 US6496705B1 (en) | 2000-04-18 | 2000-04-18 | Programmable wireless electrode system for medical monitoring |
PCT/US2001/012549 WO2001078594A1 (en) | 2000-04-18 | 2001-04-17 | Programmable wireless electrode system for medical monitoring |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
CA2403068A1 CA2403068A1 (en) | 2001-10-25 |
CA2403068C true CA2403068C (en) | 2006-01-24 |
Family
ID=24202396
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA002403068A Expired - Fee Related CA2403068C (en) | 2000-04-18 | 2001-04-17 | Programmable wireless electrode system for medical monitoring |
Country Status (10)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US6496705B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1274345B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2004500217A (en) |
AT (1) | ATE374568T1 (en) |
AU (2) | AU5708001A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2403068C (en) |
DE (1) | DE60130751T2 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2295158T3 (en) |
MX (1) | MXPA02010272A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2001078594A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN103315735A (en) * | 2013-05-22 | 2013-09-25 | 西安交通大学 | Underwear-like wearable life information acquisition system |
Families Citing this family (235)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE4329898A1 (en) | 1993-09-04 | 1995-04-06 | Marcus Dr Besson | Wireless medical diagnostic and monitoring device |
US7786562B2 (en) * | 1997-11-11 | 2010-08-31 | Volkan Ozguz | Stackable semiconductor chip layer comprising prefabricated trench interconnect vias |
US20050096513A1 (en) * | 1997-11-11 | 2005-05-05 | Irvine Sensors Corporation | Wearable biomonitor with flexible thinned integrated circuit |
US20020180605A1 (en) * | 1997-11-11 | 2002-12-05 | Ozguz Volkan H. | Wearable biomonitor with flexible thinned integrated circuit |
US7107302B1 (en) | 1999-05-12 | 2006-09-12 | Analog Devices, Inc. | Finite impulse response filter algorithm for implementation on digital signal processor having dual execution units |
US7111155B1 (en) | 1999-05-12 | 2006-09-19 | Analog Devices, Inc. | Digital signal processor computation core with input operand selection from operand bus for dual operations |
US6859872B1 (en) | 1999-05-12 | 2005-02-22 | Analog Devices, Inc. | Digital signal processor computation core with pipeline having memory access stages and multiply accumulate stages positioned for efficient operation |
US6820189B1 (en) * | 1999-05-12 | 2004-11-16 | Analog Devices, Inc. | Computation core executing multiple operation DSP instructions and micro-controller instructions of shorter length without performing switch operation |
DE10000435A1 (en) * | 2000-01-10 | 2001-07-12 | Mann & Hummel Filter | Monitoring maintenance-intensive replacement parts involves storing part specifying data, reading into evaluation unit at predefined times or at predetermined intervals using suitable reader |
EP1290652A2 (en) | 2000-05-05 | 2003-03-12 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Hospital monitoring and control system and method |
AU2001261198A1 (en) | 2000-05-05 | 2001-11-20 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Patient point of care computer system |
US6819260B2 (en) * | 2001-03-07 | 2004-11-16 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Synchronous CDMA telemetry system for use in a wellbore |
WO2002080126A2 (en) | 2001-03-30 | 2002-10-10 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Hospital bed and network system |
US7044911B2 (en) * | 2001-06-29 | 2006-05-16 | Philometron, Inc. | Gateway platform for biological monitoring and delivery of therapeutic compounds |
US7933642B2 (en) | 2001-07-17 | 2011-04-26 | Rud Istvan | Wireless ECG system |
EP1414171A4 (en) * | 2001-08-01 | 2008-10-22 | Anritsu Corp | Method for analyzing signal and signal analyzer having function for displaying slot information |
JP2003230545A (en) * | 2001-12-07 | 2003-08-19 | Matsushita Electric Works Ltd | Myogenic potential-measuring system |
US20030229274A1 (en) * | 2002-06-07 | 2003-12-11 | Barnes-Jewish Hospital | Electromyograph having telemetry |
WO2004074794A1 (en) | 2003-02-20 | 2004-09-02 | Ysi Incorporated | Digitally modified resistive output for a temperature sensor |
US7333844B2 (en) * | 2003-03-28 | 2008-02-19 | Vascular Control Systems, Inc. | Uterine tissue monitoring device and method |
US20050004482A1 (en) * | 2003-07-01 | 2005-01-06 | Budimir Drakulic | Amplified system for determining parameters of a patient |
WO2005018432A2 (en) * | 2003-08-20 | 2005-03-03 | Philometron, Inc. | Hydration monitoring |
US7399205B2 (en) | 2003-08-21 | 2008-07-15 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Plug and receptacle having wired and wireless coupling |
US20050059896A1 (en) * | 2003-09-17 | 2005-03-17 | Budimir Drakulic | Apparatus for, and method of, determining the condition of a patient's heart |
JP4356088B2 (en) * | 2003-09-26 | 2009-11-04 | 日本光電工業株式会社 | Telemeter system for multi-channel biological signals |
NZ529871A (en) * | 2003-11-28 | 2004-09-24 | Senscio Ltd | Radiofrequency adapter for medical monitoring equipment |
US8483757B2 (en) * | 2004-01-09 | 2013-07-09 | Revo Labs, Inc. | Wireless multi-user audio system |
US20070149246A1 (en) * | 2004-01-09 | 2007-06-28 | Revolabs, Inc. | Wireless multi-user audio system |
US20060217162A1 (en) * | 2004-01-09 | 2006-09-28 | Bodley Martin R | Wireless multi-user audio system |
US6995683B2 (en) * | 2004-03-12 | 2006-02-07 | Welldynamics, Inc. | System and method for transmitting downhole data to the surface |
US20050261559A1 (en) * | 2004-05-18 | 2005-11-24 | Mumford John R | Wireless physiological monitoring system |
US20070270678A1 (en) * | 2004-06-18 | 2007-11-22 | Fadem Kalford C | Wireless Electrode for Biopotential Measurement |
US7319386B2 (en) | 2004-08-02 | 2008-01-15 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Configurable system for alerting caregivers |
US7743151B2 (en) * | 2004-08-05 | 2010-06-22 | Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. | System and method for providing digital data communications over a wireless intra-body network |
US7639146B2 (en) * | 2004-09-29 | 2009-12-29 | Baura Gail D | Blink monitor for detecting blink occurrence in a living subject |
US7395109B2 (en) * | 2004-12-09 | 2008-07-01 | Signalife, Inc. | System for, and method of, monitoring heartbeats of a patient |
US7299083B2 (en) | 2004-12-09 | 2007-11-20 | Signalife, Inc. | Electrode for, and method of, indicating signal characteristics at particular positions in a patient's body |
US9198608B2 (en) | 2005-04-28 | 2015-12-01 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Communication system incorporated in a container |
US8730031B2 (en) | 2005-04-28 | 2014-05-20 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Communication system using an implantable device |
US8836513B2 (en) | 2006-04-28 | 2014-09-16 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Communication system incorporated in an ingestible product |
CN101287411B (en) | 2005-04-28 | 2013-03-06 | 普罗秋斯生物医学公司 | Pharma-informatics system |
US8802183B2 (en) | 2005-04-28 | 2014-08-12 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Communication system with enhanced partial power source and method of manufacturing same |
US8912908B2 (en) | 2005-04-28 | 2014-12-16 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Communication system with remote activation |
US20060247549A1 (en) * | 2005-04-29 | 2006-11-02 | Idt Technology Limited | Wireless heart rate monitoring system |
KR100731676B1 (en) | 2005-08-03 | 2007-06-22 | 김동준 | Electrode patch for measuring heart electrical activity in mobile situation |
US8547248B2 (en) | 2005-09-01 | 2013-10-01 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Implantable zero-wire communications system |
KR100701617B1 (en) * | 2005-09-08 | 2007-03-30 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Method and apparatus for collecting data |
US20070112274A1 (en) * | 2005-11-14 | 2007-05-17 | Edwards Lifesciences Corporation | Wireless communication system for pressure monitoring |
US7595723B2 (en) | 2005-11-14 | 2009-09-29 | Edwards Lifesciences Corporation | Wireless communication protocol for a medical sensor system |
EP1800599A1 (en) * | 2005-12-23 | 2007-06-27 | Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO | Diagnostic electrode configuration |
US7364440B2 (en) * | 2006-01-17 | 2008-04-29 | Lifesync Corporation | Multi-lead keyhole connector |
EP1984982A2 (en) * | 2006-02-09 | 2008-10-29 | LifeSync Corporation | Printed circuit connector |
WO2007095266A2 (en) * | 2006-02-10 | 2007-08-23 | Ultra Electronic Audiopack, Inc. | Communication system for heads-up display |
SE529087C8 (en) * | 2006-02-15 | 2007-05-08 | Wireless generation of standard type ECG leads | |
US8920343B2 (en) | 2006-03-23 | 2014-12-30 | Michael Edward Sabatino | Apparatus for acquiring and processing of physiological auditory signals |
US20070239390A1 (en) * | 2006-03-28 | 2007-10-11 | Yun Janet L | Low-power dissipation and monitoring method and apparatus in a measurement system |
US8180462B2 (en) * | 2006-04-18 | 2012-05-15 | Cyberonics, Inc. | Heat dissipation for a lead assembly |
CN105468895A (en) | 2006-05-02 | 2016-04-06 | 普罗透斯数字保健公司 | Patient customized therapeutic regimens |
US7522574B2 (en) * | 2006-05-15 | 2009-04-21 | Omni Medics Corporation | Power efficient communication system |
US9101264B2 (en) | 2006-06-15 | 2015-08-11 | Peerbridge Health, Inc. | Wireless electrode arrangement and method for patient monitoring via electrocardiography |
US8478420B2 (en) * | 2006-07-12 | 2013-07-02 | Cyberonics, Inc. | Implantable medical device charge balance assessment |
US20080027524A1 (en) * | 2006-07-26 | 2008-01-31 | Maschino Steven E | Multi-electrode assembly for an implantable medical device |
JP2008054798A (en) * | 2006-08-30 | 2008-03-13 | Oki Communication Systems Co Ltd | Biological information monitor system and time shared multiple synchronization method |
ATE535057T1 (en) | 2006-10-17 | 2011-12-15 | Proteus Biomedical Inc | LOW VOLTAGE OSCILLATOR FOR MEDICAL FACILITIES |
SG175681A1 (en) | 2006-10-25 | 2011-11-28 | Proteus Biomedical Inc | Controlled activation ingestible identifier |
WO2008063626A2 (en) | 2006-11-20 | 2008-05-29 | Proteus Biomedical, Inc. | Active signal processing personal health signal receivers |
US20080161651A1 (en) * | 2006-12-27 | 2008-07-03 | Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. | Surrogate measure of patient compliance |
US7974707B2 (en) * | 2007-01-26 | 2011-07-05 | Cyberonics, Inc. | Electrode assembly with fibers for a medical device |
CA2676407A1 (en) | 2007-02-01 | 2008-08-07 | Proteus Biomedical, Inc. | Ingestible event marker systems |
CN101636865B (en) | 2007-02-14 | 2012-09-05 | 普罗秋斯生物医学公司 | In-body power source having high surface area electrode |
US8932221B2 (en) | 2007-03-09 | 2015-01-13 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | In-body device having a multi-directional transmitter |
US9270025B2 (en) | 2007-03-09 | 2016-02-23 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | In-body device having deployable antenna |
US8117047B1 (en) | 2007-04-16 | 2012-02-14 | Insight Diagnostics Inc. | Healthcare provider organization |
US8718742B2 (en) | 2007-05-24 | 2014-05-06 | Hmicro, Inc. | Integrated wireless patch for physiological monitoring |
US8540632B2 (en) | 2007-05-24 | 2013-09-24 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Low profile antenna for in body device |
US20080300469A1 (en) * | 2007-05-31 | 2008-12-04 | National Yang-Ming University | Miniature, wireless apparatus for processing physiological signals and use thereof |
US8060175B2 (en) | 2007-06-15 | 2011-11-15 | General Electric Company | System and apparatus for collecting physiological signals from a plurality of electrodes |
US7996056B2 (en) * | 2007-06-15 | 2011-08-09 | The General Electric Company | Method and apparatus for acquiring physiological data |
WO2009013708A2 (en) * | 2007-07-26 | 2009-01-29 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | System and method for automatic sensor position recognition |
TW200910810A (en) * | 2007-08-27 | 2009-03-01 | Univ Nat Yang Ming | Multiple receiver radio frequency system |
US8460189B2 (en) * | 2007-09-14 | 2013-06-11 | Corventis, Inc. | Adherent cardiac monitor with advanced sensing capabilities |
US20090076559A1 (en) * | 2007-09-14 | 2009-03-19 | Corventis, Inc. | Adherent Device for Cardiac Rhythm Management |
US20090076350A1 (en) * | 2007-09-14 | 2009-03-19 | Corventis, Inc. | Data Collection in a Multi-Sensor Patient Monitor |
US20090076342A1 (en) * | 2007-09-14 | 2009-03-19 | Corventis, Inc. | Adherent Multi-Sensor Device with Empathic Monitoring |
WO2009036256A1 (en) * | 2007-09-14 | 2009-03-19 | Corventis, Inc. | Injectable physiological monitoring system |
WO2009036333A1 (en) | 2007-09-14 | 2009-03-19 | Corventis, Inc. | Dynamic pairing of patients to data collection gateways |
EP2194847A1 (en) * | 2007-09-14 | 2010-06-16 | Corventis, Inc. | Adherent device with multiple physiological sensors |
WO2009036348A1 (en) * | 2007-09-14 | 2009-03-19 | Corventis, Inc. | Medical device automatic start-up upon contact to patient tissue |
US8249686B2 (en) * | 2007-09-14 | 2012-08-21 | Corventis, Inc. | Adherent device for sleep disordered breathing |
WO2009036326A1 (en) * | 2007-09-14 | 2009-03-19 | Corventis, Inc. | Adherent athletic monitor |
EP2200499B1 (en) * | 2007-09-14 | 2019-05-01 | Medtronic Monitoring, Inc. | Multi-sensor patient monitor to detect impending cardiac decompensation |
DK2192946T3 (en) | 2007-09-25 | 2022-11-21 | Otsuka Pharma Co Ltd | In-body device with virtual dipole signal amplification |
US20090099469A1 (en) * | 2007-10-11 | 2009-04-16 | Flores Pamela A | Wireless ECG/EKG patient telemetry monitoring system |
US8628020B2 (en) | 2007-10-24 | 2014-01-14 | Hmicro, Inc. | Flexible wireless patch for physiological monitoring and methods of manufacturing the same |
US9265435B2 (en) | 2007-10-24 | 2016-02-23 | Hmicro, Inc. | Multi-electrode sensing patch for long-term physiological monitoring with swappable electronics, radio and battery, and methods of use |
US8082160B2 (en) | 2007-10-26 | 2011-12-20 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | System and method for collection and communication of data from multiple patient care devices |
US8868203B2 (en) | 2007-10-26 | 2014-10-21 | Cyberonics, Inc. | Dynamic lead condition detection for an implantable medical device |
US8942798B2 (en) | 2007-10-26 | 2015-01-27 | Cyberonics, Inc. | Alternative operation mode for an implantable medical device based upon lead condition |
CN101926097B (en) * | 2007-11-27 | 2016-10-05 | 普罗透斯数字保健公司 | Use communication channel wears body communication system |
ITPI20070134A1 (en) * | 2007-11-28 | 2009-05-29 | Roberto Cozzani | SYSTEM FOR MONITORING OF VITAL SIGNALS THROUGH A NETWORK OF REPROGRAMMABLE WIRELESS SENSORS |
US8633809B2 (en) | 2007-12-20 | 2014-01-21 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | Electrode diversity for body-coupled communication systems |
EP3235491B1 (en) | 2008-03-05 | 2020-11-04 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Multi-mode communication ingestible event markers and systems |
EP2257216B1 (en) * | 2008-03-12 | 2021-04-28 | Medtronic Monitoring, Inc. | Heart failure decompensation prediction based on cardiac rhythm |
US8242879B2 (en) * | 2008-03-20 | 2012-08-14 | The Ohio Willow Wood Company | System and method for prosthetic/orthotic device communication |
WO2009146214A1 (en) * | 2008-04-18 | 2009-12-03 | Corventis, Inc. | Method and apparatus to measure bioelectric impedance of patient tissue |
WO2009131664A2 (en) | 2008-04-21 | 2009-10-29 | Carl Frederick Edman | Metabolic energy monitoring system |
FI20085384A0 (en) * | 2008-04-29 | 2008-04-29 | Polar Electro Oy | Accessories for a performance meter |
JP2011523566A (en) | 2008-05-02 | 2011-08-18 | ダイメディックス コーポレイション | Agitator for stimulating the central nervous system |
SG10201702853UA (en) | 2008-07-08 | 2017-06-29 | Proteus Digital Health Inc | Ingestible event marker data framework |
US20100191310A1 (en) * | 2008-07-29 | 2010-07-29 | Corventis, Inc. | Communication-Anchor Loop For Injectable Device |
AU2009281876B2 (en) | 2008-08-13 | 2014-05-22 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Ingestible circuitry |
US20100048985A1 (en) | 2008-08-22 | 2010-02-25 | Dymedix Corporation | EMI/ESD hardened transducer driver driver for a closed loop neuromodulator |
US9089254B2 (en) * | 2008-08-28 | 2015-07-28 | Biosense Webster, Inc. | Synchronization of medical devices via digital interface |
US8629769B2 (en) * | 2008-08-28 | 2014-01-14 | Isense Corporation | Method and system for communication between wireless devices |
US20100077458A1 (en) * | 2008-09-25 | 2010-03-25 | Card Access, Inc. | Apparatus, System, and Method for Responsibility-Based Data Management |
EP2350969A4 (en) * | 2008-10-14 | 2012-08-29 | Proteus Biomedical Inc | Method and system for incorporating physiologic data in a gaming environment |
JP5411943B2 (en) | 2008-11-13 | 2014-02-12 | プロテウス デジタル ヘルス, インコーポレイテッド | Ingestible therapy activation system and method |
US20110196454A1 (en) * | 2008-11-18 | 2011-08-11 | Proteus Biomedical, Inc. | Sensing system, device, and method for therapy modulation |
AU2009324536A1 (en) | 2008-12-11 | 2011-07-14 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Evaluation of gastrointestinal function using portable electroviscerography systems and methods of using the same |
US9659423B2 (en) | 2008-12-15 | 2017-05-23 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Personal authentication apparatus system and method |
TWI503101B (en) | 2008-12-15 | 2015-10-11 | Proteus Digital Health Inc | Body-associated receiver and method |
US9439566B2 (en) | 2008-12-15 | 2016-09-13 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Re-wearable wireless device |
SG172847A1 (en) | 2009-01-06 | 2011-08-29 | Proteus Biomedical Inc | Pharmaceutical dosages delivery system |
SG196787A1 (en) | 2009-01-06 | 2014-02-13 | Proteus Digital Health Inc | Ingestion-related biofeedback and personalized medical therapy method and system |
GB2480965B (en) | 2009-03-25 | 2014-10-08 | Proteus Digital Health Inc | Probablistic pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling |
US9655518B2 (en) | 2009-03-27 | 2017-05-23 | Braemar Manufacturing, Llc | Ambulatory and centralized processing of a physiological signal |
SG10201810784SA (en) | 2009-04-28 | 2018-12-28 | Proteus Digital Health Inc | Highly Reliable Ingestible Event Markers And Methods For Using The Same |
US9149423B2 (en) | 2009-05-12 | 2015-10-06 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Ingestible event markers comprising an ingestible component |
KR101006824B1 (en) * | 2009-05-22 | 2011-01-10 | 한국과학기술원 | Wearable monitoring apparatus and driving method thereof |
WO2011022732A2 (en) | 2009-08-21 | 2011-02-24 | Proteus Biomedical, Inc. | Apparatus and method for measuring biochemical parameters |
US8790259B2 (en) | 2009-10-22 | 2014-07-29 | Corventis, Inc. | Method and apparatus for remote detection and monitoring of functional chronotropic incompetence |
TWI517050B (en) | 2009-11-04 | 2016-01-11 | 普羅托斯數位健康公司 | System for supply chain management |
UA109424C2 (en) | 2009-12-02 | 2015-08-25 | PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCT, PHARMACEUTICAL TABLE WITH ELECTRONIC MARKER AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING PHARMACEUTICAL TABLETS | |
US9451897B2 (en) * | 2009-12-14 | 2016-09-27 | Medtronic Monitoring, Inc. | Body adherent patch with electronics for physiologic monitoring |
US20110160601A1 (en) * | 2009-12-30 | 2011-06-30 | Yang Wang | Wire Free Self-Contained Single or Multi-Lead Ambulatory ECG Recording and Analyzing Device, System and Method Thereof |
US20110178375A1 (en) * | 2010-01-19 | 2011-07-21 | Avery Dennison Corporation | Remote physiological monitoring |
CN102946798A (en) | 2010-02-01 | 2013-02-27 | 普罗秋斯数字健康公司 | Data gathering system |
WO2011112972A2 (en) | 2010-03-11 | 2011-09-15 | Philometron, Inc. | Physiological monitor system for determining medication delivery and outcome |
US8965498B2 (en) | 2010-04-05 | 2015-02-24 | Corventis, Inc. | Method and apparatus for personalized physiologic parameters |
TWI638652B (en) | 2010-04-07 | 2018-10-21 | 波提亞斯數位康健公司 | Miniature ingestible device |
US8478428B2 (en) | 2010-04-23 | 2013-07-02 | Cyberonics, Inc. | Helical electrode for nerve stimulation |
EP3165161B1 (en) | 2010-05-12 | 2020-05-06 | Irhythm Technologies, Inc. | Device features and design elements for long-term adhesion |
TWI557672B (en) | 2010-05-19 | 2016-11-11 | 波提亞斯數位康健公司 | Computer system and computer-implemented method to track medication from manufacturer to a patient, apparatus and method for confirming delivery of medication to a patient, patient interface device |
US9585584B2 (en) | 2010-05-21 | 2017-03-07 | Medicomp, Inc. | Physiological signal monitor with retractable wires |
WO2011146708A2 (en) | 2010-05-21 | 2011-11-24 | Medicomp, Inc. | Retractable multi-use cardiac monitor |
US8509882B2 (en) | 2010-06-08 | 2013-08-13 | Alivecor, Inc. | Heart monitoring system usable with a smartphone or computer |
US9351654B2 (en) | 2010-06-08 | 2016-05-31 | Alivecor, Inc. | Two electrode apparatus and methods for twelve lead ECG |
US9585620B2 (en) | 2010-07-27 | 2017-03-07 | Carefusion 303, Inc. | Vital-signs patch having a flexible attachment to electrodes |
US9615792B2 (en) * | 2010-07-27 | 2017-04-11 | Carefusion 303, Inc. | System and method for conserving battery power in a patient monitoring system |
US9357929B2 (en) | 2010-07-27 | 2016-06-07 | Carefusion 303, Inc. | System and method for monitoring body temperature of a person |
US9055925B2 (en) | 2010-07-27 | 2015-06-16 | Carefusion 303, Inc. | System and method for reducing false alarms associated with vital-signs monitoring |
US9420952B2 (en) | 2010-07-27 | 2016-08-23 | Carefusion 303, Inc. | Temperature probe suitable for axillary reading |
US9017255B2 (en) | 2010-07-27 | 2015-04-28 | Carefusion 303, Inc. | System and method for saving battery power in a patient monitoring system |
US8814792B2 (en) | 2010-07-27 | 2014-08-26 | Carefusion 303, Inc. | System and method for storing and forwarding data from a vital-signs monitor |
US9669226B2 (en) | 2010-09-07 | 2017-06-06 | Empi, Inc. | Methods and systems for reducing interference in stimulation treatment |
US20120094600A1 (en) | 2010-10-19 | 2012-04-19 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Platform for patient monitoring |
US20130123656A1 (en) * | 2010-11-15 | 2013-05-16 | Sandy L. Heck | Control System and Apparatus Utilizing Signals Originating in the Periauricular Neuromuscular System |
WO2012071280A2 (en) | 2010-11-22 | 2012-05-31 | Proteus Biomedical, Inc. | Ingestible device with pharmaceutical product |
WO2012085996A1 (en) | 2010-12-20 | 2012-06-28 | 富士通株式会社 | Potential measuring apparatus |
JP5630293B2 (en) * | 2011-01-27 | 2014-11-26 | 富士通株式会社 | COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, RECEPTION DEVICE, RELAY DEVICE, RECEPTION METHOD, AND RELAY METHOD |
JP2014514032A (en) | 2011-03-11 | 2014-06-19 | プロテウス デジタル ヘルス, インコーポレイテッド | Wearable personal body-related devices with various physical configurations |
US9307914B2 (en) | 2011-04-15 | 2016-04-12 | Infobionic, Inc | Remote data monitoring and collection system with multi-tiered analysis |
WO2015112603A1 (en) | 2014-01-21 | 2015-07-30 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Masticable ingestible product and communication system therefor |
US9756874B2 (en) | 2011-07-11 | 2017-09-12 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Masticable ingestible product and communication system therefor |
CN103827914A (en) | 2011-07-21 | 2014-05-28 | 普罗秋斯数字健康公司 | Mobile communication device, system, and method |
US9235683B2 (en) | 2011-11-09 | 2016-01-12 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Apparatus, system, and method for managing adherence to a regimen |
US8433399B1 (en) | 2012-01-03 | 2013-04-30 | Farhad David Nosrati | Method and apparatus for an interactively programmable ECG device with wireless communication interface to remote computing devices |
US10182723B2 (en) | 2012-02-08 | 2019-01-22 | Easyg Llc | Electrode units for sensing physiological electrical activity |
AU2013216802B2 (en) | 2012-02-08 | 2018-07-12 | Easyg Llc | ECG system with multi mode electrode units |
US9681836B2 (en) | 2012-04-23 | 2017-06-20 | Cyberonics, Inc. | Methods, systems and apparatuses for detecting seizure and non-seizure states |
BR112015001388A2 (en) | 2012-07-23 | 2017-07-04 | Proteus Digital Health Inc | techniques for making ingestible event markers comprising an ingestible component |
US11737896B2 (en) | 2012-07-31 | 2023-08-29 | Purdue Research Foundation | Wirelessly-powered implantable EMG recording system |
US10095659B2 (en) | 2012-08-03 | 2018-10-09 | Fluke Corporation | Handheld devices, systems, and methods for measuring parameters |
AU2013331417B2 (en) | 2012-10-18 | 2016-06-02 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Apparatus, system, and method to adaptively optimize power dissipation and broadcast power in a power source for a communication device |
US9703751B2 (en) * | 2012-11-07 | 2017-07-11 | Nokia Technologies Oy | Apparatus and sensors for attachment to the apparatus |
US9254095B2 (en) | 2012-11-08 | 2016-02-09 | Alivecor | Electrocardiogram signal detection |
US9220430B2 (en) | 2013-01-07 | 2015-12-29 | Alivecor, Inc. | Methods and systems for electrode placement |
AU2014209376B2 (en) | 2013-01-24 | 2017-03-16 | Irhythm Technologies, Inc. | Physiological monitoring device |
TWI659994B (en) | 2013-01-29 | 2019-05-21 | 美商普羅托斯數位健康公司 | Highly-swellable polymeric films and compositions comprising the same |
CN104042212B (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2016-05-11 | 潘晶 | Without fixing contact myoelectricity acquisition system and myoelectricity acquisition method thereof |
US10175376B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2019-01-08 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Metal detector apparatus, system, and method |
AU2014232694A1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2015-09-17 | Peerbridge Health, Inc. | System and method for monitoring and diagnosing patient condition based on wireless sensor monitoring data |
JP6498177B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2019-04-10 | プロテウス デジタル ヘルス, インコーポレイテッド | Identity authentication system and method |
US9254092B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2016-02-09 | Alivecor, Inc. | Systems and methods for processing and analyzing medical data |
US10088389B2 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2018-10-02 | Fluke Corporation | Automatic recording and graphing of measurement data |
DE102013209593B4 (en) * | 2013-05-23 | 2017-05-18 | Getemed Medizin- Und Informationstechnik Ag | Arrangement for providing a long-term ECG |
JP6511439B2 (en) | 2013-06-04 | 2019-05-15 | プロテウス デジタル ヘルス, インコーポレイテッド | Systems, devices, and methods for data collection and outcome assessment |
US9247911B2 (en) | 2013-07-10 | 2016-02-02 | Alivecor, Inc. | Devices and methods for real-time denoising of electrocardiograms |
US9796576B2 (en) | 2013-08-30 | 2017-10-24 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Container with electronically controlled interlock |
EP3047618B1 (en) | 2013-09-20 | 2023-11-08 | Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | Methods, devices and systems for receiving and decoding a signal in the presence of noise using slices and warping |
WO2015044722A1 (en) | 2013-09-24 | 2015-04-02 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Method and apparatus for use with received electromagnetic signal at a frequency not known exactly in advance |
US10219698B2 (en) * | 2013-10-29 | 2019-03-05 | General Electric Company | Acquisition sample clock synchronization leveraging a global clocking mechanism in a distributed physiological sensing system |
US10084880B2 (en) | 2013-11-04 | 2018-09-25 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Social media networking based on physiologic information |
US9420956B2 (en) | 2013-12-12 | 2016-08-23 | Alivecor, Inc. | Methods and systems for arrhythmia tracking and scoring |
US9766270B2 (en) | 2013-12-30 | 2017-09-19 | Fluke Corporation | Wireless test measurement |
US9579032B2 (en) * | 2014-01-24 | 2017-02-28 | General Electric Company | Method for ECG lead placement changes to be accurately accounted for |
US9357939B1 (en) | 2014-04-02 | 2016-06-07 | Farhad David Nosrati | Method and apparatus for a self-programmable wireless medical monitoring device |
WO2016019181A1 (en) | 2014-07-30 | 2016-02-04 | Hmicro, Inc. | Ecg patch and methods of use |
US9918669B2 (en) | 2014-08-08 | 2018-03-20 | Medtronic Xomed, Inc. | Wireless nerve integrity monitoring systems and devices |
JP2018504148A (en) | 2014-10-31 | 2018-02-15 | アイリズム・テクノロジーズ・インコーポレイテッドiRhythm Technologies,Inc. | Wireless biological monitoring device and system |
AU2016211594A1 (en) * | 2015-01-27 | 2017-08-17 | Medicomp, Inc. | Finger ring electrocardiogram monitor trigger systems and associated methods |
US10039915B2 (en) | 2015-04-03 | 2018-08-07 | Medtronic Xomed, Inc. | System and method for omni-directional bipolar stimulation of nerve tissue of a patient via a surgical tool |
US9839363B2 (en) | 2015-05-13 | 2017-12-12 | Alivecor, Inc. | Discordance monitoring |
US11051543B2 (en) | 2015-07-21 | 2021-07-06 | Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. | Alginate on adhesive bilayer laminate film |
US20180242916A1 (en) * | 2015-09-02 | 2018-08-30 | The General Hospital Corporation | Electroencephalogram monitoring system and method of use of the same |
CN109414208A (en) | 2016-03-22 | 2019-03-01 | 生命信号公司 | The system and method collected for physiological signal |
USD794806S1 (en) | 2016-04-29 | 2017-08-15 | Infobionic, Inc. | Health monitoring device |
US9968274B2 (en) | 2016-04-29 | 2018-05-15 | Infobionic, Inc. | Systems and methods for processing ECG data |
USD794807S1 (en) | 2016-04-29 | 2017-08-15 | Infobionic, Inc. | Health monitoring device with a display |
USD794805S1 (en) | 2016-04-29 | 2017-08-15 | Infobionic, Inc. | Health monitoring device with a button |
US10360787B2 (en) | 2016-05-05 | 2019-07-23 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Discriminating patient care communications system |
JP2017205421A (en) * | 2016-05-20 | 2017-11-24 | 特定非営利活動法人ニューロクリアティブ研究会 | Sensor device and biological information collection system |
US10588529B2 (en) * | 2016-07-08 | 2020-03-17 | General Electric Company | ECG monitoring system and method |
US10357171B2 (en) | 2016-07-08 | 2019-07-23 | General Electric Company | Adjustable ECG sensor and related method |
US10816937B2 (en) | 2016-07-12 | 2020-10-27 | Stryker Corporation | Patient support apparatuses with clocks |
US9954309B2 (en) | 2016-07-20 | 2018-04-24 | Intel Corporation | Magnetic detachable electrical connections between circuits |
US9735893B1 (en) * | 2016-07-21 | 2017-08-15 | Intel Corporation | Patch system for in-situ therapeutic treatment |
KR102051875B1 (en) | 2016-07-22 | 2019-12-04 | 프로테우스 디지털 헬스, 인코포레이티드 | Electromagnetic detection and detection of ingestible event markers |
US10039186B2 (en) | 2016-09-16 | 2018-07-31 | Intel Corporation | Stretchable and flexible electrical substrate interconnections |
US10849517B2 (en) | 2016-09-19 | 2020-12-01 | Medtronic Xomed, Inc. | Remote control module for instruments |
AU2017348094B2 (en) | 2016-10-26 | 2022-10-13 | Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | Methods for manufacturing capsules with ingestible event markers |
US11547355B2 (en) | 2016-12-21 | 2023-01-10 | General Electric Company | Capacitive leadwire for physiological patient monitoring |
US10307073B2 (en) | 2016-12-21 | 2019-06-04 | General Electric Company | ECG sensor with capacitive defibrillation protection |
US10517488B2 (en) | 2016-12-21 | 2019-12-31 | General Electric Company | Patient monitoring system and leadset having multiple capacitive patient connectors and a single galvanic patient connector |
WO2019073288A1 (en) | 2017-10-12 | 2019-04-18 | Gushev Marjan | Remote ecg monitoring and alerting methods and sensing device |
WO2019163028A1 (en) * | 2018-02-21 | 2019-08-29 | 株式会社心電技術研究所 | Electrocardiograph system, electrocardiographic measurement electrode, and electrocardiographic measurement method |
US10357174B1 (en) | 2018-03-29 | 2019-07-23 | General Electric Company | Adjustable leadwire device for patient physiological monitoring and methods for making the same |
US11278243B2 (en) | 2018-05-16 | 2022-03-22 | General Electric Company | Repositionable surface electrodes |
US11172819B2 (en) | 2018-07-31 | 2021-11-16 | Freedom Cardio LLC | Single point wireless biopotential monitoring systems and methods |
JP7206802B2 (en) * | 2018-10-26 | 2023-01-18 | Tdk株式会社 | Information transmission device |
US20220022796A1 (en) * | 2018-12-18 | 2022-01-27 | Humanoo Lab, Inc. | Wireless electrocardiogram monitoring device |
US11331152B2 (en) * | 2019-05-20 | 2022-05-17 | Avent, Inc. | System and method for an improved graphical user interface that provides independent control of multiple radiofrequency probes during an ablation procedure |
CA3171482C (en) | 2020-02-12 | 2024-03-26 | Irhythm Technologies, Inc | Non-invasive cardiac monitor and methods of using recorded cardiac data to infer a physiological characteristic of a patient |
CA3188325A1 (en) | 2020-08-06 | 2022-02-10 | Jeff ABERCROMBIE | Adhesive physiological monitoring device |
EP4192335A1 (en) | 2020-08-06 | 2023-06-14 | Irhythm Technologies, Inc. | Electrical components for physiological monitoring device |
Family Cites Families (175)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US38094A (en) * | 1863-04-07 | Improvement in self-rakers for harvesters | ||
US32361A (en) * | 1861-05-21 | Portable filter | ||
US2864943A (en) | 1954-02-24 | 1958-12-16 | Motorola Inc | Central station interrogation via relays of unattended data satellites which answer back |
US2958781A (en) | 1956-03-22 | 1960-11-01 | Marchal Maurice | Radio-physiological method and means |
US3199508A (en) | 1962-04-25 | 1965-08-10 | W R Medical Electronies Co | Coding of physiological signals |
US3495584A (en) | 1965-06-03 | 1970-02-17 | Gen Electric | Lead failure detection circuit for a cardiac monitor |
US3603881A (en) | 1968-03-01 | 1971-09-07 | Del Mar Eng Lab | Frequency shift telemetry system with both radio and wire transmission paths |
US3602215A (en) | 1968-09-16 | 1971-08-31 | Honeywell Inc | Electrode failure detection device |
FR2078175A5 (en) | 1970-02-06 | 1971-11-05 | Siemens Ag | |
US3727190A (en) | 1970-11-09 | 1973-04-10 | Chromalloy American Corp | Patient signal dispatcher |
US3757778A (en) | 1971-01-13 | 1973-09-11 | Comprehensive Health Testing L | Electrocardiograph lead distribution and contact testing apparatus |
US3729708A (en) | 1971-10-27 | 1973-04-24 | Eastman Kodak Co | Error detecting and correcting apparatus for use in a system wherein phase encoded binary information is recorded on a plural track |
US3943918A (en) | 1971-12-02 | 1976-03-16 | Tel-Pac, Inc. | Disposable physiological telemetric device |
US3774594A (en) | 1972-01-06 | 1973-11-27 | Pioneer Medical Systems Inc | Apparatus for telemetering of ekg signals from mobile stations |
US3834373A (en) | 1972-02-24 | 1974-09-10 | T Sato | Silver, silver chloride electrodes |
US3810102A (en) | 1972-03-31 | 1974-05-07 | Telserv Inc | System for transmission and analysis of biomedical data |
US3830228A (en) | 1972-06-12 | 1974-08-20 | M Foner | Biophysiological information processing device |
JPS5335422B2 (en) | 1973-02-28 | 1978-09-27 | ||
US4121573A (en) | 1973-10-04 | 1978-10-24 | Goebel Fixture Co. | Wireless cardiac monitoring system and electrode-transmitter therefor |
US3925762A (en) | 1973-10-25 | 1975-12-09 | Gen Electric | Patient monitoring and data processing system |
US4042906A (en) | 1973-10-29 | 1977-08-16 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Automatic data acquisition method and system |
US4262632A (en) | 1974-01-03 | 1981-04-21 | Hanton John P | Electronic livestock identification system |
LU69457A1 (en) | 1974-02-22 | 1975-12-09 | ||
US3905364A (en) | 1974-04-17 | 1975-09-16 | Marquette Electronics Inc | Artifact detector |
IL45786A (en) | 1974-10-04 | 1977-08-31 | Yeda Res & Dev | Heart beat detector |
GB1528197A (en) | 1974-10-15 | 1978-10-11 | Hycel Inc | Cardiac monitor |
US4051522A (en) | 1975-05-05 | 1977-09-27 | Jonathan Systems | Patient monitoring system |
US3986498A (en) | 1975-09-08 | 1976-10-19 | Videodetics Corporation | Remote ECG monitoring system |
GB1563801A (en) | 1975-11-03 | 1980-04-02 | Post Office | Error correction of digital signals |
US4173221A (en) | 1977-04-15 | 1979-11-06 | Wallace Rogozinski | EKG cable monitoring system |
US4150284A (en) | 1977-04-28 | 1979-04-17 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Medical patient condition monitoring system |
US4186749A (en) | 1977-05-12 | 1980-02-05 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration | Induction powered biological radiosonde |
US4173971A (en) | 1977-08-29 | 1979-11-13 | Karz Allen E | Continuous electrocardiogram monitoring method and system for cardiac patients |
US4156867A (en) | 1977-09-06 | 1979-05-29 | Motorola, Inc. | Data communication system with random and burst error protection and correction |
US4141351A (en) | 1977-09-12 | 1979-02-27 | Motorola, Inc. | ECG electrode impedance checking system as for emergency medical service |
US4216462A (en) | 1978-03-06 | 1980-08-05 | General Electric Company | Patient monitoring and data processing system |
US4260951A (en) | 1979-01-29 | 1981-04-07 | Hughes Aircraft Company | Measurement system having pole zero cancellation |
US4237900A (en) | 1979-02-14 | 1980-12-09 | Pacesetter Systems, Inc. | Implantable calibration means and calibration method for an implantable body transducer |
US4281664A (en) | 1979-05-14 | 1981-08-04 | Medtronic, Inc. | Implantable telemetry transmission system for analog and digital data |
USRE32361E (en) | 1979-05-14 | 1987-02-24 | Medtronic, Inc. | Implantable telemetry transmission system for analog and digital data |
US4321933A (en) | 1979-08-23 | 1982-03-30 | Baessler Medical Electronics, Inc. | Telemetry system for monitoring hospital patient temperature |
US4353372A (en) | 1980-02-11 | 1982-10-12 | Bunker Ramo Corporation | Medical cable set and electrode therefor |
US4556063A (en) | 1980-10-07 | 1985-12-03 | Medtronic, Inc. | Telemetry system for a medical device |
US4449536A (en) | 1980-10-31 | 1984-05-22 | Sri International | Method and apparatus for digital data compression |
US4754483A (en) | 1980-10-31 | 1988-06-28 | Sri International | Data compression system and method for audio signals |
US4396906A (en) | 1980-10-31 | 1983-08-02 | Sri International | Method and apparatus for digital Huffman encoding |
US4521918A (en) | 1980-11-10 | 1985-06-04 | General Electric Company | Battery saving frequency synthesizer arrangement |
JPS57120009U (en) | 1981-01-19 | 1982-07-26 | ||
JPS57177735A (en) | 1981-04-27 | 1982-11-01 | Toyoda Chuo Kenkyusho Kk | Telemeter type brain nanometer |
US4531526A (en) | 1981-08-07 | 1985-07-30 | Genest Leonard Joseph | Remote sensor telemetering system |
US4475208A (en) | 1982-01-18 | 1984-10-02 | Ricketts James A | Wired spread spectrum data communication system |
US4441498A (en) | 1982-05-10 | 1984-04-10 | Cardio-Pace Medical, Inc. | Planar receiver antenna coil for programmable electromedical pulse generator |
US4510495A (en) | 1982-08-09 | 1985-04-09 | Cornell Research Foundation, Inc. | Remote passive identification system |
US4556061A (en) | 1982-08-18 | 1985-12-03 | Cordis Corporation | Cardiac pacer with battery consumption monitor circuit |
DE3246473A1 (en) | 1982-12-15 | 1984-06-20 | Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München | CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENT FOR DETECTING AN ELECTRICAL LINE INTERRUPT |
US4537200A (en) | 1983-07-07 | 1985-08-27 | The Board Of Trustees Of The Leland Stanford Junior University | ECG enhancement by adaptive cancellation of electrosurgical interference |
FI68734C (en) | 1983-11-11 | 1985-10-10 | Seppo Saeynaejaekangas | FOER FARAND FOR ORORDING FOR TELEMETRIC MAINTENANCE AV HANDLING FOR ECG SIGNAL WITH ANALYTICAL AV ETT MAGNETISKT NAERFAELT |
US4802222A (en) | 1983-12-12 | 1989-01-31 | Sri International | Data compression system and method for audio signals |
US4599723A (en) | 1984-02-14 | 1986-07-08 | Pulse Electronics, Inc. | Method of encoding data for serial transmission |
US4573026A (en) | 1984-02-29 | 1986-02-25 | Hewlett-Packard Company | FM Modulator phase-locked loop with FM calibration |
US4709704A (en) | 1984-03-06 | 1987-12-01 | The Kendall Company | Monitoring device for bio-signals |
US4562840A (en) | 1984-03-23 | 1986-01-07 | Cordis Corporation | Telemetry system |
US4586508A (en) | 1984-03-23 | 1986-05-06 | Cordis Corporation | Implant communication system with patient coil |
US4583548A (en) | 1984-03-28 | 1986-04-22 | C. R. Bard, Inc. | Bioelectric electrode-arrangement |
US4601043A (en) | 1984-05-23 | 1986-07-15 | Rockwell International Corporation | Digital communications software control system |
US4583549A (en) | 1984-05-30 | 1986-04-22 | Samir Manoli | ECG electrode pad |
US4585004A (en) | 1984-06-01 | 1986-04-29 | Cardiac Control Systems, Inc. | Heart pacing and intracardiac electrogram monitoring system and associated method |
JPS60261432A (en) | 1984-06-11 | 1985-12-24 | 浅井 利夫 | Cardiograph radio remote recording method of living body moving in water |
JPS60261431A (en) | 1984-06-11 | 1985-12-24 | 浅井 利夫 | Water-proof electrode with transmitter for recording cardiograph |
US4606352A (en) | 1984-07-13 | 1986-08-19 | Purdue Research Foundation | Personal electrocardiogram monitor |
US4653068A (en) | 1984-10-19 | 1987-03-24 | Itt Corporation | Frequency hopping data communication system |
US4608994A (en) | 1984-12-20 | 1986-09-02 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Physiological monitoring system |
US4618861A (en) | 1985-03-20 | 1986-10-21 | Cornell Research Foundation, Inc. | Passive activity monitor for livestock |
MA20406A1 (en) | 1985-04-09 | 1985-12-31 | Majeste Hassan Ii Roi Du Maroc | DEVICE FOR THE DETECTION, STUDY AND MONITORING OF DISEASES, ESPECIALLY CARDIAC, TRANSLATED BY ELECTRICALLY RECORDABLE MANIFESTATIONS |
JPH0761029B2 (en) | 1985-06-20 | 1995-06-28 | ソニー株式会社 | Transceiver |
US5179569A (en) * | 1985-07-19 | 1993-01-12 | Clinicom, Incorporated | Spread spectrum radio communication system |
US5307372A (en) * | 1985-07-19 | 1994-04-26 | Clinicom Incorporated | Radio transceiver for transmitting and receiving data packets |
US4835372A (en) | 1985-07-19 | 1989-05-30 | Clincom Incorporated | Patient care system |
US5012411A (en) | 1985-07-23 | 1991-04-30 | Charles J. Policastro | Apparatus for monitoring, storing and transmitting detected physiological information |
US4724435A (en) | 1985-11-06 | 1988-02-09 | Applied Spectrum Technologies, Inc. | Bi-directional data telemetry system |
US4799059A (en) | 1986-03-14 | 1989-01-17 | Enscan, Inc. | Automatic/remote RF instrument monitoring system |
US4850009A (en) | 1986-05-12 | 1989-07-18 | Clinicom Incorporated | Portable handheld terminal including optical bar code reader and electromagnetic transceiver means for interactive wireless communication with a base communications station |
US4803625A (en) | 1986-06-30 | 1989-02-07 | Buddy Systems, Inc. | Personal health monitor |
US4857893A (en) | 1986-07-18 | 1989-08-15 | Bi Inc. | Single chip transponder device |
US4784162A (en) | 1986-09-23 | 1988-11-15 | Advanced Medical Technologies | Portable, multi-channel, physiological data monitoring system |
US4889132A (en) | 1986-09-26 | 1989-12-26 | The University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill | Portable automated blood pressure monitoring apparatus and method |
US4839806A (en) | 1986-09-30 | 1989-06-13 | Goldfischer Jerome D | Computerized dispensing of medication |
US4747413A (en) | 1986-11-07 | 1988-05-31 | Bloch Harry S | Infant temperature measuring apparatus and methods |
US4794532A (en) | 1986-11-10 | 1988-12-27 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Virtual arrhythmia system |
US4928187A (en) | 1987-02-20 | 1990-05-22 | Laserdrive Limited | Method and apparatus for encoding and decoding binary data |
US4865044A (en) | 1987-03-09 | 1989-09-12 | Wallace Thomas L | Temperature-sensing system for cattle |
US4793532A (en) | 1987-08-10 | 1988-12-27 | Cash Dennis R | Carrier for ball game items |
JPH0191834A (en) | 1987-08-20 | 1989-04-11 | Tsuruta Hiroko | Abnormal data detection and information method in individual medical data central control system |
US4860759A (en) | 1987-09-08 | 1989-08-29 | Criticare Systems, Inc. | Vital signs monitor |
US4907248A (en) | 1987-09-22 | 1990-03-06 | Zenith Electronics Corporation | Error correction for digital signal transmission |
GB8726933D0 (en) | 1987-11-18 | 1987-12-23 | Cadell T E | Telemetry system |
US4883064A (en) | 1987-11-19 | 1989-11-28 | Equimed Corporation | Method and system for gathering electrocardiographic data |
US4909260A (en) | 1987-12-03 | 1990-03-20 | American Health Products, Inc. | Portable belt monitor of physiological functions and sensors therefor |
US4889131A (en) | 1987-12-03 | 1989-12-26 | American Health Products, Inc. | Portable belt monitor of physiological functions and sensors therefor |
US4966154A (en) | 1988-02-04 | 1990-10-30 | Jonni Cooper | Multiple parameter monitoring system for hospital patients |
US5078134A (en) * | 1988-04-25 | 1992-01-07 | Lifecor, Inc. | Portable device for sensing cardiac function and automatically delivering electrical therapy |
US4957109A (en) | 1988-08-22 | 1990-09-18 | Cardiac Spectrum Technologies, Inc. | Electrocardiograph system |
US4916441A (en) | 1988-09-19 | 1990-04-10 | Clinicom Incorporated | Portable handheld terminal |
US4955075A (en) | 1988-10-17 | 1990-09-04 | Motorola, Inc. | Battery saver circuit for a frequency synthesizer |
DE59007743D1 (en) * | 1989-01-27 | 1995-01-05 | Medese Ag | BIOTELEMETRY METHOD FOR TRANSMITTING BIOELECTRICAL POTENTIAL DIFFERENCES, AND DEVICE FOR TRANSMITTING ECG SIGNALS. |
US5168874A (en) | 1989-02-15 | 1992-12-08 | Jacob Segalowitz | Wireless electrode structure for use in patient monitoring system |
US5307818A (en) | 1989-02-15 | 1994-05-03 | Jacob Segalowitz | Wireless electrocardiographic and monitoring system and wireless electrode assemblies for same |
US5511553A (en) * | 1989-02-15 | 1996-04-30 | Segalowitz; Jacob | Device-system and method for monitoring multiple physiological parameters (MMPP) continuously and simultaneously |
US4981141A (en) | 1989-02-15 | 1991-01-01 | Jacob Segalowitz | Wireless electrocardiographic monitoring system |
JP2870843B2 (en) * | 1989-08-31 | 1999-03-17 | ソニー株式会社 | Information transmission equipment |
JPH0659319B2 (en) * | 1989-11-17 | 1994-08-10 | 三洋電機株式会社 | Wireless low frequency therapy device |
US5127404A (en) * | 1990-01-22 | 1992-07-07 | Medtronic, Inc. | Telemetry format for implanted medical device |
US5929782A (en) * | 1990-02-21 | 1999-07-27 | Stark; John G. | Communication system for an instrumented orthopedic restraining device and method therefor |
US5085224A (en) * | 1990-05-25 | 1992-02-04 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Portable signalling unit for an ekg |
US5113869A (en) * | 1990-08-21 | 1992-05-19 | Telectronics Pacing Systems, Inc. | Implantable ambulatory electrocardiogram monitor |
US5212476A (en) * | 1990-09-28 | 1993-05-18 | Maloney Sean R | Wireless intraoral controller disposed in oral cavity with electrodes to sense E.M.G. signals produced by contraction of the tongue |
DE4033292A1 (en) * | 1990-10-19 | 1992-04-23 | Uwatec Ag | Mobile respirator monitor with pressure gauge - has transmitter with control for spacing of transmission signals, and identification signal generator |
US5212715A (en) * | 1991-01-25 | 1993-05-18 | Motorola, Inc. | Digital communication signalling system |
US5485848A (en) * | 1991-01-31 | 1996-01-23 | Jackson; Sandra R. | Portable blood pressure measuring device and method of measuring blood pressure |
US5205294A (en) * | 1991-02-19 | 1993-04-27 | Pacific Communications, Inc. | Apparatus and methodology for digital telemetry of biomedical signals |
US5181519A (en) * | 1991-05-17 | 1993-01-26 | Caliber Medical Corporation | Device for detecting abnormal heart muscle electrical activity |
FI88223C (en) * | 1991-05-22 | 1993-04-13 | Polar Electro Oy | Telemetric transmitter unit |
US5177765A (en) * | 1991-06-03 | 1993-01-05 | Spectralink Corporation | Direct-sequence spread-spectrum digital signal acquisition and tracking system and method therefor |
US5177766A (en) * | 1991-06-03 | 1993-01-05 | Spectralink Corporation | Digital clock timing generation in a spread-spectrum digital communication system |
US5179571A (en) * | 1991-07-10 | 1993-01-12 | Scs Mobilecom, Inc. | Spread spectrum cellular handoff apparatus and method |
US5305202A (en) * | 1991-11-12 | 1994-04-19 | Quinton Instrument Company | Ambulatory ECG analysis system |
US5238001A (en) * | 1991-11-12 | 1993-08-24 | Stuart Medical Inc. | Ambulatory patient monitoring system having multiple monitoring units and optical communications therebetween |
DE69329710T2 (en) * | 1992-04-03 | 2001-08-02 | Micromedical Ind Ltd | ARRANGEMENT FOR MONITORING PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS |
US5305353A (en) * | 1992-05-29 | 1994-04-19 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Method and apparatus for providing time diversity |
US5416695A (en) * | 1993-03-09 | 1995-05-16 | Metriplex, Inc. | Method and apparatus for alerting patients and medical personnel of emergency medical situations |
US5394879A (en) * | 1993-03-19 | 1995-03-07 | Gorman; Peter G. | Biomedical response monitor-exercise equipment and technique using error correction |
US5400794A (en) * | 1993-03-19 | 1995-03-28 | Gorman; Peter G. | Biomedical response monitor and technique using error correction |
DK0617914T3 (en) * | 1993-03-31 | 1999-06-21 | Siemens Medical Systems Inc | Device and method for delivering dual output signals in a telemetry transmitter |
US5507035A (en) * | 1993-04-30 | 1996-04-09 | International Business Machines Corporation | Diversity transmission strategy in mobile/indoor cellula radio communications |
US5930295A (en) * | 1996-02-23 | 1999-07-27 | Isley, Jr.; William C. | Mobile terminal apparatus including net radio service in a mobile satellite service communication system |
US5394882A (en) * | 1993-07-21 | 1995-03-07 | Respironics, Inc. | Physiological monitoring system |
DE4329898A1 (en) * | 1993-09-04 | 1995-04-06 | Marcus Dr Besson | Wireless medical diagnostic and monitoring device |
US5381798A (en) * | 1993-11-02 | 1995-01-17 | Quinton Instrument Company | Spread spectrum telemetry of physiological signals |
US5417222A (en) * | 1994-01-21 | 1995-05-23 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Patient monitoring system |
US5511533A (en) | 1994-02-03 | 1996-04-30 | Waller; Charles O. | Adjustable hydraulic stabilizer for a bow |
US5458124A (en) * | 1994-02-08 | 1995-10-17 | Stanko; Bruce E. | Electrocardiographic signal monitoring system |
US5738102A (en) * | 1994-03-31 | 1998-04-14 | Lemelson; Jerome H. | Patient monitoring system |
DE69600098T2 (en) * | 1995-02-04 | 1998-06-10 | Baumann & Haldi Sa | Individual arrangement for measuring, processing and transferring essentially physiological parameters |
US5704351A (en) * | 1995-02-28 | 1998-01-06 | Mortara Instrument, Inc. | Multiple channel biomedical digital telemetry transmitter |
US5752976A (en) * | 1995-06-23 | 1998-05-19 | Medtronic, Inc. | World wide patient location and data telemetry system for implantable medical devices |
US5720771A (en) * | 1995-08-02 | 1998-02-24 | Pacesetter, Inc. | Method and apparatus for monitoring physiological data from an implantable medical device |
US5724985A (en) * | 1995-08-02 | 1998-03-10 | Pacesetter, Inc. | User interface for an implantable medical device using an integrated digitizer display screen |
US6198970B1 (en) * | 1995-10-27 | 2001-03-06 | Esd Limited Liability Company | Method and apparatus for treating oropharyngeal respiratory and oral motor neuromuscular disorders with electrical stimulation |
US5748103A (en) * | 1995-11-13 | 1998-05-05 | Vitalcom, Inc. | Two-way TDMA telemetry system with power conservation features |
US5944659A (en) * | 1995-11-13 | 1999-08-31 | Vitalcom Inc. | Architecture for TDMA medical telemetry system |
US6067446A (en) * | 1996-07-11 | 2000-05-23 | Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson | Power presetting in a radio communication system |
US5895371A (en) * | 1996-08-27 | 1999-04-20 | Sabratek Corporation | Medical treatment apparatus and method |
US5718234A (en) * | 1996-09-30 | 1998-02-17 | Northrop Grumman Corporation | Physiological data communication system |
US5882300A (en) * | 1996-11-07 | 1999-03-16 | Spacelabs Medical, Inc. | Wireless patient monitoring apparatus using inductive coupling |
US6364834B1 (en) * | 1996-11-13 | 2002-04-02 | Criticare Systems, Inc. | Method and system for remotely monitoring multiple medical parameters in an integrated medical monitoring system |
US6198394B1 (en) * | 1996-12-05 | 2001-03-06 | Stephen C. Jacobsen | System for remote monitoring of personnel |
US5868671A (en) * | 1997-01-28 | 1999-02-09 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Multiple ECG electrode strip |
US5865733A (en) * | 1997-02-28 | 1999-02-02 | Spacelabs Medical, Inc. | Wireless optical patient monitoring apparatus |
US5873369A (en) * | 1997-03-31 | 1999-02-23 | Chronoslim P.C.E. Ltd. | System for monitoring health conditions of an individual and a method thereof |
IT1295815B1 (en) * | 1997-05-27 | 1999-05-28 | Cosmed Srl | PORTABLE SYSTEM FOR "BREATH BY BREATH" MEASUREMENT OF THE METABOLIC PARAMETERS OF A SUBJECT, WITH TRANSMISSION OF DATA IN TELEMETRY AND |
US6032065A (en) * | 1997-07-21 | 2000-02-29 | Nellcor Puritan Bennett | Sensor mask and method of making same |
US6039600A (en) * | 1997-10-10 | 2000-03-21 | Molex Incorporated | Male connector for flat flexible circuit |
US6047201A (en) * | 1998-04-02 | 2000-04-04 | Jackson, Iii; William H. | Infant blood oxygen monitor and SIDS warning device |
US6027363A (en) * | 1998-04-22 | 2000-02-22 | Molex Incorporated | Electrical connector for flat flexible circuitry |
US6181734B1 (en) * | 1998-05-29 | 2001-01-30 | Motorola, Inc. | Multiple waveform software radio |
US6010359A (en) * | 1998-07-08 | 2000-01-04 | Molex Incorporated | Electrical connector system for shielded flat flexible circuitry |
JP2002522103A (en) * | 1998-08-07 | 2002-07-23 | インフィニット バイオメディカル テクノロジーズ インコーポレイテッド | Method for detecting, indicating and operating implantable myocardial ischemia |
US6366814B1 (en) * | 1998-10-26 | 2002-04-02 | Birinder R. Boveja | External stimulator for adjunct (add-on) treatment for neurological, neuropsychiatric, and urological disorders |
US6494829B1 (en) * | 1999-04-15 | 2002-12-17 | Nexan Limited | Physiological sensor array |
US6416471B1 (en) * | 1999-04-15 | 2002-07-09 | Nexan Limited | Portable remote patient telemonitoring system |
US6454708B1 (en) * | 1999-04-15 | 2002-09-24 | Nexan Limited | Portable remote patient telemonitoring system using a memory card or smart card |
US6441747B1 (en) * | 2000-04-18 | 2002-08-27 | Motorola, Inc. | Wireless system protocol for telemetry monitoring |
CA2414309C (en) * | 2000-07-18 | 2006-10-31 | Motorola, Inc. | Wireless electrocardiograph system and method |
US6643541B2 (en) * | 2001-12-07 | 2003-11-04 | Motorola, Inc | Wireless electromyography sensor and system |
US20050261598A1 (en) * | 2004-04-07 | 2005-11-24 | Triage Wireless, Inc. | Patch sensor system for measuring vital signs |
-
2000
- 2000-04-18 US US09/551,718 patent/US6496705B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2001
- 2001-04-17 MX MXPA02010272A patent/MXPA02010272A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2001-04-17 AU AU5708001A patent/AU5708001A/en active Pending
- 2001-04-17 AT AT01930553T patent/ATE374568T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2001-04-17 ES ES01930553T patent/ES2295158T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-04-17 WO PCT/US2001/012549 patent/WO2001078594A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2001-04-17 CA CA002403068A patent/CA2403068C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2001-04-17 JP JP2001575900A patent/JP2004500217A/en active Pending
- 2001-04-17 EP EP01930553A patent/EP1274345B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-04-17 DE DE60130751T patent/DE60130751T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-04-17 AU AU2001257080A patent/AU2001257080B2/en not_active Ceased
-
2002
- 2002-10-22 US US10/277,284 patent/US6987965B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2005
- 2005-10-21 US US11/256,379 patent/US7171166B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN103315735A (en) * | 2013-05-22 | 2013-09-25 | 西安交通大学 | Underwear-like wearable life information acquisition system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU5708001A (en) | 2001-10-30 |
ES2295158T3 (en) | 2008-04-16 |
US7171166B2 (en) | 2007-01-30 |
US6987965B2 (en) | 2006-01-17 |
ATE374568T1 (en) | 2007-10-15 |
MXPA02010272A (en) | 2003-04-25 |
AU2001257080B2 (en) | 2005-02-17 |
US20030040305A1 (en) | 2003-02-27 |
EP1274345A4 (en) | 2005-08-31 |
EP1274345A1 (en) | 2003-01-15 |
WO2001078594A1 (en) | 2001-10-25 |
US20060058017A1 (en) | 2006-03-16 |
DE60130751T2 (en) | 2008-08-07 |
JP2004500217A (en) | 2004-01-08 |
CA2403068A1 (en) | 2001-10-25 |
US6496705B1 (en) | 2002-12-17 |
EP1274345B1 (en) | 2007-10-03 |
DE60130751D1 (en) | 2007-11-15 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
CA2403068C (en) | Programmable wireless electrode system for medical monitoring | |
AU2001257080A1 (en) | Programmable wireless electrode system for medical monitoring | |
CA2405861C (en) | Wireless system protocol for telemetry monitoring | |
US6643541B2 (en) | Wireless electromyography sensor and system | |
AU2001257083A1 (en) | Wireless System Protocol for Telemetry Monitoring | |
JPH0336328Y2 (en) | ||
US20020115914A1 (en) | Patient monitoring area network | |
KR20040081427A (en) | Wireless electrocardiograph system | |
US20020067269A1 (en) | Spread spectrum telemetry of physiological signals | |
US20160286287A1 (en) | Nth Leadless Electrode Telemetry Device, System and Method of Use | |
KR20040101210A (en) | Wireless ecg system | |
US6945935B1 (en) | Wireless sleep monitoring | |
EP1408823B1 (en) | Mobile patient monitor | |
CA2540756C (en) | Wireless system protocol for telemetry monitoring | |
JPH0938048A (en) | Remote controlling medical communication system | |
AU757383B2 (en) | Wireless sleep monitoring |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
EEER | Examination request | ||
MKLA | Lapsed |