U.S. patent application number 12/430742 was filed with the patent office on 2009-11-05 for monitor configuration system.
This patent application is currently assigned to MASIMO CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Ammar Al-Ali.
Application Number | 20090275844 12/430742 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40874849 |
Filed Date | 2009-11-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090275844 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Al-Ali; Ammar |
November 5, 2009 |
MONITOR CONFIGURATION SYSTEM
Abstract
A monitor configuration system which communicates with a
physiological sensor, the monitor configuration system including
one or more processors and an instrument manager module running on
the one or more processors. At least one of the one or more
processors communicates with the sensor and calculates at least one
physiological parameters responsive to the sensor. The instrument
manager controls the calculation, display and/or alarms based upon
the physiological parameters. A configuration indicator identifies
the configuration profile. In one aspect of the invention, the
physiological sensor is a optical sensor that includes at least one
light emitting diode and at least one detector.
Inventors: |
Al-Ali; Ammar; (Tustin,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET, FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Assignee: |
MASIMO CORPORATION
Irvine
CA
|
Family ID: |
40874849 |
Appl. No.: |
12/430742 |
Filed: |
April 27, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61126268 |
May 2, 2008 |
|
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61050205 |
May 3, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
600/500 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/743 20130101;
A61B 5/02438 20130101; A61B 2560/0271 20130101; A61B 2560/0443
20130101; A61B 5/14552 20130101; A61B 2562/227 20130101; A61B 5/002
20130101; A61B 5/14551 20130101; A61B 5/7495 20130101; A61B 5/746
20130101; A61B 2560/0276 20130101; A61B 5/6826 20130101; A61B
5/14546 20130101; A61B 5/7445 20130101; A61B 5/7475 20130101; A61B
5/6838 20130101; A61B 5/0261 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/500 |
International
Class: |
A61B 5/02 20060101
A61B005/02 |
Claims
1. A monitor configuration system comprising: a calculation
processor that communicates with a physiological sensor configured
to obtain an indication of a physiological condition of a patient,
the calculation processor configured to calculate a physiological
parameter measurement responsive to the indication of the
physiological condition obtained by the physiological sensor; an
instrument manager processor in communication with the calculation
processor, the instrument manager processor configured to control
one or more of a calculation, display and alarm of the monitor
configuration system, the instrument manager processor responsive
to a configuration profile that specifies selected options relevant
to one or more of the control, display and alarm of the monitor
configuration system; and a configuration indicator configured to
identify the configuration profile.
2. The monitor configuration system according to claim 1, where the
physiological sensor comprises a plurality of emitters that
transmit optical radiation into a tissue site and at least one
detector that receives the optical radiation after attenuation by
pulsatile blood flow within the tissue site;
3. The monitor configuration system according to claim 1 wherein
the configuration indicator comprises a panel light.
4. The monitor configuration system according to claim 3 wherein
the instrument manager processor selects between a factory-default
configuration profile and a user-specified configuration
profile.
5. The monitor configuration system according to claim 4 wherein
the panel light displays a first color when the factory-default
settings are selected and a second color when the user-specified
settings are selected.
6. The monitor configuration system according to claim 5 wherein
the user-specified settings are manually defined.
7. The monitor configuration system according to claim 6 wherein
the panel light color for user-specified settings is manually
defined.
8. The monitor configuration system according to claim 3 wherein
the panel light displays a first color when a first configuration
setting is selected and a second color when a second configuration
setting is selected.
9. The monitor configuration system according to claim 3 wherein
the configuration indicator further comprises a top-mounted
alphanumeric display.
10. A monitor configuration system comprising: a calculator that
communicates with a physiological sensor configured to obtain an
indication of a physiological condition of a patient, the
calculator configured to calculate a physiological parameter
measurement responsive to the indication of the physiological
condition obtained by the physiological sensor; and an instrument
manager in communication with the calculator, the instrument
manager configured to control one or more of a calculation, display
and alarm of the monitor configuration system, the instrument
manager processor responsive to a configuration profile that
specifies selected options relevant to one or more of the control,
display and alarm of the monitor configuration system.
11. The monitor configuration system according to claim 10 further
comprising an input/output (I/O) port, wherein the instrument
manager obtains the configuration profile via the I/O port.
12. The monitor configuration system according to claim 11 further
comprising a memory device that stores the configuration profile,
the memory device being removably coupled to the I/O port so as to
communicate the configuration profile to the instrument
manager.
13. The monitor configuration system according to claim 12 further
comprising: a color affixed to at least a portion of the memory
device, the color corresponding to the configuration profile; and
the memory device and its color being readily visible to a monitor
user when the memory device is coupled to the I/O port so as to
designate the configuration profile to the user.
14. The monitor configuration system according to claim 13 further
comprising: a configuration profile routine that executes on the
instrument manager; and the routine writes the memory device with
configuration profile settings.
15. A monitor configuration method comprising: defining for a
physiological monitor a configuration profile of user-specified
settings, the configuration profile including selected optional
settings relating to one or more of calculating physiological
parameters, displaying the physiological parameters and alarming
based upon the physiological parameters; indicating the selected
profile by displaying an associated color.
16. The monitor configuration method according to claim 15 wherein
the defining comprises reading the configuration profile into the
physiological monitor.
17. The monitor configuration method according to claim 16 wherein
the indicating comprises illuminating a portion of the
physiological monitor with the color.
18. The monitor configuration method according to claim 17 wherein
the illuminating comprising activating a colored panel light on the
monitor.
19. The monitor configuration method according to claim 16 wherein
the reading comprises downloading the configuration profile from an
input/output (I/O) port.
20. The monitor configuration method according to claim 15 wherein
the defining comprises: receiving from a wireless device a code
corresponding to the configuration profile; and activating the
configuration profile according to the code.
21. A monitor configuration system comprising: a profile definition
means for setting parameter measurement, display and alarm
characteristics of a physiological monitor; a profile selection
means for activating a defined profile; and a profile indication
means for cuing a monitor user as to the selected profile.
22. The monitor configuration system according to claim 21 wherein
the profile definition means comprises a menu means for manually
entering profile settings.
23. The monitor configuration system according to claim 22 wherein
the profile selection means comprises a save means for specifying a
defined profile as the monitor default settings.
24. The monitor configuration system according to claim 23 wherein
the profile indication means comprises: a color selection means for
associating a color with a saved profile; and an illumination means
for displaying the color.
25. The monitor configuration system according to claim 21 wherein
the profile definition means comprises a downloading means for
transferring profile settings to the monitor via at least one of an
I/O port and a docking port.
26. The monitor configuration system according to claim 25 wherein
the profile selection means comprises a wireless means for
specifying a defined profile as the monitor default settings.
27. A method of programming configuration settings of a
physiological monitor, the method comprising: programming a
portable memory device with a configuration setting; coupling the
portable memory device to a physiological monitor; reprogramming
the physiological monitor with the configuration setting using the
configuration setting of the portable memory device.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein the memory device comprises a
housing, wherein the housing is colored according to the programmed
configuration setting.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein the color is further
corresponds to a ward of a hospital.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority benefit under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/126,268, filed May 2, 2008, titled Monitor User Interface; and
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/050,205 filed May
3, 2008, titled Monitor Configuration System. All of the above
cited provisional applications are hereby incorporated by reference
herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Pulse oximetry systems for measuring constituents of
circulating blood have gained rapid acceptance in a wide variety of
medical applications including surgical wards, intensive care and
neonatal units, general wards, home care, physical training, and
virtually all types of monitoring scenarios. A pulse oximetry
system generally includes an optical sensor applied to a patient, a
monitor for processing sensor signals and displaying results and a
patient cable electrically interconnecting the sensor and the
monitor. A pulse oximetry sensor has light emitting diodes (LEDs),
typically one emitting a red wavelength and one emitting an
infrared (IR) wavelength, and a photodiode detector. The emitters
and detector are attached to a patient tissue site, such as a
finger. The patient cable transmits drive signals to these emitters
from the monitor, and the emitters respond to the drive signals to
transmit light into the tissue site. The detector generates a
signal responsive to the emitted light after attenuation by
pulsatile blood flow within the tissue site. The patient cable
transmits the detector signal to the monitor, which processes the
signal to provide a numerical readout of physiological parameters
such as oxygen saturation (SpO.sub.2) and pulse rate. Advanced
physiological monitoring systems utilize multiple wavelength
sensors and multiple parameter monitors to provide enhanced
measurement capabilities including, for example, the measurement of
carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO), methemoglobin (HbMet) and total
hemoglobin (Hbt).
[0003] Pulse oximeters capable of reading through motion induced
noise are disclosed in at least U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,770,028,
6,658,276, 6,650,917, 6,157,850, 6,002,952, 5,769,785, and
5,758,644; low noise pulse oximetry sensors are disclosed in at
least U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,088,607 and 5,782,757; all of which are
assigned to Masimo Corporation, Irvine, Calif. ("Masimo") and are
incorporated by reference herein.
[0004] Physiological monitors and corresponding multiple wavelength
optical sensors are described in at least U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/367,013, filed Mar. 1, 2006 and titled Multiple
Wavelength Sensor Emitters and U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/366,208, filed Mar. 1, 2006 and titled Noninvasive
Multi-Parameter Patient Monitor, both assigned to Masimo
Laboratories, Irvine, Calif. ("Masimo Labs") and both incorporated
by reference herein.
[0005] Further, physiological monitoring systems that include low
noise optical sensors and pulse oximetry monitors, such as any of
LNOP.RTM. adhesive or reusable sensors, SofTouch.TM. sensors, Hi-Fi
Trauma.TM. or Blue.TM. sensors; and any of Radical.RTM.,
SatShare.TM., Rad-9.TM., Rad-5.TM., Rad-5v.TM. or PPO+.TM. Masimo
SET.RTM. pulse oximeters, are all available from Masimo.
Physiological monitoring systems including multiple wavelength
sensors and corresponding noninvasive blood parameter monitors,
such as Rainbow.TM. adhesive and reusable sensors and Rad-57.TM.,
Rad-87.TM. and Radical-7.TM. monitors for measuring SpO.sub.2,
pulse rate, perfusion index, signal quality, HbCO and HbMet among
other parameters are also available from Masimo.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Advanced noninvasive physiological parameter monitors
provide medical practitioners with substantial operational
flexibility, including the ability to set parameters displayed,
display format, alarm thresholds, alarm types, sensitivity and
averaging times, to name just a few. Optimal settings vary with the
monitoring application. Monitoring in a hospital environment may
differ from that of an ambulance or out-patient clinic. Also
different hospital wards servicing different types of patients with
different medical care needs are likely to require different
monitor settings. For example, ER monitoring requirements will
likely differ from those of a surgical ward. Monitoring of neonatal
patients will likely differ from monitoring of geriatric patients.
Thus, the operational flexibility of these monitors is a challenge
to medical staff and administrators at various facilities,
especially if a monitor is used for multiple purposes and patient
types or if monitors are frequently moved between locations within
a large facility.
[0007] A monitor configuration system meets this challenge in
various respects. In an embodiment, a monitor configuration system
advantageously provides a readily recognizable indication of the
current default settings. This indication can be associated with a
particular ward or patient group, as examples. In addition, a
monitor can be programmed with any of multiple user-defined default
settings, each associated with a unique configuration indication.
In an embodiment, the monitor control panel and display provide
hidden menus that allow technical support staff to quickly change
configuration profiles to best suit the current monitor usage
without risk of accidental configuration changes by medical staff.
Also, technical staff can utilize manual procedures or programming
aids to conveniently enter or modify one or more default
settings.
[0008] Advantageously, an aspect of a monitor configuration system
allows users to change to default settings using front-panel keys
or an external configuration application. This user-defined
"configuration profile" overrides the factory default settings and
is retained after a power cycle. A user may also associate a color
and/or a display message with the profile, as a "configuration
indicator," which allows a user to verify at a glance which
configuration profile is the default. In an embodiment, a
front-panel colored light is a configuration indicator. If changes
are made to the device settings after the configuration profile
feature has been enabled, the front panel light will turn off,
indicating a change from the saved profile settings. In other
embodiments a colored plug-in memory, dongle or similar device
programs the monitor settings and serves as a profile
indicator.
[0009] One aspect of a monitor configuration system communicates
with a physiological sensor and includes a processor, for example,
a digital signal processor (DSP) and an instrument manager
processor. The physiological sensor can have emitters that transmit
optical radiation into a tissue site and at least one detector that
receives the optical radiation after attenuation by pulsatile blood
flow within the tissue site. The DSP can communicate with the
sensor and calculate physiological parameters responsive to the
sensor. An instrument manager receives the calculated physiological
parameters from the DSP, transmits the physiological parameters to
a display and controls alarms based upon the physiological
parameters. The instrument manager is responsive to a configuration
profile that specifies DSP calculations, physiological parameter
displays and alarms. The configuration indicator identifies the
configuration profile. In various embodiments, the configuration
indicator comprises a panel light. The instrument manager selects
between a factory-default configuration profile and a
user-specified configuration profile. The panel light displays a
first color when the factory-default settings are selected and a
second color when the user-specified settings are selected. The
user-specified settings are manually defined. The panel light color
for user-specified settings is manually defined. The configuration
indicator comprises a top-mounted alphanumeric display.
[0010] Another aspect of a monitor configuration system comprises a
sensor having emitters that transmit optical radiation into a
tissue site and at least one detector that receives the optical
radiation after attenuation by pulsatile blood flow within the
tissue site. A calculator communicates with the sensor and
calculates physiological parameters responsive to the sensor. An
instrument manager receives the calculated physiological parameters
from the calculator, transmits the physiological parameters to a
display and controls alarms based upon the physiological
parameters. The instrument manager is responsive to a configuration
profile with respect to calculator calculations, physiological
parameter displays and alarms. In various embodiments the
instrument manager reads the configuration profile via the I/O
port. A memory device stores the configuration profile and is
removably attached to the I/O port so as to communicate the
configuration profile to the instrument manager. A color is affixed
to at least a portion of the memory device. The color corresponds
to the configuration profile. The memory device and its color are
readily visible to a monitor user when the memory device is
removably attached to the I/O port so as to designate the
configuration profile to the user. A configuration profile routine
executes on the instrument manager and writes the memory device
with configuration profile settings.
[0011] A further aspect of a monitor configuration system comprises
a configuration profile of user-specified settings defined for a
physiological monitor. The configuration profile is selected to
override corresponding factory-specified settings. A color is
associated with the configuration profile. The selected profile is
indicated by displaying the associated color. The user-specified
settings and the factory-specified settings each relate to at least
one of calculating physiological parameters, displaying the
physiological parameters and alarming based upon the physiological
parameters. In various embodiments, the configuration profile is
defined by reading the configuration profile into the physiological
monitor. The selected profile is indicated by illuminating a
portion of the physiological monitor with the color. The reading
comprises downloading the configuration profile from an
input/output (I/O) port. The illuminating comprises activating a
colored panel light on the monitor. The selecting comprises
receiving from a wireless device a code corresponding to the
configuration profile and activating the configuration profile
according to the code.
[0012] An additional aspect of a monitor configuration system
comprises a profile definition means for setting parameter
measurement, display and alarm characteristics of a physiological
monitor, a profile selection means for activating a defined profile
and a profile indication means for cuing a monitor user as to the
selected profile. In various embodiments the profile definition
means comprises a menu means for manually entering profile
settings. The profile selection means comprises a save means for
specifying a defined profile as the monitor default settings. The
profile indication means comprises a color selection means for
associating a color with a saved profile and an illumination means
for displaying the color. The profile definition means comprises a
downloading means for transferring profile settings to the monitor
via at least one of an I/O port and a docking port. The profile
selection means comprises a wireless means for specifying a defined
profile as the monitor default settings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIGS. 1-5E are perspective views of physiological monitors
utilizing various monitor configuration system embodiments;
[0014] FIG. 1 is a standalone physiological monitor having a
front-panel colored light and a top-mounted display as
configuration indicators;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a standalone physiological monitor having a
color-coded plug-in configuration indicator;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a removable handheld monitor having a front-panel
colored light and a corresponding docking station having a
top-mounted display configuration indicator;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a physiological monitoring system and a
corresponding plug-in module having a colored panel light and a
colored monitor display as configuration indicators;
[0018] FIGS. 5A-E is a physiological monitoring system including a
removable satellite module, a docking handheld monitor and plug-ins
each having configuration indicators;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a physiological monitoring
system responsive to a wall-mounted or a tag-mounted short-range
wireless device for selection of a configuration profile;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a hierarchical block diagram of a monitor
configuration system;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a detailed block diagram of a physiological
measurement system that utilizes a monitor configuration
system;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a I/O port download
embodiment for defining configuration profiles;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a plug-in programming
embodiment for defining configuration profiles;
[0024] FIG. 11 is a detailed block diagram of a physiological
monitoring system responsive to a short-range wireless device for
selection of a configuration profile;
[0025] FIGS. 12A-D are front, top and back views, respectively, of
a horizontal monitor embodiment and a front view of a vertical
monitor embodiment having configuration indicators;
[0026] FIG. 13 is a general block diagram illustrating a tri-level
configuration user interface, further illustrated in FIGS.
14-16;
[0027] FIG. 14 is a level 1 exemplar flow diagram;
[0028] FIG. 15 is a level 2 exemplar flow diagram;
[0029] FIGS. 16A-B is a level 3 exemplar flow diagram.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a physiological measurement system 10
that utilizes a configuration indicator embodiment. The
physiological measurement system 10 has monitor 10 and a multiple
wavelength optical sensor 20. The sensor 20 allows the measurement
of various blood constituents and related parameters. The sensor 20
is configured to communicate with a monitor sensor port 110 via a
patient cable 30. The sensor 20 is typically attached to a tissue
site, such as a finger. The patient cable 30 transmits a drive
signal from the monitor 100 to the sensor 20 and a resulting
detector signal from the sensor 20 to the monitor 100. The monitor
100 processes the detector signal to provide a numerical readout of
measured blood parameters including oxygen saturation (SpO.sub.2),
pulse rate (PR), carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO), methemoglobin (HbMet)
and total hemoglobin (Hbt), to name a few. Displays 120 provide
readouts, bar graphs or other visual presentations of the measured
parameters. A speaker 130 or other audio transducer generates
beeps, alarms or other audio presentations of the measured
parameters. Monitor keys (buttons) 140 provide control over
operating modes and alarms, to name a few. A system status light
160 indicates alarm status, data status and monitor mode.
[0031] As described in detail below, a user can determine the
operational characteristics of the monitor 100 by changing various
factory default settings. A particular group of custom settings,
described herein as a configuration profile, determines the
physiological parameters that are measured, various options related
to those measurements, how the physiological parameters are
displayed, alarm thresholds for the physiological parameters and
alarm types, to name a few. Many configuration profiles are
possible for a monitor, and some profiles are more appropriate for
a particular healthcare application or environment than others. A
configuration indicator advantageously allows a user to quickly
recognize that a particular configuration profile is the current
default setting for that monitor.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, a panel light 150 displays a selected
one of various colors, such as shown in TABLE 1. Advantageously,
each color of the panel light 150 can be associated with a unique
configuration profile. Accordingly, medical staff using the monitor
can readily recognize and discern the monitor's settings by
observing the illumination color. As an example, pink can be
associated with standardized ER settings, teal with surgical ward
settings and blue with general ward settings.
[0033] The panel light 150 illuminates with a color associated with
a user-defined profile at power on. In one embodiment, the panel
light 150 glows and slowly cycles from bright to dim if a temporary
change has been made to the user-defined profile or if defaults
have been activated via the control buttons 140. The panel light
150 returns to a solid state when settings are returned to the
user-defined profile. In an embodiment, a factory default profile
is associated with purple having RGB values of R 75, G 40 and B 55.
In an embodiment, optional profile colors for user defined profiles
are represented by the RGB codes listed in TABLE 1, below.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Colors and RGB Values COLOR DESCRIPTION RGB
CODE Dark Purple 10 05 15 Electric Blue 25 65 40 Teal 15 65 15
Green 10 40 05 Pink 95 20 15 Light Pink 60 20 05
[0034] Further shown in FIG. 1, a top-mounted display 170, such as
an LCD mini-screen, displays radio communication status, system
status and, in an embodiment, a textual description of the current
profile corresponding to the panel light 150. This allows medical
staff to verify the profile associated with a particular panel
light color. For example, the display 170 might indicate "ER,"
"surgical," or "general" corresponding to selected profiles for
those wards. The monitor illustrated in FIG. 1 is described in
further detail with respect to FIGS. 12A-D, below.
[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates a physiological measurement system 200
that utilizes a plug-in configuration indicator. In particular, a
color-coded memory device 250 is removably plugged into a
configuration port 252. The memory 250 is preloaded with a specific
configuration profile, and the monitor 210 reads the memory 250 so
as to transfer the corresponding settings into the monitor.
Different color-coded memories may store different configuration
profiles, i.e. user-selected monitor settings. A user can
advantageously select a memory by color and plug the memory 250
into the configuration port 252 so as to quickly customize the
monitor 210 for a particular medical application or healthcare
environment. For example, red may represent a hospital emergency
room (ER), yellow a surgical ward and green a general care ward.
Accordingly, red, yellow and green-coded memories are loaded with
monitor settings appropriate to the ER, surgical ward and general
ward, respectively. A healthcare provider using the monitor 210 can
then quickly determine if the monitor is configured appropriately
for their purpose. Thus, the memory 250 serves both as a
configuration defining device and as a configuration indicator. In
other embodiments, color-coded dongles each having a memory,
standard connectors and corresponding standard interface
electronics can be plugged into a standardized monitor port, such
as USB or RS-232. In an embodiment, color coded buttons are
provided instead of, or in addition to the memories or dongles
discussed above. The color coded buttons allow a user to quickly
select a desired configuration. In an embodiment, a color
coordinated or non-color coordinated light is provided on or next
to each button, memory or dongle. The light corresponding to the
selected profile is lit.
[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates a physiological measurement system 300
having a removable handheld monitor 310 and a corresponding docking
station 320. The docking station 320 may range in complexity from a
simple charging station to an independent physiological measurement
system that enhances the capabilities of the handheld when docked.
For example, a docking station embodiment may upgrade the
capabilities of other monitors, such as described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,584,336 titled Universal/Upgrading Pulse Oximeter, issued Jun.
24, 2003, assigned to Masimo and incorporated by reference herein.
A panel light 350 on the handheld 310 displays a selected color
associated with a handheld configuration profile, such as described
with respect to FIG. 1, above. A top-mounted display 360 on the
docking station also provides a textual description of a current
profile. In an embodiment, the display 360 simply provides a
textual description of the handheld configuration profile when
docked. In an embodiment, the display 360 indicates a
pre-programmed docking station profile that is adopted by the
handheld when docked, modifying the panel light 350 accordingly. In
an embodiment, the docking station profile is combined with the
handheld profile when docked, modifying both the panel light 350
and the display 360 accordingly. In an embodiment, the docking
station profile is downloaded to the handheld 310 when docked, as
verified by the handheld panel light 350. In this manner, the
docking station 320 functions as a profile defining device for the
handheld 310.
[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates a physiological monitoring system 400
comprising a multi-parameter physiological monitoring system (MPMS)
410 and a corresponding plug-in module 440. The MPMS 410 may be
capable of measuring a wide range of physiological parameters
according to various plug-in modules, such as pulse oximetry, blood
pressure, ECG and capnography to name a few. As an example, a MPMS
having plug-in modules is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,770,028
titled Dual Mode Pulse Oximeter, issued Aug. 3, 2004, assigned to
Masimo and incorporated by reference herein. A panel light 450 on
the plug-in 440 displays a selected color associated with a plug-in
profile, such as described with respect to FIG. 1, above. A monitor
display 420 also provides a color profile indicator 460 and a
corresponding textual description of a current profile. In an
embodiment, the display profile indicator 460 simply reflects the
configuration profile of the plug-in. In an embodiment, the display
profile indicator 460 indicates a pre-programmed MPMS profile that
is adopted by the plug-in 440 when plugged into the MPMS, modifying
the panel light 450 accordingly. In an embodiment, the MPMS profile
is combined with the plug-in profile when docked, modifying both
the panel light 450 and the display indicator 460 accordingly. In
an embodiment, an MPMS configuration profile is downloaded to the
plug-in, as verified by the plug-in profile indicator 450. In this
manner, the MPMS 410 functions as a profile defining device for the
plug-in 440.
[0038] FIGS. 5A-E is a multi-module monitor 500 including a display
and docking station 510, a removable shuttle 520, a handheld
monitor 530 and plug-ins 540, all having corresponding profile
configuration indicators 522, 532, 542. The docking station 510 has
a shuttle port that allows the shuttle 520 to dock. The shuttle 520
has a handheld port that allows the handheld monitor 530 to dock.
Accordingly, the modular patient monitor 500 has three-in-one
functionality including a handheld 530, a handheld 530 docked into
a shuttle 520 as a handheld/shuttle and a handheld/shuttle docked
into the docking station 510. When docked, the three modules of
handheld 530, shuttle 520 and docking station 510 function as one
unit. Plug-in modules 540 expand parameter functionality. In an
embodiment, the handheld monitor 530 incorporates blood parameter
measurement technologies including HbCO, HbMet, SpO.sub.2 and Hbt,
and the shuttle station 520 incorporates non-blood parameters, such
as intelligent cuff inflation (ICI), end-tidal CO.sub.2
(EtCO.sub.2), acoustic respiration rate (ARR), glucose, patient
body temperature (Temp) and ECG, to name a few. A multi-module
monitor is described in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2008/0108884 A1
titled Modular Patient Monitor, filed Sep. 24, 2007 and
incorporated by reference herein.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 5A-E, the monitor 500 is capable of
measuring a wide range of physiological parameters according to a
combination of plug-in modules 540, a removable shuttle 520, a
removable handheld 530 and a docking station 510. The docking
station 510 can display a color profile indicator 560 and a
corresponding textual description of a current profile. The shuttle
520 has a color profile indicator 522. The handheld 530 has a color
profile indicator 532. Also, the plug-in modules 540 each have
individual color profile indicators 542. In an embodiment, the
docking station 510 and shuttle 520 simply reflect the
configuration profile of what is docked. In an embodiment, a
pre-programmed docking station profile is adopted, at least in
part, by each layer of docked components, modifying individual
profile indicators 522, 532, 542 accordingly. In an embodiment, the
docking station 510 profile is combined with one or more of the
profiles of each of the docked components 520, 530, 540 when
docked, modifying the docking station configuration profile
indicator 560 accordingly. In an embodiment, a docking station
configuration profile is downloaded to one or more of the docked
components 520, 530, 540 as verified by the docked component
profile indicators 522, 532, 542. In this manner, the docking
station 510 functions as a configuration profile defining or
programming device.
[0040] FIG. 6 illustrates a physiological monitor 100 that is
responsive to a wireless device for configuration profile
selection. In particular, multiple configuration profiles are
pre-defined for the monitor 100, such as described in detail with
respect to FIGS. 7-16, below. Advantageously, a fixed wireless
device 610 or a mobile wireless device 620 communicates with the
monitor 100 so as to select a particular one of the pre-defined
configuration profiles. The monitor 100 then activates that
profile, i.e. utilizes the profile settings as the monitor default
settings, and illuminates the panel light 150 to a color that
designates the active profile, as described above. The active
profile may also be indicated by a display 170. The wireless device
may use any of various short-range wireless technologies, such as
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) or Bluetooth.RTM. (Bluetooth
SIG) or medium-range wireless technologies, such as Wi-Fi.
[0041] In an embodiment, one or more fixed wireless devices, such
as a wall-mounted transmitter or transceiver 610 define particular
sections inside of a medical care facility according to the
wireless device range and coverage. The wireless device(s) 610
within a particular section transmit a unique ID or code to any
monitor located within that section. The monitor 100 responds to
that code to activate a pre-defined configuration profile
associated with that section. For example, one or more wall-mounted
wireless devices 610 may be located in each of an ER, ICU or
surgical ward, to name a few. A monitor 100 moved to or otherwise
located within a particular section, such as an ER, will
automatically activate the ER configuration profile and illuminate
the panel light 150 with a color indicating the ER configuration,
e.g. red. If the same monitor 100 is then moved to the ICU, it will
receive an ICU code from a fixed wireless device located in the ICU
and will automatically activate the ICU configuration profile and
illuminate the panel light 150 with a color indicating the ICU
configuration, e.g. yellow.
[0042] In another embodiment, a mobile wireless device, such as
incorporated within a personal ID badge or tag 620 transmits a
unique ID or code associated with a particular medical care
provider or group of providers or associated with technical
support. In this manner, the appearance of a particular provider,
such as a head physician or medical specialist, in proximity to the
monitor 100 triggers the monitor to temporarily activate a specific
configuration profile suited to that person's needs as long as that
person remains in proximity to the monitor. Alternatively,
technical support could utilize the tag 620 to quickly change the
configuration profile of a particular monitor. The ID badge or tag
620 may also have a button or switch that selectively activates the
specific configuration profile when desired. Wireless activation of
configuration profiles is described in further detail with respect
to FIG. 11, below.
[0043] FIG. 7 illustrates a monitor configuration system 700
according to a functional hierarchy that includes device 701, code
702, configuration 703 and input/output (I/O) 704 levels. At the
device level 701 is a sensor 710 and a monitor 720 having the
functional characteristics described with respect to FIG. 1, above.
At the code level 702, a monitor has a parameter measurement
function 730 and a configuration management function 740
implemented, for example, in code executing on one or more
processors within the monitor 720. Parameter measurement 730
involves receiving a sensor signal, processing the sensor signal so
as to derive various physiological parameters of interest and
displaying the result. Configuration management 740 involves
defining one or more configuration profiles 750, selecting one of
the defined profiles 760 and indicating the selected profile 770 so
that a monitor user can readily determine the default settings that
determine the monitor characteristics. Configurable defaults for a
patient monitor are described in U.S. Provisional Application Ser.
No. 61/126,268 titled Monitor User Interface, which is cited above
and incorporated by reference herein.
[0044] In particular, a configuration profile is a collection of
user-defined default settings for a monitor specifying parameter
measurement, display and alarm characteristics, to name a few. In
particular, a configuration profile overrides factory defaults at
power up. A configuration indicator 770 is a readily visible cue
confirming to medical staff that the monitor is operating according
to a selected profile 760 or a factory default. In various
embodiments, a configuration indicator 770 can be a color or an
alphanumeric or both. As described above, a color indicator 770 may
be a colored light that illuminates with a user-defined color
representing a specific profile 760. A color indicator 770 may also
be a colored device, such as a memory, dongle or button plugged
into a monitor programming port 787. Also described above, an
alphanumeric indicator 770 may be a display of words or numbers
that are either descriptive or are recognizable code associated
with a selected profile 760.
[0045] A monitor's profile definition 750 can be manually entered
on front-panel keys (buttons) 782; transferred via short-range
wireless technology, such as RFID or wireless personal area network
(PAN) 784; defined on a PC and downloaded via communications port
785; programmed into a memory device and transferred to a monitor
via a specialized programming port 787; transferred to a monitor
via local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) 784,
whether wired or wireless or downloaded from a docked device via a
docking port 780. A configuration application executing on a PC may
interactively prompt a user to define a configuration profile,
which is then downloaded to one or more monitors according to any
of the methods described above, or with respect to FIGS. 9-10,
below.
[0046] FIG. 8 illustrates a patient monitoring system 800 including
a sensor 810 and a physiological monitor 815 with configuration
management features. The sensor 810 is attached to a tissue site,
such as a finger 10. The sensor 810 includes a plurality of
emitters 812 irradiating the tissue site 10 with multiple
wavelengths of light, and one or more detectors 814 capable of
detecting the light after attenuation by the tissue 10. The sensor
810 transmits optical radiation at wavelengths other than or
including the red and infrared wavelengths utilized in pulse
oximeters. The monitor 815 inputs a corresponding sensor signal and
is configured to determine the relative concentrations of blood
constituents other than or in addition to HbO.sub.2 and Hb, such as
HbCO, HbMet, fractional oxygen saturation, Hbt and blood glucose to
name a few.
[0047] The monitor 815 has a processor board 820 and a host
instrument 830. The processor board 820 communicates with the
sensor 810 to receive one or more intensity signal(s) indicative of
one or more physiological parameters. The host instrument 830
communicates with the processor board 820 to receive physiological
parameter data calculated by the processor board 820 and to display
or otherwise output that data. The host instrument 830 also
communicates predetermined settings, described herein as a
configuration profile, to the processor board 820. A configuration
profile determines, in part, what parameters are displayed and how
those parameters are calculated.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 8, the processor board 820 comprises
drivers 821, a front-end 822, a sensor port 824, a digital signal
processor ("DSP") 826 and parameter measurement firmware 828. In
general, the drivers 821 convert digital control signals into
analog drive signals capable of driving sensor emitters 812. The
front-end 822 converts composite analog intensity signal(s) from
light sensitive detector(s) 814 into digital data 823 input to the
DSP 826. The drivers 821 and front-end 822 are adapted to
communicate via the sensor port 824, which is capable of connecting
to the sensor 810. In an embodiment, the DSP 826 is adapted to
communicate via the sensor port 824 with one or more information
elements 816 located on the sensor 810 and one or more cables
connecting the sensor 810 to the physiological monitor 815. The
processor board 820 may also include one or more microcontrollers
in communications with the DSP 826 so as to monitor activity of the
DSP 826 and communicate calculated parameters to the host
instrument 830. In an embodiment, the processor board 820 comprises
processing circuitry arranged on one or more printed circuit boards
capable of installation into the monitor 815, or capable of being
distributed as some or all of one or more OEM components for a wide
variety of host instruments monitoring a wide variety of patient
information.
[0049] The host instrument 830 includes an instrument manager 840,
a user interface 850, I/O ports 860 and in some embodiments a
docking port 870. The host instrument 830 displays one or more of a
pulse rate, plethysmograph data, perfusion index, signal quality,
and values of blood constituents in body tissue, including for
example, SpO.sub.2, carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO), methemoglobin
(HbMet), total hemoglobin (Hbt), fractional oxygen saturation,
blood glucose, bilirubin, or the like. The host instrument 830 may
also be capable of storing or displaying historical or trending
data related to one or more of the measured values or combinations
of the measured values.
[0050] The instrument manager 840 may be one or more
microcontrollers that are in communications with the processor
board 820, the user interface 850, the I/O ports 860 and the
docking port 870. In particular, the instrument manager 840 inputs
calculated parameters and alarm conditions from the processor board
820 and outputs parameter values to the displays 851 and alarm
triggers to the user interface 850. Further, the instrument manager
840 responds to user-actuated keys 853 and communicates with
external devices via various I/O ports 860. The instrument manager
840 also executes configuration management 842 firmware.
Configuration management defines and manages one or more
configuration profiles that provide operational settings to the DSP
826 and define user interface characteristics among other
functions, as described above with respect to FIG. 7.
[0051] Advantageously, the instrument manager 840 communicates with
one or more of a user interface 850, I/O ports 860 or a docking
port 870 to receive configuration profile data and, in some
embodiments, to transmit indications of the default settings. I/O
ports 860 may include one or more of a communication port 861, a
programming port 862 and a networking port 863. Further, the
instrument manager 840 may communicate with an external device
removable attached to a docking port 870. In one embodiment, a
profile is defined via manually-actuated keys 853 and communicated
to the instrument manager 840. In another embodiment, a profile is
defined in an external device, such as a PC, and communicated to
the instrument manager 840 via a communication port 861, such as a
USB or RS-232 interface. In yet another embodiment, a profile is
defined in a characterization element having monitor settings
stored in memory. The characterization element communicates the
defined profile to the instrument manager 840 via a programming I/O
port 862. Among other functions, the instrument manager 840
executes configuration management instructions 842 for downloading
or otherwise determining one or more user-defined configuration
profiles and for indicating the corresponding default settings.
[0052] FIG. 9 illustrates a profile programming embodiment 900
having a monitor 910 in communications with a PC 920, notebook, PDA
or similar device running a configuration application program (AP).
The configuration AP, for example, prompts a user through a menu of
monitor default setting options. Once a complete set of options is
selected, the PC 920 encodes the data as a user-defined profile and
downloads the profile as default settings to the monitor 910.
Alternatively, a set of predefined configuration profiles may be
provided on a CD ROM 930 or similar storage media. A user then
simply selects a desired profile via the PC 920, which downloads
that profile to the monitor 910.
[0053] In other embodiments, a monitor 910 may be factory delivered
with a variety of configuration profiles, which are selected via
configuration codes, menus or similar cataloging functions using
front-panel keys 940. A selected profile is associated with a
uniquely colored panel light 950 and/or an identifying alphanumeric
on a mini-screen 960 so that medical staff can quickly determine
that the appropriate monitor defaults are active upon monitor
power-up.
[0054] FIG. 10 illustrates another profile programming embodiment
1000 having a monitor 1010 in communications with a
characterization element 1060 via a programming port 1050. In this
embodiment, a user-defined configuration profile is stored in a
colored characterization element 1060, such as an EEPROM, EPROM,
PROM or similar non-volatile memory device. The monitor 1010 has a
specialized programming or configuration port 1050 that
electrically and mechanically accepts and communicates with the
memory device 1060. The monitor 1010 reads the characterization
element 1060 to determine its default settings upon power-up. The
characterization element 1060 is specifically colored so as to
provide a readily visible indication of the default profile stored
within. The user-defined default profile is easily changed by
removing one characterization element 1060 from the port 1050 and
replacing it with a differently colored characterization element
1060 selected from a preloaded set of memory devices.
[0055] Also shown in FIG. 10, a profile programming device 1070 has
multiple programming slots 1072 for mass programming profiles into
characterization elements 1060. In particular, a profile is either
defined directly in the monitor 1010 or communicated from an
external device, such as a PC 1020. A profile may be directly
programmed in the PC 1020 or loaded from a CD ROM 1030. The PC 1020
communicates with the programming device 1070 to mass-produce
characterization elements all having the same profile or each
having different profiles depending on the programming slot 1072.
In an embodiment, a single characterization element 1060 may be
programmed via the monitor 1010 while inserted into the port 1050.
The profile programmed may be downloaded to the monitor 1010 from
the PC 1020 or entered directly into the monitor 1010 via
front-panel keys 1040.
[0056] FIG. 11 illustrates a physiological monitor 100 that is
responsive to a wireless device 50 for configuration profile
selection, such as described with respect to FIG. 6, above. The
monitor 100 has an instrument manager 1110 that receives calculated
physiological parameters 1112 from a digital signal processor (DSP)
and provides default settings 1114 to the DSP, such as described
with respect to FIG. 8, above. The monitor 1100 has a profile
lookup table 1120, a wireless transceiver 1130 or receiver,
predefined profiles 1140, and a profile indicator 1150. A wireless
device 50 is in communications with the wireless transceiver 1130
when the wireless device 50 is in the vicinity of the monitor 100.
The wireless device 50 may be a fixed device, such as a
wall-mounted transceiver or transmitter that designates an area
within a building or facility, such as described with respect to
FIG. 6, above. Alternatively, the wireless device may be a tag or
card utilizing short range wireless transceiver or transmitter
technology, such as RFID or Bluetooth.RTM..
[0057] As shown in FIG. 11, the wireless device 50 transmits a code
1132 to the transceiver 1130 that corresponds to one of the
predefined profiles 1140. The transceiver 1130 communicates the
profile code 1132 to the instrument manager 1110. The instrument
manager 1110 access the lookup table 1120 so as to determine a
particular profile corresponding to the code 1124. The instrument
manager 1110 loads the selected profile as the monitor default
settings and communicates at least some of those settings 1114 to
the DSP.
[0058] FIGS. 12A-D illustrate further details of a monitor 100
described above with respect to FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 12A, the
monitor front panel 101 has a sensor port 110, parameter displays
120, a speaker 130, control buttons 140, a panel light 150 and a
status light 160. The sensor port 110 accepts a patient cable 30
(FIG. 1) connector so as to communicate with a sensor 20 (FIG. 1).
The parameter displays 120 provide numerical readouts of measured
blood parameters such as oxygen saturation (SpO.sub.2), pulse rate
(BPM) and total hemoglobin. The speaker 130 provides, for example,
an audio indication of alarms. The control buttons 140 provide user
control and selection of monitor features including power on/off
141, sensitivity 142, brightness 143, display 145, alarm silence
147 and alarm limits 148 and allow input of a configuration profile
via up and down scrolling 149 and enter 144 buttons. An alarm
status light 135 indicates high priority alarms. As shown in FIG.
12B, the monitor top panel 102 has an LCD display 170. As shown in
FIG. 12C, the monitor back panel 103 provides a power entry module
181, a serial output connector 182, a nurse call connector 183 and
a ground connector 184. FIG. 12D illustrates a vertical monitor 109
embodiment of the monitor 100 described with respect to FIG. 1 and
FIGS. 12A-C, above.
[0059] FIG. 13 illustrates a tri-level monitor user interface that
utilizes front panel buttons (keys) to navigate through the menu
selections. Advantageously, monitor settings that are typically
adjusted most often for patient monitoring (level 1) are segregated
from settings typically adjusted less often (level 2). Level 1 and
level 2 settings are further segregated from advanced settings
(level 3) that require a timed, combination button press to enter.
In particular, this user interface allows a user to manually enter
a configuration profile, such as described above, and to associate
that profile with a color displayed by the panel light.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 13, setup level 1 1320 contains the
parameter and measurement settings that are adjusted most often
including alarm limits 1360, display brightness 1370, and
sensitivity settings 1380. Setup level 2 1330 contains parameter
and measurement settings that are not changed as frequently as
level 1, including alarm volume, alarm silence, alarm delay, clear
trend and button volume parameters. Setup level 3 1340 contains
advanced parameter and measurement settings. Once a menu level is
accessed, a front panel button (level 1 only) or the enter button
(level 2 and 3) is used to move from one option to the next
allowing repeated cycling through the options. The up and down
buttons are used to adjust values within each option. The enter
button is pressed to set the value.
[0061] FIG. 14 illustrates a level 1 example for setting alarm
limits. The alarm limits button is pressed to access the alarm
limits menu. The alarm limits button is used to access the alarm
limits options and to move between options of % SpO.sub.2 LO 1410,
% SpO.sub.2 HI 1420, Pulse rate (BPM) LO 1430, Pulse rate (BPM) HI
1440, PVI LO 1450 and PVI HI 1460. Up or down buttons are used to
adjust the value to the desired setting. The alarm limits button is
pressed to accept the setting and move to the next option. Once the
last option is accessed, an additional press of the alarm limits
button returns the device to an initial screen. The display button
is pressed to exit at any time and return to the initial
screen.
[0062] FIG. 15 illustrates a level 2 example for setting button
volume. For button volume, the enter button is pressed. The
settings options include default level 2 1510, level 1 1520, off
1540 and level 3 1530. Up or down button is used to move between
settings and the enter button 1540 is used to accept the setting
and move to the next menu screen. The display button is pressed to
exit without saving the new setting and to return to the initial
display screen.
[0063] FIGS. 16A-B illustrate a level 3 example for altering the
factory defaults. To access level 3 parameters/measurements, the
enter button is held down and the down button is pressed for 5
seconds. After entering level 3, the enter button is used to save
new settings and move to the next menu. The user may cycle through
the menu options by continuing to press the enter button. Pressing
the display button exits the menu and returns the display to an
initial display screen. The settings options are no change (do not
adjust factory default settings) 1610, user default (set to user
settings) 1625 and factory default (restore factory default
settings) 1620. Up or down button is used to move between settings
and the enter button is pressed to accept the setting and move to
the next menu. The display button is pressed to exit without saving
the new setting and to return to the home display screen. The
factory default is set to this setting when configuring a device
profile and selecting a color for the device profile LED.
[0064] The monitor can be configured to save changes to the device
settings as a device profile. Using the button menu or an external
configuration application, users can adjust monitor settings and
parameter/measurement alarm limits. After changing settings, the
user may save the settings as a device profile. This device profile
becomes the new default settings and the saved (device profile)
settings will be retained after a power cycle. The user may select
a color for the device profile LED to associate with the saved
profile. The device profile LED will illuminate with the selected
color, allowing the user to verify at a glance that a device
profile has been set. If changes are made to the device settings
after the device profile feature has been enabled, the device
profile LED will turn off, indicating a change from the device
profile settings. Pressing the Up Arrow once will change the
display from the default "Factory Default--Set", to "User
Default--Set" (see LCD display) 1610. The user can press the Enter
Button again to save the settings, and the monitor will prompt the
user to select a color (for the Device Profile LED) to associate
with the saved profile. The default color is light blue. On the LCD
display, a message alerts the user that light blue is selected,
"User Default--light blue". By using the up or down arrows, the
user can select from a list of colors 1610-1690. The user selects
and saves one color by pressing the Enter Button. The device
profile light on the front panel will illuminate with the selected
color. When user configured default settings are active, any
changes to the default settings cause the device profile LED to
turn off until the device is returned to the user configured
default settings or powered off.
[0065] A monitor configuration system has been disclosed in detail
in connection with various embodiments. These embodiments are
disclosed by way of examples only and are not to limit the scope of
the claims that follow. One of ordinary skill in art will
appreciate many variations and modifications.
* * * * *