Systems and methods for pairing medical devices

Abstract

A medical device monitoring system (10) includes a monitor (12a, 12b) and a medical device (14). The monitor (12a, 12b) includes an infrared emitter (16a, 16b) that emits a first infrared signal (20a) including identification information (24a) of the monitor (12a), a second infrared signal (20b) including the identification information (24b), and a time gap (26a, 26b) between the first infrared signal (20a) and the second infrared signal (20b); a controller (56) that activates the infrared emitter (16a, 16b) and sets the time gap (26a, 26b) between the first infrared signal (20a) and the second infrared signal (20b); and monitor communication circuitry (44). The medical device (14) includes a medical sensor (52) and an infrared receiver (18) disposed on a video laryngoscope (80) and that receives the first infrared signal (20a) and the second infrared signal (20b). The medical device (14) also includes communication circuitry (62) that transmits an acquired airway image to the monitor communication circuitry (44) when a processor (40) verifies a pairing between the video laryngoscope (80) and the monitor (12).

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to medical devices, and more specifically to communication between components of a monitoring system.

[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the technology that may be related to the aspects described below and / or claimed in this disclosure. It is believed that this discussion will help provide the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements should be read in this context and not as an endorsement of any kind.

[0003] In the medical field, doctors often wish to monitor certain physiological characteristics of their patients. Therefore, a wide variety of devices have been developed to monitor many of these physiological characteristics. These devices provide doctors and other healthcare professionals with the information they need to provide the best possible healthcare for their patients.

[0004] Medical devices may include sensors that acquire patient information (e.g., medical data, medical images) and transmit that information to a patient monitor or a separate device. While some sensors and monitors are interconnected via communication cables, this arrangement can restrict the movement of clinicians during medical procedures. Therefore, it may be desirable to use wireless sensors to acquire patient information, which then transmit the information to a separate monitor or display, allowing clinicians greater freedom of movement while performing monitoring.

[0005] Such wireless medical devices are typically paired with a patient monitor to ensure that the monitor displays physiological information from the intended source. This can be achieved by manually entering device-related information into the patient monitor. However, manual entry is time-consuming and may not be updated in a timely manner due to the device being reused between patients. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The following outlines some embodiments whose scope is commensurate with the subject matter of the original claims. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In fact, this disclosure may cover a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0007] In one embodiment, a video laryngoscope monitoring system includes a monitor. The monitor includes an infrared transmitter activated to emit an infrared signal. The infrared signal includes a first signal portion having identification information of the monitor and a second signal portion having the identification information. A random time interval exists between the first signal portion and the second signal portion, the random time interval being based on a random number or pseudo-random number. The monitor also includes a controller that activates the infrared transmitter and sets the random time interval between the first signal portion and the second signal portion. Further, the monitor includes a monitor communication circuitry system. The video laryngoscope monitoring system also includes a video laryngoscope. The video laryngoscope includes a camera that acquires images of the patient's airway. The video laryngoscope also includes an infrared receiver disposed on the video laryngoscope and receiving the infrared signal having the identification information of the monitor from the infrared transmitter. Further, the video laryngoscope includes a communication circuitry system that wirelessly communicates with the monitor communication circuitry system. Furthermore, the video laryngoscope includes a processor that extracts the identification information from the infrared signal; verifies the pairing between the video laryngoscope and the monitor based on the extracted identification information; and instructs the communication circuitry system, based on the verified pairing, to wirelessly transmit the acquired airway image to the monitor associated with the identification information.

[0008] In one embodiment, a medical device monitoring system includes a plurality of monitors, each of which has an infrared transmitter activated to emit an infrared signal including identification information of the respective monitor. The identification information is repeated in the infrared signal, with random time intervals between repetitions. Each monitor also has a controller that activates the infrared transmitter and sets the random time intervals in the infrared signal of the respective monitor. Further, each monitor includes a monitor communication circuitry system. The medical device monitoring system also includes a medical device. The medical device includes a sensor that acquires medical device data of a patient. The medical device also includes an infrared receiver disposed on the medical device and receives the infrared signal including the identification information from each of the plurality of monitors according to the random time intervals of each infrared transmitter. Further, the medical device includes a processor that extracts the identification information from the infrared signal of each monitor. Furthermore, the medical device includes a communication circuit system that uses the identification information of at least one monitor extracted from the infrared signal to transmit medical device data to the monitor communication circuit system of at least one of the plurality of monitors.

[0009] In one embodiment, a method includes setting a random time interval based on the signal transmission time of identification information associated with a monitor. The method also includes driving the transmission of an infrared signal via an infrared transmitter, the infrared signal including repetitions of the identification information, wherein at least two of these repetitions are separated by a signal off-time having a length based on the random time interval. Further, the method includes pairing with the medical device based on the infrared signal received by an infrared receiver of the medical device, wherein the pairing includes extracting the identification information from the infrared signal and verifying the identification information. Still further, the method includes receiving medical device data from the medical device based on the pairing. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The advantages of the disclosed technology will become apparent from the following detailed description and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a transmitter and receiver system exhibiting interference between multiple transmitters at the receiver is shown;

[0012] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a medical device monitoring system according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown;

[0013] Figure 3 A timing diagram of signals transmitted by a transmitter of a medical device monitoring system at random time intervals according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0014] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the present disclosure for pairing and transmitting data between a monitor and a medical device based on an infrared signal transmitted by a transmitter;

[0015] Figure 5 This demonstrates embodiments that can be combined with the present disclosure. Figure 2 A block diagram of the monitoring instruments and medical devices used in the system;

[0016] Figure 6 A perspective view of a video laryngoscope system paired with and communicating with a video monitoring device, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, is shown; and

[0017] Figure 7 This demonstrates an embodiment of the invention for use in... Figure 6 The flowchart shows the pairing and data transmission process in the system. Detailed Implementation

[0018] In certain clinical settings, such as in an operating room or when intubating a patient, it may be beneficial to display medical device data acquired by a wireless medical device on a separate monitor, allowing multiple healthcare professionals to view the data in real time. The wireless medical device can be paired with an appropriate monitor (or vice versa) by exchanging or receiving identification information from the monitor. The identification information can be used to identify or verify input signals between the medical device and the monitor and / or establish a wireless communication license or protocol between these devices. This technology provides systems and methods for optical communication and pairing between devices (e.g., between medical devices). The disclosed pairing techniques prevent or reduce interference between multiple optical emitting devices (e.g., infrared transmitters) to allow the receiver to receive a clear and resolvable signal, which in turn will allow pairing between the corresponding devices associated with the transmitter and receiver.

[0019] Infrared remote control or communication uses light signals emitted from an infrared transmitter and received by an infrared receiver within the transmitter's emission range. While infrared signals typically cannot penetrate walls into adjacent rooms, multiple infrared transmitters operating in the same wavelength band and co-located in a room will interfere with each other, preventing infrared receivers in the room from receiving readable information. For example... Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an environment with multiple transmitters (shown herein as transmitter 1 and transmitter 2) simultaneously transmitting electromagnetic signals (e.g., signal 1 and signal 2, respectively) that can be received by any available receiver within range. In the illustrated example, receiver 1 is within range. Signals 1 and 2 interfere with each other, resulting in an unresolved signal that is a combination (e.g., overlap) of the two signals as shown in the illustrated embodiment. While signals 1 and 2 may include identification information, such as a Media Access Control (MAC) address, IP address, unique device identifier, etc., that uniquely identifies the devices associated with transmitters 1 and 2 respectively, this identification information may be lost in the overlapping signal. Therefore, receiver 1 cannot identify information from transmitters 1 and 2 based on the overlapping signal between signals 1 and 2. Consequently, receiver 1 cannot pair with transmitters 1 and / or 2 and therefore cannot transmit information. Thus, as Figure 1 As shown, simultaneous emission of light signals from multiple transmitters in the environment can prevent effective optical pairing between transmitters and receivers. The disclosed technique prevents or reduces overlap between simultaneously emitted light signals, making the received signals easier to interpret, thereby improving pairing between devices to allow the display of medical device data (e.g., physiological measurements, medical images).

[0020] For example, the signal time interval technique disclosed according to aspects of this disclosure can improve the efficiency of device pairing by reducing the incidence of unsuccessful pairing attempts. The disclosed signal time interval technique introduces random time gaps into the identification information transmitted from each transmitter. Because the devices associated with each transmitter randomly and independently set the time gaps (e.g., time delays), the portion of the transmitted signal including the identification information is less likely to overlap with signals transmitted by other transmitters. That is, each transmitted signal will include dark periods or signal off periods of random duration to avoid overlap of identification information signals between transmitters. In one embodiment, the disclosed signal time interval technique can be implemented on the pairing side (e.g., the monitor side). In this way, specialized medical devices with more complex custom operating systems can still benefit from receiving more resolvable signals to facilitate pairing without modification or upgrade.

[0021] In view of the above, Figure 2 This is a block diagram of the components of a medical device monitoring system 10, including multiple monitors 12 and a medical device 14. Generally, a monitor 12 is an electronic device with a processor that performs one or more operations, such as providing an image on a display of the monitor 12, recording data in memory, or transmitting data to another device (e.g., streaming or automatically transmitting at different times). For example, the monitor 12 may include a display depicting visualizations associated with medical device data captured, measured, acquired, and / or obtained by the medical device 14. The monitor 12 includes a transmitter 16 that typically allows the monitor 12 to pair with the medical device 14. More specifically, the transmitter 16 may emit, transmit, or transmit infrared signals that are received by a receiver 18 of the medical device 14 within appropriate range of the monitor. In one embodiment, the infrared signal may be in the range of 700 nm to 1 mm. In one embodiment, the infrared signal is a near-infrared signal in the range of 750 nm to 1400 nm. Although transmitter 16 is discussed as transmitting infrared signals in embodiments of this disclosure, it should be noted that transmitter 16 may be capable of transmitting other types of electromagnetic signals in other bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. Furthermore, while some embodiments show transmitter 16 on monitor 12 and receiver on medical device 14, it should be understood that these positions may be interchanged, either additionally or alternatively.

[0022] Typically, medical device 14 is a processor-based device that performs one or more operations, such as capturing, measuring, acquiring, and obtaining medical device data. Medical device data refers to data acquired by medical sensors of medical device 14. For example, medical device 14 may be a video laryngoscope including sensors (e.g., a camera). Therefore, medical device data acquired by medical device 14 may include images of the patient's airway. Alternatively or additionally, medical device data may include images of the patient in other areas, physiological parameter data (e.g., oxygen saturation, carbon dioxide measurements, blood pressure data). In one embodiment, medical device 14 may be a drug delivery device, tool, or surgical instrument controlled or operated by monitor 12.

[0023] To prevent or reduce the possibility of infrared signal 20a emitted by transmitter 16a interfering with infrared signal 20b emitted by transmitter 16b, transmitters 16a and 16b can emit their respective infrared signals 20a and 20b to include identification information 24a and 24b separated by time gaps 26a and 26b. By emitting infrared signals 20a and 20b with time gaps, receiver 18 can receive data 28 representing the two resolvable infrared signals 20a and 20b. Infrared signal 20a corresponds to infrared signal 20a emitted by transmitter 16a of monitor 12a, and infrared signal 20b corresponds to infrared signal 20b emitted by transmitter 16b of monitor 12b.

[0024] To further illustrate this point, Figure 3 This is a timing diagram or drive control of infrared signals 20a, 20b emitted by transmitters 16a, 16b and including an integer number of time intervals 26a, 26b. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, transmitter 16a emits infrared signal 20a (e.g., a first infrared signal) and transmitter 16b emits signal 20b (e.g., a second infrared signal). The infrared signals 20 include time intervals 26 that separate repetitions of identification information 24 (e.g., code groups representing identification information 24), which are unique for each associated monitor 12. That is, the drive signal may include an on period representing the transmission of identification information 24 and an off period or dark period representing time interval 26. Time interval 26 is variable and, as provided herein, can be randomly set to prevent or reduce simultaneous transmission of identification information 24 between different transmitters 16.

[0025] As illustrated in the example, at the first time point Δt1, the transmission of identification information 24a and identification information 24b occur simultaneously. This may cause receiver 18 to be unable to separate or resolve the identification information 24a, 24b received simultaneously from transmitters 16a, 16b. However, because transmitters 16a, 16b independently introduce random time gaps 26 between repetitions of identification information 24, the next activation period of each corresponding transmitter 16a, 16b is staggered or separate in time. Figure 3 As shown, the random time gap 26a of transmitter 16a is different from the random time gap 26b introduced by transmitter 16b. During this time gap, transmitters 16a and 16b are turned off or dark, resulting in no interference signal generation. Therefore, at Δt2, both transmitters 16a and 16b are turned off according to the set random time gap. At Δt3, the random time gap 24a of transmitter 16a has expired, and transmitter 16a transmits identification information 24a, while transmitter 16b remains off. Therefore, receiver 18 can resolve the identification information 24a, which was unresolvable at Δt1 due to interference from transmitter 16b, at Δt3.

[0026] Similarly, at Δt4, identification information 24b is transmitted during the off-time period or time gap 26a' of transmitter 16a and received by receiver 18 without interference from transmitter 16a. The identification information 24 in each repetition of a single transmitter (e.g., transmitter 16a or transmitter 16b) can be the same between repetitions, such that one or two instances of unresolvable identification information 24 will not ultimately hinder effective pairing. Furthermore, it should be understood that different transmitters 16 transmit different identification information 24 relative to each other to allow for unique identification of their associated monitors 12.

[0027] The random time gap 26 can be set independently at each corresponding monitor 12. A statistical distribution controls the probability that the random time gap 26 introduced between repetitions 24 of a single transmitter 16 will be sufficiently staggered between the two monitors 12. For example, in an embodiment where the time gap 16 for the two transmitters 16 is generated by, for example, selecting a number between 1 and 10, the probability that transmitters 16a and 16b will generate the same first time gap is 1 / 10, and the probability that transmitters 16a and 16b will also have a second time gap is 1 / 100. The time gap 26 can be based on a random positive number (e.g., from a random number generator with minimum and maximum limits), which is multiplied by a time constant to generate the random time gap 26. Therefore, a transmitter 16 emitting an infrared signal 20 at time gap 26 will prevent or reduce the overlap of that infrared signal with infrared signals emitted by other monitors 12. In one embodiment, the system 10 generates a pseudo-random time gap 26. For example, the pseudo-random time gap 26 can be based on a number from a pseudo-random number generator (PRNG). In one implementation, system 10 dynamically generates random time gaps 26 in real time. In another implementation, system 10 generates random time gaps 26 as an ordered set in advance or when transmitter 16 starts transmitting, and applies the ordered set to establish random time gaps 26 separated by identification information 24 to generate drive signals for transmitter 16.

[0028] In one implementation, the magnitude (e.g., duration) of time gap 26 can be based on the signal transmission time 24 of infrared signal 20. For example, time gaps 26a, 26b can be at least twice the estimated or previous (e.g., last) signal transmission time of identification information 24. In this way, the possibility of overlap between infrared signals 20a and 20b can be further reduced, since the off periods of each infrared signal 20a, 20b are typically longer than the on periods (including identification information 24).

[0029] In this way, multiple transmitters 16 transmitting in the same band can automatically transmit identification information without synchronizing the transmissions of the transmitters 16 between different monitors 12. Additionally, the receiver 18 can obtain resolvable information from multiple transmitters 16, thereby allowing the receiver 18 to automatically pair with one or more transmitters 16.

[0030] Figure 4 The implementation scheme described herein is shown and referenced. Figures 1 to 3An exemplary process 30 (e.g., the process of monitor 12) can be employed by components of system 10, such as monitor 12, to pair with and communicate with medical device 14. For example, steps of process 30 can be stored in the memory and / or storage device of monitor 12. Before proceeding, it should be noted that process 30 described below is described as being executed by the processor of monitor 12, but process 30 can be executed by other suitable computing devices. For example, in an embodiment where medical device 14 includes a transmitter (e.g., infrared transmitter 16) and monitor includes a receiver (e.g., receiver 18), certain steps such as blocks 32, 34, and 36 can be executed by the processor of medical device 14. Although described in a specific order to indicate a particular embodiment, it should be noted that process 30 can be executed in any suitable order. Additionally, embodiments of process 30 may omit process blocks and / or include additional process blocks.

[0031] Now for reference Figure 4 At box 32, the processor of monitor 12 sets a time interval 26, such as a random time interval 26, for the transmission of identification information 24 of monitor 12. Typically, the identification information is information that can be used by medical device 14 to pair monitor 12 and medical device 14. For example, the identification information may include a MAC address, IP address, key, etc., facilitating pairing between monitor 12 and medical device 14. In one embodiment, the processor of monitor 12 may use a random number generator to generate the time interval 26. For example, the processor of monitor 12 may use a suitable method, such as a pseudo-random number generator (PRNG) or a hardware random number generator, to randomly generate numbers between 0 and 1, numbers greater than 1, and / or integers. The time interval 26 may be based on the generated random number multiplied by a time constant. In one embodiment, monitor 12 may generate the time interval 26 after a previous infrared signal has been transmitted by monitor 12. Therefore, if the previous infrared signal 20 cannot be resolved by the receiver 18 of the medical device, the transmitter 16 of the monitor 12 can use the time gap 26 to transmit the infrared signal 20 to reduce overlap or interference caused by the transmitter 16 of other monitors 12 that may have made the previous infrared signal 20 unresolvable by the medical device 14.

[0032] In an embodiment where multiple monitors 12 attempt to pair with a medical device 14, if at least one of the monitors 12 is using a random number generator to generate time intervals (e.g., random time intervals), the likelihood of overlapping infrared signals from each monitor 12 can be reduced, thereby increasing the probability that a monitor will pair with one or more medical devices 14. In another embodiment, each of the multiple monitors can generate a corresponding time interval, which can also reduce the likelihood of overlapping infrared signals from each monitor 12.

[0033] In another embodiment, the processor of monitor 12 can generate time gap 26 based on the signal transmission time associated with identification information 24. For example, when identification information 24 is a MAC address, time gap 26 can correspond to the signal transmission time for transmitting the complete MAC address via transmitter 16. The signal transmission time can be determined empirically or based on the calibration transmission or last transmission of transmitter 16. To prevent the infrared signal 20 transmitted as discussed with respect to block 34 from overlapping with infrared signals 20 transmitted by another monitor 12, time gap 26 can be a multiple of the signal transmission time (e.g., at least twice the signal transmission time, three times the signal transmission time, five times the signal transmission time, etc.). In one embodiment, time gap 26 can be a signal transmission time combined with a random number (e.g., a number between 0 and 1 or a number greater than 1) (e.g., summed and / or added). That is, the processor of monitor 12 can generate a random positive number and multiply that random positive number by a time constant (e.g., signal transmission time or other constant) to generate or set time gap 26. The processor then causes transmitter 16 to transmit infrared signal 20 after calculating the time gap (e.g., and after the time gap has elapsed). In some embodiments, the processor may generate time gap 26 and drive signal for transmitter 16 when monitor 12 is powered on.

[0034] At block 34, monitor 12 emits an infrared signal 20 including identification information 24, which is repeated and separated by random time intervals 26. For example, the processor of monitor 12 may output a control signal that causes the transmitter 16 of monitor 12 to output an infrared signal after time interval 26. In one embodiment, the processor of monitor 12 outputs a control signal (e.g., a transmitter drive signal) that causes the transmitter 16 of monitor 12 to emit an infrared signal 20 including identification information 24, wherein each repetition is separated by time interval 26. For example, the processor of monitor 12 may cause the transmitter to repeatedly output identification information 24 in response to monitor 12 being powered on or after a predetermined delay. The process can proceed to block 36 when the infrared signal 20 does not overlap or interfere with infrared signals 20 from another monitor 12 to produce an unresolved signal. For example, monitor 12 may output infrared signal 20 when it is not paired and before pairing occurs.

[0035] At box 36, monitor 12 is paired with medical device 14. As discussed herein, pairing refers to establishing wireless communication between monitor 12 and medical device 14. For example, medical device 14 may receive a resolvable infrared signal from monitor 12, including a unique MAC address associated with monitor 12. Thus, medical device 14 can identify monitor 12 through the network with which it communicates. Successful pairing can be indicated by establishing communication via a wireless or Bluetooth circuit system and an associated handshake between monitor 12 and medical device 14. Medical device 14 may use the unique identification information 24 provided by monitor 12 to send appropriate codes, keys, and / or device identifiers to establish communication with monitor 12.

[0036] In one embodiment, the monitor 12 may deactivate its transmitter 16 in response to pairing with a medical device. For example, the monitor 12 may output a control signal that causes the transmitter 16 to stop transmitting another signal and / or the processor may not generate additional time slots. In one embodiment, when pairing and / or communication between the monitor 12 and the medical device 14 is interrupted, the monitor 12 may return to block 32. For example, the monitor 12 may subsequently transmit additional infrared signals 20 as provided herein. In one embodiment, the processor of the monitor 12 may output a control signal that causes the monitor 12 to display identification information 24 associated with the paired medical device 14 and a button or user input that allows the user to confirm whether the monitor 12 is paired with the correct medical device 14. Successful pairing may be indicated by user input on the monitor 12 and / or device 14.

[0037] At box 38, monitor 12 receives medical device data from medical device 14. For example, monitor 12 may display the medical device data stream from medical device 14 substantially in real time. In some embodiments, the medical device data may include encrypted data. For example, medical device data may include patient data, medical records, or other data that medical professionals and / or patients wish to protect. Therefore, medical device 14 may also transmit an encryption key, thereby allowing the processor of monitor 12 to decrypt the encrypted data.

[0038] Alternatively, at block 39, monitor 12 may stop emitting infrared signals in response to pairing with medical device 14. For example, in response to establishing communication with medical device 14, the processor of monitor 12 may output a control signal that causes transmitter 16 to stop emitting any additional infrared signals 20 upon indicating successful pairing. In this way, monitor 12 pairs with a single medical device 14. Medical device 14 may pair with only a single monitor 12 by automatically deactivating receiver 18 upon successful pairing. In another embodiment, medical device 14 may be configured to pair with any available monitor 12, and receiver 18 may be active during the power-on state of medical device 14 or before being actively turned off by user input. In one embodiment, monitor 12 may reactivate transmitter 16 when communication and / or pairing between monitor 12 and medical device 14 is interrupted. For example, if communication between monitor 12 and medical device 14 is interrupted for more than a time threshold, the processor of monitor 12 can output a control signal to reactivate transmitter 16, and process 30 can return to block 32. Monitor 12 can activate transmitter 16 only if monitor 12 is not already paired with medical device 14. In another embodiment where medical device 14 includes infrared transmitter 16 and monitor 12 also includes infrared receiver 18, transmitter 16 can remain active, thereby allowing communication between medical device 14 and monitor 12 using infrared transmitter and receiver. For example, monitor 12 and medical device 14 can transmit data that is relatively less memory-intensive than video or imaging data, such as encryption keys.

[0039] In this way, process 30 enables monitor 12 to prevent or reduce overlapping and unresolved signals, thereby improving pairing between devices such as monitor 12 and medical devices. As discussed herein, by transmitting an infrared signal with identification information after a time interval determined by the processor of monitor 12, the likelihood of the infrared signal overlapping with infrared signals emitted by other monitors 12 can be reduced.

[0040] In order to perform one or more of the operations described herein, the monitor 12 may include various types of components that can help the processor of the monitor 12 perform the operations described below. Figure 5 This is a block diagram of an embodiment of the medical device monitoring system 10. As shown, the medical device monitoring system 10 includes a monitor 12 and a medical device 14 (e.g., a video laryngoscope).

[0041] The monitor 12 and medical device 14 may include various components that enable the medical device monitoring system 10 to perform the techniques disclosed herein. For example, the monitor 12 includes a transmitter 16, one or more processors 40, hardware memory 42, communication circuitry 44, a display 46, input / output (I / O) devices 48, and a receiver 50. The monitor 12 may be powered by various power sources, such as a battery or input from an external power source. The medical device 14 may include a receiver 18, a medical sensor (e.g., a camera) 52, I / O devices (e.g., a touch sensor) 54, and a controller 56 (e.g., an electronic controller), one or more processors 58, hardware memory 60, and communication circuitry 62.

[0042] Communication circuit systems 44 and 62 can be wireless transceivers configured to establish wireless communication with each other. For example, communication circuit systems 44 and 62 can be configured to communicate using the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, and can communicate using, for example, ZigBee, WirelessHART, or MiWi protocols. Alternatively, communication circuit systems 44 and 62 can be configured to communicate using one or more standards, such as the Bluetooth standard or the IEEE 802.11 standard. In some embodiments, communication circuit systems 44 and 62 can be housed in an adapter (e.g., a dongle) configured to connect to monitor 12 and / or medical device 14 to facilitate wireless communication 66 between monitor 12 and medical device 14.

[0043] As discussed herein, when medical device 14 receives a resolvable infrared signal 20, medical device 14 can pair and transmit (e.g., medical device data acquired by medical sensor 52). In an illustrated embodiment, each monitor 12a, 12b, and 12c transmits a corresponding infrared signal 20a, 20b, and 20c, which may include unique identification information 24 (e.g., the MAC address of monitor 12) for each monitor 12a, 12b, and 12c. Furthermore, each infrared signal 20a, 20b, and 20c may be transmitted at an intercalary random time interval 26 independently set by processor 40. Therefore, when infrared signals 20a, 20b, and 20c are resolvable, medical device 14 will pair with the monitor 12 that transmitted the resolvable infrared signal 20. In one embodiment, the receiver 18 of medical device 14 is not interrupted when pairing with a single monitor 12, and medical device 14 may be able to pair with each monitor 12a, 12b, and 12c. In this embodiment, the medical device 14 can continuously stream medical device data captured by the medical sensor 52 of the medical device 14. In any case, in response to the medical device 14 receiving a resolvable infrared signal, the medical device 14 communicates with the monitors 12a, 12b and 12c via wireless communications 66a, 66b and / or 66c respectively.

[0044] In some embodiments, the video laryngoscope monitoring system 10 may include one or more remote devices or systems (not shown), such as computing systems (e.g., handheld or portable computing systems operated by medical professionals, such as tablets, smartphones, etc.; hospital computing systems, etc.), room display systems, and / or hospital data storage systems. The remote devices or systems may be configured to communicate with (e.g., send signals to and / or receive signals from) the medical device 14 and / or the monitor 12 via wireless or wired connections. For example, the medical device 14 and / or the monitor 12 may relay image data or sensor data received from the medical device 14 to the remote devices or systems for display and / or storage.

[0045] In some embodiments, the monitor 12 and the medical device 14 may include circuitry configured to process signals, such as those generated by the medical sensor 52, and / or control signals provided via inputs, such as, for example, input 48 of the monitor 12 or input 54 on the medical device 14. In illustrated embodiments, processors 40, 58 may be used to execute software. For example, in an embodiment where the medical device 14 is a video laryngoscope and the medical sensor 52 includes a camera, the processor 58 of the medical device 14 may be configured to receive signals from the medical sensor 52 and execute software to generate images and / or perform any of the multiple processes according to this disclosure (e.g., displaying images, storing images, transmitting images, etc.). Furthermore, processors 40, 58 may include multiple microprocessors, one or more “general-purpose” microprocessors, one or more application-specific microprocessors, and / or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or some combination thereof. For example, processors 40, 58 may include one or more Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) processors. It should be understood that the individual processing steps may be executed by processors 40, 58, or may be distributed among processors 40, 58 in any suitable manner.

[0046] Hardware memories 42, 60 may include: volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM); and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM). It should be understood that hardware memories 42, 60 may include flash memory, hard disk drives, or any other suitable optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage media, other hardware memories, or combinations thereof. Memories 42, 60 may store a variety of information and may be used for a variety of purposes. For example, memories 42, 60 may store processor-executable instructions (e.g., firmware or software) for execution by processors 40, 58, such as instructions for generating time slot 26 and drive signals for infrared transmitter 16. As discussed herein, transmitter 16 may transmit identification information 24 associated with monitor 12, such as MAC address, IP address, key, etc. For example, processor 40 may retrieve identification information from memory and / or storage device 42 and cause transmitter 16 to transmit infrared signal 20 including identification information 24.

[0047] As provided herein, medical device 14 can be any medical device capable of being paired with a standalone monitor. In a specific embodiment, system 10 is a video laryngoscope monitoring system, and medical device 14 is a video laryngoscope 80. The video laryngoscope 80 includes: a display portion 82 having a display screen 84 configured to display images or other data; and a body 86 (e.g., a reusable body) having a handle portion 86 configured to be gripped by a medical professional during a laryngoscope procedure; and an elongated portion or arm 90 supporting a camera assembly 91 configured to acquire images (e.g., still images and / or moving images, such as video). It should be understood that the display portion 82 and the handle portion 88 may not be separate parts, such that the display screen 84 is integrated into the handle portion 88.

[0048] The video laryngoscope 80 may also include a power button 94 that allows a medical professional to power on and off the laryngoscope 80. In one embodiment, the power button 94 can directly control the operation of the receiver 18, causing the receiver 18 to activate when the video laryngoscope 80 is powered on. In an illustrated embodiment, the video laryngoscope 80 includes input buttons, such as touch or proximity sensors 96 (e.g., capacitive sensors, proximity sensors, etc.) configured to detect an object (e.g., a finger or stylus). The touch sensor 96 enables a medical professional operating the video laryngoscope 80 to effectively provide input or commands, such as causing a camera (e.g., medical sensor 52) to acquire an image or to store an image on the laryngoscope's memory and to verify input paired with the monitor 12.

[0049] As discussed herein, the monitor 12 includes a transmitter 16 that emits an infrared signal 20 received by a receiver 18 within range. The video laryngoscope 80 can be configured to communicate with the monitor 12 and / or other remote devices or systems via any of a variety of technologies. For example, as described above regarding... Figure 5 The video laryngoscope 80 and monitor 12 discussed may each include a communication circuit system 44 and a communication circuit system 62, respectively, which may be wireless transceivers configured to establish wireless communication with each other using any suitable protocol. In some embodiments, in response to the receiver 18 detecting a resolvable infrared signal 20, the video laryngoscope 80 automatically transmits data from its storage device to the monitor 12 and / or transmits the data to one or more other remote devices or systems at certain times. In an illustrated embodiment, the receiver 18 is disposed on the housing of the display portion 82. However, in one embodiment, the receiver 18 may be disposed on the handle 88.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, an adapter 98 (e.g., a wireless adapter, dongle, or bridging device) is provided to facilitate wireless communication between the video laryngoscope 80 and the monitor 12 and / or other remote devices and systems. Specifically, the adapter 98 may include a communication circuitry 44 and / or a transmitter 16. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the adapter 98 includes a wireless transceiver that sends and receives information to and from the video laryngoscope 80. The adapter 98 is coupled to the monitor 12 (e.g., by plugging the adapter 98 into a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port of the monitor 12) to relay information or commands between the video laryngoscope 80 and the monitor 12. This configuration enables the laryngoscope 80 to be used with third-party monitors or multi-parameter monitors. For example, adapter 98 can be connected to the first monitor 12 to enable wireless communication between the video laryngoscope 80 and the first monitor 12 (e.g., transmitting video, images, or device status data between the video laryngoscope 80 and the monitor 12, transmitting instructions from the monitor 12 to the laryngoscope 80 to obtain photos using the camera component 91, etc.), and then adapter 98 can be removed from the first monitor 12 and connected to the second monitor 12 to enable wireless communication between the video laryngoscope 80 and the second monitor 12.

[0051] As shown, the monitor 12 includes a display screen 100 (e.g., a touchscreen display) configured to provide information to medical professionals and / or to receive input. For example, the monitor 12 may provide still or moving images 102 obtained by the camera assembly 91 of the video laryngoscope 80, and in some cases, may also provide information obtained via various physiological sensors (e.g., heart rate, oxygen saturation, etc.). In some embodiments, the image 102 may be video wirelessly streamed from the video laryngoscope 80 to the monitor 12 substantially in real time. The video laryngoscope 80 and the monitor 12 can interact to perform various other advanced monitoring functions, such as transmitting data (e.g., images, time data, etc.) from the video laryngoscope 80 to the monitor 12 in response to received input (e.g., touch input from a user at the video laryngoscope 80 and / or the monitor 12) and / or automatically transmitting data from the video laryngoscope 80 to the monitor 12 at certain times (e.g., when power is turned off or on to the video laryngoscope 80 and / or the monitor, periodically during a laryngoscopy procedure, upon receiving user input, upon receiving input indicating the completion of the laryngoscopy procedure and / or the completion of certain steps of the laryngoscopy procedure). The monitor 12 may include various other features, such as a power button 108 that enables the user to power off and on the monitor 12. It should be understood that the video laryngoscope 80 and the monitor 12 may also include ports (e.g., USB ports, Ethernet ports, high-definition multimedia interface [HDMI] ports, optical ports, infrared ports, near-field ports, etc.) that enable these components to be connected to each other and / or to other components (e.g., computing systems or storage systems) via wired connections.

[0052] In some embodiments, the display screen 100 of the monitor 12 and / or the display screen 82 of the video laryngoscope 80 may be configured to provide indications that the monitor 12 and the video laryngoscope 80 are communicatively connected or paired with each other. In some embodiments, the video laryngoscope 80 may be configured to provide a laryngoscope ID (e.g., a numeric or descriptive identifier) ​​to the monitor 12, and the monitor 12 is configured to display the laryngoscope ID on the display screen 100 to enable a healthcare professional to confirm that the monitor 12 is receiving data from the appropriate video laryngoscope 80. In one embodiment, the monitor 12 is configured to connect to only one video laryngoscope 80 at a time. In another embodiment, the monitor 12 may connect to two or more video laryngoscopes 80, and a user may select (e.g., via touch input on the display screen 100) the video laryngoscope 80 from which images are displayed or data is transmitted. Alternatively, in some embodiments, monitor 12 may be configured to provide a monitor ID (e.g., identification information 24) to video laryngoscope 80, and video laryngoscope 80 may be configured to display the monitor ID on display screen 80 so that a healthcare professional can confirm that laryngoscope 80 is transmitting data to the appropriate monitor 12. In some embodiments, monitor 12 and / or video laryngoscope 80 may enable a healthcare professional to provide input (e.g., via one or more touchscreen display screens 80, 100) to adjust or select appropriate devices (e.g., monitor 12 and video laryngoscope 80) that should communicate with each other during a laryngoscopy procedure. It should be understood that a healthcare professional may provide various inputs disclosed herein to the microphone of video laryngoscope 80 via voice commands. Such a configuration may be particularly useful, for example, when video laryngoscope monitoring system 10 is used in an environment or situation in which multiple monitors 12 and / or multiple laryngoscopes 14 operate simultaneously.

[0053] Figure 7 An exemplary process 110 (e.g., the process of monitor 12) that can be adopted by monitor 12 to pair and communicate with video laryngoscope 80 according to the embodiments described herein is illustrated. For example, the steps of process 110 may be stored in memory and / or storage device 42. Before proceeding, it should be noted that process 110 described below is described as being executed by processor 40 of monitor 12, but process 110 may be executed by other suitable computing devices. For example, in embodiments in which medical device 14 includes a transmitter (e.g., transmitter 16) and monitor includes a receiver (e.g., receiver 18), certain steps such as blocks 112, 114, and 116 may be executed by processor 58 of medical device 14 (i.e., video laryngoscope 80). Although described in a specific order to indicate a particular embodiment, it should be noted that process 110 may be executed in any suitable order. In addition, embodiments of process 110 may omit process blocks and / or include additional process blocks.

[0054] Now for reference Figure 7 At frame 112, the processor 40 of the monitor 12 is connected to... Figure 4 The method described in box 32 is similar to the method of setting the transmission time interval 26. At box 114, the processor 40 of the monitor 12 is configured to... Figure 4 In a manner similar to that described in box 34, an infrared signal including identification information is emitted after a time gap. At box 116, the monitor 12, in conjunction with... Figure 4 The method described in box 36 is similar to that used for pairing with a video laryngoscope.

[0055] At frame 118, the processor 40 of the monitor 12 is connected to... Figure 4 The airway images acquired by the video laryngoscope 80 are received in a manner similar to that described in box 38 regarding receiving data from the medical device. For example, the processor 40 of the monitor 12 can output a control signal that causes the display to stream the airway images onto the display 100 of the monitor 12. As discussed herein, the display 100 may include one or more inputs (e.g., inputs 104, 106, and 108) that allow medical professionals to control how the airway images are displayed, such as by taking a screenshot using input 106, changing image 102 to display the airway images acquired by a different video laryngoscope 80, etc. At box 120, the processor 40 of the monitor 12 receives the airway images acquired by the video laryngoscope 80 in a manner similar to that described in box 38 regarding receiving data from the medical device. Figure 4 The infrared signal transmission of transmitter 16 is stopped in a manner similar to that described in box 39.

[0056] In this way, process 110 enables monitor 12 to prevent or reduce overlapping and unresolved signals, thereby improving pairing between devices such as monitor 12 and video laryngoscope 80. As discussed herein, by transmitting an infrared signal with identification information after a time interval determined by the processor of monitor 12, the possibility of overlap between the infrared signal and infrared signals emitted by other monitors 12 can be reduced.

[0057] While this disclosure allows for various modifications and alternatives, the accompanying drawings have illustrated specific embodiments by way of example and have been described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the embodiments provided herein are not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed. Rather, various embodiments may encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the following appended claims.

Claims

1. A video laryngoscope monitoring system comprising: a plurality of monitors, each of the monitors comprising: an infrared emitter activated to emit: an infrared signal comprising a first signal portion and a second signal portion, the first signal portion comprising identification information of the monitor, the second signal portion comprising the identification information, wherein there is a random time gap between the first signal portion and the second signal portion, the random time gap based on a random or pseudo-random number; a controller that activates the infrared emitter and sets the random time gap between the first signal portion and the second signal portion; and monitor communication circuitry; and a video laryngoscope comprising: a camera that acquires airway images of a patient; an infrared receiver disposed on the video laryngoscope and that receives the infrared signal comprising the identification information of the monitor from the infrared emitter; communication circuitry that wirelessly communicates with the monitor communication circuitry; and a processor that: extracts the identification information from the infrared signal; verifies a pairing between the video laryngoscope and the monitor based on the extracted identification information; and instructs the communication circuitry to wirelessly transmit the acquired airway images to the monitor associated with the identification information based on the verified pairing, wherein the infrared emitter of each of the monitors independently sets the random time gap from each other to prevent or reduce simultaneous emission of identification information between different infrared emitters.

2. The video laryngoscope monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the controller deactivates the infrared emitter when the monitor communication circuitry receives the acquired airway images.

3. The video laryngoscope monitoring system of claim 2, wherein the controller reactivates the infrared emitter when the monitor communication circuitry does not receive the acquired airway images.

4. The video laryngoscope monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the processor activates the infrared receiver when the video laryngoscope is powered on.

5. The video laryngoscope monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the infrared emitter does not emit infrared light during the random time gap, such that the first signal portion and the second signal portion of the infrared signal are separated by a dark period.

6. The video laryngoscope monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the processor deactivates the infrared receiver when the communication circuitry transmits the acquired airway to the monitor communication circuitry.

7. The video laryngoscope monitoring system of claim 6, wherein the processor reactivates the infrared receiver when the communication circuitry does not transmit the acquired airway images.

8. The video laryngoscope monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the infrared receiver receives a second infrared signal, the second infrared signal including a signal portion, the signal portion including second identification information separated by a second random time gap different from the random time gap, and wherein the processor of the video laryngoscope extracts the second identification information from the second infrared signal.

9. The video laryngoscope monitoring system of claim 1, wherein infrared signal includes a third signal portion, the third signal portion including the identification information, wherein the second signal portion and the third signal portion are separated by a second random time gap different from the random time gap.

10. The video laryngoscope monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the identification information includes a unique identifier of the monitor, the unique identifier used to establish wireless communication via the communication circuitry of the video laryngoscope.

11. The video laryngoscope monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the monitor includes an adapter removably coupled to an input port of the monitor, and wherein the adapter includes the infrared emitter.

12. The video laryngoscope monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the monitor includes a display that displays acquired airway images.

13. The video laryngoscope monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the video laryngoscope includes a display that displays extracted identification information, and wherein the processor receives user input on the display, the user input selecting displayed extracted identification information to verify the pairing.

14. The video laryngoscope monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the infrared receiver is disposed on an outer surface of a main body or display housing of the video laryngoscope.

15. A medical device monitoring system, comprising: a plurality of monitors, wherein each monitor of the plurality of monitors includes: an infrared emitter activated to emit an infrared signal, the infrared signal including identification information of the respective monitor, the identification information repeated in the infrared signal with a random time gap between repetitions; a controller that activates the infrared emitter and sets the random time gap in the infrared signal of the respective monitor; and monitor communication circuitry; and a medical device, comprising: a sensor that acquires medical device data of a patient; an infrared receiver disposed on the medical device and receiving the infrared signal including the identification information from each monitor of the plurality of monitors according to the random time gap of each infrared emitter; a processor that extracts the identification information from the infrared signal of each monitor; and communication circuitry that transmits the medical device data to the monitor communication circuitry of at least one monitor of the plurality of monitors using the identification information of the at least one monitor extracted from the infrared signal, wherein the infrared transmitter of each of the plurality of monitors independently sets the random time gap from one another to prevent or reduce simultaneous transmission of identification information between different infrared transmitters.

16. The medical device monitoring system of claim 15, wherein the random time gap of the respective monitor is set to be greater than twice a signal transmission time of the identification information of the respective monitor.

17. The medical device monitoring system of claim 15, wherein the identification information of each respective monitor comprises a media access control (MAC) address.

18. The medical device monitoring system of claim 15, wherein at least one monitor of the plurality of monitors further comprises: a further infrared receiver that receives the medical device data from a further infrared transmitter of the medical device.

19. A method comprising: setting a random time gap based on a signal transmission time of identification information associated with a monitor; driving transmission of an infrared signal by an infrared transmitter, the infrared signal comprising repetitions of the identification information, wherein at least two of the repetitions are separated by a signal off period having a length based on the random time gap; pairing with a medical device based on receipt of the infrared signal by an infrared receiver of the medical device, wherein the pairing comprises extracting the identification information from the infrared signal and verifying the identification information; and receiving medical device data from the medical device based on the pairing, wherein the infrared transmitter of each of the plurality of monitors independently sets the random time gap from one another to prevent or reduce simultaneous transmission of identification information between different infrared transmitters.

20. The method of claim 19, comprising stopping transmission of the infrared signal upon pairing with the medical device.

21. The method of claim 19, comprising repeating transmission of the infrared signal upon interruption of the pairing, wherein the interruption is greater than a threshold time.

22. The method of claim 19, further comprising: setting a further random time gap, wherein the further random time gap is different than the random time gap, wherein at least two repetitions are separated by a further signal off period based on the further random time gap.

23. The method of claim 19, wherein setting the random time gap based on the signal transmission time of the identification information associated with the medical device comprises resetting the random time gap after each individual repetition of the identification information in the infrared signal.

24. The method of claim 19, comprising activating a Bluetooth or wireless communication circuitry of the medical device to send the medical device data to the monitor upon pairing, wherein the Bluetooth or wireless communication circuitry of the medical device is in communication with a monitor Bluetooth or wireless communication circuitry based on the identification information.

25. The method of claim 19, comprising displaying the identification information associated with the medical device on a display of a monitor in response to pairing with the medical device; and receiving an input to unpair the monitor from the medical device.

26. The method of claim 19, wherein the random time gap is based on a random number or a pseudo-random number output of a random number generator.

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