Cable usage monitoring

Abstract

A cable system (100A) includes a cable body (110) and a controller (150). Data is transmitted by the cable body (110). The controller (150) is dedicated to the wire body (110) and includes a memory (151) storing instructions and a processor (1010) executing the instructions. The instructions, when executed by the processor (1010), cause the controller (150) to: detect use of the cable system (100A) in communicating data; and updating the status information of the cable system (100A) stored in the memory (151) to track the use of the cable system (100A).

Description

Background Art

[0001] Cables are often lost, both in hospital departments and in other environments. Additionally, the intended use of some types of specialty cables is often not particularly easy for an individual to determine, such as when the specialty cable is placed in a temporary storage device along with other types of cables. At least in some environments such as hospitals, there is no mechanism to logically check the dedicated memory bound to such cables to determine the purpose of the cable. Additionally, in some environments, the cables may degrade over time, which may reduce the reliability of data transmitted through the cables. The lack of a mechanism to logically check such dedicated memory bound to such cables also results in an inability to logically check for reasons that may explain the degradation, such as age. Summary of the invention

[0002] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a cable system includes a cable body and a controller. Data is transmitted through the cable body. The controller is dedicated to the cable body and includes a memory storing instructions and a processor executing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the controller to detect the use of the cable system when transmitting data; and update the status information of the cable system stored in the memory to track the use of the cable system.

[0003] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating a cable system includes: detecting usage of the cable system when transmitting data; and updating status information of the cable system stored in a memory of the cable system to track usage of the cable system.

[0004] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program. The computer program, when executed by a processor, causes a controller to detect usage of the cable system when transmitting data; and to update status information of the cable system stored in a memory of the cable system to track usage of the cable system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The exemplary embodiments are best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be emphasized that the various features are not necessarily drawn to scale. In fact, for clarity of discussion, the size can be increased or decreased arbitrarily. Where applicable and practical, the same reference numerals represent the same elements.

[0006] Figure 1A A system for cable usage monitoring according to a representative embodiment is shown.

[0007] Figure 1B A system for cable usage monitoring according to a representative embodiment is shown.

[0008] Figure 2A Another system for cable usage monitoring according to a representative embodiment is shown.

[0009] Figure 2B Another system for cable usage monitoring according to a representative embodiment is shown.

[0010] Figure 3A Another system for cable usage monitoring according to a representative embodiment is shown.

[0011] Figure 3B Another system for cable usage monitoring according to a representative embodiment is shown.

[0012] Figure 4 A method for cable usage monitoring according to a representative embodiment is shown.

[0013] Figure 5 Another method for cable usage monitoring according to a representative embodiment is shown.

[0014] Figure 6 A user interface for cable usage monitoring is shown according to a representative embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7 Another method for cable usage monitoring according to a representative embodiment is shown.

[0016] Figure 8 A controller for cable usage monitoring is shown according to a representative embodiment.

[0017] Fig. 9 Another system for cable usage monitoring according to a representative embodiment is shown.

[0018] Fig.10 A computer system is shown on which a method for cable usage monitoring is implemented according to another representative embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In the following detailed description, for the purpose of explanation rather than limitation, representative embodiments that disclose specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments according to the present teachings. The description of known systems, equipment, materials, operating methods, and manufacturing methods may be omitted to avoid blurring the description of the representative embodiments. Nevertheless, systems, equipment, materials, and methods within the scope of those of ordinary skill in the art are within the scope of the present teachings and may be used according to the representative embodiments. It should be understood that the terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. The defined terms are supplementary to the technical and scientific meanings of the defined terms that are generally understood and accepted in the technical field of the present teachings.

[0020] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used to describe various elements or components in this article, these elements or components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element or component from another element or component. Therefore, without departing from the teaching of the present invention, the first element or component discussed below may be referred to as the second element or component.

[0021] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms of the terms "one", "an" and "the" are intended to include both the singular and plural forms, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, when used in this specification, the terms "include" and / or "comprises" and / or similar terms specify the presence of the features, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, parts and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0022] Unless otherwise specified, when an element or component is referred to as being "connected to," "coupled to," or "adjacent to" another element or component, it is understood that an element or component may be directly connected or coupled to another element or component, or there may be intervening elements or components. That is, these and similar terms cover situations where one or more intermediate elements or components may be employed to connect two elements or components. However, when an element or component is referred to as being "directly connected" to another element or component, this only covers situations where two elements or components are connected to each other without any intervening or intermediate elements or components.

[0023] Therefore, through one or more of the various aspects, embodiments and / or specific features or subassemblies of the present disclosure, the present disclosure is intended to provide one or more advantages as specifically noted below. For the purpose of explanation and not limitation, example embodiments disclosing specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments according to the present teachings. However, other embodiments consistent with the present disclosure that depart from the specific details disclosed herein are still within the scope of the claims.

[0024] As described herein, data communicated via the cable can be examined by an element dedicated to the cable, such as a controller including a processor for processing instructions and a memory for storing the instructions, at least some of the data, and historical information associated with the data. Additionally, as described herein, the cable system can provide functionality that enhances the capabilities of the electronic device, such as the ability to interface with sensors that cannot be directly interfaced with the electronic device and the ability to interpret data that the electronic device may not be able to interpret.

[0025] Figure 1A A system for cable usage monitoring according to a representative embodiment is shown.

[0026] The cable system 100A includes a cable body 110 and a controller 150. The cable body 110 includes a cable portion 111. The controller 150 includes at least a memory 151 storing instructions, a processor 152 executing the instructions, an interface 153, and an interface 154. For example, the interface 153 may be a first interface, and the interface 154 may be a second interface, but the controller 150 may include more than two interfaces.

[0027] The cable body 110 may include multiple layers or elements, such as an outer jacket (not shown) and a cable portion 111. The cable portion 111 may include copper, optical fiber, or another known type of medium for transmitting data via a cable system. Figure 1A In FIG. 1 , the cable body 110 is connected to a sensor S at the patient's bed, but the sensor S represents any sensor that provides information directly or indirectly to the electronic device 199. Figure 1A , Figure 2A and Figure 3A In , the sensor S may be a patient sensor that senses a physiological characteristic of a patient or other user, such as in a hospital or other medical facility. Figure 1A , the electronic device 199 is connected to the cable body 110 via the interface 153 of the controller 150. For example, the interface 153 can be configured to interface the cable system 100A to a medical monitor as the electronic device 199. More specifically, the interface can be configured to interface the controller 150 to a medical monitor as the electronic device 199.

[0028] For controller 150, memory 151 may include random access memory (RAM), such as dynamic RAM (DRAM), which may be applicable to other memories in the cable system described herein. Processor 152 may include a microprocessor, which may be applicable to other memories in the cable system described herein. Memory 151 and processor 152 may have a relatively small form factor, such as a form factor comparable to that of cable body 110, which may be applicable to other cable systems described herein.

[0029] In addition, the controller 150 may receive and process all data passing through the cable body 110, so that the controller 150 receives the data and processes the data. The controller 150 may resend the data. Alternatively, the controller 150 may include a shunt (not shown) that shunts the feed from the cable body 110 so that the data passes through the controller 150 and is also received and processed separately by the controller 150. In some embodiments, the controller 150 may receive all data passing through the cable body 110, but only process a subset of the data passing through the cable body 110. For example, the controller 150 may receive a new data stream and only process the first (e.g., 8, 16, 24, or 32) bytes of data to check the type or format of the data and / or whether the data is addressed to the electronic device 199 or the controller 150. When the data is addressed to the controller 150, the controller 150 may selectively process more than the first byte of data, such as all the data. When the data is not addressed to the controller 150, the controller 150 may selectively process the data at the highest level.

[0030] The interface 154 may be an interface for connecting to an external device wirelessly or through another cable. For example, the interface 154 may be used to connect the controller 150 to a portable electronic reader device (not shown) via near field communication (NFC) or WiFi or radio frequency identification (RFID), so that the portable electronic reader device can read data from the memory 151. The interface 154 may alternatively include a port such as a serial port or a parallel port, which the portable electronic reader device uses to read data from the memory 151. Figure 6 An example of a user interface 681 that can be used to read data from memory 151 is shown and described in FIG. Fig. 9 An example of an electronic reader device is shown and described in .

[0031] Using a wireless module as the interface 154 can minimize the number of pins required for the controller 150 and can minimize cleaning issues. The wireless module as the interface 154 can allow Fig. 9 The electronic reader device shown retrieves some or all of the cable data stored in memory 151 .

[0032] Examples of sensors S include pulse oximetry sensors, temperature sensors, air flow sensors, oxygen sensors, and pressure sensors. In some embodiments, sensors S may include other types of sensors, such as sensors for detecting when a medical device is separated from a patient.

[0033] The controller 150 and other controllers described herein add intelligence and data storage to the smart cable to provide one or more capabilities that do not exist in a cable that operates only as a communication medium. The added capabilities may include the ability to register the cable owner and cable details, the ability to track the movement of the cable (e.g., connection to an electronic medical device), the placement in a specific room, the use of a specific user (e.g., a nurse), and movement between departments. Additional capabilities may also include cable status tracking, such as by using information about the year of manufacture, the total number of measurements within a cycle, the total number of cycles, the total time of use, etc. In addition, the controller 150 and other controllers described herein may also generate, store, and present flags based on monitoring of data, including flags based on substantial monitoring, such as showing that the data may be damaged, so that settings and connections should be checked and confirmed. One or more flags may also specify that the cable needs to be replaced immediately, such as a red flag triggered based on the age of the cable or the deviation between the input data and the output data. The controller 150 and other controllers described herein may also be used to check compatibility with connected electronic devices, and may indicate whether the cable can be used correctly for a specific purpose, such as a planned measurement outside the cable. The controller 150 may also receive information such as room number, department, and user's information from the connected electronic devices, and may provide a tracking function for measuring quantity, usage time, and the like.

[0034] In some embodiments, the cable system 100A and other cable systems described herein can provide functionality that would normally be provided by a medical monitor, such as the electronic device 199. For example, the cable system 100A can be specifically configured to interface with a particular type of sensor S that is not otherwise configured to interface with the electronic device 199. The controller 150 can execute instructions to interpret data received from the sensor S and provide the data from the sensor S to the electronic device 199. In some embodiments, the controller 150 can generate and provide additional data to the electronic device 199, such as user interface data to provide labels and other context for the data from the sensor S.

[0035] Figure 1B Another system for cable usage monitoring according to a representative embodiment is shown.

[0036] The cable system 100B includes Figure 1A The cable system 100B includes the same elements as the cable system 100A in FIG. 1 , including a cable body 110 and a controller 150. The cable body 110 includes a cable portion 111. The controller 150 includes at least a memory 151 for storing instructions, a processor 152 for executing the instructions, an interface 153, and an interface 154. To the extent possible, the description of the elements of the cable system 100B will not be repeated, and the description of the elements of the cable system 100A is redundant.

[0037] exist Figure 1B In the embodiment of the present invention, the cable body 110 is connected to the wall W, but the wall W represents the part of the system, room and building through which the data connection and / or power connection are provided to the electronic equipment such as the electronic device. The cable system 100B is not particularly limited to the patient, medical facility or medical environment. For example, the cable system 100B can be used to connect the electronic device 199 to power and / or data through the wall W at the home or office. The controller 150 can be configured to monitor the use of the cable system 100B, such as one or more specific types of data transmitted by the cable system 100B.

[0038] Figure 2A Another system for cable usage monitoring according to a representative embodiment is shown.

[0039] The cable system 200A includes a cable body 210, a controller 250, and an interface 253. The cable body 210 includes a first cable portion 212 and a second cable portion 213. The controller 250 includes at least a memory 251 storing instructions, a processor 252 executing the instructions, and an interface 254.

[0040] The cable body 210 is again connected to a sensor S at a patient's bed, for example in a medical facility. Figure 2A In the embodiment, the electronic device 299 is connected to the cable body 210 through the interface 253. The interface 253 may be provided as an independent element, an element integrated with the cable body 210, or an element integrated with the electronic device 299.

[0041] The interface 254 may also be an interface for connecting to an external device wirelessly or through another cable. For example, the interface 254 may be used to connect the controller 250 to a portable electronic reader device (not shown) via near field communication (NFC) or WiFi so that the portable electronic reader device can read data from the memory 251. The interface 254 may alternatively include a port such as a serial port or a parallel port, which the portable electronic reader device uses to read data from the memory 251. Figure 6 An example of a user interface 681 that can be used to read data from memory 251 is shown and described in FIG. Fig. 9 An example of an electronic reader device is shown and described in .

[0042] and Figure 1A Compared with the embodiment of Figure 2A In the embodiment of FIG. 2 , the controller 250 is disposed between the first cable portion 212 and the second cable portion 213 .

[0043] Figure 2B Another system for cable usage monitoring according to a representative embodiment is shown.

[0044] exist Figure 2B In the embodiment of the present invention, the cable system 200B includes Figure 2A 1 and 2. The cable system 200A of FIG. 1 has the same elements and configuration as those of the cable system 200B, including a cable body 210, a controller 250, and an interface 253. The cable body 210 includes a first cable portion 212 and a second cable portion 213. The controller 250 includes at least a memory 251 for storing instructions, a processor 252 for executing the instructions, and an interface 254. To the extent possible, the description of the elements of the cable system 200B will not be repeated, and the description of the elements of the cable system 200B is redundant with respect to the description of the cable system 100A, the cable system 100B, or the cable system 200A.

[0045] Figure 2B The cable body 210 in the embodiment is connected to a wall W, and the wall W represents a part of a system, room, and building through which data connections and power connections are provided to electronic equipment such as electronic devices. The cable system 200B is not particularly limited to patients, medical facilities, or medical backgrounds. For example, the cable system 200B can be used to connect an electronic device 299 to power and / or data through the wall W at a home or office. The controller 250 can be configured to monitor the use of the cable system 200B, such as one or more specific types of data transmitted by the cable system 200B.

[0046] Figure 3A Another system for cable usage monitoring according to a representative embodiment is shown.

[0047] The cable system 300A includes a cable body 310, a controller 350, and an interface 353. The cable body 310 includes a cable portion 311. The controller 350 includes at least a memory 351 storing instructions, a processor 352 executing the instructions, and an interface 354.

[0048] exist Figure 3A In FIG. 3 , the controller 350 is connected to the sensor S at the bed. Figure 3A In the embodiment, the electronic device 399 is connected to the cable body 310 through the interface 353. The interface 353 may be provided as an independent element, an element integrated with the cable body 310, or an element integrated with the electronic device 399.

[0049] The interface 354 may also be an interface for connecting to an external device wirelessly or through another cable. For example, the interface 354 may be used to connect the controller 350 to a portable electronic reader device (not shown) via near field communication (NFC) or WiFi so that the portable electronic reader device can read data from the memory 351. The interface 354 may alternatively include a port such as a serial port or a parallel port, which the portable electronic reader device uses to read data from the memory 351. Figure 6An example of a user interface 681 that can be used to read data from memory 351 is shown and described in FIG. Fig. 9 An example of an electronic reader device is shown and described in .

[0050] and Figure 1A Examples and Figure 2A Compared with the embodiment of Figure 3A In the embodiment of FIG. 3 , the controller 350 is disposed between the cable portion 311 and the sensor S.

[0051] Figure 3B Another system for cable usage monitoring according to a representative embodiment is shown.

[0052] exist Figure 3B In the embodiment of the present invention, the cable system 300B includes Figure 3A 300A in FIG. 1 , including a cable body 310, a controller 350, and an interface 353. The cable body 310 includes a cable portion 311. The controller 350 includes at least a memory 351 for storing instructions, a processor 352 for executing the instructions, and an interface 354. To the extent possible, the description of the elements of the cable system 300B will not be repeated, and the description thereof is redundant for the cable system 100A, the cable system 100B, the cable system 200A, the cable system 200B, or the cable system 300A.

[0053] exist Figure 3B In the embodiment of the present invention, the controller 350 is connected to the wall W, and the wall W represents the part of the system, room and building through which the data connection and power connection are provided to the electronic equipment such as electronic equipment. The cable system 300B is not particularly limited to patients, medical facilities or medical backgrounds. For example, the cable system 300B can be used to connect the electronic device 399 to power and / or data through the wall W at the home or office. The controller 350 can be configured to monitor the use of the cable system 300B, such as one or more specific types of data transmitted by the cable system 300B.

[0054] and Figure 1B Examples and Figure 2B Compared with the embodiment of Figure 3B In the embodiment of the present invention, the controller 350 is disposed between the cable portion 311 and the wall W.

[0055] exist Figure 1A Cable system 100A, Figure 2A Cable system 200A and Figure 3A In the cable system 300A, the connection between the cable body, the controller and the sensor S can use a known type of interface. Figure 1B Cable system 100B, Figure 2BCable system 200B and Figure 3B In the cable system 300B, the connection between the cable body, the controller and the wall W can use an interface of a known type. For example, an adapter (e.g., a male / female pair) can be used for connection. The connection can be made via a threaded surface or a pin. In the case where the controller is configured to be permanently or removably fixed to the cable body, the controller and the cable body can be assembled together during manufacturing, for example, via welding, molding or another form of permanent or semi-permanent process. In addition, the controller is configured to receive data from a data connection such as a copper wire or an optical fiber, and process the received data by analyzing some or all of the received data or by at least transmitting the received data to another part of the cable body to a sensor S, a wall W or an electronic device.

[0056] Figure 4 A method for cable usage monitoring according to a representative embodiment is shown.

[0057] Figure 4 The method starts at S420, detecting data communication. For example, when receiving data, the controller 150, the controller 250 or the controller 350 can detect that the data is being transmitted through the cable body 110, the cable body 210 or the cable body 310 respectively.

[0058] At S421, Figure 4 The method includes identifying the type of data. For example, the controller 150, the controller 250, or the controller 350 may be programmed to ignore some types of data and may be programmed for other types of data.

[0059] At S430, it is determined whether the data type identified at S421 is a tracked data type. For example, the determination at S430 may include checking the type of format of data indicated in a header of a packet carrying data as a payload.

[0060] If the data is of a tracked type (S430=Yes), then at S440, Figure 4 The method includes updating the status. For example, controller 150, controller 250, or controller 350 may record the time when data is received, the length of time data is transmitted, or another form of indication that the type of data being tracked is being transmitted. The updated status may be updated by updating a count of the time of use of cable system 100A or cable system 100B, cable system 200A or cable system 200B, or cable system 300A or cable system 300B.

[0061] If the data is not of a tracked type (S430=No), then Figure 4 The method ends at S450.

[0062] Figure 5 Another method for cable usage monitoring according to a representative embodiment is shown.

[0063] At S510, Figure 5 The method begins by detecting an interface connection with a controller. For example, controller 150, controller 250, or controller 350 can detect that an electronic reader device has been physically connected or wirelessly connected. The physical connection can be through the electronic reader device being plugged into controller 150, controller 250, or controller 350, while the wireless connection can be through the electronic reader device initiating a connection request with controller 150, controller 250, or controller 350 via WiFi or near field communication. For example, interface 154, interface 254, or interface 354 can be primarily or entirely dedicated to interfacing with an electronic reader device to provide access to status information stored in memory 151, memory 251, or memory 351, respectively.

[0064] At S520, Figure 5 The method includes detecting information addressed to the controller. For example, the controller 150, the controller 250, or the controller 350 can detect a query or request to retrieve information from the electronic reader device. The electronic reader device can specifically provide a unique identification for the cable system 100B, the cable system 200B, or the cable system 300B, which unique identification reflects that the electronic reader device is authorized to retrieve information from the controller 150, the controller 250, or the controller 350, respectively.

[0065] At S530, Figure 5 The method includes presenting the current settings. For example, the controller 150, the controller 250 or the controller 350 may provide settings showing that the cable system 100B, the cable system 200B or the cable system 300B belongs to a specific person or organization, is assigned to a specific room or area, is movable or immovable, or other forms of settings.

[0066] At S540, Figure 5 The method includes accepting updated settings for the cable system 100B, the cable system 200B, or the cable system 300B. The updated settings for the cable system 100B, the cable system 200B, or the cable system 300B may be accepted after verifying that the electronic reader device is authorized to update the settings, such as by requiring a password, checking an authorization level, and / or by other known mechanisms for verifying authority to perform a function.

[0067] Can execute Figure 5 The method is to allow changing the allocation of the cable system 100B, the cable system 200B or the cable system 300B.

[0068] Figure 6A user interface for cable usage monitoring is shown according to a representative embodiment.

[0069] When an authorized electronic reader device interfaces with controller 150, controller 250, or controller 350, a Figure 6 The user interface 681 in the embodiment of the present invention can provide Figure 6 Any type of information shown and other types of information not shown. For example, the user interface may include:

[0070] oOwner Name and Owner Organization ID 6811

[0071] o Cycle count 6812, eg, a count of patients for which cable system 100B, cable system 200B, or cable system 300B has been assigned for use.

[0072] oTime in current cycle 6813, i.e. the total amount of time since the last time the settings were updated at S540

[0073] o Total usage time 6814, such as a usage count reflected by the total amount of time that cable system 100B, cable system 200B, or cable system 300B has been allocated to any patient.

[0074] o Room / Department Assignments 6816, such as a specific hospital room and hospital department to which cable system 100B, cable system 200B, or cable system 300B has been assigned.

[0075] oYear of manufacture 6817, e.g., the year in which controller 150, controller 250, or controller 350 was first activated.

[0076] oCable Type 6818, i.e. the type of data the cable should be used for.

[0077] oCable ID / Address, i.e., a unique communication address assigned to the cable

[0078] oHistory 6820, such as a history of each patient, room, department, or clinician to which the cable has been assigned.

[0079] o Replacement flag 6821, such as a flag that is automatically set once the cable has been used for too long, has been cycled too many times without being released, or any other reason that may indicate that the cable should be replaced.

[0080] o Other types of information (not shown), including open fields that may be open for information deemed relevant to a particular context, and / or fields that are later dedicated to particular types of information not specified in the fields already shown in user interface 681.

[0081] The portable electronic device for reading data from controller 150, controller 250, or controller 350 may include a display through which user interface 681 provides information from memory 151, memory 251, or memory 351. The portable electronic device may include a display, such as a display configured to be remotely connected to controller 150, controller 250, or controller 350. The display may be a monitor, such as a computer monitor, a display on a mobile device, an augmented reality display, a television, an electronic whiteboard, or another screen configured to display an electronic image.

[0082] Figure 7 Another method for cable usage monitoring according to a representative embodiment is shown.

[0083] Figure 7 The method starts at S701, detecting the end of the use cycle. For example, the controller 150, the controller 250 or the controller 350 can detect that the corresponding system has been disconnected from the corresponding medical device at one end and disconnected from the wall W at the other end.

[0084] At S705, the start of a new use cycle is detected. For example, the controller 150, the controller 250, or the controller 350 may detect that the corresponding cable system 100A or the cable system 100B, the cable system 200A or the cable system 200B, or the cable system 300A or the cable system 300B has been connected to the corresponding medical device at one end and connected to the wall W at the other end.

[0085] At S708, the state of the system is updated to take into account the new cycle detected at S705. For example, a register at a dedicated memory address in memory 151, memory 251 or memory 351 may be incremented by one.

[0086] At S720, data usage is detected. For example, controller 150, controller 250, or controller 350 may detect that data is being transmitted through cable system 100A or cable system 100B, cable system 200A or cable system 200B, or cable system 300A or cable system 300B, respectively.

[0087] At S722, a timer is started. For example, the controller 150, the controller 250, or the controller 350 may start the timer by recording the current time in a register address in the memory 151, the memory 251, or the memory 351, respectively. The current time may be an actual time at the location of the controller 150, the controller 250, or the controller 350, or may be an absolute time such as "0".

[0088] At S725, the end of data usage is detected. For example, controller 150, controller 250 or controller 350 can record that there is no data usage for an amount of time above a threshold (such as 15 seconds) and mark the time when no data usage starts in a register address in memory 151, memory 251 or memory 351, respectively.

[0089] At S727, the timer for tracking the time of data usage between S720 and S725 is stopped. In some embodiments, the timer is not actually stopped, but the feed from the timer is simply disabled so that the cyclic processing algorithm that tracks time and data usage no longer receives time.

[0090] At S729, the status of the usage time is updated to take into account the usage between S720 and S725. For example, the count of the usage time can be obtained by the difference between the start time and the stop time, and can be added to the previous total to update the total usage time of the corresponding system. The total usage time can be the total usage time since the system was initially assembled, or it can be the total usage time since the system was last reset. For example, the cable system described herein can be reset when it is refurbished (e.g., when a software update is provided to controller 150, controller 250, or controller 350).

[0091] At S730, it is determined whether the end of the cycle has been reached. The end of the cycle can be determined when the corresponding system has been disconnected from the corresponding medical device at one end and disconnected from the wall W at the other end.

[0092] If the end of the loop has not been reached (S730=No), then Figure 7 The method may include simply waiting for the next detection of data usage at S720, and repeating the process from S720.

[0093] If the end of the loop has been reached (S730=Yes), then Figure 7 The method may return to S701 to note that the end of the current cycle has been detected and wait for the start of a new cycle at S705.

[0094] Figure 8 A controller for cable usage monitoring is shown according to a representative embodiment.

[0095] The controller 850 includes a memory 851 for storing instructions and a processor 852 for executing the instructions. The controller 850 also includes a first interface 856, a second interface 857, a third interface 858, and a fourth interface 859. Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the embodiment of the present invention, the interface can connect the controller 850 to the cable body, the wall and the portable electronic reader. For example, the first interface 856 can be an adapter configured to receive the cable body 110, and the second interface 857 can be a device configured to input to the cable body 110. Figure 1A Sensor S in or Figure 1B The third interface 858 may be an adapter for a port at the wall W in the embodiment of the present invention, and the third interface 858 may be a wireless communication module including a transceiver configured to communicate with a wireless communication device including Figure 6 The portable electronic device communicates with the user interface 681 in the controller 850. One or more interfaces may include ports, disk drives, wireless antennas, or other types of receiver circuits that connect the controller 850 to other electronic components. One or more of the interfaces may also include a user interface, such as buttons, keys, a mouse, a microphone, a speaker, or other elements that a user can use to interact with the controller 850 to input instructions and receive output.

[0096] The controller 850 may directly perform some operations described herein, and may indirectly implement other operations described herein. For example, the controller 850 may indirectly control other operations, such as by generating and transmitting content to be displayed on a display of a portable electronic device. The controller 850 may be based on directly controlling other operations, such as logical operations performed by a processor 852 executing instructions from a memory 851 via an interface from inputs received from electronic components and / or users. Therefore, when the processor 852 executes instructions from the memory 851, the process implemented by the controller 850 may include steps that are not directly performed by the controller 850.

[0097] Figure 8 The controller 850 in may correspond to any other controller described herein and may include separate interfaces to the electronic medical device, to the wall, and to the electronic reader device.

[0098] Fig. 9 Another system for cable usage monitoring according to a representative embodiment is shown.

[0099] exist Fig. 9 In the embodiment, the system 900 includes a controller 950 and an electronic reader device 990. The controller 950 may include a memory 951, a processor 952, and an interface 954. The interface 954 may be a wired or wireless interface to allow the electronic reader device 990 to interact with the controller 950, such as retrieving a message. Figure 6 Data or other types of dates in the user interface 681 shown.

[0100] For example, the electronic reader device 990 may be dedicated only to a reading controller for a cable system as described herein. Alternatively, the electronic reader device 990 may be a general purpose device such as a tablet or smartphone, in which an application for a reading controller for a cable system as described herein is installed. Fig.10 An example describing features of electronic reader device 990 .

[0101] Fig.10 A computer system is shown on which a method for cable usage monitoring is implemented according to another representative embodiment.

[0102] refer to Fig.10 , the computer system 1000 includes a set of software instructions that can be executed to cause the computer system 1000 to perform any of the methods or computer-based functions disclosed herein. The computer system 1000 can operate as a standalone device, or can be connected to other computer systems or peripheral devices, for example using a network 1001. In an embodiment, the computer system 1000 performs logic processing based on digital signals received via an analog-to-digital converter.

[0103] The computer system 1000 can be implemented as or incorporated into a variety of devices, such as a smart phone, a tablet computer, a dedicated electronic reader device, a mobile computer, a laptop computer, or any other machine capable of executing a set of software instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by the machine. The computer system 1000 can be incorporated as or into a device that is in turn in an integrated system containing additional devices. In an embodiment, the computer system 1000 can be implemented using an electronic device that provides voice, video, or data communications. In addition, although the computer system 1000 is shown in the singular, the term "system" should also be considered to include any collection of systems or subsystems that execute one or more sets of software instructions to perform one or more computer functions, either individually or jointly.

[0104] like Fig.10As shown, computer system 1000 includes processor 1010. Processor 1010 can be considered as a representative example of a processor of a controller, and executes instructions to implement some or all aspects of the methods and processes described herein. Processor 1010 is tangible and non-transient. As used herein, the term "non-transient" should not be interpreted as a permanent characteristic of a state, but should be interpreted as a characteristic of a state that will last for a period of time. The term "non-transient" explicitly negates the transient characteristics of other forms such as characteristics of carriers or signals or only temporarily existing anywhere at any time. Processor 1010 is an article and / or machine component. Processor 1010 is configured to execute software instructions to perform functions as described in various embodiments herein. Processor 1010 may be a general-purpose processor or may be part of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Processor 1010 may also be a microprocessor, a microcomputer, a processor chip, a controller, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a state machine, or a programmable logic device. Processor 1010 may also be a logic circuit, including a programmable gate array (PGA), such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or another type of circuit including discrete gates and / or transistor logic. Processor 1010 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or both. In addition, any processor described herein may include multiple processors, parallel processors, or both. Multiple processors may be included in a single device or multiple devices or coupled to a single device or multiple devices.

[0105] The term "processor" as used herein encompasses an electronic component capable of executing a program or machine-executable instructions. References to a computing device that includes a "processor" should be interpreted to include multiple processors or processing cores, such as in a multi-core processor. A processor may also refer to a collection of processors within a single computer system or distributed across multiple computer systems. The term computing device should also be interpreted to include a collection or network of computing devices, each of which includes one or more processors. A program has software instructions that are executed by one or more processors, which may be within the same computing device or may be distributed across multiple computing devices.

[0106] The computer system 1000 also includes a main memory 1020 and a static memory 1030, wherein the memories in the computer system 1000 communicate with each other and with the processor 1010 via a bus 1008. Either or both of the main memory 1020 and the static memory 1030 can be considered as representative examples of the memory of the controller, and store instructions for implementing some or all aspects of the methods and processes described herein. The memory described herein is a tangible storage medium for storing data and executable software instructions, and is non-transitory when the software instructions are stored therein. As used herein, the term "non-transitory" should not be interpreted as a permanent characteristic of a state, but rather as a characteristic of a state that will last for a period of time. The term "non-transitory" explicitly negates the characteristics of other forms of transient characteristics such as carrier waves or signals or only temporarily existing anywhere at any time. The main memory 1020 and the static memory 1030 are articles of manufacture and / or machine components. The main memory 1020 and the static memory 1030 are computer-readable media from which a computer (e.g., a processor 1010) can read data and executable software instructions. Each of the main memory 1020 and the static memory 1030 may be implemented as one or more of a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a flash memory, an electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a register, a hard disk, a removable disk, a magnetic tape, a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a floppy disk, a Blu-ray disk, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. The memory may be volatile or non-volatile, secure and / or encrypted, unsecure and / or unencrypted.

[0107] "Memory" is an example of a computer-readable storage medium. Computer memory is any memory that is directly accessible to a processor. Examples of computer memory include, but are not limited to, RAM memory, registers, and register files. References to "computer memory" or "memory" should be interpreted as potentially being multiple memories. The memory may be, for example, multiple memories within the same computer system. The memory may also be multiple memories distributed among multiple computer systems or computing devices.

[0108] As shown, the computer system 1000 also includes a video display unit 1050, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a flat panel display, a solid state display, or a cathode ray tube (CRT). In addition, the computer system 1000 includes an input device 1060, such as a keyboard / virtual keyboard or a touch-sensitive input screen or a voice input with voice recognition, and a cursor control device 1070, such as a mouse or a touch-sensitive input screen or a tablet. The computer system 1000 also optionally includes a disk drive unit 1080, a signal generating device 1090 such as a speaker or a remote controller, and / or a network interface device 1040.

[0109] In one embodiment, Fig.10 As shown, the disk drive unit 1080 includes a computer readable medium 1082 having one or more sets of software instructions 1084 (software) embedded therein. The software instruction set 1084 is read from the computer readable medium 1082 for execution by the processor 1010. In addition, the software instructions 1084, when executed by the processor 1010, perform one or more steps of the methods and processes as described herein. In an embodiment, the software instructions 1084 reside in the main memory 1020, the static memory 1030 and / or the processor 1010 during execution by the computer system 1000. In addition, the computer readable medium 1082 may include the software instructions 1084, or receive and execute the software instructions 1084 in response to a propagation signal, so that a device connected to the network 1001 transmits voice, video or data through the network 1001. The software instructions 1084 may be sent or received through the network 1001 via the network interface device 1040.

[0110] In an embodiment, dedicated hardware implementations such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic arrays, and other hardware components are constructed to implement one or more methods described herein. One or more embodiments described herein can use two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices to implement functions, wherein related control and data signals can be communicated between modules and through modules. Therefore, the present disclosure covers software, firmware, and hardware implementations. Nothing in this application should be interpreted as being implemented or achievable using only software rather than hardware such as tangible non-transient processors and / or memories.

[0111] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the methods described herein can be implemented using a hardware computer system that executes a software program. In addition, in an exemplary non-limiting embodiment, the implementation can include distributed processing, component / object distributed processing, and parallel processing. Virtual computer system processing can implement one or more of the methods or functions described herein, and the processors described herein can be used to support a virtual processing environment.

[0112] Thus, cable usage monitoring enables tracking of cable systems so that the purpose, use, and / or history of the cable systems can be stored and reviewed in a manner consistent with the embodiments described herein. Cable usage monitoring can also enable intelligent functionality, such as enabling the electronic device to provide functionality based on analysis performed by the cable system when the cable system is connected to a particular type of sensor that is incompatible with the electronic device.

[0113] Although the cable usage monitoring has been described with reference to several exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the words that have been used are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made within the scope of the claims, as presently stated and amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the cable usage monitoring in its aspects. Although the cable usage monitoring has been described with reference to specific apparatus, materials, and embodiments, the cable usage monitoring is not intended to be limited to the details disclosed. Rather, the cable usage monitoring extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods, and uses, such as are within the scope of the claims.

[0114] The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structures of various embodiments. These illustrations are not intended to be used as a complete description of all elements and features of the disclosure described herein. When reading the disclosure, many other embodiments may be apparent to those skilled in the art. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure so that structural and logical replacements and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, the illustrations are merely representative and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions in the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Therefore, the disclosure and the accompanying drawings should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0115] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be referred to herein individually and / or collectively by the term "invention", which is merely for convenience and is not intended to actively limit the scope of the present application to any particular invention or inventive concept. In addition, although specific embodiments have been shown and described herein, it should be understood that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may replace the specific embodiments shown. The present disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent modifications or variations of the various embodiments. After reading the specification, the combination of the above-mentioned embodiments and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0116] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37° C.FR §1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose of simplifying the disclosure. This disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than those expressly recited in each claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the following claims, the inventive subject matter may involve less than all the features of any disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim independently serving as a definition of a separately claimed subject matter.

[0117] The foregoing description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the concepts described in the present disclosure. Therefore, the subject matter disclosed above is considered to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and the claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, to the maximum extent permitted by law, the scope of the present disclosure will be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the claims and their equivalents, and shall not be limited or restricted by the foregoing detailed description.

Claims

1. A cable system, comprising: a cable body through which data is transmitted; as well as a controller dedicated to the cable body and comprising a memory storing instructions and a processor executing the instructions, Wherein, when the instructions are executed by the processor, the controller: detecting use of the cable system in transmitting data; and Status information of the cable system stored in the memory is updated to track usage of the cable system.

2. The cable system of claim 1, further comprising: An interface is configured to connect the cable system interface to a medical monitor.

3. The cable system according to claim 2, wherein: The interface is configured to interface the controller to the medical monitor.

4. The cable system according to claim 1, wherein: The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the controller to further: detecting information addressed to the controller; presenting a current setting of the cable system; and Accept the updated settings for the cable system.

5. The cable system according to claim 1, wherein: The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the controller to further: detecting data transmitted via the cable system; identifying a type of the data transmitted via the cable system; and The status information of the cable system is updated by updating a count of the usage time of the cable system.

6. The cable system according to claim 1, wherein: The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the controller to further: detecting an end of a use cycle of the cable system; detecting the start of a new usage cycle of the cable system, and The status information of the cable system is updated by updating a cycle count of the cable system.

7. The cable system according to claim 1, wherein: The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the controller to further: detecting data usage of the cable system; Start the timer; detecting an end of use of the data of the cable system; stopping the timer; and The status information of the cable system is updated by updating a count of the usage time of the cable system.

8. The cable system of claim 1, wherein: The cable body and the controller are configured to be physically integrated.

9. A method for operating a cable system, the method comprising: detecting use of the cable system in transmitting data; and Status information of the cable system stored in a memory of the cable system is updated to track usage of the cable system.

10. The operating method according to claim 9, further comprising: Detecting when the cable system is interfaced to a medical monitor.

11. The operating method according to claim 9, further comprising: detecting information addressed to a controller of the cable system; presenting a current setting of the cable system; and Accept the updated settings for the cable system.

12. The operating method according to claim 9, further comprising: detecting data transmitted via the cable system; identifying a type of the data transmitted via the cable system; and The status information of the cable system is updated by updating a count of the usage time of the cable system.

13. The operating method according to claim 9, further comprising: detecting an end of a use cycle of the cable system; detecting the start of a new usage cycle of the cable system, and The status information of the cable system is updated by updating a cycle count of the cable system.

14. The operating method according to claim 9, further comprising: detecting data usage of the cable system; Start the timer; detecting an end of use of the data of the cable system; stopping the timer; and The status information of the cable system is updated by updating a count of the usage time of the cable system.

15. A tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, wherein: The computer program, when executed by the processor, causes the controller to: detecting use of the cable system when transmitting data; and Status information of the cable system stored in a memory of the cable system is updated to track usage of the cable system.

16. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein: The computer program, when executed by the processor, further causes the computer to: Detecting when the cable system is interfaced to a medical monitor.

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