Patient monitor including one or more universal ports

Abstract

The present invention relates to a patient monitor (10) comprising one or more universal ports (12), each universal port being configured to connect with a cable having a universal connector (36) adapted into the universal port (12) for providing a measurement signal from a subject (30) to the patient monitor (10), a patient monitor (10) includes a selection unit (14), a distribution network (16), an analog front-end unit (18), and one or more processing units (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a patient monitor comprising one or more universal ports for connecting a cable having a universal connector fitting into any of the universal ports. Background Art

[0002] In order to acquire the vital signs of a subject on a patient monitor, consumables such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) lead set, an oxygen saturation (SpO2) sensor, an end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) sensor, or a blood pressure cuff are used to interface the patient with the patient monitor. The primary function of these consumables is to transmit measurement signals (e.g., electrical potential or current) to the patient monitor, where further signal processing is performed in order to determine and display vital signs.

[0003] Recently, there has been a trend to add signal processing to consumables, including, for example, analog-to-digital conversion, and thus make the consumables "smart". Summary of the invention

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a patient monitor which allows easy and flexible use of consumables with the patient monitor.

[0005] In one aspect of the invention, a patient monitor is provided, comprising:

[0006] one or more universal ports, each universal port configured to connect with a cable having a universal connector that fits into the universal port for providing a measurement signal from a subject to the patient monitor;

[0007] a selection unit configured to obtain cable information from the connected cable and determine, based on the cable information, a cable type of the connected cable and a measurement type for which the connected cable is configured;

[0008] a distribution network configured to provide the measurement signals from the one or more universal ports to corresponding processing units directly or via an analog front end unit based on the cable type and the measurement type;

[0009] an analog front end unit configured to convert the analog measurement signal from analog to digital and to provide the converted measurement signal to the distribution network; and

[0010] One or more processing units, each processing unit being configured to process the measurement signal based on the measurement type and to output a processed measurement signal.

[0011] Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0012] The present invention is based on the idea that an entity such as a hospital may not completely switch from using standard (analog) cables to using only smart (digital) cables across its entire facility. Therefore, smart cables and standard cables will coexist. This makes asset management more challenging: digital ports will not support standard (analog) cables, and standard (analog) ports will not support smart (digital) cables. This may cause problems from a workflow and backward compatibility perspective. Users may not understand that smart cables can only be used on digital ports, and standard cables cannot be connected to digital ports. Moreover, this may cause confusion and, therefore, uneasiness among hospital staff, which in turn may hinder a smooth adaptation to smart cable solutions.

[0013] The present invention provides a patient monitor, comprising one or more universal ports, which are configured as universal connectors for connecting cables. A user (e.g., hospital staff) who utilizes a patient monitor to initialize one or more measurements of an object (or patient, such as a human or animal) can insert a universal connector of a cable connected to a sensor deployed on the object into any of the universal ports, regardless of the cable type (e.g., analog or digital) and the measurement type (e.g., ECG, SpO2, etc.). After connecting the cable, the patient monitor can automatically obtain cable information from the connected cable and determine the cable type and the measurement type. Based on the measurement type, the measurement signal can be processed internally by the corresponding processing unit - if necessary - before performing a conversion of a non-digital signal to a digital signal based on the cable type. Processing the signal can include, for example, filtering or artifact suppression of the measurement signal. The processed measurement signal can then be output by the patient monitor, for example, for visualization for user interpretation.

[0014] Patient monitors according to the present invention include one or more universal ports that accept analog (or "standard") cables and digital (e.g., smart) cables. Thus, the present invention allows for easy and flexible use of different types of cables and / or different types of measurements on the same universal port on the same patient monitor. For example, smart (digital) and standard (analog) cables, each including a universal connector, can be flexibly used on the same universal port (one by one). Thus, the present invention helps improve the handling of consumables using patient monitors. Thus, the present invention supports the adaptation of smart cable solutions.

[0015] In other words, in general, it can be said that the distribution network is configured to selectively route measurement signals from the cable to the processing unit via the AFE unit or alternatively directly to the processing unit (without passing through the AFE unit) depending on the detected cable type.

[0016] For example, if the cable is detected to be of a type that includes analog-to-digital conversion circuitry, the signal may be routed directly to the processing unit, and if the cable is of a type that does not include such circuitry, the signal may be routed via an analog front end unit of the patient monitor.

[0017] Preferably, the selection unit is configured to determine whether a measurement signal obtained from the connected cable is an analog signal or a digital signal. Thus, the selection unit can determine the cable type by distinguishing between analog measurement signals and digital measurement signals. This can also be done based on cable information, which can indicate that the measurement type indicates or requires an analog measurement or that the cable is an analog cable. Thus, the obtained measurement signal can be routed to the analog front end.

[0018] In one embodiment, the selection unit is further configured to obtain cable information including a cable identification, wherein the cable information is stored in the following manner:

[0019] in a memory provided in said cable; and / or

[0020] as an optically readable marking provided at the cable; and / or

[0021] On a radio frequency identification RFID tag or a near field communication NFC tag provided in or at the cable.

[0022] Thus, the present invention provides several options / alternatives for the selection unit to obtain the cable information from the cable, all of which ensure quick and reliable setting of one or more measurements with the patient monitor. For example, the optically readable identification may be a barcode or a quick response QR code. In other examples, the cable information may be stored in a memory or NFC tag provided in the connector of the cable.

[0023] In another embodiment, the selection unit is further configured to determine the cable type and / or the measurement type based on the measurement signal. This is based on the idea that each measurement signal may have specific characteristics that may allow one measurement signal to be distinguished from other measurement signals, and that the characteristics of the measurement signal may also indicate or allow determination of the type of the connected cable. Thus, the selection unit may determine the cable type and / or the measurement type, for example, even if no cable information is obtained from the connected cable (e.g. if it cannot be read or if it is incomplete or if it is not available at all). Thus, a quick and reliable setting of one or more measurements with a patient monitor may be ensured.

[0024] Preferably, the patient monitor further comprises a user interface configured to receive a user input indicating said cable type and / or said measurement type. Thus, the selection unit can determine the cable type and the measurement type even if no cable information is obtained from the connected cable. Thus, a fast and reliable setup of a measurement with the patient monitor is ensured.

[0025] In one embodiment, the selection unit is configured to determine default values ​​for the cable type and / or the measurement type if no cable information is obtained from the connected cable. The user interface can be configured to request verification of the default values ​​from the user. In this way, the user can be informed of problems with the default values ​​and a request for information about the cable type and / or the measurement type is obtained. The user can adapt the default values ​​to the actual cable type and / or the actual measurement type. Thus, it can be ensured that one or more measurements of an object can be set quickly and reliably using a patient monitor.

[0026] In another embodiment, the user interface is configured to request from the user a verification of the cable type and / or the measurement type determined by the selection unit. In this way, the user can approve or change the determined cable type and / or the determined measurement type upon request, which may be a comfortable and fast way for the user to initiate one or more measurements while ensuring that one or more measurements are correctly set up with a patient monitor.

[0027] Preferably, the patient monitor further comprises one or more drive units to control one or more measurements performed on the subject, each drive unit being configured to be connected to a common port based on one or more control signals from the selection unit. The drive units may support the performance of measurements on the subject. For example, the pulse length of an oxygen saturation (SpO2) measurement may be adjusted by the drive unit for the subject's skin color. The control signals provided by the selection unit may ensure that each measurement is supported by a corresponding drive unit adapted to support the performance of the particular measurement.

[0028] Preferably, the analog front end unit is further configured to amplify and / or filter the analog measurement signal. In this way, the quality of the analog signal can be maintained / ensured (for example, for long cables).

[0029] In an embodiment, the distribution network and / or the analog front end unit may include one or more switching elements to process the measurement signal based on one or more control signals obtained from the selection unit. In this way, the switching element may allow ensuring that the measurement signal is correctly processed based on the determined cable type and the determined measurement type. For example, the switching element may allow directing the measurement signal to a specific analog front end unit and / or a specific processing unit. Thus, the switching element may ensure that a specific type of measurement is processed by a specific processing unit and / or a specific analog front end unit.

[0030] In another embodiment, the patient monitor may further include an adapter including a first adapter port configured to connect to a non-universal connector of a cable and a second adapter port configured to connect to a universal port. The adapter may allow a cable including a proprietary connector to be used on the patient monitor. Thus, the adapter may help avoid the necessity of redesigning a non-universal connector of a standard cable to fit into a universal port.

[0031] Preferably, the adapter further comprises an adapter analog front end circuit, an analog-to-digital converter configured to convert an analog measurement signal into a digital measurement signal, and a serializer configured to convert a first number of input signals of the digital measurement signal into a second number of output signals. The adapter comprising the serializer may allow the use of a standard cable comprising a connector having more pins than supported by the universal port. The universal port may support, for example, eight pins, and the serializer may convert a plurality of signals greater than eight (e.g., ten) into eight signals suitable for the universal port. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter. In the accompanying drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 The measurement of an object according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically illustrated.

[0034] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a patient monitor according to the present invention is shown.

[0035] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a patient monitor including a user interface according to the present invention is shown.

[0036] Figure 4 A schematic diagram is shown of an embodiment of a patient monitor according to the invention comprising one or more drive units.

[0037] Figure 5A schematic diagram showing another embodiment of a patient monitor according to the present invention is shown.

[0038] Figure 6 As shown in Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a distribution network for use in a patient monitor is shown.

[0039] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing another embodiment of a patient monitor according to the present invention is shown.

[0040] Figure 8 As shown in Figure 7 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a distribution network for use in a patient monitor is shown.

[0041] Fig. 9 An embodiment of an analog front end unit according to the invention is schematically shown.

[0042] Fig.10 A schematic embodiment of a distribution network according to the invention is shown.

[0043] Fig.11 Another embodiment of an analog front end unit according to the present invention is shown.

[0044] Fig.12 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a patient monitor including an adapter according to the present invention is shown.

[0045] Fig.13 As shown in Fig.12 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of an adapter for use in a patient monitor is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Figure 1 Schematically illustrates the measurement of an object 30 using a patient monitor 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. A sensor 32 (e.g., an ECG lead set, an SpO2 sensor, or an EtCO2 sensor, etc.) is deployed on the object 30 for acquiring / obtaining measurement signals. A cable 34 is configured to transmit the measurement signals from the sensor 32 to the patient monitor 10 via a universal connector 36 adapted into the universal port 12. The measurement signals (e.g., vital signs) can then be processed by the patient monitor 10 and displayed on the patient monitor 10.

[0047] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a patient monitor 10 according to the present invention is shown that includes two universal ports 12. However, the patient monitor 10 may generally include any number of universal ports 12, ie, one or more universal ports 12.

[0048] Typically, consumables (such as ECG sensors, etc.) used to perform measurements on a subject (e.g., in a hospital) may include different connectors (e.g., with different numbers of pins) and / or different types of cables (e.g., configured to transmit analog or digital data). The ports of a patient monitor are typically dedicated to one type of cable and one type of measurement. Therefore, the cable must be connected to a corresponding specific port.

[0049] Because the number of ports in a patient monitor is typically limited (e.g., by the size of the patient monitor), only a certain number of different measurement types with a particular type of cable can be connected to the patient monitor. Furthermore, it may cause users (e.g., hospital staff) to not understand why a digital cable may not fit into an analog port (a port configured to connect to an analog cable) and why an analog cable may not fit into a digital port (which is configured to connect to a digital cable), even though the port may support the same type of measurement performed on the subject.

[0050] The present invention allows the use of analog and digital (e.g. smart) cables on any of the (typically) multiple universal ports 12 provided at the patient monitor 10. This allows for more flexible and easier handling of consumables used to take measurements on a subject while ensuring that the measurements are correctly set up with the patient monitor.

[0051] The patient monitor 10 according to the present invention may include one or more universal ports 12, each configured to connect a cable having a universal connector 36 adapted to the universal port 12, for providing a measurement signal from the object 30 to the patient monitor 10. A user who initiates one or more measurements can connect the universal connector of the cable connected to the sensor 32 deployed on the object 30 to any one of the universal ports 12, regardless of the cable type (e.g., analog or digital) and the measurement type (e.g., ECG, SpO2, etc.). After connecting the cable, the patient monitor 10 can automatically obtain cable information from the connected cable and determine the cable type and the measurement type. Based on the measurement type, the measurement signal can be processed internally by the corresponding processing unit - if necessary - before performing a conversion of a non-digital signal to a digital signal based on the cable type. The processed measurement signal can be output, for example, for visualization for the user. Therefore, the present invention allows different types of cables and / or different types of measurements to be easily and flexibly used on the same universal port 12 on the same patient monitor 10.

[0052] The term "universal" refers to the ability of a universal port to accept different types of cables and / or to accept cables for performing different types of measurements on a subject.

[0053] The term "port" refers to a location on / at a patient monitor to which a cable can be connected via a connector of the cable, wherein the port is configured to obtain electrical information (e.g., measurement signals, cable information from a memory, etc.) from the connected cable.

[0054] The term "analog cable" refers to a cable configured to transmit analog information, in particular analog measurement signals, to a patient monitor.

[0055] The term "analog port" refers to a port that is configured to connect an analog cable.

[0056] The term "digital cable" refers to a cable configured to transmit digital information, in particular digital measurement signals, to a patient monitor.

[0057] The term "intelligent cable" refers to a cable configured for signal processing including analog to digital conversion. This includes cables configured to perform analog to digital conversion of information (eg, analog measurement signals), for example, in a connector of the cable.

[0058] The term "digital port" refers to a port that is configured to connect to a digital cable.

[0059] The term "consumable" refers to one or more sensors and one or more cables including connectors for a specific measurement (e.g., ECG, SpO2, blood pressure, etc.), wherein the one or more sensors and one or more cables including connectors are configured to transmit measurement signals (e.g., vital signs obtained from sensors deployed on a subject for making measurements) to a port of a patient monitor.

[0060] The term "setup" refers to initializing measurements on a subject using a patient monitor, including connecting connectors of one or more cables to (common) ports of the patient monitor, and the patient monitor determining the correct cable type and the correct measurement type in order to process the measurement signals accordingly.

[0061] Figure 2 The illustrated patient monitor 10 includes a selection unit 14 , a distribution network 16 , an analog front end (AFE) unit 18 , and one or more processing units 20 .

[0062] The selection unit 14 is configured to obtain cable information from the connected cables and determine which type of measurement and which type of cable is connected to each universal port 12. The patient monitor 10 may generally include any number of universal ports 12, i.e., one or more universal ports 12. For each universal port 12, the selection unit 14 may determine whether the cable is an analog ("standard") cable or a digital (e.g., smart) cable, and which type of measurement is performed (e.g., ECG, SpO2, EtC02, etc.). Based on the cable type and the measurement type, the selection unit 14 may provide one or more control signals to the distribution network 16 and the AFE unit 18. The selection unit 14 may also provide one or more control signals to the one or more processing units 20 ( Figure 2 The control signals for the processing unit 20 are not shown).

[0063] The distribution network 16 may connect each universal port 12 to a corresponding processing unit 20, either directly or via an analog front end (AFE) unit 18. The selection may be based on one or more control signals defined by a selection unit 14. The AFE unit 18 may perform an analog-to-digital conversion on each analog measurement signal, i.e., a measurement signal from an analog ("standard" or "conventional") cable. The AFE unit 18 may include a switch that is controlled by one or more control signals from the selection unit 14 to connect the universal port 12 - and therefore the measurement signal - to a corresponding internal circuit of the AFE 18. In one embodiment according to the invention, the AFE unit 18 may also be configured to perform front-end signal processing in order to amplify and / or filter the analog measurement signal.

[0064] The one or more processing units 20 may be any kind of component configured to process one or more measurement signals. The processing unit 20 may be, for example, a microcontroller or a microprocessor. The processing unit 20 of each universal port 12 may process (e.g., filter, suppress artifacts, etc.) the measurement signals, and if necessary, proceed to analog-to-digital conversion by the analog front end (AFE) unit 18. In one embodiment, the processing unit 20 may transmit the processed signals to a monitor display (a patient monitor may, for example, include a monitor display) or an external device (e.g., a mobile device, a command center, an electronic medical record (EMR)), etc.) for visualization.

[0065] The patient monitor 10 may also include a user interface 22 (e.g., Figure 3 ) and / or one or more drive units 24 (e.g., Figure 4 ) as shown in the embodiment shown.

[0066] The patient monitor 10 may also include one or more non-universal ports. For example, one or more non-universal ports may support measurements (sometimes considered core measurements) such as oxygen saturation (SpO2), electrocardiogram (ECG), non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP), etc., wherein one or more universal ports 10 may support, for example, additional measurements such as spot check temperature, end-tidal (EtCO2) measurement, electroencephalogram (EEG), etc. Thus, using both universal ports and non-universal ports in a patient monitor may help introduce universal ports and smart cables to the market, which may take time for all the different kinds of measurements.

[0067] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 The schematic diagram of the embodiment of the patient monitor 10 shown also includes a user interface 22, through which the user can provide information (user input) to the patient monitor 10. For example, the user interface 22 can be a graphical user interface (GUI), such as a touch screen. The selection unit 14 can be configured to obtain user input from the user interface 22. The user input may include a cable type and / or a measurement type. In this way, the selection unit 14 can determine the cable type and the measurement type based on the obtained cable information and / or the user input. For example, if the cable information is not obtained from the connected cable, the selection unit 14 can determine the cable type and the measurement type based on the user input provided by the user interface 22.

[0068] Figure 4 Shows Figure 2 The schematic diagram of the embodiment of the patient monitor 10 shown further comprises one or more drive units 24. The drive unit 24 may comprise dedicated driver circuits for the (analog) measurements supported by the patient monitor 10.

[0069] Individual driver circuits can be switched by Figure 4 The switch (not shown) is connected to the corresponding universal port 12, and the switch is controlled by one or more control signals defined by the selection unit 14 based on the determined measurement type and / or the determined cable type. The switch can be controlled by the control signal Sel_driv <i:n>Control; where N is the number of (analog) measurements supported by the patient monitor 10, and i corresponds to the signal number (eg, signal 1 or 2).

[0070] The patient monitor 10 may include one or more drive units 24 to support certain measurements performed on the subject. The universal port 12 may support, for example, eight pins: (i) power, (ii) ground / shield, (iii) single bus (for cable identification), and (iv) data line. Even if the connector of the cable includes the same number of pins, 8 pins in this example, these (e.g., 8) pins of the connector 36 may not all be compatible with the universal port 12. For example, a SpO2 sensor including two LEDs (light emitting diodes) may require two power lines and dedicated driver electronics to perform measurements. Therefore, the driver electronics provided in one or more drive units 24 may allow certain measurements, such as the described SpO2 measurements, to be performed.

[0071] Figure 5 Shows Figure 2 An example of an embodiment of a patient monitor 10 is shown. Figure 5 In the example shown, a digital cable 38 and an analog cable 40 are each connected to the common port 12. Figure 5 As shown, both the analog cable 38 and the digital cable 40 include a connector 36 that fits into the universal port 12. The digital cable 38 may contain a smart cable dongle that implements electronics, namely an analog front end (AFE) circuit for specific measurements, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and a memory device, such as an electrically erasable programmable memory (EEPROM) that can store a cable identification of the digital cable 38. The digital cable 38 may also include a signal processing unit, such as a microcontroller or microprocessor ( Figure 5 ). The analog cable 40 may or may not include a memory device such as an EEPROM.

[0072] Each universal port 12 can be connected to a dedicated (corresponding) signal processing unit 20 (e.g., microcontroller, microprocessor) via a distribution network 16 and - if necessary - to the signal processing unit via an analog front end (AFE) unit 18. The main role of the processing unit 20 is to process the measurement signals (e.g., filtering, artifact suppression, etc.) and transmit them, for example, to a patient monitor screen (a patient monitor including a monitor screen) for visualization or to an external device (e.g., a mobile device, a command center, an electronic medical record (EMR) etc.).

[0073] In the case where the cable includes a cable identification stored in a memory device (e.g., EEPROM), the selection unit 14 can obtain the cable identification stored in the memory device. The selection unit 14 can determine which type of measurement and / or which type of cable is connected to each universal port 12 based on the obtained cable identification. Therefore, for each universal port 12, the selection unit 14 can determine whether the cable is an analog (standard, conventional) cable or a digital (e.g., smart) cable, and which type of measurement is performed (e.g., ECG, SpO2, etc.). The cable information can also be stored, for example, on a barcode or QR code at the cable / cable's connector, or on an RFID or NFC tag provided in / at the cable, etc.

[0074] Preferably, the selection unit 14 can also receive input from the user interface 22 (e.g., monitor screen) of the patient monitor 10 so that the user can select or enter the cable type and measurement type for each universal port 12. This option may be required in cases where the cable and / or the connector of the cable does not provide cable identification.

[0075] The selection unit 14 may provide three control signals, for example, defined as follows:

[0076] For each measurement signal, a first control signal Sel_A<1:P> indicates whether the measurement is analog ("standard cable"), wherein P is the number of universal ports 12, and wherein the first control signal Sel_A<1:P> comprises a vector containing P entries. Figure 5 In FIG. 1 , two common ports 12 are shown, ie, P=2, and therefore Sel_A<1:2>, which includes two sub-signals Sel_A <1> and Sel_A <2> The first control signal may be an input to the distribution network 16, such as Figure 5 It should be noted that the first signal can also be input to the processing unit 20 ( Figure 5 not shown).

[0077] For each measurement signal, the second control signal Sel_D<1:P> indicates whether the measurement is digital (eg, smart cable), wherein P is the number of universal ports 12, and wherein the second control signal Sel_D<1:P> comprises a vector containing P entries. Figure 5 In FIG. 1 , two common ports 12 are shown, ie, P=2, and therefore Sel_D<1:2>, which includes two sub-signals Sel_D <1> and Sel_D <2> The second control signal may be an input to the distribution network 16, such as Figure 5 It should be noted that it can also be input to the processing unit 20 ( Figure 5 not shown).

[0078] The third control signal Sel_Meas <p:n>indicates the measurement type (e.g., ECG, SpO2, etc.), where P is the number of universal ports 12 and N is the number of (analog) measurements supported by the patient monitor, and where the third control signal Sel_Meas <p:n>The third control signal may be an input to the AFE unit 18, such as Figure 5 It should be noted that it can also be input to the processing unit 20 ( Figure 5 not shown).

[0079] The selection unit 14 may provide any type of control signal and / or any number of control signals suitable for controlling the processing of one or more measurement signals obtained from one or more connected cables.

[0080] Figure 6 It is shown that it can be used for example Figure 5 An embodiment of a distribution network 16 is shown in the embodiment of a patient monitor 10 . Figure 6 Only one "channel", ie one general purpose port 12, is shown in FIG. <1> Connected to general purpose port 12 with number 1. Output signal O <1> is connected to the corresponding processing unit 20. Signal AI <1> may be an input signal to the analog front end (AFE) unit 18, and the signal AO <1> The distribution network 16 may include three switches S1, S2 and S3, which are controlled by the first control signal Sel_A. <1> and the second control signal Sel_D <1> In the case of a digital measurement signal, when the second control signal Sel_D <1> When it is equal to 1, switch S1 is closed, thus the input signal I <1> Connect directly to the output signal O <1> In this case, the first control signal Sel_A <1> =0, which makes switches S2 and S3 open. In the case of an analog measurement signal, when the first control signal Sel_A <1> When it is equal to 1, switches S2 and S3 are closed, thus the input signal I <1> The input signal AI to the AFE unit 18 <1> Directly connect and convert the output signal AO of the AFE unit 18 <1> With the output signal O <1> In this case, the second control signal Sel_D <1> = 0, which makes the switch S1 open. Therefore, the selection unit 14 can ensure that the equation

[0081]

[0082] is valid, where i is the channel number corresponding to the general port number, i.e., Sel_D <l>It's Sel_A The inverse of

[0083] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a patient monitor 10 according to the present invention. Figure 7 In the embodiment, one smart (digital) cable 38 and one analog (standard) cable 40 are each connected to the universal port 12. However, the patient monitor 10 may generally include any number of universal ports 12, i.e., one or more universal ports 12. Figure 5 In an alternative embodiment shown, two control signals ( Figure 5 Sel_A<1:P> and Sel_D<1:P> in the Figure 7 In the Sel<1:P>) replacement. Figure 7 As shown, Figure 5 Compared to the illustrated embodiment, the selection unit 14 may provide the distribution network 16 with one control signal instead of two. Figure 8 An embodiment of a distribution network 16 for a common port 12 is shown, which can be used with Figure 7 The illustrated embodiment of the patient monitor 10 is used in conjunction with the illustrated embodiment of the patient monitor 10 .

[0084] Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a distribution network 16 is shown, which may be used, for example, Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment of the patient monitor 10, however, the distribution network 16 is for one universal port 12. It should be noted that the distribution network 16 may generally be configured for any number of universal ports 12, ie, for one or more universal ports 12.

[0085] Figure 8 The distribution unit 16 shown comprises three switches S1, S2 and S3 for directing a measurement signal from a common port 12. The control signal Sel <1> is applied to the first switch S1. The signal is also inverted by the inverter and applied to the second switch S2 and the third switch S3. Therefore, equation (1) can always be satisfied because it is implemented in the circuit of the distribution network 16.

[0086] Fig. 9 An embodiment of an analog front end (AFE) unit 18 according to the present invention is shown. Fig. 9 In the embodiment, only two "channels", i.e., two universal ports 12, are depicted. However, the patient monitor 10 may generally include any number of universal ports 12, i.e., one or more universal ports 12. As described above, the input signal AI of the AFE unit 18 (i.e. A <1> and A <2> ) and the output signal AO of the AFE unit 18 (i.e. AO <1> and AO <2> ) is connected to the distribution network 16, such as Figure 5 and Figure 7 shown.

[0087] The analog front end (AFE) unit 18 may contain N analog front end circuits and analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), where N is the number of (analog) measurements supported by the patient monitor 10. In this example, N=4, since the AFE unit 18 supports ECG, SpO2, temperature, and EEG (or work of breathing, WoB) in this example. Each AFE circuit may be specifically designed for one type of measurement.

[0088] For each input signal AI of the AFE unit 18 The cables may not be connected to an AFE circuit (in the case where the cable is a digital (intelligent) cable and thus not connected to the AFE unit 18) or may be connected to an AFE circuit via corresponding switches (in the case where the cable is an analog cable). These switches are controlled by a control signal Sel_meas<(P:N)>, where P is the number of universal ports 12 and N is the number of measurements supported by the patient monitor 10.

[0089] The same control signal ensures that the corresponding ADC is connected to the correct output signal AO The selection unit 14 can also ensure that the AFE circuit does not have more than one input (ie, more than one AI Signal).

[0090] Fig.10 FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a distribution network 16 according to the present invention. If the control signal Sel_meas <p:n>is configured so that when a digital cable is connected to the corresponding universal port 12 (see, for example, Fig.11 In the embodiment shown in the figure), for the input signal A of the AFE unit 18 If the channel is not connected to any analog front end (AFE) circuit (ie, all switches for that "channel" remain open), the distribution network 16 can be simplified, such as Fig.10 In this case, there is no need to Figure 6 and Figure 8 Switches S2 and S3 are shown.

[0091] For example, if a digital (eg, smart) cable is connected to the universal port 12 having a number 1 (corresponding to "channel 1"), the switch S1 is closed so that the input signal I <1> Corresponding to the output signal O <1> , that is I <1> =O <1> , and the control signal (for N=4) Sel_meas<1:4>=(0,0,0,0), so that the input signal AI for the AFE unit 18 is <1> All switches connected to each AFE unit are opened. On the other hand, if the analog cable is connected to the universal port 12 with number 1 (corresponding to "channel 1"), the switch S1 is controlled to be opened, and the measurement signal obtained from the universal port with number 1 is connected to the AFE unit 18. For example, for channel 1, the control signal is Sel_meas<1:4>=(0,1,0,0), thus indicating SpO2 measurement, wherein the input signal AI for the AFE unit 18 is <1> Connected to the corresponding AFE circuit for the SpO2 measurement signal (see Fig.10 ).

[0092] Fig.11 An embodiment of an analog front end unit 18 according to the invention is shown. Fig.11 The embodiment in FIG. 1 shows that the control signal Sel_meas <p:n>Alternative options that are correctly set (i.e., implemented in hardware). Fig.11 As shown, additional circuits including a NOT gate and an AND gate may be implemented in the selection unit 14 or in the analog front end (AFE) unit 18. Additional circuit implementation:

[0093]

[0094] Where i is the channel number corresponding to the common port number, and n is the measurement number (e.g., for SpO2, n=2). This embodiment may allow, for example, Fig.10 An embodiment of a distribution network 16 is shown.

[0095] Fig.12 An embodiment of a patient monitor 10 further comprising an adapter 26 is schematically shown. Fig.13 Schematically shows Fig.13 An embodiment of the adapter 26 is shown. Fig.12 and Fig.13 The illustrated embodiment is based on the idea that if a cable includes a connector with more pins than are supported by the universal port 12, the cable may not be used with the universal port 12. A possible solution is to use an adapter 26 that includes a first adapter port 27 configured to be connected to a non-universal connector of a cable 40 and a second adapter port 29 configured to be connected to the universal port 12. The cable 40 including the non-universal connector is connected to the first adapter port 27, and the second adapter port 29 is connected to the universal port 12 of the patient monitor 10.

[0096] Adapter 26 may include an analog front end (AFE) circuit, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and a serializer 28 configured to convert a first number of signals X received by the analog cable into Y signals supported by universal port 12 , where X is typically greater than Y.

[0097] The adapter 26 may have X input signals, i.e., the number of pins of the cable. These input signals DI<1:X> to the adapter 26 may be fed into the AFE circuit of a specific measurement (e.g., ECG). After analog-to-digital conversion, the X signals may be provided as inputs to a serializer circuit that converts the X signals into output signals DO<1:Y> of the adapter 26 as inputs to the patient monitor 10, where Y may be the number of signals supported by the patient monitor. For example, X may be 10 and Y may be 8. In another example, the adapter converts the X input signals so as to provide a serial data stream for one or more data receive lines of the universal port 12.

[0098] This embodiment provides two main advantages: (i) analog cables including connectors with more pins than supported by the universal port 12 can still be used with the patient monitor 10, and (ii) the non-universal connectors of these analog cables do not need to be redesigned to fit into the universal port 12.

[0099] The adapter 26 can be used to connect any type of analog cable to the universal port 12 regardless of the number of pins (even an analog cable with a pin number equal to or less than the number of pins supported by the universal port 12). Therefore, this embodiment can provide a solution for connecting an analog cable with more pins than the universal port 12 supports to the universal port 12.

[0100] In summary, the present invention helps to improve the handling of consumables (e.g., ECG lead sets, SpO2 sensors, end-tidal CO2 sensors, or blood pressure cuffs) using patient monitors. To this end, the patient monitor includes one or more universal ports, each of which is configured to connect a cable with a universal connector. For example, digital (e.g., smart) cables and analog ("standard" or "conventional") cables including universal connectors can be flexibly used on the same universal port. The patient monitor can automatically determine the type of cable connected to the patient monitor and / or the type of measurement performed on the object. Therefore, a user (e.g., hospital staff) can easily and flexibly set one or more measurements of an object using a patient monitor while ensuring the correct setting of the measurements.

[0101] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, these illustrations and descriptions should be considered illustrative or exemplary rather than restrictive; the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention by studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the claims.

[0102] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the word "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single element or other unit may fulfil the functions of several items recited in the claims. Although certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims, this does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0103] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.< / p:n> < / p:n> < / l> < / p:n> < / p:n> < / i:n>

Claims

1. A patient monitor (10), include: one or more universal ports (12), each universal port being configured to be connected to a cable having a universal connector (36) adapted to fit into the universal port (12) for providing a measurement signal from a subject (30) to the patient monitor (10); a selection unit (14) configured to: obtain cable information from the connected cable, and determine a cable type of the connected cable and a measurement type for which the connected cable is configured based on the cable information; a distribution network (16) configured to provide the measurement signals from the one or more universal ports (12) to corresponding processing units (20) directly or via an analog front end unit (18) based on the cable type and the measurement type; an analog front end unit (18) configured to: convert the analog measurement signal from analog to digital and provide the converted measurement signal to the distribution network (16); as well as One or more processing units (20), each processing unit being configured to: process the measurement signal based on the measurement type and output a processed measurement signal.

2. The patient monitor (10) according to claim 1, in, The selection unit (14) is configured to determine whether the measurement signal obtained from the connected cable is a digital signal or an analog signal.

3. A patient monitor (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The selection unit (14) is configured to obtain cable information including a cable identification, wherein the cable information is stored in the following manner: in a memory provided in said cable; and / or as an optically readable marking provided at the cable; and / or On a radio frequency identification RFID tag or a near field communication NFC tag provided in or at the cable.

4. A patient monitor (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The selection unit (14) is further configured to determine the cable type and / or the measurement type based on the measurement signal.

5. The patient monitor (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, Also included is a user interface (22) configured to receive user input indicating the cable type and / or the measurement type.

6. The patient monitor (10) according to claim 5, in, The selection unit (14) is configured to determine a default value for the cable type and / or the measurement type if cable information is not obtained from the connected cable.

7. The patient monitor (10) according to claim 6, in, The user interface (22) is configured to request verification of the default value from the user.

8. The patient monitor (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, in, The user interface (22) is configured to request from the user a verification of the cable type and / or the measurement type determined by the selection unit (14).

9. A patient monitor (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, One or more drive units (24) are also included to control one or more measurements of the object (30), each drive unit (24) being configured to be connected to a common port (12) based on one or more control signals from the selection unit (14).

10. The patient monitor (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The analog front end unit (18) is further configured to amplify and / or filter the analog measurement signal.

11. The patient monitor (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The distribution network (16) and / or the analog front end unit (18) comprises one or more switching elements to process the measurement signal based on a control signal obtained from the selection unit (14).

12. The patient monitor (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, Also included is an adapter (26) comprising a first adapter port configured to connect to a non-universal connector of a cable and a second adapter port configured to connect to the universal port (12).

13. The patient monitor (10) according to claim 12, in, The adapter (26) further comprises: Analog front-end circuit; an analog-to-digital converter configured to convert the analog measurement signal into a digital measurement signal; and A serializer (28) is configured to convert a first number of input signals of the digital measurement signal into a second number of output signals.

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