Respiratory device monitoring

Abstract

The invention discloses breathing device monitoring. A method for monitoring a user of a breathing apparatus (BA) of a network, where the method is performed by a wireless device of the network, and where the wireless device is coupled to a network node of the network, the network node being configured to route communications between the BA and the wireless device. The method comprises, in response to determining that the event has occurred, determining (110) a time discrete parameter associated with the BA. The event corresponds to a loss of connection between the BA and the network node. The determination is based on whether information obtained from the BA before the event occurs satisfies a first criterion, and the information includes user respiration rate information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to monitoring users of a networked respiratory device, and more particularly, to methods and apparatus for handling connection loss associated with a respiratory device. Background Art

[0002] Emergency services, such as fire services, are organizations that ensure public safety, security, and health by responding to and resolving a variety of emergency situations. Therefore, emergency services require as many advantages as possible when responding to emergencies. This is particularly true as emergency services are called upon to respond to increasingly complex emergencies. Emergency service personnel are often equipped with specialized equipment to protect personnel and enable them to respond to a range of emergency situations.

[0003] For example, firefighters are often exposed to toxic environments created by combustible materials. These environments expose firefighters to smoke, oxygen depletion, high temperatures, toxic atmospheres, and severe airflow. To address some of these risks, each firefighter typically carries a breathing apparatus (BA). Proper management of this specialized equipment can mean the difference between a successful emergency response and a disaster.

[0004] Some BA systems include devices, such as telemetry, to transmit information about the status of the BA and / or its users. This information is typically transmitted to a base station. Once the base station receives the information, an entry control officer (ECO) typically interprets it to determine parameters such as the firefighter's escape time and remaining breathing gas supply. Such parameters are important for ensuring the firefighter's safety.

[0005] When responding to emergencies, firefighters will periodically enter areas where the base station cannot receive signals sent from the BA's telemetry equipment. For example, the firefighter may move out of range of the base station, or the transmitted signal may be blocked in some way. In these cases, the ECO must manually determine the parameters of interest based on the last information successfully transmitted from the BA to the base station. This process is time-consuming, error-prone, and distracts the ECO from managing other critical aspects of the emergency response.

[0006] It will therefore be appreciated that improvements to existing BA telemetry technology are desirable. Summary of the Invention

[0007] As discussed above, improved BA telemetry techniques are desirable. Therefore, according to a first aspect, a method for monitoring a user of a breathing apparatus (BA) in a network is provided. The method is performed by a wireless device in the network. The wireless device is coupled to a network node of the network, the network node being configured to route communications between the BA and the wireless device. The method includes determining a time-discrete parameter associated with the BA in response to determining that an event has occurred. The event corresponds to a loss of connection between the BA and the network node, and the determination is based on whether information obtained from the BA prior to the occurrence of the event meets a first criterion. The information includes user breathing rate information.

[0008] The wireless device and the network node may be, for example, separate devices coupled together wirelessly (eg, via one or more wireless signals).

[0009] It will be understood that the loss of connection between the BA and the network node may be any loss of connection between the BA and the network node. For example, the loss of connection may be caused by one or more of the following: a physical obstacle blocking a signal (e.g., a signal transmitted from the BA), electromagnetic interference, a power outage (e.g., a power outage of the BA and / or the network node), a device failure (e.g., a failure of the BA and / or the network node), or any other reason.

[0010] It will be understood that a time-discrete parameter can be a parameter that can be measured at an instant in time. Alternatively or additionally, a time-discrete parameter can correspond to a parameter that is periodically and / or continuously determined with respect to time. Thus, in an example, as described herein, determining a time-discrete parameter can include determining one or more values of the parameter over time.

[0011] If the information meets the first criterion, the time discrete parameters are determined using information obtained from the BA before the event occurs. If the information does not meet the first criterion, the time discrete parameters are determined using pre-configured respiratory rate information.

[0012] The first criterion may be configured at the wireless device. For example, the first criterion may be configured in response to receiving input (e.g., via a user interface of the wireless device) indicating the first criterion (e.g., by an operator of the wireless device). The operator of the wireless device may be an access control officer (ECO). As referred to herein, the first criterion is configurable during an event.

[0013] The pre-configured breathing rate information may include a user's breathing profile.

[0014] The preconfigured breathing rate information may include a constant breathing rate parameter.

[0015] The pre-configured breathing rate information may be represented by a formula or lookup table for determining a user's estimated breathing rate. The pre-configured breathing rate information may take into account the user's age, height, weight, and / or any other physiological parameters. The user's breathing profile may represent customized breathing rate information. The breathing profile may be determined empirically or analytically based on one or more physiological parameters of the user.

[0016] The information may include only user breathing rate information. The information may include user breathing rate information and other information. The user breathing rate information may include current and / or real-time breathing rate information. The user breathing rate information may additionally or alternatively include previous and / or historical user breathing rate information. The user breathing rate information may include, for example, the last known breathing rate of the user before an event as defined herein occurs. Alternatively or in addition, the other information may include physiological information, such as heart rate information, body temperature information, and / or blood oxygen saturation information, etc. The other information may include metadata, such as a timestamp, a user identifier (ID), a date, and / or a device ID, etc.

[0017] During normal operation, the BA may record and / or transmit information periodically and / or in response to predetermined events. During an event, the BA may record and / or store (retain) information (e.g., to enable the BA to later transmit and / or retrieve the information from the BA).

[0018] The time-discrete parameter associated with BA may be a time-discrete pressure value.

[0019] The time-discrete pressure value may correspond to the pressure of a breathing gas cylinder of the BA.The time-discrete pressure value may correspond to an intermediate or lower pressure in the second or third stage of the BA.

[0020] If the user breathing rate information included in the information corresponds to a user breathing rate greater than or equal to a threshold breathing rate, the information may meet the first criterion. If the user breathing rate information included in the information corresponds to a user breathing rate less than the threshold breathing rate, the information may not meet the first criterion.

[0021] Determining that the event has occurred may comprise receiving a message from the network node including information indicating that a connection between the BA and the network node is lost.Alternatively or additionally, determining that the event has occurred may comprise determining that a set period of time has passed without obtaining information from the BA.

[0022] The method may include determining a user breathing rate based on information obtained from the BA.

[0023] Determining the user's breathing rate based on the information may include using a formula and / or a lookup table. For example, the formula and / or lookup table may be used to convert / translate / interpret the information into the user's breathing rate. The conversion / translation / interpretation may be performed within the wireless device. The wireless device may transfer the determination and information to a separate device and then receive the user's breathing rate from the separate device.

[0024] The user's breathing rate information included in the information may include information indicating BA fluid consumption. BA fluid consumption may include measured BA fluid consumption and / or estimated BA fluid consumption. BA fluid consumption may be measured and / or estimated by the BA (e.g., a breath detector of the BA). In an example, BA fluid consumption may correspond to the rate of fluid consumption through a fluid line of the BA. The BA fluid may include a breathable fluid (e.g., air).

[0025] The method may further include determining a remaining capacity of the BA based on a time discrete parameter associated with the BA.

[0026] The method may further include: if the determined remaining capacity of the BA satisfies a second criterion: generating an alert notification indicating that the determined remaining capacity of the BA satisfies the second criterion. Alternatively or additionally, the method may include: initiating transmission of a message indicating that the determined remaining capacity of the BA satisfies the second criterion to one or more other BAs of the network.

[0027] The total BA fluid consumption can be calculated by the wireless device from this information. The remaining volume of BA fluid and / or the remaining run time of the BA can be calculated by the wireless device.

[0028] The remaining capacity of a BA may refer to the remaining volumetric fluid capacity of the BA (e.g., the volume of breathing gas in free air). Alternatively or additionally, the remaining capacity of a BA may refer to the remaining time period of the fluid (e.g., the remaining runtime for a user using the BA, expressed in minutes). For example, the remaining capacity may be the remaining capacity of the BA at the time the remaining capacity is determined. For example, as referred to herein, the remaining capacity of a BA may correspond to the remaining capacity of the BA at the time an event occurs.

[0029] The method may further include: receiving information from the BA via the network node. The information may be transmitted wirelessly. For example, the BA may communicate with the network node via a Wi-Fi and / or Bluetooth network.

[0030] The method may further include displaying the time-discrete parameter via a screen of the wireless device. The screen of the wireless device may be a touchscreen. For example, the wireless device may be a tablet computer including a touchscreen. The touchscreen may be configured to display the time-discrete parameter. Other information may also be displayed via the screen of the wireless device. The wireless device may enable an operator to interact with the displayed information. In examples where the screen of the wireless device is a touchscreen, the operator may interact with the information displayed via the touchscreen. For example, the operator may use the wireless device (e.g., the touchscreen) to filter a list of BAs or users. Alternatively or additionally, the operator may sort the list of BAs or users by one or more parameters.

[0031] The user may be an emergency services worker. The emergency services worker may be a firefighter. The user of a BA may be referred to herein as a "wearer" of the BA.

[0032] In another aspect, a wireless device comprising processing circuitry configured to operate according to the methods disclosed herein is provided.

[0033] In a further aspect, a computer program product embodied on a non-transitory machine-readable medium is provided, comprising instructions executable by a processing circuit to cause the processing circuit to perform the method disclosed herein.

[0034] Thus, an improved technique for monitoring users of networked respiratory devices is provided. The technique is improved because it can continuously determine parameters of the respiratory device even when the respiratory device experiences a loss of connectivity within the network. Advantageously, the technique described herein conditionally performs the determination, depending on whether information received from the respiratory device (e.g., last received) before the connection was lost meets a certain criterion. Conditionally determining respiratory device parameters in this manner ensures that the parameters are calculated in a manner that minimizes risk to the wearer. This prevents potentially unreliable information from being used to determine parameters associated with the respiratory device, thereby reducing the risk of false positives that could have serious implications for the health and safety of the user.

[0035] Furthermore, the techniques disclosed herein advantageously provide continuity for users of wireless devices (e.g., ECOs) during an incident by ensuring that users have access to necessary and / or useful information to coordinate deployments (e.g., emergency response) during an incident. The techniques disclosed herein advantageously provide users with necessary and / or useful information in situations where respiratory devices are unavailable over the network. Specifically, the techniques disclosed herein provide for automatically determining necessary and / or useful information in response to an incident.

[0036] The techniques disclosed herein are also advantageous in situations involving emergency response, as they enable users of wireless devices (e.g., ECOs) to focus on emergency response rather than having to manually determine breathing apparatus parameters. Specifically, the techniques disclosed herein eliminate the need for users to calculate parameters associated with breathing apparatuses, such as evacuation time and estimates of the remaining breathing gas in the breathing apparatus. As will be appreciated, the techniques disclosed herein improve the safety of users of breathing apparatuses (e.g., firefighters). Consequently, the techniques disclosed herein also increase the likelihood of a successful emergency response involving such users of breathing apparatuses. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a wireless device according to an embodiment;

[0039] Figure 2 shows a block diagram of a network including wireless devices, base stations, and respiratory apparatus;

[0040] Figure 3A A block diagram illustrating a method according to an embodiment; and

[0041] Figure 3B A block diagram of a method according to a further embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] As described above, methods are provided herein for monitoring users of respiratory devices of a network.

[0043] Therefore, the methods described herein relate to a breathing apparatus (BA). A breathing apparatus, as referred to herein, may be configured to initiate the transmission and / or reception of information (e.g., signals). For example, a BA, as referred to herein, may be configured to initiate information transmission to a network node, as referred to herein. A BA, as referred to herein, may be any type of BA. More specifically, a BA, as referred to herein, may be any type of device (e.g., equipment) worn by a wearer (user) of the BA to provide a supply of breathable gas (e.g., air) to the wearer. Thus, a BA can be advantageously used in atmospheres that pose an immediate threat to life or health. In an example, a BA, as referred to herein, may be a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and / or a compressed air breathing apparatus (CABA). A BA, as referred to herein, may be a closed-circuit BA. Alternatively, a BA, as referred to herein, may be an open-circuit BA. A BA, as referred to herein, may include a lung demand regulator, a mask, a compressed breathing gas tank, a control system, a primary breathing circuit, a secondary breathing circuit, and / or a support frame, or any combination thereof.

[0044] The methods described herein are performed by a wireless device. The wireless device can be any type of wireless device. More specifically, a wireless device as referred to herein can be any device configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more other entities (e.g., one or more entities of a network, such as a network node, as referred to herein). For example, a wireless device can be a user equipment (UE). Wireless devices as referred to herein can include, but are not limited to, smart devices such as smartphones or tablets. The wireless device can be configured to run an application (or "app"), for example, that enables the wireless device to communicate with network nodes. This application can provide a user of the wireless device (e.g., an access control officer, "ECO") with the ability to manage, control, and / or coordinate emergency responses, and specifically monitor the status of a BA and / or its user during an incident (i.e., loss of connection), as described herein. The wireless device can be configured to enable the user to create, edit, and / or view emergency response information. For example, the wireless device can be configured to enable the user of the wireless device to view one or more BAs of the network (e.g., deployed in an emergency response). Alternatively or additionally, the wireless device can be configured to determine one or more parameters of the BA when the BA loses connection with the network node (e.g., becomes out of range of the network node and / or the wireless device) and provide such parameters to a user of the wireless device. Thus, activities involving users of respiratory apparatus (e.g., emergency situations and / or emergency response) can be monitored and managed (e.g., centrally) using the wireless device.

[0045] The methods described herein also relate to a network node. A network node may be any type of network node. More specifically, a network node may be a base station of the network described herein. A network node as referred to herein may be configured to route communications between a wireless device and a BA. As used herein, a network node may be any entity of a network configured to act as a transceiver between a wireless device and a BA. Thus, in some examples, a network node as referred to herein may be configured to operate as a repeater device between different entities of the network as referred to herein. A network node as referred to herein may be configured to receive communications from a wireless device and / or a BA. A network node as referred to herein may be configured to initiate information transmission to a wireless device and / or a BA. A network node may be referred to herein as a "hub" or "base station" (e.g., of a network).

[0046] As used herein, the term "initiate" may mean, for example, to cause or establish. Thus, any reference to an entity (e.g., a wireless device) "initiating a transmission" will be understood to mean that the entity (e.g., processing circuitry of the entity) may be configured to transmit itself (e.g., via a communication interface of the entity) or may be configured to cause another entity to transmit.

[0047] The techniques described herein can be used with any network, such as any communication or telecommunication network, for example, a cellular network. The network referred to herein can be a radio network. For example, the network referred to herein can be a 2.4 GHz radio network. In some examples, the network can include a Wi-Fi network (e.g., based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 family of standards). Alternatively or in addition, the network can include a Bluetooth network (e.g., based on the IEEE 802.15.1 family of standards). Any one or more of the BAs referred to herein, the wireless devices referred to herein, and the base stations referred to herein can communicate (e.g., directly or indirectly) via the network described herein.

[0048] An event corresponding to a loss of connection between a BA and a network node may involve a breathing apparatus being out of range of a network node during an emergency response. An event corresponding to a loss of connection between a BA and a network node may additionally or alternatively involve a loss of connection caused by a fault in the network described herein and / or a fault in one or more entities of the network described herein. As referred to herein, a fault may be a physical (e.g., electrical or mechanical) fault and / or a logical (e.g., software or firmware) fault.

[0049] As referred to herein, an emergency response may be any type of emergency response. More specifically, an emergency response may be any response that involves responding to and / or resolving an emergency situation. As referred to herein, an emergency situation may be an urgent, unexpected, and / or dangerous situation that poses an immediate risk to health, life, property, and / or the environment. An emergency situation may require urgent intervention to prevent the situation from worsening. Examples of emergencies as referred to herein include, but are not limited to, emergencies that pose a risk to life, a risk to health, and / or a risk to the environment. For example, an emergency as referred to herein may include fire-related incidents (e.g., building fires, forest fires, car fires, etc.). Alternatively or in addition, an emergency as referred to herein may involve hazardous materials operations (e.g., handling substances that pose a risk to health, safety, property, and / or the environment).

[0050] Figure 1 A wireless device 100 according to an embodiment is shown. The wireless device 100 may be used to monitor BAs and / or users of BAs in a network.

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, wireless device 100 includes processing circuitry (or logic) 102. Processing circuitry 102 controls the operation of wireless device 100 and may implement the methods described herein with respect to wireless device 100. Processing circuitry 102 may be configured or programmed to control wireless device 100 in the manner described herein.

[0052] The processing circuitry 102 may include one or more hardware components, such as one or more processors (e.g., one or more microprocessors, one or more multi-core processors, and / or one or more digital signal processors (DSPs)), one or more processing units, one or more processing modules, and / or one or more controllers (e.g., one or more microcontrollers). The one or more hardware components may be arranged on one or more printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) contained within one or more housing components. The one or more hardware components may be configured or programmed (e.g., using software or computer program code) to perform the various functions described herein with respect to the wireless device 100. In a specific implementation, each of the one or more hardware components may be configured to perform or be used to perform a single or multiple steps of the methods described herein with respect to the wireless device 100. The processing circuitry 102 may be configured to execute software to perform the methods described herein with respect to the wireless device 100. Thus, the processing circuitry 102 may be implemented in a variety of ways using software and / or hardware to perform the various functions described herein with respect to the wireless device 100.

[0053] Briefly, the processing circuitry 102 of the wireless device 100 is configured to determine a time-discrete parameter associated with a battery-operated breathing apparatus (BA) in response to determining that an event has occurred. The event corresponds to a loss of connection between the BA and a network node. The determination is based on whether information obtained from the BA prior to the occurrence of the event satisfies a first criterion. The information includes user breathing rate information.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, the wireless device 100 may optionally include memory 104. Alternatively, the memory 104 may be external to the wireless device 100 (e.g., separate from or remote from the wireless device). The memory 104 may include any type of non-transitory machine-readable medium, such as at least one cache or system memory. The memory 104 may include volatile or non-volatile memory. Examples of the memory 104 include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), and / or any other memory.

[0055] Processing circuitry 102 may be communicatively coupled (e.g., connected) to memory 104. Processing circuitry 102 may be configured to communicate with and / or connect to memory 104. Memory 104 may be used to store program code or instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry 102, cause wireless device 100 to operate in the manner described herein. For example, memory 104 may be configured to store program code or instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry 102, cause wireless device 100 to operate in accordance with the methods described herein with respect to wireless device 100. Alternatively or additionally, memory 104 may be configured to store any information, data, messages, requests, responses, indications, notifications, signals, or the like described herein. Processing circuitry 102 may be configured to control memory 104 to store the information, data, messages, requests, responses, indications, notifications, signals, or the like described herein.

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, the wireless device 100 may optionally include a user interface 106. The user interface 106 may be configured to present (or output, display, or provide) information required for or generated by the methods described herein. For example, the user interface 106 may be configured to present (or output, display, or provide) any information, data, message, request, response, indication, notification, signal, or the like described herein. Alternatively or additionally, the user interface 106 may be configured to receive user input. For example, the user interface 106 may allow a user to manually input information or instructions, interact with, and / or control the wireless device 100. Thus, the user interface 106 may be a user interface capable of presenting (or output, display, or provide) information and / or enabling a user to take action related to an emergency situation and / or provide user input. For example, the user interface 106 may be configured to display information indicating the breathing rate of a user of a breathing aid (BA). The user interface 106 may be configured to display information indicating multiple breathing rates for multiple users corresponding to different breathing aids. The user interface 106 may also or alternatively be configured to display information indicating one or more additional characteristics of one or more BAs and / or their corresponding users.

[0057] The user interface 106 may include one or more components for presenting information and / or one or more components for enabling a user to provide user input. The one or more components for presenting information may include one or more visual components (e.g., a display or screen, a graphical user interface (GUI) such as a touch screen, one or more lights such as one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), and / or any other visual components), one or more audio components (e.g., one or more speakers, and / or any other audio components), and / or one or more tactile / haptic components (e.g., a vibration function, or any other tactile / haptic feedback component), or any other user interface, or combination of user interfaces. The one or more components for enabling a user to provide user input may include one or more visual components (e.g., one or more switches, one or more buttons, a keypad, a keyboard, a mouse, a graphical user interface (GUI) such as a touch screen, and / or any other visual components), and / or one or more audio components (e.g., one or more microphones, and / or any other audio components), and / or one or more tactile / haptic components (e.g., a vibration function, or any other tactile / haptic feedback component), or any other user interface, or combination of user interfaces.

[0058] like Figure 1 As shown, wireless device 100 may optionally include a communication interface (or communication circuitry) 108. Communication interface 108 may be communicatively coupled (e.g., connected) to processing circuitry 102, memory 104, and / or user interface 106. Although communication interface 108 and user interface 106 are shown as separate interfaces, in other embodiments, communication interface 108 may be part of user interface 106. Processing circuitry 102 may be configured to communicate with and / or connect to communication interface 108. In some embodiments, processing circuitry 102 may be configured to control communication interface 108 to operate as described herein. Communication interface 108 may be used to enable wireless device 100 or components of wireless device 100 (e.g., processing circuitry 102, memory 104, user interface 106, and / or any other components of wireless device 100) to communicate and / or connect with each other and / or with one or more other components.

[0059] For example, communication interface 108 may be operable to allow processing circuit 102 to communicate and / or connect with memory 104, and / or vice versa. Similarly, communication interface 108 may be operable to allow processing circuit 102 to communicate and / or connect with user interface 106, and / or vice versa. Similarly, communication interface 108 may be operable to allow processing circuit 102 to communicate and / or connect with any one or more other entities referred to herein (e.g., a BA, wireless device, network node, or any other entity of a network), whether via a network described herein or otherwise. Communication interface 108 may be operable to allow processing circuit 102 to communicate and / or connect with a cloud server referred to herein. Communication interface 108 may be configured to send and / or receive information, data, messages, requests, responses, instructions, notifications, signals, or the like as described herein. Processing circuit 102 may be configured to control communication interface 108 to send and / or receive information, data, messages, requests, responses, instructions, notifications, signals, or the like as described herein.

[0060] The communication interface 108 may enable the wireless device 100 or components of the wireless device 100 to communicate and / or connect in any suitable manner. For example, the communication interface 108 may enable the wireless device 100 or components of the wireless device 100 to communicate and / or connect wirelessly via a wired connection or via any other communication (or data transfer) mechanism. In some wireless implementations, for example, the communication interface 108 may enable the wireless device 100 or components of the wireless device 100 to communicate and / or connect using radio frequency (RF), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or any other wireless communication technology.

[0061] although Figure 1 104, it will be understood that the wireless device 100 may include at least one memory (ie, a single memory or multiple memories) 104 that operates in the manner described herein. Figure 1 106, it will be understood that the wireless device 100 may include at least one user interface (ie, a single user interface or multiple user interfaces) 106 that operate in the manner described herein. Figure 1 The wireless device 100 is shown as including a single communication interface 108, but it will be understood that the wireless device 100 may include at least one communication interface (ie, a single communication interface or multiple communication interfaces) 108 that operate in the manner described herein. It will also be understood that Figure 1 Only components necessary to illustrate an embodiment of the wireless device 100 are shown, and in actual implementations, the wireless device 100 may include components in addition to or in place of those shown.

[0062] In some embodiments, the wireless device 100 may include a network node as described herein. In this manner, the wireless device 100 and the network node may be part of the same device. In examples where the wireless device 100 and the network node are included in a single device, the wireless device 100 and the network node may share infrastructure (power, networking, processing, memory, etc.). The wireless device 100 and the network node may be connected together mechanically, electrically, and / or in other ways.

[0063] Figure 2 FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a network including a wireless device 100, a network node 200 and a BA 300 according to an embodiment. Figure 2 As shown by arrow 310 (and as will be described in more detail below), BA 300 may transmit information, for example, information related to the status of BA 300 and / or the status of a user of BA 300. Figure 2 As shown by arrow 310, the network node 200 can obtain (eg, receive) information from the BA 300. The network node 200 can act as a transceiver to (re)send the information received from the BA 300. In fact, as Figure 2 As shown by arrow 210, network node 200 may (re)send information to wireless device 100. Thus, wireless device 100 may obtain (e.g., receive) information from network node 200 (originally obtained from BA 300). It will be understood that the information (re)sent by network node 200 to wireless device 100 may include the same information as the information received by network node 200 from BA 300. In some examples, the information (re)sent by network node 200 may be parsed, formatted, and / or structured differently (e.g., by network node 200) than the information received by network node 200. For example, as described with reference to FIG. Figure 2 The transmission of information described by arrow 310 may be performed wirelessly via a radio network, as described with reference to Figure 2The (re)transmission of the information described by arrow 210 may be performed wirelessly via the Wi-Fi network. Network node 200 may perform structural conversion of the information received from BA 300 into a format suitable for (re)transmission to wireless device 100. It will be appreciated that information (e.g., transmitted as described with reference to arrows 210 and / or 310) may be compressed (in any manner) or uncompressed. The compression of the information as received by network node 200 may be the same as or different from any such compression of information sent by network node 200. In instances where the information received by network node 200 from BA 300 includes compressed information, network node 200 may be capable of decompressing and / or recompressing the information for (re)transmission to wireless device 100. Thus, the methods discussed herein may include wireless device 100 receiving information from BA 300 via network node 200.

[0064] The wireless device 100 (eg, the processing circuitry 102 of the wireless device 100) is capable of decompressing, decoding, and / or decrypting information (eg, received from the network node 200). It will be appreciated that the wireless device 100 may additionally be capable of receiving communications from the BA 300.

[0065] It will be understood that during deployment of the BA 300 (e.g., in response to an emergency), the BA 300 may be connected to (e.g., within range of) the network node 200. As such, the network node 200 is able to receive information from the BA 300. However, it will also be understood that the BA 300 may (e.g., routinely) lose connection with the network node. For example, the BA 300, and / or the user of the BA 300 may move out of range of the network node 200. In such a case, the user of the BA 300 may be referred to as a "non-telemetry" user. In a specific example, the user of the BA 300 may be a firefighter using the BA 300, and loss of connection may occur as the firefighter moves around the scene of a fire. It is in these situations, or "incidents" as referred to herein, that loss of connection may occur. As a result, information may not be received via the network node 200 (such as described above with reference to an incident). Figure 2 As described herein, in response to determining that an event has occurred, a determination of time-discrete parameters associated with the BA is performed. This automatic determination in response to a connection loss of the BA ensures that no time is wasted in determining the parameters associated with the BA. This is advantageous because it reduces the likelihood that the parameters will be incorrectly determined or not determined at all (e.g., within a certain time period).

[0066] like Figure 2As shown, in some embodiments, the network referred to herein may include a cloud server 400, with which the wireless device 100 and / or the network node 200 can communicate. In some embodiments, the cloud server 400 may include persistent storage capable of storing information. For example, the cloud server 400 may store a copy of information received by the network node 200 (e.g., from the BA 300). In some embodiments, the cloud server 400 may enable the wireless device 100 and the network node 200 to communicate via the cloud server 400 (e.g., even when the wireless device 100 and the network node 200 are not in close proximity to each other). The cloud server 400 referred to herein may be a remote data server (e.g., a centralized data center). The cloud server 400 referred to herein may also be a local data server (e.g., a server deployed at the emergency site).

[0067] Figure 3A A method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The method is used to monitor users of a BA 300 of a network. The wireless device 100 described herein (e.g., reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 Any of) can be configured according to Figure 3A For example, the method may be performed by or under the control of the processing circuit 102 of the wireless device 100. The method described herein may be a computer-implemented method.

[0068] refer to Figure 3A At block 110, in response to determining that an event has occurred, a time discrete parameter associated with the BA 300 is determined, wherein the event corresponds to a loss of connection between the BA 300 and the network node 200. More specifically, in response to determining that the event has occurred, the wireless device 100 (e.g., the processing circuit 102 of the wireless device 100) determines the time discrete parameter associated with the BA 300. Therefore, it will be understood that the wireless device 100 can automatically determine the time discrete parameter associated with the BA 300 in response to determining that the event has occurred.

[0069] In some examples, wireless device 100 may determine (e.g., by itself) that an event has occurred. Wireless device 100 may determine that an event has occurred in one or more ways. For example, wireless device 100 may determine that an event has occurred by receiving a message from network node 200. Thus, network node 200 may send a message to wireless device 100. The message may indicate that the connection between network node 200 and BA 300 has been lost. The message may include information indicating that the connection between BA and network node 200 has been lost. The message may include information indicating the time when network node 200 lost the connection with BA 300. Network node 200 may detect (e.g., via Figure 2 The network node 200 may detect a loss of connection between the wireless device 100 and the BA 300 by detecting the absence of a (e.g., received) signal (e.g., a communication path indicated by arrow 310). The signal may include information from the BA, as described herein. The network node 200 may be configured to expect to receive signals continuously and / or at periodic intervals. If the network node 200 does not receive a signal when expected, the network node 200 may send a message to the wireless device 100 indicating that an event has occurred.

[0070] In some embodiments, the wireless device 100 may determine that an event has occurred in addition to or without the network node 200 transmitting a message. For example, the wireless device 100 may determine that an event has occurred based on communications (e.g., or the lack of communications) received from the network node 200. In a specific example, the wireless device 100 may detect whether an event has occurred by determining the time when the last information related to the BA 300 was obtained from the network node 200. If a set period of time has passed without information being obtained from the BA, the wireless device 100 may determine that an event has occurred. For example, the wireless device 100 may compare the time when the last information was obtained from the BA 300 (i.e., the set period of time) with a set time interval. If the set period of time is greater than or equal to the set time interval, the wireless device 100 may determine that an event has occurred. The set time interval may be sufficiently large to avoid unnecessary triggering of the wireless device 100 to perform the methods described herein during brief interruptions in connectivity between the BA 300 and the network node 200 and / or between the network node 200 and the wireless device 100. Such brief interruptions may be the result of a firefighter briefly moving behind an obstacle and may last no more than a few seconds. The set time interval may be small enough to avoid a situation where the last information obtained by the wireless device 100 from the BA 300 is "out of date," or in other words, no longer reflects or may reflect the current state of the user and / or the BA 300. For example, the set time interval may be at least 1 second. The set time interval may be between 0 seconds and 255 seconds. The set time interval may be 50 seconds.

[0071] In response to determining that an event has occurred, a time dispersion parameter associated with the BA 300 is determined according to any of the methods described herein (and indeed other applicable methods). More specifically, once the wireless device 100 determines that an event has occurred, the wireless device 100 determines the time dispersion parameter associated with the BA 300. The time dispersion parameter is determined based on whether information obtained from the BA 300 before the event occurred meets a first criterion. Specifically, the wireless device 100 determines the time dispersion parameter based on whether information obtained by the wireless device 100 from the BA 300 before the event occurred meets the first criterion.

[0072] It will be understood that the information obtained from the BA 300 before an event occurs may be the last (e.g., most recent) information obtained from the BA 300 before the event occurs. This information (as referred to herein) may represent a collection of data points corresponding to multiple moments before the event occurs. In this manner, the information may represent an average or trend of the data points before the event occurs. Similarly, the information may represent a single data point corresponding to the last moment before the event occurs.

[0073] The information referred to herein includes user breathing rate information. The information referred to herein may include additional information. For example, the information referred to herein may include the state of the user and / or the state of the BA 300. The user breathing rate information may be determined by the BA 300. As described herein, for example, with reference to Figure 2 As shown in arrows 310 and 210, the wireless device can obtain information from the breathing apparatus (BA) via the network node. Thus, the BA 300 can transmit the information to the network node 200, and further to the wireless device 100. User breathing rate information can be measured by sensors (e.g., flow sensors, pressure sensors, etc.) included in any portion of the BA 300 (e.g., the lung demand regulator, the first-stage circuit, the second-stage circuit, the pressurized breathing gas tank, etc.). User breathing rate information can include volume per unit time (e.g., flow rate), such as the volume of breathing gas in free air used per minute (e.g., by the user). User breathing rate information can alternatively or additionally include the number of breaths taken by the user per unit time (e.g., breaths per minute) (e.g., either actual or averaged over a set time period). It will be appreciated that the volume per unit time and the number of breaths taken by the user per unit time can reflect the user's breathing rate. It will be appreciated that while this information may reflect, for example, a "per minute" breathing rate, this information may be obtained (e.g., by the wireless device 100) from the BA 300 continuously and / or at a frequency other than once per minute. Thus, in some examples, the wireless device 100 may obtain (e.g., receive) information at a rate that differs from the format in which the user's breathing rate is included.

[0074] The user breathing rate information described herein may include information indicating fluid consumption by the BA 300. It will be understood that fluid consumption may refer to the volume of breathing gas consumed by the BA 300 (e.g., in free air). Fluid consumption may be expressed as an absolute volume, as a percentage of the total capacity of the BA 300, and / or as a time value (e.g., five minutes of breathing gas refers to the volume of gas consumed during five minutes of use of the BA 300). BA 300 fluid consumption may be estimated or measured. BA 300 fluid consumption may be measured by the BA 300. Alternatively, the BA 300 may measure a parameter and then use that parameter to determine (e.g., by the wireless device 100) BA 300 fluid consumption. For example, user breathing rate information may include information indicating the number of breaths taken by the user per minute. User breathing rate information may also include information indicating the volume of fluid consumed by the user per breath. Therefore, it is apparent that in some examples, user breathing rate information may indicate BA 300 fluid consumption. In other words, BA 300 fluid consumption can be determined based on user breathing rate information. It will be understood that other components of the user breathing rate information can be included and / or other combinations can be used to achieve the same result. "Fluid consumption" of the BA 300 will be understood to refer to the combination of fluid consumed by the user of the BA 300 through inhalation and any unused fluid or fluid lost by the BA 300.

[0075] In the event of an event, the BA 300 may continue to determine the user's breathing rate information. The breathing rate information determined by the BA 300 may be stored in the memory of the BA 300. The BA 300 may then transmit the stored user breathing rate information at a later time (e.g., in response to reestablishing a connection to the network node 200). The stored user breathing rate information may alternatively or additionally be retrieved from the memory of the BA 300 (e.g., for later analysis).

[0076] The information referred to herein may include only the user's respiratory rate information, or may include the user's respiratory rate information and other information. Other information may include, for example, other physiological parameters of the BA 300 user (e.g., heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, body temperature, etc.), BA 300 status information, and / or BA 300 identification information (e.g., user ID, user name, device ID, device model, etc.).

[0077] As referred to herein, a time-discrete parameter can be any parameter associated with the condition and / or state of the BA 300 and / or the user of the BA 300. In some embodiments, the time-discrete parameter can be the user's breathing rate. In some embodiments, the time-discrete parameter can be a time-discrete pressure value associated with the BA 300. For example, the time-discrete parameter can be the time-discrete pressure value of the pressurized breathing gas tank of the BA 300 and / or the time-discrete pressure value of any other circuit or component of the BA 300. The term "time-discrete parameter" should be understood to mean a parameter that can be measured as discrete values at discrete time increments.

[0078] According to some examples of the methods described herein, the wireless device 100 may compare the information to a first criterion and, if the information satisfies the first criterion, use the information to determine a time-discrete parameter. Otherwise, if the information does not satisfy the first criterion, pre-configured respiration rate information may be used to determine the time-discrete parameter. The pre-configured respiration rate information may include a pre-configured respiration rate (as described in greater detail later). The first criterion may be satisfied if the user respiration rate information included in the information corresponds to a user respiration rate that is greater than or equal to a threshold respiration rate.

[0079] The first criterion may be a criterion that is fixed in value and / or type for the duration of the event. The first criterion may also be a dynamically adjustable criterion. For example, the first criterion may be adjustable during the event (e.g., by the wireless device 100 in response to input received via the wireless device's user interface 106). In a specific example, the ECO may use the wireless device 100 to (re)configure the first criterion. It will be appreciated that during an emergency response, the ECO's priorities and / or concerns regarding users of the BA 300 (e.g., firefighters) may change over time. Therefore, enabling the ECO to modify the first criterion allows for greater flexibility and, therefore, improves user safety.

[0080] If the wireless device 100 determines that the information meets the first criterion, the information is used to determine a time-discrete parameter. As described herein, the information includes user breathing rate information. The time-discrete parameter can be calculated and / or estimated based on the information. As discussed herein, in some embodiments, the time-discrete parameter is a time-discrete pressure value.

[0081] A time-discrete pressure value may be determined by the wireless device 100 based on this information. For example, if the user's breathing rate information includes the user's breathing rate (e.g., breaths per minute), the wireless device 100 may determine pressure as a time-discrete parameter. The determined pressure may correspond to the pressure of the remaining breathing gas within the pressurized breathing gas tank of the breathing air tank 300. In some examples, the wireless device 100 may estimate the volume of breathing gas consumed by the user in free air based on the user's breathing rate information. Assuming a known starting volume of breathing gas, the volume of breathing gas consumed can then be used to estimate the remaining volume of breathing gas. Given the known remaining volume of breathing gas, the pressure of the remaining breathing gas may be determined by the wireless device 100. Before the user is deployed to respond to an emergency, the volume of breathing gas contained within the user's breathing air tank 300 may be determined (e.g., and stored) by the wireless device 100. For example, the user of the wireless device 100 (e.g., an ECO) may input the initial volume of breathing gas contained within the breathing air tank 300 into the wireless device 100. The volume may then be referenced according to the methods described herein. Alternatively or additionally, wireless device 100 may receive information indicating the initial volume of breathing gas contained within BA 300 from BA 300 (e.g., via network node 200). Wireless device 100 may receive this information from BA 300 in response to activation of BA 300. In some embodiments, wireless device 100 may communicate with cloud server 400 to store information obtained by wireless device 100. For example, wireless device 100 may communicate with cloud server 400 to store information indicating the initial volume of breathing gas contained within BA 300 at cloud server 400 (e.g., as input by a user of wireless device 100). In some embodiments, wireless device 100 may receive information indicating the initial volume of breathing gas contained within BA 300 from cloud server 400.

[0082] It will be appreciated that during user deployment of the BA 300 (e.g., during an emergency response), knowledge of the remaining breathing gas in the BA 300 can be very useful to an operator (e.g., an ECO) of the wireless device 100. In this way, the operator of the wireless device is aware of the status of the individuals (e.g., firefighters) and equipment they are managing to ensure the safety of the individuals and a successful outcome of the response.

[0083] If the wireless device 100 determines that the message does not meet the first criterion, pre-configured respiration rate information may be used to determine the time-discrete parameter. For example, if the information does not meet the first criterion, the user's respiration rate information included in the information obtained from the BA 300 is not used to determine the time-discrete parameter. Therefore, according to some examples, if the information does not meet the first criterion, the pre-configured respiration rate information may be considered as a replacement for the user's respiration rate information, as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the pre-configured respiration rate information is determined using a formula and / or a lookup table. Therefore, the time-discrete parameter may be determined based on the formula and / or the lookup table. Alternatively or additionally, the pre-configured respiration rate information may be based on one or more (e.g., stored) characteristics of the user of the BA 300. In examples where the time-discrete parameter is a time-discrete pressure value, the one or more characteristics of the user may be used in conjunction with the formula and / or the lookup table to determine the user's respiration rate, which in turn may be used to determine the residual pressure in the BA 300 as a time-discrete pressure value. The one or more characteristics of the user may include one or more of the user's height, weight, age, etc. The formula and / or lookup table may be stored in the memory 104 of the wireless device 100 or may be manually entered by the ECO via the user interface 106 in the wireless device 100. In some embodiments, the formula and / or lookup table may be stored in the cloud server 400. The wireless device 100 may be configured to communicate with the cloud server 400 to retrieve the formula and / or lookup table stored on the cloud server 400.

[0084] By determining the time dispersion parameter using this information when the user's breathing rate included in the information meets the first criterion, the method advantageously ensures that the time dispersion parameter does not represent an underestimation of the user's breathing rate and / or an overestimation of the remaining breathing gas volume in BA 300 .

[0085] Similarly, by using pre-configured breathing rate information to determine the time discretization parameter when the information does not meet the first criterion (i.e., information obtained from the BA 300 is not used), this method advantageously prevents underestimation of the breathing gas consumption rate of a user (e.g., a firefighter) when the user's breathing rate is lower than the breathing rate of the pre-configured breathing rate information. Thus, this method advantageously prevents overestimation of the remaining breathing gas contained in the BA 300.

[0086] In both cases, the methods disclosed herein improve the reliability (e.g., safety) of information available to ECOs during emergency response. Specifically, where the time-discrete parameter is a time-discrete pressure value, the time-discrete pressure value is more likely to represent a) a true pressure value, and / or b) a pressure value that is biased toward a value corresponding to increased safety.

[0087] It will be appreciated that during an emergency response, to ensure the safety of the BA 300 user, it is more desirable to underestimate rather than overestimate the volume of breathing gas remaining in the BA 300, thereby ensuring that the user has time to reach a safe location without running out of breathing gas. Therefore, the methods disclosed herein advantageously provide a means for providing a more useful and reliable (e.g., more meaningful) remaining volume / pressure value for the BA 300.

[0088] In some embodiments, the pre-configured breathing rate information includes a constant breathing rate parameter. The constant breathing rate parameter may represent an industry standard breathing rate parameter (e.g., a constant breathing rate representing a typical breathing rate of a firefighter during an emergency response). The constant breathing rate parameter may be derived from a breathing profile customized for the user of the BA 300. The breathing profile may include information related to the user's typical breathing rate and / or the user's typical free air volume per breath. It will be appreciated that the breathing profile may be determined before the user of the BA is deployed in the network (e.g., to handle an emergency response). The breathing profile may be stored in the memory 104 of the wireless device 100. Alternatively or additionally, the breathing profile may be stored in a separate device accessible to the wireless device 100 via the network. As referred to herein, the wireless device 100 may be able to update the breathing profile during the emergency response based on information obtained by the wireless device 100 from the BA 300 before an event occurs.

[0089] As described herein, the time-discrete parameter is determined based on whether the information satisfies a first criterion. In some embodiments, the first criterion is satisfied if the user breathing rate information exceeds a threshold. For example, the first criterion may be satisfied if the user breathing rate information corresponds to a user breathing rate that is greater than or equal to a threshold breathing rate. The wireless device 100 may determine whether the user breathing rate corresponding to the user breathing rate information is greater than or equal to the threshold breathing rate, and thereby determine whether the first criterion is satisfied. Thus, the wireless device 100 may determine whether the first criterion is satisfied and use this information to determine the time-discrete parameter. Conversely, if the first criterion is not satisfied, the wireless device 100 may use pre-configured user breathing rate information to determine the time-discrete parameter, as defined herein.

[0090] According to the methods disclosed herein, the wireless device 100 can display the time-discrete parameter (e.g., via the user interface 106 of the wireless device 100). Thus, the user of the wireless device 100 (e.g., the ECO) can view the time-discrete parameter. In this way, the user of the wireless device 100 can take actions based on the time-discrete parameter (e.g., related to the emergency response of the user deploying the BA 300). It will be appreciated that displaying the time-discrete parameter enables the user of the wireless device 100 to take actions even during an event (i.e., when the network node 200 loses connection with the BA 300). This enables the ECO to take action more quickly, without having to spend time manually determining the parameters of the BA 300.

[0091] The threshold breathing rate referred to herein may be an industry standard breathing rate. The threshold breathing rate may also or alternatively be a breathing rate specific to a user of the BA 300. In other words, the threshold breathing rate may represent an average or typical breathing rate for one or more users and / or may represent a breathing rate specific to a user of the BA 300. The threshold breathing rate may be determined by measuring the average (e.g., typical) number of breaths taken by a user or group of users during a specified time period. The threshold breathing rate may be determined as the average number of breaths per unit time. The threshold breathing rate may be determined as a percentile of the average breathing rate. For example, the threshold breathing rate may correspond to the 55th percentile of the average breathing rate. Thus, in such an embodiment, the first criterion is met when the user breathing rate information corresponds to a user breathing rate that is greater than or equal to the 55th percentile of the measured breathing rate. In the example where the threshold breathing rate corresponds to the 55th percentile of the average breathing rate, the threshold breathing rate may correspond to a breathing rate that is just over half the average breathing rate. Thus, the threshold breathing rate may correspond to a (e.g., unreasonably) low breathing rate. It will be appreciated that other percentiles and / or methods for determining the threshold breathing rate are also applicable to the present invention. The threshold respiratory rate may correspond to a flow rate of respiratory gas between 10 l / min and 100 l / min. In some embodiments, the threshold respiratory rate may correspond to a flow rate of respiratory gas of 40 l / min.

[0092] The methods described herein may also include additional steps, such as Figure 3BAs shown. In some embodiments, the method further includes step 112 of determining a remaining capacity of the BA 300 based on a time-discrete parameter. The remaining capacity of the BA 300 may represent the remaining volume of breathing gas available to the user of the BA 300 (e.g., in free air). The remaining capacity of the BA 300 may additionally or alternatively represent the remaining breathing time of the user relative to the BA 300. Therefore, it will be understood that references to "capacity" may relate to volumetric capacity and / or time-based capacity. For example, the remaining capacity of the BA 300 may indicate the "whistle time" of the BA 300. If the wireless device 100 determines the remaining capacity of the BA 300, the wireless device 100 may communicate an indication of the determined remaining capacity. For example, the wireless device 100 may be configured to display the remaining capacity of the BA 300 (e.g., via the user interface 106 of the wireless device 100). In some embodiments, the wireless device 100 may be configured to display multiple determined remaining capacities corresponding to multiple respective BAs (e.g., in a list). The list may be sorted according to the determined remaining capacity, eg from highest to lowest, or vice versa.

[0093] In some embodiments, the remaining capacity may be determined based solely on the time-discrete parameter. In other embodiments, the remaining capacity may be determined based on the time-discrete parameter and information obtained from the BA 300. This is advantageous in embodiments where the information obtained from the BA 300 indicates the capacity of the BA 300 before the event occurs.

[0094] Go to Figure 3B , the method disclosed herein may further include the following steps: if the determined remaining capacity of the BA satisfies the second criterion, generating an alarm notification indicating that the determined remaining capacity of the BA 300 satisfies the second criterion, and / or initiating message transmission to one or more other BAs of the network, indicating that the determined remaining capacity of the BA 300 satisfies the second criterion.

[0095] In embodiments where the wireless device 100 is configured to display multiple determined remaining capacities corresponding to multiple respective BAs (e.g., a list), the list may be configured to highlight BAs in the list with determined remaining capacities that meet a second criterion. These BAs may be deemed most in need of monitoring (e.g., by an ECO) because users (e.g., firefighters) using the BAs may have the smallest volume and / or shortest remaining time of breathing gas. In some embodiments, the wireless device 100 may be configured to generate an alarm notification indicating that the determined remaining capacity of the BA 300 meets the second criterion. Such a notification may help to clearly and unambiguously communicate the critical status of the BA. The alarm notification may take the form of one or more sensory indicators, including but not limited to light, sound, tactile sensation, or a combination thereof. The alarm notification may be, for example, a whistle. The wireless device 100 may generate the alarm notification itself, for example, via the user interface 106 of the wireless device 100. Alternatively or additionally, generating the alarm notification may include the wireless device 100 initiating transmission of the alarm notification to one or more other entities of the network (e.g., causing the notification to be output by the one or more other entities). By emphasizing the most critical BAs, (eg, an ECO) can focus attention on these BAs, thereby reducing the likelihood that the status of the BA 300 will be missed and / or thereby cause harm to the user of the BA 300.

[0096] In some cases, wireless device 100 may initiate a message transmission to one or more other BAs in the network, indicating that the determined remaining capacity of BA 300 meets the second criterion. Wireless device 100 may be configured to send the message directly to one or more BAs and / or to send the message to one or more BAs via network node 200 (e.g., the network node then retransmits the message to the one or more BAs). The one or more BAs receiving the message may include a system for alerting BA users that BA 300 has a determined remaining capacity that meets the second criterion. For example, the BA may include a light indicator or a screen to display the received message. Thus, in response to receiving the message, the corresponding users of the one or more BAs can locate the users of the BA 300 with the determined remaining capacity that meets the second criterion and alert them to this fact.

[0097] The second criterion may be a threshold capacity. In such an embodiment, the second criterion is satisfied if the determined remaining capacity is less than or equal to the threshold capacity. The threshold capacity may be a percentage of the total capacity of the BA 300. For example, the threshold capacity may be 20% of the total capacity of the BA 300. Thus, in this example, once the determined remaining capacity is less than or equal to 20% of the total capacity of the BA 300, a notification referred to herein will be generated and / or a message will be transmitted to one or more BAs. Of course, other thresholds are also applicable. Indeed, in certain examples, the threshold capacity may be customized by the ECO on a per-response and / or per-firefighter basis.

[0098] It will be understood that an event, as referred to herein, may be a temporary situation in which the connection between the network node 200 and the BA 300 is lost. An event may be resolved (i.e., the connection is restored) without any user input. For example, the user of the BA 300 moving to a different location may cause the connection between the network node 200 and the BA 300 to be reestablished, thereby resolving the event. Once the event has been resolved, the BA 300 may resume transmitting information to the wireless device 100 via the network node 200. During the post-resumption period, the BA 300 may transmit any information recorded and stored by the BA 300 (e.g., during the event). A second event may represent an additional loss of connection between the BA 300 and the network node 200, which may occur after the first event has been resolved. It will be understood that the methods described herein are equally applicable to the second event as to the first event. Therefore, during the second event, the methods may utilize information obtained by the wireless device 100 during the period between the resolution of the first event and the start of the second event.

[0099] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that although the invention has been described by way of example and with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments and that alternative embodiments may be constructed and / or implemented without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring users of a respiratory device (300) of a network, wherein: The method is performed by a wireless device (100) of the network, and wherein the wireless device (100) is coupled to a network node (200) of the network, the network node being configured to route communications between the respiratory apparatus (300) and the wireless device (100), the method comprising: In response to determining that an event has occurred, wherein the event corresponds to a loss of connection between the respiratory device (300) and the network node (200): A time-discrete parameter associated with the respiratory apparatus (300) is determined (110), wherein the determination is based on whether information obtained from the respiratory apparatus (300) before the event occurs satisfies a first criterion, and wherein the information includes user breathing rate information.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: If the information satisfies the first criterion, using the information to determine the time-discrete parameter; and If the information does not meet the first criterion, the time-discrete parameter is determined using pre-configured respiratory rate information.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The pre-configured breathing rate information comprises a breathing profile of a user.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The preconfigured breathing rate information includes a constant breathing rate parameter.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The time-discrete parameter associated with the breathing apparatus (300) is a time-discrete pressure value.

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The information satisfies the first criterion if the user breathing rate information included in the information corresponds to a user breathing rate that is greater than or equal to a threshold breathing rate; and If the user breathing rate information included in the information corresponds to a user breathing rate that is less than the threshold breathing rate, then the information does not meet the first criterion.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein Determining that the event has occurred includes: receiving a message from the network node (200), the message comprising information indicating that a connection between the respiratory device (300) and the network node (200) is lost; and / or It is determined that a set period of time has elapsed without obtaining information from the breathing apparatus (300).

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The user breathing rate information included in the information includes information indicative of fluid consumption by the breathing apparatus (300).

9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The method further comprises determining (112) a remaining capacity of the breathing apparatus (300) based on the time-discrete parameter associated with the breathing apparatus (300).

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: If the determined remaining capacity of the breathing apparatus (300) meets a second criterion, the method further comprises: generating an alarm notification indicating that the determined remaining capacity of the breathing apparatus (300) meets a second criterion; and / or Transmission of a message is initiated to one or more other breathing apparatuses of the network indicating that the determined remaining capacity of the breathing apparatus meets the second criterion.

11. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The method further comprises receiving the information from the respiratory device (300) via the network node (200).

12. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The method further comprises: displaying the time discrete parameter via a screen of the wireless device (100).

13. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The users are emergency services personnel.

14. A wireless device (100) comprising processing circuitry (102) configured to operate according to the method of any preceding claim.

15. A computer program product embodied on a non-transitory machine-readable medium, comprising instructions executable by a processing circuit to cause the processing circuit to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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