Newborn care system with integrated weight measurement function

Abstract

We provide a neonatal care system. [Solution] The neonatal care system includes a plurality of load cells for measuring weight, a plurality of weight elements having predetermined weights, a plurality of actuators, a processing unit, and a memory device. Each load cell supports one or more predetermined weights. The actuators are configured to lift a platform supporting an infant off a scale and lower the platform onto the scale. The memory device includes commands that can be executed by the processing unit, instructing the actuators to lift the platform off the scale, determining the measured weight from the load cells, and determining the drift of each load cell by determining the difference between each predetermined weight and each measured weight.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to neonatal care systems and methods, and more particularly, to systems and methods of a neonatal care system with integrated weight measurement.

Background Art

[0002] Newborns, especially premature infants, are often housed in an incubator to provide a controlled and monitored environment to aid their survival and growth. Therefore, it is useful to monitor the weight of an infant while managing it in an incubator. Furthermore, weight monitoring is particularly important because medical treatments such as determining drug dosages are based on the accurate weight measurement of an infant. Therefore, neonatal care systems such as incubators, warmers, and other neonatal care systems may include integrated weighing systems having one or more load cells configured to measure the weight of an infant on the platform of the neonatal care system.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] This summary is provided to introduce some of the concepts that will be described in detail in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the subject matter claimed, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the subject matter claimed.

[0004] The neonatal care system includes multiple load cells for measuring weight, multiple weight elements having predetermined weights, multiple actuators, a processing unit, and a memory device. Each load cell supports one or more predetermined weights. The actuators are configured to lift the infant-supporting platform off the scale and lower the platform onto the scale. The memory device contains commands that can be executed by the processing unit, instructing the actuators to lift the platform off the scale, determining the measured weight from the load cells, and determining the drift of each load cell by determining the difference between each predetermined weight and each measured weight.

[0005] In one embodiment, the command can be configured to determine that the drift exceeds a predetermined drift threshold and to provide a first notification including a request for calibration of the load cell corresponding to the drift.

[0006] In one embodiment, an instruction executable by the processing unit determines that the load cell is scheduled for calibration, determines that the drift does not exceed a predetermined drift threshold, and provides a second notification suggesting that the calibration be delayed.

[0007] In one embodiment, the commands executable by the processing unit instruct an actuator to lower a platform supporting an infant onto a scale, determine a second set of multiple measured weights based on a set of additional signals from a set of load cells, and determine the infant's weight based on the second set of multiple measured weights, a predetermined weight, and drift.

[0008] In one embodiment, the instructions executable by the processing unit are configured to determine the weight of an infant at predetermined periodic intervals.

[0009] In one embodiment, an instruction executable by the processing unit determines whether the difference (difference, variance, difference) between the first interval weight of the infant determined at the first interval and the second interval weight of the infant determined at the second interval exceeds a predetermined threshold, and whether that difference represents a change in the infant's weight.

[0010] In one embodiment, non-representativeness of the difference is determined by taking an image of the platform supporting the infant and identifying the object that constitutes the difference within that image.

[0011] In one embodiment, non-representativeness of the difference is determined by taking an image of the platform supporting the infant and identifying the missing elements that constitute the difference from the image.

[0012] In one embodiment, non-representative differences are determined by providing a notification to the caregiver using a user interface. This notification indicates a difference, which is received from the object placement or removal user interface, and provides a notification to perform a full weighing cycle or recalibrate the scale via the user interface.

[0013] In one embodiment, a difference is determined to be representative when a notification is provided to the caregiver using a user interface, and this notification indicates a difference, and the user interface provides instructions that the difference is the result of the placement or removal of an object.

[0014] A neonatal care system for non-destructive load cell drift measurement includes a scale with at least one load cell for measuring weight, at least one weight element having a predetermined weight, a plurality of actuators configured to evenly distribute the predetermined weight on the scale, a processing unit, and a memory device including commands. These commands are executable by the processing unit and instruct the actuators to evenly distribute the predetermined weight on the scale, determine a first measured weight based on one or more signals from the at least one load cell, and determine the drift of at least one load cell by subtracting the predetermined weight from the first measured weight.

[0015] In one embodiment, the instruction is executable by the processing unit and provides a first notification that determines that the drift exceeds a predetermined drift threshold and requests that at least one load cell be calibrated.

[0016] In one embodiment, an instruction executable by the processing unit instructs an actuator to remove a predetermined weight from a scale, determines a second measured weight based on one or more additional signals from at least one load cell, and determines the weight of an infant based on the second measured weight and drift.

[0017] In one embodiment, the instructions executable by the processing unit are configured to determine the weight of an infant at predetermined periodic intervals, determine whether the difference between the first interval weight of the infant determined at a first interval and the second interval weight of the infant determined at a second interval exceeds a predetermined threshold, and determine whether the difference represents a change in the infant's weight.

[0018] In one embodiment, non-representativeness of the difference is determined by taking an image of the platform supporting the infant and identifying the object that constitutes the difference within that image.

[0019] In one embodiment, the difference is determined non-representatively by taking an image of the platform supporting the infant and identifying a missing object that represents the difference from the image.

[0020] A non-destructive load cell drift measurement method includes driving multiple actuators on a scale to lift a platform supporting an infant from the scale. Furthermore, the method includes determining a first measured weight based on one or more signals from at least one load cell of the scale. At least one load cell supports the total weight of a weight element having a predetermined weight. Furthermore, the method includes determining the drift of at least one load cell by subtracting a predetermined weight from the first measured weight.

[0021] In one embodiment, the method includes determining that the drift exceeds a predetermined drift threshold and providing a first notification requesting calibration of at least one load cell.

[0022] In one embodiment, the method includes instructing an actuator to lower a platform supporting an infant onto a scale. Further, the method includes determining a second measured weight based on one or more additional signals from at least one load cell. Further, the method includes determining the weight of the infant based on the second measured weight, a predetermined weight, and the drift.

[0023] In one embodiment, the method includes determining the weight of the infant at predetermined periodic intervals. Further, the method includes determining that the difference between a first interval weight of the infant determined at a first interval and a second interval weight of the infant determined at a second interval exceeds a predetermined threshold. Further, the method includes determining whether the difference represents a change in the weight of the infant.

[0024] Various other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description when taken in conjunction with the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] This disclosure will be described with reference to the following drawings. [Figure 1] A perspective view showing an example of a neonatal care system integrated with a weighing function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] A perspective view showing an example of a neonatal care system integrated with a weighing function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] A side view of a patient, a bed, and a support plate disposed on an exemplary weighing scale according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] A top view of an exemplary weighing scale according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]A graph showing the change over time of the measured weight of a newborn in a neonatal care system integrating a weighing function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] A side view of a patient, a bed, and a support plate arranged on an exemplary weighing scale according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] A top view of an exemplary weighing scale according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5C] A top view showing an example of a weighing scale according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] A flowchart showing an exemplary process of weight measurement in a neonatal care system having an integrated weight measurement function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] A process flowchart of a method for determining drift correction in a neonatal care system having an integrated weight measurement function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] A process flowchart of a method for determining drift correction in a neonatal care system integrating a weighing function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] A process flow diagram of a weight measurement method in a neonatal care system integrating a weighing function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] An illustration of a weight measurement system in a neonatal care system integrating a weighing function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] A diagram showing an example of a scale manager for a neonatal care system integrating a weighing function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] In this specification, specific terms are used for brevity, clarity, and understanding. These terms are used for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be construed broadly, so no unnecessary restrictions beyond the prior art requirements should be inferred from them.

[0027] In this specification, unless otherwise specified or limited, descriptions of particular orientations are merely illustrative with respect to specific embodiments or related drawings. For example, descriptions of “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” and “longitudinal” features and / or relative movements (e.g., movement to “up” and “down”) are generally intended to describe only the orientation of those features relative to a specific example or reference frame in the illustration. Correspondingly, for example, a “top” feature may be positioned below a “bottom” feature (and so on). Alternatively, embodiments may be positioned in different orientations, with the “top” and “bottom” features positioned horizontally to each other, for example, in a “left-to-right” orientation.

[0028] The use of “includes,” “incorporates,” “has,” and variations thereof in this specification is intended to include the elements and their equivalents listed thereafter, as well as additional elements. Embodiments described as “includes,” “incorporates,” or “has” specific elements are also assumed to be “essentially composed of” and “composed of” those specific elements.

[0029] The inventors recognized problems with existing neonatal care systems, such as incubators, infant warmers, and other neonatal care systems and devices. As mentioned earlier, these systems typically measure a newborn's weight once a day to monitor growth and determine appropriate medication dosages and intravenous (IV) fluid volumes. In these systems, the scale for weighing is placed under the mattress on which the patient lies. However, the scale usually contains a load cell, a device for measuring weight, and load cells can drift over time. Drift refers to a decrease in the accuracy of the load cell; that is, the accuracy can "drift" to a value heavier or lighter than the actual patient's weight or the weight of the object being measured. This scale drift is corrected by tare-ing, which is performed after each weight measurement, and / or calibration, which is performed periodically, such as once a year. Therefore, to obtain more accurate measurements with a drifting scale, it may be necessary to determine a baseline measurement before placing the patient on the scale. This method may allow for the isolation of the patient's weight from load cell drift and the weight of other items on the scale, such as mattresses. Therefore, the caregiver attempts to lift the patient (including newborns) with any attached equipment (e.g., breathing tubes) still attached, keeping the patient's arms, legs, blankets, and clothing off the mattress and remaining on the scale. This method allows the caregiver or scale operator to establish a baseline weight on the scale. The caregiver can then lower the patient back onto the mattress while supporting any attached equipment. Thus, the patient's weight can be determined by calculating the difference between the baseline measurement and the measurement with the patient on the mattress.

[0030] This procedure is repeatable, and the patient's weight can be remeasured by pressing the "remeasure button" on the weight scale. However, this method is somewhat cumbersome and has several challenges. Specifically, lifting a newborn can cause the following problems: The act of lifting can be a negative stimulus to the newborn and hinder their neurodevelopment. It can disrupt the newborn's sleep. It can cause discomfort to the newborn. Tubes or sensors may become dislodged, posing a danger to the newborn.

[0031] In light of the aforementioned problems and challenges recognized through extensive research and experience in the field of neonatal care systems, the inventors have developed the disclosed improved systems and methods for weighing infants housed in neonatal incubators, warmers, or other neonatal care systems. The disclosed systems and methods can more accurately measure infant weight regardless of load cell drift (temperature changes) and without lifting the newborn from the mattress. Furthermore, these systems and methods are useful for determining when to calibrate load cells that exhibit drift.

[0032] Furthermore, the systems and methods disclosed herein provide an infant weight measurement mechanism that determines drift by measuring a weight element having a predetermined weight. Therefore, by calculating the difference between the measured weight element and the predetermined weight, it is possible to determine the drift of the load cell used for measurement. Furthermore, understanding the drift makes it possible to calculate a more accurate weight measurement of a newborn using the same load cell. More specifically, determining a more accurate weight measurement involves subtracting the determined drift from the measured weight of the newborn. Thus, if the determined drift is positive 0.2 kg, 0.2 kg is subtracted from the measured weight of the newborn to determine the newborn's weight. Conversely, if the determined drift is negative 0.2 kg, 0.2 kg is added to the measured weight to determine the newborn's weight. In one embodiment of this disclosure, weighing the weight element involves adding the weight element to the load cell without moving the newborn. In another embodiment of this disclosure, it may involve slowly moving the newborn and mattress from the load cell using an actuator, which may contain the weight element. Alternatively, the actuator can slowly lower the load cell so that the weight of the bed 24 and the patient does not rest on the load cell while the newborn remains on the mattress. These methods allow embodiments of the present disclosure to provide more accurate neonatal weight measurement without interfering with the newborn's neurodevelopment or sleep, and without creating any potential danger to the newborn. Furthermore, determining load cell drift in this manner may allow for more accurate prediction of when the load cell needs to be recalibrated.

[0033] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a neonatal care system 10 with integrated weighing functions according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The neonatal care system 10 is shown inside a room such as a delivery room or neonatal intensive care unit in a medical facility. The ambient temperature inside the room is controlled by a room temperature controller 8 and can be adjusted up or down in a conventional manner according to the specifications of the patient and healthcare workers.

[0034] The neonatal care system 10 shown herein is an infant warmer having elements similar to the GE Healthcare Giraffe® warmer. The neonatal care system 10 includes a stand 12 supported by legs 14 and feet 16, with wheels 18 provided in a manner currently known in the art. Walls 26, and in the case of an incubator, a cover 28 (see Figure 2), generally surround and cover a bed 24 (e.g., mattress) to prevent the patient 1 from falling from the bed 24 and to maintain a controlled internal environment. The air in the internal space defined by the walls 26 (and cover 28, if present) is also called internal air 32. A heater 34 (e.g., radiant heater) may be a heating device such as those used in the exemplary warmer described above. The patient 1 is warmed using the heater 34. Furthermore, the stand 12 also supports the enclosure 50 and includes a controller 70 (e.g., a microprocessor, computer processing circuit, etc.) for operating the neonatal care system 10 in a manner currently known in the art.

[0035] The support column 20 extends upward from the stand 12. The platform 22 is supported by a base on the stand 12 and is height-adjustable along the support column 20 in a manner well known in the art at present. Furthermore, the platform 22 is configured to support a scale 38 positioned beneath a bed 24 configured to support a patient 1. Like the enclosure 50, the scale 38 may include a controller (not shown). The controller of the scale 38 may be a separate processor from the controller 70, or it may be integrated into the controller 70. Furthermore, the controller of the scale (and / or the controller 70) may include a scale manager, or a part thereof, for performing the integrated weighing described herein. The scale 38 may be any conventional weighing device capable of measuring the weight of any object and / or person placed on it. In one embodiment, the scale 38 includes one or more load cells (not shown) configured to provide a signal indicating the weight on the scale 38. Although the term "load cell" is used in this specification, it should be understood that scale 38 can incorporate any sensor or device that is measurable and generates a signal representing weight or force on scale 38.

[0036] The scale manager can periodically measure the weight of patient 1 using the scale 38 without lifting patient 1 from the bed 24. In this case, the scale manager can determine the patient's weight by subtracting the weight of the bed 24 from the measured weight. Furthermore, the scale manager can obtain weight measurements of one or more weight elements (not shown) placed on the load cell. This allows the scale manager to determine the drift of the load cell on the scale 38. By determining this drift, the scale manager can determine the patient's weight more accurately. Based on the determined drift, the scale manager can determine a more accurate measurement by correcting the patient's weight measured by the scale 38.

[0037] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a scale manager can determine when to perform maintenance on a load cell. Typically, load cells are calibrated according to a predetermined schedule. For example, a load cell may be scheduled to be calibrated every six months. However, more frequent (or less frequent) calibration may be useful to maintain more accurate weight measurements. Therefore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a scale manager can compare drift to a predetermined drift tolerance. If the drift exceeds the predetermined tolerance, the scale manager generates a notification to perform maintenance (i.e., calibration) on the load cell. Furthermore, if the time for calibration of the load cell has arrived according to the schedule, but the drift does not exceed the predetermined tolerance, the scale manager can generate a notification that the scheduled maintenance can be skipped.

[0038] As mentioned above, the scale manager can periodically measure weight. This allows the scale manager to generate a data feed of weight measurements. These measurement intervals can be set in various ways, such as once per second, every few seconds, every minute or more, or every hour or more. Therefore, the measured weight may change if a caregiver or other person places (or removes) items on patient 1 and / or bed 24. However, it may be useful to compensate for such changes in weight measurement in order to determine the weight measurement more accurately. Therefore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the neonatal care system 10 may include an image sensor 48. The image sensor 48 can capture individual images and / or videos of patient 1 and bed 24. Furthermore, the scale manager can analyze these images to determine whether items have been added to or removed from patient 1 and / or bed. For example, the scale manager can use a machine learning model to perform object detection and identify specific objects that have been added to patient 1 and / or bed. Specifically, these may include blankets, diapers, clothing, medical devices, etc. In addition, the scale management system calculates the weight of an identified object based on a predefined mapping. The predefined mapping identifies the weights of multiple objects that can be placed on patient 1 and bed 24. Thus, the scale manager can track the cumulative weight of items placed on patient 1 and bed 24. This allows the scale manager to subtract the tracked weight from the weight measurement of patient 1. Conversely, if an identified item is removed from patient 1 or bed 24, the scale manager 38 can subtract the weight of the removed item from the tracked weight measurement. Alternatively, the scale manager can identify objects added and / or removed from bed 24 without using the image sensor 48. For example, the scale manager can identify changes in measured weight that appear to be outliers compared to the patient's past weight changes. In some embodiments, the scale manager can use a machine learning model trained to identify outliers in weight changes over shorter time intervals (e.g., about 1 second).

[0039] The neonatal care system 10 further includes a user interface 40 with a display 42 that provides warning indicators (text, color, icons, etc.) and messages related to the operation of the neonatal care system 10. In addition, the user interface 40 may include a speaker 44 and one or more lights 46. The speaker 44 and lights 46 can provide additional information regarding the operating status of the neonatal care system 10, which has an integrated weighing function. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the scale manager can provide a data feed of measured patient weight for display on the display 42. For example, the display 42 can display a graph showing the change in measured patient weight over time.

[0040] Furthermore, the speaker 44 and light 46 can communicate information to the caregiver and / or operator via sound, voice text, voice, flashing, color changes, and / or turning the light on and off. In this way, as will be described later, the user interface 40 not only provides feedback typically found in neonatal care systems 10 known in the prior art, but also provides additional information, warnings, and / or similar information based on this disclosure. It should be noted that the user interface 40 may be provided via, or instead of, an external device communicating with the neonatal care system 10 (e.g., a mobile device such as a tablet or smartphone). For example, a smartphone may function as a display device 42, speaker 44, and / or light 46 (alone or in combination with another display device 42, speaker 44, light 46 on the neonatal care system 10) communicating with the neonatal care system 10 via Bluetooth® or other radio protocols known in the art.

[0041] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the display unit 42, speaker 44, and light 46 may warn or otherwise indicate that the integrated weight measurement system 38 has detected a relatively large change in the measured weight. In addition, this indication may include a prompt encouraging the caregiver or operator to ignore the change. For example, the scale manager 38 may perform a weight measurement after the caregiver has placed a blanket over patient 1. Due to the placement of the blanket, the weight measurement may show a relatively large change from the previous measurement. Accordingly, the scale manager 38 displays a notification on the display 42 indicating that the patient's weight measurement has increased relatively significantly. Furthermore, this notification may encourage the caregiver and / or operator to ignore the weight gain. Since the weight gain is due to the placement of the blanket, the caregiver may operate the user interface 40 to indicate that the weight gain should be ignored. Accordingly, the scale manager 38 may subtract the increase from the measured weight.

[0042] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a neonatal care system 10 with integrated weighing function according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the neonatal care system 10 is similar to that in Figure 1, but is configured as an incubator instead of an infant warmer. Similar to Figure 1, the neonatal care system 10 in Figure 2 includes a stand 12, a platform 22, a bed 24, walls 26, a heater 34, a scale 38, a user interface 40, an image sensor 48, an enclosure 50, and a controller 70. Inside the incubator, the patient 1 is kept warm by warm air flowing into the incubator from the heater 34 and a fan (not shown) located below the bed 24 and platform 22. Furthermore, the neonatal care system 10 in Figure 2 is equipped with a cover 28, thereby defining the interior of the neonatal care system 10 by the walls 26 and the cover 28. Furthermore, the incubator in Figure 2 is equipped with port holes 30 within the walls 26 and / or cover 28, which allows access to the interior (e.g., patient 1, bed 24, and / or platform 22) without opening one or more of the walls 26 and / or cover 28 (in a manner known in the prior art).

[0043] The image sensor 48 and controller 70 in Figure 2 may be the same as those in Figure 1. Therefore, the controller 70 may include a scale manager capable of performing integrated weighing (e.g., load cell drift and determination of patient weight, generation of patient weight measurement feeds, etc.), as described with respect to Figure 1.

[0044] Therefore, the scale manager can periodically measure the weight of patient 1 using the scale 38 without lifting patient 1 from the bed 24. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the scale manager can generate a data feed of weight measurements and generate a graph representing the data feed for presentation on the display device 42. Furthermore, the scale manager can measure the weight of a weight element having a predetermined weight independent of the weight of patient 1 (and bed 24). This allows the scale manager to determine the drift of the load cell of the scale 38 and calculate a more accurate measurement by correcting the patient weight measured by the scale 38 based on the determined drift. Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the scale manager can determine when to maintain the load cell of the scale 38 by comparing the drift to a predetermined threshold and providing a notification to perform a calibration of the load cell if the drift exceeds the predetermined threshold. Furthermore, if the load cell is to be calibrated according to a predetermined maintenance schedule, the scale manager can provide a notification to skip the scheduled maintenance if the drift does not exceed the predetermined threshold.

[0045] Furthermore, the scale manager can determine when the measured patient's weight has changed by a predetermined number of orders of magnitude. As mentioned above, such a change may indicate that a caregiver or other operator has placed (or removed) an object on patient 1 or bed 24. When such a change occurs, the scale manager can analyze images and / or videos captured by the image sensor 48 to identify the object that was placed on or removed from patient 1 or bed 24. If an object corresponding to the changed weight is identified, the scale manager can correct the measured patient's weight based on the weight of the identified object. Alternatively, the scale manager can provide a notification of the weight change and prompt the caregiver or other operator of the neonatal care system 10 to acknowledge or deny the weight change.

[0046] Figure 3A is a side view of a patient 1, a bed 24, and a support plate 302 placed on an exemplary weight scale 38 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The weight scale 38 includes weight elements 304, load cells 306, actuators 308, and a scale platform. The weight elements 304 (also referred to herein as dead weights) are objects of a specific predetermined weight placed on each load cell 306. The load cells 306 are force transducers. A transducer is an element that converts one form of energy into another form. Thus, the load cells 306 convert a force (e.g., gravity acting on an object) into a measurable electrical signal. Furthermore, the load cells 306 measure the electrical signal to generate a numerical representation of the force. In this example, the load cells 306 convert the force due to the weight of the object on the scale 38 into an electrical signal, measure the signal to generate a numerical representation of the weight. Furthermore, the load cells 306 can provide the measured weight to a scale manager. The scale platform 312 is a surface element of the scale 38 and is the place where the operator places the items to be weighed on the scale 38.

[0047] Furthermore, the scale manager can periodically measure the patient's weight and generate a patient weight data feed. The weight measurement interval can be in seconds, minutes, or hours. In this way, it is possible to determine the patient's growth over time. However, as mentioned above, the accuracy of the load cell 306 may drift over time. Therefore, determining the drift of the load cell 306 is useful for more accurately measuring the weight of patient 1.

[0048] The actuator 308 is a mechanical component of the scale 38 and, upon request from the scale manager, extends through the scale 38 to lift the support plate 302, bed 24, and patient 1 from the scale 38. This removes the weight of patient 1, bed 24, and support plate 302 from the load cell 306. To mitigate the impact of this operation on patient 1, the actuator 308 may be configured to operate at a relatively slow speed. Furthermore, the scale manager can determine the weight of the weight element 304 by performing a weight measurement while the support plate 302, bed 24, and patient 1 are lifted from the scale 38. The actuator 308 can then retract to lower the support plate 302 back onto the scale 38.

[0049] However, before the actuator 308 is retracted, the load cell 306 is loaded by the weight element 304 while the support plate 302, bed 24, and patient 1 are still lifted from the scale 38. This allows the scale manager to determine the drift of each load cell 306 by calculating the difference between the known predetermined weight of the weight element 304 and the weight measured from each load cell 306. Furthermore, based on the drift of each load cell 306, the scale manager can determine the drift of the entire scale 38. For example, the scale manager can determine the drift of the scale by summing the drifts of the load cells and calculating the median total drift or average total drift over time. This allows the scale manager to correct further measurements of the patient's weight based on the determined drift of the scale 38. Furthermore, to further reduce interference with patient 1, the scale manager can determine the drift on a less stringent schedule than weight measurement. For example, the scale manager can perform drift determination once a day.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a scale manager can identify abrupt changes in weight (e.g., changes exceeding a predetermined magnitude). Such changes may occur due to the placement of objects on patient 1 and / or the bed. For example, a caregiver may place blankets, respiratory devices, or other medical equipment on patient 1. However, the weight of these items does not represent the patient's weight. Therefore, the scale manager can algorithmically compensate for such changes. For example, the scale manager can use the trend of weight change over time to determine whether an unexpected weight change has occurred. The scale manager can be configured to identify outlier changes when the trend of weight change over time is not smooth. In this way, abrupt increases (or decreases) can be determined by simply subtracting the change in the weight measurement from an extrapolated trend. The scale manager can make this determination with or without the image sensor 48. For example, the scale manager can prompt the operator to confirm that the measured weight is corrected by the identified outlier (e.g., the abrupt increase in weight).

[0051] Furthermore, to identify changes to be subtracted, the scale manager can use a camera (e.g., image sensor 48) to capture images of patient 1 and bed 24. In addition, the scale manager can use a machine learning model trained to identify objects placed on (or removed from) patient 1 and / or bed 24. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the scale manager can track the weight of added items to make this correction at each measurement. Conversely, the scale manager can also identify sudden decreases in the measured weight. Such decreases may result from the removal of additional items such as blankets or medical devices. Thus, the scale manager can subtract the weight of the removed objects from the tracked weight of the additional items.

[0052] However, in some cases, the scale manager may not compensate for rapid changes in weight. For example, a patient's weight may increase during breastfeeding. Subsequently, a diaper change may decrease the patient's measured weight. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the scale manager may use the image sensor 48 to determine that the patient is breastfeeding and not compensate for the resulting increase in measured weight. Similarly, the scale manager may use the image sensor 48 to determine that the patient is having their diaper changed and not compensate for the resulting decrease in measured weight. However, in such cases, the scale manager may annotate the data feed to indicate the time when breastfeeding and diaper changes occurred.

[0053] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the scale manager can use a manual process to determine when to correct and when not to correct for rapid changes in measured weight. For example, if it detects a change in measured weight that exceeds a predetermined threshold, the scale manager generates a notification on a display such as the display device 42 or an external device having a display function. In addition, the scale manager can generate prompts for an operator, caregiver, or other individual to determine whether the scale manager should correct for the detected change in measured weight. Furthermore, the prompts may request annotations for data feeds such as breastfeeding or diaper changes.

[0054] Figure 3B is a plan view of an exemplary weight scale 38 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. This plan view shows the weight scale 38 excluding patient 1 and bed 24. More specifically, the top view shows a support plate 302, a scale platform 312, and an actuator 308. The actuator 308 is not visible through the support plate 302 and scale platform 312, but the lower position where the actuator 308 may be located is shown in the top view to illustrate its positional relationship.

[0055] Figure 4 is a graph 400 showing the change in a newborn's measured weight over time in a neonatal care system with an integrated weighing function, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In graph 400, the X-axis represents the time of weight measurement, and each division represents the passage of 2 hours. Thus, time 0 represents the time when the scale manager first measured the patient's weight. Furthermore, the Y-axis represents the weight determined by the scale manager in kilograms (kg). Graph 400 also includes annotations indicating the time of placement and correction "Z(t)" for "feeding," "diaper change," and "blanket," as well as the time of load cell drift adjustment "Δ(t)." As shown in the figure, no correction is applied to the change in weight measurements associated with feeding and diaper changes. However, for blanket placement, Z(t) shows the amount of correction applied. Furthermore, the drift correction Δ(t) shows a negative drift. Therefore, the drift correction is shown as an addition to the measured weight.

[0056] Figure 5A is a side view of a patient 1, a bed 24, and a support plate 502 positioned on a typical weight scale 38 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5A is similar to Figure 3A and therefore may include a support plate 502, weight elements 504, load cell 506, actuator 508, and scale platform 512, which are similar to the support plate 302, weight elements 304, load cell 306, actuator 308, and scale platform 312 described with respect to Figure 3A, respectively. However, in contrast to the weight measurement and drift detection described with respect to Figure 3A, Figure 5A shows components for weight measurement and drift detection performed without moving the patient 1, bed 24, and support plate 502.

[0057] More specifically, in this example, the support plate 502 rests on the load cell 506. Furthermore, the weight element 504 is attached to a screw 510 (or other fastening element) or connected in any other way. The shaft of the screw 510 passes through an opening in the support plate 502. Furthermore, the head of the screw 510 may be larger than the opening in the support plate. Therefore, when the actuator 508 is retracted (i.e., in the lowered position), the head of the screw 510 rests on the support plate 502, and the weight element 504 is suspended from the support plate 502 (i.e., not in contact with the actuator 508). In this way, the weight of the weight element 504 and the screw 510 is added to the support plate 502, and consequently the load on the load cell 506 increases. Conversely, when the actuator 508 is extended (e.g., in the upward position), the weight element 504 rests on the actuator 508. In this way, the actuator 508 can remove the weight of the weight element 504 and the screw 510 from the support plate 502 by pushing the head of the screw 510 above the support plate 502. Thus, during the weighing of patient 1, the scale manager extends the actuator 508, pushing the screw head above the support plate and removing the weight of the weight element 504 and the screw 510 from the load cell 506. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the screw 510 and the weight element 504 may be configured as a single unit. However, as a single component, the weight element 504 may function as described above. Furthermore, in order to measure drift, the scale manager retracts the actuator 508, holding the weight element 504 suspended from the support plate 502, thereby adding the weight of the weight element 504 and the screw 510 to the load cell 506. Therefore, to determine the drift of the load cell 506, the scale manager calculates the difference between the measured weights of patient 1, bed 24, and support plate 502 and the measured weights of the weight element 504 and screw 510 added to support plate 502 (and thus load cell 506). If this difference deviates from the weights of the weight element 504 and screw 510, the scale manager determines a value equal to this difference as the drift of the load cell 506.In this way, the scale manager can determine the weight measurement of patient 1 in the neonatal care system, as well as the drift of the load cell 506 performing the measurement, without moving patient 1.

[0058] Figure 5B shows two side views 500-1 and 500-2 of an exemplary weight scale 38 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Side views 500-1 and 500-2 show the single-piece weight element 504 described above. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, side view 500-1 shows the weight element 504 with its weight resting on a support plate 502 and suspended above an actuator 508. Furthermore, side view 500-2 shows the weight element 504 with its weight resting on the actuator 508 and lifted from the support plate 502.

[0059] Figure 5C is a plan view of an exemplary weight scale 38 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. This plan view shows the weight scale 38 excluding patient 1 and bed 24. More specifically, it shows the scale platform 512, support plate 502, head of screw 510, actuator 508, and weight element 504. The actuator 508 and weight element 504 are not visible through the support plate 502, but for context, the top view shows the possible positions where the actuator 508 and weight element 504 may be located beneath the support plate 502.

[0060] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 600 of weight measurement in a neonatal care system with an integrated weight measurement function according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In contrast to the neonatal care system 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2, some neonatal care systems may include a hammock-like mattress or a height-adjustable infant platform. In such embodiments, the scale manager may use a spring-loaded scale positioned above rather than below the patient 1. Thus, process 600 includes operations 600-1, 600-2, and 600-3. In operation 600-1, process 600 shows a spring-loaded scale 602 with a hook 604 and a display unit 606. In operation 600-2, after a caregiver or other operator attaches the height-adjustable platform or hammock to the hook 604, the scale manager weighs the patient 1 and displays the weight on the display unit 606. Furthermore, in operation 600-3, after the caregiver or other operator removes the hammock or platform and attaches the weight element 608 to the hook 604, the scale manager can measure the weight of the weight element 608. In addition, the scale manager can display the measured weight of the weight element 608 on the display 606. Furthermore, the scale manager can determine whether there is drift in the scale 602 by determining the difference between the weight measurement in operation 600-3 and the known weight of the weight element 608. Furthermore, if there is drift in the spring-loaded scale 602, the scale manager can correct the patient's measured weight by the amount of drift.

[0061] Figure 7 is a process flowchart of a method 700 for determining drift correction in a neonatal care system having integrated metering capabilities, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. A scale manager can perform method 700.

[0062] In operation 702, the scale manager can initialize the drift compensation. As mentioned above, the load cell 306 may drift over time, which reduces the accuracy of weight measurement. However, before determining any drift compensation, the scale manager can initialize the drift compensation to zero.

[0063] The scale manager can perform operations 704 to 714 for each drift determination period. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the drift determination period is daily. However, in various embodiments of the present disclosure, this period may be longer or shorter.

[0064] In operation 706, the scale manager commands the actuator 308 to lift patient 1, mattress 24, and support plate 302 from the load cell 306. Lifting patient 1, mattress 24, and support plate 302 accordingly involves extending the actuator 308. In this way, the actuator 308 can leave only the weight element 304 on the load cell 306.

[0065] In operation 708, the scale manager performs weight measurement. Weight measurement involves measuring the signals provided by each load cell 306 with only the weight elements 304 placed on the load cell 306.

[0066] In operation 710, the scale manager determines the drift correction. Each load cell is capable of drifting. Therefore, determining the drift correction involves determining the difference between the weight measurement of each load cell 306 and a predetermined weight of the weight element 304 on that load cell 306. Furthermore, the drift correction can be expressed by multiplying this difference by -1. Thus, if the difference is +2 grams (indicating that load cell 506 is measuring 2 grams higher than its actual weight), the drift correction is -2 grams. In this way, the scale manager can determine the drift correction.

[0067] In operation 712, the scale manager determines whether the drift correction exceeds a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold may represent the amount of drift correction that indicates when the load cell 306 should be recalibrated. If the drift correction exceeds the predetermined threshold, the control of method 700 proceeds to operation 714. If the drift correction does not exceed the predetermined threshold, the control of method 700 proceeds to operation 704.

[0068] In operation 714, the scale manager can provide an indication that it is time for the load cell 306 to be recalibrated. For example, the scale manager can provide a message on the user interface 40 or on the display device of the scale 38.

[0069] Figure 8 is a process flowchart of a method 800 for determining drift correction in a neonatal care system having integrated metering capabilities, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. A scale manager can perform method 800.

[0070] In operation 802, the scale manager can initialize the drift compensation. As mentioned above, the load cell 506 may drift over time, which reduces the accuracy of weight measurement. However, before determining any drift compensation, the scale manager can initialize the drift compensation to zero.

[0071] Furthermore, the scale manager may perform operations 804 to 816 for each period of drift determination. As mentioned above, the drift determination period may be daily. However, in various embodiments of this disclosure, this period may be longer or shorter.

[0072] In operation 808, the scale manager can instruct the actuator 508 to lower the weight element 504 on the load cell 506. Lowering the weight element 504 on the load cell 506 includes lowering the weight element 504 onto the support plate 502 supported by the load cell 506.

[0073] In operation 810, the scale manager can perform a second weight measurement. Performing a second weight measurement includes measuring the weight of the weight elements 504 and screws 510 on the support plate 502, and consequently, the weight of each signal provided by each load cell 506.

[0074] In operation 812, the scale manager can determine the drift correction. Determining the drift correction involves determining the difference between the measured weights of the weight element 504 and the screw 510 and the known weights of the weight element and the screw 510. Determining the measured weights of the weight element 504 and the screw 510 involves determining the difference between a first weight measurement and a second weight measurement. Therefore, the drift correction is expressed by multiplying this difference by minus 1. For example, if the difference is -2 grams (indicating that the load cell 506 is measuring 2 grams lower than the actual weight), the drift correction is +2 grams. In this way, the scale manager can determine the drift correction for the load cell 506.

[0075] In operation 814, the scale manager determines whether the drift compensation exceeds a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold may represent the amount of drift compensation that indicates when the load cell 506 should be recalibrated. If the drift compensation exceeds the predetermined threshold, the control of method 800 proceeds to operation 814. If the drift compensation does not exceed the predetermined threshold, the control of method 800 proceeds to operation 804.

[0076] In operation 814, the scale manager may provide a notification indicating that it is time for the load cell 506 to be recalibrated. For example, the scale manager may display a message on the user interface 40 or on the display device of the scale 38.

[0077] Figure 9 is a process flowchart of Method 900 for a neonatal care system with integrated weighing function, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Method 900 can be performed by a scale manager as described with respect to Figures 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 4, 5A, 5B, 5C, 6, 7, and 8.

[0078] In operation 902, the scale manager takes the initial patient weight measurement. Taking the initial patient weight measurement involves determining the weight measurement of patient 1 before it is placed in bed 24 of the neonatal care system 10. Thus, the scale manager takes the weight measurements of bed 24, support plate 302, and weight element 304 (without patient 1). Furthermore, the scale manager may perform a weight measurement after patient 1 has been placed in bed 24. Thus, the scale manager may determine the initial patient weight as the difference between the weight measurement of patient 1 while it is in bed and the weight measurement before placement.

[0079] In operation 904, the scale manager can initialize a correction value. As previously stated, the correction value may be the weight of the support plates 302, 502, the bed 24, and items such as blankets, clothing, and medical devices placed on the bed 24 or on patient 1. If the patient is initially placed on the bed 24 without these items, the correction value is initialized to the weight of the support plates 302, 502 and the bed 24. However, if patient 1 is placed on the bed 24 with one or more of these items, the correction value is initialized to the combined weight of the support plates 302, 502, the bed 24, and these items. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the weight of each placed item is manually provided by the caregiver or other operator via an external device or user interface 40. Alternatively, the scale manager can capture images of patient 1 and the bed 24 using an image sensor 48. Furthermore, the scale manager may use a machine learning model trained to identify objects that may be placed on the bed 24 or on patient 1. In addition, in such embodiments, the scale manager can determine the weight of an identified object by a predetermined mapping that maps the identified object to a weight.

[0080] Furthermore, the scale manager can perform operations 906 to 918 for each weight measurement period. As mentioned above, the scale manager can measure the patient's weight at predetermined intervals (e.g., every second, every minute, every 30 minutes, every hour, every 2 hours, etc.). Therefore, the scale manager can perform operations 906 to 918 for each of these periods.

[0081] In operation 908, the scale manager performs a weight measurement. The weight measurement involves measuring signals provided by load cells 306 and 506. The signal measurements correspond to a numerical representation of weight expressed in units such as grams, kilograms, ounces, and pounds.

[0082] In operation 910, the scale manager determines whether the difference between the two prior measurements exceeds a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold may represent the magnitude of weight change exceeding the expected weight change of a neonatal patient over a predetermined period. Therefore, a weight change exceeding the predetermined threshold may indicate that an object was placed on (or removed from) patient 1 or bed 24. If the weight change exceeds the predetermined threshold, the control of method 900 proceeds to operation 912. Otherwise, the control proceeds to operation 916.

[0083] In operation 912, the scale manager verifies the difference in measured weight between two preceding periods. Validating these weight differences involves determining the state of the object on or off patient 1 or bed 24, which represents the weight change between the two preceding readings. For example, the scale manager can prompt a caregiver or other operator via the user interface 40 or an external device to indicate that the weight change is due to the placement (or removal) of an object. Alternatively, the scale manager can provide an image captured by the image sensor 48 to a machine learning model to determine whether an object has been placed on (or removed from) patient 1 or bed 24. If the model identifies such an object, the scale manager can determine the object's weight based on a mapping of the object to its weight. If the weight change approximates the weight mapping, the scale manager can validate the weight change. In this way, the scale manager can validate weight changes that exceed a predetermined threshold.

[0084] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the scale manager may not validate weight changes. For example, if a weight change exceeds a predetermined value or deviates from the trend, the scale manager ignores the change. However, in some scenarios, the scale manager may perform validation. For example, if a weight change exceeds a predetermined threshold and the operator indicates that there was no placement (or removal) of the object, the scale manager adds a note indicating that there was an unexplained weight change at the time of measurement. Furthermore, because the measured weight may no longer be accurate, the scale manager may prompt the caregiver or other operator to perform a complete weighing procedure (e.g., lifting the infant). The scale may also provide a prompt to perform a full calibration based on whether a complete weighing has resolved the discrepancy.

[0085] In operation 914, the scale manager modifies the correction value based on the difference (e.g., weight change). Therefore, if the weight increases, the scale manager adds the difference to the correction value. Conversely, if the weight decreases, the scale manager subtracts the difference from the correction value. In this way, the scale manager tracks the correction value, enabling a more accurate determination of patient 1's weight.

[0086] In operation 916, the scale manager can determine the actual patient weight by adding a drift correction to the weight measurement determined in operation 908 and subtracting a compensation value. As mentioned above, the drift correction represents the amount of drift of the load cell. Furthermore, the compensation value may represent the weight of patient 1 or an object placed on the bed. Therefore, by adding the drift correction to the measured weight and subtracting the compensation value, the scale manager can determine the actual patient weight.

[0087] In operation 918, the scale manager may provide the actual weight. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the scale manager may provide the actual weight for display on the user interface 40. Alternatively, the scale 38 may be equipped with a display device, and the scale manager may display the actual weight on that display device. Furthermore, the scale manager may provide the actual weight to a data feed that records the actual weight for each measurement period. The scale manager may use such a feed to identify weight changes that exceed a predetermined threshold. Control of method 900 then proceeds to operation 906.

[0088] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a weight measurement system 1000 in a neonatal care system with integrated weight measurement capabilities according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 1000 includes a network 1002, a neonatal care system (CS) 1004, and a remote device 1006. The network 1002 may be a computer communication network or group of networks, such as a local area network or a wide area network. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the network 1002 is the Internet. Thus, the neonatal care system 1004 and the remote device 1006 can communicate via the network 1002. The neonatal care system 1004 may be the same as the neonatal care system 10 described with respect to Figures 1 and 2. Furthermore, the remote device 1006 may be the same as the external device described with respect to Figures 1 and 2.

[0089] The neonatal care system 1004 includes a controller 1008, a bed 1010, a support plate 1012, and a scale 1014. The controller 1008 may be similar to the controller 70 described with respect to Figures 1 and 2. Furthermore, the bed 101, support plate 1012, and scale 1014 may be similar to the bed 24, support plates 302, 502, and scale 38 described with respect to Figures 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 4, 5A, 5B, 5C, and 6-9.

[0090] Furthermore, the scale 1014 includes standardized weights 1016, a scale manager 1018, a load cell 1020, an actuator 1022, and a display device 1024. The standardized weights 1016, the scale manager 1018, the load cell 1020, the actuator 1022, and the display device 1024 may be analogous to the weight elements 304, 504, the scale manager, the load cell 306, 506, the actuator 308, 508, and the user interface 40 described with respect to Figures 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 4, 5A, 5B, 5C, and 6-9, respectively.

[0091] Figure 11 shows an example of a scale manager 1100 for a neonatal care system with integrated weighing functionality, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. This scale manager 1100 can perform the integrated weighing functionality described with respect to Figures 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 4, 5A, 5B, 5C, and 6-9. In this example, the scale manager 1100 includes a processor 1102, a memory 1104, an input / output (I / O) interface 1110, and a network interface 1112, which may be connected by an interconnect 1114. The processor 1102 may be a computer processing circuit (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)) that retrieves and executes programming instructions 1106 stored in the memory 1104 to perform the functions described herein. The interconnect 1114 can move data, such as programming instructions, between the processor 1102, the memory 1104, the I / O interface 1110, and the network interface 1112. The interconnect 1114 may include one or more buses.

[0092] Memory 1104 may be computer memory or storage device, including volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM) devices (e.g., static RAM, dynamic RAM, etc.), and non-volatile memory such as hard disk drives, solid-state devices (SSDs), removable memory cards, optical storage, and flash memory devices. In some examples, memory 1104 may include both volatile and non-volatile memory devices. Furthermore, memory 1104 may store instructions 1106, a weight measurement feed 1108A, a predetermined weight 1108B, and a predetermined threshold 1108C. The weight measurement feed 1108 may include a sequence of captured weight measurements as described with respect to Figure 9. Furthermore, the predetermined weight 1108B may represent the weights of weight elements 304, 504 as described with respect to Figures 3A, 3B, 5A, 5B, 5C, and 6-9. Furthermore, the predetermined threshold 1108C may represent predetermined weight change thresholds and load cell drift thresholds as described with respect to Figures 3A, 3B, 5A, 5B, 5C, and 6-9.

[0093] In addition, the scale manager 1100 can electronically communicate with the I / O device 1116 via the I / O interface 1110 and with the network 1118 via the network interface 1112. The I / O device 1116 can take inputs and provide outputs as described herein. More specifically, the image sensor 48 described with respect to Figures 1 and 2 may be an input device. Furthermore, the display 42, speaker 44, and light 46 described with respect to Figures 1-3, and the display 1024 described with respect to Figure 10 may be output devices. The network 1118 may be an electronic communication network, such as a local area network or wide area network, for handling communication between the scale manager 1100 and the machine learning models and AI software products described herein. In some examples, the network 1118 may be a wired, wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, or cellular), or other computer communication network.

[0094] In some embodiments, the scale manager 1100 is a server computer or similar device without a user interface that receives requests from other computer systems having one or more user interfaces. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the scale manager 1100 may be a portable computer, laptop, tablet computer, pocket computer, telephone, smartphone, or similar device.

[0095] As used herein, the term “mechanism” may include hardware, software, firmware, or any suitable combination thereof. In some embodiments, any suitable computer-readable medium may be used to store instructions for performing the functions and / or processes described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the computer-readable medium may be temporary or non-temporary. For example, non-temporary computer-readable media include magnetic media (hard disks, floppy disks, etc.), optical media (compact disks, digital video disks, Blu-ray disks, etc.), semiconductor media (RAM, flash memory, electrically rewritable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable rewritable read-only memory (EEPROM), etc.), any suitable medium that is not ephemeral during transmission and shows no signs of persistence, and / or any suitable tangible medium. As another example, temporary computer-readable media include signals on a network, in wiring, in conductors, in optical fibers, in circuits, or on any suitable medium that is ephemeral during transmission and shows no signs of persistence, and / or any suitable intangible medium.

[0096] This specification discloses the invention (including the best embodiment) with examples, enabling those skilled in the art to practice and use the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that those skilled in the art may conceive. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they do not differ in their literal language and structural elements from the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that do not differ substantially from the literal language of the claims.

[0097] Further aspects of the present invention are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses. [Embodiment 1] A neonatal care system, A scale comprising a plurality of load cells for measuring weight, A plurality of weight elements having a plurality of predetermined weights, wherein each load cell supports one or more of the predetermined weights, A plurality of actuators configured to raise a platform supporting an infant off of the scale, wherein the plurality of actuators are further configured to lower the platform supporting the infant onto the scale, A processing device, A memory storage device comprising instructions executable by the processing device to: The instruction includes, The actuators are instructed to raise the platform supporting the infant off the scale. Based on the corresponding plurality of signals from the plurality of load cells, a first plurality of measured weights are determined. A neonatal care system that determines the drift of each of the load cells by calculating the difference between each of the predetermined weights and each of the first plurality of measured weights. [Embodiment 2] The instructions are executed by the processing device to It is determined that the drift exceeds a predetermined drift threshold. The system according to any of the preceding embodiments, which provides a first notification comprising a request to calibrate a load cell corresponding to the drift. [Embodiment 3] The instruction is executed by the processing unit, It is determined that the load cells are scheduled for calibration. It is determined that the drift does not exceed a predetermined drift threshold. The system according to any of the prior embodiments, which provides a second notification comprising a suggestion to delay the calibration. [Embodiment 4] The instruction is executed by the processing unit, The actuators are commanded to lower the platform supporting the infant onto the scale. Based on the plurality of additional signals from the plurality of load cells, a second plurality of measured weights are determined. The system according to any of the preceding embodiments, which determines the weight of the infant based on the second plurality of measured weights, the predetermined weight, and the drift. [Embodiment 5] The system according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the instruction is executed by the processing unit to determine the weight of the infant at predetermined periodic intervals. [Embodiment 6] The instruction is executed by the processing unit, It is determined that the difference between the first interval weight of the infant measured in the first interval and the second interval weight of the infant measured in the second interval exceeds a predetermined threshold. A system according to any of the prior embodiments, which determines whether the difference represents a change in the infant's weight. [Embodiment 7] The aforementioned difference is not representative. A picture of the platform supporting the infant was taken. The system according to any of the prior embodiments, which is determined by identifying an object in the image that is representative of the difference. [Embodiment 8] The aforementioned difference is not representative. A picture of the platform supporting the infant was taken. The system according to any of the prior embodiments, which identifies the missing object in the image that is representative of the difference by identifying a missing object from the image that is representative of the difference. [Embodiment 9] The fact that the aforementioned difference is not representative means that Providing a notification for a caregiver using a user interface, wherein the notification indicates the difference. The user interface receives an indication that the difference is not a result of the placement or removal of an object. By providing notifications via the aforementioned user interface, A system according to any of the preceding embodiments, specified by performing a full weighing cycle or recalibrating the scale (providing a notification via the user interface to perform a full weighing cycle or recalibrate the scale). [Embodiment 10] The above difference is representative. Providing a notification for a caregiver using a user interface, wherein the notification indicates the difference, The system according to any of the prior embodiments, which is identified by receiving an indication from the user interface that the difference is a result of an object placement or removal. [Embodiment 11] A neonatal care system for non-disruptive load cell drift measurement, A scale comprising at least one load cell for measuring weight, At least one weight element having a predetermined weight, A plurality of actuators configured to evenly distribute the predetermined weight on the scale, A processing device, A memory storage device comprising instructions executable by the processing device to include instructions executable by the processing device, the instructions are The actuators are instructed to evenly distribute the predetermined weight on the scale. Based on one or more signals from the at least one load cell, a first measured weight is determined. A neonatal care system in which the drift of at least one load cell is determined by subtracting the predetermined weight from the first measured weight. [Embodiment 12] The instruction is executed by the processing unit, It is determined that the drift exceeds a predetermined drift threshold. The system according to any of the preceding embodiments, which provides a first notification comprising a request to calibrate the at least one load cell. [Embodiment 13] The instruction is executed by the processing unit, The actuators are instructed to remove the predetermined weight from the scale. A second measured weight is determined based on one or more additional signals from the at least one load cell. A system according to any of the preceding embodiments, which determines the weight of an infant based on the second measured weight and the drift. [Embodiment 14] The instruction is executed by the processing unit, The weight of the infant is determined at predetermined periodic intervals. It is determined that the difference between the first interval weight of the infant determined at a first interval and the second interval weight of the infant determined at a second interval exceeds a predetermined threshold. A system according to any of the prior embodiments, which determines whether the difference is representative of a weight change of the infant. [Embodiment 15] The aforementioned difference is not representative. A picture of the platform supporting the infant was taken. The system according to any of the prior embodiments, which determines the difference by identifying an object in the image that represents the difference. [Embodiment 16] The aforementioned difference is not representative. A picture of the platform supporting the infant was taken. The system according to any of the prior embodiments, which is determined by identifying a missing object from the image that is representative of the difference. [Embodiment 17] A non-destructive method for measuring load cell drift, The steps include directing a plurality of actuators of a scale to raise a platform supporting an infant off of the scale, A step of determining a first measured weight based on one or more signals from at least one load cell of the scale, wherein the at least one load cell supports all weight of a weight element having a predetermined weight, A method comprising the step of determining a drift of the at least one load cell by subtracting the predetermined weight from the first measured weight. [Embodiment 18] The steps include determining that the drift exceeds a predetermined drift threshold, The method according to any of the prior embodiments, comprising the step of providing a first notification comprising a request to calibrate the at least one load cell. [Embodiment 19] The steps include directing the actuators to lower the platform supporting the infant onto the scale, The steps include determining a second measured weight based on one or more additional signals from the at least one load cell, A method according to any of the prior embodiments, comprising the step of determining the weight of the infant based on the second measured weight, the predetermined weight, and the drift. [Embodiment 20] The steps include determining the weight of the infant at predetermined periodic intervals, The steps include determining that the difference between the first interval weight of the infant determined in the first interval and the second interval weight of the infant determined in the second interval exceeds a predetermined threshold, A method according to any of the prior embodiments, comprising the step of determining whether the difference is representative of a weight change of the infant. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0098] 1: Patient 8: Room temperature controller 10: Neonatal care system 12: Stand 14: Legs 16: Foot 18: Wheels 20: Support column 22: Platform 24: Bed 26: Wall 28: Cover 30: Port hole 32: Internal air 34: Heater 38: Scale 40: User interface 42: Display unit 44: Speaker 46: Light 48: Image sensor 50: Enclosure 70: Controller 302: Support plate 304: Weight element 306: Load cell 308: Actuator 312: Scale platform 400: Graph 502: Support plate 504: Weight element 506: Load cell 508: Actuator 510: Screw 512: Scale platform 600: Process 600-1, 600-2, 600-3: Operation 602: Spring scale 604: Hook 606: Display Unit 608: Weight Element 1000: Weight Measurement System 1002: Network 1004: Neonatal Care System (CS) 1006: Remote Device 1008: Controller 1010: Bed 1012: Support Plate 1014: Scale 1016: Standardized Weight 1018: Scale Manager 1020: Load Cell 1022: Actuator 1024: Display Device 1100: Scale Manager 1102: Processor 1104: Memory 1106: Programming Instructions 1108A: Weight Measurement Feed 1108B: Predetermined Weight 1108C: Predetermined Threshold 1110: Input / Output (I / O) Interface 1112: Network Interface 1114: Interconnection Unit 1116: I / O Device 1118: Network

Claims

1. It is a neonatal care system, A scale containing multiple load cells for measuring weight, A plurality of weight elements having a plurality of predetermined weights, wherein each load cell supports one or more of the plurality of predetermined weights, and the plurality of weight elements A plurality of actuators configured to lift a platform supporting an infant from the scale, wherein the plurality of actuators are further configured to lower the platform supporting the infant onto the scale, Processing device and A storage device containing instructions that can be executed by the aforementioned processing device, The instruction includes, The plurality of actuators are instructed to lift the platform supporting the infant from the scale, Based on the corresponding multiple signals from the multiple load cells, a first set of multiple measured weights is determined. A neonatal care system that determines the drift of each load cell by calculating the difference between each of the aforementioned plurality of predetermined weights and each of the first plurality of measured weights.

2. The instruction is executed by the processing unit, It is determined that the drift exceeds a predetermined drift threshold. The system according to claim 1, which provides a first notification including a request for calibration of a load cell corresponding to the drift.

3. The instruction is executed by the processing unit, It was determined that the aforementioned load cells were scheduled for calibration. It is determined that the drift does not exceed a predetermined drift threshold. The system according to claim 1, which provides a second notice including a suggestion to delay the calibration.

4. The instruction is executed by the processing unit, The actuator is commanded to lower the platform supporting the infant onto the scale, Based on the multiple additional signals from the multiple load cells, a second set of multiple measured weights is determined. The system according to claim 1, wherein the weight of the infant is determined based on the second plurality of measured weights, the predetermined weight, and the drift.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the command is executed by the processing device to determine the weight of the infant at predetermined periodic intervals.

6. The instruction is executed by the processing unit, It is determined that the difference between the infant's weight in the first interval, measured in the first interval, and the infant's weight in the second interval, measured in the second interval, exceeds a predetermined threshold. The system according to claim 5, which determines whether the difference indicates a change in the infant's weight.

7. The aforementioned difference is not representative. A picture of the platform supporting the infant is taken. The system according to claim 6, which determines the difference by identifying the object representing the difference in the image.

8. The aforementioned difference is not representative. A picture of the platform supporting the infant is taken. The system according to claim 6, which identifies the missing object in the image that represents the difference, by identifying the missing object in the image.

9. The fact that the aforementioned difference is not representative means that The user interface is used to provide caregivers with notifications indicating the difference. The user interface receives a message indicating that the difference is not a result of the placement or removal of the target. By providing notifications via the aforementioned user interface, The system according to claim 6, which is specified by performing a complete metering cycle; or by performing recalibration of the scale.

10. The above difference is representative. The caregiver is provided with a notification indicating the difference using a user interface. The system according to claim 6, which identifies the difference by receiving a display from the user interface indicating that the difference is the result of the placement or removal of the target.

11. A neonatal care system for non-destructive load cell drift measurement, A scale equipped with at least one load cell for measuring weight, A weight element having a predetermined weight, Multiple actuators configured to evenly distribute the predetermined weight on the scale, Processing device and A storage device containing instructions executable by the processing device, wherein the instructions are The actuator is instructed to distribute the predetermined weight evenly on the scale. Based on one or more signals from the aforementioned at least one load cell, a first measured weight is determined. A neonatal care system in which the drift of at least one load cell is determined by subtracting the predetermined weight from the first measured weight.

12. The instruction is executed by the processing unit, It is determined that the drift exceeds a predetermined drift threshold. The system according to claim 11, which provides a first notification including a request to calibrate at least one load cell.

13. The instruction is executed by the processing unit, The actuator is instructed to remove the predetermined weight from the scale. A second measured weight is determined based on one or more additional signals from at least one of the load cells. The system according to claim 11, wherein the weight of an infant is determined based on the second measured weight and the drift.

14. The instruction is executed by the processing unit, The weight of the infant is determined at predetermined periodic intervals, It is determined that the difference between the first interval weight of the infant determined at the first interval and the second interval weight of the infant determined at the second interval exceeds a predetermined threshold. The system according to claim 13, which determines whether the difference indicates a change in the infant's weight.

15. The aforementioned difference is not representative. A picture of the platform supporting the infant was taken. The system according to claim 14, which determines the difference by identifying the object representing the difference in the image.

16. The aforementioned difference is not representative. A picture of the platform supporting the infant is taken. The system according to claim 13, which determines the missing object that represents the difference from the aforementioned image.

17. A non-destructive method for measuring load cell drift, The steps include directing multiple actuators on the scale to lift the infant support platform from the scale, A step of determining a first measured weight based on one or more signals from at least one load cell of the scale, wherein the at least one load cell supports the total weight of a weight element having a predetermined weight, A method comprising the step of determining the drift of at least one load cell by subtracting the predetermined weight from the first measured weight.

18. The steps include identifying that the drift exceeds a predetermined drift threshold, The method according to claim 17, comprising the step of providing a first notification including a request to calibrate at least one load cell.

19. The steps include instructing the actuator to lower the platform supporting the infant onto the scale, A step of determining a second measured weight based on one or more additional signals from at least one load cell, The method according to claim 17, comprising the step of determining the weight of the infant based on the second measured weight, the predetermined weight, and the drift.

20. A step of determining the weight of the infant at predetermined periodic intervals, A step of determining whether the difference between the infant's weight in the first interval determined in the first interval and the infant's weight in the second interval determined in the second interval exceeds a predetermined threshold, The method according to claim 19, comprising the step of determining whether the difference indicates a change in the infant's weight.

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