IP-Based Patient Telemetry Decoupling RF From Network Stack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient telemetry systems face limitations in battery power due to the need to power specific RF circuitry, restricting the use of more general circuitry and reducing battery life, and are often tied to proprietary networking protocols, limiting flexibility and scalability.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional, cellular-based RF system employing DECT technology with a standard TCP/UDP/IP/Ethernet networking stack, allowing for bidirectional data transport and dynamic IP address assignment, decoupling the data communication protocol from the RF physical layer, enabling the use of standard networking protocols and future upgrades to different RF technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary RF systems with frequency-paired transmitters and receivers are used, then RF communication is achieved, but the system is tied to proprietary networking protocols limiting flexibility and scalability
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the networking protocol stack into separate layers, with the RF PHY/MAC layer handled by the access point and the TCP/IP/Ethernet stack implemented in the portable device. This decoupling allows the portable device to use standard Internet protocols independent of the proprietary RF system, enhancing protocol flexibility while maintaining RF communication capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point acts as an intermediary that bridges the proprietary RF system and standard Internet protocols. It converts RF packets into Ethernet frames that can be routed through standard IP networks, allowing portable devices to communicate using familiar TCP/IP protocols without being tied to proprietary RF protocols.
2Duration of action of moving object
If battery power is used for portable devices, then portability is achieved, but battery life is limited due to power consumption of RF circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heavy lifting of protocol conversion and network management functions from the battery-powered portable device and places them in the powered access point infrastructure. The portable device only needs to implement a minimal RF driver and TCP/IP stack, significantly reducing its power consumption while maintaining full networking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic TCP/IP packet transmission over the RF link instead of continuous RF communication. Data is packaged efficiently in IP packets that are transmitted only when needed, allowing the portable device to enter low-power states between transmissions and thereby extending battery life.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard TCP/IP/Ethernet networking stack is implemented in portable devices, then Internet protocol compatibility is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access point provides universal networking services to multiple portable devices simultaneously, handling all the complex protocol conversion, address assignment via DHCP, and packet routing functions centrally. Each portable device benefits from full TCP/IP compatibility without individually implementing the complex infrastructure required to support it.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for communicating physiological or control data between a portable device and an information system via telemetry. The system includes at least one portable device, and usually many, each having an I/O port for bidirectionally communicating physiological or control data in the form of IP data packets via telemetry. The portable device in operation includes a layered network interface that supports a standard internet-based networking protocol (IP) stack and PHY and MAC layers. The system also includes an information system connected to a wired network through a networking switch, and having a port for bidirectionally communicating data via telemetry with the portable device. The access point may include a program that converts the IP data packets between the RF PHY and MAC and network, such as Ethernet, PHY and MAC layers and further may include a server such as a BOOTP/DHCP server to support a dynamic assignment of an IP address to a number of portable devices.