Patent ID: 6754516
Filing Date: 2004-06-22
Classification: A61B,G08B

Abstract:
A method for controlling an alarm in a medical diagnostic apparatus, said apparatus monitoring a measured value, said method comprising:measuring a value of a physiological parameter; automatically establishing a dynamic threshold value, wherein said dynamic threshold value changes in time as the measured value changes in time; establishing a condition value from a combination of said measured value and said dynamic threshold value, wherein said condition value comprises an integrated product of the extent by which said dynamic threshold value is exceeded by said measured value over a quantity of time said dynamic threshold value is exceeded by said measured value; triggering an alarm when said condition value exceeds a predetermined level; monitoring said alarm when a measured value for said physiological parameter is outside a fixed range; establishing a fixed upper threshold value and a fixed lower threshold value, wherein said fixed threshold values define said fixed range; determining a quantity of time said measured value is outside said fixed range; determining a measure of the amount by which said fixed range is exceeded by said measured value during said quantity of time; and triggering said alarm when a combination of said quantity of time and said amount exceeds a second predetermined level.