Abstract:
A communication system for a health care facility, having a translator unit operably arranged to communicate electronically with a device to be controlled and a pendant control located spatially separate and remote from the translator unit, the pendant control operably arranged to communicate electronically with the translator unit.

Description:
REFERENCE TO COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX 
       [0001]    The present application includes the following computer program listing appendix. The computer program listing appendix is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The appendix includes ASCII text files of the computer program as follows: translator_source_code.txt 46 KB Created Feb. 4, 2014 handset_source_code.txt 18 KB Created Feb. 4, 2014 
       FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to a patient communication system for use in a health care facility. More specifically, the present invention relates to a universal patient communication system having a disposable pendant control. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Patient communication systems in health care facilities typically include a pendant control and a central call station (also known in the industry as a “patient station”) which are frequently used to control the electronic devices located in individual rooms as well as to communicate with a nurses&#39; station. An example of a typical patient communication system of a health care facility is shown in  FIGS. 1 through 3 . In  FIG. 1 , typical pendant control  10  is shown held by patient  20  who is resting in bed  14 . Pendant control  10  is powered by television  11  and hard-wired to central call station  15 . Call station  15  is hard-wired to the various electronic devices in the room, including television  11 , lights  12 , and a nurses&#39; station (not illustrated). Pendant control  10  comprises plurality of buttons  23  that controls the various electronic devices in the room including the various functions of television  11 , such as changing the channel, adjusting the volume, controlling the lights  12 , or calling for a nurse. 
         [0004]    A partially exploded view of typical prior art pendant control  10 , depicting some of the typical components within pendant control  10 , is shown in  FIG. 2 . Pendant control  10  includes housing  30 , first housing portion  31 , second housing portion  32 , speaker  21 , plurality of speaker perforations  22 , and plurality of buttons  23 . Patients can hear the audio component of television  11  without disturbing others through speaker  21 . Conventional pendant control  10  is often referred to as a pillow speaker because of the incorporated built-in speaker  21 . 
         [0005]      FIG. 3  is a rear view of first housing  31  of pendant control  10  shown in  FIG. 2 ; herein, housing portion  31  depicts the internal components within pendant control  10 . The internal components of pendant control  10  include plurality of electrical components  40 . Plurality of electrical components  40  are mounted to circuit boards  50  and  51 . The components include interface integrated circuit (IC)  42 . Although not specifically labeled on the drawing, the components also include a television interface, power management circuitry, call circuit hardware, light control hardware, and interface specific hardware. It should be appreciated that conventional pendant control  10  contains expensive electrical components and accordingly, conventional pendant controls are designed as permanent room fixtures in health care facilities. As a result, pendant controls are not replaced until they malfunction or a new model or brand is introduced as a substitute. Typically, many differences and unique features exist between various manufacturers and combinations of these systems when used with aftermarket or add-on features. Accordingly, custom pendants are designed to work exclusively with the particular configurations of the facility. Custom pendants are costly and require longer lead times due to the work associated with manufacturing and assembly. 
         [0006]    The frequent handling of pendant controls by a large number of patients creates an environment conducive to the growth of bacteria and viruses. To control the growth of bacteria and viruses it is common to wipe the pendant control with a disinfectant after each patient use. Although the top surface of the pendant control can be cleaned easily, the perforations of the speaker are difficult to clean. Contaminants on the top surface of the pendant control can be wiped into the perforations of the speaker and, once the bacteria and viruses are within the perforations, they are difficult to remove. In addition, case seams and gaps between the case and buttons are two other primary areas that retain contaminants and are similarly difficult to sanitize and clean. Subsequent patients are therefore exposed to the bacteria and viruses left behind. 
         [0007]    The fact that pendant controls are expensive and difficult to service has been recognized. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,254,137 (Wilkolaski et al.) discloses a pendant control having an inexpensive and replaceable switch membrane overlay. By implementing an inexpensive and replaceable overlay, the pendant control can be used for a longer period of time. However, the replaceable overlay is arranged within the housing of the pendant control, which still leaves patients susceptible to bacteria located on the outside of the housing and within the perforations of the speaker. 
         [0008]    In addition to being expensive and difficult to clean, conventional pendant controls are only compatible with a single television manufacturer. Since conventional pendant controls are not interchangeable among a variety of television manufacturers, and considering the relative high cost of pendant controls, it is no surprise that health care facilities have a very limited number of types of televisions available for patient use. U.S. Pat. No. 7,142,256 (Stoner et al.) discloses a programmable pendant control that interfaces with most televisions. However, the &#39;256 patent does not disclose a pendant control that interfaces with different types of call stations. 
         [0009]    Therefore, there has been a long-felt need for a patient communication system that is interchangeable with a plurality of televisions and nurse call systems found in health care facilities, including, but not limited to hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and out-patient offices. Furthermore, there is a long-felt need for a pendant control that is easily cleaned. There is also a need for a pendant control that has the bare minimum of electrical components within the pendant control. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The invention is a communication system for a health care facility having a translator unit operably arranged to communicate electronically with a device to be controlled and a pendant control located spatially separate and remote from the translator unit. The pendant control is operably arranged to communicate electronically with the translator unit. 
         [0011]    The invention is a translator unit for communicating with a device to be controlled having a housing electrically connected to a call station, interface specific hardware electrically connected to a pendant control, and a translation integrated circuit operatively arranged to communicate with the pendant control and the device to be controlled. 
         [0012]    The invention is a pendant control for communicating with a translator unit consisting of a housing connected to the translator unit where the housing is located spatially separate and remote from the translator unit, a plurality of electrical switches operatively arranged to control an electrical device, and an interface integrated circuit operatively arranged to send and receive a plurality of signals from the translator unit. 
         [0013]    A general object of the invention is to provide a health care facility patient communication system that is capable of functioning with any newly installed or existing call station. 
         [0014]    Another object of the invention is to provide a pendant control that can operate a plurality of electronic devices connected to the call station in a health care facility. 
         [0015]    A further object of the invention is to provide a pendant control that minimizes opportunities for the growth of bacteria and viruses. 
         [0016]    Yet another object of the invention is to provide a pendant control that is less expensive than prior art controls. 
         [0017]    Another object of the invention is to provide a pendant control that is disposable. 
         [0018]    These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciable from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and from the accompanying drawings and claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying figures, in which: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a typical health care facility patient room including a typical prior art patient communication system; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a partially exploded view of a typical prior art pendant control, exploded to show some of the typical components within pendant control  10 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a rear top view of housing portion  31  of the pendant control shown in  FIG. 2 , herein, housing portion  31  depicts the internal components within pendant control  10 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view similar to that shown in  FIG. 1 , except with the patient communication system of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a partially exploded view of the pendant control of the present invention, exploded to show some of the typical components within pendant control  100 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a rear top view of housing portion  131  of the pendant control shown in  FIG. 5 ; herein, housing portion  131  depicts the internal components within pendant control  100 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 7A  is a block diagram illustrating a typical prior art patient communication system; 
           [0027]      FIG. 7B  is a block diagram illustrating a patient communication system of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram of the electrical circuit of pendant control  100  of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  is a schematic of entertainment control buttons  123  shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  is a schematic of microcontroller circuit  140  shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 11A  is a schematic of the optional electrostatic discharge (ESD) Suppression unit  141  shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 11B  is a schematic of 24-pin connector  142  shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 12  is a schematic of left speaker  121 L, nurse call function  145 , auxiliary functions  149 , programming connector  133 , local_interlock  195 , optional indicator light emitting diodes (LEDs)  106 , headphone jack  108 , and optional battery  109  as shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 13A  is a schematic of optional backlight light emitting diodes (LEDs); 
           [0035]      FIG. 13B  is a schematic of optional vibration feedback motor; 
           [0036]      FIG. 14  is a block diagram of the electrical circuit of translator unit  13  of the present invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 15  is a schematic of microcontroller  200  shown in  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 16A  is a schematic of optional electrostatic discharge (ESD) Suppression unit  206  shown in  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 16B  is a schematic of the 24-pin connector  142  shown in  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 17  is a schematic of 20-pin connector  201  shown in  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 18  is a schematic of power management circuitry  151 , television data output circuitry  204 , programming connector  205 , and optional ambient light level sensor  208  shown in  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 19  is a schematic of serial control pull-ups  211  and power input  212  (television  233  or optional batteries  234 ) shown in  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 20  is a block diagram of the electrical circuit of programmer unit  300  of the current invention; and, 
           [0044]      FIG. 21  is a schematic of 37-pin wall interface connector  400 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0045]    At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred aspects, it is to be understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspect. The present invention is intended to include various modifications and equivalent arrangements within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, the pendant control of the present invention may take many different forms and shapes, and control different appliances, devices and functions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. 
         [0046]    Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims. 
         [0047]    Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described. 
         [0048]    Adverting again to the Figures,  FIG. 4  is a perspective view similar to that shown in  FIG. 1 , except the patient communication system of the present invention is shown instead. Patient  20  is shown resting in bed  14  holding pendant control  100 . Pendant control quick disconnect cable  101 A is hard-wired to translator unit quick disconnect cable  101 B through quick disconnect connector  101 . Translator unit  13  communicates with call station  15 . Call station  15  is hard-wired to the various electronic devices in the room, including television  11 , lights  12 , and a remote nurses&#39; station (not shown). Pendant control  100  allows patient  20  to operate the electronic devices in the room, including the various functions of television  11  (such as changing channels or adjusting volume), controlling lights  12 , and calling for a nurse. 
         [0049]    Translator unit  13  is spatially separate and remote from pendant control  100  in every patient room and communicates with at least one call station  15 . It should be appreciated that translator unit  13  is programmable and can interface with any newly installed or prior existing call station  15  or television  11 . It should be further appreciated that pendant control  100 , when connected to translator unit  13 , can operate any electronic devices/appliances in the room, regardless of model or manufacturer. 
         [0050]    Quick disconnect connector  101  allows pendant control  100  to be easily disconnected and disposed of after use, and a new pendant control  100  to be connected when a new patient occupies the room. It should be appreciated that pendant control  100  can be easily disconnected and is thus transportable to any area of the building, regardless of the brand or manufacturer of call station  15 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 5  is a partially exploded view of pendant control  100  of the present invention, exploded to show some of the typical components within pendant control  100 . Speakers  121 L and  121 R, plurality of switches  103 , and interface integrated circuit  104  are shown suspended between housing portion  131  and housing portion  132 . In a preferred embodiment, pendant control  100  is disposable because, in the present invention, the relatively expensive electrical components typically found in a pendant control have been moved to translator unit  13 . Pendant control  100  comprises housing  130 , plurality of buttons  125 , left speaker  121 L, and right speaker  121 R. Plurality of buttons  125  enables patient  20  to operate the electrical devices in the room, including the various functions of television  11  (such as changing channels or adjusting volume), lights  12 , and nurse call. Housing  130  comprises housing portions  131  and  132 , which are secured by any suitable fastening means, for example, screws  500 . However, it should be appreciated that any suitable fastening means can be implemented. Speakers  121 L and  121 R enable patient  20  to listen to television  11  without disturbing others because the audio of television  11  can be transmitted through pendant control  100  rather than through television  11  across the room. In an example embodiment, either speaker  121 L or  121 R can also serve as a microphone enabling patient  20  to communicate with nurses&#39; station (not shown). Housing portion  131  also includes headphone jack  108 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 6  is a rear top view of pendant control  100  shown in  FIG. 5 ; herein, housing portion  131  depicts the internal components within pendant control  100 . The internal components of pendant control  100  comprise left speaker  121 L, right speaker  121 R, and plurality of electrical components  126 . Plurality of electrical components  126  further comprises plurality of switches  103  and interface integrated circuit  104 . In an example embodiment, pendant control  100  operates on 3 volts. 
         [0053]    In another embodiment, pendant control  100  further comprises optional electrostatic discharge (ESD) suppression circuitry  141 , optional call indicator light emitting diodes (LEDs)  106 , optional battery  109 , optional backlight  110 , optional vibration motor  111  and optional finder  112  (depicted in subsequent figures). ESD suppression circuitry  141  is provided to ensure a robust connection in a dry, static-filled environment. 
         [0054]      FIG. 7A  is a block diagram illustrating the typical communication system. Pendant control  10  includes a plurality of electrical components  40 , of which many of the electrical components are relatively expensive. Plurality of electrical components  40  includes switches  41 , interface integrated circuit  42 , power management circuitry  43 , television interface  44 , call circuit hardware  46 , light control hardware  48  and interface specific hardware  49 . Pendant control  10  is hard-wired to call station  15 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 7B  is a block diagram depicting pendant control  100 , translator unit  13 , and call station  15 . Pendant control  100  includes only plurality of switches  103  and interface integrated circuit  104  (hereinafter microcontroller circuit  140 ), in a preferred embodiment. It should be appreciated that pendant control  100  contains only the bare minimum components necessary to operate the electrical devices in the room and accordingly is less expensive to manufacture than pendant control  10 . It should further be appreciated that due to the relatively low cost of producing pendant control  100 , it can be disposed of after a single use. Pendant control  100  and translator unit  13  are connected by quick disconnect cables  101 A and  101 B, which are connected by quick disconnect connector  101 . 
         [0056]    Translator unit  13  comprises television interface circuitry  150 , power management circuitry  151 , call circuit hardware  152 , light control hardware  153 , interface specific hardware  154  (hereinafter 20-pin connector  201 ), and translation integrated circuitry  155  (hereinafter microcontroller circuit  200 ). Translator unit  13  is connected to call station  15  via 20-pin connector  201  (shown in  FIG. 14 ). Translator unit  13  is powered by a data line of television  11 , for example, 5 mA at 5 VDC. However, translator unit  13  can be battery-powered. 
         [0057]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram view of pendant control  100 . Pendant control  100  comprises plurality of buttons  125  (not shown), which allow patient  20  to control various functions, such as nurse call, room lights  12 , television  11 , and any other interactive controls for a particular application. Pendant control  100  can send and receive a plurality of electrical signals. Pendant control quick disconnect cable  101 A and translator quick disconnect cable  101 B are connected by quick disconnect connector  101  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). Pendant control  100  interfaces with translator unit  13  through 24-pin connector  142 . When a button is pressed on pendant control  100  that controls a television function, signal  194  from entertainment switches is sent to pendant control microcontroller IC 1 . After receiving signal  194 , microcontroller IC 1  sends synchronous data  180  to translator unit  13  (shown in  FIG. 14 ) through 24-pin connector  142 . All of the codes necessary to read synchronous data  180  sent from pendant control  100  to translator unit  13  (not shown) are stored within translator unit microcontroller IC 2  (shown in  FIG. 14 ). In another embodiment of the invention, synchronous data  180  to and from pendant control microcontroller IC 1  pass through optional electrostatic discharge (ESD) suppression circuitry  141 . 
         [0058]    Translator unit microcontroller IC 2  (shown in  FIG. 14 ) is programmed to receive a plurality of signals from pendant control  100 . After translator unit microcontroller IC 2  (shown in  FIG. 14 ) receives a signal, the signal is interpreted and sent to television  11  via television data output circuitry  204  (shown in  FIG. 14 ). 
         [0059]    It should be appreciated that microcontroller IC 1  does not transmit a signal directly corresponding to the device it controls, but a generic signal for the function pressed. For example, if the channel up button has been pressed on pendant control  100 , microcontroller IC 1  will send the same signal for channel up to translator unit microcontroller IC 2 , irrespective of the device it controls. It should be further appreciated that translator unit microcontroller IC 2  can be programmed to receive signals from microcontroller IC 1  for any brand of television  11 . It should also be appreciated that because television data output circuitry  204  is now located in translator unit  13 , it does not have to be duplicated in each pendant control  100 . 
         [0060]    When a button is pressed on pendant control  100  that controls nurse call function  145 , signal  185  bypasses pendant control microcontroller IC 1  and translator unit microcontroller IC 2  and is sent directly to call circuit hardware  152  (shown in  FIG. 14 ). Similarly, when a button is pressed on pendant control  100  that controls an auxiliary function  149 , signal  185  bypasses pendant control microcontroller IC 1  and translator unit microcontroller IC 2  and is sent directly to call circuit hardware  152  (shown in  FIG. 14 ). Likewise, signal  186  for indicator light emitting diodes (LEDs)  106 , to indicate whether a nurse call signal has been placed or acknowledged, is directly sent either from pendant control  100  to call circuit hardware  152  (shown in  FIG. 14 ) or from call circuit hardware  152  (shown in  FIG. 14 ) to pendant control  100 . 
         [0061]    In another embodiment of the invention, when a button is pressed on pendant control  100  that controls optional backlight  110 , a signal from optional backlight switch (not shown) is sent to pendant control microcontroller IC 1 . After receiving a signal (not shown), microcontroller IC 1  sends signal  182  to backlight  110 . Similarly, when a button is pressed on pendant control  100  that controls optional vibration motor  111 , a signal from optional vibration motor switch (not shown) is sent to pendant control microcontroller IC 1 . After receiving a signal (not shown), microcontroller IC 1  sends signal  182  to vibration motor  111 . 
         [0062]    Headphone jack  108  includes a disconnect, which breaks the connection to speakers  121 L and  121 R when headphones are plugged in. Audio signals  193  from television or nurse call system pass from 24 pin-connector  142  to speakers  121 L and  121 R. 
         [0063]    In another embodiment of the invention, pendant control  100  and translator unit  13  (shown in  FIG. 14 ) are powered by optional battery  109 . Optional battery  109  provides power  188  to microcontroller  140 , power  189  to optional backlight  110 , power  189  to optional vibration motor, and power  190  to translator unit  13  (shown in  FIG. 14 ). 
         [0064]      FIG. 9  is a schematic of entertainment control buttons  123  of pendant control  100  shown in  FIG. 8 . The entertainment portion of translator unit  13  includes a serial data interface for signaling between pendant control  100  and translator unit  13 . Additionally, an output section allows coded signals to be sent to television  11  to control it based on commands from pendant control  100 . Entertainment control buttons  123  comprise plurality of switches  103  including power switch SW P , channel up switch SW CH+ , channel down switch SW CH− , volume up switch SW V+ , volume down switch SW V− , digit 0 switch SW 0 , digit 1 switch SW 1 , digit 2 switch SW 2 , digit 3 switch SW 3 , digit 4 switch SW 4 , digit 5 switch SW 5 , digit 6 switch SW 6 , digit 7 switch SW 7 , digit 8 switch SW 8 , digit 9 switch SW 9 , dash switch SW DSH , closed captioning switch SW CC , mute switch SW MT , previous channel switch SW PRECH , and sleep switch SW SL . By way of an example, when a button is pressed on pendant control  100 , a contact closure occurs in pendant control  100 . A serial code is sent to translator unit  13 . For example, channel up might send command 01 in hexadecimal while the digit 8 might send the command 12 in hexadecimal. It should be appreciated that coded signals may be sent and received using a serial interface, resistor comparator, keypad matrix or other technology that allows discernment of individual commands. 
         [0065]      FIG. 10  is a schematic of microcontroller circuit IC 1  shown in  FIG. 8 . Microcontroller circuit  140  comprises microcontroller IC 1 , plurality of pins  160 , capacitor C 1 , and polarized capacitor C 2 . In a preferred embodiment, microcontroller IC 1  is manufactured by Microchip Model Pic16F687-I/P. Microcontroller IC 1  regulates commands between pendant control  100  and an entertainment device, for example, television  11 . The microcontroller code can be generalized for standard applications, or customized for unique entertainment systems or situations. Microcontroller IC 1  also includes nonvolatile memory that allows programmed settings (such as television control code set, behavior of locator light and backlight, etc.) to be retained even in the event of prolonged power loss. 
         [0066]    A schematic of optional electrostatic discharge (ESD) suppression unit  141  also shown in  FIG. 8  is shown in  FIG. 11A . ESD suppression unit  141  comprises ESD suppression for data function  161 , clock function  162 , and serial control function  163 . ESD suppression for data function  161  comprises diode D 1 , diode D 2 , capacitor C 3 , inductor L 1 , and resistor R 1 . ESD suppression for clock function  162  comprises diode D 3 , diode D 4 , capacitor C 4 , inductor L 2 , and resistor R 2 . ESD suppression for serial control function  163  comprises diode D 5 , diode D 6 , capacitor C 5 , inductor L 3 , and resistor R 3 . If an inductor is not used for data function  161 , clock function  162 , or serial control function  163 , then the respective inductors should be replaced with 0 Ohms. 
         [0067]      FIG. 11B  is a schematic of 24-pin connector  142  shown in  FIG. 8 . 24-pin connector  142  contains plurality of pins  160 . In an example embodiment, 24-pin connector  142  uses commercially available spring-loaded contacts (similar to pogo-pins) on the translator side and simple pads on a printed circuit board for pendant control  100  and programmer  300  (described in further detail below). Optional ESD suppression unit  141  (shown in  FIG. 11A ) is connected to 24-pin connector  142 . 
         [0068]    A schematic of left speaker  121 L, nurse call function  145 , auxiliary functions  149 , programming connector  133 , local_interlock  195 , optional indicator light emitting diodes (LEDs)  106 , headphone jack  108 , and optional battery  109  (as shown in  FIG. 8 ) is shown in  FIG. 12 . Speaker  121 L comprises resistor R 4 , line 1 speaker break  198  and line 2 speaker  199 . Although not shown, pendant control  100  includes a right speaker  121 R, which structurally and electrically identical to left speaker  121 L. Nurse call function  145  contains single pole, double throw (SPDT) switch SW Nu . Auxiliary functions  149  comprise plurality of SPDT switches including auxiliary switch SW AUX1 , auxiliary switch SW AUX2 , auxiliary switch SW AUX3 , and auxiliary switch SW AUX4 . Programming connector  133  comprises 5-pin connector  143 . 5-pin connector  143  comprises program function  143 A, data function  143 B, and clock function  143 C. Local_interlock  195  comprises local_interlock pins  195 A and  195 B. Local_interlock pin  195 A is located among pins 1-12 of 24-pin connector  142  and local_interlock  195 B is located among pins 12-24 of 24-pin connector  142 . If pendant control  100  is plugged into or disconnected from translator unit  13 , a signal is sent to translator unit  13 . Optional call light emitting diodes  106  comprise light emitting diodes LED 1  and LED 2 . In an example embodiment, optional battery  109  is powered by two double AA batteries. 
         [0069]      FIG. 13A  is a schematic of optional backlight light emitting diodes (LEDs). 
         [0070]    Optional feature backlight  110  comprises backlight dim connector  110 A and backlight bright connector  110 B. Backlight dim connector  110 A comprises resistor R 5  and indicator LED 3 . Backlight bright connector  110 B comprises resistors R 6  and R 8  and indicators LED 4  and LED 5 . 
         [0071]      FIG. 13B  is a schematic of optional vibration feedback motor circuitry. Optional vibration feedback motor circuitry  111  comprises motor connector  111 A, electric motor M, diode D 8 , capacitor C 6 , resistor R 9 , and transistor Q 1 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 14  is a block diagram of the electrical circuit of translator unit  13 . Translator unit  13  sends and receives a plurality of signals by pendant control  100  and call station  15 . Translator unit  13  and pendant control  100  are connected by quick disconnect connector  101  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). On one end of quick disconnect connector  101  is pendant control quick disconnect cable  101 A and on the other end of quick disconnect connector  100  is translator unit quick disconnect cable  101 B (shown in  FIG. 4 ). 24-pin connector  142  interfaces with pendant control  100  or programming connector  133 . Translator unit  13  comprises call circuit hardware  152 . Translator unit  13  and call circuit hardware  152  are connected by 20-pin connector  201 . Call circuit hardware  152  sends and receives signals by pendant control  100  and call station  15 . When a button is pressed on pendant control  100  for nurse call  145  or auxiliary function  149 , a signal is sent via 24-pin connector  142  to 20-pin connector  201 . 20-pin connector  201  interfaces with call station  15  via 37-pin connector  400  (shown in  FIG. 21 ). Call station  15  is wired to the various electronic devices in the room, including television  11 , lighting  12 , and nurses&#39; station (not shown). 
         [0073]    Microcontroller IC 2  of translator unit  13  sends and receives serial data  230  by pendant control  100  or programming connector  133 . Microcontroller IC 2  is programmable by translator unit programmer  300  (shown in  FIG. 20 ). Translator unit programmer  300  (shown in  FIG. 20 ) interfaces with microcontroller IC 2  via programming connector  133 . Microcontroller sends and receives serial data  238  by programming connector  233 . In another embodiment of the invention, microcontroller IC 2  receives light or dark signals  235  from optional ambient light sensor  208 . In yet another embodiment of the invention, serial data  230  sent and received by microcontroller IC 2  by pendant control  100  or programming connector  133  passes through optional electrostatic discharge (ESD) suppression unit  206 . 
         [0074]    Microcontroller IC 2  sends and receives a plurality of serial data  230  by pendant control  100  and programming connector  133 . When an entertainment button  123  is pushed on pendant control  100  a signal  194  is generated to microcontroller IC 1 . Signal  194  from microcontroller IC 1  is sent by 24-pin connector  142  to microcontroller IC 2 . After translator unit microcontroller IC 2  receives a signal, signal for television control  231  is sent to television data output circuitry  204 . From television data output circuitry  204 , the signal is sent to television  11  via television data line  232 . 
         [0075]    It should be appreciated that translator unit microcontroller IC 2  can be programmed to receive signals from pendant control microcontroller IC 1  for any brand of television  11 . It should also be appreciated that because television data output circuitry  204  is now located in translator unit  13 , it does not have to be duplicated in each pendant control  100 . 
         [0076]    Translator unit  13  also comprises power management circuitry  151 , which receives power from television data line  233 . Power is sent to optional ambient light level sensor  208  via power line  236 , to microcontroller IC 2  via power line  239 , and to pendant control  100  via 24-pin connector  142 . In another embodiment of the invention, power management circuitry  151  receives power from pendant control optional batteries  234 . Power management circuitry  151  interfaces with pendant control  100  by 24-pin connector  142  to give a constant level of power to pendant control  100 . Power management circuitry  151  adjusts the polarity and manages the voltage levels of pendant control  100  when signals are sent, regardless of the voltage level provided by television  11  or batteries. Low drop out voltage regulator  203  enables pendant control  100  to maintain a consistent power level, namely 3 volts, necessary for pendant control  100  to operate all functions in the room. Different television brands provide different levels of power output and polarities. It should be appreciated that power management circuitry  151  enables pendant control  100  to maintain the same power level necessary for all functions to work, despite the power output of any electrical device. Protection and isolation between the two potential power sources is provided in case both are present simultaneously. 
         [0077]    Translator unit  13  further comprises call circuit hardware  152 . Call circuit hardware  152  sends and receives signals by pendant control  100  and call station  15 . When a button is pressed on the pendant control  100  for nurse call  145  or auxiliary function  149 , a signal is sent via 24-pin connector  142  to 20-pin connector  201 . 20-pin connector  201  is wired to call circuit hardware  152 . Translator unit  13  interfaces with call station  15  via 37-pin connector  400  (shown in  FIG. 21 ). It should be appreciated that call circuit hardware can send signals to any brand or manufacturer of call station  15 . 
         [0078]      FIG. 15  is a schematic of microcontroller circuit  200  shown in  FIG. 14 . Microcontroller circuit  200  comprises microcontroller IC 2 , plurality of pins 160, capacitor C 8 , capacitor C 9 , resistor R 10 , and resistor R 11 . In an example embodiment, microcontroller IC 2  is manufactured by Microchip Model PIC16(L)F1826/27. 
         [0079]      FIG. 16A  is a schematic of optional electrostatic discharge (ESD) suppression  206  shown in  FIG. 14 . Optional ESD suppression unit  206  contains ESD suppression for data function  206 A, clock function  206 B, serial control function  206 C, and Local_Interlock function  206 D. ESD suppression for data function  206 A includes diode D 9 , diode D 10 , capacitor C 10 , inductor L 4 , and resistor R 12 . ESD suppression for clock function  206 B includes diode D 11 , diode D 12 , capacitor C 11 , inductor L 5 , and resistor R 13 . ESD suppression for serial control function  206 C includes diode D 13 , diode D 14 , capacitor C 13 , inductor L 6 , and resistor R 14 . ESD suppression Local_Interlock function  206 D includes diode D 15 , diode D 16 , capacitor C 12 , inductor L 8 , and resistor R 15 . If an inductor is not used for data function  206 A, clock function  206 B, serial control function  206 C, or Local_Interlock function  206 D, then the respective inductors should be replaced with O Ohms. 
         [0080]      FIG. 16B  is a schematic of the 24-connector shown in  FIG. 14 . 24-pin connector  142  comprises a plurality of pins 160. Optional ESD suppression unit  206  shown in  FIG. 15   a  is connected to 24-pin connector  142 . 
         [0081]      FIG. 17  is a schematic of 20-pin connector  201  shown in  FIG. 14 . 20-pin connector  201  comprises a plurality of pins  160 . 20-pin connector  201  interfaces with 37-pin connector  400  (shown in  FIG. 21 ). In an example embodiment, 20-pin connector  201  is a simple pair of pins and sockets that allow one printed circuit board assembly to be stacked over another internal to translator unit  13 . This design allows easy access, if necessary. 20-pin connector  201  further comprises local_interlock pins  195 A and  195 B. If any of the wiring for nurse call function  145  is compromised, a signal (not shown) is sent to translator unit  13 . 
         [0082]      FIG. 18  is a schematic of power management circuitry  151 , television data output circuitry  204 , programming connector  205 , and optional ambient light level sensor  208  shown in  FIG. 14 . Optional ambient light level sensor  208  comprises resistor R 16 , resistor R 18 , resistor R 19 , resistor R 20 , resistor R 21 , capacitor C 13 , phototransistor Q 2 , and NPN bipolar transistor Q 3 . Power management circuitry  151  comprises polarized capacitor C 14 , capacitor C 15 , polarized capacitor C 16 , and polarized capacitor C 18 . Television data output circuitry  204  comprises plurality of pins  160 , resistor R 22 , resistor R 23 , and NPN bipolar transistor Q 4 . Programming connector  205  comprises a plurality of pins  160 . 
         [0083]      FIG. 19  is a schematic of serial control pull-ups  211  and power input  212  (television or optional batteries) shown in  FIG. 14 . Serial control pull-ups  211  comprise plurality of pins  160 , resistor R 24 , resistor R 25 , resistor R 26 , and resistor R 28 . Power input  212  derives from television  213  or optional batteries  214  located in pendant control  100 . Power input  212  from television  213  includes Schottky diode D 18 . Power input  212  from battery  214  includes Schottky diode D 19 . 
         [0084]      FIG. 20  is a block diagram of the electrical circuit of translator programmer unit  300 . Programmer unit  300  interfaces with translator unit  13  via 24-pin connector  142 . Programmer unit comprises microcontroller circuitry  310 . Microcontroller circuitry  310  comprises microcontroller IC 3  (not shown) with EEPROM to store settings, which are used to program translator unit  13 . Programming unit  300  further comprises power switch SW P , battery power source B, status indicator LEDs  315 , LCD display  320 , and user input switches  325 . Status indicators  315  further comprise light emitting diodes LED 6 , LED 8 , and LED 9 , which correspond to success indicator, fail indicator, and working indicator, respectively. User input switches  320  further comprise SW Up , SW Down , SW Left , SW Right , SW Enter . It should be appreciated that programmer unit  300  is not necessary for the operation of pendant control  100 . However, programmer unit  300  is necessary for initial configuration and to make any necessary changes to the behavior of translator unit  13 . 
         [0085]    It should be appreciated that the communication between translator unit  13  and pendant control  100  or translator unit  13  and programmer  300  is via a synchronous serial data stream. One wire is used as a clock to provide a pulse each time a bit is ready to be read, and a data line is used to send the individual bits. 
         [0086]      FIG. 21  is a schematic of 37-pin wall interface connector  400 . 37-pin connector  400  comprises a plurality of pins  160 . Translator unit  13  interfaces with call station  15  via 37-pin connector  400 . 
         [0087]    Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. It also is understood that the foregoing description is illustrative of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting. Therefore, other embodiments of the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
       REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       [0000]    
       
           10  pendant control 
           11  television 
           12  lights 
           13  translator unit 
           14  bed 
           15  call station 
           20  patient 
           21  speaker 
           22  plurality of speaker perforations 
           23  plurality of buttons 
           30  housing 
           31  housing portion 
           32  housing portion 
           40  plurality of electrical components 
           41  switches 
           42  interface integrated circuit 
           43  power management circuitry 
           44  television interface 
           46  call circuit hardware 
           48  light control hardware 
           49  interface specific hardware 
           50  first circuit board 
           51  second circuit board 
           100  pendant control 
           101  quick disconnect connector 
           101 A quick disconnect cable 
           101 B quick disconnect cable 
           103  plurality of switches 
           104  interface integrated circuit 
           106  optional call indicator light emitting diodes (LEDs) 
           108  headphone jack 
           109  optional battery 
           110  optional backlight 
           110 A backlight dim 
           110 B backlight bright 
           111  optional vibration feedback motor circuitry 
           111 A motor connector 
           112  optional finder 
           121 L left speaker 
           121 R right speaker 
           123  plurality of entertainment buttons 
           125  plurality of buttons 
           126  plurality of electrical components 
           130  housing 
           131  housing portion 
           132  housing portion 
           133  programming connector 
           140  microcontroller 
           141  optional electrostatic discharge (ESD) suppression 
           142  24-pin connector 
           143  5-pin connector 
           143 A program function 
           143 B data function 
           143 C clock function 
           145  nurse call function 
           149  auxiliary functions 
           150  television interface circuitry 
           151  power management circuitry 
           152  call circuit hardware 
           153  light circuit hardware 
           154  interface specific hardware 
           155  translation integrated circuitry 
           160  plurality of pins 
           161  data function 
           162  clock function 
           163  serial control function 
           180  synchronous data (bi-directional) to/from translator unit 
           182  control line 
           185  nurse call and auxiliary function signal pass through line 
           186  indicator LED signal pass through line 
           188  power line 
           189  power line 
           192  optional vibration motor power line 
           193  audio signal from television or nurse call system 
           194  signal from entertainment switches to microcontroller 
           195  Local_Interlock 
           195 A Interlock — 1 pin 
           195 B Interlock — 2 pin 
           198  line 1 speaker break 
           199  line 2 speaker 
           200  microcontroller 
           201  20-pin connector 
           203  voltage regulator 
           204  television data output circuitry 
           205  programming connector 
           206  optional electrostatic discharge (ESD) suppression unit 
           206 A data function 
           206 B clock function 
           206 C serial control function 
           206 D Loc_Interlock function 
           208  optional ambient light level sensor 
           211  serial control pull-ups 
           212  power input 
           230  serial data to/from pendant or programmer 
           231  data signal for television control 
           232  output to television data line 
           233  power from television data line 
           234  optional pendant control battery power 
           235  light/dark signal 
           236  power line 
           238  serial data to/from programming connector 
           239  power to microcontroller 
           240  nurse call, auxiliaries, and audio signals 
           300  translator unit programmer 
           310  microcontroller circuitry 
           315  status indicator LEDs 
           320  LCD display 
           325  user input switches 
           400  37-pin connector 
           500  screws