Hematology analyzing system and analyzer

An analyzing system includes an analyzer and a server computer in communication with the analyzer via a network. The analyzer includes a first controller that is configured to communicate, via a display, instructions to an operator of the analyzer when a predetermined event occurs in the analyzer. The instructions request confirmation that the operator received training. The first controller is also configured to receive an indication of whether the operator has completed the training, and, when the indication indicates that the operator has completed the training, request, from the server, a confirmation that the operator has completed the training. The server computer is configured to receive the confirmation request from the analyzer, determine a training status of the operator, and communicate the training status to the analyzer. The first controller prevents measurement of a sample if the operator has not completed the training.

BACKGROUND

This application relates to an analyzer and its components. In particular, this application relates to a clinical analyzer and system configured to ensure that an operator is qualified to use the analyzer and that the operator adheres to certain procedures while operating the analyzer.

ii) Description of the Related Art

Hematology analyzers are utilized to make various measurements of the constituents of a blood sample. Many known hematology analyzers are large cumbersome machines placed in hospitals and laboratories. Such analyzers are required to be operated by an operator officially certified to operate the analyzers.

Smaller hematology analyzers, such as the analyzers described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,772,650 and 7,013,260, are designed to be placed in a doctor's office where space is at a premium. Like the analyzers described above, a certified operator may operate these machines.

However, it is difficult to guarantee that such an operator is actually operating the analyzer. In many instances, the person operating the machine may have little or no training on the analyzer. Even when trained, the operator may not follow the various procedures required for accurate testing of a patient blood sample.

For example, performance of a quality control check of the analyzer may be required on a periodic basis to ensure that the analyzer is operating correctly. To perform the quality control check, various samples with known consistencies are inserted into the analyzer for analysis. However, in many instances the samples must be thoroughly mixed before measurement. When the operator skips this step, the samples may become unusable for future quality control checks as the consistency of the samples may change. Thus, a new sample may be required, which will necessarily increase the cost associated with operation of the analyzer.

In other instances, an operator may attempt to measure a patient blood sample that has been in storage. In this case, it may be necessary to treat the patient blood sample prior to measurement to ensure accuracy of measurement. For example, the patient blood sample may need to be mixed. When an operator fails to perform this procedure correctly, the measurement may fail or give inaccurate results.

Other problems with known analyzers will become apparent upon reading the descriptions of the various embodiments described below.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, an analyzing system includes an analyzer and a server computer in communication with the analyzer via a network. The analyzer includes a display, measurement hardware, and a first controller. The first controller is configured to communicate, via the display, instructions to the operator of the analyzer when a predetermined event occurs in the analyzer. The instructions request confirmation that the operator received training. The first controller is also configured to receive an indication of whether the operator has completed the training, and, when the indication indicates that the operator has completed the training, request, from the server, a confirmation that the operator has completed the training. The server computer includes a second controller configured to receive the confirmation request from the analyzer, determine a training status of the operator that indicates whether the operator has completed training, and communicate a result of the determination to the analyzer. The first controller is configured to prevent a measurement of a sample by the measurement hardware if the result communicated by the server indicates that the operator has not completed the training.

In a second aspect, an analyzer for measuring a sample includes a display, measurement hardware, and a controller. The controller is configured to communicate, via the display, instructions to the operator of the analyzer when a predetermined event occurs in the analyzer. The instructions request confirmation that the operator received training. The controller is further configured to receive an indication of whether the operator has completed the training, and when the indication indicates that the operator has completed the training, request, from a server, a confirmation that the operator has completed the training. When confirmation is not received, the controller prevents measurement of the sample by the measurement hardware.

In a third aspect, a server operating on a network and in communication with an analyzer for measuring a sample includes a controller. The controller is configured to receive a request for confirmation that an operator of the analyzer has completed training on the analyzer. The controller is further configured to determine a training status of the operator that indicates whether the operator has completed training, and communicate a result of the determination to the analyzer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments below describe an exemplary embodiment of an analyzer system. For example, the analyzer system may include a hematology analyzer configured to analyze a patient blood sample and a server in communication with the hematology analyzer. In particular, the system is configured to ensure that an operator is qualified to use the analyzer and that the operator adheres to certain procedures while operating the analyzer. In one embodiment, the analyzer system prevents an operator from using an analyzer until it can be confirmed that the operator is qualified to use the analyzer. In second and third embodiments, the operator is presented with step-by-step instructions that guide the operator in the proper use of the analyzer.

FIG. 1is an exemplary hematology analyzer system100(hereinafter system). The system100includes a hematology analyzer105(hereinafter analyzer) and a server110. The analyzer105may include the features of the analyzer of U.S. Pat. No. 6,772,650, which is hereby incorporated by references. For example, the analyzer105may include an input/display section120, measurement hardware125, and a controller127.

The measurement hardware128may include a sample-setting panel125provided on a lower front right portion of the analyzer105. The sample-setting panel125is configured to be opened and closed to facilitate placement of one or more sample vials130and132in a sample setting section (SeeFIG. 12B) that is configured to measure the consistency of samples.

The controller127may correspond to an Intel®, AMD®, or PowerPC® based microprocessor system or a different microprocessor system. The controller127may include an operating system, such as a Microsoft Windows®, Linux, Unix® based operating system or a different operating system. The controller127may be configured to communicate with other computers, such as the server110, via a network115. The controller127may be configured to control the operation of the analyzer105. In this regard, the controller127may be configured to generate images and to communicate the images to the input/display section120. The controller127may also be configured to cooperate with the measurement hardware125to perform various measurements. For example, the controller127may be operable to cause the measurement hardware125to dispense a samples from sample vials130and132and dilute the samples with various reagents to thereby and analyze constituents of the samples.

In one embodiment, two sample vials130and132are utilized to ensure that the analyzer105is calibrated. During normal operation, the analyzer105is utilized to determine whether constituents of a patient blood sample fall within various ranges that have upper and lower limits. The sample vials130and132comprise substances in known quantities configured such than when analyzed by the analyzer105, a given metric should produce a result at one end or the other of a range associated with the metric. For example, consistency of substances in the first sample vial130may be configured to provide results at respective lower ends of the ranges. The consistency of Substances in the second sample vial132may be configured to provide results at respective upper ends of the ranges.

The sample vials130and132are generally provided in lots, where a first lot of sample vials contains sample vials with consistencies configured to provide results at a first level (e.g., lower end of the range of measured parameters), and a second lot of sample vials contains sample vials with consistencies configured to provide results at a second level (e.g., upper end of the range of measured parameters). Each sample vial130and132is prepared with known concentrations of substances and is provided with a barcode131that facilitates identification of a given sample. The barcode131and concentration information for each sample vial130and132is stored in a sample database135.

The sample vials130and132may be used repeatedly. For example, the sample vials130and132may be utilized on daily basis when performing a quality control check of the analyzer105, as described below. With each use, some material in the sample vial130and132is depleted. Thus, there is a finite number of times in which a given sample vial130and132may be utilized. In addition, the sample vials130and132may have an expiration date. Accordingly, the number of times for which a given sample vial130and132is used and the expiration date for each sample vial130and132may be stored in the sample database135, so as to keep track of the usable life of the sample vial130and132. In some implementations, the analyzer105is configured to prevent use of a given sample vial130and132when it has been used more than a predetermined number of times or passed its expiration date.

The input/display section120of the analyzer105is configured to provide instructions to an operator of the analyzer105and to receive input from the operator. The input/display section120may be positioned on a front upper portion of the analyzer105and may correspond to a touch sensitive display that enables operator input. In other implementations, operator input may come by way of a keyboard (now shown) coupled to the analyzer105. As described below, via the input/display section120, the operator may be questioned as to whether he is registered with the analyzer105and whether he has completed a training session (i.e., familiarization session). The operator may be instructed to insert various sample vials130and132into the analyzer105to determine whether the analyzer105is calibrated. The operator may be instructed on how the sample vials130and132and/or patient blood samples are to be handled prior to insertion into the sample-setting panel125.

The server110may correspond to a computer system configured to communicate information to many analyzers105, and to authorize the analyzers105for use. The server110may include a controller129and input/output logic that facilitates communication of data to and from a sample database135and an operator database140.

The controller129may correspond to an Intel®, AMD®, or PowerPC® based microprocessor system or a different microprocessor system. The controller129may include an operating system, such as a Microsoft Windows®, Linux, Unix® based operating system or a different operating system. The controller129may be configured to communicate with other computers, such as the analyzer105, via a network115. The controller129may be configured to control the operation of the server110. For example, the controller129may facilitate communication between the server110and the analyzer105via a network115. The controller129may be operable to cause the server110to authorize the analyzer105on a periodic basis. For example, the analyzer105may be configured to prevent usage every twenty-four hours. In this case, the server110is configured to reauthorize the analyzer for usage on a daily basis subject to various requirements, which are described below.

The server110may be in communication with the sample database135, which stores sample information. During operations, the server110may be configured to communicate the sample information to the analyzer105when requested by the analyzer105. The analyzer105may store the information associated with a given sample internally.

The server110may also be in communication with the operator database140. The operator database140stores information associated with operators authorized to operate a given analyzer105. The operator information may include identifying information for each operator, such as the operator's name or an ID assigned to the operator. The operator information may also indicate a date on which the operator was authorized and information that identifies the analyzer105or analyzers for which the operator is authorized. The operator information may also specify whether the operator is currently authorized to use a given analyzer105.

FIG. 2illustrates exemplary operations that may be performed by an analyzer, such as the analyzer105described above or a different analyzer, to determine whether an operator is authorized to use the analyzer105. The operations inFIG. 2are best understood with reference toFIGS. 3A and 3B. Computer instructions for executing the operations may be stored in one or more non-transitory computer readable media of the analyzer105, such as a computer memory that is in communication with the controller127. The instructions may be executed by the controller127or any of the systems or processors described herein.

At block200, the analyzer105is enabled by a pre-determined event. For example, the analyzer105is enabled by being provided with power, the power switch of the analyzer105may be brought out of a standby state, and/or an operator may login to the analyzer105.

At block205, the analyzer105is connected to a network115, such as the Internet. In this regard, an initial screen may be displayed on the input/display section120if the analyzer105is not connected to an Internet connection. The screen may inform an operator of the analyzer105to connect the analyzer105to a network connection before allowing the operator to proceed.

At block210, a registration confirmation message may be displayed to the operator. For example, the registration/familiarization image300ofFIG. 3Amay be shown to the operator via the input/display section120. The registration/familiarization image300requests the operator to confirm whether the operator has completed registration and has completed a familiarization session. In some implementations, the analyzer105may also ask the operator for identifying information. For example, before using the analyzer105, operators may be required to first provide registration information, such as the operator's name, place of work, etc. The operator may be required to provide information that identifies the analyzer105the operator will utilize for testing samples, such as a serial number. The operator may provide other information. Operators may also be required to take some from of training on the operation of the analyzer105, such as a class on the basic operations of the analyzer105that teaches procedures for using the analyzer105(e.g., how to insert samples and the like).

At block215, if the operator indicates that he is registered, then at block220, the analyzer105may communicate with the server110to confirm whether the operator has taken a familiarization session. For example, the analyzer105may send the operator identifying information to the server110via the network115. The server110may then search the operator database140to locate the operator and confirm that the operator is registered and that the operator has completed the familiarization session.

At block230, if the server110has confirmed operator familiarization, the server110may communicate this fact to the analyzer105at block232. The analyzer105may then proceed with other operations at block245.

If at block230, the server110determines that the operator has not been familiarized and/or that the operator is not registered to operate the analyzer105, then at block235, the server110may communicate this fact to the analyzer105.

In response, the analyzer105may display an image on the input/display section120informing the operator that registration and/or familiarization is required, such as the image305ofFIG. 3B.

At block240, the analyzer105may be powered off. Alternatively, the operations may repeat back to block210.

Thus, the operations above prevent an unauthorized and/or un-familiarized operator from operating the analyzer105. This helps to ensure that when samples are analyzed, they are analyzed with correct procedures.

FIG. 4illustrates exemplary operations that may be performed by the analyzer105when performing a quality control check of the analyzer105. Quality control checks are required to ensure that the analyzer is calibrated. In some implementations, the analyzer105may be configured to require a quality control check is performed on a periodic basis, such as 7:00 AM each morning, before allowing normal measurement procedures to occur. The operations inFIG. 4are best understood with reference toFIGS. 5A and 5B. Computer instructions for executing the operations may be stored in one or more non-transitory computer readable media of the analyzer105, such as a computer memory that is in communication with the controller127. The instructions may be executed by the controller127or any of the systems or processors described herein.

At block400, instructions for performing a control check based on a level A sample vial130may be presented to the operator via the input/display section120. The operator may then select a level A sample vial130and scan a barcode131of the level A sample vial130. The operator then inserts the level A sample vial130into the sample-setting panel125. The analyzer105may then measure the amount of various substances in the level A sample vial130. The measurements are compared with known quantities of the substances associated with the specific level A sample vial130. As noted above, data that defines the actual quantities of the substances for each vial is stored in the sample database135and can be located via the barcode131. If a given level A sample vial130has been tested before, the actual quantities may be stored locally in the analyzer105. Otherwise, the analyzer105communicates the barcode131to the server110. The server110then responds with the actual quantities associated with the level A sample vial130.

At block405, the analyzer105determines whether the measurements are within an acceptable range of the known quantities of substances associated with the level A sample vial130. If the measured quantities are out of range, then at block410, the analyzer105determines whether this specific level A sample vial130has failed before.

If the level A sample vial130has not failed before, then at block415, a failure count associated with the level A sample vial130is incremented. The failure count may be maintained within a memory of the analyzer105. In addition or alternatively, the failure count may be communicated to the server110and stored in a record of the sample database135that is associated with the level A sample vial130.

At block420, the operator is instructed to retest the failed level A sample vial130.FIG. 5Aillustrates an exemplary image500that may be shown to the operator via the input/display section120to instruct the operator to retest the failed level A sample vial130.

After the operator is instructed to retest the failed level A sample vial130, the operations may repeat from block400.

If at block410, the failure count associated with the level A sample vial130is equal to one, the failure count may be incremented again. In some implementations, a second failure renders the level A sample vial130unusable for future quality control checks. As such, the level A sample vial130may be flagged as unusable. The updated failure count and/or flag may be maintained within a memory of the analyzer105. In addition or alternatively, the failure count and/or flag may be communicated to the server110and stored in a record of the sample database135that is associated with the level A sample vial130.

Following the second failure, the operator may be instructed to select a new level A sample vial130. For example, the image505ofFIG. 5Bmay be communicated to the operator via the input/display section120. The operations may then repeat from block400.

The rational for retesting after the first failure is that in some instances, a level A sample vial130may result in a failure because the level A sample vial130was not mixed properly. In this situation, the substances within the level A sample vial130may not be evenly distributed throughout the level A sample vial130. Heavier substances will tend to accumulate at the bottom of the level A sample vial130. A needle through which the sample is drawn by the measurement hardware128tends to draw the sample from near the bottom of the level A sample vial130. Under these circumstances, an increased quantity of heavier substances will be withdrawn, thus causing the failure. However, as a result of the uneven distribution of the substances, the various ratios of substances will change unevenly. In other words, the relative concentrations of the substances within the level A sample vial130will change. This may render the level A sample vial130unusable for future quality control checks. In some implementations, one failure may be tolerated provided the operator subsequently mixes the level A sample vial130thoroughly on the second attempt. However, after a subsequent failure, the level A sample vial130may be rendered unusable for future quality control checks. The number of times a given level A sample vial130may be allowed to fail may be greater in some instances. For example, the size of the level A sample vial130or the manner in which a sample is withdrawn may be configured so that more than one failure is tolerable.

Returning to block405, if the level A sample vial130passes the quality control check, then at block430, a level B sample vial132is tested. The level B sample vial132is tested in the same manner as the level A sample vial130. That is, if the level B sample vial132fails a first quality control check, a failure count specifically associated with the level B sample vial132is incremented by one and the operator is instructed to perform the quality control check a second time. If the quality control check fails a second time, the operator is instructed to select a new level B sample vial132for quality control checking.

At block435, after a level A sample vial130and a level B sample vial132vial have passed the quality control checks, then a flag may be set to indicated that a further quality control check is not required for a certain period. In some implementations, the flag is reset on a periodic basis, such as on a twenty-four hour cycle or at a specific time of day.

At block440, the analyzer105is ready for normal operations. That is, an operator may begin measuring actual patient blood samples.

Thus, the operations above minimize the wasting of level A sample vials130and level B sample vials132by allowing for a given sample vial to fail a specified number of times before the sample vial is flagged as being unusable. This in turn helps to reduce lower operating costs.

FIG. 6illustrates exemplary operations that may be performed by the analyzer105for the pre-analytical procedures of a patient sample. Pre-analytical procedures of a patient sample may be required in some instances to ensure accurate measurement of the patient sample. The operations inFIG. 6are best understood with reference toFIGS. 7A-13A. Computer instructions for executing the operations may be stored in one or more non-transitory computer readable media of the analyzer105, such as a computer memory that is in communication with the controller127. The instructions may be executed by the controller127or any of the systems or processors described herein.

At block600, the operator specifies a type of patient sample vessel to be tested.FIG. 7Aillustrates an exemplary image700that may be shown to the operator via the input/display section120. In the exemplary image700, the operator specifies that the blood is either in a standard test tube or in a micro-collection tube. The standard tube may hold patient blood that was sampled several days prior testing, whereas the blood in the micro-collection tube may have just been obtained. In the case of a standard tube, the blood may have settled into its constituent components. For example, the blood platelets may accumulate towards the bottom of the test tube. To ensure accurate measurement of the patient blood sample, the test tube must be shaken to evenly distribute the blood constituents.

After being presented with the different patient sample vessel options, the operator selects the desired vessel. A confirmation image (SeeFIG. 7B) may be presented to the operator to confirm the desired vessel selection.

The operator may then be provided with instructions for inserting vessel adapter into the analyzer105. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 8A, an image800that includes instructions along with graphical depictions for inserting the vessel adapter may be presented on the input/display section120. Once the operator completes this procedure, the operator may indicate that this procedure is complete.

The operator may then enter an ID associated with the patient. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 8B, an image805that includes a numeric keypad along instructions for specifying the patient ID may be presented on the input/display section120. Once the operator completes this procedure, the operator may indicate that this procedure is complete. In some implementations, the operator may be asked to confirm the patient ID (SeeFIG. 9A). For example, the analyzer105may determine that the ID is new and request confirmation before generation of a record of data for the new patient.

At block605, the operator may be instructed to check the temperature of the patient blood sample. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 9B, the operator may be presented with an image905via the input/display section120that includes instructions. The instructions may ask the operator whether the patient blood sample is cold to the touch. The temperature of the patient blood sample may indicate whether the patient blood sample was recently acquired or whether the patient blood sample was in storage. As noted above, a recently acquired patient blood sample may still be mixed relatively thoroughly, which will result in more accurate testing of the blood. On the other hand, a patient blood sample that was stored may have separated into its constituent components. In this case, some additional processing may be required before testing the patient blood sample, as described below.

If at block610, the patient blood sample is cold to the touch, then at block615, the operator may be presented with instructions for warming the patient blood sample. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 10A, an image1000with instructions for warming the patient blood sample may be presented to the operator via the input/display section120. The instructions may indicate that the operator is to warm the patient blood sample between his fingers until the patient blood sample is no longer cold to the touch.

At block620, a graphical button1010for specifying that the warming is complete is presented to the operator. The graphical button1010may initially display a numeric value corresponding to a timer countdown value in seconds. The initial value may correspond to a pre-determined time necessary for performing the current procedure. For example, the pre-determined time necessary for warming the patient blood sample may be thirty seconds. The initial value may be a time longer than the pre-determined time necessary for warming the patient blood sample.

The value shown on the graphical button1010may slowly decrement until reaching zero. While counting down, the graphical button1010may be unresponsive to operator input, thus preventing the operator from quickly skipping ahead to the final steps for testing the patient blood sample. This in turn increases the likelihood that the operator will actually warm the patient blood sample as instructed.

Once the countdown is completed, the text “complete” may be displayed on the graphical button1010, as illustrated inFIG. 10B. The operator may then select the graphical button1010to proceed.

At block625, the operator may be presented with instructions for mixing the patient blood sample. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 11A, an image1100with instructions for starting a mixing process may be presented to the operator via the input/display section120. The instructions may ask the operator whether to continue on to a mixing process.

If the operator continues, the operator may be presented with instructions for mixing the patient blood sample. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 11B, an image1105with instructions for mixing the patient blood sample may be presented to the operator via the input/display section120. A graphical depiction1110may indicate the manner in which the operator is to mix the patient blood sample.

At block630, a graphical button1115for specifying that the mixing is complete is presented to the operator. The graphical button1115may initially display a numeric value corresponding to a timer countdown value in seconds. The initial value may correspond to a pre-determined time necessary for performing the current procedure. For example, the pre-determined time necessary for mixing the patient blood sample may be fifteen seconds.

The value presented on the graphical button1115may slowly decrement until reaching zero. While counting down, the graphical button1115may be unresponsive to operator input, thus preventing the operator from quickly skipping ahead to the final steps for testing the patient blood sample. This in turn increases the likelihood that the operator will actually mix the patient blood sample as instructed.

At block635, the operator may be presented with instructions for inserting the patient blood sample in the sample-setting panel125of the analyzer105. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 12B, an image1205with instructions for inserting the sample tube and a graphical depiction of the same may be presented to the operator via the input/display section120.

At block640, the operator may be presented with an image1300(FIG. 13A) that displays a progress bar1305. The image may be automatically generated after the operator closes the sample-setting panel125. The progress bar1305is configured to represent to the operator the relative progress of the testing.

At block645, the progress bar1305may indicate that the analysis is complete. Once complete, an analysis report may be communicated to the operator. For example, a printer (not shown) attached to the analyzer105may print the results of the analysis. In addition or alternatively, the analysis report may be communicated to others electronically. For example, the analysis may be emailed to a doctor, hospital, and the like.

Returning to block610, if the patient blood sample is already warm to the touch, the operations at blocks615through630may be skipped, and the operations may continue from block635.

Thus, the operations above help ensure accurate testing of a patient blood sample by instructing an operator on pre-analytical procedures of the patient blood sample. The operations help to ensure that the operator performs certain pre-analytical procedures for a pre-determined amount of time.

FIG. 14illustrates a general computer system1400, which may represent portions of the analyzer105, such as the controller127or the sever or any other computing devices referenced herein. The computer system1400may include a set of instructions1445that may be executed to cause the computer system1400to perform any one or more of the methods or computer-based functions disclosed herein. The computer system1400may operate as a stand-alone device or may be connected, e.g., using a network, to other computer systems or peripheral devices.

In a networked deployment, the computer system1400may operate in the capacity of a server or as a client-operator computer in a server-client operator network environment, or as a peer computer system in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The computer system1400may also be implemented as or incorporated into various devices, such as a personal computer or a mobile device, capable of executing a set of instructions1445(sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further, each of the systems described may include any collection of sub-systems that individually or jointly execute a set, or multiple sets, of instructions to perform one or more computer functions.

The computer system1400may include one or more memory devices1410on a bus for communicating information, such as the sample database135(FIG. 1) and/or operator database140(FIG. 1). In addition, code operable to cause the computer system to perform any of the acts or operations described herein may be stored in the memory1410. The memory1410may be a random-access memory, read-only memory, programmable memory, hard disk drive or any other type of memory or storage device.

The computer system1400may include a display1430, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT), or any other display suitable for conveying information. The display1430may act as an interface for the operator to see the functioning of the processor1405, or specifically as an interface with the software stored in the memory1410or in the drive unit1415.

Additionally, the computer system1400may include an input device1425, such as a keyboard or mouse, configured to allow an operator to interact with any of the components of system1400.

The computer system1400may also include a disk or optical drive unit1415, such as the high-latency storage110(FIG. 1). The disk drive unit1415may include a computer-readable medium1440in which one or more sets of instructions1445, e.g. software, can be embedded. Further, the instructions1445may perform one or more of the operations as described herein. The instructions1445may reside completely, or at least partially, within the memory1410and/or within the processor1405during execution by the computer system1400. The memory1410and the processor1405also may include computer-readable media as discussed above.

The computer system1400may include a communication interface1435that enables communications via a network1450. The network1450may include wired networks, wireless networks, or combinations thereof. The communication interface1435network may enable communications via any number of communication standards, such as 802.11, 802.12, 802.20, WiMax, cellular telephone standards, or other communication standards.

While the method and system has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present method and system not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the method and system include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.