Abstract:
A monitor configuration system which communicates with a physiological sensor, the monitor configuration system including one or more processors and an instrument manager module running on the one or more processors. At least one of the one or more processors communicates with the sensor and calculates at least one physiological parameters responsive to the sensor. The instrument manager controls the calculation, display and/or alarms based upon the physiological parameters. A configuration indicator identifies the configuration profile. In one aspect of the invention, the physiological sensor is a optical sensor that includes at least one light emitting diode and at least one detector.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/126,268, filed May 2, 2008, titled Monitor User Interface; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/050,205 filed May 3, 2008, titled Monitor Configuration System. All of the above cited provisional applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Pulse oximetry systems for measuring constituents of circulating blood have gained rapid acceptance in a wide variety of medical applications including surgical wards, intensive care and neonatal units, general wards, home care, physical training, and virtually all types of monitoring scenarios. A pulse oximetry system generally includes an optical sensor applied to a patient, a monitor for processing sensor signals and displaying results and a patient cable electrically interconnecting the sensor and the monitor. A pulse oximetry sensor has light emitting diodes (LEDs), typically one emitting a red wavelength and one emitting an infrared (IR) wavelength, and a photodiode detector. The emitters and detector are attached to a patient tissue site, such as a finger. The patient cable transmits drive signals to these emitters from the monitor, and the emitters respond to the drive signals to transmit light into the tissue site. The detector generates a signal responsive to the emitted light after attenuation by pulsatile blood flow within the tissue site. The patient cable transmits the detector signal to the monitor, which processes the signal to provide a numerical readout of physiological parameters such as oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ) and pulse rate. Advanced physiological monitoring systems utilize multiple wavelength sensors and multiple parameter monitors to provide enhanced measurement capabilities including, for example, the measurement of carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO), methemoglobin (HbMet) and total hemoglobin (Hbt). 
         [0003]    Pulse oximeters capable of reading through motion induced noise are disclosed in at least U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,770,028, 6,658,276, 6,650,917, 6,157,850, 6,002,952, 5,769,785, and 5,758,644; low noise pulse oximetry sensors are disclosed in at least U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,088,607 and 5,782,757; all of which are assigned to Masimo Corporation, Irvine, Calif. (“Masimo”) and are incorporated by reference herein. 
         [0004]    Physiological monitors and corresponding multiple wavelength optical sensors are described in at least U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/367,013, filed Mar. 1, 2006 and titled Multiple Wavelength Sensor Emitters and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/366,208, filed Mar. 1, 2006 and titled Noninvasive Multi-Parameter Patient Monitor, both assigned to Masimo Laboratories, Irvine, Calif. (“Masimo Labs”) and both incorporated by reference herein. 
         [0005]    Further, physiological monitoring systems that include low noise optical sensors and pulse oximetry monitors, such as any of LNOP® adhesive or reusable sensors, SofTouch™ sensors, Hi-Fi Trauma™ or Blue™ sensors; and any of Radical®, SatShare™, Rad-9™, Rad-5™, Rad-5v™ or PPO+™ Masimo SET® pulse oximeters, are all available from Masimo. Physiological monitoring systems including multiple wavelength sensors and corresponding noninvasive blood parameter monitors, such as Rainbow™ adhesive and reusable sensors and Rad-57™, Rad-87™ and Radical-7™ monitors for measuring SpO 2,  pulse rate, perfusion index, signal quality, HbCO and HbMet among other parameters are also available from Masimo. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Advanced noninvasive physiological parameter monitors provide medical practitioners with substantial operational flexibility, including the ability to set parameters displayed, display format, alarm thresholds, alarm types, sensitivity and averaging times, to name just a few. Optimal settings vary with the monitoring application. Monitoring in a hospital environment may differ from that of an ambulance or out-patient clinic. Also different hospital wards servicing different types of patients with different medical care needs are likely to require different monitor settings. For example, ER monitoring requirements will likely differ from those of a surgical ward. Monitoring of neonatal patients will likely differ from monitoring of geriatric patients. Thus, the operational flexibility of these monitors is a challenge to medical staff and administrators at various facilities, especially if a monitor is used for multiple purposes and patient types or if monitors are frequently moved between locations within a large facility. 
         [0007]    A monitor configuration system meets this challenge in various respects. In an embodiment, a monitor configuration system advantageously provides a readily recognizable indication of the current default settings. This indication can be associated with a particular ward or patient group, as examples. In addition, a monitor can be programmed with any of multiple user-defined default settings, each associated with a unique configuration indication. In an embodiment, the monitor control panel and display provide hidden menus that allow technical support staff to quickly change configuration profiles to best suit the current monitor usage without risk of accidental configuration changes by medical staff. Also, technical staff can utilize manual procedures or programming aids to conveniently enter or modify one or more default settings. 
         [0008]    Advantageously, an aspect of a monitor configuration system allows users to change to default settings using front-panel keys or an external configuration application. This user-defined “configuration profile” overrides the factory default settings and is retained after a power cycle. A user may also associate a color and/or a display message with the profile, as a “configuration indicator,” which allows a user to verify at a glance which configuration profile is the default. In an embodiment, a front-panel colored light is a configuration indicator. If changes are made to the device settings after the configuration profile feature has been enabled, the front panel light will turn off, indicating a change from the saved profile settings. In other embodiments a colored plug-in memory, dongle or similar device programs the monitor settings and serves as a profile indicator. 
         [0009]    One aspect of a monitor configuration system communicates with a physiological sensor and includes a processor, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP) and an instrument manager processor. The physiological sensor can have emitters that transmit optical radiation into a tissue site and at least one detector that receives the optical radiation after attenuation by pulsatile blood flow within the tissue site. The DSP can communicate with the sensor and calculate physiological parameters responsive to the sensor. An instrument manager receives the calculated physiological parameters from the DSP, transmits the physiological parameters to a display and controls alarms based upon the physiological parameters. The instrument manager is responsive to a configuration profile that specifies DSP calculations, physiological parameter displays and alarms. The configuration indicator identifies the configuration profile. In various embodiments, the configuration indicator comprises a panel light. The instrument manager selects between a factory-default configuration profile and a user-specified configuration profile. The panel light displays a first color when the factory-default settings are selected and a second color when the user-specified settings are selected. The user-specified settings are manually defined. The panel light color for user-specified settings is manually defined. The configuration indicator comprises a top-mounted alphanumeric display. 
         [0010]    Another aspect of a monitor configuration system comprises a sensor having emitters that transmit optical radiation into a tissue site and at least one detector that receives the optical radiation after attenuation by pulsatile blood flow within the tissue site. A calculator communicates with the sensor and calculates physiological parameters responsive to the sensor. An instrument manager receives the calculated physiological parameters from the calculator, transmits the physiological parameters to a display and controls alarms based upon the physiological parameters. The instrument manager is responsive to a configuration profile with respect to calculator calculations, physiological parameter displays and alarms. In various embodiments the instrument manager reads the configuration profile via the I/O port. A memory device stores the configuration profile and is removably attached to the I/O port so as to communicate the configuration profile to the instrument manager. A color is affixed to at least a portion of the memory device. The color corresponds to the configuration profile. The memory device and its color are readily visible to a monitor user when the memory device is removably attached to the I/O port so as to designate the configuration profile to the user. A configuration profile routine executes on the instrument manager and writes the memory device with configuration profile settings. 
         [0011]    A further aspect of a monitor configuration system comprises a configuration profile of user-specified settings defined for a physiological monitor. The configuration profile is selected to override corresponding factory-specified settings. A color is associated with the configuration profile. The selected profile is indicated by displaying the associated color. The user-specified settings and the factory-specified settings each relate to at least one of calculating physiological parameters, displaying the physiological parameters and alarming based upon the physiological parameters. In various embodiments, the configuration profile is defined by reading the configuration profile into the physiological monitor. The selected profile is indicated by illuminating a portion of the physiological monitor with the color. The reading comprises downloading the configuration profile from an input/output (I/O) port. The illuminating comprises activating a colored panel light on the monitor. The selecting comprises receiving from a wireless device a code corresponding to the configuration profile and activating the configuration profile according to the code. 
         [0012]    An additional aspect of a monitor configuration system comprises a profile definition means for setting parameter measurement, display and alarm characteristics of a physiological monitor, a profile selection means for activating a defined profile and a profile indication means for cuing a monitor user as to the selected profile. In various embodiments the profile definition means comprises a menu means for manually entering profile settings. The profile selection means comprises a save means for specifying a defined profile as the monitor default settings. The profile indication means comprises a color selection means for associating a color with a saved profile and an illumination means for displaying the color. The profile definition means comprises a downloading means for transferring profile settings to the monitor via at least one of an I/O port and a docking port. The profile selection means comprises a wireless means for specifying a defined profile as the monitor default settings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIGS. 1-5E  are perspective views of physiological monitors utilizing various monitor configuration system embodiments; 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a standalone physiological monitor having a front-panel colored light and a top-mounted display as configuration indicators; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a standalone physiological monitor having a color-coded plug-in configuration indicator; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a removable handheld monitor having a front-panel colored light and a corresponding docking station having a top-mounted display configuration indicator; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a physiological monitoring system and a corresponding plug-in module having a colored panel light and a colored monitor display as configuration indicators; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 5A-E  is a physiological monitoring system including a removable satellite module, a docking handheld monitor and plug-ins each having configuration indicators; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a physiological monitoring system responsive to a wall-mounted or a tag-mounted short-range wireless device for selection of a configuration profile; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a hierarchical block diagram of a monitor configuration system; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a detailed block diagram of a physiological measurement system that utilizes a monitor configuration system; 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a I/O port download embodiment for defining configuration profiles; 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a plug-in programming embodiment for defining configuration profiles; 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a detailed block diagram of a physiological monitoring system responsive to a short-range wireless device for selection of a configuration profile; 
           [0025]      FIGS. 12A-D  are front, top and back views, respectively, of a horizontal monitor embodiment and a front view of a vertical monitor embodiment having configuration indicators; 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is a general block diagram illustrating a tri-level configuration user interface, further illustrated in  FIGS. 14-16 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  is a level 1 exemplar flow diagram; 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  is a level 2 exemplar flow diagram; 
           [0029]      FIGS. 16A-B  is a level 3 exemplar flow diagram. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0030]      FIG. 1  illustrates a physiological measurement system  10  that utilizes a configuration indicator embodiment. The physiological measurement system  10  has monitor  10  and a multiple wavelength optical sensor  20 . The sensor  20  allows the measurement of various blood constituents and related parameters. The sensor  20  is configured to communicate with a monitor sensor port  110  via a patient cable  30 . The sensor  20  is typically attached to a tissue site, such as a finger. The patient cable  30  transmits a drive signal from the monitor  100  to the sensor  20  and a resulting detector signal from the sensor  20  to the monitor  100 . The monitor  100  processes the detector signal to provide a numerical readout of measured blood parameters including oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ), pulse rate (PR), carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO), methemoglobin (HbMet) and total hemoglobin (Hbt), to name a few. Displays  120  provide readouts, bar graphs or other visual presentations of the measured parameters. A speaker  130  or other audio transducer generates beeps, alarms or other audio presentations of the measured parameters. Monitor keys (buttons)  140  provide control over operating modes and alarms, to name a few. A system status light  160  indicates alarm status, data status and monitor mode. 
         [0031]    As described in detail below, a user can determine the operational characteristics of the monitor  100  by changing various factory default settings. A particular group of custom settings, described herein as a configuration profile, determines the physiological parameters that are measured, various options related to those measurements, how the physiological parameters are displayed, alarm thresholds for the physiological parameters and alarm types, to name a few. Many configuration profiles are possible for a monitor, and some profiles are more appropriate for a particular healthcare application or environment than others. A configuration indicator advantageously allows a user to quickly recognize that a particular configuration profile is the current default setting for that monitor. 
         [0032]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , a panel light  150  displays a selected one of various colors, such as shown in TABLE 1. Advantageously, each color of the panel light  150  can be associated with a unique configuration profile. Accordingly, medical staff using the monitor can readily recognize and discern the monitor&#39;s settings by observing the illumination color. As an example, pink can be associated with standardized ER settings, teal with surgical ward settings and blue with general ward settings. 
         [0033]    The panel light  150  illuminates with a color associated with a user-defined profile at power on. In one embodiment, the panel light  150  glows and slowly cycles from bright to dim if a temporary change has been made to the user-defined profile or if defaults have been activated via the control buttons  140 . The panel light  150  returns to a solid state when settings are returned to the user-defined profile. In an embodiment, a factory default profile is associated with purple having RGB values of R 75, G 40 and B 55. In an embodiment, optional profile colors for user defined profiles are represented by the RGB codes listed in TABLE 1, below. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Colors and RGB Values 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 COLOR DESCRIPTION 
                 RGB CODE 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Dark Purple 
                 10 05 15 
               
               
                   
                 Electric Blue 
                 25 65 40 
               
               
                   
                 Teal 
                 15 65 15 
               
               
                   
                 Green 
                 10 40 05 
               
               
                   
                 Pink 
                 95 20 15 
               
               
                   
                 Light Pink 
                 60 20 05 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0034]    Further shown in  FIG. 1 , a top-mounted display  170 , such as an LCD mini-screen, displays radio communication status, system status and, in an embodiment, a textual description of the current profile corresponding to the panel light  150 . This allows medical staff to verify the profile associated with a particular panel light color. For example, the display  170  might indicate “ER,” “surgical,” or “general” corresponding to selected profiles for those wards. The monitor illustrated in  FIG. 1  is described in further detail with respect to  FIGS. 12A-D , below. 
         [0035]      FIG. 2  illustrates a physiological measurement system  200  that utilizes a plug-in configuration indicator. In particular, a color-coded memory device  250  is removably plugged into a configuration port  252 . The memory  250  is preloaded with a specific configuration profile, and the monitor  210  reads the memory  250  so as to transfer the corresponding settings into the monitor. Different color-coded memories may store different configuration profiles, i.e. user-selected monitor settings. A user can advantageously select a memory by color and plug the memory  250  into the configuration port  252  so as to quickly customize the monitor  210  for a particular medical application or healthcare environment. For example, red may represent a hospital emergency room (ER), yellow a surgical ward and green a general care ward. Accordingly, red, yellow and green-coded memories are loaded with monitor settings appropriate to the ER, surgical ward and general ward, respectively. A healthcare provider using the monitor  210  can then quickly determine if the monitor is configured appropriately for their purpose. Thus, the memory  250  serves both as a configuration defining device and as a configuration indicator. In other embodiments, color-coded dongles each having a memory, standard connectors and corresponding standard interface electronics can be plugged into a standardized monitor port, such as USB or RS-232. In an embodiment, color coded buttons are provided instead of, or in addition to the memories or dongles discussed above. The color coded buttons allow a user to quickly select a desired configuration. In an embodiment, a color coordinated or non-color coordinated light is provided on or next to each button, memory or dongle. The light corresponding to the selected profile is lit. 
         [0036]      FIG. 3  illustrates a physiological measurement system  300  having a removable handheld monitor  310  and a corresponding docking station  320 . The docking station  320  may range in complexity from a simple charging station to an independent physiological measurement system that enhances the capabilities of the handheld when docked. For example, a docking station embodiment may upgrade the capabilities of other monitors, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,584,336 titled Universal/Upgrading Pulse Oximeter, issued Jun. 24, 2003, assigned to Masimo and incorporated by reference herein. A panel light  350  on the handheld  310  displays a selected color associated with a handheld configuration profile, such as described with respect to  FIG. 1 , above. A top-mounted display  360  on the docking station also provides a textual description of a current profile. In an embodiment, the display  360  simply provides a textual description of the handheld configuration profile when docked. In an embodiment, the display  360  indicates a pre-programmed docking station profile that is adopted by the handheld when docked, modifying the panel light  350  accordingly. In an embodiment, the docking station profile is combined with the handheld profile when docked, modifying both the panel light  350  and the display  360  accordingly. In an embodiment, the docking station profile is downloaded to the handheld  310  when docked, as verified by the handheld panel light  350 . In this manner, the docking station  320  functions as a profile defining device for the handheld  310 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 4  illustrates a physiological monitoring system  400  comprising a multi-parameter physiological monitoring system (MPMS)  410  and a corresponding plug-in module  440 . The MPMS  410  may be capable of measuring a wide range of physiological parameters according to various plug-in modules, such as pulse oximetry, blood pressure, ECG and capnography to name a few. As an example, a MPMS having plug-in modules is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,770,028 titled Dual Mode Pulse Oximeter, issued Aug. 3, 2004, assigned to Masimo and incorporated by reference herein. A panel light  450  on the plug-in  440  displays a selected color associated with a plug-in profile, such as described with respect to  FIG. 1 , above. A monitor display  420  also provides a color profile indicator  460  and a corresponding textual description of a current profile. In an embodiment, the display profile indicator  460  simply reflects the configuration profile of the plug-in. In an embodiment, the display profile indicator  460  indicates a pre-programmed MPMS profile that is adopted by the plug-in  440  when plugged into the MPMS, modifying the panel light  450  accordingly. In an embodiment, the MPMS profile is combined with the plug-in profile when docked, modifying both the panel light  450  and the display indicator  460  accordingly. In an embodiment, an MPMS configuration profile is downloaded to the plug-in, as verified by the plug-in profile indicator  450 . In this manner, the MPMS  410  functions as a profile defining device for the plug-in  440 . 
         [0038]      FIGS. 5A-E  is a multi-module monitor  500  including a display and docking station  510 , a removable shuttle  520 , a handheld monitor  530  and plug-ins  540 , all having corresponding profile configuration indicators  522 ,  532 ,  542 . The docking station  510  has a shuttle port that allows the shuttle  520  to dock. The shuttle  520  has a handheld port that allows the handheld monitor  530  to dock. Accordingly, the modular patient monitor  500  has three-in-one functionality including a handheld  530 , a handheld  530  docked into a shuttle  520  as a handheld/shuttle and a handheld/shuttle docked into the docking station  510 . When docked, the three modules of handheld  530 , shuttle  520  and docking station  510  function as one unit. Plug-in modules  540  expand parameter functionality. In an embodiment, the handheld monitor  530  incorporates blood parameter measurement technologies including HbCO, HbMet, SpO 2  and Hbt, and the shuttle station  520  incorporates non-blood parameters, such as intelligent cuff inflation (ICI), end-tidal CO 2  (EtCO 2 ), acoustic respiration rate (ARR), glucose, patient body temperature (Temp) and ECG, to name a few. A multi-module monitor is described in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2008/0108884 A1 titled Modular Patient Monitor, filed Sep. 24, 2007 and incorporated by reference herein. 
         [0039]    As shown in  FIG. 5A-E , the monitor  500  is capable of measuring a wide range of physiological parameters according to a combination of plug-in modules  540 , a removable shuttle  520 , a removable handheld  530  and a docking station  510 . The docking station  510  can display a color profile indicator  560  and a corresponding textual description of a current profile. The shuttle  520  has a color profile indicator  522 . The handheld  530  has a color profile indicator  532 . Also, the plug-in modules  540  each have individual color profile indicators  542 . In an embodiment, the docking station  510  and shuttle  520  simply reflect the configuration profile of what is docked. In an embodiment, a pre-programmed docking station profile is adopted, at least in part, by each layer of docked components, modifying individual profile indicators  522 ,  532 ,  542  accordingly. In an embodiment, the docking station  510  profile is combined with one or more of the profiles of each of the docked components  520 ,  530 ,  540  when docked, modifying the docking station configuration profile indicator  560  accordingly. In an embodiment, a docking station configuration profile is downloaded to one or more of the docked components  520 ,  530 ,  540  as verified by the docked component profile indicators  522 ,  532 ,  542 . In this manner, the docking station  510  functions as a configuration profile defining or programming device. 
         [0040]      FIG. 6  illustrates a physiological monitor  100  that is responsive to a wireless device for configuration profile selection. In particular, multiple configuration profiles are pre-defined for the monitor  100 , such as described in detail with respect to  FIGS. 7-16 , below. Advantageously, a fixed wireless device  610  or a mobile wireless device  620  communicates with the monitor  100  so as to select a particular one of the pre-defined configuration profiles. The monitor  100  then activates that profile, i.e. utilizes the profile settings as the monitor default settings, and illuminates the panel light  150  to a color that designates the active profile, as described above. The active profile may also be indicated by a display  170 . The wireless device may use any of various short-range wireless technologies, such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) or Bluetooth® (Bluetooth SIG) or medium-range wireless technologies, such as Wi-Fi. 
         [0041]    In an embodiment, one or more fixed wireless devices, such as a wall-mounted transmitter or transceiver  610  define particular sections inside of a medical care facility according to the wireless device range and coverage. The wireless device(s)  610  within a particular section transmit a unique ID or code to any monitor located within that section. The monitor  100  responds to that code to activate a pre-defined configuration profile associated with that section. For example, one or more wall-mounted wireless devices  610  may be located in each of an ER, ICU or surgical ward, to name a few. A monitor  100  moved to or otherwise located within a particular section, such as an ER, will automatically activate the ER configuration profile and illuminate the panel light  150  with a color indicating the ER configuration, e.g. red. If the same monitor  100  is then moved to the ICU, it will receive an ICU code from a fixed wireless device located in the ICU and will automatically activate the ICU configuration profile and illuminate the panel light  150  with a color indicating the ICU configuration, e.g. yellow. 
         [0042]    In another embodiment, a mobile wireless device, such as incorporated within a personal ID badge or tag  620  transmits a unique ID or code associated with a particular medical care provider or group of providers or associated with technical support. In this manner, the appearance of a particular provider, such as a head physician or medical specialist, in proximity to the monitor  100  triggers the monitor to temporarily activate a specific configuration profile suited to that person&#39;s needs as long as that person remains in proximity to the monitor. Alternatively, technical support could utilize the tag  620  to quickly change the configuration profile of a particular monitor. The ID badge or tag  620  may also have a button or switch that selectively activates the specific configuration profile when desired. Wireless activation of configuration profiles is described in further detail with respect to  FIG. 11 , below. 
         [0043]      FIG. 7  illustrates a monitor configuration system  700  according to a functional hierarchy that includes device  701 , code  702 , configuration  703  and input/output (I/O)  704  levels. At the device level  701  is a sensor  710  and a monitor  720  having the functional characteristics described with respect to  FIG. 1 , above. At the code level  702 , a monitor has a parameter measurement function  730  and a configuration management function  740  implemented, for example, in code executing on one or more processors within the monitor  720 . Parameter measurement  730  involves receiving a sensor signal, processing the sensor signal so as to derive various physiological parameters of interest and displaying the result. Configuration management  740  involves defining one or more configuration profiles  750 , selecting one of the defined profiles  760  and indicating the selected profile  770  so that a monitor user can readily determine the default settings that determine the monitor characteristics. Configurable defaults for a patient monitor are described in U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/126,268 titled Monitor User Interface, which is cited above and incorporated by reference herein. 
         [0044]    In particular, a configuration profile is a collection of user-defined default settings for a monitor specifying parameter measurement, display and alarm characteristics, to name a few. In particular, a configuration profile overrides factory defaults at power up. A configuration indicator  770  is a readily visible cue confirming to medical staff that the monitor is operating according to a selected profile  760  or a factory default. In various embodiments, a configuration indicator  770  can be a color or an alphanumeric or both. As described above, a color indicator  770  may be a colored light that illuminates with a user-defined color representing a specific profile  760 . A color indicator  770  may also be a colored device, such as a memory, dongle or button plugged into a monitor programming port  787 . Also described above, an alphanumeric indicator  770  may be a display of words or numbers that are either descriptive or are recognizable code associated with a selected profile  760 . 
         [0045]    A monitor&#39;s profile definition  750  can be manually entered on front-panel keys (buttons)  782 ; transferred via short-range wireless technology, such as RFID or wireless personal area network (PAN)  784 ; defined on a PC and downloaded via communications port  785 ; programmed into a memory device and transferred to a monitor via a specialized programming port  787 ; transferred to a monitor via local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN)  784 , whether wired or wireless or downloaded from a docked device via a docking port  780 . A configuration application executing on a PC may interactively prompt a user to define a configuration profile, which is then downloaded to one or more monitors according to any of the methods described above, or with respect to  FIGS. 9-10 , below. 
         [0046]      FIG. 8  illustrates a patient monitoring system  800  including a sensor  810  and a physiological monitor  815  with configuration management features. The sensor  810  is attached to a tissue site, such as a finger  10 . The sensor  810  includes a plurality of emitters  812  irradiating the tissue site  10  with multiple wavelengths of light, and one or more detectors  814  capable of detecting the light after attenuation by the tissue  10 . The sensor  810  transmits optical radiation at wavelengths other than or including the red and infrared wavelengths utilized in pulse oximeters. The monitor  815  inputs a corresponding sensor signal and is configured to determine the relative concentrations of blood constituents other than or in addition to HbO 2  and Hb, such as HbCO, HbMet, fractional oxygen saturation, Hbt and blood glucose to name a few. 
         [0047]    The monitor  815  has a processor board  820  and a host instrument  830 . The processor board  820  communicates with the sensor  810  to receive one or more intensity signal(s) indicative of one or more physiological parameters. The host instrument  830  communicates with the processor board  820  to receive physiological parameter data calculated by the processor board  820  and to display or otherwise output that data. The host instrument  830  also communicates predetermined settings, described herein as a configuration profile, to the processor board  820 . A configuration profile determines, in part, what parameters are displayed and how those parameters are calculated. 
         [0048]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , the processor board  820  comprises drivers  821 , a front-end  822 , a sensor port  824 , a digital signal processor (“DSP”)  826  and parameter measurement firmware  828 . In general, the drivers  821  convert digital control signals into analog drive signals capable of driving sensor emitters  812 . The front-end  822  converts composite analog intensity signal(s) from light sensitive detector(s)  814  into digital data  823  input to the DSP  826 . The drivers  821  and front-end  822  are adapted to communicate via the sensor port  824 , which is capable of connecting to the sensor  810 . In an embodiment, the DSP  826  is adapted to communicate via the sensor port  824  with one or more information elements  816  located on the sensor  810  and one or more cables connecting the sensor  810  to the physiological monitor  815 . The processor board  820  may also include one or more microcontrollers in communications with the DSP  826  so as to monitor activity of the DSP  826  and communicate calculated parameters to the host instrument  830 . In an embodiment, the processor board  820  comprises processing circuitry arranged on one or more printed circuit boards capable of installation into the monitor  815 , or capable of being distributed as some or all of one or more OEM components for a wide variety of host instruments monitoring a wide variety of patient information. 
         [0049]    The host instrument  830  includes an instrument manager  840 , a user interface  850 , I/O ports  860  and in some embodiments a docking port  870 . The host instrument  830  displays one or more of a pulse rate, plethysmograph data, perfusion index, signal quality, and values of blood constituents in body tissue, including for example, SpO 2 , carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO), methemoglobin (HbMet), total hemoglobin (Hbt), fractional oxygen saturation, blood glucose, bilirubin, or the like. The host instrument  830  may also be capable of storing or displaying historical or trending data related to one or more of the measured values or combinations of the measured values. 
         [0050]    The instrument manager  840  may be one or more microcontrollers that are in communications with the processor board  820 , the user interface  850 , the I/O ports  860  and the docking port  870 . In particular, the instrument manager  840  inputs calculated parameters and alarm conditions from the processor board  820  and outputs parameter values to the displays  851  and alarm triggers to the user interface  850 . Further, the instrument manager  840  responds to user-actuated keys  853  and communicates with external devices via various I/O ports  860 . The instrument manager  840  also executes configuration management  842  firmware. Configuration management defines and manages one or more configuration profiles that provide operational settings to the DSP  826  and define user interface characteristics among other functions, as described above with respect to  FIG. 7 . 
         [0051]    Advantageously, the instrument manager  840  communicates with one or more of a user interface  850 , I/O ports  860  or a docking port  870  to receive configuration profile data and, in some embodiments, to transmit indications of the default settings. I/O ports  860  may include one or more of a communication port  861 , a programming port  862  and a networking port  863 . Further, the instrument manager  840  may communicate with an external device removable attached to a docking port  870 . In one embodiment, a profile is defined via manually-actuated keys  853  and communicated to the instrument manager  840 . In another embodiment, a profile is defined in an external device, such as a PC, and communicated to the instrument manager  840  via a communication port  861 , such as a USB or RS-232 interface. In yet another embodiment, a profile is defined in a characterization element having monitor settings stored in memory. The characterization element communicates the defined profile to the instrument manager  840  via a programming I/O port  862 . Among other functions, the instrument manager  840  executes configuration management instructions  842  for downloading or otherwise determining one or more user-defined configuration profiles and for indicating the corresponding default settings. 
         [0052]      FIG. 9  illustrates a profile programming embodiment  900  having a monitor  910  in communications with a PC  920 , notebook, PDA or similar device running a configuration application program (AP). The configuration AP, for example, prompts a user through a menu of monitor default setting options. Once a complete set of options is selected, the PC  920  encodes the data as a user-defined profile and downloads the profile as default settings to the monitor  910 . Alternatively, a set of predefined configuration profiles may be provided on a CD ROM  930  or similar storage media. A user then simply selects a desired profile via the PC  920 , which downloads that profile to the monitor  910 . 
         [0053]    In other embodiments, a monitor  910  may be factory delivered with a variety of configuration profiles, which are selected via configuration codes, menus or similar cataloging functions using front-panel keys  940 . A selected profile is associated with a uniquely colored panel light  950  and/or an identifying alphanumeric on a mini-screen  960  so that medical staff can quickly determine that the appropriate monitor defaults are active upon monitor power-up. 
         [0054]      FIG. 10  illustrates another profile programming embodiment  1000  having a monitor  1010  in communications with a characterization element  1060  via a programming port  1050 . In this embodiment, a user-defined configuration profile is stored in a colored characterization element  1060 , such as an EEPROM, EPROM, PROM or similar non-volatile memory device. The monitor  1010  has a specialized programming or configuration port  1050  that electrically and mechanically accepts and communicates with the memory device  1060 . The monitor  1010  reads the characterization element  1060  to determine its default settings upon power-up. The characterization element  1060  is specifically colored so as to provide a readily visible indication of the default profile stored within. The user-defined default profile is easily changed by removing one characterization element  1060  from the port  1050  and replacing it with a differently colored characterization element  1060  selected from a preloaded set of memory devices. 
         [0055]    Also shown in  FIG. 10 , a profile programming device  1070  has multiple programming slots  1072  for mass programming profiles into characterization elements  1060 . In particular, a profile is either defined directly in the monitor  1010  or communicated from an external device, such as a PC  1020 . A profile may be directly programmed in the PC  1020  or loaded from a CD ROM  1030 . The PC  1020  communicates with the programming device  1070  to mass-produce characterization elements all having the same profile or each having different profiles depending on the programming slot  1072 . In an embodiment, a single characterization element  1060  may be programmed via the monitor  1010  while inserted into the port  1050 . The profile programmed may be downloaded to the monitor  1010  from the PC  1020  or entered directly into the monitor  1010  via front-panel keys  1040 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 11  illustrates a physiological monitor  100  that is responsive to a wireless device  50  for configuration profile selection, such as described with respect to  FIG. 6 , above. The monitor  100  has an instrument manager  1110  that receives calculated physiological parameters  1112  from a digital signal processor (DSP) and provides default settings  1114  to the DSP, such as described with respect to  FIG. 8 , above. The monitor  1100  has a profile lookup table  1120 , a wireless transceiver  1130  or receiver, predefined profiles  1140 , and a profile indicator  1150 . A wireless device  50  is in communications with the wireless transceiver  1130  when the wireless device  50  is in the vicinity of the monitor  100 . The wireless device  50  may be a fixed device, such as a wall-mounted transceiver or transmitter that designates an area within a building or facility, such as described with respect to  FIG. 6 , above. Alternatively, the wireless device may be a tag or card utilizing short range wireless transceiver or transmitter technology, such as RFID or Bluetooth®. 
         [0057]    As shown in  FIG. 11 , the wireless device  50  transmits a code  1132  to the transceiver  1130  that corresponds to one of the predefined profiles  1140 . The transceiver  1130  communicates the profile code  1132  to the instrument manager  1110 . The instrument manager  1110  access the lookup table  1120  so as to determine a particular profile corresponding to the code  1124 . The instrument manager  1110  loads the selected profile as the monitor default settings and communicates at least some of those settings  1114  to the DSP. 
         [0058]      FIGS. 12A-D  illustrate further details of a monitor  100  described above with respect to  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 12A , the monitor front panel  101  has a sensor port  110 , parameter displays  120 , a speaker  130 , control buttons  140 , a panel light  150  and a status light  160 . The sensor port  110  accepts a patient cable  30  ( FIG. 1 ) connector so as to communicate with a sensor  20  ( FIG. 1 ). The parameter displays  120  provide numerical readouts of measured blood parameters such as oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ), pulse rate (BPM) and total hemoglobin. The speaker  130  provides, for example, an audio indication of alarms. The control buttons  140  provide user control and selection of monitor features including power on/off  141 , sensitivity  142 , brightness  143 , display  145 , alarm silence  147  and alarm limits  148  and allow input of a configuration profile via up and down scrolling  149  and enter  144  buttons. An alarm status light  135  indicates high priority alarms. As shown in  FIG. 12B , the monitor top panel  102  has an LCD display  170 . As shown in  FIG. 12C , the monitor back panel  103  provides a power entry module  181 , a serial output connector  182 , a nurse call connector  183  and a ground connector  184 .  FIG. 12D  illustrates a vertical monitor  109  embodiment of the monitor  100  described with respect to  FIG. 1  and  FIGS. 12A-C , above. 
         [0059]      FIG. 13  illustrates a tri-level monitor user interface that utilizes front panel buttons (keys) to navigate through the menu selections. Advantageously, monitor settings that are typically adjusted most often for patient monitoring (level 1) are segregated from settings typically adjusted less often (level 2). Level 1 and level 2 settings are further segregated from advanced settings (level 3) that require a timed, combination button press to enter. In particular, this user interface allows a user to manually enter a configuration profile, such as described above, and to associate that profile with a color displayed by the panel light. 
         [0060]    As shown in  FIG. 13 , setup level 1  1320  contains the parameter and measurement settings that are adjusted most often including alarm limits  1360 , display brightness  1370 , and sensitivity settings  1380 . Setup level 2  1330  contains parameter and measurement settings that are not changed as frequently as level 1, including alarm volume, alarm silence, alarm delay, clear trend and button volume parameters. Setup level 3  1340  contains advanced parameter and measurement settings. Once a menu level is accessed, a front panel button (level 1 only) or the enter button (level 2 and 3) is used to move from one option to the next allowing repeated cycling through the options. The up and down buttons are used to adjust values within each option. The enter button is pressed to set the value. 
         [0061]      FIG. 14  illustrates a level 1 example for setting alarm limits. The alarm limits button is pressed to access the alarm limits menu. The alarm limits button is used to access the alarm limits options and to move between options of % SpO 2  LO  1410 , % SpO 2  HI  1420 , Pulse rate (BPM) LO  1430 , Pulse rate (BPM) HI  1440 , PVI LO  1450  and PVI HI  1460 . Up or down buttons are used to adjust the value to the desired setting. The alarm limits button is pressed to accept the setting and move to the next option. Once the last option is accessed, an additional press of the alarm limits button returns the device to an initial screen. The display button is pressed to exit at any time and return to the initial screen. 
         [0062]      FIG. 15  illustrates a level 2 example for setting button volume. For button volume, the enter button is pressed. The settings options include default level 2  1510 , level 1  1520 , off  1540  and level 3  1530 . Up or down button is used to move between settings and the enter button  1540  is used to accept the setting and move to the next menu screen. The display button is pressed to exit without saving the new setting and to return to the initial display screen. 
         [0063]      FIGS. 16A-B  illustrate a level 3 example for altering the factory defaults. To access level 3 parameters/measurements, the enter button is held down and the down button is pressed for 5 seconds. After entering level 3, the enter button is used to save new settings and move to the next menu. The user may cycle through the menu options by continuing to press the enter button. Pressing the display button exits the menu and returns the display to an initial display screen. The settings options are no change (do not adjust factory default settings)  1610 , user default (set to user settings)  1625  and factory default (restore factory default settings)  1620 . Up or down button is used to move between settings and the enter button is pressed to accept the setting and move to the next menu. The display button is pressed to exit without saving the new setting and to return to the home display screen. The factory default is set to this setting when configuring a device profile and selecting a color for the device profile LED. 
         [0064]    The monitor can be configured to save changes to the device settings as a device profile. Using the button menu or an external configuration application, users can adjust monitor settings and parameter/measurement alarm limits. After changing settings, the user may save the settings as a device profile. This device profile becomes the new default settings and the saved (device profile) settings will be retained after a power cycle. The user may select a color for the device profile LED to associate with the saved profile. The device profile LED will illuminate with the selected color, allowing the user to verify at a glance that a device profile has been set. If changes are made to the device settings after the device profile feature has been enabled, the device profile LED will turn off, indicating a change from the device profile settings. Pressing the Up Arrow once will change the display from the default “Factory Default—Set”, to “User Default—Set” (see LCD display)  1610 . The user can press the Enter Button again to save the settings, and the monitor will prompt the user to select a color (for the Device Profile LED) to associate with the saved profile. The default color is light blue. On the LCD display, a message alerts the user that light blue is selected, “User Default—light blue”. By using the up or down arrows, the user can select from a list of colors  1610 - 1690 . The user selects and saves one color by pressing the Enter Button. The device profile light on the front panel will illuminate with the selected color. When user configured default settings are active, any changes to the default settings cause the device profile LED to turn off until the device is returned to the user configured default settings or powered off. 
         [0065]    A monitor configuration system has been disclosed in detail in connection with various embodiments. These embodiments are disclosed by way of examples only and are not to limit the scope of the claims that follow. One of ordinary skill in art will appreciate many variations and modifications.