Patent Publication Number: US-8539949-B2

Title: Ventilation system with a two-point perspective view

Description:
Many devices now use electronic graphical user interfaces (GUIs) as the primary user interface means instead of panels with mechanical elements such as knobs, buttons, switches etc. These GUIs are typically presented on a suitably-sized display (such as a flat panel display) in conjunction with a pointing or, as is increasingly common, a touch sensitive display. 
     A drawback of electronic GUIs is the power consumption the displays require. Large and high resolution displays and support circuitry often consume excessive amounts of power, making them unattractive for use with battery-powered devices. 
     Yet another drawback related to the power consumption issue is that in order for an operator to interact with or obtain information from the device in any way, the electronic GUI must be powered on, even when the information needed is unrelated to the operation of the device. For example, a device may have a battery that can be charged from wall power when the device is turned off. If the electronic GUI is the only interface, then in order to simply determine the charge condition of the battery, the device must be turned on in order to power the electronic GUI. Further, if the electronic GUI is the only interface, then an operator must turn on the device when selecting a ventilator for use on patient, to determine the ventilator configuration, ventilation programs, ventilator identification information, and maintenance information. 
     One way that has been used to address this problem is to provide combinations of limited function alpha numeric displays, lamps and LEDs in addition to the primary display to manage ancillary or status information that should be provided to the operator. However, such ancillary user interface elements can not be reconfigured as they are built into their devices. Therefore, if different operators want to see different types of ancillary information, the only way to achieve this is to create different physical housings for each set of ancillary information desired by consumers. 
     Another drawback to currently utilized ventilator systems is that different ventilators are often configured differently, making it difficult for ventilator operators to quickly find and/or locate the physical components of the ventilator. During ventilation, the operator needs to understand the status of the ventilator in addition to the status of the patient to properly care for the patient. Current systems provide stickers or papers on the ventilator system to direct the operator to proper parts in an attempt to help alleviate this problem; however, these stickers and papers may fade or fall off the ventilator over time. 
     An additional drawback to currently utilized ventilator systems is that the increased specificity and wide variety of ventilator systems and programs makes it difficult for a ventilator operator to quickly choose a desired and/or proper ventilator. The ventilator operator may have a limited amount of time to determine if a ventilator provides the needed features, contains enough of the desired gas source, and/or is properly configured, charged, maintained, and/or serviced. Because ventilators are typically utilized in complicated environments, such as in intensive care units, the operator may have a limited amount of time to pick and completely understand a ventilator. The large number of differences between different ventilators increases the amount of time necessary for an operator to pick and completely understand a ventilator, which is an undesirable side-effect of ventilator variety and specialization. 
     SUMMARY 
     The disclosure describes a novel approach for displaying information on a ventilator system. The disclosure describes a novel respiratory system including a primary display and system status display. Further, the disclosure describes a novel method for displaying ventilator information. 
     In part, this disclosure describes a method for displaying ventilation information on a ventilation system. The method includes performing the following steps: 
     a) displaying a first set of data on a primary display; 
     b) controlling the primary display with a primary display controller; 
     c) displaying a second set of data on a system status display; 
     d) controlling the system status display with a ventilation control system; and 
     e) displaying a two-point perspective view representing a physical configuration of a portion of the ventilation system as a part of at least one of the first set of data and the second set of data. 
     Yet another aspect of this disclosure describes a ventilation system that includes: a main housing; a gas delivery system in the main housing; a ventilation control system in the main housing that controls the gas delivery system and monitors one or more of a patient physiological parameter, operational parameters of the ventilation system and user-defined parameters; a primary display controller that generates a graphical user interface and that receives user inputs through the graphical user interface and delivers commands to the ventilation control system based on the inputs; a primary display housing removably attached to the main housing; a primary display in the primary display housing that presents the graphical user interface; and a system status display incorporated into the main housing that receives status data directly from the ventilation control system and the system status display displays a two-point perspective view representing a physical configuration of a portion of the ventilation system. 
     These and various other features as well as advantages which characterize the systems and methods described herein will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description and a review of the associated drawings. Additional features are set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the technology. The benefits and features of the technology will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following drawing figures, which form a part of this application, are illustrative of embodiment systems and methods described below and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention in any manner, which scope shall be based on the claims appended hereto. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of a ventilator system including a primary removable display and a system status display. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an embodiment of a ventilator system including a primary removable display and a system status display. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment of a method for displaying ventilator information. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment of a method for displaying ventilator information. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment of a method for displaying ventilator information. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment of a method for displaying ventilator information. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment of a method for displaying ventilator information. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an embodiment of a screen shot of a display on a ventilation system. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an embodiment of a screen shot of a display on a ventilation system. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an embodiment of a screen shot of a system status display. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an embodiment of a screen shot of a system status display. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This disclosure describes embodiments of novel display methods and of a system status display for use in devices such as medical ventilators that have an electronic graphical user interface (GUI) on a primary display device. The system status display (SSD) is a secondary display that has a more limited functionality than the electronic GUI on the primary display, and is provided primarily, if not solely, for the purpose of providing system status information to the operator. 
     Although the technology introduced above and discussed in detail below may be implemented for a variety of devices (and not just medical devices), the present disclosure will discuss the implementation of these techniques in the context of a medical ventilator for use in providing ventilation support to a human patient. The reader will understand that the technology described in the context of a medical ventilator for human patients could be adapted for use with other systems such as ventilators for non-human patients, different types of medical devices and any devices that use an electronic GUI presented on a primary display. 
     Medical ventilators are used to provide mixed gases that can be delivered in different modes of operation to a patient who may otherwise be unable to breathe sufficiently. This could include assisting a weakly breathing patient by reducing the work of breathing or by breathing for a patient that is unable to breathe. In modern medical facilities, pressurized air and oxygen sources are often available from wall outlets. Other, exotic gases such as helium, helium-oxygen mixtures (heliox), nitrogen and argon to name but a few, may also be used depending on the therapy being administered. 
     Medical ventilators monitor the delivery of breathing gas to the patient, may directly or indirectly monitor physiological parameters of the patient, and monitor the operation of the ventilator. 
     In the embodiments described herein, operators control the medical interface through an electronic GUI presented on a primary display, possibly in conjunction with one or more user input devices such as a thumbwheel, mouse, keyboard, or selector. As described above, typically, such a primary display is a large display which may be provided with touchscreen capability. The electronic GUI presented to the operator via this display allows the operator to view patient data in different forms, historical data, control the operation of the ventilator and change the therapy being provided to the patient. In an embodiment, every ventilator operation that can be performed by the ventilator can be accessed via the electronic GUI. Further, the electric GUI may or may not be removable from the ventilator housing. 
     Because of the computing power necessary to drive such a primary display, a separate GUI controller (which may alternatively be referred to as the primary display controller or graphics subsystem) is often used that is solely dedicated to running the primary display, interpreting user inputs received through the GUI, and passing that information on to the main ventilator controller that controls the actual gas delivery operations of the ventilator and any subsystems within the ventilator. Another function is to perform the computations and manipulations necessary to raw data provided by the main ventilator controller or discreet ventilator subsystems and turn them into the graphical presentations (waveforms, loops, monitored patient data, average values, etc.) shown on the GUI. For example, in an embodiment, the main ventilator controller monitors and outputs current parameters, which are then stored in memory to be accessed as needed by the GUI controller. 
     An example of one such subsystem is a battery control system. Typically, medical ventilators may be provided with one or more batteries to allow the ventilator to remain in operation without interruption while a patient is being transported between locations or during power loss. The battery system may include a monitoring and recharging subsystem that monitors the charge state and performance of the battery or batteries and keeps the batteries in a charged state. 
     Depending on the configuration of the ventilator other subsystems may be provided such as modules associated with gas sources, e.g., which gas sources are currently in use or modules associated with power management such as whether power is being delivered from a wall outlet or the battery system. 
     The SSD of the present disclosure is a secondary display that provides limited status information to the operator. In an embodiment, the SSD may not be interactive in any way, rather only providing status information in a predetermined or preselected format. Alternatively, some limited interaction may be provided through which a limited set of commands may be provided directly to the main breath delivery controller. 
     The SSD may be completely independent of the primary display and the GUI controller. One benefit of this architecture is that it allows the primary display and, thus the GUI, to be powered down or even completely removed from the ventilator while continuing to provide the operator with status of gas delivery to the patient and system status information. In another embodiment, the SSD is completely independent of the ventilation system. One benefit of this architecture is that it allows the ventilator to be powered down while continuing to provide the operator with system status information on the SSD. Having the SSD operational when the primary display and/or ventilator is powered down also has the benefit of allowing an operator to determine the status of various information without the need to power up/boot up the GUI controller or other non-essential systems. For example, during the selection of a ventilator system, a ventilator operator may refer to information (such as identification information, ventilation configuration features, a list of ventilator programs executable by the ventilator system, and/or maintenance information) provided by the SSD without having to power on the ventilator system or the electric GUI. Having quick and easy access to this information reduces the amount of time necessary for a ventilator operator to choose a desirable/proper ventilator. 
     In an embodiment, the SSD is a display located on the gas delivery system. In one embodiment, the SSD is a small, low-power display such as an LCD display to reduce the power demand of the SSD. In one embodiment, the SSD is always powered on when the ventilator is under battery power. In another embodiment, the SSD is always powered on when the ventilator is receiving external power. In yet another embodiment, when the ventilator is running on battery power, the SSD may power off and may be turned on using a separate SSD power switch (different from that controlling the primary display and electronic GUI and/or the ventilator). In one embodiment, the SSD or drive circuitry may be able to determine when the primary display is turned off or removed (if removable), during ventilation and may automatically turn on and remain on in such circumstances. In an alternative embodiment, the SSD may always be powered on when the ventilation is off but receiving external power. Further in another embodiment, the SSD or drive circuitry may be able to determine when the ventilator is turned off and may automatically turn the SSD on if the ventilator is receiving external power. 
     In an embodiment, when the SSD is on, the SSD may be programmable by the operator or manufacturer to meet local requirements or preferences. Likewise, the status data (that is data obtained from systems other than the GUI controller) displayed and the format of that display may also be user selectable. 
     In order to properly treat a patient, an operator must be familiar with the configuration of the ventilator system. However, various ventilators are configured in various ways, making it difficult for an operator to quickly find and locate components of a ventilation system. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the ventilator system described herein displays a two-point perspective view representing the physical configuration of a portion of the ventilator system on the SSD or electric GUI. Further, key components and ventilator system status may be displayed on this two-point perspective view representing the physical configuration of a portion of the ventilator system in the actual physical location of these components on the ventilator system. Accordingly, this display method decreases the amount of time necessary for a ventilator operator to locate various physical ventilator components on the ventilator system for providing proper patient ventilation. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of a ventilator system  20  (also referred to as ventilator  20 ) including a primary display  59 , a system status display  51 , a controller  50 , and a pneumatic system  22  (also referred to as a gas delivery system  22 ). The ventilator system  20  further includes a main housing. 
     Ventilator  20  is connected to a human patient  24 . Pneumatic system  22  (also referred to as a gas delivery system  22 ) delivers breathing gases to a patient  24  via the ventilation tubing system  26 , which couples patient  24  to the pneumatic system  22  via physical patient interface  28  and ventilator circuit  30 . The gas delivery system  22  is located in the main housing of ventilator  20 . Ventilator circuit  30  could be a two-limb or one-limb circuit  30  for carrying gas mixture to and from the patient  24 . In a two-limb embodiment as shown, a wye fitting  36  may be provided as shown to couple the patient interface  28  to the inspiratory limb  32  and the expiratory limb  34  of the circuit  30 . 
     The present description contemplates that the patient interface  28  may be invasive or non-invasive, and of any configuration suitable for establishing a flow of breathing gas from the patient circuit  30  to an airway of the patient  24 . Examples of suitable patient interface  28  devices include a nasal mask, nasal/oral mask (which is shown in  FIG. 1 ), nasal prong, full-face mask, tracheal tube, endotracheal tube, nasal pillow, etc. 
     Pneumatic system  22  may be configured in a variety of ways. In the present example, system  22  includes an expiratory module  40  coupled with an expiratory limb  34  and an inspiratory module  42  coupled with an inspiratory limb  32 . The inspiratory limb  32  receives a gas mixture from one or more gas sources controlled by one or more gas metering devices. The pneumatic system  22  may include a variety of other components, including other sources for pressurized air and/or oxygen, gas metering devices, accumulators, mixing modules, valves, sensors, tubing, filters, etc. 
     Controller  50  is operatively coupled with pneumatic system  22 , signal measurement and acquisition systems, and an operator interface  52 . The operator interface  52  may be provided to enable an operator to interact with the ventilator  20  (e.g., change ventilator settings, select operational modes, view monitored parameters, etc.). Controller  50  may include memory  54 , one or more processors  56 , storage  58 , and/or other components of the type commonly found in command and control computing devices. 
     The memory  54  is non-transitory computer-readable storage media that stores software that is executed by the processor  56  and which controls the operation of the ventilator  20 . In an embodiment, the memory  54  comprises one or more solid-state storage devices such as flash memory chips. In an alternative embodiment, the memory  54  may be mass storage connected to the processor  56  through a mass storage controller (not shown) and a communications bus (not shown). Although the description of non-transitory computer-readable media contained herein refers to a solid-state storage, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that non-transitory computer-readable storage media can be any available media that can be accessed by the processor  56 . Non-transitory computer-readable storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Non-transitory computer-readable storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, non-volatile memory, or other solid state memory technology, CD-ROM, DVD, or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by the processor  56 . 
     The controller  50  issues commands to pneumatic system  22  in order to control the gas delivery provided to the patient  24  by the ventilator  20 . The specific commands may be based on inputs received from patient  24 , pneumatic system  22  and sensors, operator interface  52  and/or other components of the ventilator  20 . 
     In the depicted example, operator interface  52  includes a primary display  59  that is touch-sensitive, enabling the primary display  59  to serve both as an input user interface and an output device. The primary display  59  is removable from the ventilator system  20 . In an alternative embodiment, the primary display  59  is not removable from ventilator system  20 . The primary display  59  can display any type of ventilation information, such as sensor readings, parameters, commands, alarms, warnings, and smart prompts (i.e., ventilator determined operator suggestions). 
     The primary display  59  is an electronic Graphical User Interface (GUI) that allows the operator to view patient data in different forms, view historical data, control the operation of the ventilator  20 , and to change the therapy being provided to the patient. In an embodiment, every ventilator operation that can be performed by the ventilator  20  can be accessed via the electronic GUI or primary display  59 . In another embodiment, a portion of the ventilator operations that can be performed by the ventilator  20  can be accessed via the electronic GUI of primary display  59 . 
     In one embodiment, primary display  59  utilizes a separate GUI controller (not shown), which may alternatively be referred to as the primary display controller or graphics subsystem. A separate GUI controller may be utilized because the computing power necessary to drive primary display  59  is often solely dedicated to running the primary display, interpreting user inputs received through the GUI, and passing that information on to main ventilator controller  50  that controls the actual gas delivery operations of ventilator  20  and any subsystems within ventilator  20 . 
     Primary display  59  also performs the computations and manipulations necessary to convert raw data, provided by main ventilator controller  50  or discreet ventilator subsystems, into the graphical presentations, such as waveforms, loops, monitored patient data, and/or average values for display on the GUI. This list is not limiting. Any suitable type of graphical presentation for a primary display  59  may be utilized. In one embodiment, the raw data and the generated graphical presentations are stored in memory to be accessed as needed by the GUI controller of primary display  59 . 
     In this embodiment, ventilator  20  includes a battery control system (not shown). Medical ventilators may be provided with one or more batteries to allow ventilator  20  to remain in operation without interruption while a patient is being transported between locations or during power loss. In this embodiment, the ventilator  20  monitors the charge state and performance of the battery or batteries and keeps the batteries in a charged state. In this embodiment, the primary display  59  and/or SSD  51  is in communication with the battery control system and displays battery information received from the battery control system, such as battery use, battery performance, and battery charge levels. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the primary display includes a primary display battery control system that monitors the charge state and performance of the battery or batteries in ventilator system  20  and/or in the primary display  59  and keeps the batteries in a charged state. In this embodiment, the primary display  59  and/or SSD  51  independently communicates with the primary display battery control system and displays battery information received from the battery control system, such as battery use, battery performance, and battery charge levels. 
     Ventilator  20  further includes system status display (SSD)  51 . The SSD  51  is a secondary display that provides limited status information to the operator. IN this embodiment, SSD  51  is not interactive in any way. SSD  51  displays status information in a predetermined or preselected format. In alternative embodiments, the SSD  51  provides for limited interactions, such as a set of commands provided directly to the controller  50 . 
     SSD  51  is completely independent of the GUI controller on the primary display  59 . Accordingly, if the primary display  59  with the GUI controller fails, is disconnected, is removed from the ventilator  20 , is powered off, or malfunctions, the SSD  51  still provides the operator with ventilator and patient information obtained directly from the controller  50 . SSD  51  allows an operator to determine various information of ventilator system  20  and patient status information without having to power up/boot up, fix, or reattach primary display  59  with the GUI controller. In another embodiment, SSD  51  allows an operator to determine various information of ventilator  20  without having to power up/boot up the entire ventilator system  20 . 
     For example, the SSD  51  of ventilator system  20  may be designed to display ventilator information that is helpful to a ventilator operator prior to use of ventilator  20 . In this embodiment, the SSD  51  may display pre-use information, such as identification information, maintenance information, ventilator programs executable by ventilator  20  and/or ventilation configuration features. This information provides the ventilator operator with necessary information for selecting a proper and/or desirable ventilator  20  for each individual patient. Displaying this pre-use information on the SSD  51  allows information to be viewed quickly without having to power on the ventilator  20  and/or the primary display  59 . Further, this SSD  51  groups all of the information necessary for selecting a ventilator  20  onto one screen, preventing the operator from having to navigate through several display screens to determine all of the information necessary for selecting a ventilator  20 . Accordingly, the display of identification information, maintenance information, ventilator programs executable by ventilator  20  and/or ventilation configuration features on the SSD  51  decreases the amount of time necessary for a ventilator operator to select a proper and/or desirable ventilator  20 . This time decrease is particularly desirable when ventilating a critical patient or when picking a ventilator  20  in a chaotic environment, such as an intensive care unit or in the field during a disaster. 
     The SSD  51  may display this pre-use information upon command, at all times, or in specific power or physical configurations. In one embodiment, the SSD  51  of ventilator  20  displays identification information, maintenance information, ventilator programs executable by ventilator  20  and/or ventilation configuration features continuously when the ventilator  20  is powered off/turned off but receiving power from an external power source. In another embodiment, the SSD  51  of ventilator  20  displays identification information, maintenance information, ventilator programs executable by ventilator  20  and/or ventilation configuration features upon user selection when the ventilation system is powered off but receiving power from a battery source. In yet another embodiment, the SSD  51  of ventilator  20  displays identification information, maintenance information, ventilator programs executable by ventilator  20  and/or ventilation configuration features upon user selection when the ventilation system is powered or turned on. 
     The type of pre-use information that is displayed may be determined by ventilator configuration, operator selection, operator input, and/or ventilator power or physical configuration. In one embodiment, the operator may input pre-use information into ventilator  20 , such as identification information and maintenance information. In another embodiment, ventilator  20  may determine the pre-use information continuously and/or at upon configuration. For example, ventilator  20  may determine if the patient circuit  30  is in a neonate, a pediatric, or an adult configuration based on previous or current settings. In another embodiment, the make and model of ventilator  20  may be programmed into ventilator  20  upon configuration. 
     The identification information is any information that allows an operator to identify ventilator  20 , such as an owner name, an owner address, an owner identification number, a model name, a model number, a brand name, a production date, and/or a manufacturer identification number to name only a few. In one embodiment, some of the identification information may be preconfigured into ventilator  20  or inputted by an operator. For instance, the model name, model number, and production date may be preconfigured into ventilator  20 . In another example, the operator may input an owner name, an owner identification number, or other information valuable to the operator for indentifying ventilator  20 . 
     The maintenance information is any information that allows an operator to determine the maintenance, service, and/or performance status of ventilator  20 . The maintenance information may include service information or test information. 
     Service information is any information relating to the service of ventilator  20 . The service information may be related to previous services performed on ventilator  20  or to future services that needs to be performed on ventilator  20  for proper or desired maintenance of ventilator  20 . The service information may include a service type, service date, service time, service reminder, preventative service date, future service information, and/or specific service information for individual components of ventilator  20 , such as a gas source, oximeter, and/or capnograph. The future service information includes information relating to any already scheduled/planned future services for ventilator  20 . The preventative service information includes reminders and/or warnings that let the operator know when future service should be performed and/or if a future service is due or past due. 
     In one embodiment, the SSD  51  displays the most recently performed service information, such as type of service, date of service, and time of service. In a further embodiment, the SSD  51  displays the number of hours ventilator  20  may be utilized to ventilate a patient before the next service is required. In an additional embodiment, the SSD  51  may further display the last service date for a gas source and the amount of time until the next service date for the gas source is necessary. 
     In one embodiment, the test information may be inputted or selected by the operator and/or service provider. In another embodiment, ventilator  20  may determine test information through a program executed by controller  50  or a primary display controller. In a further embodiment, the test information may be preconfigured into ventilator  20  and programmed to be displayed based on a preconfigured event and/or time duration. 
     The test information includes any information relating to any tests performed on ventilator  20  or any necessary or desirable future tests for ventilator  20 . The test information may include, test type, test date, test time, test results, future test information, preventative test information, and/or specific test information for individual components of ventilator  20 . In one embodiment, the test information includes the absence of a necessary test or test results. In another embodiment, the future test information includes information relating to any already scheduled/planned future tests for ventilator  20 . The preventative test information may include reminders and/or warnings that let the operator know when future tests should be performed and/or if future tests are due or past due. 
     In another embodiment, the SSD  51  displays start-up test information. In yet another embodiment, the SSD  51  displays short self test and/or extended self test information, such as date, time, and results. 
     In one embodiment, the SSD  51  displays information relating to the most recently performed tests, such as type performed, date performed, and time performed. In a further embodiment, the SSD  51  displays the number of hours ventilator  20  may be utilized to ventilate a patient before the next test is required. In an additional embodiment, the SSD  51  may further display the last test date for a gas source and the amount of time until the next test for the gas source is necessary. 
     In one embodiment, the test information may be inputted or selected by the operator and/or service provider. In another embodiment, ventilator  20  may determine test information based on a program executed by controller  50  or primary display controller. In a further embodiment, the test information may be preconfigured into ventilator  20  and programmed to be displayed based on a preconfigured event and/or time duration. 
     The ventilator programs executable by ventilator  20  are programs or software that control and/or affect the ventilation of a patient being ventilated by ventilator  20 . Different programs may be used to provide different types, or ‘modes’, of ventilation, such as volume controlled ventilation, pressure controlled ventilation, etc. Examples of ventilation modes used in the art include Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), Proportional Assist Ventilation® Plus (PAV+) and Volume Ventilation Plus™ (VV+) to name only a few. These programs may be listed by name, abbreviation, and/or symbol. 
     Other ventilator programs utilized by the ventilator  20  further require physical ventilator configurations for proper use. Accordingly, the listing of these types of programs also informs the operator that these physical configurations are also present on the ventilator  20 , such as neomode, autostart, ieSync, non-invasive neonatal CPAP (NIV Neo CPAP), Spontaneous Breath Trial Manager (SBT Manager), and/or Heliox to name only a few. For example, Heliox ventilation requires a specific valve for proper Heliox ventilation and NIV Neo CPAP requires a neonatal non-invasive patient interface. Accordingly, theses programs whether listed by name, abbreviation, and/or symbol represent that ventilator contains both the program/software and the physical ventilation system configuration and/or parts for properly executing these ventilator programs. 
     In one embodiment, all of the ventilator programs are displayed by the system status display  51 . In another embodiment, a portion of the ventilator programs are displayed by the system status display  51 . In one embodiment, the ventilator programs displayed by the system status display  51  are user selected. In another embodiment, the ventilator programs displayed by the SSD  51  are preconfigured. 
     The ventilation configuration features include features that describe how the ventilator  20  is physically configured, such as battery installation status, patient circuit configuration, humidifier configuration, compressor installation status, communication system installation status, external flow measurement system installation status, nebulizer installation status, and/or gas source installation status to name only a few. Battery installation status displayed on the system status display  51  informs the operator of what batteries are installed on the ventilator  20 . In one embodiment, the battery installation status may further inform the operator what the charge level is of each installed battery. In another embodiment, the battery installation status may further inform the operator of which battery is charging or in use. Patient circuit configuration information displayed by the system status display  51  informs the operator if the patient circuit  30  of ventilator  20  is in a neonate, pediatric, or adult configuration. Humidifier configuration information displayed on the system status display informs the operator if a humidifier is utilized by ventilator  20  and if utilized, what kind of humidifier is utilized by the ventilation system. Compressor installation status information displayed by the SSD  51  informs the operator if a compressor is installed on ventilator  20 . Gas source installation status information displayed by the system status display  51  informs the operator of what kinds of gas sources are installed on ventilator  20 . 
     In one embodiment, SSD  51  is located on the housing of ventilator  20 . In an embodiment, SSD  51  displays status information and is always on when ventilator  20  is provided with battery power and/or external power (e.g., when it is plugged into a wall socket). In the embodiment shown, the SSD  51  is a small, low-power display, such as an LCD display. In an alternative embodiment, SSD  51  is powered off unless an operator turns the SSD  51  on (with a different power switch from that controlling the primary display  59  and/or ventilator  20 ) when ventilator  20  is provided with battery power and/or external power. In another embodiment, SSD  51  has drive circuitry to determine when the primary display is turned off, disabled, failing or removed from ventilator  20  (e.g., such as for transport to conserve battery life) and automatically turns on for a portion of time. In this embodiment, SSD  51  may remain on. In another embodiment, SSD  51  remains on until the operator switches SSD  51  off, SSD  51  runs out of power, the primary display  59  is turned on, is fixed, or is reattached, and/or an external power source is utilized. In another embodiment, SSD  51  has drive circuitry to determine when the SSD is turned off or turned on. 
     In one embodiment, SSD  51  is programmable by the operator or manufacturer to meet local requirements or preferences. Further, status data (that is obtained from systems other than the GUI controller of the primary display  59 ) is displayed. In another embodiment, the format of the data displayed on the SSD  51  is selected by the operator or manufacturer. 
     In one embodiment, ventilator  20  may be configured to display a two-point perspective view representing a physical configuration of a portion of ventilation system  20 . The two-point perspective illustration may be displayed by SSD  51  and/or primary display  59 . In order to properly ventilate a patient, the operator needs to understand the status of the ventilator  20  in addition to the status of the patient. In order for the operator to fully understand the status of the ventilator  20 , the operator must be able to locate and/or identify specific components of ventilator  20 . The two-point perspective view representing the physical configuration of a portion of ventilator  20  provides the operator with a quick guide for locating and/or identifying specific components on ventilator  20 . 
     Any suitable information can be displayed on the two-point perspective view representing the physical configuration of the portion of ventilator  20  for helping an operator understand the status of ventilator  20  and the location of key components of ventilator  20 . In one embodiment, the two-point perspective view representing the physical configuration of the portion of ventilator  20  displays any available gas source, a location of any gas source on the ventilation system, gas source use status, any available power source, power source use status, compressor installation status, compressor use status, a location of any installed batteries on the ventilation system, any installed batteries use status, any installed batteries charge level, and/or installation status of any batteries. In another embodiment, the two-point perspective view representing the physical configuration of the portion of ventilator  20  displays the location of a gas delivery system, a compressor (if contained on ventilator  20 ), any type of installed gas source, an external power source, any installed battery, and/or a pressure gauge for a compressor (if contained on ventilator  20 ) as configured on ventilator  20 . 
     In one embodiment, compressor installation status includes displaying if a compressor is contained in ventilator  20 . In another embodiment, compressor use status displays if a compressor is being utilized or not utilized by ventilator  20 . In one embodiment, battery installation status includes displaying if a battery is connected or not connected to ventilator  20 . In another embodiment, battery use status displays if a connected battery is in use or not in use. In yet another embodiment, battery charge level displays if an installed battery is charged or not charged, charging or not charging, the charge level of an installed battery, and/or an estimate of the remaining amount of ventilator use time of an installed battery. The charge level of the battery may be depicted as a fuel gauge or as a time duration counting down the amount of useable amount of time left on a connected battery. In one embodiment, animation is utilized to show that any battery is charging or being utilized. In another embodiment, the animation is a ripple that moves upward if a battery is charging and moves downwards if a battery is being utilized denoting that the charge level of the battery to decrease. 
     The SSD  51  and/or primary display  59  may display a two-point perspective view representing the physical configuration of the portion of ventilator  20  upon command, at all times, or in specific power and/or physical configuration. In one embodiment, the SSD  51  and/or primary display  59  of ventilator  20  display the two-point perspective view representing the physical configuration of the portion of ventilator  20  continuously when ventilator  20  is powered off but receiving power from an external power source. In another embodiment, the SSD  51  or primary display  59  of ventilator  20  displays the two-point perspective view representing the physical configuration of the portion of ventilator  20  upon operator selection when the ventilation system is powered off but receiving power from a battery source. In yet another embodiment, the SSD  51  and/or primary display  59  of ventilator  20  displays the two-point perspective view representing the physical configuration of the portion of ventilator  20  upon user selection when the ventilation system is powered or turned on. In an alternative embodiment, the SSD  51  and/or primary display  59  of ventilator  20  displays the two-point perspective view representing the physical configuration of the portion of ventilator  20  at all times during ventilation of patient  24 . In yet a further embodiment, the SSD  51  and/or primary display  59  of ventilator  20  displays the two-point perspective view representing the physical configuration of the portion of ventilator  20  when ventilator  20  is powered or turned on but not ventilating a patient. 
     In one embodiment, a portion of the information displayed on the two-point perspective view representing the physical configuration of the portion of ventilator  20  may be inputted or selected by the operator and/or service provider. In another embodiment, ventilator  20  may determine a portion of the information displayed on the two-point perspective view representing the physical configuration of the portion of ventilator  20  through a program executed by controller  50  or primary display controller. In a further embodiment, the information displayed on the two-point perspective view representing the physical configuration of the portion of ventilator  20  may be preconfigured into ventilator  20  and/or programmed to be displayed based on a preconfigured event and/or time duration. 
     Any of the information displayed on the SSD  51  or the primary display  59  may be depicted in any suitable manner utilizing icons, symbols, graphs, charts, text, light, light intensity, animation, and/or color. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , an embodiment of a ventilation system  200  is shown. Ventilation system  200  includes a main housing  202 . The main housing  202  includes a gas delivery system  204 , a ventilation control system  206 , and a system status display (SSD)  208 . The ventilation control system  206  controls the gas delivery system  204  and monitors one or more of a patient physiological parameter, operational parameters of the ventilation system  200 , and user-defined parameters. In one embodiment, the ventilation control system  206  is located in the main housing  202 . In an alternative embodiment, the ventilation control system  206  is located in a separate component independent of the main housing  202 . 
     The system status display  208  receives status data directly from the ventilation control system  206  and displays the status data. In one embodiment, the system status display  208  includes a switch that turns the system status display  208  on and off, which is separate from the ventilation system  200 ′s and the primary display&#39;s on/off switch. In another embodiment, at least one command is transmitted to the ventilation control system  206  via the system status display  208 . In another embodiment, the at least one command is transmitted to the ventilation control system  206  via the system status display  208  upon user command. In one embodiment, the SSD  208  commands include power save, primary display  214  shut-down, system status display  208  shut-down, stand-by, charge, breath-type set-up, pressure support set-up, oxygen percent set-up, tidal volume set-up, breath-type change, pressure support change, oxygen percent change, and/or tidal volume change. All of the commands listed above are not limiting, Other suitable commands for controlling a ventilation system  200  may be added to the system status display  208 . 
     The status data of the system status display  208  may display any suitable information, such as patient parameters, ventilation parameters, sensor readings, ventilator information, and/or calculated parameters. In one embodiment, the status data of the system status display  208  is selected from ventilator identification information, ventilator maintenance information, at least one ventilation program executable by the ventilation system  200  and/or at least one ventilation configuration feature. In another embodiment, system status display  208  displays a two-point perspective view representing a physical configuration of a portion of ventilation system  200 . In a further embodiment, system status display  208  displays any available gas source, a location of any gas source on the ventilation system  200 , gas source use status, any available power source, power source use status, compressor installation status, compressor use status, a location of any installed batteries on the ventilation system  200 , any installed batteries use status, any installed batteries charge level, and/or installation status of any batteries on the two-point perspective view representing a physical configuration of a portion of ventilation system  200 . In a further embodiment, system status display  208  displays the location of a gas delivery system, a compressor (if contained on ventilation system  200 ), any type of installed gas source, an external power source, any installed battery, and/or a pressure gauge for a compressor (if contained on ventilation system  200 ) as configured on ventilation system  200  on the two-point perspective view representing a physical configuration of a portion of ventilation system  200 . All of this information may be depicted in any suitable manner, such as utilizing icons, graphs, charts, text, light, light intensity, animation, and/or color. 
     The identification information is any information that allows an operator to identify a ventilation system  200 , such as an owner name, an owner address, an owner identification number, a model name, a model number, a brand name, a production date, and/or a manufacturer identification number. In one embodiment, some of the identification information may be preconfigured into ventilation system  200  or inputted by an operator. 
     The maintenance information is any information that allows an operator to determine the maintenance, service, and/or performance status of the ventilation system  200 . The maintenance information may include service information or test information. 
     Service information is any information relating to the service of the ventilation system  200 . The service information may be related to previous services performed on the ventilation system  200  or to future services that need to be performed on the ventilation system  200  for proper or desired maintenance of the ventilation system  200 . 
     The test information is any information relating to any tests performed on the ventilation system  200  or any necessary or desirable future tests for the ventilation system  200 . The test information may include, test type, test date, test time, test results, future test information, preventative test information, and/or specific test information for individual components of the ventilation system  200 . 
     In one embodiment, the ventilator programs executable by ventilation system  200  are programs that control and/or affect the ventilation of a patient being ventilated by ventilation system  200 . These programs may be listed by name, abbreviation, and/or symbol. In one embodiment, all of the ventilator programs are displayed by the system status display  208 . In another embodiment, a portion of the ventilator programs are displayed by the system status display  208 . In one embodiment, the ventilator programs displayed by the system status display  208  are operator selected. In another embodiment, the ventilator programs displayed by the system status display  208  are preconfigured. 
     In another embodiment, the ventilation configuration features include features that describe how the ventilation system  200  is physically configured, such as battery installation status, patient circuit configuration, humidifier configuration, compressor installation status, and/or gas source installation status. Battery installation status displayed on the system status display  208  informs the operator of what batteries are installed on the ventilation system  200 . In one embodiment, the battery installation status may further inform the operator of the charge level of each installed battery. Patient circuit configuration information displayed by the system status display  208  informs the operator if the patient circuit of ventilation system  200  is in a neonate, pediatric, or adult configuration. Humidifier configuration information displayed on the system status display  208  informs the operator if a humidifier is utilized by ventilation system  200  and if utilized, what kind of humidifier is utilized by the ventilation system  200 . Compressor installation status information displayed by the system status display  208  informs the operator if a compressor is installed on ventilation system  200 . Gas source installation status information displayed by the system status display  208  informs the operator of what kinds of gas sources are installed on ventilation system  200 . 
     In one embodiment, compressor installation status includes displaying if a compressor is contained in ventilation system  200 . In another embodiment, compressor use status displays if a compressor is being utilized or not utilized by ventilation system  200 . In yet another embodiment, battery installation status includes displaying if a battery is connected to the ventilation system  200 , displaying if a battery is disconnected from the ventilation system  200 . In another embodiment, battery use status includes displaying if a battery is in use or not in use. In yet another embodiment, battery charge level includes displaying if a battery is charged, charge level of a battery and/or an estimate of battery life. The charge level of the battery may be depicted as a fuel gauge or as a time duration counting down the amount of useable time left on the battery. 
     In one embodiment, a SSD  208  displays a manometer. The manometer displays the peak inspiratory pressure (P PEAK ), positive-end expiratory pressure (PEEP), and inspiratory pressure in thermometer-type display as illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . As the inspiratory pressure changes, the manometer may demonstrate this with the movement of the pressure meter up and down the vertical scale. In a further embodiment, the manometer may illustrate high and low alarm setting for the peak inspiratory pressure. In another embodiment, the pressure ranges of the manometer may change based on the patient setting (e.g. adult, pediatric, or neonate) of the ventilation system  200 . For example, the embodiment of  FIG. 8  displays the pressure range on a manometer for ventilating an infant and the embodiment of  FIG. 9  displays an adult pressure range on a manometer for ventilating and adult or child. In another embodiment, the pediatric pressure range may be equal to the range displayed in  FIG. 9 . 
     Ventilation system  200  further includes a primary display housing  210 . The primary display housing  210  is removably attached to the main housing  202 . In an alternative embodiment, the primary display housing  210  is not removable from the main housing  202 . In the embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the primary display housing  210  includes a primary display controller  212  and a primary display  214 . In an alternative embodiment, the primary display controller  212  is located in the main housing  202 . In another embodiment, the primary display controller  212  is located in a separate component independent of the main housing  202  and the primary display housing  210 . 
     Primary display  214  presents the graphical user interface. In one embodiment, the primary display  214  includes a mechanism that turns the primary display  214  on and off. In another embodiment, the system status display  208 , when in operation, uses at least less than 10%, more preferable less than 5% and even more preferably less than 2% of the power used by the primary display  214  when in operation. In yet another embodiment, the system status display  208 , when in operation, uses at least less than 50% of the power used by the primary display  214  when in operation. In yet a further embodiment, the system status display  208 , when in operation, uses at least less than 80% of the power used by the primary display  214  when in operation. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the system status display  208  has a low-power mode for conserving power consumption. The low-power mode reduces the amount of power consumed by the SSD  208  by at least 10%. In one embodiment, the low-power mode reduces the amount of power consumed by the SSD  208  by at least 50%. In another embodiment, the low-power mode reduces the amount of power consumed by the SSD  208  by at least 80%. In one embodiment, the SSD  208  enters the low-power mode when the primary display housing  210  is removed. In an additional embodiment, the SSD  208  is placed in a low-power mode when the primary display housing  210  is malfunctioning or disconnected. In another embodiment, the SSD  208  enters a low-power mode based on user command. 
     Primary display controller  212  generates the graphical user interface, receives operator inputs through the graphical user interface, and delivers commands to the ventilation control system  206  based on the operator inputs. In one embodiment, the primary display controller  212  places the primary display  214  in a safe disconnect mode to allow the primary display housing  210  to be removed. In an additional embodiment, the primary display controller  212  is placed in a low-power mode when the primary display housing  210  is removed. In another embodiment, the primary display controller  212  is turned off when the primary display housing  210  is removed. In yet another embodiment, the primary display controller  212  is turned off or placed in a low-power mode based on user command. 
     In one embodiment, the primary display  214  is suitable for displaying any of the information described above for the system status display  208 , such as ventilation system  200  maintenance information, ventilation system  200  service information, ventilation system  200  programs executable by ventilation system  200 , ventilation configuration features, and/or a two-point perspective view representing a physical configuration of a portion of ventilation system  200 . In an alternative embodiment, primary display  214  display different information from the system status display  208 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment of a method  300  for displaying ventilator information on a ventilation system. As illustrated, method  300  performs a first display operation  302 . First display operation  302  displays a first set of data on a primary display. In one embodiment, the first set of data includes ventilator status, available gas sources, utilized gas source or sources, available power sources, utilized power source, pressure trace of inspiratory pressure, positive-end expiratory pressure (PEEP), peak inspiratory pressure, battery system status, batteries in use, battery charge level, and/or a battery status. In another embodiment, the primary display is removable from a housing of the ventilation system. 
     As illustrated, method  300  performs a control operation  304 . Control operation  304  controls the primary display with a processor. The processor may be part of a primary display controller. The control operation  304  determines what is displayed on the primary display. 
     Method  300  performs a second display operation  306 . The second display operation  306  displays a second set of status data on the system status display. In one embodiment the second set of status data is different from the first set of status data. In another embodiment, the second set of status data includes ventilator maintenance information, ventilator identification information, ventilator programs executable by the ventilation system, ventilator configuration features, ventilator status, available gas sources, utilized gas source or sources, available power sources, utilized power source, pressure trace of inspiratory pressure, PEEP, peak inspiratory pressure, battery system status, batteries in use, battery charge level, and/or a battery status. 
     Method  300  performs a control operation  308 . Control operation  308  controls the secondary display with a processor. The processor may be part of ventilation system or part of a system status display controller. The control operation  304  determines what is displayed on the system status display. 
     As illustrated, method  300  further performs a third display operation  310 . Third display operation  310  displays a two-point perspective view representing a physical configuration of a portion of the ventilation system as part of at least one of the first set of data or the second set of data. In one embodiment, the first set of data on the system status display displays the two-point perspective view representing the physical configuration of a portion of the ventilation system. In an alternative embodiment, the second set of data on the primary display displays the two-point perspective view representing the physical configuration of a portion of the ventilation system. In another embodiment, both the first set of data and the second set of data displayed on the primary display and the system status display include the two-point perspective view representing the physical configuration of a portion of the ventilation system. The displayed two-point perspective view representing the physical configuration of the portion of the ventilation system may further include the location of a gas delivery system, the location of a compressor, the location of the location of a gas delivery system, the location of a compressor (if contained on ventilation system), the location of any type of installed gas source, the location of an external power source, the location of any installed battery, and/or the location of a pressure gauge for a compressor (if contained on ventilation system), any type of installed gas source, gas source use status, any available power source, power source use status, compressor installation status, compressor use status, any installed batteries use status, any installed batteries charge level, and/or installation status of any batteries. In one embodiment, the data displayed by third display operation  310  is the screen shot of a display illustrated in  FIG. 8 . In another embodiment, the data displayed by third display operation  310  is the screen shot of a display illustrated in  FIG. 9 . 
     In one embodiment, method  300  further performs a determination operation. The determination operation determines if the ventilation system is ventilating a patient and/or receiving power from an external source. If the determination operation determines that the ventilation system is ventilating a patient and/or receiving power from an external source, the determination operation has method  300  perform third display operation  310 . If the determination operation determines that the ventilation system is not ventilating a patient and not receiving power from an external source, then the determination operation has method  300  perform first display operation  302  again. 
     In another embodiment, method  300  performs a monitoring operation. The monitoring operation monitors a compressor use status, a utilized power source, a battery charge level, and/or a kind of installed gas sources. In this embodiment, the monitored compressor use status, the utilized power source, the battery charge level, and/or the kind of installed gas source is displayed in a location on the two-point perspective view representing the physical configuration of the portion of the ventilation system corresponding to monitored parameters position/configuration on the actual ventilation system. 
     In yet another embodiment, method  300  performs a primary display determination operation. In this embodiment, the primary display is removable from the ventilation system. The primary display determination operation determines if the primary display is attached to the ventilation system. If the primary display determination operation determines that the primary display is attached to the ventilation system, then third display operation  310  displays a primary display attached to the ventilation system on the two-point perspective view representing the physical configuration of the portion of the ventilation system. If the primary display determination operation determines that the primary display is removed from the ventilation system, then third display operation  310  displays a primary display removed from the ventilation system on the two-point perspective view representing the physical configuration of the portion of the ventilation system. The attachment status of the primary display may be displayed though any suitable method, such as an icon, text, and/or a graphical picture. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment of a method  400  for displaying ventilator information on a ventilation system. As illustrated, method  400  performs a power source monitoring operation  402 . Power source monitoring operation  402  monitors the power source utilized by the ventilation system. For instance, power source monitoring operation  402  monitors if the ventilation system is utilizing external power, such as AC power or internal power, such as one or more batteries. 
     Further, method  400  performs a power status monitoring operation  404 . Power status monitoring operation  404  monitors whether the ventilation system is powered on or is powered off. In one embodiment, the power status monitoring operation  404  utilizes drive circuitry to monitor whether the ventilation system is powered off/turned on or is powered off/turned off. In another embodiment, the power status monitoring operation  404  utilizes a sensor for monitoring the position of the on/off switch of the ventilation system. 
     Next, method  400  performs a power status decision operation  406 . Power status decision operation  406  determines if the ventilation system is turned on. If power status decision operation  406  determines that the ventilation system is turned on, power status decision operation  406  decides to have method  400  perform first display operation  408 . If power status decision operation  406  determines that the ventilation system is turned off, power status decision operation  406  decides to have method  400  perform power source decision operation  410 . 
     Method  400  performs a first display operation  408 . First display operation  408  displays a first set of data on a primary display and displays a second set of data of a secondary display. In one embodiment, the first set of data and the second set of data are different. In another embodiment the first set of data and the second set of data may include ventilator status, available gas sources, utilized gas source or sources, available power sources, utilized power source, pressure trace of inspiratory pressure, PEEP, peak inspiratory pressure, battery system status, batteries in use, battery charge level, and/or a battery status. In one embodiment, the primary display is removable from the ventilation system. 
     Further, method  400  performs a power status decision operation  410 . Power status decision operation  410  determines if the ventilation system is receiving power from an external power source. If power status decision operation  410  determines that the ventilation system is receiving power from an external source, power status decision operation  410  decides to have method  400  perform second display operation  412 . If power status decision operation  410  determines that the ventilation system is not receiving power from an external source, power status decision operation  410  decides to have method  400  perform a power source monitoring operation  402  again. 
     As illustrated, method  400  performs a second display operation  412 . Second display operation  412  displays at least one of ventilation system identification information and ventilation system maintenance information on the system status display. In one embodiment, second display operation  412  displays a date, a time, and a result of a most recently performed short self test on the ventilation system. In another embodiment, second display operation  412  further displays a date, a time, and a result of a most recently performed extended self test on the ventilation system. In a further embodiment, second display operation  412  further displays a most recent date and time the ventilation system received maintenance and a number of hours the ventilation system can be utilized to ventilate a patient until the ventilation system requires new maintenance. In one embodiment, the data displayed by second display operation  412  is the screen shot of a display illustrated in  FIG. 10 . In another embodiment, the data displayed by second display operation  412  is the screen shot of a display illustrated in  FIG. 11 . 
     The identification information includes any information that allows an operator to identify a ventilation system, such as an owner name, an owner address, an owner identification number, a model name, a model number, a brand name, a production date, and/or a manufacturer identification number. In one embodiment, some of the identification information may be preconfigured into ventilation system or inputted by an operator. 
     The maintenance information is any information that allows an operator to determine the maintenance, service, and/or performance status of the ventilation system. The maintenance information includes service information or test information. Service information is any information relating to the service of the ventilation system. The service information may be related to any previous services performed on the ventilation system or to any future services that need to be performed on the ventilation system for proper or desired maintenance of the ventilation system. The test information includes any information relating to any tests performed on the ventilation system or any necessary or desirable future tests for the ventilation system. The test information may include, test type, test date, test time, test results, future test information, preventative test information, and/or specific test information for individual components of the ventilation system. 
     In one embodiment, method  400  further performs a maintenance monitoring operation. In this embodiment, the monitoring operation monitors any maintenance performed on the ventilation system. The monitoring operation may further monitor when future, maintenance is required on the ventilation system. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment of a method  500  for displaying ventilator information on a ventilation system. As illustrated, method  500  performs a power source monitoring operation  502 . Power source monitoring operation  502  monitors the power source utilized by the ventilation system. For instance, power source monitoring operation  502  monitors if the ventilation system is utilizing external power, such as AC power or internal power, such as one or more batteries. 
     Further, method  500  performs a power status monitoring operation  504 . The power status monitoring operation  504  monitors whether the ventilation system is powered off/turned on or is powered off/turned off. In one embodiment, the power status monitoring operation  504  utilizes drive circuitry to monitor whether the ventilation system is powered on or is powered off. In another embodiment, the power status monitoring operation  504  utilizes a sensor for monitoring the position of the on/off switch of the ventilation system. 
     Next, method  500  performs a power status decision operation  506 . Power status decision operation  506  determines if the ventilation system is turned on. If power status decision operation  506  determines that the ventilation system is turned on, power status decision operation  506  decides to have method  500  perform first display operation  508 . If power status decision operation  506  determines that the ventilation system is turned off, power status decision operation  506  decides to have method  500  perform power source decision operation  510 . 
     Method  500  performs first display operation  508 . First display operation  508  displays a first set of data on a primary display and displays a second set of data of a secondary display. In one embodiment, the first set of data and the second set of data are different. In another embodiment the first set of data and the second set of data may include ventilator status, available gas sources, utilized gas source or sources, available power sources, utilized power source, pressure trace of inspiratory pressure, PEEP, peak inspiratory pressure, battery system status, batteries in use, battery charge level, and/or a battery status. In one embodiment, the primary display is removable from the ventilation system. 
     Further, method  500  performs a power source decision operation  510 . Power source decision operation  510  determines if the ventilation system is receiving power from at least one battery. If power source decision operation  510  determines that the ventilation system is receiving power from at least one battery, power source decision operation  510  decides to have method  500  perform system status display status decision operation  512 . If power source decision operation  510  determines that ventilation system is not receiving power from at least one battery, power source decision operation  510  decides to have method  500  perform the power source monitoring operation  502  again. 
     Method  500  performs system status display decision operation  512 . System status display decision operation  512  determines if the system status display is switched on. In this embodiment, the system status display has a separate on/off switch from the ventilation system and the primary display. System status display decision operation  512  may utilize drive circuitry or a switch sensor to determine if the system status display is switched on. If system status display decision operation  512  determines that system status display is switched on, system status display decision operation  512  decides to have method  500  perform a second display operation  514 . If system status display decision operation  512  determines that system status display is switched off, system status display decision operation  512  decides to have method  500  perform the power source monitoring operation  502  again. 
     As illustrated, method  500  performs a second display operation  514 . Second display operation  514  displays at least one of ventilation system identification information and ventilation system maintenance information on the system status display. In one embodiment, the data displayed by second display operation  514  is the screen shot of a display illustrated in  FIG. 10 . In another embodiment, the data displayed by second display operation  514  is the screen shot of a display illustrated in  FIG. 11 . 
     The identification information includes any information that allows an operator to identify a ventilation system, such as an owner name, an owner address, an owner identification number, a model name, a model number, a brand name, a production date, and/or a manufacturer identification number. In one embodiment, some of the identification information may be preconfigured into ventilation system or inputted by an operator. 
     The maintenance information is any information that allows an operator to determine the maintenance, service, and/or performance status of the ventilation system. The maintenance information includes service information or test information. Service information is any information relating to the service of the ventilation system. The service information may be related to any previous services performed on the ventilation system or to any future services that need to be performed on the ventilation system for proper or desired maintenance of the ventilation system. The test information includes any information relating to any tests performed on the ventilation system or any necessary or desirable future tests for the ventilation system. The test information may include, test type, test date, test time, test results, future test information, preventative test information, and/or specific test information for individual components of the ventilation system. In one embodiment, the test information displayed on the system status display includes a date, a time, and a result of a most recent short self test and a most recent extended self test performed on the ventilation system. In another embodiment, the service information displayed on the system status display includes a date and a time of a most recent service performed on the ventilation system. In yet another embodiment, the service information displayed on the system status display includes an amount of time until a future service is required on the ventilation system. 
     In one embodiment, method  500  further performs a maintenance monitoring operation. In this embodiment, the monitoring operation monitors any maintenance performed on the ventilation system. The monitoring operation may further monitor when future maintenance is required on the ventilation system. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment of a method  600  for displaying ventilator information on a ventilation system. As illustrated, method  600  performs a power source monitoring operation  602 . Power source monitoring operation  602  monitors the power source utilized by the ventilation system. For instance, power source monitoring operation  602  monitors if the ventilation system is utilizing external power, such as AC power or internal power, such as one or more batteries. 
     Further, method  600  performs a power status monitoring operation  604 . The power status monitoring operation  604  monitors whether the ventilation system is powered off/turned on or is powered off/turned off. In one embodiment, the power status monitoring operation  604  utilizes drive circuitry to monitor whether the ventilation system is powered on or is powered off. In another embodiment, the power status monitoring operation  604  utilizes a sensor for monitoring the position of the on/off switch of the ventilation system. 
     Next, method  600  performs a power status decision operation  606 . Power status decision operation  606  determines if the ventilation system is turned on. If power status decision operation  606  determines that the ventilation system is turned on, power status decision operation  606  decides to have method  600  perform a first display operation  608 . If power status decision operation  606  determines that the ventilation system is turned off, power status decision operation  606  decides to have method  600  perform a power source decision operation  610 . 
     Method  600  performs a first display operation  608 . First display operation  608  displays a first set of data on a primary display and displays a second set of data of a secondary display. In one embodiment, the first set of data and the second set of data are different. In another embodiment the first set of data and the second set of data may include ventilator status, available gas sources, utilized gas source or sources, available power sources, utilized power source, pressure trace of inspiratory pressure, PEEP, peak inspiratory pressure, battery system status, batteries in use, battery charge level, and/or a battery status. In one embodiment, the primary display is removable from a housing of the ventilation system. 
     Further, method  600  performs a power source decision operation  610 . Power source decision operation  610  determines if the ventilation system is receiving power from an external power source. If power source decision operation  610  determines that the ventilation system is receiving power from an external source, power source decision operation  610  decides to have method  600  perform a second display operation  612 . If power source decision operation  610  determines that ventilation system is not receiving power from an external source, power source decision operation  610  decides to have method  600  perform a power source monitoring operation  602  discussed above. 
     As illustrated, method  600  performs a second display operation  612 . Second display operation  612  displays at least one ventilation program executable on the ventilation system and at least one ventilation configuration feature on the system status display. As discussed above, these programs or ventilation modes may be listed by name, abbreviation, and/or symbol. In one embodiment, all of the ventilator programs are displayed by the system status display. In another embodiment, a portion of the ventilator programs are displayed by the system status display. In one embodiment, the ventilator programs displayed by the system status display are user selected. In another embodiment, the ventilator programs displayed by the system status display are preconfigured. In one embodiment, the data displayed by second display operation  612  is the screen shot of a display illustrated in  FIG. 10 . In another embodiment, the data displayed by second display operation  612  is the screen shot of a display illustrated in  FIG. 11 . 
     The ventilation configuration features include features that describe how the ventilator is physically configured, such as battery installation status, patient circuit configuration, humidifier configuration, compressor installation status, and/or gas source installation status. Battery installation status displayed on the system status display informs the operator of what batteries are installed on the ventilator. In one embodiment, the battery installation status may further inform the operator of the charge level of each installed battery. Patient circuit configuration information displayed by the system status display informs the operator if the patient circuit of the ventilator is in a neonate, pediatric, or adult configuration. Humidifier configuration information displayed on the system status display informs the operator if a humidifier is utilized by the ventilation system and if utilized, what kind of humidifier is utilized by the ventilation system. Compressor installation status information displayed by the system status display informs the operator if a compressor is installed on the ventilation system. Gas source installation status information displayed by the system status display informs the operator of what kinds of gas sources are installed on the ventilation system. 
     In one embodiment, method  600  performs a ventilation configuration feature determination operation. The ventilation configuration feature determination operation determines at least one physical configuration feature of the ventilation system, such as battery installation status, patient circuit configuration, humidifier configuration, compressor installation status, gas source status, and/or ventilation programs. The ventilation configuration feature determination operation is performed prior to second display operation  612 . In this embodiment, second display operation  612  displays the determined at least one physical configuration feature of the ventilation system. 
     In another embodiment, method  600  further performs a battery determination operation and a battery charge level determination operation. The battery determination operation determines if any batteries are installed on the ventilation system. The battery charge level operation determines the charge level of each installed battery. In this embodiment, the second display operation  612  displays the determined installed batteries and the charge level of any determined installed batteries. 
     In yet another embodiment, method  600  performs a patient circuit determination operation. The patient circuit determination operation determines the patient circuit configuration of the ventilation system. In this embodiment, second display operation  612  displays the determined patient circuit configuration. 
     In a further embodiment, method  600  performs a compressor determination operation. The compressor determination operation determines if the ventilation system comprises a compressor. In this embodiment, second display operation  612  displays the compressor installation status determined by compressor determination operation. 
     In yet a further embodiment, method  600  performs a humidifier determination operation. The humidifier determination operation determines if the ventilator contains a humidifier and if so, the kind of humidifier. In this embodiment, second display operation  612  displays the humidifier installation status determined by the humidifier determination operation. 
     In an additional embodiment, method  600  performs a gas source determination operation. The gas source determination operation determines each kind of gas source that is installed on the ventilation system. In this embodiment, second display operation  612  displays each kind of gas source installed on ventilation system as determined by the gas source determination operation. 
     In one embodiment, method  600  further performs a ventilation program determination operation. Ventilation program determination operation is performed before the second display operation  612 . The ventilation program determination operation determines at least one ventilation program executable by the ventilation system to affect and/or control the ventilation of a patient being ventilated by the ventilation system. In this embodiment, the second display operation  612  displays the determined ventilation program. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment of a method  700  for displaying ventilator information on a ventilation system. As illustrated, method  700  performs a power source monitoring operation  702 . Power source monitoring operation  702  monitors the power source utilized by the ventilation system. For instance, power source monitoring operation  702  monitors if the ventilation system is utilizing external power, such as AC power or internal power, such as one or more batteries. 
     Further, method  700  performs a power status monitoring operation  704 . The power status monitoring operation  704  monitors whether the ventilation system is powered on or is powered off. In one embodiment, the power status monitoring operation  704  utilizes drive circuitry to monitor whether the ventilation system is powered off/turned on or is powered off/turned off. In another embodiment, the power status monitoring operation  704  utilizes a sensor for monitoring the position of the on/off switch of the ventilation system. 
     Next, method  700  performs a power status decision operation  706 . Power status decision operation  706  determines if the ventilation system is turned on. If power status decision operation  706  determines that the ventilation system is turned on, power status decision operation  706  decides to have method  700  perform first display operation  708 . If power status decision operation  706  determines that the ventilation system is turned off, power status decision operation  706  decides to have method  700  perform power source decision operation  710 . 
     Method  700  performs first display operation  708 . First display operation  708  displays a first set of data on a primary display and displays a second set of data of a secondary display. In one embodiment, the first set of data and the set of data are different. In another embodiment the first set of data and the second set of data may include ventilator status, available gas sources, utilized gas source or sources, available power sources, utilized power source, pressure trace of inspiratory pressure, PEEP, peak inspiratory pressure, battery system status, batteries in use, battery charge level, and/or a battery status. In one embodiment, the primary display is removable from a housing of the ventilation system. 
     Further, method  700  performs a power source decision operation  710 . Power source decision operation  710  determines if the ventilation system is receiving power from at least one battery. If power source decision operation  710  determines that the ventilation system is receiving power from at least one battery, power source decision operation  710  decides to have method  700  perform system status display decision operation  712 . If power source decision operation  710  determines that ventilation system is not receiving power from at least one battery, power source decision operation  710  decides to have method  700  perform the power source monitoring operation  702  again. 
     As illustrated, method  700  performs system status display decision operation  712 . System status display decision operation  712  determines if the system status display is switched on. In this embodiment, the system status display has a separate on/off switch from the ventilation system and the primary display. System status display decision operation  712  may utilize drive circuitry or a switch sensor to determine if the system status display is switched on. If system status display decision operation  712  determines that system status display is switched on, system status display decision operation  712  decides to have method  700  perform a second display operation  714 . If system status display decision operation  712  determines that system status display is not switched on, system status display decision operation  712  decides to have method  700  perform the power source monitoring operation  702  again. 
     Method  700  performs a second display operation  716 . Second display operation  716  displays at least one ventilation program executable by the ventilation system and at least one ventilation configuration feature on the system status display. The ventilator programs executable by the ventilation system are programs that control and/or affect the ventilation of a patient being ventilated by the ventilation system. These programs may be listed by name, abbreviation, and/or symbol. In one embodiment, all of the ventilator programs are displayed by the system status display. In another embodiment, a portion of the ventilator programs are displayed by the system status display. In one embodiment, the ventilator programs displayed by the system status display are user selected. In another embodiment, the ventilator programs displayed by the system status display are preconfigured. In one embodiment, the data displayed by second display operation  716  is the screen shot of a display illustrated in  FIG. 10 . In another embodiment, the data displayed by second display operation  716  is the screen shot of a display illustrated in  FIG. 11 . 
     The ventilation configuration features include features that describe how the ventilator is physically configured, such as battery installation status, patient circuit configuration, humidifier configuration, compressor installation status, and/or gas source installation status. Battery installation status displayed on the system status display informs the operator of what batteries are installed on the ventilator. In one embodiment, the battery installation status may further inform the operator of the charge level of each installed battery. Patient circuit configuration information displayed by the system status display informs the operator if the patient circuit of the ventilator is in a neonate, pediatric, or adult configuration. Humidifier configuration information displayed on the system status display informs the operator if a humidifier is utilized by ventilation system and if utilized, what kind of humidifier is utilized by the ventilation system. Compressor installation status information displayed by the system status display informs the operator if a compressor is installed on the ventilation system. Gas source installation status information displayed by the system status display informs the operator of what kinds of gas sources are installed on the ventilation system. 
     In one embodiment, method  700  performs a ventilation configuration feature determination operation. The ventilation configuration feature determination operation determines at least one physical configuration feature of the ventilation system, such as battery installation status, patient circuit configuration, humidifier configuration, compressor installation status, gas source status, and/or ventilation programs. The ventilation configuration feature determination operation is performed prior to the system status display decision operation  712 . In this embodiment, system status display decision operation  712  displays the determined at least one physical configuration feature of the ventilation system. 
     EXAMPLES 
     The following are embodiments of displays that could be shown on the SSD of a ventilation system. 
     The following are embodiments of a pressure trace or manometer that could be displayed on a SSD to allow an operator to determine from the SSD the ventilator&#39;s ability to support breath delivery to a patient. 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate an embodiment of a screen shot of a display on a ventilation system  800 . In this example, the SSD displays a pressure trace or manometer  802  that indicates that pressure is transitioning between two points, such as PEEP and Peak Inspiratory Pressure (P PEAK ). As illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the SSD displays a pressure trace  802  that provides an indication of the rise time of the pressure and the pressure levels. Further, as shown in the  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the SSD provides a continuous display of the minimum and peak inspiratory pressure levels. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the manometer  802  includes high and low peak inspiratory pressure alarms  804 . The alarms  804  can be shown as a mark graphically on the manometer  802  or just listed as text beside the manometer  802 . Additionally, the high and low peak inspiratory pressure alarm settings may be set by the operator. Further, while there are no fixed values for range on the manometer  802  for an adult, pediatric, or neonatal patient, the ventilator will have default settings based upon how the operator set-up the ventilator for the patient. However, the operator can override the default settings during the patient setup operation.  FIG. 9  shows a manometer  802  with a default range setting for adult ventilation, while  FIG. 8  shows a manometer  802  with a default range setting for neonate ventilation. Accordingly, the pressure ranges may vary depending upon if the ventilator is in an adult, pediatric, or neonate setting based on operator input or ventilator default settings. 
     The following are embodiments of the types of information that could be presented on an SSD to allow an operator to determine from the SSD the configuration of the ventilator system and more specifically where specific components are located on the ventilation system. 
     In this example, the SSD displays a two-point perspective view representing a physical configuration of a portion of the ventilation system  806 . The two-point perspective view  806  mirrors the physical configuration of the ventilation system to allow an operator to be able to easily find and identify components on the actual ventilator system. In this example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9  the locations of a gas delivery system  808 , a compressor  818 , at least one available gas source  812 , an external power source  824 , any batteries  814  and  822 , and a pressure gauge  820  for the compressor are illustrated on the two-point perspective view of a portion of the ventilation system  806 . The two-point perspective view of a portion of the ventilation system  806  may illustrate other suitable ventilator information. As illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the two-point perspective view of a portion of the ventilation system  806  further displays any available gas source  812 , the type  811  of any available gas source  812 , any gas source connectors  810 , any available power sources  814 ,  822 , and  824 , utilization of any power sources  814 ,  822  (as illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 ), and  824  (as illustrated in  FIG. 9 ), compressor installation status  818 , compressor use status  820 , battery use status  814  and  822 , installed battery charge level  814 ,  822 ,  816 , and  820  and battery installation status  814  and  822 . The available gas sources  812  and any type of gas  811  as displayed in  FIG. 9  include Air, Oxygen, and Helium  811 .  FIG. 8  shows three gas source connectors  810  with only Oxygen  811  as an installed available gas source  812 . The power system information displayed in  FIG. 8  shows that the ventilation system has an AC adapter  824 , but is actively utilizing compressor and ventilator battery power  814  and  822  while  FIG. 9  shows that the ventilation system is utilizing an AC adapter based on the highlighting of the AC adaptor icon  824 . Additionally, both  FIGS. 8 and 9  graphically depict the battery charge levels as a fuel gauge  814  and  822  and the amount of use time the batteries have left  816  and  820 . Further the fuel gauge depiction of the battery charge level is color coded for easy interpretation  816  and  822 . Further, the highlighting or shading of the compressor icon  820  in  FIG. 9  illustrates that the ventilation system is actively utilizing the compressor  818 . 
     In an alternative example, the display screen embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9  are displayed on a primary display. 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  are examples of pre-use information that can be displayed on a SSD. The FIGS. Illustrate an embodiment of a screen shot of a system status display on a ventilation system  1000 . The screen shot  1000  includes a two-point perspective view representing a physical configuration of a portion of the ventilation system  1002  and pre-use information. The pre-use information includes ventilation system identification information  1004 , maintenance information, such as service information  1006  and test information  1008 , a list of programs executable by the ventilation system that affect the ventilation of a patient  1012 , and ventilator configuration information, such as patient circuit configuration  1010 , gas source installation status  1014 , compressor installation status  1016 , and battery installation status  1018 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the ventilation system identification information  1004  includes a hospital name and a hospital identification number. The ventilation system service information  1006  includes the amount of hours the ventilation system can be utilized to ventilate a patient before maintenance is recommended and a date and time of the last maintenance service, as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the ventilation system test information  1008  includes listing the date and time the last short self test and extended self test were performed and that the ventilation system passed these performed test. As illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the list of programs or features executable or capable for use by the ventilation system  1012  are neomode, autostart, ieSync, NIV Neo CPAP, SBT Manager, Compressor, Heliox, and PAV+. Further,  FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate the patient circuit configuration  1010  by listing the adult configuration and by highlighting an adult icon. As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the gas source installation status  1014  shows that no gas sources are installed on this ventilation system. The gas source installation status  1014  displayed in  FIG. 11  shows that helium and oxygen are installed on this ventilation system. The compressor installation status  1016  is illustrated by showing that this ventilation system includes a compressor. The compressor installation status  1016  in  FIG. 11  further illustrates that the ventilation system is utilizing the compressor through the highlighting of the compressor icon and pressure dial movement. Additionally, as illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the battery installation status  1018  shows that the ventilation system includes three pneumatic system batteries and three compressor batteries. The battery installation status  1018  further shows that two of the batteries are being utilized and further shows the amount of time the ventilation system can be utilized before the ventilation system runs out of battery power. 
     It will be clear that the systems and methods described herein are well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the methods and systems within this specification may be implemented in many manners and, as such, are not to be limited by the foregoing exemplified embodiments and examples. For example, the operations and steps of the embodiments of methods described herein may be combined or the sequence of the operations may be changed while still achieving the goals of the technology. In addition, specific functions and/or actions may also be allocated in such a way as to be performed by a different module or method step without deviating from the overall disclosure. In other words, functional elements being performed by a single or multiple components, in various combinations of hardware, firmware, and software, and individual functions can be distributed among software applications. In this regard, any number of the features of the different embodiments described herein may be combined into one single embodiment and alternate embodiments having fewer than or more than all of the features described herein are possible. 
     While various embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, various changes and modifications may be made which are well within the scope of the present invention. Numerous other changes may be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are encompassed in the spirit of the disclosure and as defined in the appended claims.