Patent Description:
Patients in healthcare facilities may become incontinent and may need the wetness to be removed from the bed to prevent undesirable side effects. In some situations, moisture is detected by an incontinence detection system but a location of the patient may not immediately be known. Furthermore, other persons in the vicinity of the patient and the hospital bed may become upset if they notice an alert that the patient has become incontinent yet no caregivers are available to immediately assist them.

Locating systems are used in various facilities to determine the whereabouts of people and equipment. Such locating systems are used widely in healthcare facilities, for example, to determine the locations of caregivers and medical equipment. A variety of wireless technologies such as infrared (IR), radio frequency (RF), ultrasound, and so forth have been used for communication between locating tags and receivers or transceivers. In recent times, ultra-wideband (UWB) locating systems have been developed and are able to determine the locations of locating tags much more accurately than the predecessor systems.

While UWB locating systems are known in general, the industry has not yet fully realized the potential for more sophisticated algorithms in connection with such locating systems. Accordingly, a need persists for improvements in high-accuracy locating systems, such as UWB locating systems, particularly those used in healthcare facilities.

<CIT> describes an incontinence detection system that monitors an area for moisture events and wirelessly transmits moisture-related information to one or more notification devices. The system has a pad that includes a substrate and one or more sensors supported by the substrate. The sensor(s) emit wireless signals indicative of the moisture-related information. A sensor event communication system forwards the sensor signals to another device, such as a notification device. Portions of the system are included in a patient support apparatus, such as a bed.

<CIT> describes an incontinence detection pad for detecting incontinence events. The incontinence detection pad includes a moisture absorbent layer that has non-embossed areas and embossed areas. The non-embossed areas have a first density of fibers of the layer, and the embossed areas have a second density of fibers of the layer that is greater than the first density. The incontinence detection pad further includes a plurality of electrodes positioned beneath the moisture absorbent layer and a transmitter connected to the plurality of electrodes and configured to transmit a signal indicative of a status of the moisture absorbent layer.

<CIT> describes a system for wireless moisture sensing. The system includes a housing and a wireless transmitter located within the housing. A processor is located within the housing, wherein the processor is in communication with the wireless transmitter. A timer is in communication with the processor, wherein the timer communicates a wake-up signal to the processor at a predetermined interval of time. An activation device is in communication with the processor, and a battery is located within the housing. At least one moisture sensor is in communication with the processor.

The present application discloses one or more of the features recited in the appended claims and/or the following features which, alone or in any combination, may comprise patentable subject matter:.

In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a system for detecting and locating an incontinence event includes a patient support apparatus configured to support a patient thereon. The system may further include an incontinence detection pad including a condition-responsive sensor configured to provide incontinence signals indicative of incontinence data. The system may further include an ultra-wideband communications system coupled communicatively with the incontinence detection pad and configured to provide a transmission of data signals including: (i) incontinence signals indicative of the incontinence data sensed by the condition responsive sensor and (ii) location signals indicative of location data of the incontinence detention pad and the patient support apparatus.

In some embodiments of the first aspect, the ultra-wideband communication system includes an ultra-wideband tag coupled with the condition responsive sensor. The ultra-wideband communication system may further include an ultra-wideband reader coupled communicatively with the ultra-wideband tag. The ultra-wideband communication system may further include a controller including a microprocessor and a memory storage device storing instructions that when executed by the microprocessor cause the controller to output a command signal to notify a caregiver of the incontinence data and the location data of the incontinence detention pad and the patient support apparatus.

In some embodiments of the first aspect, the condition responsive sensor includes a detection grid configured to sense the presence of moisture and an radio-frequency identification tag configured to provide an input signal to the ultra-wideband tag.

In some embodiments of the first aspect, the ultra-wideband tag is configured to provide signals to the ultra-wideband reader based on the input signal and the controller is configured to determine a location and an incontinence state of the incontinence detection pad based on the signals provided by the ultra-wideband tag.

In some embodiments of the first aspect, the ultra-wideband reader and the ultra-wideband tag provide a low-power, high-accuracy location system and the controller is configured to determine the location of the incontinence detection pad based on the signals provided by the ultra-wideband tag with an accuracy within about a foot of the ultra-wideband tag.

In some embodiments of the first aspect, the radio frequency identification tag includes a distinct flap coupled to the patient support apparatus and the distinct flap hangs down below a surface of the patient support apparatus.

In some embodiments of the first aspect, the radio frequency identification tag is included in the incontinence detection pad and the incontinence detection pad has an outer dimension that is greater than a corresponding outer dimension of the patient support apparatus so that the ultra-wideband tag hangs below a surface of the patient support apparatus unobstructed from the patient supported by the patient support apparatus.

In some embodiments of the first aspect, the condition-responsive sensor includes a detection grid with a plurality of traces extending through a substrate and an ohmic sensor configured to measure a resistance between at least two of the plurality of traces and the ultra-wideband reader is coupled with the ohmic sensor.

In some embodiments of the first aspect, the ohmic sensor is configured to provide incontinence signals to the ultra-wideband reader indicative of the resistance between the at least two traces and the controller is configured to determine if moisture is present on the incontinence detention pad based on the signals provided by the ohmic sensor through the ultra-wideband reader.

In some embodiments of the first aspect, the ohmic sensor includes a microprocessor and a memory device storing instructions that, when executed, cause the ohmic sensor to change from a sleep mode, in which the ohmic sensor provides no signals to the ultra-wideband reader, and an active mode, in which the ohmic sensor is awake and provides the incontinence signals to the ultra-wideband reader.

In some embodiments of the first aspect, the memory device stores instructions that, when executed, cause the ohmic sensor to change from the sleep mode to the active mode about twice every minute.

In some embodiments of the first aspect, the ultra-wideband tag includes a battery and the ultra-wideband tag is configured to provide battery signals indicative of a charge state of the battery and the controller is configured to determine a useful life of the battery simultaneously with the incontinence signals and the location signals and output a command signal to cause a notification when the charge state of the battery reaches a predetermined threshold.

In some embodiments of the first aspect, the battery is configured to be recharged when the controller determines that the charge state of the battery has reached the predetermined threshold.

In some embodiments of the first aspect, the battery is recharged wirelessly when the controller determines that the charge state of the battery has reached the predetermined threshold.

In some embodiments of the first aspect, the ultra-wideband communication system is configured to relay the incontinence data and the location data to a network for incorporation into a patient's electronic medical record.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method includes providing an incontinence detection pad. The method may further include sensing for an incontinence event on the patient support apparatus. The method may further include outputting a first signal indicative of incontinence data. The method may further include outputting a second signal indicative of location data of the patient support apparatus.

In some embodiments of the second aspect, the first signal and the second signal are output simultaneously over an ultra-wideband communication system.

In some embodiments of the second aspect, the ultra-wideband communication system includes an ultra-wideband tag, an ultra-wideband reader coupled communicatively with the incontinence detection pad, and a controller and the method further comprises receiving the first and second signals with the ultra-wideband reader, determining if an incontinence event has occurred with the controller and, if the incontinence event has occurred, outputting a command signal from the controller to notify a caregiver of the location data of the incontinence detention pad and the patient support apparatus.

In some embodiments of the second aspect, the condition responsive sensor includes a detection grid configured to sense the presence of moisture and an radio-frequency identification tag configured to provide an input signal to the ultra-wideband tag.

In some embodiments of the second aspect, the ultra-wideband tag is configured to provide intermediate pulses of signals that are received by the ultra-wideband reader and the controller is configured to determine a location and an incontinence state of the incontinence detection pad based on the signals provided by the ultra-wideband tag.

In some embodiments of the second aspect, the ultra-wideband reader and the ultra-wideband tag provide a low-power, high-accuracy location system and the controller is configured to determine the location of the incontinence detection pad based on the signals provided by the ultra-wideband tag with an accuracy within about a foot of the ultra-wideband tag.

In some embodiments of the second aspect, the step of sensing for the incontinence event includes sensing for the incontinence event with a condition-responsive sensor that includes a detection grid with a plurality of traces extending through a substrate and an ohmic sensor configured to measure a resistance between at least two of the plurality of traces.

In some embodiments of the second aspect, the ohmic sensor is configured to provide incontinence signals indicative of the resistance between the at least two traces and the method further comprises determining if moisture is present on the incontinence detention pad based on the signals provided by the ohmic sensor.

In some embodiments of the second aspect, the ohmic sensor includes a microprocessor and a memory device storing instructions that, when executed, cause the ohmic sensor to change from a sleep mode, in which the ohmic sensor provides no signals to the ultra-wideband reader, and an active mode, in which the ohmic sensor is awake and provides the incontinence signals to the ultra-wideband reader.

In some embodiments of the second aspect, the memory device stores instructions that, when executed, cause the ohmic sensor to change from the sleep mode to the active mode about twice every minute.

In some embodiments of the second aspect, the ultra-wideband tag further includes a battery and the ultra-wideband tag is configured to provide battery signals indicative of a charge state of the battery and the controller is configured to determine a useful life of the battery simultaneously with the first signal and the second signal and output a command signal to cause a notification when the charge state of the battery reaches a predetermined threshold.

In some embodiments of the second aspect, the battery is configured to be recharged when the controller determines that the charge state of the battery has reached the predetermined threshold.

In some embodiments of the second aspect, the battery is recharged wirelessly when the controller determines that the charge state of the battery has reached the predetermined threshold.

In some embodiments of the second aspect, the step of outputting the command signal includes relaying the incontinence data and the location data to a network for incorporation in a patient's electronic medical record.

In some embodiments of the second aspect, the method further comprises a step of outputting a third signal indicative of patient data through the ultra-wideband communication system simultaneously with the first signal and the second signal.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a system for detecting and locating an incontinence event includes a patient support apparatus configured to support a patient thereon. The system may further include an incontinence detection pad including a condition-responsive sensor configured to provide signals indicative of incontinence data. The system may further include a diagnostic patch configured to provide signals indicative of patient data. The system may further include an ultra-wideband communications system coupled communicatively with the incontinence detection pad and the diagnostic patch and configured to simultaneously provide signals indicative of the incontinence data sensed by the condition responsive sensor, the patient data sensed by the diagnostic patch, and location data of the incontinence detention pad and the patient support apparatus.

In some embodiments of the third aspect, the ultra-wideband communication system includes an ultra-wideband tag, an ultra-wideband reader coupled communicatively with the incontinence detection pad, and a controller including a microprocessor and a memory storage device storing instructions that when executed by the microprocessor cause the controller to output a command signal to notify a caregiver of the incontinence data, the location data of the incontinence detention pad and the patient support apparatus, and the patient data.

In some embodiments of the third aspect, the condition responsive sensor includes a detection grid configured to sense the presence of moisture and an radio-frequency identification tag configured to provide an input signal to the ultra-wideband tag.

In some embodiments of the third aspect, the ultra-wideband tag is configured to provide intermediate pulses of signals that are received by the ultra-wideband reader and the controller is configured to determine a location of the incontinence detection pad based on the signals provided by the ultra-wideband tag.

In some embodiments of the third aspect, the ultra-wideband reader and the ultra-wideband tag provide a low-power, high-accuracy location system and the controller is configured to determine the location of the incontinence detection pad based on the signals provided by the ultra-wideband tag with an accuracy within about a foot of the ultra-wideband tag.

In some embodiments of the third aspect, the radio frequency identification tag includes a distinct flap coupled to the patient support apparatus and the distinct flap hangs down below a plane of the patient support apparatus.

In some embodiments of the third aspect, the radio frequency identification tag is included in the incontinence detection pad and the incontinence detection pad has an outer dimension that is greater than a corresponding outer dimension of the patient support apparatus so that the ultra-wideband tag hangs below a plane of the patient support apparatus unobstructed from the patient supported by the patient support apparatus.

In some embodiments of the third aspect, the condition-responsive sensor includes a detection grid with a plurality of traces extending through a substrate and an ohmic sensor configured to measure a resistance between at least two of the plurality of traces and the ultra-wideband reader is coupled with the ohmic sensor.

In some embodiments of the third aspect, the ohmic sensor is configured to provide incontinence signals to the ultra-wideband reader indicative of the resistance between the at least two traces and the controller is configured to determine if moisture is present on the incontinence detention pad based on the signals provided by the ohmic sensor through the ultra-wideband reader.

In some embodiments of the third aspect, the ohmic sensor includes a microprocessor and a memory device storing instructions that, when executed, cause the ohmic sensor to change from a sleep mode, in which the ohmic sensor provides no signals to the ultra-wideband reader, and an active mode, in which the ohmic sensor is awake and provides the incontinence signals to the ultra-wideband reader.

In some embodiments of the third aspect, the memory device stores instructions that, when executed, cause the ohmic sensor to change from the sleep mode to the active mode about twice every minute.

In some embodiments of the third aspect, the ultra-wideband tag includes a battery and the ultra-wideband tag is configured to provide battery signals indicative of a charge state of the battery and the controller is configured to determine a useful life of the battery simultaneously with the incontinence signals and the location signals and output a command signal to cause a notification when the charge state of the battery reaches a predetermined threshold.

In some embodiments of the third aspect, the battery is configured to be recharged when the controller determines that the charge state of the battery has reached the predetermined threshold.

In some embodiments of the third aspect, the battery is recharged wirelessly when the controller determines that the charge state of the battery has reached the predetermined threshold.

In some embodiments of the third aspect, the ultra-wideband communication system is configured to relay the incontinence data and the location data to a network for incorporation into a patient's electronic medical record.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure an incontinence detection and location system includes an ultra-wideband communications system configured to be communicatively coupled with an incontinence detection pad having a condition-responsive sensor and simultaneously provide signals indicative of the incontinence data sensed by the condition responsive sensor and location data of the incontinence detention pad.

In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the ultra-wideband communication system includes an ultra-wideband tag, an ultra-wideband reader coupled communicatively with the incontinence detection pad, and a controller including a microprocessor and a memory storage device storing instructions that when executed by the microprocessor cause the controller to output a command signal to notify a caregiver of location data of the incontinence detention pad and a status of the incontinence detection pad.

In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the condition responsive sensor includes a detection grid configured to sense the presence of moisture and an radio-frequency identification tag configured to provide an input signal to the ultra-wideband tag.

In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the ultra-wideband tag is configured to provide intermediate pulses of signals indicative of the input signal that are received by the ultra-wideband reader and the controller is configured to determine a location and incontinence state of the incontinence detection pad based on the signals provided by the ultra-wideband tag.

In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the ultra-wideband reader and the ultra-wideband tag provide a low-power, high-accuracy location system and the controller is configured to determine the location of the incontinence detection pad based on the signals provided by the ultra-wideband tag with an accuracy within about a foot of the ultra-wideband tag.

In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the condition-responsive sensor includes a detection grid with a plurality of traces extending through a substrate and an ohmic sensor configured to measure a resistance between at least two of the plurality of traces and the ultra-wideband reader is coupled with the ohmic sensor.

In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the ohmic sensor is configured to provide incontinence signals to the ultra-wideband reader indicative of the resistance between the at least two traces and the controller is configured to determine if moisture is present on the incontinence detention pad based on the signals provided by the ohmic sensor through the ultra-wideband reader.

In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the ohmic sensor includes a microprocessor and a memory device storing instructions that, when executed, cause the ohmic sensor to change from a sleep mode, in which the ohmic sensor provides no signals to the ultra-wideband reader, and an active mode, in which the ohmic sensor is awake and provides the incontinence signals to the ultra-wideband reader.

In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the memory device stores instructions that, when executed, cause the ohmic sensor to change from the sleep mode to the active mode about twice every minute.

In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the ultra-wideband tag includes a battery and the ultra-wideband tag is configured to provide battery signals indicative of a charge state of the battery and the controller is configured to determine a useful life of the battery simultaneously with the incontinence signals and the location signals and output a command signal to cause a notification when the charge state of the battery reaches a predetermined threshold.

In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the battery is configured to be recharged when the controller determines that the charge state of the battery has reached the predetermined threshold.

In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the battery is recharged wirelessly when the controller determines that the charge state of the battery has reached the predetermined threshold.

In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the ultra-wideband communication system is configured to relay the incontinence data and the location data to a network for incorporation into a patient's electronic medical record.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a system for detecting an incontinence event includes a patient support apparatus configured to support a patient thereon. The system further includes an incontinence detection pad including a substrate and an incontinence detection grid coupled to the substrate and a communications system.

In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the communications system includes a wireless tag coupled removably to the incontinence detection pad and configured to sense one or more electrical characteristics of the detection grid. The communications system may further include a wireless module coupled to the patient support apparatus and having an antenna to receive signals from the wireless tag including the one or more electrical characteristics sensed by the wireless tag, and circuitry coupled to the patient support apparatus configured to provide a transmission of data signals to a nurse call station including incontinence signals indicative of the occurrence of an incontinence event based on the one or more electrical characteristics.

In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the circuitry includes a microprocessor and memory storing instructions that, when executed by the microprocessor, determines whether the incontinence event has occurred from the one or more electrical characteristics sensed by the wireless tag.

In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the circuitry further includes a relay that is coupled to the nurse call station by a wired connection including a first connector coupled to the patient support apparatus and a second connector coupled to a wall located in a room where the patient support apparatus is located.

In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the circuitry further includes a Wifi module coupled to the patient support apparatus and a wireless access point spaced apart from the patient support apparatus, and wherein the Wifi module is configured to wirelessly relay the data signals to the wireless access point and the wireless access point is communicatively coupled to the nurse call station.

In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the wireless tag is configured to sense a first resistance of the detection grid at a first point in time and is configured to sense a second resistance of the detection grid at a second point in time, and wherein the circuitry is configured to compare the first resistance to the second resistance and provide incontinence signals indicating that the incontinence event has occurred only when a rate of change of the resistance of the detection grid exceeds a predetermined rate of change.

In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the wireless tag includes a microprocessor and memory storing instructions that, when executed by the microprocessor, determines whether the incontinence event has occurred from the one or more electrical characteristics sensed by the wireless tag.

In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the wireless tag is configured to determine a first resistance of the detection grid at a first point in time and is configured to determine a second resistance of the detection grid at a second point in time, and wherein the wireless tag is configured to compare the first resistance to the second resistance and provide incontinence signals indicating that the incontinence event has occurred only when a rate of change of the resistance of the detection grid exceeds a predetermined rate of change. In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the wireless tag is a clip-on wireless tag.

In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the wireless tag includes a housing having an upper shell, a lower shell, and an attachment lever coupled to at least one of the upper shell and the lower shell, and wherein the attachment lever is moveable between an opened position in which the attachment lever is at least partially spaced from the lower shell, and a closed position, in which the attachment lever provides a compressive force on the incontinence detection pad.

In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the attachment lever includes a flexible flange such that the attachment lever is configured to deform relative to the lower shell from the closed position to the opened position and is normally biased toward the closed position.

In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the attachment lever includes a flange, an attachment rib coupled to the flexible flange and arranged to extend toward the lower shell, and an attachment magnet coupled to the attachment rib.

In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the wireless tag includes a pair of index tabs and the incontinence detection pad is formed to include a pair of index openings that each receive one of the index tabs to position the wireless tag in contact with a plurality of conductive traces included in the detection grid.

In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the wireless tag further includes a plurality of conductive contacts that are aligned with the attachment magnet and that are spaced apart laterally from one another, each conductive contact of the plurality of conductive contacts being arranged to engage a respective conductive contact of the plurality of conductive traces.

In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the wireless tag includes an indicator light configured to display a first color and a second color different than the first color, the first color being displayed prior to the incontinence event, the second color being displayed after the incontinence event.

In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the wireless tag includes an indicator light configured to display a first color and a second color different than the first color, he first color being displayed when the wireless tag has a power level above a predetermined amount, the second color being displayed when the wireless tag has a power level below the predetermined amount to indicate that a power source of the wireless tag should be recharged or replaced.

In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the incontinence detection pad includes a distinct flap and the wireless tag is coupled to the distinct flap.

In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the wireless tag is a clip-on tag and includes a housing, a power source located within an interior space defined by the housing, and circuitry located within the interior space defined by the housing, and wherein the housing is leak-tight so that the wireless tag is waterproof.

In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the incontinence detection grid includes a plurality of conductive traces, the plurality of conductive traces including a peripheral loop and a pair of interior detection branches.

In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the peripheral detection loop surrounds the interior detection branches and includes an inner trace and an outer trace spaced apart from the inner trace.

In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, each interior detection branch includes an arm and a plurality of fingers extending from the arm and each of the plurality of fingers extends toward the opposite arm that the plurality of fingers are connected to.

Additional features, which alone or in combination with any other feature(s), including those listed above and those listed in the claims, may comprise patentable subject matter and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.

Referring to <FIG>, a patient support apparatus <NUM> is illustratively embodied as a hospital bed. In some embodiments, the patient support apparatus may include a stretcher, cot, operating table, support table, patient recliner, chair, wheelchair, or other structures used to support a patient. The patient support apparatus <NUM> in the illustrative embodiment is located in a healthcare facility. In other embodiments, the patient support apparatus may be located in a remote location such as the patient's home or another acute care environment outside of a healthcare facility. The patient support apparatus <NUM> includes a frame <NUM>, a mattress <NUM> supported on the frame <NUM>. An example of a suitable frame <NUM> and mattress <NUM> is shown and described in <CIT> which describes a suitable patient support apparatus with a frame and mattress along with associated functions and capabilities of the frame and mattress.

An incontinence detection and location system <NUM> is coupled to the patient support apparatus <NUM> and is configured to determine an incontinence state of a patient supported on the patient support apparatus. In the illustrative embodiment the term "incontinence" as used herein is intended to cover all biofluids such as blood, urine, fecal matter, interstitial fluid, saline, or any other fluid having a large concentration of ions that easily conduct electricity.

The incontinence detection and location system <NUM> includes an incontinence detection pad <NUM> and an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication system <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The incontinence detection pad <NUM> is coupled with the mattress <NUM> in the illustrative embodiment. In other embodiments, the incontinence detection pad <NUM> may be coupled to the frame <NUM> or may be coupled to one or more intervening structures between the mattress <NUM> and the incontinence detection pad <NUM>. The UWB communication system <NUM> is communicatively coupled to the incontinence detection pad <NUM> and is configured to transfer data between the incontinence detection pad <NUM> and/or the patient support apparatus <NUM> and a network <NUM>.

The incontinence detection pad <NUM> is positioned on the hospital bed <NUM>, as suggested in <FIG>, for surveillance for unwanted incontinence fluids or other biofluids that may be produced by a patient. The incontinence detection pad <NUM> may be removed and replaced without replacing the entire mattress <NUM> if the patient experiences an incontinence event. An example of a suitable incontinence detection pad with a condition-responsive sensor is shown and described in <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>, each of which describes a suitable incontinence detection pad with one or more sensors for determining the incontinence status of the incontinence detection pad <NUM>.

The incontinence detection pad <NUM> includes a condition-responsive sensor <NUM> and a substrate <NUM> as shown diagrammatically in <FIG>. The condition responsive sensor <NUM> is configured to provide incontinence signals in the presence of incontinence fluids to indicate that an incontinence event has occurred on the incontinence detection pad <NUM>. The substrate <NUM> may include one or more absorbent layers to retain the incontinence fluid and one or more moisture-barrier layers to block the incontinence fluid from reaching the mattress <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment, the condition-responsive sensor <NUM> is integrated into the substrate <NUM> of the incontinence detection pad <NUM> between one or more of the layers forming the substrate. In another embodiment, the condition-responsive sensor <NUM> overlays the substrate <NUM> and is permeable to incontinence fluids. In each embodiment, the substrate <NUM> absorbs and retains fluids therein while the condition-responsive sensor <NUM> senses the fluids on and/or in the incontinence detection pad <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the patient support apparatus <NUM> is positioned in a room with a plurality of walls. The UWB communication system <NUM> includes one or more ultra-wideband readers <NUM> coupled to the walls of the room at various locations and an ultra-wideband tag <NUM> coupled to the patient support apparatus <NUM> in communication with the condition-responsive sensor <NUM>. The UWB tag <NUM> is configured to provide signals to readers <NUM> in proximity to the UWB tag <NUM> in response to the conditions sensed on the incontinence detection pad <NUM> by the condition-responsive sensor <NUM>.

The condition-responsive sensor <NUM> may include a detection grid <NUM> and an RFID tag <NUM> coupled to the detection grid <NUM>. The detection grid <NUM> has a plurality of electrically conductive traces printed on or fitted in the substrate <NUM> of the incontinence detection pad <NUM>. The plurality of traces allow for an estimation of a volume of fluid on the incontinence detection pad <NUM>. Some examples of suitable detection grids with a plurality of electrically conductive traces are shown and described in <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>.

The RFID tag <NUM> is illustratively a passive RFID tag with an antenna and integrated circuitry. The RFID tag <NUM> is periodically excited by the UWB reader <NUM> or the UWB tag <NUM> and transmits an input signal associated with a sensed value across the detection grid <NUM>. The sensed value changes depending on whether moisture is present or absent from the incontinence detection pad <NUM> and, hence, changes the input signal that is provided by the RFID tag <NUM>.

After the patient experiences an incontinence event, the incontinence fluid is absorbed into the substrate <NUM> of the incontinence detection pad <NUM> and interconnects two or more of the electrically conductive traces of the detection grid <NUM>. In this situation, the signal provided by the RFID tag <NUM> to the UWB tag <NUM> indicates the presence of moisture and the UWB tag <NUM> outputs an incontinence signal to the one or more UWB readers <NUM> which is processed and relayed through the UWB communication system <NUM> to network <NUM>. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments the UWB tag <NUM> itself may be coupled to the detection grid <NUM> and the RFID tag <NUM> may be removed as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

In this way, the system <NUM> is able to detect an incontinence fluid, determine that an incontinence event has occurred, and report the incontinence event through the UWB communication system <NUM> to hospital caregivers, a nurse call system, or an EMR (electronic medical record) system to allow patients to be quickly removed from the soiled environment. In some embodiments, the sensor <NUM> communicates wirelessly with the UWB communication system <NUM>. In other embodiments, a wired connection is provided between the sensor and the UWB communication system <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the RFID tag <NUM> is a distinct flap that extends away from the incontinence detection pad <NUM> and hangs below a surface <NUM> of the mattress <NUM>. In another embodiment the RFID tag <NUM> is contiguous with an outer perimeter of the incontinence detection pad <NUM>. In both of these embodiments, the RFID tag <NUM> is kept out from under a patient that may lay on top of the incontinence detection pad <NUM> and disrupt signals to and from the RFID tag <NUM>. The UWB tag <NUM> is illustratively coupled to a foot end <NUM> of the patient support apparatus <NUM> adjacent to the RFID tag <NUM>. This arrangement increases signal strength between the UWB tag <NUM> and the RFID tag <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, another embodiment of a condition responsive sensor <NUM> may be used in place of condition-responsive sensor <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The condition-responsive sensor <NUM> is similar to condition-responsive sensor <NUM> except condition-responsive sensor <NUM> includes an ohmic sensor <NUM> instead of RFID tag <NUM>. The ohmic sensor <NUM> is coupled directly to the UWB tag <NUM> and a detection grid <NUM> with a reusable electronics package. The detection grid <NUM> includes a plurality of electrically conducive traces and the ohmic sensor <NUM> is configured to measure a resistance between each of the traces and provide a signal to the UWB tag <NUM> indicative of a resistive value. As moisture is introduced onto the incontinence detection pad <NUM> the resistive value changes. The signals transmitted by the UWB tag <NUM> to the UWB reader <NUM> also change in response to the moisture which indicates that an incontinence event has occurred.

In the illustrative embodiment, the UWB tags <NUM> and readers <NUM> also cooperate to provide a locating system, sometimes referred to as a real time locating system (RTLS) in the art, that tracks the location of the incontinence detection pad <NUM> throughout the healthcare facility. In the illustrative embodiment, the locating system is embodied as a high-accuracy locating system such as an ultra-wideband locating system, but this need not be the case in other embodiments of high-accuracy locating systems such as those using radio detection and ranging (RADAR) equipment or cameras and/or other imaging equipment.

The UWB communication system <NUM> includes the one or more UWB readers <NUM>, the UWB tag <NUM>, and a controller <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The controller <NUM> may also be referred to as a central hub computer or server for the UWB communication system <NUM>. The controller <NUM> is communicatively coupled to each of the readers <NUM> and includes a microprocessor <NUM> and a memory storage device <NUM> coupled to the microprocessor <NUM>. The memory storage device <NUM> is programmed with instructions that, when executed, allow the controller <NUM> to control operations of the incontinence detection and location system <NUM>.

The UWB readers <NUM> receive location signals (or pings) from UWB tag <NUM>. The location signals from the UWB tag <NUM> include a tag identification (ID) which is unique to each UWB tag <NUM> and allows the controller to determine which UWB tag <NUM> is providing the signals. In some embodiments, each of the UWB reader's <NUM> include a reader ID that correlates to particular locations in the healthcare facility. Thus, the controller <NUM> determines the locations of UWB tag <NUM> within the healthcare facility by correlating the tag ID's with the reader ID's and, ultimately, with the location correlated with the reader ID's.

According to the present disclosure, the portion of system <NUM> that operates as a high-accuracy locating system using UWB technology is able to determine the location of each UWB tag <NUM> within about one foot (<NUM>) or less of the tag's actual location. In other embodiments, the locating system is able to determine the location of each UWB tag <NUM> that is in communication with at least three of UWB readers <NUM> within about three feet (<NUM>) or less of the tag's actual location and such embodiments are still considered to be high-accuracy locating systems according to the present disclosure.

In the illustrative embodiment, the UWB tag <NUM> is configured as a UWB transceiver, and the UWB readers <NUM> are configured as UWB transceivers. The UWB readers <NUM> are stationary and the UWB tag <NUM> are mobile, but their circuitry otherwise may be substantially the same. Thus, UWB tag <NUM> and UWB readers <NUM> each include a housing <NUM>, <NUM> that contains associated circuitry <NUM>, <NUM>. The circuitry <NUM>, <NUM> of UWB tag <NUM> and UWB readers <NUM> includes, for example, a processor such as a microprocessor or microcontroller or the like, memory for storing software, and communications circuitry including at least one transmitter, receiver, and antenna. UWB readers <NUM> each include mounting hardware (not shown), such as brackets or plates or the like, in some embodiments, to permit the UWB readers <NUM> to be mounted at fixed locations in the patient rooms and other locations of the healthcare facility with fasteners such as screws or the like. The UWB tag <NUM> also includes suitable mounting hardware to permit the UWB tag <NUM> to be mounted to the patient support apparatus <NUM>.

The UWB tag <NUM> may further include a power source <NUM> such as a battery as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The UWB tag <NUM> is also configured to provide battery-life signals which are relayed to the controller <NUM> for monitoring. The controller <NUM> monitors the battery-life signals and is configured to output a command signal when a battery life of the power source <NUM> reaches a predetermined threshold. This notifies a caregiver or a technician that the power source <NUM> should be replaced to avoid any disruptions in the UWB communication system <NUM>. The battery may be recharged when the controller determines that the battery life has reached the predetermined threshold. The battery may be recharged wirelessly such as by inductive charging, radio charging, resonance charging, or any other suitable recharging method.

It should be noted that the UWB communication system <NUM> in the present disclosure may be referred to as an ultra-low power system. Accordingly, the power source <NUM> may have a battery life of at least a year, although, the battery life may change with the frequency of pings the UWB tag <NUM> and/or the system <NUM> has been designed to provide. Alternatively, the UWB tag <NUM> may receive power from a direct connection with the patient support apparatus <NUM> or another location in the room such as a wall outlet or a power bank servicing other devices in the room.

The UWB reader <NUM> is directly connected to the controller <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. In some embodiments, the UWB readers <NUM> may be wirelessly connected to the controller <NUM> and capable of receiving and relaying data between the UWB tag <NUM> and the controller <NUM>. Upon receipt of the signals from the UWB tag <NUM>, the UWB reader <NUM> relays the signals to the controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> then processes the signals and provides outputs depending on the status of the incontinence detection pad <NUM> or other patient data signals transmitted through the UWB communication system <NUM>. The signals provided by the UWB tag <NUM> include both incontinence data signals and location data signals associated with the incontinence detection pad <NUM>. Thus, the UWB tag <NUM> is configured to provide means for transmitting a transmission including both the incontinence data signals and the location data signals to the UWB reader <NUM> simultaneously once an incontinence event occurs.

In the illustrative example, the UWB communication system <NUM> is also communicatively coupled to network <NUM> which may include various servers or computers of the healthcare facility, such as a nurse call server, an EMR server, or an admission/discharge/transfer (ADT) computer, just to name a few. Network <NUM> also includes the infrastructure (e.g., wireless access points, Ethernet jacks such as RJ-<NUM> connectors, wires, routers, gateways, etc.) provided in a healthcare facility used to communicate between various computer devices and servers (e.g., personal computers, servers, laptop computers, patient care equipment, etc.) that are coupled to the infrastructure. The various subsystems described herein include components that may communicate with each other using portions of network <NUM>. In the illustrative example, UWB readers <NUM> communicate with controller <NUM> via portions of network <NUM>.

The outputs provided by the controller <NUM> may cause one or more alerts or notifications to be displayed so that a caregiver is notified that the patient has experienced an incontinence event and where the patient is located. The care giver may then timely respond to the alert or notification to address the situation. Such notification may be displayed on various devices, such as, an interface on the patient support apparatus, a monitor in the patient's room, a monitor at a nurse call station, a mobile device, or any other suitable device. In other embodiments, an audible notification may be provided.

As shown diagrammatically in <FIG>, various lines interconnect the components associated with the UWB communication system <NUM> and the incontinence detection pad <NUM>. It should be appreciated that solid lines represent bidirectional communication over wired data links (including electrical wires or fiber optic data links) while dashed lines represent bidirectional communication over a wireless data link, at the discretion of the designer of the system. The UWB readers <NUM> communicate wirelessly with the UWB tag <NUM> using radio frequency (RF). It is known that RF signals are able to pass through walls, ceilings, floors, and other objects such as people and equipment. Thus, according to this disclosure, it is not required that each patient room has a UWB reader <NUM> located therein in those embodiments of the locating system using RF communication.

Regardless of the number of UWB readers <NUM> coupled to controller <NUM>, it is contemplated by the present disclosure that, in some embodiments, controller <NUM> is programmed to use signals from only a subset of the plurality of UWB readers <NUM> to determine the location of any given locating UWB tag <NUM>. For example, the subset may be determined based on signal strength of signals between the particular locating UWB tag <NUM> and the plurality of UWB readers <NUM>. The subset may include at least three UWB readers <NUM> from the plurality of UWB readers <NUM> having highest signal strength values as compared to others of the plurality of UWB readers <NUM>.

Although the present disclosure is directed specifically toward incontinence data signals and location data signals, the UWB tag <NUM> may also provide means for transmitting any patient data signals or patient support apparatus signals to the UWB reader <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, a patient diagnostic patch <NUM> is provided and may be coupled to a patient to measure various vital signs of the patient. The patient diagnostic patch <NUM> may also be coupled to the UWB tag <NUM> by a wired or wireless connection so that signals indicative of the vital signs of the patient are transmitted through the UWB communication system <NUM> along with the incontinence data signals and the location data signals (collectively, data signals). Such an arrangement minimizes an amount of connections from the patient and/or patient support apparatus by using only one presence through the UWB communication system <NUM>. This arrangement can also save network traffic and may allow the UWB communication system <NUM> to be larger in terms of the number of nodes (i.e. patients, patient support apparatuses, rooms, buildings, etc.) and area it can cover throughout the healthcare facility. It should be appreciated that any number of devices or sensors may be coupled, wired or wirelessly, to the UWB tag <NUM> for transmission of their associated data signals through the UWB communication system <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the controller <NUM> is configured to process the signals and output one or more command signals in response to the signals from the UWB tag <NUM> according to a process <NUM>. The process begins at step <NUM> where the UWB tag <NUM> is kept in a deep-sleep mode to conserve power. The UWB tag <NUM> is configured to wake-up at step <NUM> to communicate with the UWB reader <NUM> and/or the RFID tag <NUM>. In some embodiments, the UWB tag <NUM> receives periodic signals from transmitter circuitry of one or more of the UWB readers <NUM> and, in response, is awoken to provide the data signals to at least one of the UWB readers <NUM>. Such an arrangement preserves battery life of UWB tag <NUM> because in some embodiments transmissions of tag ID's are only made by the UWB tag <NUM> when in communicative proximity of one or more UWB readers <NUM> and after receiving a request signal from at least one of the UWB readers <NUM>.

In other embodiments, UWB tag <NUM> includes associated circuitry with preprogrammed instructions to wake up periodically on its own and transmit the data signals. In one example, the UWB tag <NUM> may be woken up twice every minute, however any suitable interval may be used at the discretion of the system designer. In still other embodiments, short range wireless beacons or infrared transmitters are mounted at fixed locations throughout the healthcare facility and send a signal with a location ID to the UWB tag <NUM> when it is in the vicinity of the short range beacons and, in response to receipt of the signal, the UWB tag <NUM> is awoken and transmits the data signals to the UWB readers <NUM>. In each of these embodiments, one or more UWB readers <NUM> relay the signals to the controller <NUM> along with the received tag ID of the UWB tag <NUM>, a respective reader(s) ID and, if applicable, the location ID.

Once the UWB tag <NUM> is awake, the UWB tag <NUM> receives an input signal from the condition-responsive sensor <NUM>, <NUM> at step <NUM>. The input signal in the illustrative embodiment is indicative of a resistive value between the plurality of traces included in the detection grid <NUM>. In other embodiments, other electrical values may be measured such as voltage or amperes. The input signal changes depending on the presence or lack of an incontinence fluid on the incontinence detection pad <NUM>. At step <NUM>, the UWB tag <NUM> may also be configured to receive other input signals from other devices or sensors (i.e. patient diagnostic patch <NUM>) coupled to the patient support apparatus or the patient as previously described.

At a step <NUM>, the UWB tag <NUM> receives all of the input signals and outputs a data signal to the UWB reader containing all of the information received from the input signals in the previous step <NUM>. The UWB reader <NUM> relays the data signal to the controller <NUM> where the information in the data signal is analyzed. All of the data analyzed by the controller <NUM> may be output to the network <NUM> for incorporation in the patient's electronic medical record (EMR) at step <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment, the controller <NUM> is configured to determine if the value associated with the incontinence data is outside of a threshold value at step <NUM>. This would indicate that an incontinence event has occurred. If the value associate with the incontinence data is not outside of the threshold (i.e. no incontinence event has occurred) the UWB tag <NUM> is instructed to return to sleep mode at step <NUM>. In another embodiment, the UWB tag <NUM> automatically returns to sleep mode after transmitting the data signal to the UWB reader <NUM> without any further input from the controller <NUM>.

If an incontinence event has occurred, the controller <NUM> is configured to determine the location of the incontinence detection pad <NUM> from the data signal at step <NUM>. The incontinence event is also uploaded into the patient's EMR through the network <NUM>. Various data associated with the incontinence event may also be uploaded into the patient's EMR such as an estimation of the volume of incontinence fluid as determined by the controller <NUM> based on the information in the data signal. The controller <NUM> is then configured to output a notification through the network <NUM> to indicate to a caregiver that the patient has experienced an incontinence event and to indicate the location of the incontinence detection pad <NUM> at step <NUM>.

Referring once again to <FIG>, patient support apparatus <NUM> has a bed frame <NUM> which includes a base frame <NUM> with casters <NUM> and an upper frame or patient support platform <NUM>. The patient support apparatus <NUM> further includes a headboard <NUM> at a head end <NUM>, a footboard <NUM> at a foot end <NUM>, and side rails <NUM>, <NUM> coupled to the patient support platform <NUM>. A surface or mattress <NUM> is supported on the patient support platform <NUM> and, in some embodiments, includes a plurality of inflatable support bladders as is well known in the art. Mattress <NUM> has an upper surface <NUM> on which a patient lies. Additionally, the patient support platform <NUM> includes a number of mattress support sections that support the mattress <NUM>. The mattress support sections include a head section <NUM>, a seat section <NUM>, a thigh section <NUM>, and a foot section <NUM>. The head section <NUM>, the thigh section <NUM>, and the foot section <NUM> are movable relative to the seat section <NUM> which, in some embodiments, is affixed to upper frame members of the patient support platform <NUM>. For example, the head section <NUM> may be pivotally raised and lowered relative to the seat section <NUM>, the thigh section <NUM> may be pivotally raised and lowered relative to the seat section <NUM>, and the foot section <NUM> may be pivotally raised and lowered relative to the thigh section <NUM> and the seat section <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the UWB tag <NUM> is shown being attached directly to the incontinence detection pad <NUM> and the RFID tag <NUM> has been removed. The UWB tag <NUM> is coupled to the detection grid <NUM> of the incontinence detection pad <NUM> and is configured to communicate wirelessly with UWB readers <NUM>. The UWB tag <NUM> is configured to output a transmission to the UWB readers <NUM> that includes one or both of incontinence data and location data. The data received by the UWB readers <NUM> is then relayed to a UWB server <NUM> included in the UWB communication system <NUM>. The data may then be routed to a network <NUM>, such as a nurse call system and/or a patient's EMR.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in <FIG> each of the UWB readers <NUM> is coupled to the UWB server <NUM> by a wired connection, however wireless communication of data from the UWB readers <NUM> to the UWB server <NUM> is also possible. Each UWB reader <NUM> is coupled to the UWB server <NUM> by a RS-<NUM> connector, however any suitable connector may be used such as a USB-A, USB-C, VGA, Ethernet, HDMI, etc. In the illustrative embodiment shown in <FIG>, the UWB server <NUM> is connected to the network <NUM> by a wired connection, however wireless communication of data from the UWB server <NUM> to the network <NUM> is also possible. The UWB server <NUM> is coupled to the network <NUM> by a Ethernet connector, however any suitable connector may be used such as a USB-A, USB-C, VGA, HDMI, etc..

In one embodiment, the UWB tag <NUM> is configured to determine an electrical voltage, resistance, capacitance and/or current (i.e. an electrical characteristic) through the detection grid <NUM> and emit a signal associated with the electrical voltage, resistance, capacitance and/or current. The UWB tag <NUM> may provide a pulsed electrical current through the detection grid <NUM> at periodic intervals to sense when an incontinence event has occurred. The pulsed intervals may occur once every thirty seconds, however, any suitable time interval may be used. The UWB tag <NUM> may also output a status signal to the UWB readers <NUM> in predetermined intervals to notify the system <NUM> that the incontinence pad <NUM> is still attached and dry, that the UWB tag <NUM> is still monitoring for incontinence events, and/or a battery charge level of the UWB tag <NUM>, for example. The intervals used for the status signals may be larger than the intervals used to sense for the incontinence event to increase a battery life of the UWB tag <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, an exemplary UWB tag <NUM> is shown as being a clip-on UWB tag <NUM> that may be attached removably to the incontinence detection pad <NUM>. The UWB tag <NUM> shown in <FIG> includes housing <NUM>, circuitry <NUM>, and power source <NUM>. The housing <NUM> includes an upper shell <NUM>, a lower shell <NUM>, and an attachment lever <NUM>. The upper shell <NUM> and the lower shell <NUM> define an interior space <NUM> that houses the circuitry <NUM> and the power source <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. When combined, the upper shell <NUM> and the lower shell <NUM> provide a fluid-tight housing <NUM> for the circuitry <NUM> and the power source <NUM> so that the UWB tag <NUM> can be cleaned and reused.

The attachment lever <NUM> is coupled to at least one of the upper shell <NUM> and the lower shell <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The attachment lever <NUM> is elastically deformable relative to the upper and lower shells <NUM>, <NUM> between an opened position, as shown in <FIG>, and a closed position, as shown in <FIG>. Flexing the attachment lever <NUM> increases a space <NUM> between the lower shell <NUM> and the attachment lever <NUM> so that the UWB tag <NUM> can be positioned on the incontinence detection pad <NUM>. The attachment lever <NUM> is formed such that it returns to a closed position after being deformed. In some embodiments, the attachment lever <NUM> may be attached to the upper shell <NUM> or the lower shell <NUM> with a hinged connection such that the attachment lever <NUM> pivots about an axis relative to the upper and lower shells <NUM>, <NUM>.

The attachment lever <NUM> includes a flexible flange <NUM>, an attachment rib <NUM>, and an attachment magnet <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The flexible flange <NUM> is coupled to one of the upper shell <NUM> and lower shell <NUM> to locate the attachment lever <NUM> relative to the upper shell <NUM> and the lower shell <NUM>. The attachment rib <NUM> protrudes away from the flexible flange <NUM> into the space <NUM> to increase grip on the incontinence detection pad <NUM>. The attachment magnet <NUM> is coupled to a surface of the attachment rib <NUM> and is exposed to the space <NUM>. The attachment magnet <NUM> is configured to interact with other portions of the UWB tag <NUM> to pull the attachment lever <NUM> toward the lower shell <NUM> and apply a compressive force on the incontinence detection pad <NUM>.

The circuitry <NUM> includes a circuit board <NUM> including a microprocessor, memory and one or more transceivers, a plurality of contacts <NUM>, and a plurality of spring clips <NUM> that correspond with the plurality of contacts <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The plurality of contacts <NUM> are positioned within respective openings <NUM> formed in the lower shell <NUM>. A lower end <NUM> of each contact <NUM> is exposed to space <NUM> between the attachment lever <NUM> and the lower shell <NUM>. An upper end of each contact <NUM> engages a respective spring clip <NUM>. The plurality of spring clips <NUM> are mounted on the circuit board <NUM> to transfer electric signals from the contacts <NUM> to the circuit board <NUM>. In some embodiments, the circuitry <NUM> processes information received from the traces included in the detection grid <NUM> and determines if an incontinence event has occurred. In other embodiments, the circuitry <NUM> relays the information sensed on the detection grid <NUM> to the UWB readers <NUM> and controller <NUM> for processing to determine if an incontinence event has occurred.

Each of the contacts <NUM> corresponds with an individual electrical trace <NUM> included in the detection grid <NUM> of the incontinence detection pad <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Each of the contacts <NUM> is also aligned with the attachment magnet <NUM> to provide areas for the attachment magnet <NUM> to attract and apply the compressive force on the incontinence detection pad <NUM> to help maintain engagement of the contacts <NUM> and the traces <NUM>.

The lower shell <NUM> of the housing <NUM> includes a body <NUM> and a pair of index tabs <NUM> that extend away from the body <NUM> toward the attachment lever <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The plurality of contacts <NUM> are positioned between the index tabs <NUM>. The index tabs <NUM> correspond with a pair of index apertures <NUM> formed in the incontinence detection pad <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. To install the UWB tag <NUM> on the incontinence detection pad <NUM>, a user, such as a caregiver, deforms the attachment lever <NUM> to the opened position as shown in <FIG>. The incontinence detection pad <NUM> may then be position in the space <NUM> formed between the attachment lever <NUM> and the lower shell <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The index tabs <NUM> may then be aligned with and inserted into the index apertures <NUM> to position the contacts <NUM> in engagement with each trace <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The attachment lever <NUM> may then be released to return to the closed position so that the UWB tag <NUM> is attached to the incontinence detection pad <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

The UWB tag <NUM> may further include an indicator light <NUM> to indicate a status of the UWB tag <NUM> or of conditions sensed on the incontinence detection pad <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The indicator light <NUM> is coupled to the upper shell <NUM>. In one embodiment, the indicator light <NUM> displays a first color (i.e. green) when the UWB tag <NUM> determines that the incontinence detection pad <NUM> is dry or that an incontinence event has not occurred. The indicator light <NUM> may display a second color (i.e. orange) when the UWB tag <NUM> determines that the incontinence detection pad <NUM> is wet and an incontinence event has occurred. In another embodiment, the indicator light <NUM> displays the first color when the power source <NUM> has a charge level above a predetermined amount. The indicator light <NUM> may display the second color when the charge level of the power source <NUM> is below the predetermined amount to indicate that the power source <NUM> should be replaced.

Referring now to <FIG>, the incontinence detection pad <NUM> is shown with one or more layers of the substrate <NUM> removed to show the arrangement of traces <NUM> forming detection grid <NUM>. The traces <NUM> of the detection grid <NUM> includes a peripheral detection loop <NUM> and a pair of interior detection branches <NUM>, <NUM>. The peripheral detection loop <NUM> surrounds the interior detection branches <NUM>, <NUM> and includes an inner trace <NUM> and an outer trace <NUM> spaced apart from one another. Each interior detection branch <NUM>, <NUM> includes an arm <NUM>, <NUM> and a plurality of fingers <NUM>, <NUM> extending from the arm <NUM>, <NUM>. Each of the plurality of fingers <NUM>, <NUM> extends toward the opposite arm <NUM>, <NUM> that the fingers <NUM>, <NUM> are connected to. Each finger <NUM>, <NUM> is neighbored by fingers <NUM>, <NUM> of the opposite interior detection branch <NUM>, <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment shown in <FIG>, an overall resistive value of the detection grid <NUM> decreases as more traces <NUM> are interconnected by fluid. The traces <NUM> also include a trace link <NUM> that interconnects one of the interior detection branches (i.e. <NUM>) and inner trace <NUM> of the peripheral detection loop <NUM>.

The detection grid <NUM> of the incontinence detection pad <NUM> may allow the UWB tag <NUM> and/or the controller <NUM> to determine if an incontinence event has occurred by analyzing a sensed rate of change of resistance of the detection grid <NUM>. In some embodiments, the UWB tag <NUM> is configured to determine a first resistance of the detection grid at a first point in time and is configured to determine a second resistance of the detection grid at a second point in time. The circuitry of the UWB tag <NUM> may then compare the first resistance to the second resistance and provide incontinence signals indicating that the incontinence event has occurred only when a rate of change of the resistance of the detection grid <NUM> exceeds a predetermined rate of change. The UWB tag <NUM> may continuously sense the resistance or periodically awake and sense the resistance. In some embodiments, the UWB tag <NUM> may only sense the resistance and report the resistance at each point in time to an external controller where the resistance values are compared to determine the rate of change of resistance. Some non-limiting examples of external controllers include controller <NUM> or the circuitry of another device, like patient support apparatus <NUM>.

The peripheral loop <NUM> and each interior detection branch <NUM>, <NUM> provide a plurality of detection zones on the incontinence detection pad <NUM>. These zones may allow the incontinence detection pad <NUM> to distinguish between non-incontinence fluids (i.e. sweat) and incontinence fluids based on the sensed rate of change of the resistance. For example, if only the inner trace <NUM> and the outer trace <NUM> of the peripheral loop <NUM> are interconnected by a fluid, the UWB tag <NUM> or controller <NUM> may determine that an incontinence event has not occurred because only a small amount of fluid is on the incontinence detection pad <NUM> and/or near an outer edge of the pad <NUM>. If multiple fingers <NUM>, <NUM> are interconnected by fluid, the UWB tag <NUM> or controller <NUM> may determine that an incontinence event has occurred due to the sudden presence of a large amount of fluid in a generally central area of the detection grid <NUM>. If the fingers <NUM>, <NUM> and the peripheral loop <NUM> are interconnected by fluid, the UWB tag <NUM> or the controller <NUM> may determine that an excessive incontinence event has occurred and that the fluid may have reached the patient's bed sheets, which should now be changed. A separate and different alert may be sent to the nurse call station for each of these examples and for other examples which the detection grid <NUM> may allow to be sensed.

It should be noted that although the system <NUM> is described herein as a UWB communication system <NUM>, any suitable wireless means may be used to communicate data signals such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE, Zigbee, WIFI, or a custom wireless protocol, for example. Such systems may not include UWB readers <NUM>, UWB tag <NUM>, or controller <NUM>. Instead, such systems may include a wireless tag that is configured to communicate with a device that has its own connection to the network <NUM> or a nurse call system, such as patient support apparatus <NUM>. Two illustrative examples of a system with this configuration are described below with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

Referring now to <FIG>, an incontinence detection system <NUM> includes an incontinence detection pad <NUM> and a communication system <NUM>. The incontinence detection pad <NUM> is configured to rest on the mattress <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> in the illustrative embodiment. The communication system <NUM> is communicatively coupled to the incontinence detection pad <NUM> and is configured to transfer data between the incontinence detection pad <NUM> and a patient support apparatus <NUM> which is then relayed to a network <NUM>, such as a nurse call system.

The incontinence detection pad <NUM> includes a substrate <NUM> that absorbs incontinence fluid and a detection grid <NUM> coupled to the substrate <NUM>. The substrate <NUM> is substantially similar to substrates <NUM>, <NUM> described above. The detection grid <NUM> is substantially similar to detection grids <NUM>, <NUM> described above.

The communication system <NUM> includes a Bluetooth module <NUM> coupled to the patient-support apparatus <NUM> and in wireless communication with a wireless tag <NUM> coupled to the incontinence detection pad <NUM>. The tag <NUM> communicates wirelessly with circuitry <NUM> included in the patient-support apparatus <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. In particular, the Bluetooth module <NUM> is coupled to the circuity <NUM> and includes an antenna <NUM> to receive and relay signals from the tag <NUM> to the circuitry <NUM>. Although the Bluetooth module <NUM> and the wireless tag <NUM> communicate using Bluetooth signals, it should be appreciated that any type of signal may be used. The wireless tag <NUM> may be a clip-on tag such as UWB tag <NUM> described above.

The wireless tag <NUM> is coupled to the detection grid <NUM> and is configured to output signals in response to conditions (i.e. the presence of moisture) present on the incontinence detection pad <NUM>. The signals output from the wireless tag <NUM> are received by the antenna <NUM> of the Bluetooth module <NUM>. In some embodiments, the circuitry <NUM> includes a microprocessor <NUM> and memory <NUM> and is configured to process the signals to determine if an incontinence event has occurred. The circuitry <NUM> also includes a relay or switch <NUM> that closes if the signals indicate that an incontinence event has occurred. With the relay <NUM> closed, an incontinence event signal is provided to a nurse call system <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment, the incontinence event signal is transferred through a wired connection including a first connector <NUM> coupled to the patient support apparatus <NUM> and a second connector <NUM> coupled to a wall <NUM>. From the second connector <NUM> the incontinence event signal is transferred to the nurse call system <NUM>. The circuitry <NUM> of the patient support apparatus <NUM> may also include location data that is transmitted with the incontinence event signal. Thus, incontinence detection system <NUM> is configured to detect an incontinence event and determine the location of the incontinence event.

In another embodiment, the wireless tag <NUM> includes its own microprocessor <NUM> and memory <NUM> and determines whether an incontinence event has occurred on its own. Once an incontinence event is determined to have occurred, a signal indicating the event is communicated to the Bluetooth module <NUM> and routed to the nurse call system <NUM> as described above.

Referring now to <FIG>, an incontinence detection system <NUM> includes an incontinence detection pad <NUM> and a communication system <NUM>. The incontinence detection pad <NUM> is configured to rest on the mattress <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> in the illustrative embodiment. The communication system <NUM> is communicatively coupled to the incontinence detection pad <NUM> and is configured to transfer data between the incontinence detection pad <NUM> and a patient support apparatus <NUM> which is then relayed to a network <NUM> or a nurse call system <NUM>.

The wireless tag <NUM> is coupled to the detection grid <NUM> and is configured to output signals in response to conditions (i.e. the presence of moisture) present on the incontinence detection pad <NUM>. The signals output from the wireless tag <NUM> are received by the antenna <NUM> of the Bluetooth module <NUM>. In some embodiments, the circuitry <NUM> includes a microprocessor <NUM> and memory <NUM> and is configured to process the signals to determine if an incontinence event has occurred. The circuitry <NUM> also includes a WIFI module <NUM> that outputs an incontinence event signal wirelessly to a wireless access point (WAP) <NUM> which is then routed to a nurse call system <NUM> through network <NUM>. The circuitry <NUM> of the patient support apparatus <NUM> may also include location data that is transmitted with the incontinence event signal. Thus, incontinence detection system <NUM> is configured to detect an incontinence event and determine the location of the incontinence event.

The system <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> disclosed herein may lower the cost of the disposable pad <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> by eliminating the RFID tag <NUM>. In absence of a UWB communication link to transmit incontinence information wirelessly, another means of communicating the status of the incontinence pad may be provided. The wired incontinence detector or tag <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be battery powered by a primary lithium battery which may or may not be replaceable or rechargeable.

For incontinence detection, patient sweating may be distinguished from an incontinence event. In some embodiments, excessive patient sweating can sometimes look very similar to an incontinence event (i.e. if there is a fixed threshold for determining an incontinence event and discerning a wet or dry pad). One way to distinguish between patient sweating and an incontinence event is to look at the time rate of change of sensed resistance in detection grid <NUM> to determine whether there is a sudden application of a conductive, incontinence biofluid or whether the deposition of the biofluid is sweat which may have a lower time rate of change compared to the incontinence biofluid. Sweat is also conductive and in sufficient quantity, may be difficult to distinguish if only looking at a single snapshot in time of the sensed resistance of the incontinence grid.

In some embodiments, in order to convey information that an incontinence event has occurred, or the sensed resistance value between incontinence detection traces, it may be advantageous to have a low power communications channel available between the remote sensing device and the nursecall connected medical device (i.e. a hospital bed <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>). There are several communication protocols available which will support this communications channel and allow the conservation of energy by virtue of their low power transmission characteristics. These protocols include but are not limited to BlueTooth (i.e. Bluetooth module <NUM>, <NUM>), BlueTooth LE, Zigbee, UWB, or a custom wireless protocol specifically designed to minimize the power required to transmit the required data.

In some embodiments, with the wireless data connection in place, it is possible to have the wall-powered device (i.e. a hospital bed) assert a wired nurse call relay closure or circuit closure upon detection of an incontinence event which is conveyed across the low power wireless link. If it is desired to transmit the raw resistance data from the sensor instead of actually conveying over the wireless connection the incontinence event, determination of an incontinence event can be determined by the electronics on the hospital bed <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> which can then assert a wired nurse call signal to a nurse call station <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to indicate that an incontinence event has occurred. Alternately, the calculation and determination of an incontinence event can be accomplished on the incontinence sensor and communicated over the wireless link without any intervention of the remote medical device (bed, typically) for the assertion of the nurse call output to flag the incontinence event. In some embodiments, the incontinence event is determined based on measurement of the time rate of change of the sensed pad resistance.

The following are non-limiting objectives provided by the present disclosure: Low power wireless link for conveying either incontinence event occurrence or incontinence grid resistance data to another medical device, typically a hospital bed; Remote calculation (at hospital bed or other medical device or network) of incontinence detection threshold based on sensed resistance data conveyed across the wireless RF link; Local calculation (sensing) (on a battery powered device <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of incontinence event; Low power wireless sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> coupled with wired nurse call or other event responsive system to alert caregivers of a high priority health event such as (but not limited to) an incontinence event.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure may simultaneously achieve three goals: Provide a bed-agnostic incontinence solution which does not require expensive capital equipment installs on the hospital bed, enable the use of much less expensive incontinence pads which can essentially be printed and assembled without the RFID tag, and also reduce the manufacturing cost of the pads by removing the need for the barrier layer intended to block sweat by transforming the incontinence indication from a binary function to more of a continuous, time varying response that can be read and transmitted to indicate not just the presence of an incontinence event, but also the volume of fluid expelled by the patient. In some embodiments, a low-power locating transponder <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is used. The transponder <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be an Ultra Wide Band (UWB) transceiver capable of resolving its own location to within <NUM> and enabling precise correlation to a bed in a room and a patient within a multi-patient ward.

In some embodiments, a low-power analog resistance sensing circuit which measures the resistance between one or more conductive incontinence grids <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> on the back sheet of the incontinence pad <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is used. This circuit may be utilized to measure the relative resistance between the electrodes of the detection grid <NUM> as a function of time to allow the differentiation of sweat vs. urinary or certain types of fecal incontinence. The detection grid <NUM> geometry can also help indicate either the volume or physical location of the incontinence event. For instance, one of the many incontinence detection zones present on the pad could be the periphery of the pad, indicating that the event has crossed the boundary of the pad and the patient's bedsheets may need to be changed.

Claim 1:
A system (<NUM>) for detecting and locating an incontinence event comprising
a patient support apparatus (<NUM>) configured to support a patient thereon,
an incontinence detection pad (<NUM>) including a substrate (<NUM>) and an incontinence detection grid (<NUM>) coupled to the substrate (<NUM>), and
a communications system (<NUM>) including a wireless tag (<NUM>) coupled removably to the incontinence detection pad (<NUM>) and configured to sense one or more electrical characteristics of the detection grid (<NUM>), a wireless module coupled to the patient support apparatus (<NUM>) and having an antenna to receive signals from the wireless tag (<NUM>) including the one or more electrical characteristics sensed by the wireless tag (<NUM>), and circuitry coupled to the patient support apparatus (<NUM>) configured to provide a transmission of data signals to a nurse call station including incontinence signals indicative of the occurrence of an incontinence event based on the one or more electrical characteristics
characterised in that the wireless tag (<NUM>) is a clip-on wireless tag, and wherein the wireless tag (<NUM>) includes a pair of index tabs (<NUM>) and the incontinence detection pad (<NUM>) is formed to include a pair of index openings (<NUM>) that each receive one of the index tabs (<NUM>) to position the wireless tag (<NUM>) in contact with a plurality of conductive traces included in the detection grid (<NUM>).