Patent ID: 12257022

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Introduction

Wired solution for sensors may be cumbersome and difficult to manage when there are multiple sensors attached to a patient as shown inFIG.1. For example, the cable for the sensors can be tangled and damaged after repeated use. Moreover, since the sensors are tethered to a patient health monitor, patients have to be located proximate to the health monitor and movement of the patients can be limited. If a longer cable is required, the sensor and the cable have to be replaced together. Similarly, the sensors being tethered to the monitor can make transportation of the patient very difficult as it would require the patient to remain close to the monitor during transportation or disconnecting the sensors which would result in loss of measurements.

Overview

FIG.1illustrates an example of a sensor system100including a computing device106coupled sensors140A,140B,140C,140D via a cable130, where the sensors are attached to a patient110. The computing system106can include a display108that can display various physiological parameters. The sensors140A,140B,140C,140D can collect various types of physiological data from the patient110and transmit the data to the computing system106via the cable130. Some example of the sensors140A,140B,140C,140D include, but not limited to, a rainbow acoustic monitoring sensor (RAM), O3 Regional Oximetry sensor, SpO2 sensor, a blood pressure sensor, an ECG sensor, and the like.

However, the cables130can be cumbersome to the patient and prone to tangling. The cables130can develop kinks and be damaged over time. In addition, because the sensors140A,140B,140C,140D are connected to the computing system106via the cables130, location of the computing system106can be restricted to the lengths of the cables130attached to the sensors140A,140B,140C,140D. The cables130can also restrict patient movements. Therefore, a wireless solution including wireless communication capacity between the sensors and the computing device may resolve some of the concerns of the wired configuration. The wireless configuration can eliminate the need of the cables130between the sensors and the computing device and thus provide greater patient mobility.

However, the wireless solutions may have their own limitations. For example, wireless patient monitoring sensors require internal power source (for example, battery), which can have limited capacity due to size of the sensors. In addition, since continuous data collection and wireless transmission can require significant power usage, operation of the sensors can be very limited. Moreover, it may be expensive to replace the entire device when the internal battery is depleted. Furthermore, having a rechargeable battery may not be suitable in a hospital environment where nurses might not have enough time to wait for the battery to recharge. Also, it may not be ideal for a patient to wait for the battery to recharge in time of need. Accordingly, it can be advantageous to provide a sensor system that is compatible with existing sensors and monitors and is capable of wireless communication as discussed herein.

FIG.2Aillustrates the sensor system100including a computing device206wirelessly receiving patient physiological data of the patient110from sensor assemblies202A,202B,202C,202D. The sensor assemblies202A,202B,202C,202D can establish communication with the computing device206such that data can be wirelessly transmitted between the sensor assemblies202A,202B,202C,202D and the computing device206. The computing device206can include a display208that can display patient parameters determined from the patient physiological data received from the sensor assemblies202A,202B,202C, and202D.

FIG.2Billustrates a schematic diagram the sensor assembly202wirelessly connected to a computing device206. The sensor assembly202can include a disposable module220and a reusable module250. The reusable module250can be a pairing device capable of establishing wireless connection with the computing device206.

The disposable module220can include a dock222coupled to a sensor240via a cable230. The dock222can be removably connected to the reusable module250. The reusable module250and the computing device206can together establish a wireless communication204and perform wireless transmission of data between. The reusable module250can transmit patient physiological parameters to the computing device206, where the parameters are calculated from raw physiological data collected by the sensor240. The transmitted patient data can be raw data collected by the sensor240.

The reusable module250alone or in combination with the dock222can perform signal processing on the raw physiological data and transmit the processed physiological data to the computing device206. The reusable module250can establish wireless communication204with the computing device206to allow data be transmitted between the reusable module250and the computing device206. The reusable module250can establish wireless communication204with one or more computing devices206. As shown inFIG.2A, the computing device206can establish wireless communication204with the sensor assemblies202A,202B,202C, and202D. The computing device206can establish wireless communication204with less than four or more than four sensor assemblies202.

The reusable module250can establish wireless communication204with portable mobile devices such as mobile phone, smartphone, tablets, and the like. The computing device206can be a hospital patient monitoring system, which includes various types of monitors capable of displaying patient health data. The computing device206can be a mobile monitoring system or a personal mobile device. The computing device206can be Root® Platform, a patient monitoring and connectivity platform available at Masimo Corporation, Irvine, CA A mobile physiological parameter monitoring system usable with the cable is described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,436,645, issued on Sep. 6, 2016, titled “MEDICAL MONITORING HUB,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The cable230can be flexible or non-flexible. The cable230can be a thin film including electrical circuitries. The cable230can be surrounded by different types of electrical insulating material. The cable230can be substantially flat or round.

The sensor240can be an acoustic sensor, ECG sensor, EEG sensor, SpO2 sensor, or any other types of patient monitoring sensors. The sensor240can include one or more emitters and detectors. The emitters can be low-power, high-brightness LEDs (light-emitting diodes) to increase the life of the batteries224. The sensor240can measure raw physiological data responsive to various types of patient physiological parameters including, but not limited to, temperature, blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, hemoglobin level, electrocardiogram, and the like. The sensor measurements can be used by physicians to determine patient conditions and treatment for the patient. The sensor240can transmit the raw physiological data to the dock222via the cable230. The sensor240and the dock222may form a unitary body such that the dock222receives the physiological data directly from the sensor240without the cable230. The dock222can be integrated with one or more of the sensors340.

The sensor240can output a raw sensor signal or a conditioned sensor signal. The sensor240can include a signal processor that can process the raw or conditioned sensor signal to derive and calculate physiological parameters associated with the raw or conditioned sensor signal.

The sensor240can perform mixed analog and digital pre-processing of an analog sensor signal to generate a digital output signal. As discussed above, the sensor240can include a signal processor that can perform digital post-processing of the front-end processor output. The input sensor signal and the output conditioned signal may be either analog or digital. The front-end processing may be purely analog or purely digital. The back-end processing may be purely analog or mixed analog or digital.

The sensor240can include an encoder, which translates a digital word or serial bit stream, for example, into a baseband signal. The baseband signal can include the symbol stream that drives the transmit signal modulation, and may be a single signal or multiple related signal components. The encoder can include data compression and redundancy.

The sensor240can include a signal processor, an encoder, and a controller. The sensor240can utilize emitters242and the detectors244to generate sensor signals, such as a plethysmograph signal. The signal processor then can use the sensor signal to derive a parameter signal that can include a real time measurement of oxygen saturation and pulse rate. The parameter signal may include other parameters, such as measurements of perfusion index and signal quality. The signal processor can be an MS-5 or MS-7 board available from Masimo Corporation, Irvine, CA The signal processing step can be performed by the processor254of the reusable module250, as described above.

The dock222can be placed on various locations of a patient's body. For example, the dock222is placed on the patient's chest. The dock222can be placed on other locations on the patient including, but not limited to, torso, back, shoulder, arms, legs, neck, or head. Various means can be used to affix the dock222to the patient. For example, the dock222is affixed to the patient with an adhesive. In another example, the dock222is affixed to the patient with a fastener, such as tape, laid over at least a portion of the dock222. The dock222can be mechanically attachable to at least one strap, which can wrap around the patient.

The reusable module250can receive physiological data from the sensor240via the dock222. The reusable module250can wirelessly transmit the physiological data to the computing device206. The reusable module240can couple with the dock222to establish an electronic communication between the reusable module250and the dock222. The electrical communication between the dock222and the reusable module250can allow physiological data to be transmitted from the dock222to the pairing device250. The coupling between the reusable module250and the dock222can be waterproof or shockproof. The disposable module220and the reusable module250may be shockproof or waterproof. The disposable module220and the reusable module250can be durable under various types of environments. For example, the reusable module250can be fully enclosed, allowing it to be washed, sanitized, and reused.

As shown inFIG.2B, the dock222can include a memory226and battery224. The reusable module250can include an antenna252, a processor254, and a memory256. The antenna252, the processor254, and the memory256can be operatively connected with one another to allow electronic communication or transmission between them.

The antenna252can be an RFID (radio-frequency identification) antenna. The antenna252can be a Bluetooth® antenna. The reusable module250can include one or more antennae252. In some aspects, the reusable module250includes a first antenna and a second antenna, where first antenna is a receiving antenna and the second antenna is a transmitting antenna. The first antenna can be a transmitting antenna and the second antenna can be a receiving antenna. Both the first antenna and the second antenna can both receive data from or transmit data to the computing device206. The first antenna can be a passive antenna while the second antenna can be an active antenna. The first antenna can be an active antenna while the second antenna can be a passive antenna. An active antenna can include a built-in amplifier that can amplify certain spectrum or frequency of signals. The first antenna can establish an RFID or NFC (near field communication) connection with the computing device206while the second antenna can establish a Bluetooth® connection with the computing device206. In another aspect, both the first and the second antenna are capable of establishing RFID and/or Bluetooth® wireless connection. The process of establishing wireless communication204with the computing device206and wirelessly transmitting the patient physiological data to the computing device206will be further described below in detail.

The memory256can be computer hardware integrated circuits that store information for immediate use for a computer (for example, the processor254). The memory256can store the patient physiological data received from the sensor240. The memory256can be volatile memory. For example, the memory256is a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM). The memory256can be a non-volatile memory. For example, the memory256is a flash memory, ROM (read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory), and/or EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory).

The memory256of the reusable module250can store patient physiological data received from the sensor240. The memory256can store electronic instructions that, when accessed, prompts the processor254to receive patient physiological data from the memory226of the dock222, store the data in the memory256, retrieve the data from the memory256, transmit the data to the antenna252, and use the antenna252to wirelessly transmit the data to the computing device206. One or more of the actions discussed above can be performed simultaneously. For example, the processor254of the reusable module250can receive patient physiological data from the memory226of the dock222and simultaneously store the data in the memory256.

The memory256can store patient data and health-related events related to a patient when the sensor assembly202is no longer in range with or is otherwise unable to communicate with the computing system206. The memory256, as noted above, can have sufficient capacity to store patient health data and/or health-related events. The memory256can store patient physiological information regardless of whether the reusable module250is paired with the computing device206. Some examples of the health-related events include arrhythmia, low blood pressure, blood oxygen level (SpO2), and the like. Such data and/or health-related events may be accessed via a mobile application on a mobile device (for example, a smartphone, tablet, and the like). Patient data and/or health-related events can be relayed to a device without a display. In such circumstances, the device can have a light source (for example, an LED) that can blink in different colors or patterns to tell the patients or medical personnel something has happened or the data needs to be reviewed. Different rules can be used to determine when or in what situations can patient physiological information be transmitted from the sensor assembly202to other external devices (for example, monitoring devices, mobile devices, and the like). In order to maximize the life of the memory256, the memory256may only store health-related event data. For example, this data can be as simple as a time stamp when an event occurred or it can be a snapshot of data taken just before and just after an event. The memory can also store large sections of data. The memory256can store up to 96 hours or more of data.

In some aspects, the data stored in the memory256can be transmitted to an outside server. The memory256can transfer the entire patient physiological information to the outside server or transmit only certain portions of the information. For example, the memory256can transmit timestamp information and associated event information to the external server. In another example, the memory256can transmit a snapshot of patient physiological information.

The processor254can be a chip, an expansion card/board, or a stand-alone device that interfaces with peripheral devices. For example, the processor254is a single integrated circuit on a circuit board for the reusable module250. The processor254can be a hardware device or a software program that manages or directs the flow of data.

The processor254can communicate with the antenna252and the memory256of the reusable module250. For example, the processor254communicates with the antenna252and the memory256of the reusable module250to retrieve or receive patient physiological data and to transmit the data to external devices via the antenna252. The processor254can be a Bluetooth® chipset. For example, the processor254is a SimpleLink™ Bluetooth® low energy wireless MCU (microcontroller unit) by Texas Instruments Incorporated.

The processor254of the reusable module250can be connected to the sensor240such that it receives patient physiological data from the sensor240when the reusable module250is mated with the dock222. The processor254can retrieve the patient physiological data from the memory226of the dock222and transmit the data to the antenna252. The processor254can be operatively connected to the antenna252such that the processor254can use the antenna252to wirelessly transmit the patient physiological parameters to the computing device206. The patient physiological data transmitted from the reusable module250to the computing device206can be raw patient physiological data in analog format (for example, 1131001310113100) or patient physiological parameters in a digital format (for example, 60% SpO2).

The sensor240can transmit raw or analog patient physiological data to the processor254of the reusable module250. The processor254can then perform signal processing on the raw data to calculate patient physiological parameters. It can be advantageous to have the processor254to perform signal processing on the raw patient physiological data instead of having the computing device206perform signal processing on the raw data. Raw data can comprise strings of binary bits, whereas processed data can comprise digital (not binary) data (for example, 36 degrees Celsius, 72 beats per minute, or 96% blood oxygen level). Therefore transmitting digital data can require less power consumption than transmitting raw data. Thus, by performing signal processing on the raw data using the processor254and transmitting the processed data (as opposed to raw data) to the computing device206, life of the battery224can be extended.

The battery224of the dock222can provide power for the sensor240. Additionally, the battery224can provide power for the reusable module250. In some aspects, the reusable module250may not have an internal power source to transmit patient data to the computing device206. When the reusable module250is mated with the dock222, the processor254of the reusable module250can draw power from the battery224. The processor254can use the power from the battery224to process patient physiological data from the sensor240and to wirelessly transmit the data to the computing device206. The battery224may or may not be rechargeable. The battery224can have wireless charging capacity.

FIG.2Cillustrates a wiring diagram for the sensor system202. The sensor240can include one or more detectors244and one or more emitters242. The detectors244and the emitters242can be optical. The emitters242can be LEDs. The detectors244can detect light generated by the emitters242. The emitters242and the detectors244are used to collect different types of patient physiological data, such as blood oxygen level, heart rate, and respiratory rate. As discussed below, the sensor240can include one of the following sensor elements including, but not limited to, piezoelectric elements for acoustic sensors, electrodes for EEG sensors, electrodes for ECG sensors, and the like.

The dock222and the reusable module250can include one or more electrical contacts228and electrical contacts258, respectively. The electrical contacts228and258can establish electronic communication between the dock222and the reusable module250when the reusable module250is mated with the dock222. The electrical communication between the electrical contacts228and258can allow the reusable module250to receive power from the battery224of the disposable module220. Additionally and/or alternatively, the electrical connection between the electrical contacts228and258can allow the reusable module250to receive patient physiological data from the memory226of the dock222. The coupling of the reusable module250and the dock222will be further described below.

Sensor Assembly

FIG.3Ashows a front perspective view of an example of the sensor assembly202including the reusable module250and the disposable module220. As discussed above, the reusable module250can be a pairing device that can establish wireless connection with the computing device206. The disposable device220can include the dock222and the cable230coupling the dock222to the sensor240(not shown).

The dock222can include a strap308that is coupled to a bottom portion of the dock222. The strap308can loop around a patient (e.g., a wrist or an arm) to removably attach the dock222to the patient (seeFIG.7H). The dock222can also include a strap loop302having a slot for the strap308to extend through. The strap308can extend through the strap loop302and loop around to removably attach the dock222to the patient. The strap308can include a fastener310disposed near a distal end of the strap308that can interact with the strap308to fix the distal end of the strap308. The fastener310can be located at a distal end of the strap308, as shown inFIG.3A. The fastener310can be located at other locations of the strap308. The dock can also include a retainer304that holds the reusable module250within the dock222to maintain electrical connection between the reusable module250and the dock222. Moreover, the dock222can include a housing300that can house the battery224and the memory226.

The dock222can include a cable retainer306disposed on a side of the dock222. The cable retainer306can be dimensioned and sized to retain the cable230. The cable retainer306can be removably connected to the dock222. At least a portion of the cable retainer306may be flexible to facilitate insertion of the cable230into the cable retainer306. The cable retainer306can advantageously limit movement of the cable230to prevent possible tangling of cables of different sensor assemblies. The cable retainer306can include a channel to through which the cable230can extend. The channel of the cable retainer306can be dimensioned such that the cable230is snug within the channel, thereby limiting movement of the cable230.

FIG.3Billustrates an exploded, top perspective view of the sensor assembly202ofFIG.3A.FIG.3Cillustrates an exploded, bottom perspective view of the sensor assembly202ofFIG.3A. The dock222of the disposable module220can include a support plate316disposed under the dock222. The support plate316can be integrated with the strap308. The strap308can be modular with respect to the support plate316and/or the dock222. The dock222may not include the support plate316such that the strap308is coupled directly to the dock222.

The retainer304of the dock222can include a protrusion324that can interact with a groove322of the reusable module250. The interaction between the groove322and the protrusion324can maintaining coupling between the reusable module250and the dock222. For example, when the reusable module250is inserted into the dock222, the retainer304is pushed in a direction away from the housing300of the dock222in order to allow the reusable module250to mate with the dock222. When the reusable module250is fully inserted into the dock222, the retainer304can snap back to its original position to engage the groove322of the reusable module250. The retainer304and the groove322can together prevent vertical displacement of the reusable module250.

The retainer304can have a first position and a second position. When in the first position, the retainer304is substantially vertical with respect to the dock222. When in the second position, the retainer304is pushed in a direction away from the housing300so that the retainer304forms an angle greater than 90 degrees with respect to the dock222. Before the reusable module250is inserted into the dock222, the retainer304can be in the first position. While the reusable module250is being pushed into the dock220, the reusable module250interacts with the retainer304and causes the retainer304to be in the second position. When the reusable module250is fully engaged with the dock222, the retainer304reverts to the first position so that the protrusion324engages the groove322.

The dock222can also include a flex circuit320and a cover318to retain the flex circuit320. The flex circuit320can include the electrical contacts228of the dock222, where the flex circuit320serves as a connection between the cable230and the electrical contact228. Therefore any information or data transmitted from the sensor240via the cable230to the dock222can be transmitted to the electrical contacts228via the flex circuit320. Additional details of the flex circuit320will be provided below.

The housing300of the dock222can include one or more slots328that can interact with one or more legs326of the reusable module250. The slots328can be dimensioned and shaped to allow the legs326of the reusable module250to slide into the slots328. The legs326can slide into the slots328to assist in maintaining connection between the reusable module250and the dock222. Once the legs326are inserted into the slots328, the legs326can prevent vertical displacement of the reusable module250.

It can be advantageous to have the battery224in a disposable portion such as the dock222or the sensor240. Establishing wireless communication204and performing wireless transmission requires a significant amount of power. If the reusable module250has an internal power source, its functionalities (for example, establishing wireless communication204and performing wireless transmission) can be limited by the capacity of the internal power source. In such configuration, the reusable module250needs to be replaced once its internal power source is depleted. In a wireless patient monitoring context, it is desirable to keep the same pairing device for each patient because having to use multiple pairing devices for the same patient often can lead to confusion and can create a need to reestablish connections between pairing devices and display devices. When the reusable module250has an external power source such as battery224of the dock222, it does not need to be replaced when the battery224is depleted.

The batteries224can be zinc-air batteries powered by oxidizing zinc with oxygen in the air. It can be advantageous to use zinc-air batteries because they have higher energy density and thus have greater capacity than other types of batteries for a given weight or volume. In addition, zinc-air batteries have a long shelf life if properly sealed to keep the air out. The housing300can include one or more openings332that allow air to enter and react with the batteries224. The one or more openings332can be sealed prior to use to prevent the air from entering and reacting with the batteries224, thereby reducing capacity of the batteries224. Once ready to use, the seal placed on the one or more openings332may be removed to allow the batteries224to provide power for the reusable module250. The housing300may include a gasket330to seal the batteries224from the air. The gasket330can further increase the capacity of the batteries224.

Having a disposable element (for example, the disposable module220) as a power source for the reusable module250can address the above issues by eliminating the need to replace the reusable module250. In this configuration, only the dock222or the sensor240needs to be replaced when the battery224is depleted. Since the cost of replacing the dock222or the sensor240can be much less than the cost of replacing the reusable module250, this configuration can be advantageous in reducing operation costs. The sensor240may include the battery224that provides power to the reusable module250. Both the sensor240and the dock222can include the battery224. The reusable module250can include a battery consumption priority setting such that the reusable module250receives power first from the sensor240then from the dock222.

The dock222can include a battery circuit314in contact with the batteries224. The battery circuit314can be in contact with the flexible circuit320. When the reusable module250is mated with the dock222, the electronic contacts258can be in contact with the electronic contacts228of the flexible circuit320to allow the reusable module250to receive power from the batteries224via the flexible circuit320.

The dock222can include an opening362and one or more supports360. The one or more supports360can be formed on a side of the opening362and extend over a substantial portion of the opening362. The supports360can be arcuate. The supports360can extend over the length of the opening362. The cover318for the flexible circuit320can be placed over the opening362to hold the flexible circuit320over the opening362.

The dock222can include a slot dimensioned to retain the reusable module250during the use of the sensor assembly202. The reusable module250can be disposed between the housing300and the retainer304. The slot of the dock222can include one or more arcuate surfaces or one or more angular corners. The slot of the dock222may be substantially rectangular or circular in shape. The slot can have substantially the same size, shape, and/or dimensions as that of the reusable module250.

The reusable module250can include one or more electrical contacts258. The electrical contacts258can be located on a bottom surface of the reusable module250. The electrical contacts258can be substantially rectangular or circular in shape. The electrical contacts258can establish contact with electrical contacts228of the dock222when the reusable module250is mated with the dock222. The contact between the electrical contacts228and electrical contacts258can allow information or data be transmitted between the reusable module250and the dock222of the disposable module220.

As disclosed herein, the batteries224can be zinc-air batteries powered by oxidizing zinc with oxygen in the air. The openings332formed on the housing300can allow the air to enter through and react with the battery224. The battery224then provides power for the disposable module220and the reusable module250. However, the openings332may sometimes be covered by blankets, clothes, and the like, which can prevent the air from entering through the openings332and react with the battery224. Consequently, power supply for the disposable module220and the reusable module250can be interrupted if the openings332are covered.

As shown inFIG.3D, the housing300can include one or more recesses331, such as, for example, channels, that can facilitate the air to enter through the openings332. The recesses331can be formed on a top surface of the housing300such that the recesses331form openings that allow air flow. The openings332may be formed on an inner surface of the recesses331. The inner surfaces of the recesses331are at least a predetermined distance away from the top surface of the housing300so that even when the housing300is covered, the openings332may remain uncovered and exposed to the air. The housing can have a single channel or multiple recesses, such as dimples or cutouts of any shape or size.

The number, dimensions, orientation, or positions of the channels331may be varied depending on the size of the housing300of the reusable module250. The channels331can be oriented such that they together form a shape on the housing300. The channels331may be oriented in a triangular shape (as shown inFIG.3D), rectangular shape, pentagonal shape, hexagonal shape, and the like. The cross-sectional shape of the channels331can be circular, triangular, rectangular, or the like. In some examples, the channels331can extend to one or more edges of the housing300so that even when the top surface of the housing300is covered, the channels331extending to the edges of the housing300can ensure that the openings332remain exposed to the air.

FIG.4illustrates an example the sensor assembly202, identified generally by the reference numeral202A. Parts, components, and features of the sensor assembly202A are identified using the same reference numerals as the corresponding parts, components, and features of the sensor assembly202, except that a letter “A” has been added thereto. The illustrated example includes a disposable module220A and a reusable module250A coupled to each other.

The sensor assembly202A can include a sensor240A. The sensor240A can be an O3 sensor that can be adhered to a forehead of a patient. The sensor assembly202A can include a cable230A that couples the sensor240A and a dock222A of the disposable module220A. The cable230A can be flat or round. As discussed above, the sensor240A can include one or more batteries that can provide power for a reusable module250A. The mating of the dock222A and the reusable module250A can facilitate electronic communication therebetween. The dock222A can include a housing300A that includes a retainer member304A. Pressing down the retainer member304A can allow the reusable module250A to be coupled with or removed from the dock222A.

FIG.5illustrates an example of the sensor assembly202, identified generally by the reference numeral202B. Parts, components, and features of the sensor assembly202B are identified using the same reference numerals as the corresponding parts, components, and features of the sensor assembly202, except that a letter “B” has been added thereto. The illustrated example includes a disposable module220B and a reusable module250B coupled to each other.

The sensor assembly202B can include a sensor240B. The sensor240B can be a RAM sensor adhered to a neck of a patient. The sensor240B can be an ECG sensor that can be adhered to a chest or abdominal area of a patient. The dock222B can include a housing300B and a retainer member304B. The housing300B can include one or more extensions500that can extend from the body of the housing300B towards the retainer member304B. The reusable module250B can include cutouts that correspond to the one or more extensions500. When the reusable module250B is coupled with the dock222B, the extensions500can extend over the cutouts of the reusable module250B, preventing the reusable module250B from being dislodged from the dock222B.

Flexible Circuit

FIG.6Aillustrates a perspective view of the flex circuit320. The flex circuit320can include one or more elongate members600that can each include a tip602, and a body608. The electrical contracts228can be disposed on the one or more elongate members600. The elongate members600can extend distally from the body608. The tips602can be located at distal ends of the elongate members600of the flex circuit320. The elongate members600can be flat or arcuate as shown inFIG.6A. The elongate members600can become arcuate due to their interaction with the supports360and the cover318. The elongate members600can include one or more substantially flat portions and/or one or more arcuate portions. Each of the one or more tips602can correspond to each of the one or more elongate members600of the flex circuit320. Some of the elongate members600may not have electrical contacts228. The flex circuit320can include the same or different number of the elongate members600and the tips602. The flex circuit320can include one or more openings604that couple the flex circuit320to the dock222.

As shown inFIGS.6C and6D, the tips602of the elongate members600can be positioned under the cover318while the elongate members600are supported by supports360. Because the tips602can be wedged under the cover318, the elongate members600can retain its arcuate shape over the supports360.

FIG.6Billustrates a bottom view of the flex circuit320. The flex circuit320can include one or more electrical contacts606that can be connected to the cable230and the battery circuit314(seeFIGS.3A and3C). Therefore, power from the battery224can be transmitted to the electrical contacts228of the dock222via the electrical contacts606of the flex circuit320. Moreover, the electrical contacts606can establish connection between the electrical contacts228and the sensor240via the cable230.

The number of the elongate members600can correspond to the number of electrical contacts258of the reusable module250(seeFIG.3C). For example, the reusable module250has six electrical contacts258and the flex circuit320has six fingers, where each of the six fingers includes an electrical contact228. The number of electrical contacts258of the reusable module250can be different from the number of elongate members600of the flex circuit320. For example, the flex circuit320can include six elongate members600each having a corresponding electrical contact310a, while the reusable module250has only four electrical contacts258. The number of electrical contacts258of the reusable module250may be different from or the same with the number of electrical contacts228disposed on the elongate members600of the flex circuit320.

Each the elongate members600of the flex circuit320can include an arcuate portion with a first curvature. The arcuate portions of the elongate members600can be laid over the opening362of the dock222. The one or more electrical contacts228of the flex circuit320can be disposed over a portion of the elongate members600of the flex circuit320. For example, the one or more electrical contacts228are located at an apex of each of the elongate members600of the flex circuit320. In another example, the entire upper surface of each of the elongate members600defines the electrical contacts228. The elongate members600of the flex circuit320can be configured such that the apex of the arcuate portions of the elongate members600of the flex circuit320are located at a predetermined distance away from the opening362of the dock222. The apex of the elongate members600of the flex circuit320can point away from the opening362of the dock222such that the arcuate portions of the elongate members600define a concave surface facing the opening of the dock222. The apex of the elongate members600can be arcuate in shape or substantially flat.

It can be advantageous to have the elongate members600of the flex circuit320include a curved portion upward and away (for example, concave downward) from the opening362of the dock222. Such configuration can allow the elongate members600to act as springs providing reactive upward forces when pressed downward by the reusable module250. Such upward forces provided by the elongate members600can allow the electrical contacts228,258of the dock222and the reusable module250, respectively, to maintain adequate contact between them.

The elongate members600of the flex circuit320can have different curvatures. For example, a first elongate member of the flex circuit320has a first curvature while a second elongate member of the flex circuit320has a second curvature. The first curvature of the first elongate member and the second curvature of the second elongate member can be the same or different. The first curvature of the first elongate member is greater than, less than, or equal to the second curvature of the second elongate member.

The elongate members600of the flex circuit320, in their resting positions, may not have any arcuate portions. The elongate members600of the flex circuit320can be substantially linear prior to being installed on the dock222. The elongate members600, can be linear or curved. The elongate members600of the flex circuit320can include more than one linear portions.

The elongate members600of the flex circuit320can be flexible or not flexible. The flex circuit320can be laid on the dock222such that the elongate members600are laid over one or more supports360of the dock222. The elongate members600can extend distally away from the body608of the flex circuit320. The flex circuit320can include more than one elongate members600. The flex circuit320can include one or more elongate members600that are flexible. Some the elongate members600may be flexible while other elongate members600are not.

As discussed above, the dock222can include the opening362over which the elongate members600of the flex circuit320can extend over. The dock222can include one or more supports360dimensioned and shaped to support the elongate members600of the flex circuit320. When the flex circuit320is installed on the dock222, the supports360can provide a surface on which the elongate members600of the flex circuit320can be placed on.

The supports360of the dock222can be curved and define the curvature of the arcuate portions of the elongate members600. The supports360can be arcuate. It can be advantageous to have the supports that correspond to each of the elongate members600of the flex circuit320. For example, the dock222has six independent supports360associated with each of the six elongate members600of the flex circuit320. Such configuration allows each of the corresponding elongate members600and the supports360of the dock222to move independently from other elongate members600and supports360as opposed to all of the elongate members600and the supports360moving that the same time. Such configuration can make inserting the reusable module250into the slot940of the dock222easier. Moreover, this can allow interoperability between the dock222and the reusable module250that have different height configurations for the electrical contacts258.

It can be advantageous to have the supports360for the flex circuit320include a curved portion upward and away (e.g., concave downward) from a bottom portion of the dock222. Such configuration can allow the supports to act as springs providing reactive upward force when pressed downward by the reusable module250. Such upward forces can allow the electrical contacts228,258of the dock222and the reusable module250, respectively, to maintain adequate contact between them. The supports360can include a first upward portion that is concave upward, a second upward portion that is concave downward, and a third downward portion that is concave downward. The supports360may include a first upward portion that is concave upward and a second upward portion that is concave downward. The supports360can include one or more inflection point, defined as a point where the supports360changes from being concave to convex, or vice versa. The supports360can also include one or more linear portions.

The supports360may also provide sufficient force to push the reusable module250away the dock222when the retainer member304is pulled away from the reusable module250. The support360may push the reusable module250away from the dock222when the retainer member304is in its second position, as discussed above. When the retainer304no longer engages the groove322of the reusable module250, it may no longer provide force to counteract the force generated by the supports360, allowing the supports360to push the reusable module250away from the dock222.

The supports360can have a length that is greater than, less than, or equal to the length of the elongate members600of the flex circuit320. The supports360have a width that is greater than, less than, or equal to the width of the elongate members600. The supports360can have a thickness that is greater than, less than, or equal to the thickness of the elongate members600to allow the supports360to provide sufficient mechanical support and to withstand the downward force exerted on the elongate members600and the supports360by the reusable module250. The interaction between the elongate members600, supports360, and the reusable module250will be further described below.

The supports360can be made out of the same or different material as the dock222.

The body608of the flex circuit320can be laid under the housing300of the dock222. The body608can be connected to the cable230connected to the dock222such that the flex circuit320allows the health monitoring data from sensor240to be transmitted to the electrical contacts606of the flex circuit320.

FIGS.6C and6Dillustrate a change in a configuration of the flex circuit320. When the reusable module250is inserted into the slot940of the dock222, the engagement between the reusable module250and the dock222can change the position of the tips602of the flex circuit320.FIGS.6C and6Dshow relative positions of the tips602before and after the reusable module250is mated with the dock222. The relative positions of the tips602before the reusable module250is inserted into the dock222are denoted by L1. When the reusable module250is inserted into the slot940of the dock222, the reusable module250can apply a downward force (denoted as F) to the arcuate portions of the elongate members600and the supports360. This downward force F can cause the arcuate portions and the supports360to move downward. This downward movement of the elongate members600and the supports360can cause the tips602to move distally along an axis defined by the elongate members600of the flex circuit320. Specifically, such downward motion can cause the relative positions of the tips602to change from L1to L2, where L2is greater than L1.

FIGS.6C and6Dillustrate another change in configuration of the flex circuit320. When the reusable module250is inserted into the dock222, the engagement between the reusable module250and the dock222can change the position of the tips602of the flex circuit320. The relative difference between the heights of the apex of the arcuate portions of the elongate members600and the body608before for reusable module250is inserted is denoted by H1. When the reusable module250is inserted into the dock222, the reusable module250can apply a downward force (denoted as F) to the arcuate portions of the elongate members600and the supports360. This downward force F can cause the arcuate portions and the supports360to move downward. Such downward motion can cause the relative difference between the heights of the apex of the arcuate portions of the elongate members600and the body608to change from H1to H2, where H2is less than H1. It is possible that the relative different between the heights of the apex of the arcuate portions of the elongate members600and the body608can change while the relative positions of the tips602do not change from L1to L2, or vice versa.

The downward force F in a first direction can cause the supports360of the dock222to provide a reactive force in a second direction. The second direction of the reactive force can be an opposite direction then the first direction of the downward force F. Specifically, the reactive force by the supports360can be upward away from the dock222. The supports360can act as a spring such that as the supports360moves further downward from its natural position (for example, as H1changes to H2), the magnitude of the reactive force increases. The directions of F and the reactive force may be opposite from each other. The magnitude of the reactive force is less than the downward force F in order to allow the supports360to move downward and allow the reusable module250to be inserted into the slot940of the dock222. The magnitude of the downward force F caused by the reusable module250may correlate to the following: the change in the relative height difference between the apex of the elongate members600and the body608(for example, from H1to H2) and the change in the positions of the tips602(for example, from L1to L2).

The elongate members600of the flex circuit320can have a first degree of curvature before the reusable module250is inserted into the dock222. The elongate members600can have a second degree of curvature after the reusable module is inserted into the dock222. The first degree of curvature of the elongate members600can be greater than, less than, or equal to the second degree of curvature. The first degree of curvature can correspond to a first position of the tips602(for example, L1). The second degree of curvature can correspond to a second position of the tips602(for example, L2). Moreover, the first degree of curvature can correspond to a first position of the apex (for example, H1) of the elongate members600. The second degree of curvature can correspond to a second position of the apex (for example, H2) of the elongate members600.

The reactive force provided by the supports360can maintain sufficient contact between the electrical contacts310aof the dock222and the electrical contacts310bof the reusable module250to allow electrical signals be transmitted between the contacts.

Attachment Mechanisms

FIGS.7A-7Iillustrate various examples of an attachment mechanism for the disposable module220of the sensor assembly202.

With reference toFIGS.7A-7C, the dock222can be coupled to a first strap700and a second strap702. The first strap700and the second strap702can be mechanically coupled to the dock222. The straps700,702may be removably coupled to the dock222. Alternatively, the straps700,702can be integrated to the dock222. The second strap702can include one or more openings704. The first strap700can include a fastener706configured to affix the second strap702to the first strap700. The openings704can be dimensioned receive the fastener706. The first strap700can be inserted through one of the openings704to removably attach the dock222to a patient. The straps700,702can have varying thicknesses, lengths, and flexibility. The straps700,702may be stretchable. The first strap700can include one or more openings704while the second strap702includes the fastener706.

A distal end of the first strap700can be inserted into one of the openings704of the second strap702. The fastener706of the first strap700may be inserted into one of the openings704of the second strap702. The interaction between the fastener706and openings704can removably affix the dock222as shown inFIGS.7B and7C.

FIG.7Dshows the dock222of the disposable module220coupled to yet another example of an attachment mechanism. The dock222can be coupled to an extension708extending away from the disposable module220. For example, as shown inFIG.7D, the disposable module220can be placed on top of a hand and the extension708can extend towards a wrist of a patient. The extender708can include a strap700A that can loop around the wrist to secure the disposable module220and the extension708to the wrist. The strap700A can include a fastener706A that can adhere the strap700A to a top surface of the extension708. The fastener706A can be disposed at a distal end or a proximal end of the strap700A. The fastener706A may adhere to a top surface or a bottom surface of the700A. The fastener706A can incorporate one of the following mechanisms including a hook and loop system, Velcro, buttons, snaps, magnets, and the like.

FIG.7Eillustrates another example of an attachment mechanism for the disposable module220. As shown here, the dock222can be coupled to a strap700B. A first, proximal end of the strap700B can be attached to the dock222, while a second, distal end of the strap700B can extend away from the dock222. The distal end of the strap700B can include a fastener706B. The strap700B can affix the dock222to a wrist of a patient by having the second, distal end looped around the wrist. The distal end of the strap700B can be affixed by looping over or under the proximal end of the strap700B. Once the distal end of the strap700B looped around the first, proximal end of the strap2310, the fastener706B can be used to secure the distal end of the strap700B. The fastener706B can incorporate one of the following mechanisms including, but not limited to, a hook and loop system, Velcro, buttons, snaps, and/or magnets.

FIG.7Fshows yet another example of an attachment mechanism for the sensor assembly202. The sensor assembly202can be coupled to an extender708A which includes a hook710. The extender708A can extend away from the dock222of the sensor assembly202, where the hook710is coupled to a distal end of the extender708A. The hook710can wrap around the strap700C such that the extender708A and the dock222are substantially held in place with respect to a wrist of a patient. The strap700C can be modular. The strap700C may be removably connected or affixed to the hook710of the extender708A. The strap700C can be a flexible band that can tightly wrap around a patient's wrist, as shown inFIG.7F.

FIG.7Gshows yet another example of an attachment mechanism for the sensor assembly202. The dock222can include the strap308extending from a first side of the dock222, the strap308dimensioned to wrap around a patient's wrist in a first direction, and the strap loop302extending from a second side of the dock222. The strap308can include the fastener310disposed near its distal end. The strap3810can be routed around the patient's wrist and through the strap loop302of the dock222. Once routed through the strap loop302of the dock222, the strap308can be routed around the strap loop302and wrap the wrist in a second direction. The first direction of wrapping the strap308around the wrist can be clockwise or counterclockwise. The second direction of wrapping the strap308around the wrist can be clockwise or counterclockwise.FIG.7Hshows the sensor assembly202ofFIG.3Aaffixed to a patient's wrist.

FIG.7Iillustrates yet another example of an attachment mechanism for the sensor assembly202. The dock222and the sensor240can be coupled to a glove712. When the glove712is placed on a patient's hand, the sensor240of the sensor assembly202can be placed one of the fingertips. The dock222can be attached to a top portion of the glove712as shown inFIG.7I. The sensor240of the sensor assembly202can be built inside or outside the fingers of the glove712. The sensor240can be integrated to the fingers of the glove712. The cable230of the sensor assembly202can be integrated to the glove712.

Dongle and Pairing

Given the time demands placed on clinicians in busy hospitals and the number of patients and patient monitoring devices, manual interaction to establish connection between the computing device206(for example, a mobile patient monitoring display device) and the reusable module250can be burdensome. In some cases, the time required to manually interact with a patient monitor device in order to establish connection with a pairing device can even jeopardize a patient's well-being in particularly urgent circumstances. For at least the foregoing reasons, it would be advantageous for the computing device206, such as bedside patient monitors, central monitoring stations, and other devices, to have the capability to detect the presence of the reusable module250nearby and establish a wireless communication204with the reusable module250.

FIGS.8A-8Cillustrate various view of a dongle800connected to the computing device206. The dongle800can include a body802and a connector804coupled to the body802via a cable806. The connector804can connect to the computing device206to allow transmissions between the dongle800and the computing device206. The cable806can include one or more conductive wires that can transmit data and/or power between the body802and the connector804. The body802of the dongle800can be removably attached to the computing device206. The body802can receive power from the computing device206via the connector804and the cable806.

When the dongle800is connected to the computing device206via the connector804, the computing device206can automatically detect the connector804. The computing device206can determine a type of connector804and automatically change its settings. The settings may include, but not limited to, display settings for the display208, display setting for the computing device206(for example, color of lights used to denote pair or communication status), communication protocol settings (for example, type of wireless communication utilized), communication signal settings (for example, varying communication signal type or strength based on different types of communications), and the like. Additionally, the settings for the dongle800can change to accommodate different types of computing devices206and their displays208. Such setting can include display settings (for example, colors or messages denoting communication/pairing status), communication signal settings (for example, frequency of wireless signal used), communication protocol settings (for example, types of wireless communication used), and the like.

The computing device206can receive processed physiological parameter data and display on a display screen. This feature can be advantageous because it can reduce the amount of processing power required by the computing device206. As discussed above, the reusable module250can perform signal processing on raw patient physiological data collected by the sensor240and calculate patient physiological parameters. Therefore, the data transmitted from the reusable module250to the computing device206via the body802includes patient physiological parameters that do not require further signal processing.

The reusable module250can transmit patient physiological parameters with low resolution and the dongle800can fill in the data using various methods. For example, the dongle800may use different types of averages to fill in the data transmitted from the reusable module250. The reusable module250can send waveform data, for example, at a low resolution and the dongle800can increase the resolution of the waveform. This feature can further increase the life of the battery224of the disposable module220.

The body802of the dongle800can include a transceiver or receiver, and a communication module for communicatively coupling the computing device206to other patient monitoring devices such as the reusable module250. When the reusable module250is sufficiently proximate, the body802can communicate with the reusable module250so as to identify the reusable module250. The body802can include a radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader and while the reusable module250can include an embedded RFID chip containing an identifying information unique to the reusable module250. The RFID reader of the body802can identify the embedded RFID chip inside the reusable module250and establish a wireless communication204between the reusable module250and the body802. The body802can include a transceiver that complies with one or more short-range wireless communications standards, such as Bluetooth®. Other types of wireless communication protocols may be utilized to establish communication and transfer data between the dongle800and the reusable module250.

The body802can include a groove808dimensioned to receive a portion of the reusable module250. The groove808can indicate a medical personnel where to place the reusable module250in order to associate (for example, pair) the reusable module250with the computing device206.

The dongle800can include a holder850that can retain the reusable module250when not in use. The holder850can be separate from the dongle800as shown inFIG.8B. The holder850can include a surface dimensioned and shaped to engage with a surface of the reusable module250to assist in retaining the reusable module250. The holder850can use a magnet to retain the reusable module250. The holder850can be attached on the computing device206via various mechanisms including, but not limited to, adhesives, Velcro, magnet, and the like.

FIGS.9A-9Cillustrate a process of pairing the reusable module250with the computing device206using the dongle800. Wireless communication204between the reusable module250and the computing device206can be initiated by coupling the connector804of the dongle800with the computing device206and placing the reusable module250within a certain distance away from the body802of the dongle800. The reusable module250may or may not require a physical contact with the body802to transfer its identifying information to the dongle800.

When the reusable module250is brought sufficiently close to the body802of the dongle800, the body802can, for example, use RFID technology to receive from the reusable module250information that can identify the reusable module250to the computing device206. The identifying information can be an ID tag of a token specific or unique to the reusable module250. The identifying information can include Bluetooth® parameters of the reusable module250. Other types of identification mechanisms can be used to allow the computing device206to identify and associate with the reusable module250.

The identifying information of the reusable module250can be stored in the memory256. The identifying information may be hardwired into the memory256or programmable. The identifying information can include pairing parameters (for example, a pairing device ID) that is unique to the reusable module250. The identifying information may be unique to the patient to whom the reusable module is assigned. The identifying information of the reusable module250may also include other information such as, for example, the pairing device's information, information regarding the sensor240the reusable module250is operatively connected to, or a code or other indicator for initiating a predetermined action to be performed by the computing device206. Additionally and/or alternatively, the identifying information of the reusable module250can be generated using physiological data collected by the sensors240of the sensor assembly202.

The body802of the dongle800can include a RFID reader. The RFID reader can communicatively couple the computing device206to other patient monitoring devices such as the reusable module250. When the reusable module250is proximate to the body802, as shown inFIG.9B, the RFID reader of the body802can receive the identifying information from the reusable module250. Once the body802receives the identifying information, the identifying information can be transmitted to the computing device206via the cable806and the connector804.

The computing device206can use the identifying information to associate the reusable module250with the computing device206. For example, the Bluetooth® parameters of the reusable module250can be used to associate the reusable module with the computing device206. Once associated, the reusable module250can connect with the computing device206using the pairing parameters (for example, Bluetooth® parameters) included in the identifying information. The computing device206can identify the reusable module250and allow wireless communication204with the reusable module250using the Bluetooth® parameters it received from the reusable module250. After establishing connection with the computing device206, the reusable module250can communicate with the dongle800and the computing device206via Bluetooth® transmission. Other types or standards of wireless communication can be used, including, for example, ultrasound, Near Field Communication (NFC), and the like. If multiple reusable modules250are proximate to the computing device206, a priority scheme or a user acknowledgment may be used to determine which reusable modules250are accommodated.

The reusable module250can use the NFC to provide instructions to program the dongle800to take certain actions in certain situations. The NFC communication circuitry of the reusable module250can have an associated memory that can have read/write capabilities. For example, the reusable module250can use NFC to indicate how long the dongle206must wait before deleting the pairing parameters (“giving up”). In another example, the reusable module250can use the NFC to indicate when the dongle800is disallowed from deleting the pairing parameters (“not giving up”). The NFC can be used to allow the dongle800to associate with one or more reusable modules250at the same time.

The dongle800can use the NFC to receive various types of information from the reusable module250. The dongle800can receive information associated with NFC components of the reusable module250and determine sensor types, patient types, patient information, physician information, hospital information, authorized uses, authorized supplies, authorized manufacturers, emitter wavelengths, or indications of the usage or life of the reusable module250, parameters the reusable module250is capable of measuring, and the like. For example, the dongle800can receive information via the NFC to determine that a particular reusable module250is designed to work with sensor assembly202. The dongle800can also write back using NFC. For example, the dongle800can provide programming information through NFC to the reusable module250. The dongle800can also write sensor usage information to the reusable module250. For example, the reusable module250may only be allowed to be used a certain number of times before it must be discarded in order to maintain quality. This information can be written to the reusable module250through NFC communication.

Throughout the present disclosure, it is to be understood that the dongle800may be incorporated directly into the computing device206. For example, the dongle800can be built into the circuitry of the computing device206such that the dongle800and the computing device206are in the same housing. In another example, the dongle800and the computing device206are in the same housing but the dongle800is not built into the circuitry of the computing device206. The dongle800can be incorporated into the computing device206such that the dongle800is located near an outer housing or body of the computing device206. Such a configuration can allow the reusable module250to readily establish wireless communication204with the dongle800. The dongle800incorporated directly into the computing device206can prevent possible connection issues between the dongle800and the computing device206.

Once the computing device206is associated with the reusable module250, it can transmit a signal to the reusable module250indicating that the reusable module250is associated with the computing device206. Different types of notifications can be generated when the reusable module250has successfully established wireless communication204with the computing device206. The notifications can be generated by the computing device206, the reusable module250, or both.

The computing device206can provide an auditory notification or a visual notification on the display208. For example, the computing device206can play a pattern of beeps or a predetermined melody for successful pairing. In another example, the computing device can play an auditory message such as “SpO2sensor number1234has been successfully paired with patient monitoring device A123.” Visual notifications can include a blinking LED on the display208. Another example of a visual notification can be in a form of text such as “Pairing successful” displayed on the display208. The reusable module250has one or more LEDs to indicate status of wireless communication204with the computing device206. For example, the reusable module250can include a red LED to indicate that no wireless communication204has been established between the reusable module250and the computing device206. In another example, the reusable module250can include a blue LED to indicate that the reusable module250has established the wireless communication204with the computing device206. A blinking green LED may be used to indicate that the computing device206is waiting for the reusable module250to establish the wireless communication204with the computing device206. Different color LEDs and different schemes can be used to indicate different status of wireless communication204between the reusable module250and the computing device206.

After receiving the pairing parameters from the reusable module250, the computing device206can wait for a predetermined time period for the reusable module250to establish the wireless communication204(for example, Bluetooth® connection). If the wireless communication204is not established within the predetermined time period, the pairing parameters can expire, requiring the reusable module250to retransmit the pairing parameters to the computing device206again. The predetermined time period can be modified.

Once the computing device206receives the pairing parameters from the reusable module250, the reusable module250can be mated with the dock222, as shown inFIG.9C. Once the reusable module250is mated with the dock222, it can draw power from the battery224to establish wireless communication204with the computing device206. The reusable module250can use the power drawn from the battery224to perform signal processing on the raw data to calculate physiological parameters. Once the physiological parameters are determined, the reusable module250can use the power from the battery to transmit the physiological parameters to the computing device206via the wireless communication204.

The computing device206can receive the patient data including patient physiological parameters from the reusable module250and display the parameters on the display208. The computing device206can receive the patient data via the body802of the dongle800. In other words, the body802of the dongle800can receive patient physiological parameters from the reusable module250and in turn transmit the parameters to the computing device206. As discussed above, Bluetooth® can be used to transmit the patient data between the reusable module250and the computing device206(or the body802). For example, the reusable module250operatively connected to a SpO2sensor can establish Bluetooth® communication with the computing device206. The computing device206can receive the patient data including SpO2 parameters from the reusable module250and display the parameters on the display208. In another example, the reusable module250operatively connected to a temperature sensor can establish Bluetooth® communication with the computing device206. The computing device206can receive the patient data including temperature parameters from the reusable module250and display the parameters on the display208. The computing device206can receive one or more parameters from the reusable modules250and display the one or more parameters on the display208.

The reusable module250can include an ID tag that is active or passive RFID tag. An active RFID tag may be WiFi-enabled, for example. The ID tag can be a barcode (e.g., two-dimensional or three-dimensional) or a WiFi-enabled RFID tag. By communicating with the WiFi access points, the computing device206can triangulate its position relative to that WiFi access points. Likewise, the position of the reusable module250(and the sensor240if the reusable module250is operatively connected to the sensor240) can be triangulated. Thus, the distributed WiFi access points can be used by, for example, the computing device206to determine the approximate position of the reusable module250(and/or the sensor240) with respect to the computing device206. The computing device206may also communicate directly with the reusable module250in order to, for example, enhance the position approximation determined using the distributed WiFi access points.

Positions of one or more reusable modules250can be used to determine relative or absolute positions of the one or more reusable modules250. For example, consider reusable modules250A,250B,250C, and250D. When locations of the reusable modules250A,250B, and250C are known, their positional information can be used to determine a position of the reusable module250D.

The presence or proximity of the reusable module250to the computing device206may be determined by the reusable module250including an RFID tag. An “RFID tag” or simply “tag” can include any wireless communication device and/or communication standard (e.g., RFID, NFC, Bluetooth, ultrasound, infrared, and the like) that can remotely identify a proximate user to a monitor. Tags include, but are not limited to, devices in the form of badges, tags, clip-ons, bracelets or pens that house an RFID chip or other wireless communication components. Tags also encompass smart phones, PDAs, pocket PCs and other mobile computing devices having wireless communications capability. The RFID tag can include identifying information or pairing parameters for the reusable module250.

The computing device206may respond to the departure of all proximate reusable modules250by automatically removing displays associated with the reusable modules250. This feature can provide display patient physiological data only for sensors240associated with reusable modules250proximate to the computing device206. The computing device206may respond in a similar manner by automatically silencing pulse “beeps” or other non-critical sounds when there are no proximate reusable modules250and associated sensors240.

The computing device206can generate alarms when its wireless communication204with the reusable module250is disrupted or no longer exists. For example, the computing device206can create at least one of auditory and visual alarm when the reusable module250is no longer mated with the disposable sensor220.

The computing device206can monitor signal strength of the wireless communication204between the computing device206and the reusable module250. Under some circumstances, the reusable module250may move out of the range of the computing device206which may cause the wireless communication204to be disrupted. For example, a patient equipped with the reusable module250may visit an x-ray room for a routine visit and disrupt the wireless communication204between the reusable module250and the computing device206. If the same reusable module250becomes available within the range within a period of time, the computing device206can automatically reestablish the wireless communication204. For example, if the patient returns from the x-ray room within 30 minutes, the computing device206may be able to reestablish the wireless communication between the reusable module250and the computing device206. Upon reestablishing communications, any information stored on the reusable module250for the time period where communication was disrupted can be downloaded to the computing device206.

The computing device206can be configured to not lose (or delete) the pairing parameters received from the reusable dongle250. This feature can prevent other reusable modules250from pairing with the computing device206even when the reusable module250is no longer wirelessly communicating with the computing device206. For example, a first computing device206and a first reusable module250are in a first wireless communication204. The first computing device206can be configured to not “give up” or “give up” the first reusable module250even after the first wireless communication204is terminated. When configured to “give up,” a second reusable module250can be paired with the first computing device206. When configured to “not give up,” a second reusable module250cannot be paired with the first computing device206.

This feature can also apply in situations in which the battery224of the disposable module220is about to be depleted or when the reusable module250is removed from the disposable module220. Without power from the battery224, the reusable module250cannot maintain the wireless communication204with the computing device206. The computing device206can be configured to prevent or not prevent other computing device206from establishing wireless communication204with the reusable module250. The reusable module250can also send a “dying” signal to the computing device206providing instructions on pairing or other instructions as the device is removed from the disposable module220or when the batteries are depleted. This dying instruction allows the pairing to be maintained.

Computing devices206(or dongle800) can communicate to other computing devices206(or other dongles800) to ensure that each computing device206(or dongle800) is paired to a single reusable module250at any time. For example, when a first reusable module250is paired (or associated) with a first computing device206, a second reusable module250may not be paired (or associated) with the first computing device206. However, the first reusable module250may be able to pair with a second computing device206. Pairing the first reusable module250with the second computing device206can cause the second computing device206to inform the first computing device206to release its pairing with the first reusable module250.

The computing device206can identify the sensors240and the reusable modules250associated with the computing device206. When one or more sensors240and reusable modules250are wirelessly associated to the computing device206, it may be advantageous for the computing device206to distinguish and indicate different physiological parameters from different sensors240or reusable devices250. For example, the computing device206can be associated with two different sensors240(and their respective reusable modules250) for detecting peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2) and acoustic respiration rate (RRa). The computing device206can display information pertaining to the sensors240or the reusable modules250(for example, sensor name, sensor type, sensor location, sensor ID, reusable module ID, reusable module name) to distinguish patient parameters from different sensors and/or reusable modules.

The reusable module250of the sensor assembly202can establish wireless communication204with mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, laptops, and the like. The mobile devices can include a mobile application that allows the mobile devices to establish wireless communication204with the reusable module250of the sensor assembly202, receive patient physiological parameters from the reusable module250, and display the patient physiological parameters. In addition to the patient physiological parameters, the mobile application can also display other patient information including, but not limited to, name, age, past medical history, current medications, address, gender, and the like.

The wireless communication204between the mobile devices and the reusable module250can be in a form of Bluetooth®. The wireless communication204between the mobile devices and the reusable module250can be established via the Internet. For example, the computing device206can be connected to the Internet or a secured network server. Once wireless communication204between the reusable module250and the computing device206is established, the mobile devices can access the Internet or the secure network server to receive and display the patient physiological parameters via the mobile application described above.

The mobile application can include various security measures to prevent third-parties from accessing patient information. The mobile application can be associated with certain mobile devices that has been identified by a healthcare provider. Identification and a passcode may be required for using the application to connect to the reusable module250(or the computing device206), receive patient data (for example, patient data and/or patient physiological parameters), and display patient data. Each of the mobile applications can be associated with a unique access code or an identification code that may be required for receiving patient data from the Internet or the secured network server. The unique access code or the identification code can be associated with the mobile device or the mobile application. The unique access code can be a media access control (MAC) address associated with each of the mobile devices.

Mating of the Dock and Reusable Module

FIGS.10A-10Dillustrates the process of mating the reusable module250with the dock222of the disposable module220. The dock222of the disposable module220can be attached to a wrist of a patient as shown inFIG.10A. The dock222can include a housing300that includes slots328(seeFIG.3B) that correspond to the legs326of the reusable module250.

FIG.10Billustrates the reusable module250being inserted into the dock222. The legs326can face the slots328of the dock222as the reusable module250is inserted. When the legs326are substantially positioned within the slots328of the dock222, body of the reusable module250can be positioned at an angle with respect to the dock222. One end of the reusable module250may be positioned on top of the retainer304while at least a portion of the legs326are positioned in the slots328of the dock222.

FIG.10Cillustrates the reusable module250being pushed down towards the dock222. As shown in theFIG.10C, the legs326can be partially inserted in the slots328. The reusable module250can be pushed down, which causes the retainer304to move away from the housing300, thus allowing the reusable module250to be fully inserted in the dock222and mated with the dock222as shown inFIG.10D. When the reusable module250is fully inserted, the retainer304can snap back in a direction towards the housing300and engage with the groove322of the reusable module250(FIG.3B). Mating between the reusable module250and the dock222can cause the legs326engage the slots328of the housing300. The engagement between the groove322and the protrusion324(FIG.3B) of the retainer304can hold the reusable module250in place while mated with the dock222. The engagement between the slots328and the legs326can hold the reusable module250in place.

Methods of Pairing, Collecting Data, and Transmitting Data to Computing Device

FIG.11Aillustrates a method1100of establishing wireless communication between the reusable module250and the computing device206, determining patient physiological parameters using the sensor assembly202, and displaying the physiological parameters using the computing device206.

At block1102, a patient monitor (for example, the computing device206) can generate and transmit a pairing signal. Generating the transmitting the pairing signal can be done automatically or manually. The pairing signal may be a radio signal. The pairing signal can be configured such that a nearby device, upon receiving the signal, is triggered to transmit an identification information in response. The nearby device may be the reusable module250. The pairing signal can also contain sufficient power to enable nearby devices to transmit pairing parameters in response to the pairing signal.

Generating and transmitting the pairing signal can be done by different devices. The computing device206can generate the pairing signal while the dongle800attached to the computing device206via the connector804can transmit the pairing signal. The dongle800can generate and transmit the pairing signal for the computing device206.

The reusable module250located within a predetermined distance from the computing device206can receive the pairing signal. This can be advantageous in hospital environments where many patients can be placed within a short distance from an electronic device such as the computing device206. Such configuration can allow the electronic device (for example, the computing device206) to receive patient health data only from a patient who is nearby and prevent the electronic device from receiving patient health data from other patients who may not be a patient-in-interest. Strength of the pairing signal can be varied to allow the signal to travel further or closer.

At block1104, the reusable module250can receive power from the pairing signal generated by the computing device206. The pairing signal can be a high-frequency alternating current which can be used to create a voltage potential. The pairing signal of the computing device206may be received when the reusable module250is within a predetermined distance. As discussed above, physical contact between the computing device206(or the dongle800) and the reusable module250may be required for the reusable module250to receive the power from the pairing signal. The reusable module250can automatically receive power from the pairing signal. By receiving power from the pairing signal, the antenna252of the reusable module may not need to draw power from the battery226of the disposable device220.

At block1106, the reusable module250can use the power received from the pairing signal to transmit identification information to the computing device206. The identification information can include pairing parameters of the reusable module250. The identification information may be a tag serial number unique to the reusable module250. The identification information can include, but not limited to, stock number, lot number, batch number, production date, or other specific information. The computing device206can use the identification information to uniquely identify the reusable module206. The transmission of the identification information can occur automatically.

The reusable module250can include a feature that prevents automatic transmission of the identification information to the computing device206. This feature can be advantageous to prevent inadvertent pairing of the reusable module205with the computing device206. Medical personnel can deal with patients in need of many different types of sensors. In such circumstances, reusable modules250may inadvertently be brought proximal to the computing device206(or dongle800). Thus it can be advantageous for the reusable module250to have the feature to prevent the reusable modules250from automatically pairing with the computing device206(or dongle800) to prevent inadvertent pairing.

At block1108, the computing device206can receive the identification information from the reusable module250. The dongle800connected to the computing device206can receive the identification information and relay it to the computing device206. At block1110, the computing device206can associate with the reusable module250, which allows the wireless communication204to be established between the reusable module250and the computing device206.

The association between the computing device206and the reusable module250can occur automatically. On the other hand, the association can require a user input via the computing device206. For example, upon receiving the pairing parameters from the reusable module250, the computing device206can generate a notification prompting a user to allow or disallow the computing device206to associate with the reusable module250. If allowed, the computing device206can associate with the reusable module250and the reusable module250can establish a wireless communication204with the computing device206. If not allowed, the computing device206may not associate with the reusable module250and the reusable module250may not establish a wireless communication204with the computing device206.

Establishing wireless communication204can require the reusable module250to have an external power source. The battery224provides sufficient power for the reusable module250to receive raw patient physiological data from the sensor240and perform signal processing on the raw data to calculate patient physiological parameters. Moreover, the reusable module250can use the power from the battery224to use the antenna252to wirelessly transmit the calculated parameters to the computing device206. Without the battery224connected to the dock222, the reusable module250cannot receive power via the electrical contacts228,258.

At block1112, the reusable module250can mate with the dock222and receives power from the battery224via the battery circuit314and the electrical contacts228,258. At block1114, the reusable module250can establish wireless communication204with the computing device206. The wireless communication204can be established using the pairing parameters. The wireless communication204can be via Bluetooth®, as discussed above. The wireless communication204can be one-way or two-way communication between the reusable module250and the computing device206. For example, the reusable module250can transmit calculated physiological parameters to the computing device206. The computing device206, in return, can transmit a confirmation signal back to the reusable module250to let the reusable module250know that the calculated parameters were received. The reusable module250can include one or more light sources (for example, LEDs) that can generate light when the reusable module250receives the confirmation signal from the computing device206.

At block1116, the sensor240can acquire raw patient physiological data and transmits the data to the dock222via the cable230and the flex circuit320. The raw physiological data can be transferred to the reusable module250via the electrical contacts228,258. The sensor240can include, but not limited to, an acoustic sensor, ECG sensor, EEG sensor, respiratory acoustic sensor (RAS), SpO2sensor, and the like. The sensor240can include one or more different types of sensors.

The sensor240can be placed on various areas of a patient. The location of the sensor240can depend on the type of sensor used for the sensor240. For example, the sensor240can be an O3sensor typically adhered to a patient's forehead to monitor cerebral oxygenation. In another example, the sensor240can be a respiratory acoustic sensor typically attached to a patient's neck near the trachea to detect vibrations associated with respiration.

At block1118, the processor254of the reusable module250can receive the raw patient physiological data from the sensor240of the disposable module220. The raw patient physiological data can be stored in the memory256.

At block1120, the processor254of the reusable module250can perform signal processing on the raw physiological data. Various types of signal processing used on the physiological data raw can include, but not limited to, analog signal processing, continuous-time signal processing, discrete-time signal processing, digital signal processing, or nonlinear signal processing. For example, continuous-time signal processing such as time domain, frequency domain, and complex frequency domain can be used. Some of the signal processing methods that can be used on the raw physiological data include, but not limited to, passive filters, active filters, additive mixers, integrators, delay lines, compandors, multiplicators, voltage-controlled filters, voltage-controlled oscillators, phase-locked loops, time domain, frequency domain, fast Fourier transform (FFT), finite impulse response (FIR) filter, infinite impulse response (IIR) filter, and adaptive filters. Such processing techniques can be used to improve signal transmission, storage efficiency, and subjective quality. In addition, such processing techniques can be used to emphasize or detect components of interest in the raw physiological data. Noise filtering can be used to filter out raw physiological data corrupted by noise due to patient movement, electromagnetic interference, or ambient light.

Signal processing can determine the absorbance's of the light due to pulsating arterial blood. For example, pulse oximeter generates a blood-volume plethysmograph waveform from which oxygen saturation of arterial blood, pulse rate, and perfusion index, among other physiological parameters, can be determined. In the context of pulse oximetry, the sensor240can use adaptive filter technology to separate an arterial signal, detected by a pulse oximeter sensor, from the non-arterial noise for example, venous blood movement during motion). During routine patient motions (shivering, waving, tapping, etc.), the resulting noise can be quite substantial and can easily overwhelm a conventional ratio based oximetry system. This can provide accurate blood oxygenation measurements even during patient motion, low perfusion, intense ambient light, and electrocautery interference.

At block1122, the processor254of the reusable module250can determine patient physiological parameters by processing the raw physiological data. The processor254can then store the processed data and the calculated parameters in the memory256before transmitting them to the computing device206.

The processed data can be indicative of an amount of attenuation of predetermined wavelengths (ranges of wavelengths) of light by body tissues, such as, for example, a digit, portions of the nose or year, a foot, or the like. For example, the predetermined wavelengths correspond to specific physiological parameter data desired including, but not limited, blood oxygen information such as oxygen content (SpOC®), oxygen saturation (SpO2), blood glucose, total hemoglobin (SbHb), methemoglobin (SpMet®), carboxyhemoglobin (SpCO), bulk tissue property measurements, water content, pH, blood pressure, respiration related information, cardiac information, perfusion index (PI), pleth variability indices (PVI®), or the like, which can be used by the mobile computing device to determine the condition of the user. The processed data can provide information regarding physiological parameters such as EEG, ECG, heart beats per minute, acoustic respiration rate (RRa), breaths per minute, end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2), respiratory effort index, return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), or the like, which can be used to determine the physiological condition of the user.

At block1124, the processor254of the reusable module250can transmit the patient physiological parameters to the computing device206via the antenna252using the communication protocol and the pairing parameters. It can be advantageous to transmit the calculated physiological parameters (for example, 60% SpO2) as opposed to transmit the raw physiological data to the computing device206. Compared to calculated physiological parameters, the raw physiological data can be larger in size and thus require larger bandwidth during transmission to the computing device206. Calculated physiological parameters, on the other hand, can be much smaller in size and can require smaller bandwidth to transmit. Therefore, transmitting patient physiological parameters instead of raw physiological data can lead to decreased battery consumption and longer battery life for the disposable module220.

The transmission of the physiological parameters can occur wirelessly via NFC. For example, the transmission of the physiological parameters occur wirelessly via Bluetooth. The transmission of the physiological parameters may occur via a cable.

At block1126, the computing device206can receive the patient physiological parameters and displays them using the display208. As discussed above, the computing device can include the display208that can display various patient physiological parameters including, but not limited to, body temperature, heart rate, blood oxygen level, blood pressure, and the like.

FIG.11Billustrates another method1150of establishing wireless communication between the reusable module250and the computing device206, determining patient physiological parameters using the sensor assembly202, and displaying the physiological parameters using the computing device206.

At block1152, the reusable module250can establish a NFC (near field communication) with the computing device206. As discussed above, establishing a NFC can require the reusable module250to be within a predetermined distance of the computing device206. As noted above, the NFC can be established between the body802of the dongle800and the reusable module250.

At block1154, the reusable module250can transmit pairing parameters to the computing device206. The transmission of the pairing parameters to the computing device206can occur when the reusable module250establishes the NFC with the computing device206. At block1156, the computing device206can receive the pairing parameters from the reusable module250. The computing device206can use the dongle800to receive the pairing parameters. For example, the body802of the dongle800can wirelessly receive the pairing parameters and transmit the pairing parameters to the computing device206via the cable806and the connector804.

At block1158, the computing device206or the body802can associate with the reusable module250using the pairing parameters. Once associated, the computing device206or the body802may wait for the wireless communication204from the reusable module250. As noted above, the wireless communication204can be made via Bluetooth®. At block1164, the sensor240of the disposable module220can acquire physiological data and transmit the data to the reusable module250. The physiological data acquired by the sensor240and transmitted to the reusable module250can be raw physiological data.

Blocks1166through1174may be optional. At block1166, the reusable module can receive the patient physiological data from the disposable module220. At block1168, the reusable module250can perform signal processing on the patient physiological data. At block1170, the reusable module250can determine patient physiological parameters using the processed physiological data. At block1172, the reusable module250can transmit patient physiological parameters using the wireless communication204established between the reusable module250and the computing device206. The body802of the dongle800may wirelessly receive the patient physiological parameters from the reusable module250and transmit the parameters to the computing device via the cable806and the connector804. At block1174, the computing device206receives the patient physiological parameters and displays the parameters on the display208.

FIG.12illustrates another method1200of determining patient physiological parameters using the sensor assembly202and displaying the physiological parameters using the computing device206.

At block1202, the processor254of the reusable module250receives raw patient physiological data from the sensor240of the disposable module220according to the blocks1102-1120ofFIG.11.

At block1204, the processor254of the reusable module250transmits the raw patient physiological data to the computing device206. The process254can use the antenna252to transmit the raw data via the wireless communication204established between the reusable module250and the computing device206. As mentioned above, the wireless communication204can be one-way or two-way between the reusable module250and the computing device206.

At block1206, the computing device206receives the raw patient physiological data. At block1208, the computing device206performs signal processing on the raw patient physiological data. At block1210, the computing device206determines patient physiological parameters using processed raw patient physiological data. At block1212, the computing device206displays the determined physiological parameters on the display208.

Mobile Application

As discussed above, the computing device206can be a mobile device1300such as a phone, tablet, watch and the like. The mobile device1300can include a mobile application that can establish wireless communication with the reusable module250via a wireless communication protocol, such as Bluetooth or the like.

FIG.13Aillustrates a mobile application being executed on the mobile device1300(for example, a mobile phone) to establish a wireless communication with the reusable module250. The mobile application can pair with nearby reusable modules250. In an example, a user can press a pair button1302to cause the mobile application to search for nearby reusable modules250. The mobile application can create a screen1304to display nearby reusable modules250. The screen1304can provide MAC address or any other pairing information unique to the reusable modules250. The mobile application may automatically search for nearby reusable modules250without any user intervention or input.

FIGS.13B-13Eillustrate various examples the mobile application displaying patient parameters. Triggering a home button1308can cause the mobile application to show real-time, numerical and graphical illustration of patient parameters, as shown inFIG.13A. The mobile application can show numerical parameters1310(for example, patient's SpO2, PR BPM, and PI readings) in real time or with a predetermined delay. The mobile application may show graphical illustration1314of patient parameters that show real-time trend of the parameters. For example, a user can trigger an SpO2portion of the display to cause the mobile application to show real-time trend of the SpO2parameters.

As shown inFIG.13C, triggering a history button1312can cause the mobile application to show the graphical illustration1314showing historical trends of patient health parameters. The graphical illustration1314can have an x-axis showing timestamp and a y-axis showing parameter values. The mobile application may show real-time numerical values of patient health parameter above or below the graphical illustration1314. The real-time numerical values can be embedded within the graphical illustration1314.

As shown inFIGS.13D and13E, the mobile application can display at least one of the numerical parameters1310and the graphical illustration1314in a landscape view.

Terminology

Many other variations than those described herein will be apparent from this disclosure. For example, depending on the embodiment, certain acts, events, or functions of any of the algorithms described herein can be performed in a different sequence, can be added, merged, or left out altogether (e.g., not all described acts or events are necessary for the practice of the algorithms). Moreover, in certain embodiments, acts or events can be performed concurrently, e.g., through multi-threaded processing, interrupt processing, or multiple processors or processor cores or on other parallel architectures, rather than sequentially. In addition, different tasks or processes can be performed by different machines and/or computing systems that can function together.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. The described functionality can be implemented in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the disclosure.

The various illustrative logical blocks and modules described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented or performed by a machine, such as a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor can be a controller, microcontroller, or state machine, combinations of the same, or the like. A processor can include electrical circuitry configured to process computer-executable instructions. In another embodiment, a processor includes an FPGA or other programmable device that performs logic operations without processing computer-executable instructions. A processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. A computing environment can include any type of computer system, including, but not limited to, a computer system based on a microprocessor, a mainframe computer, a digital signal processor, a portable computing device, a device controller, or a computational engine within an appliance, to name a few.

The steps of a method, process, or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module stored in one or more memory devices and executed by one or more processors, or in a combination of the two. A software module can reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, media, or physical computer storage known in the art. An example storage medium can be coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium can be integral to the processor. The storage medium can be volatile or nonvolatile. The processor and the storage medium can reside in an ASIC.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or states are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Further, the term “each,” as used herein, in addition to having its ordinary meaning, can mean any subset of a set of elements to which the term “each” is applied.

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out novel features as applied to various embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the systems, devices or methods illustrated can be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. As will be recognized, certain embodiments described herein can be embodied within a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth herein, as some features can be used or practiced separately from others.

The term “and/or” herein has its broadest, least limiting meaning which is the disclosure includes A alone, B alone, both A and B together, or A or B alternatively, but does not require both A and B or require one of A or one of B. As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” A, B, “and” C should be construed to mean a logical A or B or C, using a non-exclusive logical or.

The apparatuses and methods described herein may be implemented by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer programs include processor-executable instructions that are stored on a non-transitory tangible computer readable medium. The computer programs may also include stored data. Non-limiting examples of the non-transitory tangible computer readable medium are nonvolatile memory, magnetic storage, and optical storage.

Although the foregoing disclosure has been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the disclosure herein. Additionally, other combinations, omissions, substitutions and modifications will be apparent to the skilled artisan in view of the disclosure herein. Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited by the description of the preferred embodiments, but is to be defined by reference to claims.