Abstract: A wireless network connected pulse oximetry system and method of providing pulse oximetry data obtained by a pulse oximeter to a monitoring station that is remote from a patient monitored by the pulse oximeter are provided. In one embodiment, a wireless network connected pulse oximetry system (100) includes a pulse oximeter (110) having an optical data transmitter (112) such as an infra-red LED and associated LED drive circuitry). The system (110) also includes a computer (140) that is interconnectable with a global data network (104) (e.g., the Internet) and an optical data receiver (130) that is connectable with a data port (144) of the computer via a data cable (142). The optical data receiver (130) is operable to receive optically transmitted pulse oximetry data (102) from the pulse oximeter (110) and convert the received pulse oximetry data (102) for transmission via the data cable (142) to the data port (144) of the computer (140).

Abstract: A photoplethysmographic sensor and related method for use with a photoplethysmographic instrument such as a pulse oximeter are provided. In accordance with the present invention, the detector output signal from the sensor is digitized prior to communication from the sensor to the instrument and the sensor operates independent of the instrument with respect to controlling the light signal emitters of the sensor. In one embodiment, the digitized detector output signal is communicated to the instrument via a wireless communication link.

Abstract: A symbol generator with pipeline architecture comprised of a series of processing stages that regenerate a complete video data signal for each display field. Any symbol in a display may be moved in real time and independently of any other symbol, because the display is regenerated for each and every field. The symbol generator includes a cpu microprocessor, vertical sorter, boundary generator, horizontal sorter, and color palette.

Abstract: A symbol generator that provides a video color signal that presents different colors for different portions of a symbol is illustrated herein. The symbol generator includes a number of separate stages that are connected in series to provide a processing pipeline. Elements for providing vertical color blends between the top of a symbol or selected background area and bottom of the symbol or background area are divided between the processing stages. Vertical color blending is achieved by mixing a difference color into a start color in an amount determined by the depth or displacement of consecutive raster lines from the top of the symbol.