Abstract: A system for providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) feedback configurable at a point of use is described that includes one or more sensors configured to generate a signal corresponding to motion of the chest during an administration of chest compressions and a defibrillator configured to couple to the one or more sensors, the defibrillator including an input device configured to accept user input indicative of a compression depth goal, one or more processors and a memory, the one or more processors configured to determine chest compression feedback that varies based on the user input and is based at least in part on the motion of the chest during the administration of chest compressions, and a display configured to display the chest compression feedback.

Abstract: A method and system to improve sleep quality. The system comprises a controller to control a temperature-controlled sleep surface, a temperature of the temperature controlled sleep surface adjusted, based on the user's sleep state and sleep quality, to improve the user's sleep quality. In one embodiment, the user's sleep state and sleep quality is determined based on data from monitoring system.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for surgical and interventional planning, support, post-operative follow-up, and functional recovery tracking. In general, a patient can be tracked throughout medical treatment including through initial onset of symptoms, diagnosis, non-surgical treatment, surgical treatment, and recovery from the surgical treatment. In one embodiment, a patient and one or more medical professionals involved with treating the patient can electronically access a comprehensive treatment planning, support, and review system. The system can provide recommendations regarding diagnosis, non-surgical treatment, surgical treatment, and recovery from the surgical treatment based on data gathered from the patient and the medical professional(s).

Abstract: A dental mouthpiece is provided that may be attached to a high-suction dental adapter for the purpose of assisting the dental staff during dental procedures through chair-side, hands-free suction, and isolation. Such a mouthpiece may comprise a main body portion, a cheek retractor portion, and a suction connector portion. In an embodiment, the main body portion, cheek retractor portion, and suction connector portion may be molded in one piece, preferably by injection molding. The main body portion has an anterior wall inside the curve and a posterior wall outside the curve, and an at least one connector connecting the anterior wall and the posterior wall. The main body portion has an anterior intervening wall and the posterior intervening wall in between the anterior and posterior walls. The anterior intervening wall and the posterior intervening walls have alternating crests and troughs.

Abstract: A patient support system includes a patient support apparatus and a powered device mounted relative to the patient support apparatus and an electrical circuit to power the powered device, with the electrical circuit having a wireless power receiver to inductively couple to and transfer electrical energy from a wireless power transmitter when the wireless power receiver is in proximity to the wireless power transmitter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a braking device for an operating table base, comprising at least two supporting legs, each supporting leg having a pivoting end and a supporting end distanced from the pivoting end. The operating table base supports an operation bed whose projected area covers the operating table base. The operating table base has a first pivoting portion corresponding to each supporting leg, and each supporting leg has a second pivoting portion at the pivoting end to correspond to the first pivoting portion of the operating table base. The first pivoting portion pivotally connects to the second pivoting portion, so that each supporting leg rotates with respect to the operating table base. The supporting ends of the supporting legs extend a supporting area of the operating table base.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprises a base supported by caster assemblies with each caster assembly comprising a stem, a caster wheel, and a caster wheel axle. A patient support surface is coupled to the base and is configured to receive a load. One or more load sensors are integrated with at least one of the stem, the caster wheel, or the caster wheel axle for measuring the load. One or more of the caster assemblies can be coupled to a steering motor, which controls orientation of the caster assembly. A controller can control the steering motors based on analyzing the measurements of the load sensor. The load sensors can produce measurements indicative of both vertical load and non-vertical load applied to the caster assembly. The controller can also analyze the measurements of the load sensor to determine the load received by the patient support surface by negating the non-vertical load.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving the provision of a procedure based upon automated determination of a location of agents and equipment during a procedure and quantifying conditions in an environment via automated sensors. The present invention provides apparatus and methods for wireless designation of a position of health care providers and equipment relative to each other based upon wireless communications amongst multiple wireless transceivers combined with ongoing monitoring of conditions present in a facility. The transceivers may be portions of nodes and nodes may form self-verifying arrays. A user interface may provide a augmented reality view of positions of all or some the providers and equipment and condition quantifying sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a supine patient to a prone position on a patient support structure, and for rotating such a prone patient between prone and supine positions without removing the patient from the patient support structure.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to address the above mentioned issues related to image quality and patient positioning. This object is achieved by a mock-up antenna configured to be used during radiation treatment delivery, wherein the radiation treatment is delivered based on a radiation treatment plan and wherein the radiation treatment plan is at least partly based on a planning magnetic resonance image. The mock-up antenna is substantially transparent to radiation and comprises connection means configured to allow a connection between the mock up antenna and a fixation means, which fixation means is configured to fixate a position of the mock-up antenna during radiation treatment and.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus, such as a bed, recliner, cot, stretcher, operating table, or the like, includes battery-powered circuitry whose functions are reduced, but not eliminated, as the battery charge level falls below a threshold. Electrical power may be cut off to one or more components of the battery-powered circuitry while still providing battery-supplied electrical power to the other components of the circuitry. A user interface provides battery status data, including a replacement status of a rechargeable battery, and allows a user to select different formats for displaying battery status data. Such formats include displays of battery charge level information not only in manners specific to the battery, but also in manners relative to the patient support apparatus, such as displays of how many, or how much of, one or more functions the patient support apparatus is able to perform based on the battery's current charge level.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for obtaining cleaned sequences showing trajectories of movement of a center of gravity and for estimating a biometric information pattern or value of a target. One of the methods includes removing noises from initial sequences showing trajectories of movement of a center of gravity to obtain the cleaned sequences. Another one of the methods includes reading cleaned sequences of the target into a memory, extracting features from the cleaned sequences, and estimating a biometric information pattern or value of the target from the extracted features, using a classification or regression model of biometric information patterns or values. The biometric information pattern may be a pattern derived from respiratory or circulatory organs of a target.

Abstract: The lovemaking apparatus includes a table having a slidable platform pivotally mounted in a U-shaped opening defined in an end of the table and a wheelchair having a chair assembly that is pivotally mounted on a wheelchair frame. The wheelchair may be rolled to the platform end of the table so that the seat and leg rest portion of the chair assembly is below the free end of the platform, linear actuators may be actuated to pivot the platform at an angle using switches mounted at the platform end of the table, and the platform may be slid downward towards the seat of the chair assembly of the wheelchair. Linear actuators mounted on the wheelchair frame may be actuated to tilt the back of the chair assembly rearward and raise the seat of the chair assembly upward to position partners for sexual relations.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus transports a patient over a floor surface. The patient transport apparatus comprises a support structure and support wheels coupled to the support structure. An auxiliary wheel is coupled to the support frame to influence motion of the patient transport apparatus over a floor surface. The auxiliary wheel is movable to a deployed position with the auxiliary wheel engaging the floor surface and a stowed position with the auxiliary wheel spaced a distance from the floor surface. An actuator assembly including a lift actuator a biasing device, and a biasing load adjustment assembly. The lift actuator is operable to move the auxiliary wheel to the deployed position and to the stowed position. The biasing device configured to bias the auxiliary wheel towards the deployed position. The biasing load adjustment assembly configured to adjust a biasing force being applied by the biasing device to the auxiliary wheel.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a terminal device controlling a body support apparatus capable of a first operation and a second operation; the terminal device includes a displayer and a controller; the displayer displays an operator controlling an operation of the body support apparatus; the controller switches between a first display format and a second display format based on an instruction from an outside; the first display format displays a first operator and a second operator in the displayer; the first operator controls the first operation; the second operator controls the second operation; and the second display format displays one of the first operator or the second operator in the displayer.

Abstract: A user module for a patient support is provided. The user module is coupled to a patient support barrier, such as a siderail or a footboard.

Abstract: Equipment for reducing spread of aerosol and other droplets in nasal and oral airways is provided. The equipment includes a shield optionally combined with a drape. The equipment limits the spread of aerosol and other droplets from a person's mouth and nose thereby reducing the need to decontaminate the procedure room after a procedure. The equipment also provides additional protection to the care-provider conducting the procedure. Additionally, the containment unit also reduces the exposure of the person to pathogens during the procedure, e.g., to pathogens present in the room where procedure is conducted and/or pathogens from the care provider. The equipment or parts thereof may be for single-use or can be reused after disinfection.

Abstract: Various implementations include an extended repeated-use table cover device. The device includes a roller, a non-silicone mat, a disinfecting enclosure, a table mount, and a winding mechanism. An outer surface of the roller is coupled to a first mat end such that rotation of the roller about a roller axis causes the mat to wind around the outer surface of the roller. An outer surface of the disinfecting enclosure defines an opening extending from the outer surface to a cavity defined by an inner surface of the disinfecting enclosure. The roller is disposed within the cavity, and the mat is extendable through the opening. The winding mechanism is for rotating the roller from an extended position to a retracted position. The mat is durable enough to be used for at least three months under expected standard use without needing to be replaced.

Abstract: An in-bed state monitoring system (100) for monitoring an in-bed state of a subject on a bed includes: four load detectors (11, 12, 13, 14) which are configured to be placed at four corners of the bed to detect a load of the subject; and an edge sitting posture determining unit (33) configured to predict that the subject is reaching a state of edge sitting posture based on a change in a magnitude relation between detection values from two load detectors, which are of the four load detectors and are placed to interpose the bed between the two load detectors in a diagonal direction of the bed.

Abstract: The invention discloses a care bed including a bed frame and a wheelchair. A head panel, a tail panel, a foldable first lateral connecting portion and a second lateral connecting portion of the bed frame constitute an accommodating space of the bed frame. The bed frame has a notch formed at the folded first lateral connecting portion. The wheelchair is moved by the carriage base into the accommodating space through the notch. The backrest, the first armrest, the second armrest, the leg-rest and the footrest of the wheelchair are regulated into a co-plane with the seat to constitute a mattress. The mattress fits the accommodating space of the bed frame.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus for use with a vehicle, comprising a lift mechanism between a base and a support frame to move between an extended configuration defining a first distance and a retracted configuration defining a second distance. An interface generates a user signal. A sensor generates a sensor signal corresponding to force acting on the base relative to the support frame. A controller determines if the user signal corresponds to an extend or retract command; determines if the force acting on the base has exceeded a predetermined threshold value based on the sensor signal; drives the lift mechanism toward the extended configuration where the user signal corresponds to the extend command and toward the retracted configuration where the user signal corresponds to the retract command; and interrupts driving the lift mechanism to stop motion of the lift mechanism in response to the sensor signal exceeding the predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A patient support structure for assisting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) treatment of a patient is described. The patient support structure includes a base frame, one or more patient support sections supported by the base frame, at least one tilt adjuster coupled to at least one of the patient support sections and configured to tilt the at least one of the patient support sections, around a transverse axis of the patient support structure, to a tilt angle, and a chest compression (CC) device mount disposed on at least one of the patient support sections and configured to adjustably secure a CC device to the patient support structure. The tilt angle may be a target tilt angle and the patient support structure may further include a processor configured to determine the target tilt angle based on at least one of sensor input and user input.

Abstract: A bed includes environmental control components, which may be temperature control components and pressure adjustment components in some embodiments. The environmental control components may be configured to provide different sleep environments based on identity of sleepers using or expected to use the bed. A controller may determine a number of sleepers for the bed, identify the sleepers, and determine if there is an expectation of later arrival of sleeper in determining a configuration for the environmental control components in providing a sleep environment for the bed.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus, such as a bed, cot, stretcher, operating table, recliner, or the like, includes a patient support structure, a user interface, a display, a plurality of lights, and a controller. The user interface comprises a display and controls for configuring various components of the patient support apparatus. The controller uses the lights and/or display to issue one or more reminders to the caregiver to put the patient support apparatus in a desired configuration before the caregiver walks away from the patient support apparatus. The reminders help ensure that the caregiver properly configured the patient support apparatus. In some embodiment, the reminders include pulsing the lights in an unobtrusive, but easily seen, manner until the proper configuration is achieved. Reminders may also be implemented by prohibiting certain functionality until the patient support apparatus is properly configured.

Abstract: An assistance device that enables a caregiver or care receiver to understand a degree to which a load is applied in the front-rear direction of a body supporting member. The assistance device includes: the body supporting member configured to support the upper body of the care receiver; a load detecting device provided on the body supporting member and configured to detect a load applied by the care receiver; and a display device configured to display an extent to which a load is applied to the body supporting member in a front-rear direction of the body supporting member based on the load detected by the load detecting device.

Abstract: A system is provided for recording electronic data records including an interactive audio interface configured to receive a real time voice command, parse the real time voice command for keywords and values and trigger the values to be stored; an external database configured to store the values parsed from the real time voice command and associate a time stamp with the stored values; a secure file transfer tool configured to transfer the stored values and time stamp to a secure datacenter; and an electronic records module in the secure datacenter configured to store the values in corresponding data records. Related methods and systems are also provided herein.

Abstract: A powered ambulance cot and methods of raising and lowering the cot as well as loading and unloading the cot are disclosed. The cot includes a support frame and legs, each leg having a wheel. An actuator of an actuation system interconnects the frame and legs, and is configured to effect changes in elevation of the frame relative to the wheel of each of the legs. A control system controls activation of the actuation system, and detects both the actuator at a first location relative to the frame, where the first location is remote from a second location and which situates an end of the actuator that is remote from each wheel closer to the frame, and a presence of a signal requesting a change in elevation of said support frame to thereby cause the legs to move relative to the support frame.

Abstract: A versatile physical therapy system for aiding in pelvic alignment, shoulder support and isometric exercise features a support body, comprising: a support body face, a support body back, a support body front, a support body back, a support body left side, and a support body right side, a left notch, and a right notch. The support body front may feature a first hook and loop component; and the support body back may feature a second hook and loop component. The system may feature a support strap having means to secure the support strap to the support body when in place on a user. The support strap holds the support body in place when the user compresses the support body and permits the user to engage in outward isometric exercise while holding the support body in place.

Abstract: Linear actuator comprising a reversible electric motor (20), a transmission (21), a non-self-locking spindle (22), where the reversible electric motor (20) through the transmission (21) drives the non-self-locking spindle (22) and a spindle nut (23) on the spindle (22). The actuator further comprises an adjustment element (24) secured against rotation and where the adjustment element (24) can be moved axially, as it is connected to or integrated with the spindle nut (23) on the spindle (22). Further, that actuator comprises position means for determining the position of the spindle nut (23), brake means for controlling the speed of the spindle nut (23) under the external load. Between the brake means and the spindle there is a coupling in connection with the position means for determining the position of the spindle nut (23). The coupling engages the brake means to the spindle or disengages the brake means from the spindle, when the spindle nut (23) is in a predetermined position on the spindle (22).

Abstract: Systems and methods of associating beds and/or rooms and/or patients are provided. One system and method involves using a signature of emitted light to determine a location of a patient bed in a healthcare facility. Another system and method involves reading a bar code from an array of redundant bar codes. Still another system and method involves manually entering location information on a graphical user interface of a patient bed for subsequent transmission. A further system and method involves sending bed ID and location ID along parallel paths from two independent circuits on a patient bed for receipt by two different transceivers and ultimately by two different remote computers that cooperate to associate the bed ID with the location ID. Still a further system and method involves using circuitry on a bed to mutate a received location ID and a bed ID into a single unique mutated ID such as by adding the location ID and bed ID and then performing a hashing operation.

Abstract: Patient weight measuring system includes a patient table and a control circuit. The patient table includes a tabletop that receives a patient thereon, an elevation mechanism, and a load sensor. The elevation mechanism adjusts a height of the tabletop relative to a floor. The elevation mechanism includes a support frame and an actuator. The support frame includes multiple pivotable frame members mechanically connected to the tabletop. The actuator is configured to exert an actuator force on at least one of the frame members to control the height of the tabletop. The load sensor is operably connected to the actuator and configured to measure the actuator force. The control circuit is communicatively connected to the load sensor, and is configured to calculate a weight of the patient disposed on the tabletop based on the actuator force measured by the load sensor.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a support surface; first, second, and third wireless transceivers; and a controller. The first and second transceivers are adapted to wirelessly communicate with a stationary unit mounted in a room of a healthcare facility. The third transceiver is adapted to wirelessly communicate with a local area network of the healthcare facility. The controller is adapted to pair the first transceiver and the stationary unit by sending a pairing key to the stationary unit via the second transceiver; to transmit audio signals via the first transceiver if the first transceiver and the stationary unit are successfully paired; and to transmit an alert to the local area network via the third transceiver if the first transceiver and the stationary unit are not successfully paired.

Abstract: Patient care equipment includes a wireless coupler that transfers power and/or data between an architectural unit and the patient care equipment. The patient care equipment may also include additional wireless couplers that transfer power and/or data between first and second components of the equipment. The second component may be movable relative to the first component. A structure or hot swapping batteries is also disclosed, the swapped battery being charged on an inductive charging mat.

Abstract: Provided is a mobile radiation generation apparatus which reliably prevents the unsteady motion of a carriage unit with a simple structure and facilitates the positioning of an operation panel even in a case in which a wheel of the carriage unit is a caster. Each of a front wheel and a rear wheel of a carriage unit is a caster that swivels about a swivel axis extending in a vertical direction. An operation panel is provided in a main body unit mounted on the carriage unit. The operation panel rotates about an axis that extends in the Z-axis direction with respect to the carriage unit. The carriage unit includes a front pedal that is provided closer to the front wheel than a support and locks both the rotation and swivel of the caster at the same time.

Abstract: A bed comprises: a height-adjustable lying surface; a head part, a foot part, and/or at least one side part; a motor for adjusting the height of the lying surface; and a control system for controlling the motor to adjust the height. The control system comprises at least one sensor and at least one actuator. The sensor includes: at least one actuating element that can be actuated to generate a control signal; an interface to emit the control signal; and at least one element for producing energy, by which energy needed for generating and transmitting the control signal can be generated via actuation of the sensor from the outside. The actuator includes: an interface to receive the control signal; and a switching element to switch at least one current path or an adjusting element to set at least one voltage, one current, or another physical variable based on the control signal.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus for supporting a patient. A pair of support decks are operatively attached to a support frame. Each of the support decks is arranged for articulation about a respective longitudinal axis between a plurality of longitudinal support configurations. Each of the support decks comprises a seat section and an auxiliary section operatively attached to the seat section for articulation transverse to the respective longitudinal axis. A joint assembly is coupled to the support frame and to each of the support decks. The joint assembly is arranged to concurrently position the auxiliary sections at a common angle relative to the respective seat sections independent of articulation of the support decks between the longitudinal support configurations.

Abstract: A modular patient support system for use in ambulating a patient across a floor, comprising a primary module and a secondary module. The primary module has a primary base and a primary deck arranged for movement relative to the primary base, and the primary deck defines a first patient support area. The secondary module has a secondary base adapted for movement along the floor relative to the primary base and a secondary deck arranged for movement relative to the secondary base. The modular patient support system is operable between a docked configuration where the secondary deck cooperates with the primary deck to define a second patient support area larger than the first patient support area, and an undocked configuration where the secondary module is spaced apart from the primary module to facilitate ambulation concurrent with the secondary module across the floor away from the primary module.

Abstract: A bed comprises: a height-adjustable lying surface; a head part, a foot part, and/or at least one side part; a motor to adjust the height of the lying surface; and a control system to control the motor. The control system comprises at least one sensor and at least one actuator. The sensor includes: at least one actuating element actuatable to generate a control signal; an interface to emit the control signal; and a fastening element by which the sensor is attachable to the head, foot, or side part of the bed without a tool. The actuator includes: an interface to receive the control signal; and a switching element to switch at least one current path or an adjusting element to set at least one voltage, one current, or another physical variable based on the control signal.

Abstract: A method of evaluating the likelihood that an occupant will exit an occupant support comprises determining if the location of the occupant on the occupant support is displaced relative to a reference location, and if the location of the occupant is so displaced, designating that the occupant is at a risk of exiting the occupant support which is elevated relative to the baseline risk. A support apparatus comprises a framework, a mattress, sensors distributed on the support apparatus to sense occupant weight distribution on the support apparatus, and a processor adapted to designate a risk of occupant egress as a function of the direction of the occupant weight distribution and the elevation status of the perimeter panels.

Abstract: A user module for a patient support is provided. The user module is coupled to a patient support barrier, such as a siderail or a footboard.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a medical device positioning system intended to increase resistance to accidental activation. This is accomplished using two independent systems to configure the actuator in the given position.

Abstract: The patient bed with mattress and integrated bed pan includes a bed frame, mattress sections, and an integral bed pan. A midframe and mid mattress are removable to access to the bed pan. The frame and mattress sections may be pivoted to place the patient in a seated position. The bed pan may be located in a drawer under the midsection of the patient and may be retrieved after use by opening the drawer. A clean bed pan may be placed into an inclined bed by releasing it into a bed pan aperture and allowing it to slide through a guide track to the receiving compartment.

Abstract: A trolley (1), for a beam-mounted supply unit, for fastening medical devices to a ceiling. The trolley has a chassis (2) which can be meshed with a rail track of the beam-mounted supply unit for moving the trolley (1) along the rail track. A medical device can be fastened to the trolley (1). The trolley has a brake unit (3) with at least one braking element (7), which exerts a braking force on the rail track and/or on the chassis in the activated state of the brake unit (3), so that a movement of the chassis along the rail track is at least made difficult compared to an operating state with the brake unit (3) deactivated. In the activated state of the brake unit (3), the braking force exerted by the braking element (7) on the rail track and/or on the chassis is generated without the aid of electric energy.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint system that includes a carriage and a hook that is moveable relative to the carriage. The hook is moveable between an engaged or extended position wherein the hook interferes with translation of vehicle relative to the vehicle restraint system and a disengaged or retracted position wherein the vehicle can be associated with or removed from interaction with the vehicle restraint system. The hook is secured to the carriage via an eccentric pivot assembly such that translation of the hook relative to the carriage includes an least partially lateral translation of the hook relative to the carriage thereby improving the repeatability associated with operation of the restraint system to securely engage and disengage respective vehicles from the restraint system without independent manipulation of the position of the vehicle relative to the restraint system.

Abstract: A modular bed includes a base frame unit and a plurality of support frame units. Each of the support frame units includes a leading bar, a trailing bar, four mounting frames, four biasing members, a left linkage, and a right linkage. In response to loading or unloading of a retaining member of each of the left and right linkages, a respective one of the biasing members abuts against a top abutment wall or a bottom abutment wall of a respective one of the mounting frames so as to generate a counteracting force to counteract the loading or unloading movement of the retaining member, thereby providing a cushioning effect for the retaining member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a movable patient table, comprising a table body, a first operating member, a locking member and a transfer member. The first operating member comprises a first operating part. Two ends of the locking member are respectively pivoted to the table body and the first operating member.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus, such as a bed, cot, stretcher, or the like, uses the ability to communicate with a device via near field communication to determine that the device is physically proximate the support apparatus. The support apparatus uses this determination to associate itself with the device. In some instances, the associated device is a mattress positioned on the support apparatus; a footboard on the support apparatus; a medical device used with a patient supported on the support device; a nearby piece of furniture; another patient support apparatus; or an ID tag worn by a caregiver or patient, or attached to a piece of equipment. After the support apparatus and device are associated, they communicate information between each other using far field communication, which supports higher data transfer rates. Flux concentrators are added in some embodiments to extend and/or shape the range of near the field communication.

Abstract: A patient positioning overlay pad which works in conjunction with a bean bag device to fill gaps in the bean bag device when the bean bag device conforms to a shape of the body, the overlay pad providing support, protection, and comfort for a patient when the patient is positioned on an operating room table in a predetermined position during a medical procedure.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a first transceiver adapted to wirelessly communicate with a second transceiver of a headwall interface that is positioned off of the patient support apparatus. A communication link is automatically established between the first and second transceivers without requiring a user of the patient support apparatus to activate a designated control and without requiring the user to identify the headwall interface. The first transceiver includes a unique identifier assigned to the headwall interface in its messages to the headwall interface. The first transceiver may also automatically transmit a disconnect signal to the headwall interface indicating the termination of the communication link is not accidental. The disconnect signal is sent based on one or more of the following: (1) a brake being off, (2) an A/C power cord being unplugged; and/or (3) a signal strength between the transceivers decreasing.

Abstract: This instrumentation control system includes: input/output modules provided correspondingly and adjacently to respective field devices; control logic units implemented inside the input/output modules and performing various control calculation processes for the field devices; and a communication network connecting the input/output modules to each other by a communication line.