Abstract: A patient monitoring system includes one or more chassis, a plurality of patient care modules associated with the chassis, and a portable computer for communicating with, and controlling the modules. Each patient is assigned to a chassis, and each module is assigned to a patient and to a chassis. Each module is fully operational in either an independent or a dependent mode. In both modes, the chassis continuously polls the module for patient data collected by the module. In the dependent mode, the module is physically received by, and powered from, the chassis, and sends patient data to a computer in the chassis for storage therein. In the independent mode, the module is remote from, and independent of, the chassis. In the independent mode, the module stores patient data in its own memory when data cannot be communicated to the chassis. When requested by the portable computer, the chassis communicate the patient data to the portable computer.

Abstract: A personal health care system utilizing a unitary command center having a computer for receiving, storing, processing, and transmitting information, and a plurality of interfacing ports. Each interfacing port is adapted to accept a plurality of different patient monitoring sensor modules, a plurality of different accessory modules, and a plurality of different therapy-providing modules. An accepted module is electrically interconnected to the data processor for sending and receiving information therebetween. The data processor includes means for providing operating instructions to the sensor modules, accessory modules, and therapy-providing modules. Each sensor module senses and provides information on a condition of a patient and each therapy-providing module provides a therapy to the patient. The data processor monitors the information provided by the sensor modules and controls provision of the therapy to the patient.