Abstract: A user station configurable for use in a healthcare communication system, such as a nurse call system, is provided.

Abstract: A healthcare communication system includes a first plurality of computer devices, such as patient stations, staff stations, and a master station, that are operable as a nurse call system. The first plurality of computer devices may have core nurse call functionality residing on an embedded computing platform. At least one of the first plurality of computer devices may have a graphical display screen. A second plurality of computer devices may be operable to provide the first plurality of computer devices with additional functionality via software plug-ins that are transmitted to the first plurality of computer devices.

Abstract: An embodiment of a system to manage movement of at least one asset is provided. The system includes at least one tracking element operable to generate a signal representative of a location of the asset, and a controller in communication with the tracking element. The controller includes computer readable program instructions representative of the steps of receiving the signal representative of the location of the asset having a unique identifier; identifying a status indicator for the asset having the unique identifier; comparing a change in the location of the asset in view of the status indicator relative to a predetermined location change rule; and generating a signal representative of one of a valid and an invalid change in the location in response to an output of the comparing step for illustration on a display.

Abstract: In accordance with a first preferred aspect of the instant invention, there is provided a patient monitor that is automatically disabled when a caregiver enters a room and then is automatically reactivated after the caregiver leaves. According to a first preferred embodiment, it will remain disabled during the time the caregiver is proximate to the patient/monitor and then will automatically reactivate after the caregiver has moved away.

Abstract: A monitoring system for health care workers or other workers where sanitary hand-washing is required, to detect the sanitary cleaning of hands upon entry and exit of a required or designated clean area includes a plurality of individual RFID devices located within the uniforms or employee ID badges assigned to each employee, a central monitoring network comprising a plurality of proximity sensors located at each room entry, the soap dispenser and the sink, the patient or object where sanitary handling is required, and a CPU. Each individual RFID device, when within the set range of each proximity sensor, sends a signal to the central monitoring device corresponding to the assigned employee, which in turn, relays the signal to the CPU in real time, for a time relative log of the employees activity to monitor whether the employee has washed their hands as required by law or policy.

Abstract: A bed monitoring system that remotely monitors a patient bed. The bed monitoring system comprises a bed status system and a master station. The bed status system is coupled to the patient bed and is configured to monitor at least one condition of the bed, and to generate a bed message indicating the status of the monitored condition. The master station, remote from the patient bed, is operatively coupled to the bed status system to receive bed status information. The bed message can include a bed identifier, bed type identifier, patient exit detection signal, bed occupied signal, or various other status signals. The system can also include locating stations that receive the bed messages from any beds within its monitored location, and generates a station message including information from the bed messages. The master station receives the station messages and can determine the status and location of any bed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for receiving relevant data, presenting the relevant data to users, and enabling users to construct and route an outgoing message. Using this apparatus and method, hospitals can provide efficient and personalized service by viewing up-to-date information about each admitted patient and, if necessary, routing relevant portions of the information, via a text message, to those responsible for patient care.

Abstract: An electronic identification badge configured to provide patient-care provider communication, comprising a clip and a housing. The housing includes a master image display device; wherein the master display module further includes a first pocket disposed on the front side of the housing. The badge also includes a manual signal module having a call button module and an image display device, wherein the image display device further includes a second pocket. The badge further includes a signal module functionally coupled to the manual signal module and configured to transmit a wireless signal triggered. The signal module includes a control module, wherein the control module further includes a plurality of buttons. The signal module also includes a network communication module, wherein the network communication module further includes a wireless transmission module. In addition, the signal module includes a data storage module and a light module in communication with the control module.

Abstract: A hospital monitoring system for monitoring hospital personnel, a plurality of patient locations for patients, and associated devices is configured to control the associated devices based on the presence of hospital personnel or alarms.

Abstract: The present invention describes a restroom attendant system. The restroom attendant system utilizes a notification device placed in a restroom. A patron would select a request for service button when the patron recognizes that the restroom needs servicing. The notification device can include a cancel feature as well as indicators to indicate when a request for service is in process and if the restroom is considered cleaned. The notification device would communicate with either a main terminal or a service person. The main terminal can further monitor the time between cleanings and request that a restroom be serviced should the time since the previous servicing exceeds an acceptable time-span. The information can be stored, printed, and uploaded to a central receiving station.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a live population uses a unit as a local data collection device to derive data on the physical condition of a population member. The unit has a local processor for correlating and storing the physical condition data relative to time and a mechanism for transferring the stored data from the local processor to a remote data collection device. The remote data collection device also receives data relating to the location of the population member relative to time, and analyzes the physical condition and location data for unusual events, providing a signal on the occurrence of an unusual event. The physical condition may be derived from a sensor, which is a non-invasive sensor for measuring pulse rate, temperature and oxygen levels. The location data is provided from a locator incorporated in the unit.

Abstract: A communications system and protocol are described for wirelessly interconnecting a pair of bed and wall units that communicate the patient information, including bed exit alerts, from the patient supporting equipment to the hospital nurse call system. A linking procedure is provided for establishing a communications link to interconnect the pair of units, wherein the communications link fails upon detection of a third communications device simultaneously undergoing the link attempt mode. In one embodiment, the system provides for advanced collision detection by monitoring corruption of the end-of-packet byte within the periodic check-in message sequences between the linked units to prevent data corruption and future collisions. To ensure prompt interconnection of units, embodiments of the invention provide for a link reminder to alert the health care provider to initiate the steps for linking the bed and wall units whenever two or more unlinked units are in proximity.

Abstract: There is disclosed a medical communication and locator system and method including a medical chart communication system and method and a personnel communication system and method for monitoring the location of charts and personnel in a medical environment. The communication and locator systems may be provided with one-way or two-way communication for locating charts or personnel, contacting needed personnel in the event of an emergency, or for communicating with healthcare workers. A docking station for the communication and locator systems is also disclosed.

Abstract: A patient activity monitoring system that allows caregivers of multiple patients to work more efficiently and with reduced cost, while increasing the quality and level of patient care. The system includes a plurality of remote monitoring subsystems, a plurality of user notification units, and a central monitoring unit with a Graphical User Interface (GUI) communicably coupled between the remote monitoring and user notification units. Each remote monitoring subsystem includes a remote monitoring unit, and a sensor device associated with a respective patient that detects one or more activity and/or physiological parameters of the patient. A simplified user interface including the GUI and the user notification units provides indications of the type and level of assistance required by one or more patients to caregivers at centralized and remote locations.

Abstract: The Owner Aware Object represents a new class of Physical Objects that mimic the awareness of the presence or absence in their immediate surroundings of their rightful owner. The system is composed of an Owner Private Space Generator, one or multiple Owner Private Space Sensors and an optional Super Owner Aware Object which is a Computer connected Owner Aware Object. The Generator and the Sensor Objects work together to establish within a three dimensional space, a volume of Object and Owner Security. While within this volume, the Sensor is maintaining ciphered communication link with the Generator and thus establishes a Secure Volume. Should these two components lose this link, a breach of security event is triggered and both units attempt Owner Notification of the new state of the system. Should two or more Owner Private Spaces intersect or collide, all Owners are notified of the new system status.

Abstract: By combining the information acquired from a location system that is tracking equipment and/or personnel within a hospital environment, automatic assignment of the “re-located” patient monitoring equipment can be made in concert with a nurse call system. By utilizing time-based elimination criteria, monitoring equipment that is coupled to generic port can be automatically processed for port priorities, and equipment assignment changes. An event subscription manager with location bridges and nurse call bridges facilitate the automatic association of the patient monitoring equipment to the respective nurse call system and intended information therein. By use of the automatic association paradigms, manual alarm and assignment tasks can be minimized.

Abstract: A monitoring system for use in a building, such as a hospital provides an audible and/or visual alarm. The monitoring system includes a control unit, with a plurality of medical condition monitoring units, such as ventilators, connected thereto. A plurality of speakers and/or light sources are connected to the control unit, and are located at various different spaced-apart areas within the building. An abnormal condition, sensed at one of the plurality of medical condition monitoring units, is reported to the control unit, which in turn causes the plurality of speakers and/or light sources to issue an audible/visual alarm. An adaptor can connect a medical condition monitoring unit to the control unit. The adapter may include circuitry to render an alarm output of the medical condition monitoring unit compatible with the control unit, and to suppress an alarm output for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A medical notification apparatus and method for use with a preexisting healthcare facility nurse call system are disclosed. The apparatus sends a message signal to the healthcare facility call system when the apparatus receives and identifies an acoustic signal indicative of a medical device alarm or other parameter. The apparatus comprises an acoustic sensor, a signal processing unit, and an interface unit. A band pass filter, timing gate, and a processor are configured in one embodiment to process the received acoustic signal to identify an acoustic alarm. A memory device may be used to store a set of identification criteria for identifying a variety of acoustic alarms, and to store a set of message signals. The sent message signal is selected from among the stored set of message signals.

Abstract: A system that monitors various conditions of a plurality of hospital beds located in different rooms of a healthcare facility is provided. Alternatively or additionally, other types of equipment may be monitored by the system. Various configurations of network interface units that are coupleable to or integrated into a hospital bed are also disclosed. The system receives data from the hospital beds and/or other equipment and initiates a communication to a wireless communication device of at least one designated caregiver in response to the received data being indicative of an alarm condition.

Abstract: A medical system includes a network; one or more medical data collection appliances coupled to the network, each appliance transmitting data conforming to an interoperable format; and a server coupled to the network to store data for each individual in accordance with the interoperable format.

Abstract: A hospital bed, patient/nurse call system, and a hospital network are provided. Communication is provided over a packet based communication network.

Abstract: An assistive communication device of the type on which a user can compose a message to be spoken by the device, using an input device to select items on a display to construct the message, can operate in a mode suitable for visually impaired and/or inexperienced users by aurally stepping through the available choices, explaining to the user the consequences of selecting each choice. The order in which choices are presented in these modes may differ from a mode in which they would be presented to an experienced or fully-sighted user. Even for an experienced user, the order in which choices are highlighted on the display may differ according the user's usage history. The device may be connected to external communications, including a telephone line, a data network for electronic mail, or a caregiver alert device. The caregiver alert device may be portable, or may be a caregivers' station console.

Abstract: A system for automatically integrating various patient monitoring equipment into a nurse call system is implemented by incorporating a software system agent that translates communications in the patient monitoring equipment communication channel to a software system readable format. By translating the patient monitoring system's communications, a software system or computer can interpret the communications and act accordingly by signaling staff members, doctors, etc., in a manner that was not feasible by the hardware of the patient monitoring system. By interpreting the communications and having a nurse call system translation feature in the software system agent, nurse call systems can be “coupled” to the patient monitoring system to enable a synergy between systems that were here thereto incompatible or had limited functional capabilities.

Abstract: A method is described for attaching a monitoring device to a patient comprising providing a fastener having a frame defining an opening adapted to receive a reel in a button hole fashion; inserting the reel behind a portion of the patient's clothing; positioning the frame on the opposite side of the portion of the patient's clothing relative to the reel and inserting the reel into the opening trapping the portion of material between the reel and the frame; and attaching the monitoring device to the fastener by a tether.

Abstract: A healthcare communication system can include a patient terminal having a keyboard unit with message keys for transmitting different ones of one or more programmed messages, and alphanumeric keys for composing messages. The patient terminal can be communicatively linked to a patient terminal display for presenting the programmed messages and composed messages. Each of the message keys can include identifying indicia associated with a programmed message transmitted upon selection of the message key. The patient terminal keyboard also can include one or more destination keys for specifying one of multiple destination addresses within the healthcare communication system for delivering individual ones of the messages.

Abstract: Healthcare facility nurse-patient ratios are minimized by providing patients with in-room devices to request and receive real time audio visual (AV) communications with advocates responsible for the patients' healthcare. Each device enables the patient to see and hear their assigned advocate, as well as to communicate to the advocate a category of the patient's present subjective pain level. While advocates assume communication and coordination responsibilities for non-medical services provided to their assigned patients, they also assume responsibilities on behalf of their assigned patient with nursing staff whose responsibilities will preferably exclude non-medical services but will rather be limited to medical services provided to the advocate's assigned patients. Advocate operated work stations can remotely adjust AV and vital site monitoring equipment in the hospital room, thereby enabling the selective seeing and hearing of real time events.

Abstract: A bed monitoring system that remotely monitors a patient bed. The bed monitoring system comprises a bed status system and a master station. The bed status system is coupled to the patient bed and is configured to monitor at least one condition of the bed, and to generate a bed message indicating the status of the monitored condition. The master station, remote from the patient bed, is operatively coupled to the bed status system to receive bed status information. The bed message can include a bed identifier, bed type identifier, patient exit detection signal, bed occupied signal, or various other status signals. The system can also include locating stations that receive the bed messages from any beds within its monitored location, and generates a station message including information from the bed messages. The master station receives the station messages and can determine the status and location of any bed.

Abstract: A point-of-care computer system includes a display positioned in a point-of-care location, a computer coupled to the display, and a network coupled to the computer to enable the computer to access information stored in a remote location.

Abstract: A detection warning system for caregivers in a home alerting a caregiver when a person exits a room, bed or walk through a doorway. This system comprises of two enclosures and an external reflector. A portable infrared emitter detector enclosure houses an emitter with a narrow, infrared beam, detector and transmitter. A portable receiving enclosure houses a receiver with an adjustable audio alarm. An emitter in the emitter detector enclosure emits an infrared beam to the reflector, which reflects the beam back to the detector. The detector senses when the beam is obstructed from reaching the reflector and energizes the transmitter. The transmitter receives the signal from the transmitter activating the adjustable audio alarm alerting a caregiver.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for controlling a television. Various embodiments of the apparatus have various components providing compatibility with most brands and types of televisions.

Abstract: A method for directing a patient within a medical facility having a main corridor with an entrance at one end and an exit at another end, and with several hallways that extend substantially perpendicular off the main corridor. Each room in the medical facility has a room number, whereby the room numbers signify a relative location of each room with respect to the entrance and the exit and the other rooms in the medical facility. A patient enters the medical facility and goes to a receiving area near the entrance, and then is directed to go to a particular room number in the medical facility. If the patient is treated in different rooms, the patient knows where to go next after one treatments is finished, based solely on the room number of the next room as compared to the room number of the current room that the patient is in.

Abstract: A hospital bed, patient/nurse call system, and a hospital network are provided. Communication is provided over a packet based communication network.

Abstract: A personal communication and data entry device comprises a portable housing, an internal controller coupled to the housing, a paging device coupled to the controller, and at least one of a voice recording device, a cellular telephone transceiver, a radio transceiver for two-way communication, and an infrared transmitter coupled to the controller.

Abstract: An object monitoring system and method for monitoring objects and caretakers, for example infants and their mothers. The monitoring system includes object badges; caretaker badges, and monitoring device. Object and caretaker badges transmit signals including a unique identifier. A caretaker badge is associated with an object badge by storing a first associated ID identifying the object badge with a second associated ID identifying the caretaker badge. The monitoring device processes received signals including comparing them with the associated IDs, and indicates an alarm upon failure of a preset condition. Object badges can include tamper-detection devices, and caretaker badges can include alarms activated when an alarm condition exists for an object badge associated with the caretaker badge. The monitoring system can also include location units associated with monitored locations, each location unit transmitting signals identifying any object and/or caretaker badges within its monitored location.

Abstract: A remote display unit is positioned to display remotely generated data without requiring a doctor to turn his or her head away from the object of the doctor's attention.

Abstract: There is provided herein an electronic patient monitor that utilizes a latch or similar power circuit that automatically activates an electronic patient monitor when a patient's presence is indicated by the sensor, that maintains power to the unit so long as the patient is indicated to be present, and that maintains power to the monitor until a valid reset command is issued after the patient is sensed to be no longer present. Power to the unit is maintained, and the unit continues to monitor the patient, e so long as the patient is present, even if an attempt is made to power down/disable the unit during that time.

Abstract: A system for tracking a subject of interest in a location is disclosed. The system is used with subjects who have an identification device having a unique signal identifier. The system comprises a wireless proximity detector capable of detecting the signal identifier; a monitoring unit that monitors the proximity detector by monitoring which signal identifier has been detected by the proximity detector, the monitoring unit generating a data signal representative of which signal identifier has been detected; and a data output unit that generates location data based upon the data signal. The information can be displayed graphically or as a list and can be sorted by various criteria. The display can provide many options to make the display more useful. Also disclosed is a method for tracking a subject of interest using a unique signal identifier. Additionally, a display to be used with the system is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a patient care and communication system which utilizes a central processing system and a plurality of remote stations electrically connected to the central processing system to facilitate visual and data communications. Each remote station includes telephone circuitry which is connected to a private branch exchange for telephone communications between stations. In addition, the private branch exchange is connected to a telephone exchange and a plurality of telephones for facilitating telephone communication therebetween. The central processing system facilitates the visual and data communications between the plurality of remote stations, and includes a system for determining which of the plurality of remote stations are transmitting the visual and data communications and which of the plurality of remote stations are to receive the visual and data communications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the location of an event from amongst a plurality (A to P) of locations. Lines of communication (R1 to R4, C1 to C4), commonly pipes of a smoke detection system, cover the locations in such a fashion that the location of an event can be determined uniquely but the number of pipes is minimized.

Abstract: A system and method of queuing orders locates data-entry modules relative to a pickup location such that a customer who places an order after a customer who placed an earlier order can be signaled to approach a pickup location before the first customer if the order of the second customer is ready before the order of the first customer. The system can signal a customer to wait in a predefined location until the order is ready, or the system can signal the customer to approach the pickup location.

Abstract: The invention provides a wireless automatic location identification (ALI) capable system (10), including a medical device (12) having a wireless data communicator (14), a wireless communication network (16), and a remote locating service (18) for remotely locating and monitoring one or more medical devices over the wireless communication network. When the medical device is linked to the remote locating service over the communication network, the ALI-capable system identifies the location of the medical device and relays the location information to the remote locating service. The system permits reliable determination of the location of the medical device wherever the medical device is situated. The medical device may further be configured to transmit signals indicative of its status, condition, or self-test results, to the remote locating service. This feature allows the remote locating service to centrally monitor the status or condition of a plurality of medical devices.

Abstract: An automatic functioning light and warning system with remote signaling for use with mobility assistance devices, such as wheelchairs and walkers, having a housing, at least one detachable clamp connected to the housing, a battery-powered light incorporated into the housing, an internal audio alarm incorporated into the housing, an active or passive motion detection sensor and associated signal processing circuitry incorporated within the housing. The invention may use replaceable or rechargeable batteries as the power source. The remote receiver may be a stand alone device or interfaced into a monitoring system. A time delay circuit may be incorporated into the invention to automatically turn the light or alarm off at a predetermined time after activation and a sensor that prevents actuation of the light source when ambient light is above a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A computerized reminder system collates medical prescription information such as provided by commercial retail pharmacies to customized schedules for administration of medication and therapy to patients. The system broadcasts reminder information via radio frequency wireless transmissions over a wide area network subsystem to portable receivers uniquely associated with specific patients. The patients receive real-time reminders directed only to them to take medicine. Patients receive only their own respective reminders and do not obtain reminders for other patients who subscribe to the system.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to control at least one function of a bed located in a room from a remote location outside of the room. The apparatus includes a controller configured to control the at least one bed function, an interface device coupled to the controller, and an input device located at the remote location. The input device is configured to generate a message signal to control the at least one bed function. The message signal is transmitted from the input device to the interface device and from the interface device to the controller to control the at least one bed function from the remote location.

Abstract: Navigation method and navigation system for motor vehicles for navigating from a present location to a destination. In response to an emergency user request, an emergency destination closest to the present location is selected from a database, set as the destination, and a route calculated from the present location to the emergency destination. The navigation system includes a memory having a database for emergency destinations and a device for selecting, from the database, an emergency destination closest to the present location.

Abstract: The need for service repair calls for a medical imaging system is reduced by enabling the operator to diagnose and, at times, to repair system problems without calling a repair service. A system diagnostics package includes an interactive diagnostic procedure which interacts with the system operator to receive input and information concerning a system problem. The diagnostics package uses this qualitative operator input, augmented if necessary by quantitative system data, to logically arrive at a system diagnosis. In a preferred embodiment the ultrasound system is able to learn about and discover new problem sources and their solutions. This information can be retained by the imaging system and used to repair similar problems in the system in the future. The information can be communicated to the system manufacturer so that the knowledge learned by one system can be disseminated to other systems to expedite their diagnosis and repair.

Abstract: A hospital monitoring system for monitoring hospital personnel, a plurality of patient locations for patients, and associated devices is configured to control the associated devices based on the presence of hospital personnel or alarms.

Abstract: A computer-equipped mobility device for transporting an occupant of the device over a distance and for providing access to a network comprises a personal mobility device, a computer, and an activation member. The computer is coupled to the personal mobility device and is configured to link to the network as well as to engage in two-way communication with the network. The activation member is coupled to the personal mobility device. The activation member is also linked to the computer and capable of at least partially controlling the operation of the computer.

Abstract: A patient monitoring system comprising a central station for analyzing and displaying patient data; a system receiver connected to the central station; and an antenna array connected to the system receiver and including a plurality of antennae, each having connected thereto a respective transmitter.

Abstract: There is provided herein an electronic patient monitor that includes indirect lighting of its control panel. Preferably, a splash guard is affixed to the monitor in a position proximate to one or more light sources, none of which directly illuminate the control panel. Light from the light sources is received by the splash guard and transmitted internally to the control panel, where the light that is emitted from the splash guard provides illumination for the user. In another variation, there is provided an electronic patient monitor with one or more light sources affixed thereto, which light sources are used to signal the operating characteristics of the monitor including its alarm volume setting, whether or not it is sounding an alarm, etc. In another variation, there is provided an electronic patient monitor that uses an environmental sensor to adapt its operating characteristics based on conditions proximate to the patient.