PULSE OXIMETER ACCESS APPARATUS AND METHOD
First Claim
1. A pulse oximeter comprising:
- an unauthorized sensor having emitters adapted to transmit light of at least first and second wavelengths into a fleshy medium and a light sensitive detector adapted to generate at least first and second intensity signals by detecting the light after absorption by constituents of pulsatile blood flowing within the fleshy medium;
a monitor configured to non-invasively measure at least one physiological parameter responsive to magnitudes of said intensity signals;
a key containing access information, said key at one time being an integral part of an authorized sensor different from said unauthorized sensor;
a sensor port configured to communicate emitter drive signals from said monitor to said unauthorized sensor, said intensity signals from said unauthorized sensor to said monitor, and access information from said key to said monitor;
a lock associated with said sensor port adapted to read said access information from said key and to enable said monitor to provide measurements of said at least one physiological parameter in response to said access information; and
an adapter cable configured to provide a communications link between said unauthorized sensor and said sensor port, said adapter cable including said key.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Access is provided to certain pulse oximetry systems utilizing a keyed sensor and a corresponding locked sensor port of a restricted access monitor. In such systems, the keyed sensor has a key comprising a memory element, and the monitor has a memory reader associated with the sensor port. The monitor is configured to function only when the key is in communications with the locked sensor port, and the memory reader is able to retrieve predetermined data from the memory element. The monitor is accessed by providing the key separate from the keyed sensor, integrating the key into an adapter cable, and connecting the adapter cable between the sensor port and an unkeyed sensor so that the monitor functions with the unkeyed sensor.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. A pulse oximeter comprising:
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an unauthorized sensor having emitters adapted to transmit light of at least first and second wavelengths into a fleshy medium and a light sensitive detector adapted to generate at least first and second intensity signals by detecting the light after absorption by constituents of pulsatile blood flowing within the fleshy medium; a monitor configured to non-invasively measure at least one physiological parameter responsive to magnitudes of said intensity signals; a key containing access information, said key at one time being an integral part of an authorized sensor different from said unauthorized sensor; a sensor port configured to communicate emitter drive signals from said monitor to said unauthorized sensor, said intensity signals from said unauthorized sensor to said monitor, and access information from said key to said monitor; a lock associated with said sensor port adapted to read said access information from said key and to enable said monitor to provide measurements of said at least one physiological parameter in response to said access information; and an adapter cable configured to provide a communications link between said unauthorized sensor and said sensor port, said adapter cable including said key. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A pulse oximeter apparatus comprising:
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a sensor means for providing a physiological signal to a monitor; a key means for providing access to a locked sensor port portion of said monitor; and an adapter cable means for providing communications between said sensor and said sensor port, said adapter cable means containing said key means. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10)
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Specification