SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROSTHETIC/ORTHOTIC DEVICE COMMUNICATION

• US 20090237266A1
• Filed: 03/20/2008
• Published: 09/24/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 03/20/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Willowood Global, LLC
• Original Assignee: Ohio Willow Wood Company
• Inventors: Haynes, Michael L., Nixon, Derek Matthew
• Granted Patent: US 8,242,879 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/825.190
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0031 Implanted circuitry
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/63 for local operation
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/04 specially adapted for terminals or networks with limited capabilities; specially adapted for terminal portability
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/125 involving control of end-device applications over a network
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/62 Establishing a time schedule for servicing the requests

Abstract

A system and method for prosthetic/orthotic (PO) device and/or PO system communication. PO devices of the present invention preferably employ common communication modules that allow for wireless communication between PO devices and other devices, such as remote controls and data transfer devices. The present invention also provides for a methodology of determinant and non-interfering simultaneous communication between multiple PO devices of a PO system.

Claims

1. A prosthetic/orthotic (PO) device communication system, comprising:

at least one PO device including a communications module, said communication module including at least a transceiver and a microprocessor affixed to a module board;

a host board adapted to receive and retain said communications module and to perform one or more functions unique to a PO device to which it is installed; and

a remote control for wirelessly communicating with said at least one PO device.

2. The PO device communication system of claim 1, further comprising a data transfer device to which a PO device may wirelessly transmit data.

3. A prosthetic/orthotic (PO) device communication system, comprising:

a plurality of PO devices, each including a common communications module, said communication module including at least a transceiver, a microprocessor and a power supply affixed to a module board;

a host board in each PO device, said host board adapted to receive and retain a communications module and to perform one or more functions unique to a PO device to which it is installed; and

a remote control for wirelessly communicating with said PO devices;

wherein said PO devices are in communication with one another.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein said PO devices using a time slice topology.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein said PO devices employ frequency hopping.