Failsafe method and apparatus for a modular multi-parameter patient monitor
First Claim
1. A failsafe system for a multi-parameter patient monitor which collects parameter data related to physiological parameters of a patient via patient interface circuitry and displays said parameter data on a display, said failsafe system comprising:
- a watchdog timer which is reset within a predetermined period of time so long as said patient monitor is operating properly;
a failsafe signal generator responsive to an overflow output of said watchdog timer, said failsafe signal generator generating a failsafe signal which places said patient interface circuitry in a safe state when said watchdog timer provides an overflow signal to an input thereof; and
a disable circuit which disables the output of parameter data to said display upon receipt of said failsafe signal.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A failsafe supervisor system for a processing module of a modular multi-parameter patient monitor which detects a module error or malfunction, places such module in a safe state, and alerts the operator to improper operation of the patient monitor module processor hardware or software. Upon detection of a hardware or software error, an inconsistent system/module time-base check, or other malfunctions during module operation, the impaired parameter module and its associated parameter data gathering apparatuses are powered down and the patient monitor system electrically isolates the impaired module in a failsafe manner to a safe state while permitting other parameter modules to continue with their normal operation. The failsafe supervisor system preferably includes a watchdog timer and discrete logic incorporated with the parameter module'"'"'s microprocessor control system.
35 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A failsafe system for a multi-parameter patient monitor which collects parameter data related to physiological parameters of a patient via patient interface circuitry and displays said parameter data on a display, said failsafe system comprising:
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a watchdog timer which is reset within a predetermined period of time so long as said patient monitor is operating properly; a failsafe signal generator responsive to an overflow output of said watchdog timer, said failsafe signal generator generating a failsafe signal which places said patient interface circuitry in a safe state when said watchdog timer provides an overflow signal to an input thereof; and a disable circuit which disables the output of parameter data to said display upon receipt of said failsafe signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A modular multi-parameter patient monitor which collects parameter data related to physiological parameters of a patient, comprising:
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a display; patient interface circuitry which collects said parameter data from said patient; a parameter module responsive to parameter data from said patient interface circuitry, said parameter module including a module processor which processes said parameter data and a data output circuit which outputs processed parameter data; an acquisition unit which receives said processed parameter data from said parameter module and presents said processed parameter data to said display; and a failsafe system comprising a watchdog timer which is reset within a predetermined period of time so long as said parameter module is operating properly and a failsafe signal generator responsive to an overflow output of said watchdog timer, said failsafe signal generator generating a failsafe signal which disables said data output circuit and places said patient interface circuitry and parameter module in a safe state when said watchdog timer provides an overflow signal to an input thereof. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A failsafe method for a multi-parameter patient monitor which collects parameter data related to physiological parameters of a patient via patient interface circuitry and displays said parameter data on a display, said failsafe method comprising the steps of:
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checking an execution sequence of software of said patient monitor and resetting a watchdog timer within a predetermined period of time so long as said execution sequence is correct; generating a failsafe signal in response to an overflow output from said watchdog timer, said failsafe signal placing said patient interface circuitry in a safe state; and disabling the output of parameter data to said display upon receipt of said failsafe signal.
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15. A failsafe method for a modular multi-parameter patient monitor comprising an acquisition unit and at least one parameter module which collects parameter data related to physiological parameters of a patient via patient interface circuitry and provides said parameter to said acquisition unit for display of said parameter data on a display, said failsafe method comprising the steps of:
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comparing a time base of a display processor of said acquisition unit to a time base of a module processor of said at least one parameter module and resetting a watchdog timer of said at least one parameter module within a predetermined period of time so long as said time bases compare within a predetermined tolerance; generating a failsafe signal in response to an overflow output from said watchdog timer, said failsafe signal placing said patient interface circuitry in a safe state; and disabling the output of parameter data to said display upon receipt of said failsafe signal. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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Specification