Flow generator message system

• US 8,424,514 B2
• Filed: 10/13/2006
• Issued: 04/23/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 10/14/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd. (ResMed Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Resmed Limited (ResMed Incorporated)
• Inventors: Oates, John David, Buckley, Mark David, Kwok, Philip Rodney, Abourizk, Mark Alexander, Miller, Thomas Evan, Jeha, Simone Marie, Payne, Mark John, Dantanarayana, Muditha Pradeep
• Primary Examiner(s): Donnelly, Jerome W
• Application Number:
  US12/067,234
• Publication Number:
  US 20090120437A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,384 Days
• Field of Search: 128/200.4, 128/204.26, 128/202.22, 128/203.12, 128/204.23
• US Class Current: 128/200.24
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0003 Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0051 with alarm devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0057 Pumps therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0066 Blowers or centrifugal pumps
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/024 including calculation means, e.g. using a processor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0616 with face sealing means comprising a flap or membrane projecting inwards, such that sealing increases with increasing inhalation gas pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0666 Nasal cannulas or tubing devices for improving normal breathing through the nose A61F5/08; nose filters A62B23/06; outside holding devices A61M25/02
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0875 Connecting tubes
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/18 with alarm
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3334 Measuring or controlling the flow rate
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3546 Range
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3561 local, e.g. within room or hospital
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3584 using modem, internet or bluetooth
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/502 User interfaces, e.g. screens or keyboards
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/52 with memories providing a history of measured variating parameters of apparatus or patient
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/125 involving control of end-device applications over a network

Abstract

A flow generator for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a processor coupled with operation sensors and a user interface. The processor is programmed to generate at least one of time-based or event-based messages relating to at least one of flow generator operation, flow generator service, flow generator use, patient health, peripheral devices and services, patient treatment, and reminders. Time-based messages are generated at predetermined time intervals based on either time of use or elapsed time. The event-based messages are generated based on signals from the operation sensors. The user interface is configured to deliver the messages to at least one of a display, a flow generator service provider, the patient and a physician. By this system, operation of the flow generator is facilitated and enhanced.

Claims

1. A flow generator for delivering breathable gas to a patient, the flow generator comprising a processor coupled with operation sensors and a user interface, wherein the processor is programmed to generate at least one of time-based messages, event-based messages, or both time- and event-based messages relating to at least one of flow generator operation, flow generator service, flow generator use, patient health, peripheral devices and services, patient treatment, and reminders, wherein the time-based messages are generated at predetermined time intervals based on either time of use or elapsed time, and wherein the event-based messages are generated based on signals from the operation sensors, the user interface being configured to deliver the messages to at least one of a display, a flow generator service provider, the patient and a physician.

2. A flow generator according to claim 1, wherein the processor is programmed to receive a reminder request input, and wherein the time-based messages comprise reminders generated at a time specified in the reminder request input.

3. A flow generator according to claim 1, wherein the user interface comprises a wireless communication system, the wireless communication system communicating with at least one of a preset telephone number, a cellular phone, a pager, and a call center.

4. A flow generator according to claim 1, wherein the user interface comprises a network interface, the network interface delivering the messages via a global network.

5. A flow generator according to claim 4, wherein the event-based messages comprise messages relating to flow generator parts requiring replacement or repair.

6. A flow generator according to claim 5, wherein the event-based messages automatically order at least one of the parts requiring replacement and service for the repair.

7. A flow generator according to claim 4, wherein the network interface is configured to receive message content via the global network.

8. A flow generator according to claim 7, wherein the message content comprises information relating to new products and peripherals cooperatively usable with the flow generator.

9. A flow generator according to claim 1, further comprising a memory that stores software executed by the processor and data relating to flow generator use and operation, the processor executing the software to generate the messages.

10. A flow generator according to claim 9, wherein the memory comprises a data card.

11. A flow generator according to claim 1, further comprising peripheral devices providing enhanced functionality, the peripheral devices communicating with the processor, wherein the time-based and event-based messages relate to use and operation of the peripheral devices.

12. A flow generator according to claim 1, wherein the time-based messages are customizable.

13. A flow generator according to claim 12, wherein the time-based messages comprise a personal reminder for the patient.

14. A flow generator according to claim 12, wherein the time-based messages comprise a wake-up alarm.

15. A flow generator according to claim 14, wherein the wake-up alarm is an audio message.

16. A flow generator according to claim 14, wherein the wake-up alarm is effected via the delivery of breathable gas to the patient.

17. A flow generator according to claim 1, wherein the event-based messages comprise messages relating to a patient'"'"'s AHI, wherein the messages are generated if the AHI exceeds a predetermined threshold or if the AHI deviates by a predetermined amount from an original setting or measurement.

18. A flow generator according to claim 1, wherein the time-based and event-based messages comprise advertisements.

19. A flow generator according to claim 18, wherein the advertisements are generated at predetermined time intervals.

20. A flow generator according to claim 18, wherein the advertisements are generated upon the occurrence of at least one event relating to flow generator use and operation.

21. A flow generator according to claim 1, wherein the time-based and event-based messages comprise messages relating to helpful user tips.

22. A flow generator according to claim 1, wherein the event-based messages comprise notice levels relating to flow generator operation, the notice levels being changed based on a use condition duration detected by the sensors.

23. A flow generator according to claim 22, wherein the use condition is a leak, and wherein a first notice level comprises an indication that the leak has been detected, a second notice level comprises another indication that the leak has been detected along with user tips to correct the leak, and a third notice level comprises a communication notifying a service provider or physician of the leak.

27. The flow generator of claim 1, wherein the processor is further programmed to:

monitor a sleep cycle of the patient; and

based on monitoring the sleep cycle, cause the patient to be awakened during a non-REM sleep stage via the time based-message.

28. The flow generator of claim 1, wherein the processor is further programmed to:

generate a first event-based message that is based on detection of a particular event or trigger; and

generate a second event-based message that is increased in severity compared to the first-event-based message in accordance with a subsequent detection of the event or trigger.

29. The flow generator of claim 28, wherein the particular event or trigger is a use condition.

30. The flow generator of claim 28, further comprising a display unit that is configured to display an indicator of the first and/or second event-based message.

31. The flow generator of claim 28, wherein the generated first and/or second event-based message are delivered to the patient via variations in the generated supply of breathable gas.

24. A CPAP apparatus comprising:

a flow generator that generates a supply of pressurized air to be provided at an outlet;

a patient interface engageable with a patient'"'"'s face to provide a seal; and

an air delivery conduit coupled between the flow generator and the patient interface to deliver the supply of pressurized air from the flow generator to the patient interface,

wherein the flow generator comprises a processor coupled with operation sensors and a communication interface, wherein the processor is programmed to generate at least one of time-based or event-based messages relating to at least one of flow generator operation, flow generator service, flow generator use, patient health, peripheral devices and services, patient treatment, and reminders, wherein the time-based messages are generated at predetermined time intervals based on either time of use or elapsed time, and wherein the event-based messages are generated based on signals from the operation sensors, the communication interface being configured to deliver the messages to at least one of a display, a flow generator service provider, the patient and a physician.

25. An identifier for use with a flow generator that generates a supply of pressurized air to be provided at an outlet to a patient for treatment, the flow generator including a processor coupled with operation sensors and a user interface, wherein the processor is programmed to generate either time-based or event-based messages relating to at least one of flow generator operation, flow generator service, flow generator use, patient health, peripheral devices and services, and patient treatment, wherein the time-based messages are generated at predetermined time intervals based on either time of use or elapsed time, and wherein the event-based messages are generated based on signals from the operation sensors, the identifier comprising an identifying element providing an identifying feature unique to a specific peripheral component attachable to the flow generator, the processor discerning the specific peripheral component via the identifying feature, wherein the time-based and event-based messages are generated based on use and operation of the specific peripheral component.

26. A flow generator for delivering breathable gas to a patient, the flow generator comprising a processor coupled with operation sensors and a communication system, wherein the processor is programmed to generate at least one of time-based or event-based messages relating to at least one of flow generator operation, flow generator service, flow generator use, patient health, peripheral devices and services, patient treatment, and reminders, wherein the time-based messages are generated at predetermined time intervals based on either time of use or elapsed time, and wherein the event-based messages are generated based on signals from the operation sensors, the communication system being configured to deliver the messages internally and remotely.

32. A flow generator for use with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system or a non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) system, the flow generator comprising:

a motor configured to generate a supply of breathable gas to a patient at a pressure elevated above atmospheric pressure, typically in the range 3-20 cm H₂O;

at least one operation sensor to generate signals; and

a processor to control flow generator operations, the processor configured to;

correlate the signals of the at least one operation sensor to a particular event or trigger;

initiate a first response when the particular event or trigger is first correlated with the signals; and

initiate a second response that is changed from the first response based on the re-occurrence or the duration of the correlated particular event or trigger.

33. The flow generator of claim 32, wherein the particular event or trigger is a use condition.

34. The flow generator of claim 33, wherein the use condition is a leak.

35. The flow generator of claim 34, wherein the leak a mask leak.

36. The flow generator of claim 34, wherein the first response includes an indication that the leak has been detected.

37. The flow generator of claim 36, wherein the second response includes another indication regarding the leak.

38. The flow generator of claim 32, wherein the first response is associated with a first generated message and the second response is associated with a second generated message.

39. The flow generator of claim 38, wherein the first and second generated messages relate to CPAP/NIPPV flow generator operation, CPAP/NIPPV flow generator use, health of a patient receiving CPAP/NIPPV, and/or CPAP/NIPPV for a patient.

40. The flow generator of claim 32, further comprising a display unit that is configured to display information.

41. The flow generator of claim 40, wherein the output information includes a displayed indication of the first and/or second response.

42. The flow generator of claim 32, wherein a specific peripheral component is attachable to the flow generator, the specific peripheral component associated with an identifier including an identifying element that provides an identifying feature that is unique to the specific peripheral component,

wherein the processor is further configured to discern the specific peripheral component via the identifying feature.

43. The flow generator of claim 42, wherein the initiated first and/or second responses relate to use and operation of the specific peripheral device.

44. The flow generator of claim 32, wherein the initiated first and/or second response is associated with variations in the generated supply of breathable gas.

45. The flow generator of claim 32, wherein the processing system is further configured to receive input of an apnea-hyopnea index (AHI) threshold.

46. The flow generator of claim 45, wherein the initiated first or second response is based on the AHI threshold.

47. The flow generator of claim 32, wherein the processor is further configured to:

monitor a sleep cycle of the patient; and

based on monitoring the sleep cycle, cause the patient to be awakened during a non-REM sleep stage.

48. The flow generator of claim 32, further comprising a data card that is configured to be removably attachable and provide data for operation of the flow generator.

49. The flow generator of claim 32, wherein the processor is further configured to:

generate at least one time based message; and

output the at least one time based message to a display, a service provider, the patient, and/or a physician.

50. The flow generator of claim 32, wherein the change from the first response is an escalation from the first response.

51. The flow generator of claim 32, further comprising a built-in clock that is configured to provide a time-based message to the patient.

52. A CPAP apparatus comprising:

a flow generator according to claim 32; and

an air delivery conduit adapted to be coupled to the flow generator.

53. The CPAP apparatus of claim 52, further comprising a patient interface that is configured to sealingly engage with the patient'"'"'s face and adapted to be coupled to the air delivery conduit to thereby facilitate delivery of the breathable gas from the flow generator to the patient.

54. A flow generator of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system or a non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) system that is configured to deliver a supply of breathable gas to a patient at between 3 cm and 20 cm, the flow generator comprising:

at least one operation sensor to generate signals; and

at least one processor for controlling operations of the flow generator, the at least one processor configured to;

receive signals that are generated by the at least one operation sensor;

monitor the received signals to detect at least a first indication and a second, subsequent, indication that are related to a particular event or trigger;

generate a first response in accordance with the detected first indication of the particular event or trigger; and

generate a second response in accordance with the detected second indication of the particular event or trigger, the second response having an severity level that is greater than a severity level of the first response.

55. The flow generator of claim 54, wherein the particular event or trigger is a use condition.

56. The flow generator of claim 54, further comprising a display unit that is configured to display a visual indication of the first and/or second response.

57. The flow generator of claim 54, wherein the generated first and/or second response are delivered to the patient via variations in the supply of breathable gas.

58. The flow generator of claim 54, wherein the generated first and/or second response are event-based messages that are delivered to the patient.