Physiological sensor system with automatic authentication and validation by means of a radio frequency identification protocol with an integrated RFID interrogator system

• US 8,994,553 B2
• Filed: 02/13/2014
• Issued: 03/31/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 10/13/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Brumer, Rebecca, Chamoun, Nassib G., Cordero, Rafael M., Davidson, Marc, Kiely, James P.
• Primary Examiner(s): PHAM, TOAN NGOC
• Application Number:
  US14/180,300
• Publication Number:
  US 20140159917A1
• Time in Patent Office: 411 Days
• Field of Search: 340/10.1, 340/572.1, 340/572.7, 340/572.8, 340/573.1, 340/5.82, 340/10.32, 340/10.342, 600/300, 128/903
• US Class Current: 340/870.07
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/08 Sensors provided with means for identification, e.g. barcodes or memory chips
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/282 Holders for multiple electrodes for introduction into the body A61B5/287
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/303 Patient cord assembly, e.g. cable harness
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07749 the record carrier being capable of non-contact communication, e.g. constructional details of the antenna of a non-contact smart card
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/0008 General problems related to the reading of electronic memory record carriers, independent of its reading method, e.g. power transfer
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10336 the antenna being of the near field type, inductive coil
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10366 the interrogation device being adapted for miscellaneous applications
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/02 using a radio link
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/2208 associated with components used in interrogation type services, i.e. in systems for information exchange between an interrogator/reader and a tag/transponder, e.g. in Radio Frequency Identification [RFID] systems methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns G06K7/00; record carrier for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings G06K19/00

Abstract

This invention relates to a physiological sensor which acquires pre-programmed data from an electrode or an electrode array using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. The source of the sensor may be authenticated by means of a wireless interface between an RFID transponder affixed to the electrode array, and an RFID interrogator embedded in the patient interface cable. The criteria for use are then verified to ensure that they are met by the electrode array before beginning signal acquisition. If the criteria are not met, a message is provided to the user via the monitor.

Claims

1. A physiological sensor for communicating information to a medical monitor, comprising:

sensor structure configured to pass a physiological output from a subject to the medical monitor; and

an RFID transponder configured to transmit non-physiological information to the medical monitor by a wireless transmission technique.

2. The physiological sensor of claim 1, wherein the RFID transponder comprises an antenna and transponder circuitry.

3. The physiological sensor of claim 1, wherein the antenna comprises a coil antenna.

4. The physiological sensor of claim 3, wherein the diameter of the coil antenna is no more than 38 mm.

5. The physiological sensor of claim 1, wherein the RFID transponder comprises a memory device.

6. The physiological sensor of claim 5, wherein the memory device is programmed with the non-physiological information.

7. The physiological sensor of claim 5, wherein the memory device is programmed with one or more of a key code, a manufacturer code, calibration data, an OEM code, a product shelf life code, a sensor type code, a lot code, a serial number, and usage count.

8. The physiological sensor of claim 5, wherein the memory device is programmed with a digital signature for authentication and validation.

9. The physiological sensor of claim 1, wherein the RFID transponder is configured to transmit the non-physiological information in response to an interrogation from an RFID interrogator.

10. The physiological sensor of claim 1, wherein the RFID transponder comprises an antenna and wherein the RFID transponder is a passive device that draws power from the antenna.

11. The physiological sensor of claim 1, wherein the physiological output is a physiological signal

12. The physiological sensor of claim 1, wherein the sensor structure comprises an electrode.

13. The physiological sensor of claim 1, wherein the sensor structure comprises an optoelectrical device.

14. The physiological sensor of claim 1, further comprising an interface cable.

15. The physiological sensor of claim 14, further comprising a mating receptacle configured to connect the interface cable to the medical monitor.

16. The physiological sensor of claim 15, wherein the RFID transponder is located within the mating receptacle.

17. A physiological monitoring system, comprising:

a physiological monitor comprising;

an RFID interrogator; and

an RFID antenna; and

a sensor comprising;

sensor structure configured to pass a physiological output from a subject to the physiological monitor; and

an RFID transponder configured to transmit non-physiological information to the physiological monitor by a wireless transmission technique.

18. The physiological monitoring system of claim 17, wherein the RFID transponder is configured to transmit the non-physiological information in response to an interrogation from the RFID interrogator.

19. The physiological monitoring system of claim 17, wherein the RFID transponder comprises an antenna and transponder circuitry.

20. The physiological monitoring system of claim 17, wherein the sensor further comprises:

an interface cable; and

a mating receptacle configured to connect the interface cable to the medical monitor.

21. The physiological monitoring system of claim 17, wherein the RFID transponder comprises an antenna and wherein the RFID transponder is a passive device that draws power from the antenna.