Apparatus and method for interfacing time-variant signals

摘要

An improved apparatus and method for interfacing a time variant waveform between two hardware environments. In one aspect, the invention comprises a circuit for accurately simulating the output of one or more types of sensing device (e.g., passive bridge pressure transducer) for use with a plurality of different monitoring and/or analysis devices, thereby obviating the need for specialized interface circuitry adapted to each different monitor/analyzer. In one exemplary embodiment, the sensing device comprises a non-invasive blood pressure monitor (NIBPM), which universally interfaces with prior art patient monitors via the interface circuit of the invention. In a second aspect of the invention, an improved NIBPM device incorporating the interface circuit is disclosed. An improved disconnect circuit adapted to sense the status of the electrical connection between the sensing device and monitor is also described.

主权项

1. Apparatus, comprising:
sensing apparatus adapted to sense at least one waveform, and generate a binary digital representation related thereto; interface circuit adapted to mimic a passive bridge device and that substantially separates said sensed at least one waveform from an excitation signal, where said excitation signal is provided from a patient monitor; and said interface circuit operatively coupled to said sensing apparatus, said interface circuit adapted to:
when said excitation signal is not present, generate a monitor disconnect signal; otherwise:
apply a transfer function to said binary digital representation;generate at least one analog output signal for transmission to a patient monitor device that is based at least in part on: 1. said binary digital representation of said sensed at least one waveform, 2. said excitation signal provided to said interface circuit from said patient monitor, and 3. said applied transfer function
where said at least one analog output signal is substantially equivalent to an output signal produced by said passive bridge device placed under a comparable excitation signal and a comparable measured pressure waveform; andwherein said excitation signal is substantially equivalent to a signal used to energize circuit elements in said passive bridge device.