Electrode interface system
Inventors
Euliano, II, Neil Russell • Marossero, Dorothee
Assignees
Koninklijke Philips NV • Philips North America LLC • Obmedical Co
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Publication Number
US-11363983-B2
Publication Date
2022-06-21
Expiration Date
Abstract
An electrode interface system for providing a connection between at least one electrode and a maternal-fetal monitor, wherein the interface system converts electrical muscle activity captured by the electrode(s) into uterine activity data signals for use by the maternal-fetal monitor. The electrode interface system of the invention preferably includes a conversion means for converting the signals from the electrode(s) into signals similar to those produced by a tocodynometer.
Core Innovation
The invention is a fetal monitoring interface system that includes an electrode interface with a unitary cable structure, an analog to digital converter, a transmitter, a receiver, and a signal converter. The electrode interface is configured to operably and removably connect at a single connection point to a plurality of electrodes on an external sensor array and to receive analog physiological signals. The analog to digital converter converts the analog physiological signals into digital signals, which are wirelessly transmitted by a transmitter and wirelessly received by a receiver.
The system includes a microprocessor configured for calculating uterine activity from the digital signals and a digital potentiometer configured for stimulating or simulating strain gauge resistances. The digital potentiometer is electronically connected in between the microprocessor and a maternal-fetal monitor port interface. The signal converter supports a supplemental device connector configured to enable a bypass connection through the signal converter to an external sensing device.
The invention further provides signal-conversion functionality in which the digital signals are converted to mimic electrical output from a uterine activity sensor, so that analog output data can be used with a maternal fetal monitor. The system is described as converting signals into electrical analogs or voltage levels associated with a Wheatstone bridge configuration and a tocodynamometer, and it can process digital signals into output data mimicking electrical output from an intrauterine pressure catheter.
Claims Coverage
The document provides two independent claims. The claims cover an electrode interface that connects at a single connection point to an external sensor array, analog-to-digital conversion, wireless transmission and reception, uterine-activity calculation using a microprocessor, and a digital potentiometer positioned between the microprocessor and a maternal-fetal monitor port interface, with a bypass connection through the signal converter to an external sensing device.
Unitary cable electrode interface for single-point connection to a plurality of electrodes
A port is configured to operably and removably connect at a single connection point to a plurality of electrodes on an external sensor array and to receive analog physiological signals from the external sensor array.
Analog-to-digital conversion of analog physiological signals into digital signals
An analog to digital converter converts the analog physiological signals into digital signals.
Wireless transmitter and receiver for digital signals
A transmitter wirelessly transmits the digital signals, and a receiver wirelessly receives the digital signals.
Microprocessor calculation of uterine activity from digital signals
A microprocessor is configured for calculating uterine activity from the digital signals.
Digital potentiometer between the microprocessor and the maternal-fetal monitor port interface
A digital potentiometer configured for stimulating or simulating strain gauge resistances is electronically connected in between the microprocessor and a maternal-fetal monitor port interface.
Signal-converter bypass connection to an external sensing device
A supplemental device connector enables a bypass connection through the signal converter to an external sensing device.
Mimicking uterine activity sensor electrical output compatible with a maternal fetal monitor
Analog output data can be used with a maternal fetal monitor by converting signals to mimic electrical output from a uterine activity sensor.
The claim coverage is directed to a fetal monitoring interface system that digitizes analog physiological signals from an external electrode array, wirelessly transmits and receives the digitized signals, calculates uterine activity using a microprocessor, and performs signal conversion using a digital potentiometer electronically connected between the microprocessor and a maternal-fetal monitor port interface, while also enabling bypass to an external sensing device.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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