Bidirectional physiological information display
Inventors
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12257081-B2
Publication Date
2025-03-25
Expiration Date
2030-10-14
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Abstract
A patient monitor for displaying a physiological signal can include a visual element having a middle portion indicative of a transition in the physiological signal between physiological states. The visual element can also include first and second extremity portions, the first extremity portion extending from the middle portion in a first direction and the second extremity portion extending from the middle portion in a second direction. The visual element can also include an actionable value indicator to specify a value about the middle portion and the first and second extremity portions. The patient monitor can also include a processor configured to cause the value indicator to actuate in both the first and second directions according to changes in the physiological signal.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a patient monitor system for displaying physiological signals, such as acoustic respiratory signals, using a distinctive visual element. This visual element includes a middle portion indicative of a transition between physiological states (for example, between inhalation and exhalation) and first and second extremity portions extending in opposing directions from the middle portion. The extremity portions represent relatively greater magnitude values of the physiological signal, while the middle portion signifies the transition phase. An actionable value indicator is integrated within the visual element to graphically specify the current physiological value and can actuate in both directions in response to dynamic changes in the physiological signal.
The system also includes a processor configured to control the display of this visual element. The processor receives physiological signals from the sensor, determines features such as current magnitude, phase (inspiration or expiration), signal quality, and freshness, and actuates the value indicator and various associated indicators accordingly. The visual element can display additional information through goal indicators (signifying target values), peak indicators (showing historical maximums), and other forms of signal assessment. Characteristics such as color or flashing may be used by the processor to communicate changes in physiological state, achievement of goals, or variations in signal quality.
The problem addressed by the invention is the challenge of effectively monitoring respiratory activity in clinical and non-critical settings where timely recognition of respiratory changes or failure is vital. Traditional monitors can inundate clinicians with complex or unclear information, making it difficult to identify crucial respiratory states quickly. By providing a unique, easily discernible, and adaptable visual representation of physiological parameters, the invention improves the clinician's ability to observe, interpret, and act upon physiological changes swiftly, thereby enhancing patient monitoring in high-risk and routine scenarios.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains two independent claims, each specifying inventive features focused on bidirectional physiological value display, actionable goal and peak indicators, and responsive actuation based on real-time respiratory signal magnitudes and transitions.
Bidirectional visual element for respiratory monitoring
A system featuring a visual element on a display composed of linear segments, with one or more reference segments indicating a transition between inhalation and exhalation, and first and second deviation segments extending in opposite directions. The extremity portions of these deviation segments correspond to greater magnitudes of physiological signals.
Actionable goal and peak indicators displayed on the visual element
The system and method display at least one goal indicator and at least one peak indicator on the visual element. The goal indicator specifies a target magnitude of the physiological signal associated with a desired breathing activity, while the peak indicator marks the maximum magnitude reached during inspiratory or expiratory phases over a predetermined period, each using activated segments of the deviation segments.
Simultaneous actuation of deviation segments based on current physiological state
A processor activates at least one of the first deviation segments and at least one of the second deviation segments simultaneously according to the current magnitude of the physiological signal, visually indicating a patient's current physiological state (inspiratory or expiratory phase).
Dynamic modification of the visual element to reflect physiological changes
The system and method modify characteristics of the activated deviation segments, such as color or flashing, in response to transitions or changes in physiological state or quality, and can differentiate inspiration from expiration using distinct visual cues.
Integration of signal quality and freshness into display characteristics
The method includes setting display characteristics to reflect the quality or freshness of the physiological signal, with output adjustments, such as flashing or color change, indicating variations or thresholds in signal integrity.
In summary, the inventive features center on a bidirectional, segment-based visual representation of physiological signals, integrated actionable indicators for goals and peaks, processor-controlled simultaneous segment actuation according to real-time state, and dynamic visualization reflecting state and quality changes.
Stated Advantages
The visual element provides a unique, quickly discernible display, enabling clinicians to readily identify and monitor specific physiological parameters amid potentially overwhelming clinical data.
The system allows actionable goal and peak indicators to help both caregivers and patients track target values and historical peak performance, supporting therapy and diagnosis.
Dynamic color changes or flashing provide immediate, intuitive feedback on physiological transitions, enhancing the recognition of inspiratory and expiratory phases or signal quality changes.
The system offers continuous, clear respiratory monitoring that can save lives by helping predict and respond to respiratory failure more effectively.
Documented Applications
Continuous clinical monitoring of a patient's respiratory activity using an acoustic respiratory sensor and visual display in high-risk, perioperative, intensive care, or similar settings.
Use in non-critical care scenarios including exercise testing and cardiac investigations to assess and display respiratory or other physiological signals.
Patient recovery therapy, such as post-surgical lung exercise, employing goal indicators to motivate targeted respiratory performance.
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