Medical device audible and visual alarm synchronization
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12555663-B2
Publication Date
2026-02-17
Expiration Date
Abstract
A system includes a server including a clock and a plurality of medical devices in network communication with the server. Each medical device includes at least one alarm mechanism and an internal clock. A first medical device of the plurality of medical devices is configured to receive a clock synchronization data from the server, update the internal clock of the first medical device based on the clock synchronization data, provide an alarm signal of a first type at a first time, and provide a subsequent alarm signal of the first type at a second time. The second time occurs at a predetermined interval from the first time. Additionally, the second time is the same time the alarm signal of the first type is provided by a second medical device of the plurality of medical device.
Core Innovation
The invention describes medical-device alarm coordination using synchronized internal clocks and predetermined intervals associated with alarm types. A server or other time reference provides clock synchronization data, and medical devices use the synchronized clocks to provide alarms at selected times. The described system coordinates alarms of the same type and staggers different alarm types or alarms from different locations.
The described problem is continuous alarm noise and interference, which can make alarm identification and location more difficult. The system provides an alarm signal at a first time and a subsequent alarm signal at a predetermined interval, with that interval determined in part by alarm type. The alarm signals may be audible, visual, or tactile, and different devices may provide alarms out of sync.
Claims Coverage
The claim coverage encompasses three inventive features across three independent claims, comprising a system, an infusion pump, and a method.
Networked medical-device alarm system
Claim 1 recites a server with a clock and networked medical devices, each with an alarm mechanism and internal clock. A medical device receives clock synchronization data from the server, updates its internal clock, determines an alarm type associated with a predetermined interval, and provides a subsequent alarm at a different time from an alarm of that type provided by another medical device.
Infusion pump with synchronized alarm timing
Claim 9 recites an infusion pump with an internal clock, display device, speaker, and processor. The processor receives clock synchronization data from a server or another medical device, updates the internal clock, determines an alarm type associated with a predetermined interval, and provides a subsequent alarm out of sync with an alarm from another infusion pump.
Method for providing out-of-sync medical-device alarms
Claim 15 recites receiving clock synchronization data from a reference source and updating a medical device's internal clock. The device determines an alarm type associated with a predetermined interval and provides a subsequent alarm of that type at a different time from an alarm of a second type provided by another medical device.
The three independent claims cover a networked system, an infusion pump, and a method that use synchronized internal clocks and alarm-type-dependent predetermined intervals to coordinate alarms, including providing alarms out of sync across devices.
Stated Advantages
Reduced continuous alarm noise and interference.
Improved alarm identification and location.
Increased confidence in alarm accuracy.
Documented Applications
Coordination of alarms from networked medical devices, including infusion pumps, with example device arrangements across hospital rooms.
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