• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    The present invention relates to a handset for a nurse call system. The handset includes a call button having a status indicator (1) to indicate whether a call is present or not and arranged to establish a passive electrical connection (5) with a nurse call system by providing a first communication link between the handset and a central nurse call system controller through the at least one nurse call input / output device configured to communicate with the handset. The handset further comprises a processor (4) capable of monitoring the status indicator and the call button and is characterized in that the handset is arranged to establish a second communication link via a malfunction of the nurse call system upon detection of malfunctioning of the nurse call system. a nurse call network (8) connecting the handset to the nurse call system.
    公开号:BE1022806B1
    申请号:E2014/5105
    申请日:2014-12-06
    公开日:2016-09-09
    发明作者:Geert Verhaeghe；Alexander Vanoosthuyse
    申请人:Televic Healthcare；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to the field of handsets that are part of a nurse call system and that should be able to communicate with other parts of the nurse call system.
    Background of the Invention Since nursing call systems must enable people to get help quickly in emergencies, system failure protection and the ability to function faultlessly at any time are crucial. The VDE standard (DIN VDE 0834) takes these considerations into account. The standard stipulates that the calling system must work completely independently of parts that are not part of the system. Data transfer with other systems is only permitted when the system's own interfaces are used.
    Especially for environments in which nurses are called up, the VDE control determines that the system must function reliably. In the past, VDE control was met by merely implementing line monitoring systems that detect defects in cables and mechanical switches in the nurse call system.
    Due to the VDE control mentioned above, third-party network components may not form part of the core of the nurse call system. For this reason, own network switches were implemented in state-of-the-art solutions or network switching technology was added to the nurse callers.
    Japanese application JP2009135680 has to do with guaranteeing stable radio communication between devices of a nurse call system by improving the reliability of data to be sent and received. However, in the proposed solution only one communication path is available.
    JP2013012808 relates to a call controller for a nurse call system. A solution is proposed that makes it possible to make a call with an Internet Protocol (IP) telephone that has failed to receive an INVITE command that was first sent from a SIP server (Session Initiation) Protocol).
    Application US2009 / 217080 describes a distributed, error-resistant architecture for a healthcare communication system. The health care communication system includes a first multiple number of computer devices, such as patient stations, staff stations, and a main station operating as a nurse call system. The first multiple number of computer devices may have a basic functionality that is located in an embedded computer platform to make calls to nurses. A second multiple number of computer devices provides additional functionality to the first multiple number of computer devices via software plug-ins sent to the first multiple number of computer devices. In this way, an emergency system is proposed for a full IP system.
    There is a need to provide emergency measures when the preferential communication path cannot be guaranteed.
    Summary of the Invention It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a handset that allows communication with other components of a nurse call system in a more reliable manner.
    The above object is achieved by the solution according to the present invention.
    In a first aspect, the invention relates to a handset for a nurse call system. The handset comprises a call button provided with a status indicator to indicate whether a call is present or not and adapted to establish a passive electrical connection to a nurse call system by providing a first communication connection between the handset and a central controller of the nurse call system via at least one input / output device of the nurse call system, this being at least one input / output device adapted to communicate with the handset. The handset further comprises processing means which are capable of checking the status indicator and the call button and is characterized in that the handset is arranged, after detection of a defective operation of the nurse call system, to establish a second communication connection via a nurse call network that connects the handset to the nurse call system.
    The proposed solution indeed offers a redundant path. A first pad is provided by a passive electrical connection between the handset and the central controller via the at least one input / output device of the nurse call system. By checking the status indicator, the handset can detect an error or anomaly in the operation of the nurse call system. When a defective operation is observed, the processor in the handset can switch to a second communication path using a network connection between the handset and the nurse call system.
    In a preferred embodiment, the passive electrical connection meets the DIN VDE 0834 standard.
    In an advantageous embodiment, the handset comprises a screen. The screen is preferably arranged to display an indication of the defective operation.
    In a preferred embodiment, the processing means are adapted to detect a network error in the second communication connection.
    In one embodiment, the status indicator is arranged to emit a specific light pattern to indicate defective operation.
    In one embodiment, the second communication link is an Ethernet connection.
    Advantageously, the call button is a normally closed button. In that case, the processing means are preferably adapted to detect incorrect operation of the call button.
    In another aspect, the invention relates to a nurse call system comprising a handset as previously described.
    In order to summarize the invention and the realized advantages over the prior art, certain objects and advantages of the invention have been described above. It goes without saying that all such objectives or advantages are not necessarily achieved according to one specific embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, persons skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or embodied in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of benefits as described herein, without necessarily realizing other goals or benefits described or suggested herein. .
    The above and other aspects of the invention will become clear and further explained with reference to the embodiment (s) described below.
    Brief description of the drawings The invention will now be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements in the various figures.
    Fig. 1 illustrates a general block diagram of a nurse call system and its main components.
    Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the handset according to the invention.
    Fig. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the handset connected to other components of a nurse call system.
    Fig. 4 illustrates a flow chart of reliably transmitting a nurse call call alarm.
    Detailed Description of Illustrative Embodiments The present invention will be described with reference to specific embodiments and with reference to certain drawings, but the invention is not limited thereto, but is only limited by the claims.
    Moreover, the terms first, second, etc. are used in the description and in the claims to distinguish between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequence, either in time, in space, in importance or in any other way. It is to be understood that the terms used are interchangeable under proper conditions and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operating in sequences other than those described or illustrated herein.
    It is to be noted that the term "comprising" as used in the claims should not be interpreted as being limited to the means specified thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It must therefore be interpreted as a specification of the presence of the listed features, units, steps or components referred to, but it does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, units, steps or components or groups thereof. Therefore, the scope of the expression "a device comprising means A and B" should not be limited to devices consisting only of parts A and B. It means that with regard to the present invention, the only relevant parts of the device A and B to be.
    References in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or feature described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Statements of the phrase "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" at different places in this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, but it is possible. Furthermore, the specific features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.
    In a similar manner, it should be noted that in the description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof to streamline disclosure and understanding of one or more of the facilitate various inventive aspects. However, this method of disclosure should not be interpreted as an expression of an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than expressly stated in each claim. As shown in the following claims, the inventive aspects lie in less than all the features of a single preceding disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the claims that follow the detailed description are hereby explicitly included in this detailed description, wherein each claim stands on its own as a separate embodiment of the present invention.
    In addition, since some embodiments described herein include some, but not other, features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are intended to fall within the scope of the invention and to form different embodiments, such as will be understood by someone skilled in this field. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.
    It should be noted that the use of particular terminology in describing certain aspects of the invention does not imply that the terminology herein is redefined to be limited to any specific features of the features or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated.
    In the description given here, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention can be worked out without these specific details. In other cases, well-known methods, structures and techniques were not shown in detail in order not to obstruct the understanding of this description.
    The present invention relates to a handset, i.e., a portable call unit, for use in a nurse call system. The nurse call system as described in this invention can be expanded to meet various needs such as intercom, home automation control, access control and so on. A block diagram of a nurse call system improved with such functions is shown in Fig. 1.
    Fig. 1 illustrates a nurse call system with its main components. The handset is connected to a wall connection via a cable h, which can be seen as a hybrid cable comprising both passive connection p and a network connection n. In the topology of Fig. 1, the wall connection is connected to the I / O device via a passive link p and to the other components of the nurse call system via the network connection n. The other components of the nurse call system are shown in the figure: nurse station, central controller and a database. These components are also linked to each other via network connections n. In the database it is possible to store information about errors that were detected in the nurse call system, which can be useful for later analysis. Immediate actions that must be taken are usually displayed in the nursing station. These messages can just as well be forwarded by the central controller to third-party systems such as a GSM network, DECT, pagers etc.
    The nurse call messages (commonly referred to as alarms) are sent to the central controller for processing and distribution. The central controller is also able to distribute the error messages along with the other nurse call messages to other input / output devices in the system if it is instructed to do so. A vital component in a nurse call system is formed by the devices to which the patients have access, i.e. the handset.
    Because of their known non-deterministic nature, ethernet networks have not been used for a long time to implement nurse call systems. In these systems, ethernet was used at most in conjunction with the nurse call system to make added value (such as entertainment, VolP telephony, etc.) available in the patient's environment.
    However, the saving potential of using a widely used network infrastructure such as ethernet for everything in the hospital is clear: standard components and cabling can be shared, value-added services and useful functions can be brought separately to the service point. Standard equipment simplifies maintenance and allows for easy replacement or expansion of devices in the rooms. Additional call functions for nurses such as the nurse's notification of her presence or more standard functions such as VolP telephony can then be made easily available.
    The present invention offers a step in that direction. It represents a second connection between the handset and the L / O device. In addition to the passive VDE connection (DIN VDE 0834), there is also a connection via a nurse call network, for example via an Ethernet connection.
    An embodiment of the handset according to the invention is shown schematically in Fig. 2. It includes a push button, a keyboard, and a screen. A wired connection is provided between the handset and an L / O device in the patient's room. The cabling is compatible with the VDE standard.
    In the previous explanation of the operating principles, the first path is always referred to as a passive connection. It should be clearly understood that "passive" in this context means a link that reliably indicates the status of a button and indicator to an input / output device. In the simplest way this can be achieved with a single physical electrical connection such as a copper wire. In a more comprehensive way, this can be accomplished by implementing a virtual connection through a proprietary secure software link between the handset and the input / output device, making abstraction of the physical medium used to transfer the status of the button and indicator via the link.
    Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of the connection of the handset to the rest of the nurse call system. If a patient needs assistance, he presses the button (2) on the handset. When the call is accepted in the system, the indicator (1) in the handset will flash at a predetermined rhythm. The indicator (1) is usually an LED behind or close to the button. Its primary function is to provide feedback to the user that his call has been accepted. The button (2) is typically a normally closed (NC) button so that cabling and button defects can be taken into account. Detectors (3) are arranged to detect changes to the buttons and the LED indicator. The handset is further provided with a processor (4), which makes it possible to run (possibly own) software on the handset to check the indicator (1) and the call button (2).
    The handset has a passive connection to the input / output device (I / O). The passive connection is VDE compatible. In Figure 3, the I / O device is shown as part of a terminal. In another possible embodiment, it is a stand-alone device. The terminal mentioned above proposes various possible implementations of these terminals for calling on nurses who are solely dependent on the installed hardware and / or software options. These options include the availability of VolP, touch screen, etc.
    In the solution according to the invention, a second communication link is provided between the handset and central controller of the nurse call system (10). A network connection (6) is established, for example via Ethernet cabling, between the handset and the nurse call system. A network connection (11) is available between the I / O device and the central controller.
    Flet1 / O device includes an output (7), which is a driver that puts signals on the cabling. The input (8) of the I / O device is adapted to detect incoming signals.
    Since passive, e.g., wired, connections are still a more robust way of handling mission-critical systems, the primary communication mechanism in the handset of this invention is still electrical cabling. The invention proposes in this case the use of a network connection (e.g. an ethernet connection) as an emergency mechanism.
    Fig. 4 shows a flow chart for a reliable dispatch of a nurse call alert. As a first verification means, the feedback is checked after pressing the button using the detector on the cabling to the LED. This is done by first detecting the input change. A timer is then started on the processor of the handset. This timer is waiting for a change to the detector on the LED side. If the LED changes within the specified time, the processor can reliably conclude that the nurse call call has been successfully processed by the other I / O device. If the LED does not change state (i.e. the LED does not blink), this is detected by the processor and a connection session with network communication is started, e.g. via IP or via Ethernet. The condition for this emergency mechanism is that the network connection is still present and functional.
    If an error is detected in both communication links within a fixed period of time (e.g., within a 3-second interval), the handset can reliably assume that it is in an isolated mode. Both communication paths are unavailable in an isolated mode. If the handset is in an isolated mode, it will not cause the LED to flash in the usual way, but will do something else, for example, to emit a predetermined light pattern. A buzzer sound is generated by default. As a secondary action, the entire workflow is restarted after 10 seconds, until a nurse clears the alarm through the nurse call menus on the handset.
    In the above description, the second communication connection via a network was represented as an Ethernet connection. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that this is merely an example. Other options for implementing the second communication connection are any wireless or wired network connection, such as a Local Area Network, a WiFi network, a private network, etc.
    The proposed solution increases reliability by using the network capabilities of the system as a backup for the traditional wired monitoring scheme.
    The emergency mechanism mentioned above enables the system to detect and account for various defects that may occur in the nurse call system. With regard to the call button, the most common defect is wear of the contact mechanism due to aging or overloading of the button. If this happens, the system detects that the button is no longer connected to ground for an extended period of time and signals it as an error status. The same mechanism also detects a possible cable break between the call button and the input / output device.
    The combination of the first passive link together with the network link also enables the nurse call system to detect whether the absence of presence detection of the call button is due to removal of the handset or to failure of a part of the system .
    By using the emergency mechanism described above, not only the button status is checked, but also the status of the indicator. The typical failure mode of an indicator (either an LED or a lamp) is that the indicator becomes an open circuit, which can be detected in the hardware described.
    By using the above additional detection mechanisms, the system can even detect and signal error states before the user actually presses the button, leading to a more reliable nurse call system.
    As mentioned above, the defects to the system can be signaled using the second communication path. In addition, appropriate messages can be generated on the handset to attract the attention of the user, being the patient and / or the nurse, to inform him of an error condition detected in the system even if the handset is not in isolated mode is located. This message can be something that is displayed on the LCD and / or a sound or message that is played through the speaker of the handset.
    If the cabling breaks or is defective, the system detects it at the hardware level. When a problem with the cabling to the processing unit is detected, the handset automatically returns to sending a nurse call message via the nurse call network. In this way, all parties who listen to the network message know that a call is present on the handset. By using an optional retransmission mechanism after a certain time, all parties are repeatedly informed of the state of the nurse call message on the handset until the error is removed, which increases the reliability of the nurse call message at the system level.
    By controlling the way the hardware is assembled, by controlling inputs and outputs, the handset of the invention provides an emergency mechanism for the most critical part of the system, namely the button to call a nurse. The preferred way to communicate a call for a nurse was therefore not changed: it is still the wired method. As an added value, the possibility is created for the handset to detect and evaluate the feedback provided by the processing unit (in the I / O device).
    Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustrations and descriptions are to be considered as illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. The foregoing description explains certain embodiments of the invention in detail. It should be noted, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing has been incorporated into the text, the invention may be practiced in many ways. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.
    Other variations on the disclosed embodiments may be understood and performed by persons skilled in the art and by practicing the claimed invention, through a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps and the indefinite article "a" does not exclude a plural. A single processor or other unit can perform the functions of different items in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are listed in mutually different dependent claims does not mean that a combination of those measures cannot be used to benefit. A computer program can be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or semiconductor medium supplied with or as part of other hardware, but can also be distributed in other forms, such as via the internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems. Any references in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.
    权利要求:
    Claims (11)
    [1]
    Conclusions
    A nurse call system comprising - a central controller (10) adapted to process and distribute nurse call messages, - an input / output device connected to said central controller via a first communication connection (11) of a nurse call network, - a handset arranged for communication with said input / output device via a passive electrical connection (5) and comprising a call button (2) provided with a status indicator (1) to indicate whether a call is present or not, and processing means (4) which being able to check said status indicator and said call button, characterized in that said processing means of said handset is adapted to establish a second communication connection (6) of said nurse call network after detection of a defective operation of the nurse call system with said connecting said handset to said input / output device at via said central controller.
    [2]
    A calling system according to claim 1, wherein said passive electrical connection is compatible with the DIN VDE 0834 standard.
    [3]
    A calling system according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a screen.
    [4]
    A calling system according to claim 3, wherein said screen is arranged to display an indication of said defective operation.
    [5]
    A calling system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said processing means (4) is adapted to detect a network error in said second communication connection.
    [6]
    A calling system according to claim 5, wherein said handset is arranged to provide feedback regarding the detection of a network error.
    [7]
    A calling system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said status indicator is arranged to emit a specific light pattern to signal said defective operation.
    [8]
    A calling system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second communication connection is an Ethernet connection.
    [9]
    A calling system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said calling button (2) is a normally closed button.
    [10]
    A calling system according to claim 9, wherein said processing means are arranged to detect malfunctioning of said call button.
    [11]
    A calling system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said processing means are arranged to detect malfunction of said status indicator.
    类似技术:
    公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题
    CA2872550C|2017-11-21|Method and apparatus for handling incoming calls at a hotel private branch exchange |
    CN107615342A|2018-01-19|DIY monitoring devices and method
    JP4704790B2|2011-06-22|Security system, security device and security method
    US20080172232A1|2008-07-17|Voice triggered emergency alert
    JP5813199B1|2015-11-17|Nurse call system
    JP5917449B2|2016-05-11|Monitoring device, monitoring device control method, server, server control method, monitoring system, and control program
    BE1022806B1|2016-09-09|Handset for a nurse call system
    JP2005073089A|2005-03-17|Telephone system
    JP2014168570A|2014-09-18|Nurse call system
    US20060262907A1|2006-11-23|Switching public safety answering points between central offices
    JP2010051565A|2010-03-11|Nurse call system
    JP2015162806A|2015-09-07|remote monitoring system
    WO2013189448A2|2013-12-27|Network element detection method and device
    JP2010198515A|2010-09-09|Information collection system
    JP2020102015A|2020-07-02|Security center and control method of security center
    JP5599685B2|2014-10-01|Reporting system and reporting method
    JP6723894B2|2020-07-15|Nurse call system and controller
    US8265302B2|2012-09-11|Method and apparatus for providing volume control with DC supervision
    JP4768460B2|2011-09-07|Nurse call system
    JP2008011580A|2008-01-17|Telephone system
    JP2007229128A|2007-09-13|Nurse call system
    EP2783478B1|2021-04-28|System and method for backup communication using power over ethernet
    JP2018082776A|2018-05-31|Redundancy device
    JP2006238303A|2006-09-07|Interphone system
    JP6034704B2|2016-11-30|Nurse call system
    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    EP2887242B1|2018-11-07|
    BE1022806A1|2016-09-09|
    EP2887242A1|2015-06-24|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    US6958706B2|1990-07-27|2005-10-25|Hill-Rom Services, Inc.|Patient care and communication system|
    GB2251106A|1990-12-18|1992-06-24|C & I Consultants Limited|Multi-point detection systems|
    US6304797B1|1997-07-31|2001-10-16|Rapid Patient Monitoring, L.L.C.|Automated medication dispenser with remote patient monitoring system|
    DE10242534A1|2002-09-12|2004-03-25|Siemens Ag|Call system based on a digital telecommunications system|
    JP2009135680A|2007-11-29|2009-06-18|Aiphone Co Ltd|Intercom system|
    US8046625B2|2008-02-22|2011-10-25|Hill-Rom Services, Inc.|Distributed fault tolerant architecture for a healthcare communication system|
    JP5687573B2|2011-06-28|2015-03-18|株式会社ケアコム|Call control device for nurse call system|
    法律状态:
    2020-08-27| MM| Lapsed because of non-payment of the annual fee|Effective date: 20191231 |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    EP13199350.3A|EP2887242B1|2013-12-23|2013-12-23|Hand call unit|
    EP13199350.3|2013-12-23|
    [返回顶部]