Scott Edwin Charles

US Patent:

6668183, Dec 23, 2003

Filed:

Sep 11, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/953138

Inventors:

Christopher Anthony Hicks - Boulder CO
Mark A. Norris - Louisville CO
Matti Veli Tapani Huiku - Espoo, FI
Scott James Charles Light - Boulder CO

Assignee:

Datex-Ohmeda, Inc. - Madison WI

International Classification:

A61B 500

US Classification:

600331, 600322, 600323

Abstract:

A photoplethysmographic system and method is provided to identify compatible sensors to monitors and/or for determining sensor attributes. The improved system includes a signal generation means for providing an interrogation signal, an identifying means coupled between a first and second sensor terminal operable to produce multiple outputs upon application of the interrogation signal in two modes of operation, and a processor to interpret the outputs. When the interrogation signal is applied to a sensor terminal in a first mode, a first output is obtained. Upon applying the same interrogation signal to the sensor terminal in a second mode, a second output is obtained. The first and second outputs may then be utilized by the processor comprising, for example, a photoplethysmographic monitor to yield enhanced sensor information. The disclosed method may be carried out utilizing the inventive photoplethysmographic system.