Monitoring system

Abstract

A method of performing impedance measurements on a subject. The method includes using a processing system to determine at least one impedance measurement to be performed, and at one electrode arrangement associated with the determined measurement. A representation of the arrangement is displayed so the impedance measurement can be performed once the electrodes have been arranged in accordance with the displayed representation.

1 ) A method of performing impedance measurements on a subject, the method including, in a processing system:
 a) determining at least one impedance measurement to be performed;   b) determining at least one electrode arrangement associated with the determined impedance measurement;   c) displaying a representation indicative of the electrode arrangement; and,   d) causing the impedance measurement to be performed once the electrodes have been arranged in accordance with the displayed representation.   
     
     
         2 ) A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the method includes, in the processing system:
 a) receiving input commands indicating that the electrodes are arranged in accordance with the displayed arrangement; and,   b) causing the impedance measurement to be performed in accordance with the received input command.   
     
     
         3 ) A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the representation is indicative of:
 a) the position of a set of electrodes; and,   b) lead connections between the processing system and a number of the set of electrodes.   
     
     
         4 ) A method according to  claim 3 , wherein the representation includes, for each lead connection, a respective colour indication, the colour indication being indicative of a colour for a respective lead. 
     
     
         5 ) A method according to any one of the  claims 1  to  4 , wherein the method includes, in the processing system:
 a) determining a sequence of measurements; and, 
 b) generating a sequence of representations, each representation defining a respective electrode arrangement for performing a respective measurement. 
 
     
     
         6 ) A method according to  claim 5 , wherein each measurement is performed for a corresponding body segment. 
     
     
         7 ) A method according to any one of the  claims 1  to  6 , wherein the method includes:
 a) determining an impedance measurement type; and, 
 b) determining, using the determined impedance measurement type, an impedance measurement profile, the profile being indicative of the at least one impedance measurement to be performed. 
 
     
     
         8 ) A method according to  claim 7 , wherein the method includes, in the processing system:
 a) displaying an indication of available impedance measurement types; and,   b) determining a respective one of the available impedance measurement types in accordance with input commands from an operator.   
     
     
         9 ) A method according to  claim 7  or  claim 8 , wherein the impedance measurement type is for determining at least one of:
 a) one or more parameters relating to cardiac function; 
 b) the presence, absence or degree of oedema; 
 c) one or more parameters relating to body composition; and, 
 d) the subject's total body water; and, 
 e) the subject's Fat Free Mass (FFM). 
 
     
     
         10 ) A method according to any one of the  claims 1  to  9 , wherein the method includes, in the processing system:
 a) receiving data representing at least one measured impedance value; and, 
 b) generating a representation of the at least one measured impedance value. 
 
     
     
         11 ) A method according to  claim 10 , wherein the method includes, in the processing system:
 a) selecting a representation type based on a selected impedance measurement type; and,   b) generating the representation in accordance with the selected representation type.   
     
     
         12 ) A method according to  claim 10  or  claim 11 , wherein the representation is in the form of at least one of
 a) a Wessel plot; 
 a) an argand diagram; 
 b) a list of impedance values; 
 c) a reactance against frequency plot; and, 
 d) resistance against frequency plot. 
 
     
     
         13 ) A method according to any one of the  claims 10  to  12 , wherein the method includes, in the processing system:
 a) receiving data representing at least one measured impedance value; 
 b) processing the at least one measured impedance value to determine at least one impedance parameter; and, 
 c) generating a representation of the at least one impedance parameter. 
 
     
     
         14 ) A method according to  claim 13 , wherein the method includes, in the processing system:
 a) determining a processing operation based on a selected impedance measurement type; and,   b) processing the at least one measured impedance value in accordance with the determined processing operation.   
     
     
         15 ) A method according to any one of the  claims 1  to  14 , wherein the method includes in the processing system:
 a) determining at least one subject parameter relating to the subject; and, 
 b) at least one of
 i) determining the impedance measurement to be performed in accordance with the determined at least one subject parameter; and, 
 ii) processing at least one measured impedance value in accordance with the determined at least one subject parameter. 
 
 
     
     
         16 ) A method according to  claim 15 , wherein the subject parameter is at least one of
 a) an indication of a presence, absence or degree of a condition;   b) an indication of an intervention;   c) an indication of a body segment at risk of a condition;   d) age;   e) height;   f) weight; and,   g) sex.   
     
     
         17 ) A method according to  claim 15  or  claim 16 , wherein the method includes, in the processing system, determining the at least one subject parameter from a remote database. 
     
     
         18 ) A method according to  claim 17 , wherein the method includes, in the processing system:
 a) determining a unique identifier indicative of an identity of the subject; and,   b) determining the at least one subject parameter using the unique identifier.   
     
     
         19 ) A method according to  claim 17 , wherein the processing system is coupled to a reader for sensing coded data from a surface, and wherein the method includes, in the processing system:
 a) receiving indicating data from the reader, the indicating data being indicative of the unique identifier and being determined by sensing coded data provided on a subject identification device; and,   b) using the indicating data to determine the unique identifier.   
     
     
         20 ) A method according to  claim 19 , wherein the subject identification device is a bracelet having coded data disposed thereon. 
     
     
         21 ) A method according to any one of the  claims 1  to  20 , wherein the method includes, in the processing system:
 a) determining the availability of at least one reference; and, 
 b) at least one of:
 i) determining the impedance measurement to be performed in accordance with the determined availability; and, 
 ii) processing at least one measured impedance value in accordance with the determined availability. 
 
 
     
     
         22 ) A method according to  claim 3 , wherein the positioning of the electrodes is performed in accordance with the theory of equal potentials. 
     
     
         23 ) A method according to  claim 22 , wherein the positioning of the electrodes includes:
 a) a first current supply electrode positioned on a limb being measured;   b) a second current supply electrode on a second limb on a the same lateral side of the subject as the limb being measured;   c) a first voltage electrode positioned on a limb being measured; and,   d) a second voltage electrode positioned on a third limb contra-lateral to the limb being measured.   
     
     
         24 ) A method according to any one of the  claims 1  to  23 , wherein the processing system is coupled to a monitoring unit, and wherein the method includes, in the processing system:
 a) generating instructions; and, 
 b) transferring the instructions to the monitoring unit, the monitoring unit being responsive to the instructions to cause the impedance measurements to be performed. 
 
     
     
         25 ) A method according to  claim 24 , wherein the monitoring unit includes at least two channels, each channel being adapted to measure the impedance across a respective body segment, and wherein the method includes, in the processing system, causing at least one impedance measurement to be performed using each channel. 
     
     
         26 ) A method according to  claim 24  or  claim 25 , wherein the monitoring unit includes a processor, and wherein the processor is for:
 a) receiving the instructions; and, 
 b) causing one or more impedance measurements to be performed using the instructions. 
 
     
     
         27 ) A method according to any one of the  claims 1  to  26 , wherein the method includes, causing the impedance measurement to be performed by:
 a) causing one or more excitation signals to be applied to the subject; and, 
 b) determining one or more voltage signals measured across the subject. 
 
     
     
         28 ) A method according to  claim 27 , wherein the one or more excitation signals are at least one of
 a) a number of current signals, each current signal having a respective frequency; and,   b) a current signal formed from a number of superposed frequencies.   
     
     
         29 ) Apparatus for performing impedance measurements on a subject, the apparatus including a processing system for:
 a) determining at least one impedance measurement to be performed;   b) determining at least one electrode arrangement associated with the determined impedance measurement;   c) displaying a representation indicative of the electrode arrangement; and,   d) causing the impedance measurement to be performed once the electrodes have been arranged in accordance with the displayed representation.   
     
     
         30 ) Apparatus according to  claim 29 , wherein the apparatus is for performing the method of any one of the  claims 1  to  28 . 
     
     
         31 ) A method of performing impedance measurements on a subject, the method including, in a processing system:
 a) determining at least one impedance measurement to be performed;   b) receiving data representing at least one measured impedance value;   c) processing the at least one measured impedance value to determine at least one impedance parameter; and,   d) generating a representation of the at least one impedance parameter, wherein at least one of the processing and the generating are performed in accordance with the at least one impedance measurement.   
     
     
         32 ) A method according to  claim 31 , wherein the method includes, in the processing system:
 a) selecting a representation type based on a selected impedance measurement type; and,   b) generating a representation of the at least one measured impedance value in accordance with the selected representation type.   
     
     
         33 ) A method according to  claim 32 , wherein the representation is in the form of at least one of:
 a) a Wessel plot;   b) an argand diagram;   b) a list of impedance values;   c) a reactance against frequency plot; and,   d) resistance against frequency plot.   
     
     
         34 ) A method according to any one of the  claims 31  to  33 , wherein the method includes, in the processing system:
 a) determining a processing operation based on a selected impedance measurement type; and, 
 b) processing the at least one measured impedance value in accordance with the determined processing operation. 
 
     
     
         35 ) A method according to any one of the  claims 31  to  34 , wherein the method includes in the processing system:
 a) determining at least one subject parameter relating to the subject; and, 
 b) at least one of
 i) determining the impedance measurement to be performed in accordance with the determined at least one subject parameter; and, 
 ii) processing the at least one measured impedance value in accordance with the determined at least one subject parameter. 
 
 
     
     
         36 ) A method according to  claim 35 , wherein the subject parameter is at least one of:
 a) an indication of a presence, absence or degree of a condition;   b) an indication of an intervention;   c) an indication of a body segment at risk of a condition;   d) age;   e) height;   f) weight; and,   g) sex.   
     
     
         37 ) A method according to any one of the  claims 31  to  36 , wherein the method includes, in the processing system:
 a) determining the availability of at least one reference; and, 
 b) at least one of:
 i) determining the impedance measurement to be performed in accordance with the determined availability; and, 
 ii) processing the at least one measured impedance value in accordance with the determined availability. 
 
 
     
     
         38 ) A method according to any one of the  claims 31  to  37 , wherein the method is used with the method of any one of the  claims 1  to  28 . 
     
     
         39 ) Apparatus for performing impedance measurements on a subject, the apparatus including a processing system for:
 a) determining at least one impedance measurement to be performed;   b) receiving data representing at least one measured impedance value;   c) processing the at least one measured impedance value to determine at least one impedance parameter; and,   d) generating a representation of the at least one impedance parameter, wherein at least one of the processing and generating representation are performed in accordance with the at least one impedance measurement.   
     
     
         40 ) Apparatus according to  claim 39 , wherein the apparatus is used in performing the method of  claim 31 . 
     
     
         41 ) A method of performing impedance measurements on a subject, the method including, in a processing system:
 a) determining at least one impedance measurement type;   b) determining a profile indicative of a sequence of impedance measurements;   c) displaying a representation indicative of required electrode arrangements; and,   d) causing the impedance measurements to be performed.   
     
     
         42 ) A method according to  claim 41 , wherein the processing system is coupled to a monitoring unit, and wherein the method includes, in the processing system:
 a) generating instructions; and,   b) transferring the instructions to the monitoring unit, the monitoring unit being responsive to the instructions to cause the impedance measurements to be performed.   
     
     
         43 ) A method according to  claim 42 , wherein the method includes using a monitoring unit including a processor, and wherein the processor is for:
 a) receiving the instructions; and,   b) causing one or more impedance measurements to be performed using the instructions.   
     
     
         44 ) A method according to  claim 43 , wherein the method includes, causing the impedance measurement to be performed by:
 a) causing one or more excitation signals to be applied to the subject; and,   b) determining one or more voltage signals measured across the subject.   
     
     
         45 ) A method according to  claim 44 , wherein the one or more excitation signals are at least one of
 a) a number of current signals, each current signal having a respective frequency; and,   b) a current signal formed from a number of superposed frequencies.   
     
     
         46 ) A method according to any one of the  claims 41  to  45 , wherein the method includes using a monitoring unit including at least two channels, each channel being adapted to measure the impedance across a respective body segment, and wherein the method includes, in the processing system, causing at least one impedance measurement to be performed using each channel. 
     
     
         47 ) A method according to  claim 46 , wherein each channel being adapted to measure the impedance across a respective body segment, and wherein the method includes, in the processing system, causing at least one impedance measurement to be performed using each channel. 
     
     
         48 ) A method according to any one of the  claims 41  to  47 , wherein the method includes, in the processing system:
 a) displaying an indication of available impedance measurement types; and, 
 b) determining a respective one of the available impedance measurement types in accordance with input commands from an operator. 
 
     
     
         49 ) A method according to any one of the  claims 41  to  48 , wherein the impedance measurement type is for determining at least one of
 a) one or more parameters relating to cardiac function; 
 b) the presence, absence or degree of oedema; 
 c) one or more parameters relating to body composition; and, 
 d) the subject's total body water; and, 
 e) the subject's Fat Free Mass (FFM). 
 
     
     
         50 ) A method according to any one of the  claims 41  to  49 , wherein the method includes in the processing system:
 a) determining at least one subject parameter relating to the subject; and, 
 b) at least one of:
 i) determining the impedance measurement to be performed in accordance with the determined at least one subject parameter; and, 
 ii) processing at least one measured impedance value in accordance with the determined at least one subject parameter. 
 
 
     
     
         51 ) A method according to  claim 50 , wherein the subject parameter is at least one of:
 a) an indication of a presence, absence or degree of a condition;   b) an indication of an intervention;   c) an indication of a body segment at risk of a condition;   d) age;   e) height;   f) weight; and,   g) sex.   
     
     
         52 ) A method according to  claim 50  or  claim 51 , wherein the method includes, in the processing system, determining the at least one subject parameter from a remote database. 
     
     
         53 ) A method according to any one of the  claims 41  to  52 , wherein the method includes, in the processing system:
 a) determining a unique identifier indicative of an identity of the subject; and, 
 b) determining the at least one subject parameter using the unique identifier. 
 
     
     
         54 ) A method according to  claim 53 , wherein the processing system is coupled to a reader for sensing coded data from a surface, and wherein the method includes, in the processing system:
 a) receiving indicating data from the reader, the indicating data being indicative of the unique identifier and being determined by sensing coded data provided on a subject identification device; and,   b) using the indicating data to determine the unique identifier.   
     
     
         55 ) A method according to  claim 54 , wherein the subject identification device is a bracelet having coded data disposed thereon. 
     
     
         56 ) A method according to any one of the  claims 41  to  55 , wherein the method is a method according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         57 ) Apparatus for performing impedance measurements on a subject, the apparatus including a processing system for:
 a) determining at least one impedance measurement type;   b) determining a profile indicative of a sequence of impedance measurements;   c) displaying a representation indicative of required electrode arrangements; and,   d) causing the impedance measurements to be performed.   
     
     
         58 ) A method according to  claim 57 , wherein the apparatus is for performing the method of  claim 41 . 
     
     
         59 ) A method for configuring a processing system for use in impedance analysis of a subject, the method including, in a processing system:
 a) receiving configuration data, the configuration data being indicative of at least one feature;   b) determining, using the configuration data, instructions representing the at least one feature; and,   c) causing, at least in part using the instructions, at least one of:
 i) impedance measurements to be performed; and, 
 ii) analysis of impedance measurements. 
   
     
     
         60 ) A method according to  claim 59 , wherein the configuration data includes the instructions. 
     
     
         61 ) A method according to  claim 59  or  claim 60 , wherein the method includes, in the processing system:
 a) determining an indication of the at least one feature using the configuration data; and, 
 b) determining the instructions using the indication of the at least one feature. 
 
     
     
         62 ) A method according to any one of the  claims 59  to  61 , wherein the method includes, in the processing system, decrypting the received configuration data. 
     
     
         63 ) A method according to  claim 62 , wherein the method includes, in the processing system:
 a) determining a device identifier associated with the processing system;   b) determining, using the device identifier, a key; and,   c) decrypting the received configuration data using the key.   
     
     
         64 ) A method according to any one of the  claims 59  to  63 , wherein the processing system includes first and second processing systems, and wherein the method includes:
 a) in the first processing system, selecting the instructions using the configuration data; and, 
 b) in the second processing system, generating the control signals using selected instructions. 
 
     
     
         65 ) A method according to  claim 64 , wherein the method includes, in the processing first system, at least one of
 a) transferring the instructions to the second processing system; and,   b) causing the second processing system to access the instructions from a store.   
     
     
         66 ) A method according to  claim 65 , wherein the method includes, in the processing system, receiving the configuration data from at least one of a computer system and a communications network. 
     
     
         67 ) A method according to any one of the  claims 59  to  66 , wherein the method includes, in the processing system:
 a) determining if a feature selected by a user is available; 
 b) if the feature is not available, determining if the user wishes to enable the feature; and, 
 c) if the user wishes to enable the feature, causing configuration data to be received. 
 
     
     
         68 ) A method according to  claim 67 , wherein the method includes, in the processing system:
 a) causing the user to provide a payment to a device provider; and,   b) receiving the configuration data in response to payment.   
     
     
         69 ) Apparatus for configuring a processing system for use in impedance analysis of a subject, the apparatus including a processing system for:
 a) receiving configuration data, the configuration data being indicative of at least one feature;   b) determining, using the configuration data, instructions representing the at least one feature; and,   c) causing, at least in part using the instructions, at least one of
 i) impedance measurements to be performed; and, 
 ii) analysis of impedance measurements. 
   
     
     
         70 ) Apparatus according to  claim 69 , wherein the processing system forms at least part of at least one of:
 a) an end station; and,   b) a measuring device.   
     
     
         71 ) Apparatus according to  claim 69  or  claim 70 , wherein the apparatus is for performing the method of any one of the  claims 59  to  68 . 
     
     
         72 ) A method for configuring a processing system for use in impedance analysis of a subject, the method including, in a computer system:
 a) determining configuration data required for the processing system, the configuration data being indicative of at least one feature; and,   b) causing the configuration data to be received by the processing system, the processing system being responsive to the configuration data to cause, at least one of:
 i) impedance measurements to be performed; and, 
 ii) analysis of impedance measurements. 
   
     
     
         73 ) A method according to  claim 72 , wherein the method includes, in the computer system:
 a) determining a device identifier, the device identifier being associated with the processing system to be configured; and,   b) using the device identifier to at least one of
 i) transfer the configuration data to the processing system; and, 
 ii) encrypt the configuration data. 
   
     
     
         74 ) A method according to  claim 72  or  claim 73 , wherein the method includes, in the computer system, determining the configuration data is required in response to at least one of
 a) payment made by a user of the processing system; and, 
 b) approval of the feature. 
 
     
     
         75 ) A method according to  claim 74 , wherein the method includes, in the computer system:
 a) determining regulatory approval of the at least one feature in at least one region;   b) determining at least one processing system in the at least one region; and,   c) configuring the at least one processing system.   
     
     
         76 ) A method according to any one of the  claims 72  to  75 , wherein the method is used in the method of any one of the  claims 59  to  68 . 
     
     
         77 ) Apparatus for configuring a processing system for use impedance analysis of a subject, the method including, in a computer system:
 a) determining configuration data required for a processing system, the configuration data being indicative of at least one feature; and,   b) causing the configuration data to be received by the processing system, the processing system being responsive to the configuration data to cause, at least one of:
 i) impedance measurements to be performed; and, 
 ii) analysis of impedance measurements. 
   
     
     
         78 ) Apparatus according to  claim 77 , wherein the apparatus is for performing the method of any one of the  claims 72  to  76 . 
     
     
         79 ) A for use in diagnosing conditions in a subject, the method including, in a processing system:
 a) determining at least one impedance measurement to be performed;   b) determining at least one electrode arrangement associated with the determined impedance measurement;   c) displaying a representation indicative of the electrode arrangement; and,   d) causing the impedance measurement to be performed once the electrodes have been arranged in accordance with the displayed representation.   
     
     
         80 ) A for use in diagnosing conditions in a subject, the method including, in a processing system:
 a) determining at least one impedance measurement to be performed;   b) receiving data representing at least one measured impedance value;   c) processing the at least one measured impedance value to determine at least one impedance parameter; and,   d) generating a representation of the at least one impedance parameter, wherein at least one of the processing and the generating are performed in accordance with the at least one impedance measurement.   
     
     
         81 ) A for use in diagnosing conditions in a subject, the method including, in a processing system:
 a) determining at least one impedance measurement type;   b) determining a profile indicative of a sequence of impedance measurements;   c) displaying a representation indicative of required electrode arrangements; and,   d) causing the impedance measurements to be performed.   
     
     
         82 ) A for use in diagnosing conditions in a subject, the method including, in a processing system:
 a) receiving configuration data, the configuration data being indicative of at least one feature;   b) determining, using the configuration data, instructions representing the at least one feature; and,   c) causing, at least in part using the instructions, at least one of
 i) impedance measurements to be performed; and, 
 ii) analysis of impedance measurements. 
   
     
     
         83 ) A for use in diagnosing conditions in a subject, the method including, in a computer system:
 a) determining configuration data required for the processing system, the configuration data being indicative of at least one feature; and,   b) causing the configuration data to be received by the processing system, the processing system being responsive to the configuration data to cause, at least one of:
 i) impedance measurements to be performed; and, 
 ii) analysis of impedance measurements.