Sensor interface system

Abstract

A sensor interface system for providing a connection between at least one sensor and a maternal-fetal monitor, wherein the interface system converts electrical muscle activity captured by the sensor(s) into uterine activity data signals for use by the maternal-fetal monitor. The sensor interface system of the invention preferably includes a conversion means for converting the signals from the sensor(s) into signals similar to those produced by a tocodynamometer.

We claim: 
     
         1 . An interface system comprising:
 a sensor interface for operably connecting to at least one maternal abdominal sensor and receiving at least one signal from the at least one maternal abdominal sensor;   a signal converter connected to the sensor interface, wherein the signal converter processes the at least one signal into output data that mimics electrical output from a tocodynamometer, intra-uterine pressure catheter, fetal scalp electrode, and/or ultrasound device; and   a maternal-fetal monitor port interface for operably and physically connecting to a maternal-fetal monitor,   wherein the maternal abdominal sensor is not a tocodynamometer or an ultrasound sensor.