2 Theory of Operation Integrated Monitor Theory of Operation
24
The amount of data stored in the data provider system service varies for the different data types. for
example several seconds of wave forms and the full set of current numerical values are temorarily stored
in RAM.
Persistent Data Storage System Service
Some applications require storage of data over longer periods of time. They can use the persistent data
storage system service. Dependent on the application requirements, this service can store data either in
battery backed-up (buffered) memory or in flash memory. The buffered memory will lose its contents
if the monitor is without power (not connected to mains) for an extended period of time. The flash
memory does not lose its contents.
The trend application for example stores vital signs data in a combination of flash memory and
buffered memory, while the system configuration information (profiles) is kept purely in flash
memory.
Display and User Interface Service
Applications can use high level commands to display monitoring data or status and command windows
on the internal LCD panel. These commands are interpreted by the display manager application. This
application controls the dedicated video hardware which includes video memory and a special ASIC.
User input is acquired from a variety of input devices, for example the SpeedPoint, the touchscreen or
other standard input devices (keyboard, mouse) which may be attached to I/O boards. The system
software makes sure that the user input is directed to the application which has the operating focus.
Data Output
The monitoring system is very flexible and customizable regarding its data output devices. Built-in
devices (for example LAN, alarm lamps, speaker, video) provide the basic output capabilities.
These capabilities can be enhanced by adding additional I/O boards, as required in the specific end-
user setup. The additional I/O boards typically provide data to externally attached devices, for example
to printers, RS232 based data collection devices, nurse call systems etc.
The monitor can identify I/O boards by means of a serial EEPROM device that stores type and version
information. The operating system detects the cards and automatically connects the I/O board with the
associated (interface driver) application. For some multi- purpose cards it is necessary to configure the
card for a particular purpose first (for example the dual MIB/RS232 card can support external touch
display, data import, data export).
Monitor Applications
The monitor applications provide additional system functionality over the basic measurement and
monitoring capabilities. This includes for example trending, report generating, event storage or derived
measurements.
In general, the monitor applications use the data provider system service to access the measurement
data. Application interfaces to the other system services allow the application to visualize data, to store
data over extended periods of time or to output data to other devices.
Internal LAN (Measurement Server Link)
All components of the monitoring system (including measurement servers and CPUs in the monitor)
communicate using an IEEE802.3/ Ethernet LAN in the Measurement Server Link (MSL). This
network is used to distribute data between the components, for example:
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
