Hi Luke,

I agree that the wording in the Programming Guide is confusing. We also had assumed the same thing for a long time. However, I can confirm that while our MP70s are connected to the Central via LAN, which continuously records waveform data on the database server, we can simultaneously record waveform data via the serial connection.

Perhaps this excerpt of the Programming Guide clarifies what they meant:

"IntelliVue Rev. G.0 or higher allows the configuration of either a second MIB/RS232 port or the combination LAN interface and MIB/RS232 port for Data Export. The DtOut2 driver is used to connect a second port to Data Export. Only one connection is able to request wave data at a time, the other connection responds with a notification that wave polling is not possible.The first connection to request a successful wave poll receives the wave data."

My interpretation is that they are referring to the possibility of setting up two serial, or a combination of one serial/one LAN connection for data export. Only one of these could be used at a time to export waveform data via the Programming interface, and the LAN cannot be used if you are already connected to the Central.

Interestingly, the data recorded at the database server (i.e. via the connection over the LAN with the Central) is not the same as that exported by the data export interface. All waveforms recorded on the database server are sampled at 125 Hz, and the waveforms are presented as you would see them on the monitor (i.e. the waveforms are truncated using the limits on the bedside monitor, so if the blood pressure were to increase above the upper limit set at 140 mmHg (for example), the waveform appears truncated).

Using the data export interface, ECG is sampled at 500 Hz, and the blood pressure waveform will not be truncated by the limits on the bedside monitor.

Good luck with setting up the serial connection! I would recommend USB adapters that use the FTDI chipset rather than the Prolific chipset, and a modular RJ45-to-DB9 adapter that lets you manually wire each connection.

Nathan

Hi Luke,

But you can record both waveform and numerics data simultaneously from the MP70s, while connected to the Information Centre, provided you use the serial connection with OpenICE. We do this routinely for one of our research studies. We have even tested simultaneous recording from the same bed via OpenICE and Philips Holter export, and it worked. Have you found differently with your set up?

Hi Luke,

You are right - unfortunately, you can't connect via the LAN if the monitor is also connected to the central. However, you can use the serial interface while the central is connected via the LAN.

To quote the Data Export interface:

"The Data Export Interface of IntelliVue patient monitors cannot be accessed via the Local Area Network when the monitor is connected to the Philips LAN, e.g. to an Information Center (central station). Communication via the MIB/RS232 Interface is always possible (except with MP2/X2)."

The MP2/X2 doesn't have the serial interface, so your only option for that monitor is the LAN (via the battery pack).

Hope this helps,

Nathan

Hi Greg,

I suspect you are having issues because the software revision of your MP50 monitor is different than your MP70.

We have successfully tested OpenICE on both MP50 and MP70 monitors (as well as an X2), using software revision rev J, G, or E. I have tried running on software revision K, but I was not able to connect. We also tested on revisions C and D, but were unsuccessful, although this may have been a driver issue.

We have had problems connecting if the serial to USB adapter uses the Prolific chipset instead of the FTDI chipset, so I would recommend making sure your adapter has the FTDI chipset.

Finally, you can download Philips' data export interface from Philips incenter website:

http://incenter.medical.philips.com/Default.aspx?tabid=729

Go to the top right, and search for "data export". You should find the export protocol for revisions L, K, and H.

(X2, MP, MX & FM Series Rel L.0 Data Export Interface Program Guide, etc).

Hope this helps!

Nathan