Operator's Manual

3.3 Theory of operation
Tempus Pro User/Operator Manual - 41-2001EN-00 – Page 35
3.3.15 Communications
GPS
The Tempus contains a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) receiver. This can be used to detect signals from
multiple geostationary satellites to obtain a location (expressed in terms of longitude and latitude). The GPS
receiver needs a clear view of the sky to work and so must be used outside.
Digital camera & waveform snapshot
A miniature digital camera is mounted in the unit. Still photos of the patient can be taken which are then
automatically added to the patient record.
Photos can be transmitted to a Response Centre at the time (if the device is connected to a Response
Centre) or transmitted later. In addition, if the Tempus is connected then live moving video can be
transmitted (one way from the Tempus to the Response Centre). This enables the user to show to
colleagues the patient and what is happening to them.
The Camera & Waveform Snapshot button is a two function key. Pressing the button will record the
previous ten seconds and the following ten seconds of the waveforms for review. Pressing and holding the
button will take you to the Camera & Video Options Menu.
Long range voice and data communications
In addition to being able to operate as a vital signs monitor, the Tempus Pro can optionally transmit all of its
measurements via a communications link to a Response Centre. The device allows the Response Centre to
see exactly what is on the Tempus’ display in real time. Therefore, the Response Centre user can see what
the patient’s vital signs are, if they are in an alarm condition etc. In addition, the Response Centre user can
control the device remotely (except for the alarm controls on the membrane keypad which are not provided
to the Response Centre user).
The Tempus also allows the user to talk to the Response Centre user via a wired or wireless headset.
The user at the Response Centre is able to receive still photos from the device and is also able to annotate
these pictures (with words, symbols and markings) and send back to the Tempus device to better illustrate
the verbal instructions being given to the operator at the remote location. The Response Centre user can
also receive moving video from the Tempus.
The Tempus Pro can connect over either wired or wireless (WiFi) Ethernet networks.
All data, voice and video that is transmitted can be secured using FIPS- 140-2 compliant encryption
technology.
If the device is connected to a Response Centre, then all the readings are transmitted via a communications
link to a computer at a Response Centre which enables the user there to see exactly the same information
that is being displayed on the device in real time. The only exceptions to this are when a 12 Lead ECG is
being monitored or recorded and when a still photo is being taken – in both cases the data (ECG or picture)
is first recorded and then transmitted to the Response Centre.
ECG data and digital pictures take the following amount of time to send to the Response Centre:
 12 lead ECG recordings – 1 minute
 Digital picture – up to 30 seconds
Note
These times are for guidance only and are based on the use of a 64kbaud or greater
connection. Real time data and waveforms are transmitted with up to a 5 second delay.
Note
RDT recommends that users perform a test connection to the Response Centre every
month in order to verify that their communications remain open for the Tempus to use.