Feature Article

Microchip Technology's PIC18CXXX embedded microchips support Live Devices' software, which enables devices to be connected to the Internet.

A software innovation by LiveDevices (York, UK) that connects devices to the Internet may be a step forward for those looking to provide remote medical diagnostics. From patient monitoring to remote data collection using the Web, the software serves as a more attractive option for device manufacturers than products previously on the market. The software is run on low-cost hardware developed by Microchip Technology (Chandler, AZ, USA), which makes it viable for use in mass quantities of products. The software runs on the Microchip PIC18CXXX family of devices and supports basic Internet protocols. Microchip Technology's hardware is embedded into each device and can be programmed after it has been placed in a circuit board. Depending on the application, the hardware can connect devices to the Internet using an Ethernet connection, dial-up modem, or a wireless RF modem. It can accommodate up to 2 million bytes of program memory and 4 Kbyte of data memory.

If used in a medical capacity, the technology would allow clinicians to control and communicate with a variety of devices using the Internet. The devices can be remote controlled, can be provided with remote alarming, or can output vast amounts of data for storage in a custom-configured database on the LiveDevices server infrastructure. Each device is registered with LiveDevices and has its own account to monitor items like security keys and device status. Short message services (SMS) forwarding allows a device to send a short text message to a pager or mobile phone when necessary.

Live Devices engineering director Andy Hutcheon says the company hasn't dealt with medical devices to date, but that the most obvious use for medical device manufacturers is in the ability to configure a device to collect diagnostic data. "Remote collection of data for monitoring patients or for clinical trials is a distinct possibility for medical devices using the embedded software," says Hutcheon.

In addition to data collection, the technology can eliminate the need to include display controls on a single device. Multiple devices can be controlled via a handheld unit, a Web pad, or a keyboard. Hutcheon cites the example of a prosthetic limb with a digital control system as a candidate for use with LiveDevices' Internet interface. "Perhaps the prosthesis needs to be calibrated to adjust the gait. A technician could calibrate numerous prostheses remotely using a single display interface."

The company's standard software will soon be available for download at http://www.livedevices.com, and can be embedded into products by OEMs at no charge. The industrial software, which includes encryption, security, additional Internet protocols, and technical support, is offered for a fee, as is the use of the infrastructure services.

For more information, contact Live Devices, Innovation Centre, York Science Park, York YO10 5DG, UK; phone: +44 1904 435128; fax: +44 1904 435130; e-mail: info@livedevices.com; Internet: http://www.livedevices.com.

Jamie Graham