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New Protocol to Enable Wireless Communication between Health-Related Devices

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Nonin Medical, Inc. has joined an alliance with 18 other companies, including IBM, Intel, and Motorola, to create a new protocol that will allow health-related devices to communicate wirelessly with each other and consumer electronics such as cell phones, PCs, and PDAs. This new protocol, once ratified, will enable devices such as weight scales, blood pressure monitors, and exercise equipment to share health and performance information easily with doctors, fitness coaches, and family members, improving care and reducing the need for costly office and emergency room visits.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nonin Medical, Inc. has joined a Bluetooth SIG Medical Devices Working Group with 18 other companies to create a new protocol for wireless communication between health-related devices and consumer electronics.
  • The new protocol, once ratified, will enable devices such as weight scales, blood pressure monitors, and exercise equipment to communicate wirelessly with other Bluetooth-enabled medical devices and consumer electronics products.
  • Participation in the Bluetooth Working Group is a logical step for Nonin, which has already commercialized a Bluetooth-enabled pulse oximeter in 2002.
  • The Medical Device Working Group expects to draft the Bluetooth specification in 2006 and make it available for use in devices by the first half of 2007.
  • Nonin Medical is a leading manufacturer of physiological monitoring solutions, distributing its products to health and medical professionals in over 125 countries.
  • The company's industry-leading capabilities in signal processing, sensor design, and innovative product features have established its leadership in innovation.

Statistics:

  • 18 companies have joined the Bluetooth SIG Medical Devices Working Group, including IBM, Intel, Motorola, and Philips Electronics.
  • Nonin Medical, Inc. has been commercializing Bluetooth-enabled medical devices since 2002.
  • The company distributes its products to health and medical professionals in over 125 countries.
  • The new protocol is expected to be ratified in 2007, with specifications available for use by the first half of the same year.

Sources:

  • Nonin Medical, Inc. - http://www.nonin.com/
  • Bluetooth Wireless Technology and the Bluetooth SIG - http://www.bluetooth.com/

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