Local monitoring system for an instrumented orthopedic restraining device and method therefor

A local monitoring unit, comprising:

• (a) receiver means for receiving a modulated display compatible signal over a communication channel from a personal orthopedic restraining device controller;
• (b) demodulator means, operatively coupled to the receiver means, for demodulating the received modulated display compatible signal into a display compatible signal;
• and
• (c) video display means, operatively coupled to the demodulator means, for displaying a message from the restraining device controller based on contents of the display compatible signal.

A local monitoring system for a personal orthopedic restraining device where the restraining device restrains movement of a first flexibly connected body portion relative to a second flexibly connected body portion of an individual wearing the restraining device, the local monitoring system comprising:

• (a) data input means for receiving a message signal from a restraining device controller operatively coupled to the personal orthopedic restraining device;
• (b) encoder means, operatively coupled to the data input means, for encoding the message signal into a display compatible signal;
• (c) modulator means, operatively coupled to the encoder means, for preparing the display compatible signal for subsequent transmission by modulating the display compatible signal;
• (d) transmitter means, operatively coupled to the modulator means, for transmitting the modulated display compatible signal over a communication channel;
• (e) receiver means for receiving the modulated display compatible signal over a communication channel from a personal orthopedic restraining device controller;
• (f) demodulator means, operatively coupled to the receiver means, for demodulating the received modulated display compatible signal into a display compatible signal;
• and
• (g) video display means, operatively coupled to the demodulator means, for displaying the message signal from the restraining device controller based on contents of the display compatible signal.

A method of communicating an message signal between a personal orthopedic restraining device and a local monitoring unit, the restraining device restraining movement of a first flexibly connected body portion relative to a second flexibly connected body portion of an individual wearing the restraining device, the communicating method comprising the steps of:

• (a) receiving a message signal from a restraining device controller operatively coupled to the personal orthopedic restraining device;
• (b) encoding the message signal into a display compatible signal;
• (c) preparing the display compatible signal for subsequent transmission by modulating the display compatible signal;
• and
• (d) transmitting the modulated display compatible signal over a communication channel to the local monitoring unit such that the individual wearing the restraining device can receive messages from the restraining device controller.

A method of communicating an message signal between a personal orthopedic restraining device and a local monitoring unit, the restraining device restraining movement of a first flexibly connected body portion relative to a second flexibly connected body portion of an individual wearing the restraining device, the communicating method comprising the steps of:

• (a) receiving a modulated display compatible signal over a communication channel from a personal orthopedic restraining device controller;
• (b) demodulating the received modulated display compatible signal into a display compatible signal;
• and
• (c) displaying a message from the restraining device controller based on contents of the display compatible signal.