Reliable data communication in modular fetal monitoring system

Centralised fetal monitoring systems become a commonly used approach in present-day perinatology. They are capable of performing several tasks in parallel including real-time acquisition and analysis of cardiotocographic signals from several fetal monitors. High throughput requirements make application of a typical PC insufficient. To overcome this problem the authors developed a modular structure of two cooperating PCs. System tasks are splitted into two parts which could be separately carried out by two computers. The communication between the component computers running on different operating platforms is presented. Particular emphasis is put on the intercomputer communication protocol which is very important for the reliable operation of the whole system.