Biofunction monitor

From Memory Alpha, the free Star Trek reference

The biofunction monitor is a small display located at the head of some biobeds. It gives continually updated information on patient vital signs, such as pulse, respiration, temperature, and brain activity. They have been a staple of starship sickbays since the NX class.

[edit] Background

The biofunction monitor seen in Star Trek: The Motion Picture was also used for seven years on Star Trek: The Next Generation and was one of the only surviving graphics after the sets were remodeled. The same set piece was used for Star Trek: Voyager and Star Trek Nemesis, but the panel was replaced with modern okudagrams.

In an example of life imitating art, the computer displays now common in hospitals were inspired by the biofunction monitors on the original Enterprise.

According to rumor, one of the indicators on the screen reads, as as an in-joke, "Medical Insurance Remaining."