Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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INTERACTIVE PHYSIOLOGICAL MONITORING SYSTEM
Field of the Invention
The invention relates to the monitoring of diet, physical activity level, and
physiological parameters of a person, wherein the person may view monitored
parameters and feedback on a digital. interactive television.
Baclc~round of the Invention .
There is great demand for health monitoring systems. Conventional
physiological monitors allow instantaneous values of physiological parameters,
such
as heart rate, to be viewed. However, it would be very useful to review
physiological
parameters over a time period using a device having enhanced audio-visual
display
capabilities.
Summary of the Invention
The person is in possession of a portable electronic device, which is capable
of
monitoring a physiological parameter of the person. This device may comprise a
portable computer, personal digital assistant, wireless phone, body-mounted
physiological monitor, or custom built device. For convenience, the device
will be
referred to as a monitor module. However, this invention is not limited by
that choice
of name, as it can be used to monitor a variety of parameters related to the
person,
including the physical activity level of the person, body weight, caloric
intake, blood
sugar levels, metabolic processes, caloric expenditure, and other
physiological
parameters. The monitor module has the ability to receive and transmit data,
e.g. by
radio, IR, optical, other electromagnetic radiation, or through physical
connections)
such as wires, memory module exchange, etc., or by some combination of
methods.
The preferred embodiment is for the monitor module to transmit and possibly
also to
receive data through a wireless method such as the Bluetooth System. In the
preferred
embodiment, the monitor module has a memory fox data storage capability.
The monitor module receives data from one or more sensors. These sensors
can include accelerometers for measuring physical activity, medical sensors of
various leinds carried by the person, other medical equipment, weight
measuring
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devices (scales), etc. These data are received and (preferably) stored by the
monitor
module. The monitor module may have information display capabilities, and
means to
enter data by hand by the person. In the preferred embodiment, the monitor
module is
designed for convenient and lightweight carriage by the person, so display and
data
entry capabilities may be limited. Sensors may be built into the monitor
module, for
example an accelerometer for physical activity measurements. Other sensors may
be
in very close proximity to the monitor module; for example, a blood glucose
sensor
could be implanted into the person and be powered by, for example, radiation
(e.g.
light waves, radio waves) emitted by the monitor module. The advantage of this
system configuration is that the sensors need only transmit data as far as the
monitor
module, which will typically be only a few feet away. This range is within the
range
of the lowest power Bluetooth transmission chips currently sold by Ericsson
and other
licensees of the technology. Hence the sensors have lower power requirements
than if
they needed to communicate with e.g. a more distant computer. Other data
communication methods (e.g. IR, wire connections) between the monitor module
and
the sensors) could also be used.
Sensors carried by the person include those which respond to the following
effects, events, or parameters: body temperature, blood component
concentrations
(e.g. glucose, alcohol, cholesterol), blood pressure, respiration components
(e.g.
oxygen, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, alcohol, isotopically
labeled
compounds, etc.), physical activity, heart beat, pregnancy contractions,
developing
baby status, brain waves, sleep apnea, physiological parameters of other
kinds,
physical location, environmental factors (e.g. external temperature, radiation
exposure, harmful substance exposure, etc.), and/or any other device designed
to
respond to a desired parameter. Sensors can also be placed on other nearby
persons,
e.g. babies. Data from such sensors is monitored continuously andlor at time
intervals.
The time intervals can be fixed or can change with changing circumstances. The
monitor module can also be used to collect data from other devices that the
person
may interact with, e.g. an indirect calorimeter (e.g. comprising an oxygen
sensor and
respiration flow meter) which may transmit metabolic rate data to the monitor
module. The monitor module can also collect data from any device providing.
physiological, dietary, or lifestyle information, e.g. medical equipment,
exercise
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machines, vending machines, bar code readers, etc.
In a preferred embodiment, the person sits in front of (or otherwise interacts
with) a device with display capabilities. This device can be a television,
computer,
device for displaying Internet content, satellite receiver, personal data
assistant,
personal computer, satellite or cable box, other entertainment device, etc. In
the
preferred embodiment, this device is a digital interactive television. The
interactive
television (interactive TV) can be a unitary device, or a combination of
devices, e.g. a
television connected to external communication devices, or having a set-top
box with
data communications capabilities. The interactive television can also
incorporate the
functionality of a computer. The interactive television is connected to a
computer
network, such as the Internet, using for example optical fibers, wires
(cables, etc.),
wireless communication, or other electrical, or electromagnetic methods. This
disclosure will henceforth use the term interactive television (or interactive
TV), but
this is non-limiting, as other devices can be used. The monitor module can
also
communicate with the Internet directly through a wireless link, which would be
useful
e.g. in an emergency situation.
The data collected by the monitor module is transmitted to the interactive TV,
using wireless communication, IR, optical, or other electromagnetic or
electrical
methods. In the preferred embodiment, the transmission uses Bluetooth protocol
wireless interaction. Data transfer between the monitor module and the
interactive TV
is person initiated (e.g. a button on the monitor module is pressed) and/or an
automatic process (e.g. the monitor module may automatically send out signals
detected by the interactive TV or vice versa). The interactive TV can have a
separate
remote control which is used to control data transfer, or the monitor module
(or
another portable electronic device, e.g. a PDA) can act as a remote control
for the
interactive TV. '
Data collected by the monitor module from various sensors are transmitted to
the interactive TV. In a preferred embodiment, the interactive TV is connected
to a
computer network, e.g. the Internet. Data can be sent from the interactive TV
over the
Internet to a remote computer (or computers), for data analysis, physician
review,
expert system analysis, display on a remote device, display on a web page
viewable
by the person and/or other authorized persons, etc. The interactive TV can
provide
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some or all of the computer power for data analysis. Data may be encoded to
protect
the privacy of the person.
The interactive TV is used to provide feedback to the person. The interactive
TV may, for example, provide messages of support, encouragement, concern,
etc.;
suggestions for person actions; options for ordering products or services;
graphical
display of measured parameters (as collected by the monitor module) or
parameters
derived from the measured parameters; medical advice; referral for physician
services; weight-loss advice; dietary advice; display of trends suggested by
the data;
future predictions; warnings; display of information derived from data
collected by
the monitor module in conjunction with other sources of data; etc. Information
is
presented by any method supported by the interactive TV or by a device
connected to
(i.e. in communication with) the interactive TV, for example graphical, text,
audio,
three-dimensional, or video forms of display.
Further information can be collected from the person and/or from other
devices and the feedbaclc enhanced or refined. For example, the person can
supply
additional information using a TV remote control (e.g. via a menu of options),
by
spoken voice, by gesticulations, or using a personal digital assistant (PDA)
if the PDA
is not acting as the monitor module.
Feedback can also be provided from a web site on the Internet displaying
information related to the person. The interactive nature of the dialog
between person
and interactive TV might include simple text menus with selectable options, or
might
be a sophisticated scheme with a simulated or video generated figure asking
questions, with voice recognition software used to process the response. A
physician,
dietary councilor, other authorized person, or computer expert system can
monitor the
collected data by accessing a web site or database.
A physiological monitoring system for a person can comprise: at least one
sensor device capable of data transmission disposed on the person; a data
storage
device capable of receiving and collecting data disposed on the person; and a
display
unit capable of receiving data, whereby physiological data is collected by the
sensor
device, the data being transmitted to and stored in the data storage device
and the data
is then transmitted to and displayed on the display unit. A physiological
monitoring
system for a person can also comprise an electronic device having display
means and
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a memory card interface and at least one physiological monitors having a
memory
card interface, whereby data can be transferred from the physiological monitor
to the
electronic device with display means by transfer of a memory card. The system
can
further comprise memory cards having wireless communication means, such as
Bluetooth communication capabilities.
A further system embodiment for physiological monitoring of a person
comprises a monitor module, which monitors a physiological parameter of the
person,
the module having a wireless transmitter such as a Bluetooth transmitter. The
system
further comprises an interactive television system, which receives a signal
from a
remote control unit, such as an IR or other wireless transmission, wherein the
received
signal is used to modify visual presentations on a display of the interactive
television
system, such as changing channel, providing numerical data in response to
presented
menus, selecting from presented menus using navigation keys, and the like. The
system further comprises a portable computing device, adapted to receive
physiological data transmitted by the monitor module and to store the
physiological
data in a memory, and which is further adapted to function as the remote
control unit
of the interactive TV, so as to transmit stored physiological data to the
digital
interactive television, and to provide a signal for remote control and
interaction with
the interactive TV.
A system embodiment to assist a person to monitor a physiological parameter
can comprise: a monitor module comprising a processor, a memory, a data
transmitter, and a transducer providing physiological data correlated with the
physiological parameter; an interactive television system, having a display, a
receiver
adapted to receive physiological data, and a communications link to a
communications network; a remote computer system, having a communications link
to the communications network; a software application program on the
interactive
television, adapted to process physiological data received by the receiver,
and to
provide a visual presentation of the physiological data on the display, to
transmit the
physiological data over the communications network to the remote computer
system,
to receive feedback data from the remote computer system, and to provide a
visual
presentation of the feedback on the display; and a software application
program on the
remote computer system, adapted to generate the feedback based on the
physiological
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data received by the remote computer system. A remote control unit can be
adapted to
transmit response data to the interactive television based on the visual
display of the
feedback on the display.
A method of viewing the time-dependence of a physiological parameter can
comprise: carrying a monitor module, wherein the monitor module is adapted to
measure a value of the physiological parameter and to store the value in a
memory of
the monitor module, the monitor module further comprising a data transmitter;
transferring data from the monitor module to an interactive television, the
interactive
television having a display, a data receiver, and a communications link to a
remote
computer system; and viewing the time-dependence of the physiological
parameter on
the display of the interactive television. Data can be transferred data from
the monitor
module to the interactive television using wireless transmission of data from
the data
transmitter of the memory module to the data receiver of the interactive
television.
The step of transferring data from the monitor module to the interactive
television can
also comprise the transmission of the data from the monitor module to a
poutable
computing device, and the transmission of the data from the portable computing
device to the interactive television, or the transmission of the data from the
monitor
module to a remote control, and the transmission of the data from the remote
control
to the interactive television.
U.S. provisional applications Serial Nos. 60/201,902, filed May 4, 2000,
60/209,921, filed June 7, 2000), and U.S. patent applications. 09/669,125,
filed
September 25, 2000, and 09/821,417, filed March 29, 2001 are incorporated
herein by
reference.
Brief Description of the Drawings
FIGURE 1 shows a system according to the present invention, comprising a
monitor module, a portable computing device, and an interactive television
system;
FIGURE. 2 shows a system according to the present invention, comprising a
monitor module, a portable computing device, an interactive television system,
and a
remote computer system connected to a communications network;
FIGURE 3 shows a person carrying a monitor module;
FIGURE 4 shows a person interacting with an interactive television system,
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according to a system embodiment of the present invention.
FIGURE 5 shows a schematic of a possible embodiment of a monitor module;
FIGURE 6 shows a schematic of a possible embodiment of an interactive
television;
FIGURE 7 shows a schematic of a possible embodiment of an improved
remote control;
FIGURE 8 shows a flow chart illustrating a method according to the present
invention;
Detailed Description of the Invention
Physiological monitoring system
In Figure 1, device 10 is a portable electronic device having display 12, a
data
entry mechanism 14, and a memory module interface 16 (such as a slot) for
receiving
a memory module 18 (such as a memory card, memory stick, disk, or other memory
element). Data can be read from and/or written to the memory module 18 when
the
memory module is in the interface 16. Device 20 is a monitor module, having a
memory module interface 22. The device 20 records physiological parameters of
the
person to a memory module placed in interface 22, and this data can be
transferred
from the monitor module 20 to the portable electronic device 10 by
transferring a
memory module from, the interface 22 to the interface 16 of the device 10. As
shown
in Figure 1, the memory module is interfaced with device 10. Device 50 is an
electronic device with audio-visual presentation means (display 52, speakers)
54),
such as a television. Device 40 is a set-top communications device such as a
satellite
box, cable box, wireless box, web-TV box, etc. Clearly the physical location
of 40
relative to 50 is not critical, the configuration could be for an under-set
box. Also,
devices 40 and 50 may be combined into a unitary device with the functionality
of a
TV combined with additional communication means, and possibly also with
computing means. Communications device 40 has a memory card reader 42, which
can receive, read data from, and write data to a memory card such as 18.
Device 40 is
connected to a remote computer system (server system) 60 using a
communications
link or network such as the Internet, shown as a double headed arrow in Figure
1.
Device 10 may be a portable computer, personal digital assistant (PDA),
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wireless phone, or other portable electronic device. Preferably, device 10 is
a PDA or
a Health Buddy (supplied by Health Hero, CA). The memory module 18 can be a
non-volatile memory module, smart card, flash card, memory stick, or similar,
such as
manufactured by Sony, San Dislc, and others. The data entry mechanism can be
one or
more buttons, a keyboard, stylus, tracking device, voice recognition system,
touch
pad, rolling dial, and the like.
Monitoring device or monitor module 20 is preferably carried by a person. In
other embodiments, the person interacts at intervals with the monitor module.
Physiological processes or parameters are monitored by the monitor module,
which
can include: components of respiration (e.g. oxygen consumption for metabolic
rate
calculation, carbon dioxide exhalation, presence of volatile organics in the
breath),
respiration frequency (e.g. for infant monitoring, sleep apnea monitoring,
etc.), blood
analysis (e.g., for levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, glucose, lcetones,
aldehydes,
cholesterol, lipids, red cell count, white cell count, etc.), blood pressure,
skin
conductivity, lung function, respiratory flow volume, heart beat (e.g.
electrocardiograms, digitized acoustic recordings, etc.), pulse rate, brain
activity and
processes, physical activity levels, body temperature, etc. Other
physiological
parameters which can be monitored are described in co-pending U.S. Provisional
App. 60/228,680 (filed 8129/00), incorporated herein by reference. The
monitoring
device can also be an activity sensor, e.g. accelerometer or pedometer. The
physical
location of the person may also be monitored using a global positioning
system, and
environmental factors such as temperature, radiation exposure, chemical
exposure,
etc. may be monitored.
Monitor module 20 can be carried by the person more or less continuously.
For example, if a the monitor module is a physical activity sensor, it can be
attached
to the body of the person using a strap, clip, adhesive pad, or other
mechanism.
Monitor module 20 can also be a physiological monitoring device used
temporarily by
a person, such as medical equipment or other devices that it would not be
necessary to
a person to carry around all day. The physiological monitoring system may use
a
plurality of monitor modules such as 20.
A memory card provides a convenient method of transferring a large amount
of data from a physiological monitoring system to a computer, interactive TV,
set-top
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can then be transmitted to a remote computer system, for viewing e.g. as a web
page.
Data transferred might include one or more time-dependent physiological
parameters,
spectral data from analytical equipment, recordings of physiological processes
(e.g.
heartbeats) as digitized waveform files (e.g. from audio, electrical, etc.
measurements), imaging data (ultrasonic, optical, IR, etc.), etc. The memory
card is
small, but has a large data storage capacity. The memory card is a valuable
part of an
improved physiological system, as it is useful for recording of a large array
physiological parameters throughout the day, then rapidly transferring them to
a
computer system for analysis, or a device with display means for review.
System for Weight Control
The following example illustrates the use of a system according to the present
invention in a weight control program. Figure 2 shows a portable electronic
device
70, such as device 20 in Figure 1, preferably a pouable computer or PDA, used
in the
system. Device 72 is an indirect calorimeter for measuring the metabolic rate
of a
person, preferably the Gas Exchange Monitor (GEM) recently developed by James
R.
Mault M.D. and others, or other indirect calorimeter such as described in U.S.
Pat.
Nos. 6,135,107, 5,836,300, 5,179,958, 5,178,155, 5,038,792, and 4,917,108,
incorporated herein by reference. Monitor module 74 is a physical activity
sensor
comprising a body-mounted accelerometer. In other embodiments, monitor module
74
can comprise one or more physiological monitors, such as discussed above in
relation
to the monitor module 20 of Figure 1. System 76 is an interactive television
system,
such as the combination of devices 40 and 50 discussed relative to Figure 1.
In other
embodiments, system 76 can be computer system. Server 80 is a remote computer
system, and communications network 78 is preferably the Internet.
The double-headed arrows represents communication links between the
elements of the system, using wireless communication, IR, wires, optical
links,
transfer of memory modules, manual reading/data entry, ultrasound links, or
other
electric, electromagnetic, or radiation methods. Preferably, the system uses
Bluetooth
protocol wireless communication, IR, or memory cards to transfer data between
the
elements.
A person carries the PDA 70 and monitor module 74. The person measures
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their resting metabolism every e.g. week using the Gas Exchange Monitor (GEM)
72,
an indirect calorimeter invented by James R. Mault. Metabolic data is
transferred to
the PDA 70. The monitor module 74 transmits physical activity data using the
Bluetooth wireless protocol to tile PDA 70. The PDA 70 is also used to record
the
caloric intake of the person, for example using a diet log software program
such as
described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,704,350 and 4,891,756 to Williams,
incorporated
herein by reference, or other menu-based entry systems, bar-code scanners, and
the
like. The monitor can also transmit data to the remote computer using e.g. a
wireless
Internet connection.
The PDA can be used to transmit data to the interactive television 76, and the
PDA 70 and the interactive television 76 can also communicate with the remote
computer system (server system) 80 via a communications network 78, such as
the
Internet.
A physician or computer expert system can send motivational video messages
to the person, using remote computer system 80, or using another device
connected to
network 80, which can be received by interactive TV 76. The person can view
the
messages on interactive TV 76, or download the video messages to a memory
card,
for viewing on the PDA or other device at any time.
Weight loss methods.
The person carries a monitor module on their person which has Bluetooth data
transmission and reception capabilities. The person weighs themselves, and the
weight data is transmitted from the scales to the monitor module.
Accelerometers
monitor the physical activity level of the person, and transmit data to the
monitor
module. The person monitors their caloric intake, recording the data in the
monitor
module, or into another device, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA).
At some time during the day, the person sits in front of an interactive
television. The monitor module transmits data to the interactive TV and
initiates a
dialog. The weight and activity level of the person are transmitted from the
monitor
module to the interactive TV. The caloric intake of the person is also
transmitted to
the interactive TV.
If weight has been gained by the person, the interactive TV responds with
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suggestions for diet or lifestyle adjustments. If a weight gain resulted from
the
person's caloric intake being above that necessary for the person's level of
activity,
the response to the person will suggest a reasonable combination of increased
activity
and/or reduced caloric intake. The rest metabolic rate and the effects of
physical
S activity on metabolic rate, leey parameters often neglected in weight loss
schemes, are
measured using an indirect calorimeter at the beginning of the weight loss
program.
Measurement of these parameters is repeated as necessary, depending on the
time
duration of the weight loss programs. Knowledge of metabolic rate, activity
level, and
caloric intake allow the feedback to be of improved accuracy, because the
origin of
the weight gain will be apparent from the measured data. If more activity is
required,
a series of exercises will be suggested. Options might include an exercise
video
displayed on the interactive TV.
If weight has been maintained or lost by the person, the interactive TV
responds with encouraging messages. Progress towards the person's weight loss
goal
is displayed graphically on request. Other trends, such as activity and diet,
are also
presented in this way if the person requests. Preferably, the interactive TV
is a device
the person uses frequently for audio-visual entertainment. Many people spend
several
hours each day sitting in front of such a device, and so it can be
conveniently
integrated into a weight loss program.
As part of a weight loss program, a person can carry a personal digital
assistant which also functions as the monitor module. The person enters the
food
eaten into the PDA, which calculates caloric values. The PDA also receives
activity
data from accelerometers carried by the person and weight information from
scales,
preferably by wireless transmission or by IR transmission. The PDA is used to
send
2S information to the interactive TV, preferably by wireless transmission or
by 'IR
transmission. This information comprises data received from sensors carried by
the
person, along with dietary information entered by the person. Feedback is
provided
by the interactive TV.
A business model for a weight loss or medical monitoring program can be as
follows. A person is provided with a monitor module and any required sensors
by a
company. The person preferably uses their own television as a display device,
but
communication equipment for communication with the PDA or Internet is provided
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by the company. The company also sets up a web site which is highly
personalized to
the person, and which serves as an access point for data. The company provides
expert advice and feedback to the person. The person pays a fee to the company
for
goods and services rendered.
Medical monitoring scheme for a person
Figure 3 illustrates a blood glucose concentration monitor module 104
mounted close to the skin of a person 100. The monitor module 104 has low
power
data transmission capabilities, using Bluetooth wireless communication means,
which
enables data to be sent to a data storage and analysis device 102, in this
example a
portable computing device having display 102a, data input mechanism 102b, and
IR
transmitter/receiver 102c. The sensor 102 is supported around the body (or
wrist) of
the person using strap 104c. The sensor 104 can also monitor the physical
activity
level of the person using a built in accelerometer. The sensor 104 is shown
having a
memory module interface 104a, display 104b, and strap 104c. Blood glucose is
measured as a function of time, for example using interstitial fluid analysis
methods
and systems discussed in co-pending U.S. Provisional Application 60/257,138
(filed
12/20/00), incorporated herein by reference, and the data is stored in a
memory of the
monitor module. The person also records the time and nature of food eaten, by
any
convenient method. If, at any part of the day, glucose levels move outside
given safe
limits, the monitor module or portable computer can make a bleeping noise
using an
audio generator, or vibrate, to alert the person. At some convenient time, the
person
sits in front of an interactive television and transmits the glucose data
stored in the
monitor module to an interactive TV for review of monitored data.
Figure 4 shows a person sitting on chair 110, with the monitor sensor 104
conveniently mounted around the waist region on the strap 104c. The person
operates
a remote control 106 to control the interactive television 108. The portable
computer
102 of Figure 3 can be used as the remote control, but a separate device can
also ~be
used. The interactive television is connected to a communications network 112,
such
as the Internet. The interactive TV 108 can be used to display glucose levels
from a
preceding time period, or in real time if of interest. The person is prompted
by the
interactive television to enter the day's dietary information. The interactive
TV can
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then displays the day's blood glucose fluctuations (and/or other physiological
parameters) graphically, and can correlate the graph with meals eaten. Dietary
advice
can then displayed to the person, so as to avoid fuW re unhealthy blood
glucose
excursions. Information can be transmitted over the communications network 112
to a
remote computer, such as server system 114, which can then be accessed by any
authorized person, such as the person or a physician using physician's
computer 116.
The person uses the remote control 106 to interact with the television, using
a data
entry mechanism on the remote control.
Systems according to the present invention are useful for monitoring patients
in hospital and people in convalescent homes. For example, a doctor can
approach a
patient, initiate transfer of physiological data to an interactive television
system over
the patient's bed, and view the data. The patient can also engage in self
monitoring, or
a remote computer system can provide monitoring software which alerts a
medical
professional if a measured parameter goes out of range. A physician or other
medical
professional can access the monitored data, and provide feedbaclc by any
convenient
communication channel.
~?amnfa rnntrn~
The remote control unit can be used to change the channels and volume of
interactive TV through a set-top box having remote control sensor, such as an
IR
receiver or wireless receiver. The remote control sensor can be a conventional
IR
sensor which receives and analyzes transmissions from the remote control. Data
monitored by physiological sensors can be transmitted to the remote control
unit using
low powered wireless transmitters. The data can then be stored in a memory of
the
remote control, and can then be transmitted to the interactive television by
the remote
control.
Monitor module
A monitor module is preferably carried unobtrusively by the person. For
example a monitor module can be supported by a clip or adhesive layer, as
described
in co-pending U.S. Prov. App. 60/225,454 (filed 8/15/00), incorporated herein
by
reference, or can be a strap mounted device such as a wristwatch, or a belt
mounted
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device, for example supported within the small of the back, having a rounded
or disk
shape. The housing of the monitor module can contain on or more transducers
providing an electrical signal correlated with physiological parameters, such
as
accelerometers, blood analysis systems (for example, using near-IR
spectroscopy),
interstitial fluid analysis systems, and the like.
Figure S shows a schematic of a possible embodiment of a monitor module,
comprising a transducer 122, providing an electrical signal correlated with a
physiological parameter such as physical activity, body temperature, blood
component concentration, and the like, a processor 124, a cloclc 132, a
transceiver
130, a memory module port 128, and a memory 126. The transducer may be a
thermistor, accelerometer, blood component (analyte) sensor, or other device
providing a signal correlated with a physiological parameter, bodily function,
or
subject status. Animals and non-living subjects (such as computer operation
status)
can also be monitored. Signals correlated with ambient or environmental
conditions
can also be monitored.
Data transfer to interactive TV
A monitor module having wireless transmission capabilities can transmit data
directly to an interactive television. The monitor module can have Bluetooth,
IEEE
802.11, or IR transmission capabilities. Elements of systems described herein
can
form a local wireless network, for example using Bluetooth or IEEE 802.11
protocols.
A monitor module can be in the form of a memory stick, such as described in
detail in co-pending U.S. provisional application Serial No. 60/225,454, filed
August
15, 2000. In this case, the monitor module can be placed into a memory module
interface of a portable electronic device (such as a PDA or a remote control),
of an
interactive television, or another device in communication with the
interactive
television, such as a cell phone, pager, or device linked to a communications
networlc
to which the interactive television is linked.
The monitor module can have a memory module interface, such as a slot, and
can be provided with a removable memory module, which can be used to transfer
data
to the interactive television using methods discussed in the previous
paragraph. For
example, a memory stick containing stored monitored values of a physiological
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parameter can be placed into a memory module interface of a suitable adapted
television remote control. The remote control can then be used to transmit the
data to
the interactive television, for example using an IR link. A PDA or other
portable
electronic device can be used to both transmit data to the interactive TV, for
analysis
of monitored data, and to act as a remote control.
Figure 6 shows a schematic of a possible embodiment of an interactive
television, having a display 150, spealcer(s) 152, a processor 154, a memory
156,
signal receiver (adapted to receive data from a remote computer or equivalent
device)
158, and a communications link to a communications network 162, providing
access
to a content provider 164 (a source of programs, other entertainment, health
programming, and the like), and a remote computer 166 providing access to
health
analysis software, physiological and health databases, software-generated
feedback,
and the like.
A person viewing the interactive TV can press a button mounted on the
housing of the monitor module to initiate data transmission to the interactive
TV,
remote control, portable computer, or other device. The monitor module can be
interfaced (plugged into) or connected by cable or other link to a remote
control unit,
allowing the remote control unit to receive monitored physiological data.
A remote control unit can be used to allow the person to interact with the
interactive TV, for example by responding to questions generated by a remote
computer system or local algorithm, to add or modify other data, such as a
diet log,
and to transfer data to the interactive TV. An IR or other wireless signal
(such as radio
or ultrasound) is transmitted by the remote control to a signal receiver on
the
interactive TV.
Figure 7 shows a schematic of an improved remote control unit shown
generally at 170, comprising a memory 174, wireless transceiver 176, memory
module slot 178, IR transmitter (or transceiver) 180, data entry mechanism 182
(such
as a keypad, voice recognition system, stylus entry, touch pad, roller, or the
like), and
a processor 172.
Figure 8 illustrates a flow chart of a method according to the present
invention. A person wears a monitor module or other physiological monitoring
system
(200). The monitor measures a physiological parameter (202). The measured
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physiological parameter data are stored to a memory (204). The person
approaches,
sits in front of, or otherwise interacts with an interactive TV (206).
Physiological
parameter data is transmitted to the interactive TV (208). The data received
by the
interactive TV is processed so as to be displayed graphically, e.g. in the
form of a
chart (2I0). physiological parameter data is transmitted to a remote computer
system,
which has software which analyzes the data, and provides appropriate feedbaclc
to the
person, in terms of e.g. excursions from safe limits, average values,
appropriate
behavior modification, medication requirements, the advisability of contacting
a
physician, and the lilee.
Regarding step 208, for example, a person may interface a remote control to
the monitor, using a connector or cable. The remote control can then be used
to
transmit data to the television. The monitor may transmit a signal directly to
a suitably
adapted signal receiver of the television. The remote control may have a
wireless
connection to the communications network, allowing data to be transmitted to
the
remote computer system for analysis, with feedback provided on the display of
the
television. As required data transfer rates to the remote computer system can
be much
lower than that required for display of entertainment content, feedback, and
the like
on the television, pager frequencies, FM sidebands, wireless phone
connections, and
conventional cable phone lines can be used to transmit physiological data to a
remote
computer system. For example, a pager can be modified so as to include a
physical
activity monitor or other physiological sensor, and the pager wireless
frequency used
to transmit data to a remote computer system. The transmitted data can be
analyzed
by the remote computer system, then used to generate feedback and analysis
which
can be viewed on the display of the interactive TV at any convenient time for
the
person. A portable computing device, such as a Palm PDA with IR transmission
module, a pager, a wireless phone, monitor module, or other convenient device,
can
be used as the television remote control. The PDA can be used to interact with
the
television, responding to feedback or questions shown on the display. Response
data
can be transmitted to the television, or over a communications network to the
remote
computer system generating the feedback.
Monitoring of cardiac patient.
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The following example illustrates the use of a system according to the present
invention to monitor the heart activity of a cardiac patient. The person wears
a
physiological sensor, which records an electrocardiogram, a digitized audio
recording
of the heart beat, and other useful physiological parameters such as body
temperature.
This data is written to a memory card plugged into the physiological monitor.
At the
end of the day, the patient removes a memory card from the sensor and plugs it
into a
set-top box on their TV. The recorded data is downloaded from the memory card
into
the set-top box, then communicated via an Internet connection to a remote
computer,
for storage in a data structure, or possible viewing by a physician.
If the cardiac data from the patient indicates a serious condition, the
physiological monitor transmits data (such as the identity of the patient, the
nature of
the emergency, and the location of the patient) to a remote computer,
preferably using
a communications network such as the Internet. The physiological monitor can
also
transmit data, preferably using Bluetooth wireless protocol, to a portable
computer
such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) carried by the patient. The PDA
uses its
display or other means to instruct the patient on a recommended course of
action. The
cardiac data may show a disturbing trend of a parameter towards the edge of an
acceptable range. The PDA may use an expert system to recommend actions (or
inaction) to the patient based on the nature of the trends. The physiological
monitor
and/or the PDA may sound an alarm (e.g. a beeping noise), flash lights, or
otherwise
warn the patient of the situation.
During a course of treatment or recovery, the patient's physician may want to
send instructional information, video-mail (v-mail), etc. to the patient via a
communications network (e.g. the Internet; hospital intranet; community
intranet; or
cable or wireless network). This information may be downloaded onto a memory
card, using the memory card slot in the set-top box (or other device, such as
a
personal computer, connected to the communications network), and then
transferred
to the PDA or other device for review at any convenient time.
Baby temperature monitoring
A monitor module can be placed on the skin of a baby, and can transmit
temperature data to a set top box connected to a television. The display of
the
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television can then be used to provide visual monitoring of the baby's
temperature: In
this embodiment, the monitor module has a housing adapted to contact the slcin
of the
baby, for example by being placed in an ear, a temperature transducer such as
a
thermistor providing an electrical signal correlated with temperature, an
electronic
circuit, which can comprise an analog to digital converter and a processor,
adapted to
generate temperature data from the transducer signal and store it in a memory
unit, the
memory unit (which can be any convenient medium, and can either by fixed
within
the monitor module housing or a removable module), and a transmitter (or
transceiver) which can be a Bluetooth transceiver module.
Memory card with Wireless Transceiver
The following example illustrates the use of memory cards with embedded
Bluetooth wireless transmission devices. A physiological sensor or monitor,
such as
described previously in this application, has a memory card slot (or reader)
for data
writing to (and possibly data reading from) a memory card. The memory card
has~an
embedded Bluetooth wireless transmission device. The physiological monitor
measures parameters related to the person carrying it, and writes data to the
memory
card. The memory card is removed after a certain period of time, and placed
into the
memory card reader of another electronic device, e.g. a PDA, computer,
wireless
phone, or interactive television, for review and/or analysis of the data, and
possibly
transmission of the data to a remote computer system using a communications
networlc such as the Internet. The device may be equipped with a wireless
Internet
connection, possibly using the Wireless Applications Protocol (WAP) system.
When the memory card is placed into the physiological monitor, the monitor
gains the capability of transmitting data using the Bluetooth protocol to
other devices
equipped with a Bluetooth capability. Hence, the data being collected can be
transmitted in real time to another device, such as a computer. The monitor is
also
able to receive data using the Bluetooth protocol, and hence may receive
instructions
from other devices, perhaps to increase the sampling frequency of
physiological
measurements. This allows a device that would otherwise be unable to
communicate
wirelessly with other devices to become capable of wireless communication.
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Set top box
The interactive TV system can comprise a set top box, adapted to receive
physiological data from a monitor module, remote control, wireless phone,
pager, or
other device, and to communicate with a remote computer system using a
communications network. However, the functionality of this set-top box can be
incorporated into a unitary device.
Other embodiments of the invention will be clear to those skilled in the art.
Having described my invention, I claim:
