Invented by M. Zubair Mirza, Individual

The Market for Internet-Based Disease Surveillance Systems In recent years, the world has witnessed the devastating impact of infectious diseases on global health. From the H1N1 influenza pandemic to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the need for effective disease surveillance systems has become more evident than ever before. Traditional methods of disease monitoring and reporting have proven to be slow and inefficient, leading to delays in response and increased risk to public health. However, with the advent of internet-based disease surveillance systems, there is hope for a more proactive and efficient approach to disease control. Internet-based disease surveillance systems leverage the power of technology and the internet to collect, analyze, and disseminate real-time data on disease outbreaks. These systems utilize various sources of information, including social media, online search trends, electronic health records, and even wearable devices, to detect and track the spread of diseases. By harnessing the vast amount of data available online, these systems can provide early warnings, identify hotspots, and facilitate timely interventions to prevent the further spread of diseases. The market for internet-based disease surveillance systems is experiencing significant growth, driven by several factors. Firstly, the increasing prevalence of infectious diseases and the growing threat of pandemics have highlighted the urgent need for more robust surveillance systems. Governments, healthcare organizations, and public health agencies are recognizing the potential of internet-based systems to enhance their disease monitoring capabilities and improve response times. Secondly, advancements in technology, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning, have made it possible to analyze large volumes of data quickly and accurately. These technologies enable internet-based surveillance systems to detect patterns, identify anomalies, and predict disease outbreaks with greater precision. The ability to provide real-time insights and predictive analytics is a significant advantage of these systems, allowing for proactive measures to be taken to mitigate the impact of diseases. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has served as a catalyst for the adoption of internet-based disease surveillance systems. The global response to the pandemic has highlighted the limitations of traditional surveillance methods and the need for more agile and data-driven approaches. As a result, governments and healthcare organizations worldwide are investing in internet-based systems to strengthen their disease surveillance capabilities and better prepare for future outbreaks. The market for internet-based disease surveillance systems is not limited to government and public health sectors alone. Private companies, such as pharmaceutical companies and insurance providers, are also recognizing the value of these systems in managing public health risks. For pharmaceutical companies, these systems can provide valuable insights into disease trends and help in the development of targeted therapies and vaccines. Insurance providers can leverage the data from these systems to assess risks and tailor their policies accordingly. Despite the promising prospects, the market for internet-based disease surveillance systems faces several challenges. Privacy concerns, data security, and interoperability issues are among the key obstacles that need to be addressed. Additionally, the digital divide, particularly in developing countries, poses a significant barrier to the widespread adoption of these systems. Bridging this gap and ensuring equitable access to internet-based surveillance tools is crucial for their success. In conclusion, the market for internet-based disease surveillance systems is poised for significant growth. The increasing prevalence of infectious diseases, advancements in technology, and the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic have created a strong demand for more proactive and data-driven approaches to disease control. As governments, healthcare organizations, and private companies recognize the value of these systems, investments in research and development, data infrastructure, and capacity building are expected to drive the market forward. By harnessing the power of the internet, we can revolutionize disease surveillance and pave the way for a healthier and safer future.

The Individual invention works as follows

An Internet based disease monitoring system can include a network-based device for disease detection, which is connected to a sensor such as a respirometer. The network-based device may be connected to a remote server to analyze the input signals. The remote server can provide a variety of services to group or handle functions related to input signals. A service can aggregate input signals from sensors coupled with sensor devices, and then provide statistical or predictive analysis. This information may be used to adjust input signals in the future. The service could also include instructions on how to bill based on the usage of the disease sensor network.

Background for Internet-based disease surveillance system

To improve the quality of healthcare, accurate diagnosis is required and more frequent monitoring. Patients are unable to afford such high levels of care due to the rising costs of healthcare. “As patients become more knowledgeable about their health, high-tech miniaturized electronic technology becomes more affordable.

Improving healthcare quality will be greatly enhanced by achieving higher efficiency, greater monitoring frequency, higher performance and real-time communications, as well as minimizing maintenance costs, as well as reducing the burden of carrying multiple portable devices. Multiple diseases that need to be monitored by patients require the use of multiple instruments, as well as other consumer devices such a cellular phone. Many of the devices and instruments have redundant functionality. The present invention has an aspect that aims to consolidate and use the commonalities in function, and redistribute them to achieve the best cost, user-friendliness, and functionality. This aspect of the invention, for example, provides an Internet-based Disease Monitoring System (?IDMS?) This system can be used for the most common and critical ailments and conditions. “The redistribution aims to allocate technical complexity and costs so that all components, processes, and system nodes can be well integrated for optimal results, with the patient end of the device being the most compact, least expensive, and for maximum ease and utilitarian.

Recent advancements have occurred in telemedicine, such as eHealth and electronic medical records/electronic healthcare records (?EMR/EHR?) “Recently, there have been advancements in the field of telemedicine such as eHealth, electronic medical record/electronic health record (?EMR/EHR?) Using mobile communication devices (such a smartphones), it is possible to connect existing devices (such a glucometers or pulse oxymeters), to Internet-based server for uploading patient data. Since all computations are performed on devices that have full functionality, upgrading the system requires changing or physically upgrading the device. The integration of the different nodes within the healthcare spectrum is limited. “The user must still carry all the devices along with their smartphone due to the inherent redundancy in the housing, microprocessors, software, displays, keypads, electronics etc.

Accordingly to an aspect of the invention, a Internet-based disease monitor system includes a device operated by a patient that includes a module with a sensor and another module with a transmitter. The sensor is a device that produces input signals in response to patient conditions. A transmitter, coupled to the sensor, produces output signals that correspond to the inputs produced by the sensor. The output signals are wirelessly received by a mobile communication device, such as a cell-phone. It then forwards them to a network address. The output signals from the mobile device are received by a remote server located at the network address. This server analyzes the signals. The remote server then produces analysis signals that represent the results of analysis and transmits them to predetermined recipients who are associated with the patient’s operated device.

Accordingly, another aspect of the invention is an Internet-based monitoring method that includes producing input signals in response to a condition of a person via a sensor on a device operated by the patient. The transmitter of the patient operated device transmits output signals that correspond to the input signal. The output signals are then forwarded to a network address via a mobile device. The output signals are then analyzed via a network address and a remote server, and analysis signal representing the results are produced. The analysis signals are sent, via the server at the network address, to predetermined recipients that are associated with the patient operated device.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a device is directed to determining body function parameters based upon the movement of a patient’s breath. The device includes two modules, i.e., a sensor module and a transmission module. The sensor module includes a sensing element and a biasing element. The transmission module includes a light source, a light receiver, a transducer, a processor, and a wireless transmission component (such as Bluetooth or ZigBee). The housing forms a flow chamber having a first port in which a human breath is accepted and a second port from which the breath is exhausted. The flow chamber further has an interior surface. The sensing element is movably mounted within the flow chamber and moves bi-directionally in response to pressure from the exhaled breath received from the patient into the first port and in response to pressure due to the breath inhaled by the patient through the flow chamber. The biasing element resists movement of the sensing element and returns the sensing element to a home position in the absence of any pressure from the exhaled or inhaled breath. The light source transmits a light beam onto the interior surface of the flow chamber. The light receiver receives light reflected off the interior surface. The receiver is stationary while the source of the light directed onto the interior surface of the flow chamber is mounted for movement with the sensing element as the sensing element is moved within the flow chamber. The transducer is coupled to the light receiver and converts the reflected light into electrical signals. The processors receive and process the electrical signals, and determine, in response to the pressure from the breath, the extent of the movement of the sensing element. In response to determining the extent, velocity, and direction of the movement, the processor further determines the magnitude of the pressure.

According to another aspect of the invention a device is directed at determining body functions parameters based on the movement caused by human breath. The device comprises a base, housing, sensing element and biasing element. It also includes at least one microscopic, an acoustic transmitter, an audio receiver, transducer and processor. The housing can be detached from the base. It forms a flow-chamber with a first port for receiving a breath of a person and a second one to exhaust the breath during exhalation. The sensing component is mounted movably within the flow cell and responds to the pressure of the breath entering or leaving the chamber. The biasing component resists the movement of the sensor element and returns it to its home position when there is no pressure received from the first port. The microphone detects the acoustic signal generated by human breath, and the acoustic transmitter emits the acoustic signal onto the sensing elements within the flow chamber. The acoustic transmitter receives acoustic signal reflected from the sensing elements as they are displaced by pressure. The transducer is coupled to the acoustic receiver and converts the acoustic signals into electrical signals based on the extent, velocity (rate of displacement/movement), and direction of the air flow. The server calculates respiratory functions such as volume and rate of breath flow from this raw data.

The invention is not restricted to these particular embodiments. The invention, on the other hand, is intended to include all modifications, alternatives and equivalent arrangements that may be included in the spirit and scope as defined by appended claims.

Most medical monitoring or diagnostic instruments include: (1) a front end sensing module with a sensor and associated signal processing circuitry, (2) an electronic system (composed by a microprocessor, keypad, display etc.). Software module (for the analysis of measurements, other parameters, etc.). Communication module (4) to link all modules together and send the results or data of the analysis (often manually) to the doctor, insurance company, etc.

One aspect is to reduce a medical device, which is related to monitoring personal health, to its main modules. The front/patient end module contains a sensor system that is easy to use, cheap, affordable and portable. Raw data (digital or analog) is amplified and conditioned before being converted into a standard signal that includes a device identifier. The data can be transmitted wirelessly or through a wired link to a mobile device, such as a PDA (personal digital assistant), a smartphone, PC, tablet, etc. The mobile communication device is downloaded with an application. The data is in the form of a voice/acoustic/text data signal, which is sent to a mobile device. This signal can be used by all mobile devices that are designed to send and receive voice/acoustic/text data.

The application sends a signal from the device to a website or network that automatically analyzes it. The server transmits the results to different locations, in the relevant formats, such as the patient, clinic/hospital or electronic medical record. repository, electronic health record (?EHR?) The physician, insurance company, repository etc. The ‘whole’ system approach is a more efficient way to manage costs, complexity and bulk. The?whole? system approach, as illustrated by the features of the invention, such as the Internet-based Disease Monitoring System described below, consolidates and redistributes the cost, bulk and complexity away from the patient’s end toward the server and the infrastructure end. This is where it is easier to tolerate and afford.

Ongoing relative cost is also redistributed through appropriate subscriptions.” Subscriptions for simple text/internet links are available for patients, while subscriptions to data-access are available for clinics, physicians, insurance companies, etc. The system allows for direct video links between the patient and physician via mobile phone cameras, tablet webcams, or PC webcams, for a more personal, clinically useful, and intimate assessment of the patients’ condition.

FIG. The system 100 shown in Figure 1 is a monitoring system where a patient uses a Spirometer to monitor his respiratory status. The patient inhales and exhales into the spirometer, and the spirometer detects automatically the volume and speed (displacement) of air moving through the flow chamber as a result. The spirometer also broadcasts electrical output signals that represent the detected parameters, such as volume and velocity. In the illustrated system 100, these near-field signals can be detected by the smartphone 106 of the patient, which contains an application (?APP?) The illustrative system 100 detects and receives these near-field signals by the patient’s smartphone 106, which includes an application (?APP?)

In FIG. The potential destinations shown in FIG. 1 are a remote computer 110, a health insurer’s computer 112, a doctor’s smartphone 116, or a clinic. The caregiver (physician or clinic/hospital) selects the specific destinations for results and reports to be sent. These are then saved on the central cloud server 110, where computations such as automated processing and authenticated close-loop are performed. The patient’s phone 106 can be used to pre-select the destinations that signals from the spirometer will be sent to. This is done by setting up the settings on the smartphone 106. The settings can be selected by an APP display in the settings window on the smartphone 106 of the patient.

The illustrative 100 system includes three software modules. A front-end sensor and transmitter module (?STM?) “The illustrative system 100 includes three software modules: a front-end sensor-transmitter module (?STM?) A mobile communication and display module (?MCDM?) 120C. The STM 120A is equipped with a sensor that generates raw signal data, as well as circuitry or software to condition the signal. Raw signal data can be encrypted using SSL and wirelessly transmitted (e.g. using Bluetooth or ZigBee 2.4 GHz). The STM 120A sends raw sensor data and a digital/text version of the device ID, along with encrypted header/demographics specific to each patient.

One example is the STM 120A, a pocket electronic Spirometer (?PES?) As described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,246. The sensor can be described more in detail below. It may be a low-cost, simple device that is highly precise (1000-1500dpi, or even higher resolution), such as a laser-based device or a light emitting diode. The sensor can be a laser-based or light-emitting diode (?LED?) device. Another example is that the sensor used in the Bluetooth mouse.

The MCDM 120B contains two mobile/cell phone APPs: one for the patient’s 106 smartphone and another for the doctor’s 116 smartphone. The APPs for the smartphone are written in mobile Java or another format to allow the smartphone to connect to remote server 110.

The DPDM 120C is a remote server 110 that includes server software modules and sensor-specific computation modules. It also includes reporting modules and database archiving modules (basic web page, spirometry, or interactive web-syst for multiple sensor systems).

The STM 120A is normally prescribed by a physician after initial testing in a hospital or clinic, and after a diagnosis has been made and norms have been established for the patient. The STM 120A begins at the doctor’s office with the basic patient information. A record number is assigned as a way to identify the patient, his/her condition, diagnosis, and type of test. The physician can also set alarms for the patient that are specific to their condition. These alerts serve as reminders and warnings to physicians.

Desired parameter are calculated and formatted in different formats on the remote server, 110 for the patient, clinic record, physician, EMR/EHR databases, medical insurance companies, etc. Optionally, the parameters can be formatted into any other format desired and previously saved on remote server 110. The remote server 110 directs data to the appropriate nodes in the system 100 automatically. The patient, for example, receives a simplified version of the information that is appropriate for self-monitoring or management. Any medical advice applicable based on results will be given to the patient. The clinic receives detailed data, the EMR/EHR is updated with the appropriate formatted data, and the insurance company is provided with financial and reimbursement data in an appropriate billing form. “If the patient parameters fall within the warning alarm ranges, appropriate personnel will be alerted, and alert messages will automatically be transmitted to the clinic/hospital, the physician’s phone 116, and patient’s phone 106.

Referring to FIG. The system 100 is interconnected using a hub and spoke configuration, whereby each component or device is directly or indirectly connected to one or more other components and/or units. The patient’s smartphone 106, for example (e.g. a cellular telephone), communicates directly with spirometer 104, Internet 108 and optionally, an eHealth Server 110. A patient tablet 111 also communicates directly with a spirometer 104, and can be optionally connected to an eHealth server and/or the computers of medical insurance companies 112 Patient tablet 112 can provide additional options or a more user friendly interface than the smartphone 106.

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