Patent for “Wireless internet monitoring system for bio-telemetry”

Digital Healthcare – Arthur E. Schulze, Tommy G. Cooper, Emil S. Macha, PHDX SYSTEMS Inc

Search Patent for “Wireless internet monitoring system for bio-telemetry”

Abstract for “Wireless internet monitoring system for bio-telemetry”

“A system and method to monitor patient variables wirelessly via patient-worn monitoring devices. The patient-worn monitoring device connects with a variety bio-sensors and at least one microphone to allow voice communications. The relevant worn device connects with a wireless network, and then to the internet to transmit voice and data to a healthcare provider. The internet and wireless network allow the health care provider to communicate with the patient’s worn device. This allows them to send instructions to their patient and communicate with the patent via voice. Flexible reconfiguration of the patent-wearing monitoring device by the health care provider is possible to modify the collection parameters. The bio-sensors detect an alarm limit and transmit it to the provider via wireless network. This allows the patient to be fully mobile.

Background for “Wireless internet monitoring system for bio-telemetry”

Monitoring devices of different types are used to monitor the physiologic condition of patients. They have been around for a long time. Many types of monitoring and testing equipment have been moved from the hospital to the doctors’ offices, and in some cases even into the home.

These devices are clearly very useful. However, they require that patients be at home or within close proximity of a telephone system so that the results of monitoring can be transmitted via the public switched telephone network (PSTN). This will allow for analysis centers to receive the data. These devices are not suited to mobile lifestyles.

“It is not possible for busy people to stop in middle of the workday, go to a monitoring station (either at home or in an office), take the necessary measurements and continue with their day. This is impossible and adds stress to already stressful situation of monitoring physiologic signals.

A system that monitors the physiologic characteristics of an individual via a mobile device would be extremely useful. This system would not require any interaction with a monitor device, if at all. The signals collected would be automatically sent to an analysis center, or a doctor’s office. A physician could also interrogate the system of a patient’s mobile device to determine the physiologic signals that are relevant.

“It is, therefore, an object of the present invention that remotely monitor physiologic parameters from any patient.”

“It is another objective of the present invention monitor the physiologic variables a patient whether ambulatory, stationary or when the physician is distant from the patient.”

“It is another objective of this invention to monitor physiological variables using the Internet.”

“It is also a goal of the present invention that physiologic variables can be monitored wirelessly within a generalized geographical area.

“It is also the objective of the present invention monitor physiologic variables without requiring the patient to go to any central location within a geographical area.”

“It is also the objective of the present invention monitor a patient anywhere on the coverage map for a cellular or satellite-based telephone network.”

“It is also the objective of this invention to automatically send data relating to physiological variables over a wireless network, to a doctor or other medical caregiver.”

“It is also the objective of the present invention that a physician can interrogate the device’s physiologic monitoring in a wireless fashion whenever he or she needs to take such measurements.”

“It is also the objective of this invention to provide voice communications in wireless mode to a physician caregiver.”

“It is also the objective of this invention to have a?panic? Function that allows both the user and the physician to send a panic? message to a doctor or allow a doctor to, after monitoring physiologic signs, to send a voice?advice? message to the patient

“It is also the objective of the present invention that all these objectives be achieved using a device that the patient wears in a relatively discreet fashion.”

“These and other purposes of the invention will be apparent to those skilled with the art upon a review the specification that follows.”

“The invention is a wireless Internet-based bio-telemetry monitoring device (WIBMS). This system uses a variety bio-sensors that are used in general to detect signals and variables from the human body. U.S. Pat. describes one such sensor system. No. No. 5,673,692 whose features are incorporated hereinby reference in their entirety. A single-site, multivariable patient monitoring apparatus that monitors multiple physiological variables at a single patient site is disclosed. This device can be used for ambulatory monitoring as well as home monitoring, procedure monitoring, and other similar purposes. The apparatus includes an infrared (IR), temperature sensor, pulse oximeter sensor, and a communication circuit that outputs information from both the pulse oximeter as well as the infrared thermometer. These components are integrated within a plug or mold that is made to fit the ear. This sensor is not intended to be a limitation. The present invention can be used with any bio-sensor that is known to those skilled and experienced in the art. The sensor described in U.S. Patent. No. No.

“The biosensors are connected with a combination data acquisition and wireless transceiver that is worn by the patient. This combination sensor package is also known as the multivariable patient monitor (or MVPM). The MVPM can be powered by batteries. The MVPM is powered by single-use batteries or rechargeable batteries. The MVPM’s batteries can also be charged by plugging into a car, or normal wall power, when the person is mobile. The MVPM can be charged at all times, mobile or stationary.

“The MVPM, as mentioned above, is a patient-worn device that allows maximum mobility for the patient.”

The MVPM can interrogate the bio-sensors of patients and store the physiologic signals. The MVPM calls into the wireless network on a regular basis and transmits the biosensor information to that wireless network. The bio-sensor data is then transmitted from the wireless network to Internet, and then to an analysis centre or data warehouse that receives and stores it for further analysis.

“The MVPM also includes an emergency panic? A button that allows a patient to direct the MVPM’s transceiver section to call 911 when there is a medical emergency.

“The MVPM can be connected to several bio-sensors, as noted above. The MVPM is equipped with sensor condition detection circuitry that can be connected to a lamp to allow a user to verify that all sensors are working correctly. A senor is notified if a signal is received that is outside the normal range of physiologic function for a patient. An alarm sound and light is activated so that the individual can recognize that there is a major medical event. A time-tagged signal, which is also sent to the provider of medical care, is also sent simultaneously with the alarm.

“The MVPM functions in data acquisition mode and receives information from sensors. It can perform some limited analysis on the information and notify the patient if it finds any unusual conditions.

“Whenever the MVPM periodically transmits stored signals over the network, a unique identification is associated with such data so that it can be directly associated to a specific patient.”

“Once data have been received on the server, they are stored in accordance with the privacy and security measures that are known to those who are skilled in the art.”

The MVPM includes circuitry to self-test its subsystems and sensors, and communicate any troubleshooting information directly with the patient in case the sensor is lost or becomes non-functional. These troubleshooting data can be sent wirelessly to the central server so that remote troubleshooting can occur. Alternately, the new MVPM unit may be sent to patients.

The MVPM can also be pre-set before being given to patients. The alarms can also be remotely set by the health care provider via the internet and then via the wireless network depending on the biological signals being monitored. This can be done based on the caregiver’s knowledge about the patient’s condition. Remote setting can also be done via two-way communication with the MVPM’s transceiver.

“The communication rates of the WIBMS have been optimized to match common cellular calling plans and rate plans, and to minimize cost and time usage.”

“Using the WIBMS, the following types can be done:

“Digitally sampled electrocardiogram”

“Patient body temperature”

“pulse oximetry”

“pulse rate”

“Alternative physiologic variables such as blood glucose, respiration and so on.”

“Various pre-set alarm conditions or physiological variables”

“event occurrences per patient action/input.”

“The MVPM also has bi-directional communication capabilities and can transmit a panic? “To initiate 911 calls and allow patient-initiated voice call over cellular telephone links, the MVPM can transmit a?panic? signal over wireless network.

“Those skilled in the art will be able to see other characteristics of this invention by reviewing the detailed description that follows.”

“The present invention is a wireless Internet-based bio-telemetry system that includes a patient monitoring device, which can be worn by the patient. It also contains bio-sensors and a combination network which allows biologic data to being reviewed and acted on remotely by a health provider. The data from the monitoring system is then transmitted wirelessly over a cellular network either to the public switched telephone network or to a data analysis centre and/or to a provider of medical care.

“Referring first and foremost to FIG. The wireless Internet bio telemetry (WIBMS), is illustrated in FIG. 1. Patient 10 is wearing a multi-variable monitor (MVPM). 12. The MVPM 12 monitors bio-signals in a variety of ways, as we will see below. The MVPM 12 can communicate bi-directionally using voice 14 much like a regular cellular phone. The MVPM 12 can also send data 16 periodically, or in certain cases, continuously real-time, over a cell network. It can also receive data requests 18 from a medical provider over the cellular phone network.

“Cellular telephone networks 20” is the most common digital cellular telephone network currently being used. However, this network is not meant to be a limitation. The invention also includes PCS networks, as well as other wireless local loop networks. These networks can transmit the voice and data. Many skilled in the art will see that these networks can meet the requirements for voice transmission 14, data 16 and data request 18 to and from patient 10.

“In the case that voice traffic is being transmitted by the patient, a cell network 20 connects with the public switched telephone 22 which connects the medical care provider (or 911 operator)”. In this manner, the medical provider can also receive voice information from the patient and give feedback to them. The medical care provider 28 has the ability to both receive traffic from WIBMS and transmit data requests over Internet 26 through IWF 24, over the cellular network 20, through the data repository (Host), to the MVPM 12 and configure 19 the WVPM.

All data received from the MVPM or the network are archived 30 to allow for the monitoring of a specific patient over time. Data can also be analyzed for trends that could be used to set alarms and collect data protocols. To ensure patient confidentiality and privacy, all such data are transmitted encrypted and may not be attributable.

Referring to FIG. 2 is illustrated further. In FIG. 12, the MVPM is initially noted as 12. The MVPM (initially noted as 12 in FIG. 1) includes a variety of bio-sensors. Bio sensors can be used to measure blood oxygen saturation level 32, pulse speed 34, and body temp 36. The data acquisition module 42 stores the signals from the sensors and then picks them up. The bio sensors 44 are then used to send the information to the CDMA module 56. However, other protocols can also be used.

“In addition to acquiring data, data acquisition module 42 also records alarm conditions 46 and transmits this information via CDMA module 56 over the internet to the medical care provider. Data acquisition module 42 also transmits the time at 48 for any alarm information or biosensor information. The various alarm conditions can all be reconfigured by the health provider via the internet or wireless network, without patient interaction.

“The CDMA module, for example, is one that Qualcomm has manufactured for use with the cellular telephone module. This information is in connection with 3Comm?QuickConnect Internet connection software, 3Comm interworking feature (IWF), and 3Comm cellular phone module are used to connect to the Sprint digital cellular network. All characteristics of the Qualcom CDMA mobile phone module, 3Comm Quickconnect Internet connectivity software, and the 3Com interworking feature device are incorporated by reference.

“The CDMA module 56 enables digital cellular communications at 14.4 Kbps, which is sufficient to transmit the bio-sensor information contemplated in the present invention. However, this is not a limitation. In the future, faster wireless modulated speeds may be available. These faster connections will allow for the transmission of data and voice according to the invention.

All data collected is encrypted to protect against eavesdropping and tampering with commands. All data and information is compatible with Internet protocol and includes error checking to ensure data accuracy.

“The data acquisition module 42 monitors the ECG, and transmits it from the MVPM to Internet. Depending on the protocol used by the medical service provider, data can be transmitted in real-time and/or stored and then forwarded. Temperature measurement, pulse oximetry and pulse rate can all be collected and transmitted continuously over various time periods. Alternatively, data can be stored and transmitted over the wireless network when required.

“The data acquisition module has logic that allows an alarm to be transmitted at any time. The data acquisition module contains logic that allows an?alarm? condition to be transmitted at any moment when the alarm characteristics are met. Any alarm condition can also be reconfigured via the internet by the health provider and sent over the wireless network or directly to the wireless network. Any sensor off? Signals, which are messages sent to the patient and the provider of medical services, that indicate that a sensor has been turned off, broken or disconnected, 62 are sent on the occurrence. The information is sent by the data acquisition module 42 and the CDMA module 56 to the wireless network. A voice synthesizer (58) also sends a voice alert 60 to the patient if a specific alarm or sensor out condition has occurred.

“The patient has the option to dial 911 38 automatically, as mentioned earlier. Data acquisition module 42 processes the information and then passes it on to a voice connection 50 to CDMA 56. Then, it goes to the wireless network.

“The patient can also call 40 the medical care provider on a non-emergency base. It is done by a dedicated button? On the MVPM. Data acquisition module 42 again processes voice information 50, and then passes it to the CDMA module 56.”

As noted, the MVPM’s data acquisition module can be accessed by the medical service provider (or other organization) that is responsible for monitoring and maintaining it. This allows a request to information to flow over the wireless network via the CDMA module 56 to query 52 the data acquisition modules 42 to obtain information or simply to check that the module is working properly. Alternately, the data acquisition module 54 can be reconfigured to update communications capabilities or to modify the protocol for monitoring physiologic and alarm limits.

“The present invention allows MVPMs to be connected to the network. The wireless network’s capacity to handle traffic is the only limitation of this system. The MVPM has the same roaming capabilities as a cell phone, and allows for continuous transmission and update of physiologic information.

Referring to FIG. FIG. 3 illustrates a front panel of the MVPM. The MVPM displays a time indicator 72 and a battery strength indicator 74, which allow the wearer determine whether recharging or replacement is necessary. The panel 70 has been designed to be small and discreet so that the MPVM is not a burden on the wearer. There are several speed dialing buttons on the panel that can be used to make emergency calls to 91176 and to call the care provider 78 with a single button. If the wearer feels that there has been an “event”, they can press this button to generate a signal. This button 80 can be pressed to generate a signal associated with an event. The panel also has a power indicator 82 that allows the user to determine if power is on. The panel also has a sensor lamp 86 that informs the user if any sensors are functioning or have potential problems. The control panel also has an alarm light 84 and an audible signal. This allows the patient to be given both a visual as well as audible warning about any alarm conditions.

“The panel design shown here in FIG. 3. is an illustration only. It is obvious to anyone skilled in the art that there are other designs for panels. However, the information must be presented in an easy-to-use way for the patient.

“As mentioned above, the bi-directional communication link between MVPM and care provider via the PSTN/Internet is bi-directional. Requests for data can be sent to the MVPM via the Internet from a workstation at the care provider’s site. The MVPM can transfer data (real-time or stored) to other data bases or stores via the Internet. Data can be transmitted from the MVPM in real-time or from storage via the Internet to authorized users, such as insurance providers. The MVPM transmits alarm information to the care provider via the Internet or by voice link. A?sensor off? signal is sent to the MVPM when a sensor goes out of order or becomes disconnected from the wearer. The MVPM transmits a signal to the provider and transfers it over the Internet so that information can be found and the patient can be notified. The medical care provider may also receive event information as mentioned earlier. As needed, the medical provider can send a message to the MVPM to reset or disarm alarms. The MVPM can also transmit protocols to determine the type and time of the bio-signal that needs to be measured. To activate an emergency call to the provider, the user can use the personal emergency button to make a voice connection to the MVPM. The MVPM can receive real-time clock resets and any other configuration variations from the MVPM via the Internet.

“A wireless Internet-based bio-telemetry system is now illustrated. It is important that, although a specific wireless protocol was described in the preferred embodiment (i.e. CDMA is only one example of a wireless protocol that was described in the preferred embodiment. The invention can be used with other protocols, such as GSM and PCS networks. Other types of wireless networks, such as wireless local loop networks and satellite networks, are also possible. It is necessary that the MVPM can be contacted in two ways and that the internet connectivity flow is available as part of the communication system. This will allow for communication between the patient and their health care provider via voice or via the Internet. The invention can be modified without departing from its scope, as those who are skilled in the art will see.

Summary for “Wireless internet monitoring system for bio-telemetry”