Abstract:
A computer pointing device commonly called a mouse that, in addition to functioning as a computer mouse of the prior art, combines a sphygmomanometer and a thermometer. A glucometer or other specialized measurement devices may be attached via a built-in USB or similar interface. Data (e.g., blood glucose readings) from such attached instruments may be processed along with blood pressure, temperature, pulse, etc. A general purpose computer or a dedicated computer-like appliance is connected to the mouse and receives, stores, and processes data relating to measurements made by the mouse or an attached device. Data may be transmitted from the computer to a central data facility where it may be made available to authorized medical personnel and/or institutions.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention pertains to devices for collecting vital sign and other data from a subject and, more particularly, to a computer pointing device having built-in and attachable measurement sensors for collecting vital sign data and a system for processing, storing, and dispersing the information collected. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Many people suffer from medical conditions that require periodic monitoring of a health-related parameter related to their bodies. For example, diabetics typically measure blood glucose levels several times throughout the day. Hypertensive people monitor their blood pressure to ensure that it stays within a safe range. Other physical conditions may require periodic monitoring of other physical parameters. 
         [0003]    While many devices exist for use by individuals to self-monitor a required parameter, the accuracy of the monitoring may be less than optimum. This may be due to factors such as inaccuracy inherent in inexpensive, “home” type monitoring equipment or, in other cases, lack of skill by the individual in performing the measurements. In addition, record keeping, that is recording the readings obtained from measurements is sometimes inadequate. When record keeping is poor, a physician or other trained licensed medical personnel may not have the necessary historical data to diagnose or evaluate the medical condition of the individual or to prescribe treatment of a medical condition. 
         [0004]    In addition, even when an individual keeps good records of accurate measurements, getting that data to more than one medical practitioner becomes problematic. Even as we enter the age of paperless medical records, there is rarely any way for an individual to enter data directly into the system where it may readily be disseminated to multiple practitioners and/or institutions. 
       DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART 
       [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,335,163 for COMBINED COMPUTER MOUSE AND BLOOD PRESSURE SPHYGMOMANOMETER, issued Feb. 26, 2008 to Phillip L. Lam et al. provides a device that combines a well-known computer accessory with a blood pressure measurement system. Measurements made with the LAM et al. mouse may be recorded directly in a computer or other electronic device to which the mouse is electrically connected. The blood pressure data may be stored and averaged or otherwise analyzed by the attached computer using software. 
         [0006]    This patent neither teaches nor suggests the novel computer pointing device having medical monitoring features and the attending system of the present invention. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    In accordance with the present invention there is provided a computer pointing device commonly called a mouse that, in addition to functioning as a computer mouse of the prior art, combines a sphygmomanometer, a thermometer, and at least a glucometer. A built-in USB or similar interface allows other stand-alone measurement devices to be connected to the novel mouse, the measurements made by the devices being processed along with blood pressure and/or blood glucose readings from the novel mouse. 
         [0008]    A general purpose computer or a dedicated computer-like appliance is connected to the mouse and receives, stores, and processes data relating to measurements made by the mouse or an attached device. Data may be transmitted from the computer to a central data facility where it may be made available to authorized medical personnel and/or institutions. 
         [0009]    It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide a medical data collection device incorporated into a form such as a computer mouse. 
         [0010]    It is another object of the invention to provide a medical data collection device incorporated into a form such as a computer mouse having a data port allowing attachment of external measurement devices. 
         [0011]    It is an additional object of the invention to provide a medical data collection device incorporated into a form such as a computer mouse having a data port implemented as a USB port. 
         [0012]    It is a further object of the invention to provide a medical data collection device incorporated into a form such as a computer mouse that may be connected to a local controller in the form of a computer or dedicated appliance. 
         [0013]    It is a still further object of the invention to provide a medical data collection device incorporated into a form such as a computer mouse wherein medical data collected thereby may be stored and/or analyzed at a local controller. 
         [0014]    It is yet another object of the invention to provide a medical data collection device incorporated into a form such as a computer mouse wherein medical data from a local controller may be transmitted to a remote site and may available to authorized medical practitioners or other authorized users of such data. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    Various objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1   a  is a front, perspective, schematic view of a computer pointing device having a sphygmomanometer included within; 
           [0017]      FIG. 1   b  is a detailed perspective view of a tunnel portion of the mouse of  FIG. 1   a;    
           [0018]      FIG. 1   c  is a front, perspective, schematic view of the computer pointing device of  FIG. 1   a  with exterior cover removed; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a rear, perspective, schematic view of the computer pointing device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a side, perspective, schematic view of a glucometer adapted to be attached to the computer pointing device of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a simplified system block diagram of a local portion of the system of the invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is screen shot of a typical display of data gathered by the computer pointing device of  FIG. 1   a  at a computer system attached thereto; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a simplified, pictorial representation of the data collection, storage, and dispersal system in accordance with the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0024]    The present invention provides an apparatus for collecting vital sign information from a human subject incorporated in a computer pointing device such as a computer “mouse”. The mouse is adapted to communicate with a computer or other electronic appliance adapted to receive data representative of a physical parameter collected from the mouse, store the data, optionally perform mathematical manipulation or analysis of the data, and to transmit raw and/or processed data to a remote site. 
         [0025]    Referring first to  FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b , and  1   c , there are shown a front, perspective, schematic view of a computer mouse  100  having a built-in sphygmomanometer, not specifically identified, a detailed perspective view of a tunnel  108  portion of the mouse of  FIG. 1   a , and a front, perspective view of computer mouse  100  but with an outer cover removed, respectively. Mouse  100  resembles a well known mouse of the prior art with the exception of an opening  102  in a housing  104  forming a portion of the upper portion  106  of mouse  100 . Opening  102  defines the outer end of a substantially cylindrical tunnel  108  within housing  104  that is sized and configured to circumferentially surround a finger, not shown, of a user of mouse  100 . 
         [0026]    The inner wall of substantially cylindrical tunnel  108  includes an inflatable structure  110  (e.g., an airbag) that is adapted to selectively expand inwardly to impose pressure on a finger inserted into substantially cylindrical tunnel  108 . Inflatable structure  110  is connected to a mechanism  112  that selectively inflates and deflates inflatable structure  110  upon command thereto. This mechanism typically consists of a small electrically-driven compressor or pump  114  connected to inflatable structure by tubing  116  or another suitable conduit, not shown. Such mechanisms are believed to be well known to those of skill in the art and are not further described herein. 
         [0027]    Mouse  100  features such as a tracking element, not shown, and one or more switches  118 . 
         [0028]    A cable  120  connects mouse  100  to a computer or other appliance  122  ( FIG. 4 ) 
         [0029]    It is well known to those of skill in the art to use a sphygmomanometer to also measure pulse rate and such a feature is included in the sphygmomanometer forming a part of mouse  100 . In addition, additional sensors, not specifically identified, in or proximate tunnel  108  may be used to read body temperature, pulse oxygen levels, skin resistance, or other measureable body parameters. An EEG subsystem could also be provided. Consequently, the invention is not limited to the particular body parameters chosen for purposes of disclosure but is intended to include any additional body parameters measureable at the finger of a user of mouse  100 . Possible additional auxiliary sensors include, but are not limited to serum cholesterol, blood lipids, urine sugar and A1C hemoglobin. 
         [0030]    Referring now also to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a rear, perspective, schematic view of mouse  100 . An optional scrolling wheel  124  is disposed on a side of mouse  100 . It will be recognized that switches  118  and scrolling wheel  124  form no part on the invention and are included only to illustrate features often found on computer pointing devices such as mouse  100 . Consequently, the invention is not changed by the absence or presence of features such as, but not limited to switches  118  and scrolling wheel  124 . 
         [0031]    A USB connector  126  is disposed on a rear edge of mouse  100 . USB connector  126  is adapted to optionally receive auxiliary measurement devices, for example a glucometer  128  ( FIG. 3 ). As the medical condition of each potential user of the system of the present invention may vary, the inclusion of USB connector  126  allows a user to add measurement devices pertinent to his or her medical condition and consequent need for particular data measurements. 
         [0032]    Referring now also to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a perspective, schematic view of a glucometer  128  having a USB connector  130  adapted to be received in USB connector  126  on mouse  100 . Glucometer  128  is similar to stand alone glucometers of the prior art, not shown, and is equipped with a slot to receive a test strip  134 . Test strip  134  forms no part of the invention and is included only to show a typical operating configuration of glucometer  128 . Glucometer  128  may further optionally contain one or more controls (typically buttons)  136  to performs any necessary setup function, for example but not limited to matching a control number, not shown, of a particular batch, not shown, of test strips  134  to glucometer  128  when required. Glucometer  128  may optionally be provided with a display  132 . 
         [0033]    While glucometer  128  is shown for purposes of disclosing auxiliary measuring devices attachable to mouse  100  via USB connector  126 , it will be recognized that other measurement devices may be contemplated. The invention is not, therefore, considered limited to the auxiliary glucometer  128  chosen for purposes of disclosure. Rather, the invention includes any and all auxiliary instruments designed to measure a human body parameter. 
         [0034]    Referring now also to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a simplified schematic system block diagram of a local portion of the overall system of the present invention, generally at reference number  150 . Mouse  100  having a USB connector  126  is shown adjacent a plurality of auxiliary measurement devices  152   a ,  152   b  . . .  152   n . While devices  152   a ,  152   b , . . .  152   n  are shown schematically as having a built-in USB connector  160   a ,  160   b  . . .  160   n  adapted for selective interconnection to USB connector  126  on mouse  100 , it will be recognized that auxiliary measurement devices  152   a ,  152   b , . . .  152  may be in other form factors, not shown, that may be interconnected to USB port  126  of mouse  100  by a cable, not shown, having a compatible USB connector, not shown, at a distal end thereof. A desired one of auxiliary measurement devices  152   a ,  152   b , . . .  152   n  is selectively plugged into USB connector  126  of mouse  100  as shown by arrow  162 . Glucometer  128  ( FIG. 3 ) is an example of auxiliary measurement devices  152   a ,  152   b  . . .  152   n.    
         [0035]    Cable  120  of mouse  100  is shown connected to computer  122 . As used herein in, the term computer is intended to apply to any general purpose computer or dedicated electronic appliance having the capability to interconnect to mouse  100  and an appropriate communications interface  154 . Computer  122  is assumed to include all internal and external systems, sub-systems, operating system(s), application software, and peripheral devices, none of which is specifically identified, necessary to perform any necessary control or computational processes. For example, computer  122  may include an additional human interface such as a keyboard and a monitor, neither specifically identified. 
         [0036]    A communications interface  154  is provided to communicate data from computer  122  to a remote site. For purposes of disclosure it is assumed that all electronic communication is via a communications link  156  to the Internet, shown schematically at reference number  158 . 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a typical screen displayed on the monitor, not specifically identified, of computer system  122 , generally at reference number  170 . A number of data display areas are shown on screen  170 . Screen  170  has a number of display areas dedicated to presentation on a single aspect of the data gathered at local system  150 , primarily by mouse  100  and ancillary measurement instruments attached thereto by USB connector  126 . 
         [0038]    For example, display regions  172  and  174  display, respectively a waveform associated with ventricular and arterial blood pressures. Controls  176  and  178 , associated with display regions  172 ,  174  respectively, control the display parameters thereof. 
         [0039]    A time scale  180  displays the time (in seconds) during which the waveforms in display regions  174 ,  174  have been acquired. A control  182  allows selection of a specific time period to be displayed. 
         [0040]    An optional comment field  186  is provided for adding descriptive information to the data stored from a particular measurement Control  188  is provided to allow addition of comment  186 . 
         [0041]    Temperature  190 , pulse  192 , and blood sugar  194  readings are displayed in respective display regions at the right hand side of screen  170 . 
         [0042]    Other controls, not specifically identified, believed to be well known to those of skill in the art are provided to control various display parameters and functions. 
         [0043]    It will be recognized that numerous display layouts may be conceived and provided to display measurements at local system  150 . Consequently, the invention is not considered limited to the specific layout or to the data elements displayed on screen  170  provided for purposes of disclosure. Rather, the invention includes any screen layout and mix of measured values. 
         [0044]    Referring now also to  FIG. 6 , there is shown a simplified, pictorial diagram of the system for acquiring, storing, transmitting, and dispersing information in accordance with the invention, generally at reference number  200 . 
         [0045]    A central facility  202  contains processors  204 , bulk data storage units  206 , and communications controllers  208 . Central facility  202  is adapted to receive and store uploaded data from numerous user local systems  150 , only one of which is shown, via communications links  156  and  210  from each of the local systems  150 . 
         [0046]    Secure data communication is maintained on communications links  156 ,  210  by a security device, shown schematically at reference number  212  and associated with communications links  156  and  210 . Data security device  212  may be implemented using a wide range of different protocols and security arrangements believed to be well known to those of skill in the electronic communication arts. For purposes of disclosure, data security device  212  provides a secure sockets layer (SSL) security protocol, specifically and AES-256 bit implementation, to ensure the security of data to and from a local system  150  and the communications controller  208  at central facility  202 . SSL is believed to be widely understood by those of skill in the art and, consequently, is not further discussed herein. However, the invention is not considered limited to the SSL method used for purposes of disclosure. Rather, the invention includes the use of either no data security system or any known or yet to be implemented data security system. 
         [0047]    Data, not shown, from each local system  150  is transmitted to central data management facility  202  where it is stored (e.g., warehoused) with other data for each identified user. Uploaded data for each individual may be processed, for example, averaged or otherwise statistically analyzed. It is envisioned that either raw data or, in order to conserve storage space, various summaries of the data may be stored. 
         [0048]    Authorized Data Consumers (ADCs), typically medical practitioners  214   a , research facilities such as university research facility  214   b , outpatient clinics  214   c , government agencies, for example, Medicare administration  214   d , are able to communicate with remote data management facility  202  and, when properly authorized, obtain data for one or more individuals for whom data has been uploaded, stored, summarized and possibly analyzed. 
         [0049]    It is anticipated that the system of the invention would be a privately run service to which individuals could subscribe. All or portions of local system  150  could be either purchased outright by a subscriber or leased from the entity providing the service. 
         [0050]    Persons wishing to store data would subscribe and obtain necessary portions of local system  150 . Each person would be responsible for determining what medical data was to be gathered, with what frequency measurements should be made, time of measurements, etc. Such determinations would presumably be made in consultation with competent, probably licenses, medical professionals. 
         [0051]    Subscription fees may be determined by the number, frequency, and/or complexity of tests performed at local system  150 . Additional charges could be imposed based upon the amount of data being stored or other similar factors. 
         [0052]    ADCs  214   a  . . .  214   n  may, upon proper authorization, be allowed free access to the data. In alternate embodiments, ADCs  214   a  . . .  214   n  may be charged either a subscription fee or a pay per use charge to obtain information from central data management system  202 . 
         [0053]    System  200  is advantageous in that individuals may monitor certain medical parameters at home using reliable equipment that is as close to fool proof as possible. Features in either local or remote software may be provided to flag suspicious readings so that they may be repeated if they fail to meet a predetermined criteria. If repeated measurements are suspect, the user may be directed to a medical professional (e.g., doctor&#39;s office, clinic, etc.) to have a reading verified. 
         [0054]    The ability to routinely monitor health related values from home alleviates the need for frequent trips to a doctor&#39;s office, emergency room, clinic, etc., thereby freeing those resources for more critical care related utilization. Further, it saves significant amounts of time for the user who avoids the time overhead and expense of transportation (public or private). 
         [0055]    Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention. 
         [0056]    Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.