Abstract:
Home care monitor systems are used to monitor physiological parameters of a user who is remotely located from a health care provider. The measured physiological parameters can be transmitted via telephone lines or a modem to a server component, which provides a queries database and a measurement database for storing the measured physiological parameters and generating queries to the user based on the measurements. The response to the queries, the measured physiological parameters and other data can be accessed by and transmitted to a remote health care provider to ascertain the health of the user.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    Home care monitor systems have improved the quality of life of many home-based patients, by allowing them in home monitoring of vital signs and other physiological parameters. In addition, these systems have allowed for better efficiency on the part of health-care providers since these parameters can be transmitted to remote locations such as doctors&#39; offices, hospitals, pharmacists and other health care professionals to provide them with accurate readings for efficient evaluation and diagnosis, without the patient being physically present.  
           [0002]    Typically, physical parameters are measured by sensors such as blood pressure gauges, pulse oximetry sensors, etc. The data obtained from these sensors are transferred to a computer and further transmitted to a remote location via a modem, the Internet, telephone lines or the like. In addition, some existing home care systems include medicine dispensers that are utilized in combination with the home care systems.  
           [0003]    Home care systems generally require the patients to subject themselves to some type of a cuff, sleeve, sensor pad or invasive sampling, through which the sensor takes a reading. Once activated, the sensor automatically measures the reading, stores it and then transmits it to a remote location. Prior art systems are discussed below.  
           [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,940 to Braun, et al., discloses a portable physiological unit that is capable of being plugged into several sensors. The collected data is configured so that it is capable of being transmitted over the Internet.  
           [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,171,264 to Bader discloses a portable physiologic data collection and analysis apparatus that transmits collected information to a computer, and thereafter transmits the stored information to a remote location. The device can be used for analog and digital signals and includes a memory for storing data and a transmitter system for transmitting the data over a wireless modem or other interface.  
           [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,935,060 to Illif, et al., discloses a system and method that allows for computer-based diagnostics of medical conditions. The system provides for a series of queries that generate diagnostic scripts that can be used by a remote health care professional to diagnose a patient&#39;s symptoms.  
           [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,975 to Illyes, et al., discloses an apparatus for measuring physiological parameters including blood pressure, a microcontroller for beginning and ending measurements, a display feature and a connector for sending the information to a remote location.  
           [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,221,010 to Lucas, U.S. Pat. No. 6,102,855 to Kehr, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,933,873 to Kaufman, et al., all disclose a home medical care system having a medication dispensing system.  
           [0009]    While prior art home care monitor systems are capable of obtaining medical information or providing a medicine dispensing system, none of the systems provide for a single device which is capable of operating as a multifunctional monitoring and medicine administering system, whereby the patient/user is also capable of providing additional information in the form of queries/answers, to customize patient treatment and provide greater accuracy in treatment.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    It is therefore the objective of this invention to provide a home care monitoring system that is capable of being customized to suit the individual needs of each home-based patient.  
           [0011]    It is also an objective of this invention to provide a home care system that monitors physiological parameters and stores the information for remote or future retrieval.  
           [0012]    It is also an objective of this invention to provide a home care system that can provide queries to a patient to better diagnose symptoms, better evaluate physiological data and answer patient questions, so that each patient receives individual attention.  
           [0013]    These and other objectives of the present invention provide for a home care system that is efficient and functional, and provides greater accuracy. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]    [0014]FIG. 1 is a schematic of the home unit, the server and the devices of the present invention.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 2 is a schematic of the home unit of the present invention.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 3 is a schematic of the home unit and the server of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS  
       [0017]    The present invention is directed to a home care monitoring system that is capable of providing home-based monitoring of physiological conditions and also capable of storing and transmitting the obtained physiological information to a remote location. The home care monitoring system of the present invention allows a physician or medical caregiver to remotely monitor a home-based patient/user, thereby providing rapid and efficient health care to a home-based patient/user in emergency and non-emergency conditions.  
         [0018]    As shown in FIG. 1, the system S of the present invention includes a home component/unit A, at least one server component B and a plurality of devices C. Devices C are used to measure a variety of medical responses as well as obtain non-medical information such as the user&#39;s identity. Devices C include, but are not limited to, blood pressure sensors, glucometers, pulse oximeters, scales, medicine prompting systems, printers and identifier apparatus such as bar code readers, etc.  
         [0019]    Home Unit A:  
         [0020]    As shown in FIG. 2, the home unit A houses several components including a microprocessor  1 . Microprocessor  1  is connected to at least one memory component  1   a  that stores data. The memory component  1   a  includes but is not limited to Random Access Memory (RAM), Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Flash Memory, and Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) type devices.  
         [0021]    Microprocessor  1  is also connected to a real-time clock  1   b  that keeps track of the date and time and imprints a timestamp on incoming and outgoing data. The real-time clock  1   b  will also be connected to the server component B so that the time and date on the real-time clock  1   b  and server B are synchronous.  
         [0022]    Microprocessor  1  is also connected to a multi-channel communications component  2  that is used to receive and transmit information from a source external to unit A. Multi-channel communications component  2  can transmit information serially, via radio frequency, or through wireless systems known in the art and compatible with the home care monitoring system of the present invention. Multi-channel communications component  2  is also connected to a modem/Ethernet component  2   a  for transmitting/receiving information via computers.  
         [0023]    Microprocessor  1  is further connected to an audio output section  3 . Audio output section  3  provides voice commands, queries and/or aural cues to the user. Voice/prerecorded audio data generator  3   a  is used to provide particular voice signals to the audio output section  3 . These voice signals are stored in memory component  1   a  and can take the form of a physician, health care giver, a family member&#39;s voice or a computer generated voice signal.  
         [0024]    A visual output  4  is also connected to microprocessor  1 . The visual output  4  includes a display screen  4   a . The display screen  4   a  is used to display a plurality of screens that provide the user with a variety of necessary information, as well as query sets that obtain information from the user. Display screen  4   a  can display text or graphics. In an alternate embodiment, visual output  4  can also include a touch screen  4   b  so that the user can input information or respond to query sets by directly touching the appropriate response sections of the touch screen  4   b . Note that the queries or information can be available to the user through the audio output section  3  and/or through the display screen  4   a.    
         [0025]    In an alternate embodiment, user input system  5 , also connected to the microprocessor  1 , can be used by the user to input information or query responses. The user input system  5  allows the user to submit information or answer questions posed via the audio output  3  and/or the visual output  4 . User input system  5  can be touch-screen displays, keypads, buttons and switches.  
         [0026]    As described above, devices C are in actuality a plurality of individual devices capable of obtaining a wide range of data. The number and type of devices utilized by a home unit A are determined according to design and use requirements. Each home unit A includes a plurality of ports P through which each of the devices C are connected to home unit A. The ports P are capable of hosting multiple devices having unique signal configurations and voltages.  
         [0027]    Additionally, devices C can be synchronized with the real-time clock  1   b  so that, if devices C are capable of imprinting a timestamp on data, there will be uniformity of time and date.  
         [0028]    Since devices C can be digital, analog or have varying voltage levels, home unit A includes an analog/digital converter  6  and a voltage level converter  7 , both of which are connected to microprocessor  1 .  
         [0029]    Home unit A also includes a power source port  8  that allows home component/unit A to operate using AC/DC power and/or battery power.  
         [0030]    In use, home unit A collects data using the various devices C. The unit A is turned on and the audio output section  3 , and/or the visual output  4  provides introductory information on the system A. Thereafter, display screen  4   a  provides a plurality of “screens” on how to operate home unit A, which devices C to use and how to input the appropriate information. Note that touch screen  4   b  and keypad  5  both include commands such as “help/info,” “yes/go” and “no/stop” functions to aid the user.  
       EXAMPLE 1  
       [0031]    An example of the manner by which home unit A is operated using a variety of “screens,” is given below:  
         [0032]    Screen A and B are discussed. In this example, screen A corresponds to a blood pressure measurement obtained from a blood pressure device, while screen B corresponds to a blood glucose measurement obtained from a blood glucose device:  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Button Labels       “Help/System Info” (Previously ‘A’)       “Yes/Continue” (Previously ‘B’)       “No/Cancel” (Previously ‘C’)       Screen 1       -------------------         Trex/Sekos        Home Care Monitor        Press a button       --------------------       ACTION −&gt; RESULT       Press A −&gt; Screen 21 (system info screens)       Press B −&gt; Screen 2       Press C −&gt; Screen 2       BP Measurement −&gt; Screen 3       Gluc Measurement −&gt; Screen 4       3 minutes elapsed −&gt; Screen 1       Screen 2       ---------------------       Please take or send       your blood pressure       or blood glucose       measurements.       ---------------------       ACTION −&gt; RESULT       Press A −&gt; Screen 5 (Walk thru BP measurement process)       Press B −&gt; Screen 2       Press C −&gt; Screen 1       BP Measurement −&gt; Screen 3 (ask for gluc)       Gluc Measurement −&gt; Screen 4 (ask for BP)       3 minutes elapsed −&gt; Screen 1       Screen 3       ---------------------       Your blood pressure       measurement was       received. Now turn       on your glucometer.       ---------------------       ACTION −&gt; RESULT       Press A −&gt; Screen 7 (ask if blood glucose measurement taken)       Press B −&gt; Screen 7       Press C −&gt; Screen 18 (ask if just want to send BP)       BP Measurement −&gt; Screen 3       Gluc Measurement −&gt; Screen 9 (send data)       3 minutes elapsed −&gt; Screen 6       Screen 4       ---------------------       Your blood glucose       measurement was       received. Now take       your blood pressure.       ---------------------       ACTION −&gt; RESULT       Press A −&gt; Screen 5 (walk thru blood pressure measurement)       Press B −&gt; Screen 5       Press C −&gt; Screen 8 (ask if just want to send BG)       BP Measurement −&gt; Screen 9 (send data)       Gluc Measurement −&gt; Screen 4       3 minutes elapsed −&gt; Screen 6       Screen 5       ---------------------       Place cuff around       your upper arm and       press blue button to       take a measurement.       ---------------------       ACTION −&gt; RESULT       Press A −&gt; Screen 10 (is cable connected to HCM?)       Press B −&gt; Screen 10 (is cable connected to HCM?)       Press C −&gt; IF BG measurement already taken: Screen 8 (ask if just want       to send BG)                Otherwise: Screen 2            BP Measurement −&gt; IF BG measurement already taken: Screen 9       (send data)                Otherwise: Screen 3            Gluc Measurement −&gt; Screen 4       3 minutes elapsed −&gt; Screen 10       Screen 6       ---------------------       Do you need more       time?       ---------------------       ACTION −&gt; RESULT       Press A −&gt; act as if help (‘A’) was pressed on previous screen       Press B −&gt; Previous screen       Press C −&gt; Act as if ‘C’ was pressed on previous screen       BP Measurement −&gt; IF BG measurement already taken: Screen 9       (send data)                Otherwise: Screen 3            Gluc Measurement −&gt; IF BP measurement already taken: Screen 9                 Otherwise: Screen 4            3 minutes elapsed −&gt; Screen 1       Screen 7       ---------------------       Have you taken a new       blood glucose       measurement yet?       ---------------------       ACTION −&gt; RESULT       Press A −&gt; Screen 11 (walk thru blood glucose measurement)       Press B −&gt; Screen 12 (walk thru how to turn on glucometer)       Press C −&gt; Screen 11       BP Measurement −&gt; Screen 3       Gluc Measurement −&gt; IF BP measurement already taken: Screen 9                Otherwise: Screen 4            3 minutes elapsed −&gt; Screen 6       Screen 8       ---------------------       Do you want to take       your blood pressure       before sending your       blood glucose?       ---------------------       ACTION −&gt; RESULT       Press A −&gt; Screen 5       Press B −&gt; Screen 5       Press C −&gt; Screen 9 (sending data)       BP Measurement −&gt; Screen 9       Gluc Measurement −&gt; Screen 4       3 minutes elapsed −&gt; Screen 9 (send data)       Screen 9       ---------------------       Sending data to       the data center.       &lt;STATUS = Dialing, Uploading, Downloading, or Hanging Up&gt;       ---------------------       ACTION −&gt; RESULT       Press A −&gt; no change       Press B −&gt; no change       Press C −&gt; Screen 13 (sure you want to cancel?) (aru—will this interrupt       the communication&#39;s protocal with the server?)       BP Measurement −&gt; no change . . . let data be stored in monitor until next       interaction with HCM       Gluc Measurement −&gt; no change . . . let data be stored in monitor until       next interaction with HCM       Successful data transfer −&gt; Screen 14 (successful transfer)       Unsuccessful data transfer −&gt; Screen 15 (data not received)       Screen 10       ---------------------       Connect the correct       cable between the       home care monitor       and your device.       ---------------------       ACTION −&gt; RESULT       Press A −&gt; Screen 16 (please consult your HCM manual)       Press B −&gt; Previous Screen       Press C −&gt; Previous Screen (aru—or should we ask if they just want       to send previous BP or Gluc measurements?)       BP Measurement −&gt; IF BG measurement aleady taken: Screen 9       (send data)                Otherwise: Screen 3            Gluc Measurement −&gt; IF BP measurement already taken: Screen 9       (Send data)                 Otherwise: Screen 4            3 minutes elapsed −&gt; Screen 6 (more time?)       Screen 11       ---------------------       Please measure your       blood glucose level       with your glucometer       and press ‘Continue’       ---------------------       ACTION −&gt; RESULT       Press A −&gt; Screen 17 (please consult your manual)       Press B −&gt; Screen 12 (turn on glucometer)       Press C −&gt; IF BP measurement already taken: Screen 18 (just send BP?)                Otherwise: Screen 2            BP Measurement −&gt; Screen 3       Gluc Measurement −&gt; IF BP measurement already taken: Screen 9       (Send data)                Otherwise: Screen 4            3 minutes elapsed −&gt; Screen 6 (more time?)       Screen 12       ---------------------       Slide the front       cover forward to       turn the glucometer       on.       ---------------------       ACTION −&gt; RESULT       Press A −&gt; Screen 10 (connect the cable)       Press B −&gt; Screen 10       Press C −&gt; IF BP measurement already taken: Screen 18 (just       send BP?)                Otherwise: Screen 2            BP Measurement −&gt; Screen 3       Gluc Measurement −&gt; IF BP measurement already taken: Screen 9       (Send data)                Otherwise: Screen 4            3 minutes elapsed −&gt; Screen 10       Screen 13       ---------------------       Are you sure you       want to cancel?       ---------------------       ACTION −&gt; RESULT       Press A −&gt; Screen 19 (explain consequences of dumping call)       Press B −&gt; Screen 20 (call cancelled)       Press C −&gt; Previous calling status screen (9 or 15) (wherever it got       left off)       BP Measurement −&gt; no action . . . let data be stored in monitor until next       interaction with HCM       Glue Measurement −&gt; no action . . . let data be stored in monitor until       next interaction with HCM       3 minutes elapsed −&gt; Screen 9 (wherever it got left off)       Screen 14       ---------------------       Your data has been       successfully sent to       the data center.       ---------------------       ACTION −&gt; RESULT       Press A −&gt; Screen 21 (system info)       Press B −&gt; Screen 2       Press C −&gt; Screen 2       BP Measurement −&gt; Screen 3 (BP received)       Gluc Measurement −&gt; Screen 4 (glue received)       3 minutes elapsed −&gt; Screen 1       Screen 15       ---------------------       Data NOT received by       the data center.       Trying again.       &lt;STATUS = Dialing, Uploading, Downloading, or Hanging Up&gt;       ---------------------       ACTION −&gt; RESULT       Press A −&gt; no change       Press B −&gt; no change       Press C −&gt; Screen 13 (sure you want to cancel?) (aru—will this       interrupt the communication&#39;s protocol with the server?)       BP Measurement −&gt; no change . . . let data be stored in monitor until next       interaction with HCM (i.e.—interrupts disabled)       Gluc Measurement −&gt; no change . . . let data be stored in monitor until       next interaction with HCM (i.e.—interrupts disabled)       Successful data transfer −&gt; Screen 14 (successful transfer)       Unsuccessful data transfer −&gt; If this was the second attempt, try one more       time: Screen 15                If this was the third attempt (or more) : Screen 16            (consult HCM manual)       Screen 16       ---------------------       Please consult your       home care monitor       manual for further       help on the problem.       ---------------------       ACTION −&gt; RESULT       Press A −&gt; No action       Press B −&gt; Previous Screen       Press C −&gt; Previous Screen       BP Measurement −&gt; IF BG measurement aleady taken: Screen 9       (send data)                Otherwise: Screen 3 (BP received)            Gluc Measurement −&gt; IF BP measurement already taken: Screen 9       (Send data)                 Otherwise: Screen 4            3 minutes elapsed −&gt; Screen 6 (more time)       Screen 17       ---------------------       Please consult your       glucometer manual       from Bayer for       further help.       ---------------------       ACTION −&gt; RESULT       Press A −&gt; No action       Press B −&gt; Screen 11       Press C −&gt; Screen 11       BP Measurement −&gt; Screen 3 (BP received)       Gluc Measurement −&gt; IF BP measurement already taken: Screen 9       (Send data)                Otherwise: Screen 4            3 minutes elapsed −&gt; Screen 6 (more time)       Screen 18       ---------------------       Do you want to take       your blood glucose       before sending your       blood pressure?       ---------------------       ACTION −&gt; RESULT       Press A −&gt; Screen 17 (help with Gluc measurement)       Press B −&gt; Screen 11 (pls take glue meas.)       Press C −&gt; Screen 9 (send data)       BP Measurement −&gt; Screen 3 (BP received)       Gluc Measurement −&gt; Screen 9 (Send data)       3 minutes elapsed −&gt; Screen 6 (more time)       Screen 19       ---------------------       Your data will be       saved in your home       care monitor until       the next call.       ---------------------       ACTION −&gt; RESULT       Press A −&gt; Screen 13       Press B −&gt; Screen 13       Press C −&gt; Screen 13       BP Measurement −&gt; no action       Gluc Measurement −&gt; no action       15 seconds −&gt; Screen 13 (aru—how will this time affect the       communications protocol?)       Screen 20       ---------------------       - Call Cancelled -       Your data will be       sent with next call.       ---------------------       ACTION −&gt; RESULT       Press A −&gt; Screen 2       Press B −&gt; Screen 2       Press C −&gt; Screen 2       BP Measurement −&gt; Screen 3       Gluc Measurement −&gt; Screen 4       3 minutes −&gt; Screen 1       Screen 21       ---------------------       Unit ID:       Firmware Vers.:       Patient ID:       Waiting: packets       ---------------------       ACTION −&gt; RESULT       Press A −&gt; Screen 22 (next sys info)       Press B −&gt; Screen 22       Press C −&gt; Screen 2 (ask for measurement)       BP Measurement −&gt; Screen 3       Gluc Measurement −&gt; Screen 4       3 minutes −&gt; Screen 1       Screen 22       ---------------------       Last call at:       Phone number:       ---------------------       ACTION −&gt; RESULT       Press A −&gt; Screen 2 (ask for measurement)       Press B −&gt; Screen 2       Press C −&gt; Screen 2       BP Measurement −&gt; Screen 3       Gluc Measurement −&gt; Screen 4       3 minutes −&gt; Screen 1       Screen 23       ---------------------       Would you like to       take your blood       pressure measurement       now?       ---------------------       ACTION −&gt; RESULT       Press A −&gt; Screen 5 (walk thru BP measurement)       Press B −&gt; Screen 5       Press C −&gt; Screen 24 (ask about gluc measurement)       BP Measurement −&gt; Screen 3       Gluc Measurement −&gt; Screen 4       3 minutes −&gt; Screen 1       Screen 24       ---------------------       Would you like to       send your blood       glucose measurement       now?       ---------------------       ACTION −&gt; RESULT       Press A −&gt; Screen 11 (walk thru gluc measurement)       Press B −&gt; Screen 11       Press C −&gt; Screen 1 (since they already didn&#39;t want to measure their BP)       BP Measurement −&gt; Screen 3       Gluc Measurement −&gt; Screen 4       3 minutes −&gt; Screen 1                  
 
         [0033]    As shown in FIG. 3, information obtained from home unit A is transmitted to server B, where it is processed, and further capable of being transmitted to a remote location via transmission lines including but not limited to phone lines or internet connection for review, analysis and/or storage.  
         [0034]    Server B:  
         [0035]    Server B includes a network connection  9  that answers calls from home unit A and also sends information back to home unit A. Information received from unit A is transmitted to a physiological measurement database  10 . The physiological measurement database  10  stores all of the patient&#39;s physiological measurements; stores physician set limits; sends alerts when measurements are outside of preset values; and if desired, accesses a questions database  11 . Questions database  11  holds a collection of queries that are used to obtain supplemental information to the monitored measurements. These queries can be added, removed or modified by health care professionals from a remote location. The queries are capable of being triggered by a variety of monitored measurement responses and vary with the type of devices C utilized by the system. The questions database  11  is connected to a call back system  12  having a call-back modem  12   a  and an audio output  12   b . The call back system  12  activates the questions database  11  so as to communicate with the user. The call back system  12  also acts to confirm receipt of information from unit A. Additionally, the call back system  12  assures that a physician or medical caregiver provides rapid communication with the patient when needed.  
         [0036]    Responses to queries from the questions database  11  can alternatively be stored in the physiological measurements database  10 .  
         [0037]    The queries from measurements database  10  and questions database  11  are gathered onto a data display server  13 . The server  13  allows medical personnel access to data in both the measurements database  10  and the questions database  11  and further allows the information in either database to be altered by physicians or medical caregivers. Alternatively, server  13  also allows patients and their families to view patient&#39;s data in the measurements database  10 .  
         [0038]    The information obtained via home unit A and the server B can then be transmitted to at least one remote location, such as a health care provider facility. In addition, the system S can also transmit pertinent user information to family members, and back to the user. Note also that the system S can utilize a plurality of servers B, if so required.  
         [0039]    As stated above, the home unit A and server B of system S of the present invention provide an interactive apparatus that allows for rapid response between a user and a remote health-care provider, and/or family member.