Patient hospital room system for providing communication, education and entertainment

A patient hospital room system comprises a room computer uniquely associated with a patient in a hospital room. The room computer is connected to a hospital network including a media server. The room computer is configured to download preselected media files from the media server when a patient is assigned to the room. A touch screen display is operably connected to the room computer and the room computer is configured to enable the touch screen display to function as a remote controller for playing the media files. A game console is operably connected to the room computer. A monitor is connected to the game console. An IR transmitter is connected to the room computer for transmitting commands from the touch screen display to the game console. An IR receiver is operably connected to the game console for receiving the commands from the IR transmitter. The room computer and the game console are configured such that the preselected media files are playable from the room computer and displayable on the touch screen or the monitor.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a patient hospital room system for providing communication, education and entertainment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A prolonged hospital stay can be an isolating event for a child who has to leave behind friends, families, and schools. This is more evident when a hospital is several hours away from the patient's home. For young people, being removed from everyday contact with peers and families is a great challenge. The phone can help only so much. Adolescents are completely ‘hooked up’-to the Internet, to gaming, to their schools.

Typical patient rooms are equipped with a television, a bedside monitor, and a nurse call system; several gaming systems and computers were shared among the rooms. A TV bolted to the ceiling is the extent of the entertainment choices in a typical hospital. When a patient or family member requests a gaming system or a computer, a nurse has to find one that wasn't in use, check it out to the patient, and roll it into the room on a cart. Because of the limited supply, patients often have to wait hours for the equipment and are allowed only one hour of use at a time.

Patients with cystic fibrosis are isolated from other patients because of the potential for fatal cross-infection. Consequently, one of the biggest difficulties with the shared gaming and computer systems is compliance with infection control. Each piece of electronic equipment, including monitors, keyboards, and handheld controllers, has to be disinfected each time it is moved from one patient's room to another. This is not simply a quick wipe. Where cross-infection of one resistant organism from one patient to another can be fatal, the equipment must be thoroughly cleaned.

Providing Internet access for families who needed it to stay connected to their jobs or to research information about their child's condition is also difficult to provide, if at all available. Often, parents have to leave the child's room to obtain an Internet connection when parents don't generally want to leave the child's bedside to explore more information about the child's diagnosis and care, and what they can do to help. Additionally, there is a great need for children and often family members to use the Internet to keep up with schoolwork.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to a patient hospital room system comprising a room computer uniquely associated with a patient in a hospital room. The room computer is connected to a hospital network including a media server. The room computer is configured to download preselected media files from the media server when a patient is assigned to the room. A touch screen display is operably connected to the room computer and the room computer is configured to enable the touch screen display to function as a remote controller for playing the media files. A game console is operably connected to the room computer. A monitor is connected to the game console. An IR transmitter is connected to the room computer for transmitting commands from the touch screen display to the game console. An IR receiver is operably connected to the game console for receiving the commands from the IR transmitter. The room computer and the game console are configured such that the preselected media files are playable from the room computer and displayable on the touch screen or the monitor.

The invention is further directed to a patient hospital room system, comprising a room computer uniquely associated with a patient in a hospital room. The room computer is connected to a hospital network including a database server. The room computer is configured to periodically check for and load setting options stored in the database server. A touch screen display is operably connected to the room computer. The room computer is configured to enable the touch screen display to function as a remote controller. A game console is operably connected to the room computer. A monitor is connected to the game console. An IR transmitter is connected to the room computer for transmitting commands from the touch screen display to the game console. An IR receiver is operably connected to the game console for receiving the commands from the IR transmitter.

The invention is still further directed to a patient hospital room system, comprising a room computer uniquely associated with a patient in a hospital room. A touch screen display is operably connected to the room computer. The touch screen display includes a plurality of buttons, each one corresponding to a command when pressed. The room computer is configured to create a text file corresponding to a button pressed on the touch screen display, read the text file and initiate the command. A game console is operably connected to the room computer. A monitor is connected to the game console. An IR transmitter is connected to the room computer for transmitting the command from the touch screen display to the game console. An IR receiver is operably connected to the game console for receiving the commands from the IR transmitter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of a patient hospital room system2in accordance with the present invention is disclosed inFIGS. 1 and 2. The system2is connected to a central media server4and a patients medical records system6, such as the commercially available Meditech Hospital Information System provided by Medical Information Technology, Inc., through a hospital network8.

The system2is disposed within the room and comprises a PC10connected to the hospital network8, a touch screen display12connected to the PC10, a game console14connected to the PC10via the hospital network8, and a large screen display16connected to the game console14. The PC10is uniquely associated with a patient in the hospital room. A sealed silicon keyboard18is connected to the PC10. A TV source20, such as cable TV, is connected to the PC10for providing television programs. A radio source22, such as a FM antenna, is connected to the PC10for providing radio programs. An IR blaster24, which is an IR transmitter designed to transmit standard remote control commands, is connected to the PC10to communicate viewing requests from the touch screen12through the PC10to the game console14and the monitor16. A card reader26, such as for reading a magnetic card, is connected to the PC10.

The PC10is installed on the wall behind and above the headboard of the hospital bed. The touch-screen display12is attached to a swing arm28mounted to a headboard. The large screen display16is mounted high on the wall in front of the hospital bed. The game console14is mounted on a shelf below the display16. A wireless game controller30is used to control the game console14. The PC10is configured to control the functions of the various components of the system as described herein.

The embodiment disclosed uses a Microsoft XBox 360 (trademark) system for the game console14. The PC10is preferably a media center running on Microsoft Windows XP Professional.

The patient can access TV programs, music, photos, movies, and other content through the game console14and view them on the display16on the wall in front of the hospital bed.

Referring toFIG. 3, the touch screen display12provides multiple modes of functionality. The touch screen12functions as a “Main Menu” for the system2, allowing a patient to choose among the functions of the system, namely, TV Remote32, Media Center34, Internet Access36, Games38, Hospital Intranet40, “Piggy Bank” Account42(fundable debit-type card), Diagnosis-Specific Educational Videos44, Chat Room46, Web Cameras (hospital based)48and My Doctor50, (a method to leave a message for the doctor). The TV remote function includes all the standard functions, as shown inFIG. 3.

The replacement of the typical button-driven remote control with a touch screen display12provides a level of sanitation not available with prior art systems. Each bedside system needs to be sterilized before a new patient is moved into a room. Components of the system2advantageously have minimal cracks and crevices so that they are easy to wipe clean. The touch screen display12can be sprayed with a germicide and wiped clean. The prior art remotes often have to be replaced after each patient, particularly if the patient is in isolation and considered highly-susceptible to infection. A completely sealed silicon “keyless” keyboard is also used.

The IR blaster24allows the touch screen12to communicate with the television monitor16, allowing patients to turn the TV on and off, adjust the volume, scroll up and down through channels and turn the game console on and off. When the user presses a button on the touch screen12, a command is sent to the computer10, which then sends the command to the IR blaster24to an IR receiver32below the display16, that in turn sends the command to the game console8. Accordingly, the touch screen12enables the user to access TV programs, movies on demand, games, and music; open a Web browser; start a chat session; or send e-mail using the display16.

The system2allows the patient the option to display most materials on either the touch screen display12or the display16and can even allow both monitors to display different materials, simultaneously, allowing a parent to utilize (for example) the touch screen12to access an email account while the patient watches a movie or TV show on the monitor16.

The video content resides on the centralized media server4. When a patient requests a video or music file, that file is transferred to the PC10in the room and played back from there, instead of being streamed from the central media server4. The file can be transferred in seconds, which greatly reduces the load on the hospital network8, compared to280rooms all wanting to stream a media file directly from the centralized server4. TV channels from the TV source20, likewise, feed directly from the PC10in the room. Whether any content is displayed on the touch screen display12or the monitor16is strictly a matter of choice for the patient and lessens the load on the hospital network8, since the content is already on the PC10in the room. The PC10is also pre-loaded with “favorites”, based on a patient's or guardian's previous choices. The system monitors the TV programs and movies that the patient watches and pre-loads content to the PC10in the room for subsequent visits.

Digital content, including movies, music, and educational videos, is stored in the server4. In the time it takes for a patient to enter the room after check-in, the system retrieves patient information, such as age and sex, and automatically downloads from the server4appropriate content to the PC10associated with the room. The system is, thus, advantageously “de-centralized”, utilizing the existing hospital network infrastructure to move media content from a centrally-located server to the PC10in the patient's room for playback, thereby eliminating excessive traffic over the network and bypassing the need to establish a standalone network to handle access to the various media content.

The game console8provides full gaming functions, but also serves to route most video functions to the display16. The display16is primarily for viewing movies, educational videos and games, controlled by the bedside touch screen display12. The system utilizes the game console8not only for its gaming purpose, but also as an extension of the PC10, allowing the game console14to display content from the PC10.

The touch screen display12also functions as a control center for a doctor, who gains access to the patient's medical information after swiping his ID card through the card reader26in the room to read identity information stored on a hospital identification card. Access to the medical records is limited to doctors and nurses who have been delegated responsibility for that patient. A database server51, for example running on Microsoft SQL server software, verifies authorized access via data from the Meditech hospital information system records6, based on Social Security number, and presents the medical team member with a display on the touch screen12, as shown inFIG. 4, through Web interface47, allowing the doctor to select the type of information desired to be displayed, such as test results, radiology scans, etc. Requests for that information are passed to the hospital information systems and delivered to the display12via the existing hospital network8. Accordingly, bedside access to patient records stored in the hospital information system6is provided, such as lab results and x ray or digital radiology images. The laboratory results and images are displayed on the touch screen12for the patient's viewing. An example of a screenshot showing access to a patient's radiology pictures is shown inFIG. 5, using a commercially available Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS)31for displaying a medical record of the radiological or x-ray type.

Prior to admission, if the patient has been scheduled for a hospital visit, the patient can use a web-based portal53(access-controlled by a secure username and password combination) through a remote PC to upload music files, photographs to the central media server4, and change certain access settings for the system (hours of operation, movie limits, etc). Patient-specific information about these choices is stored in a SQL Server-based table in the server51for access by the system.

The system2is activated when a patient is admitted to the hospital and assigned to a room. Because the system is designed to constantly monitor the current patient database in the underlying Meditech hospital information system, it knows when the patient has been admitted. As soon as the system recognizes that the patient has been assigned to a specific room, it acknowledges the patient's age and gender and begins loading appropriate audio and video files to the PC10in the patient's room. The system also loads all of the material the patient may have uploaded via the website portal53. The system utilizes the hospital's existing 100 mbps network infrastructure to transfer the material from the media server4to the PC10. This decentralized design, that pre-loads material, lowers the demand for network resources, compared to a fully-centralized system that utilizes the network infrastructure to “stream” material on-demand directly from a centralized server.

The server51monitors the Current Patient Database and creates a table listing all changes in hospital room assignments (admissions, discharges, and transfers). The table is updated every few minutes. A table listing of “tasks” based on the patient information and the room assignment is generated. The PC10is configured to survey the table periodically (utilizing the existing hospital network infrastructure), looking for operations or tasks specified for itself. These operations may include commands to transfer specified video and audio files to the PC10, set access parameters specified earlier via the web-based portal and provide access to patient medical records. The PC10polls the server4, asking to be notified of any changes in files or access parameters. When the PC10is notified of the change, it performs the requested action.

The system uses “file watching” technology, available from Microsoft Visual Studio software, as the method of communication between the various hardware parts of the system, such as the PC10, the game console14and the media server4. The file watching technology delivers control commands from the touch screen12to the PC10and the game console14by writing text-based commands to a shared file that is monitored by the system. These text-based commands are converted into standard keyboard commands for control of the display on the monitor16via the game console14. The file watching technology is also used as a bridge around the hospital network firewall to allow control of the system via the Web-Based portal53. When a command is issued via the portal, a small text file is written to the server51.

The file watcher is included as part of Microsoft Visual Studio software and forms the basis for many of the commands to be interpreted by the various pieces of hardware and then acted upon. When a patient, for example, touches the “music” button on the touch screen display12, the system writes a small text file to the hard drive of the media center computer10. That file contains the command to display the music library. The file watcher watches for any such files, looks at them, and passes the command on to the system. Hundreds of those files are written and read daily, each within milliseconds, allowing the response on the screen to be almost instantaneous.

Nurses have full control over each bedside system. From a computer at the nurse's station, system components can be turned on or off, most commonly for the purpose of imposing a gaming curfew. Referring toFIG. 6, a nurse may access a clinical touch screen33mounted outside the patient's room to change options for a patient. When the nurse selects a patient room at35, the system displays the current list of options that can be enabled or disabled at37. The chosen selections are saved to the server51at39. The PC10in each room polls the server every few minutes at41for updated settings. If the PC finds new settings, those updated settings are loaded at43.

The Web portal53uses the Microsoft ASP.NET software. The portal53allows family members and friends to interact with the patient from outside the hospital, such as those people who are not in the room, the other parent at work, or an aunt several states away, by connecting to the Internet45. Through the portal, users are able to share pictures and music files or conduct chat sessions. The portal includes parental controls. The portal also allows patients and their families to watch educational videos and sign up for the hospital's education curriculum from home. The Web portal53enables patients and family to interact with their friends outside the hospital through pictures, messages, video, and chat.

Referring toFIG. 7, an application loader flowchart38is disclosed, showing the steps the system goes through when it initially starts. The system creates a clock time on the screen12at40, based on the PC time. The magnetic stripe reader26is initialized at42to open the port that the reader is attached to, to assure that it will be accessible, when needed. The next step is for the system to check the database in the server51at44to find the patient information in the Current Patient Database and then displays that information on the screen12. The system then checks for the available games and loads the paths to those games at46. By keeping this list in a database, the list of games available can be dynamically modified and have the updated list automatically presented every time the system starts up. The system then loads the settings for the system at48(all of the menu options displayed on the screen12). This allows selections to be locked out by operators who have access to the database. The system then creates a File Watcher at50(a function of the Microsoft Visual Studio Programming System). The File Watcher monitors the chat system for any new traffic. This eliminates the need for constant “polling” of the server to monitor the chat process. In essence, the File Watcher notifies the system of new chat traffic and assigns it to the correct patient, or rejects it, based on parameters set by the user.

Referring toFIG. 8, a form timer flowchart52is disclosed. The form timer runs constantly in the background to assure current information is displayed on the touch screen12. The system updates the current clock time at54, based on the PC Lime. Then, the system checks for any new messages for the current patient at56and displays an on-screen notification of new messages. If there are new messages, the system creates an onscreen button to allow the patient to access those messages. A similar notification is displayed on the TV screen16, via the PC10. The system then checks the server51and reloads system settings at58, to assure the current access rights are utilized. The system then checks the server51for any curfew times at60that may have been entered by a parent (via the Web Portal) or a nurse. If a curfew time in scheduled within five minutes, the system will display a message on the touch screen12, notifying the patient that the system will be shut down. The system then begins an on-screen countdown to the shutdown time. At that point, it displays a message counting down to the next time that the system will be available. The system then checks the server51at62to see if there is a survey for the patient to take. If there is, the system creates a button on the touch screen12to allow the patient access to the survey. The surveys are used, for example, to gauge patient satisfaction with their stay in the hospital. Finally, the system checks and reloads the current patient status at64, from the Current Patient Database.

Referring toFIG. 9, a file watcher flowchart66is disclosed. The file watcher translates all of the touch screen actions into functions on the PC10. For example, when a patient touches the “down” arrow to move the cursor on the menu displayed on the monitor12, the system writes a small text file to the PC10. The file watcher that is running on the PC10sees the new file, reads the file and processes the command, utilizing the Microsoft API to translate the command. For example, if the “down” arrow is pressed on the touch screen12, the system writes a text file containing the Microsoft API command to tell the program to move the cursor down on the screen, just as if the down arrow had been pressed on a keyboard.

Referring toFIG. 10, when the “Education” button44on the touch screen12is pressed at68, the system checks the PC settings at70to verify that a patient is assigned to the room. If there is no patient assigned, the system displays a message that the system is locked at72. If there is a patient in the room, the system looks at the database in the server51to load the location of all educational material at74into a tree view display at76on the touch screen12. This allows the patient to select a video, based on diagnosis. Examples of screenshot displays are shown inFIGS. 11-13. By touching, for example, “Cystic Fibrosis” on the screen, the system will display a list of all cystic fibrosis-specific videos, based on specifications in the database in the server51. The video may then viewed on the touch screen display12, as shown inFIG. 13, or on the large screen display16.

Referring toFIG. 14, when a patient presses the “My Chatroom” button46(FIG. 3) on the touch screen12, the system initially checks the PC settings at80that were loaded when the system started to verify that a patient is currently in the room. If there is no patient, the system displays a message at82that says the function requested is not available. If a patient is listed in the room, the system begins the chat process, checking the settings to see if the chat function has been disabled at84by a guardian or a nurse (see Form Timer Functions). If the chat function has been disabled, the system displays a message at86saying that the function is not available. If it has not been disabled, the system begins a series of checks in the database in the server51, determining She last chat room the patient used at88(Entire Hospital, Current Unit or Parent Portal), the last status at90(online or offline) and loads that status, loads a list of current chat users92(patients who are not listed as offline) based on the last chat room setting. The system then displays the chat form at94, based on the information obtained initially. Examples of a My Chartroom screenshot display is shown inFIG. 15. The “chat” functionality includes the parent/guardian's ability to specifically identify family members and friends who have permission to communicate with the patient via the text-based “chat” system

Referring toFIG. 16, when the patient presses the “My Media” button34(FIG. 3) at96, the system will check at98the PC setting to see if there really is a patient in the room. If there is not, the system will display a message at100that the system is locked. If there is a patient listed for the room, the local settings will be checked to see if the My Media function has been disabled by a parent or nurse. If access has been disabled, the appropriate message is displayed at102. If access is enabled, the system displays at104movie selections available, as shown, for example in a screenshot display inFIG. 17. This data comes from a server51. When a patient touches a movie link on the screen, the system will give the option to view the movie on the touch screen12or on the monitor16. When that selection is made, the movie begins to play from the PC10in the room. The system previously transfers the video files from the server4to the PC10when the Patient is admitted, to reduce the load on the hospital network.FIG. 18shows the movie playing on the touch screen display12.

Referring toFIG. 19, when a patient presses the “internet” button36(FIG. 3) at106, the system will check the PC setting to see if there really is a patient in the room at108. If there is not, the system will display a message that the system is locked at110. If there is a patient listed for the room, the local settings will be checked to see if the internet access has been disabled by a parent or nurse at112. If it has been disabled, the appropriate message is displayed at114. If it is enabled, the system loads up a default home page at116, opens a panel at118to display it in a web browser. An example of a screenshot display of the internet browser page is shown inFIG. 20.

Referring toFIG. 21, when the “Games” button38(FIG. 3) is touched at120, the system will check the PC settings at122to see if there really is a patient in the room. If there is not, the system will display a message at124that the system is locked. If there is a patient listed for the room, the local settings will be checked to see if the games have been disabled at126by a parent or nurse. If they have been disabled, the appropriate message is displayed128. If they are enabled, the system loads the file paths to the various games at130and loads the graphic display form at132. When a patient touches a game link on the screen, the system runs the appropriate game file. An example of a screenshot display showing the various game links available to the patient is shown inFIG. 22.

Referring toFIG. 23, when the “My ACH” button40(FIG. 3) is touched at134, the system will check the PC setting at136to see if there really is a patient in the room. If there is not, the system will display a message at138that the system is locked. If there is a patient listed for the room, the system retrieves the patient's journal entries at140from the server51and displays a list of dates at142. When a date is selected, the system retrieves the specific entry from the server51and displays it.FIG. 24shows an example of a screenshot display of the MyAch functionality.

Referring toFIG. 25, when the “My Doctor” button50(FIG. 3) is touched at144, the system will check the PC setting at146to see if there really is a patient in the room. If there is not, the system will display a message at148that the system is locked. If there is a patient listed for the room, the system retrieves at150all previous entries from the server51and displays a list of dates at152. When a date is selected, the system retrieves the specific entry from the server51and displays it. This function is used by the patients to leave questions for their doctor, to be addressed during the next visit by the physician.FIG. 26shows an example of a screenshot display of the My Doctor functionality.

Referring toFIG. 27, when the “Piggy Bank” button42(FIG. 3) is touched at154, the system will check the PC setting at156to see if there really is a patient in the room. If there is not, the system will display a message at158that the system is locked. If there is a patient listed for the room, the appropriate account balance and coupon information will be accessed from the server51and displayed at160.FIG. 28is an example of a screenshot display of the Piggy Bank functionality.

Referring toFIG. 29, when the “Web Cameras” button48(FIG. 3) is touched at162, the system will check the PC setting at164to see if there really is a patient in the room. If there is not, the system will display a message that the system is locked at166. If there is a patient listed for the room, the local settings will be checked at168to see if the webcams have been disabled by a parent or nurse. If they have been disabled, the appropriate message is displayed at170. If they are enabled, the system displays a form at172listing the webcams. When a patient touches a webcam link on the screen, the system accesses the appropriate webcam feed.

Music upload through web portal53is done in the following manner. The user logs into the web portal53, for example from the remote, using a secure username and password. The system checks that access information against the database in the server51. If access fails, the system displays a message and the user can enter the correct information. If access is granted, the system will display a list of patients associated with their account. That information comes from the database in the server51. The user selects a patient and the system will display a list all available options, including music upload. If the user selects that function, the system displays a “music upload form”. As that form is loading, the system accesses, from a database in the server51, a list of all songs that have been uploaded for the specific patient. If the user wants to upload a new audio file, the “upload” button on the form is selected. The system allows 20 songs to be uploaded, for example. When the “upload” button is clicked, the system first checks to make sure the maximum count has not been reached. If it has, the system displays a message indicating the song limit has been reached. If the limit has not been reached, the system displays a file browser that allows the user to find the music file on its computer. Once the file is found, the system checks the file information. If the file is too large, the system displays a message to the user, notifying it that the file must be smaller than five megabytes. If the file meets system specifications, the transfer begins. The system creates a database record in the server51linking that particular file to the specified patient. That information is used to provide access to the file from the patient's touch screen12. The system then refreshes the list displayed on the web portal page to reflect the new upload.

Referring toFIG. 30, a parental control flowchart is disclosed that allows a parent or guardian to block certain TV channels that may not be appropriate for the patient to view by making changes to the system options through the web portal53. The user logs into the system at174, using a username and password. When the system recognizes the user, the user is presented with a list of patients at176that the system knows the user is a guardian for. The user selects the patient needed at178and is presented with a list of system options. The user selects the TV Settings option at180and the system navigates to the TV Settings page at182. The system loads the existing settings at184for that patient from the server51. The user makes desired changes at186and clicks “save” at188. The system stores the changed options on the server51at190. The PC10polls the server51every few minutes, looking for changes.

Referring toFIG. 31, a flowchart is disclosed that sets up the PC10for a specific patient. When the patient is admitted to the hospital at192, the patient is admitted to a specific unit, room and bed at194. Within minutes, the Current Patient Database in the server51picks up the new admission and assigns a series of tasks for the PC10at196associated with that unit, room and bed. The PC10is checking for new tasks every minute or two, polling the server51for a list of tasks at198. The first task is to copy age-specific movies from the server51to the PC10at200. The system then does the same thing with music and pictures at202and204. The next task is to edit the registry on the PC to10at206to specify the appropriate television viewing level, based on the age of the patient. The system then deletes at208any media currently on the PC10that do not meet age specifications. The system then removes the DVR file at210currently on the PC10(this file contains information on upcoming recordings scheduled by the previous patient). The system then checks the server51for a DVR file with preferences and load those preferences at220(this file contains information about preferences from previous hospital visits or from an earlier room assignment). The system then reports back to the server51that all tasks have been completed at222.

Software used in the system2includes Microsoft ASP.NET, Microsoft SQL Server 2005, Microsoft Visual Studio 2005, Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 Team Foundation Server and Microsoft Windows XP Professional.

While this invention has been described as having preferred design, it is understood that it is capable of further modification, uses and/or adaptations following in general the principle of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains, and as may be applied to the essential features set forth, and fall within the scope of the invention or the limits of the appended claims.