COMPRESSION THERAPY ARRANGEMENT AND METHODS FOR OPERATING AND MONITORING THE SAME

The present invention relates to a compression therapy arrangement comprising a compression garment (10) adapted to exert external pressure on a body portion (12, 604a, 704), at least one sensor device (200) associated with the compression garment (10) and having at least one pressure sensor (240, 250, 260) capable of producing at least one pressure signal indicative of the external pressure and transmitter means (100) linked to the at least one sensor device (200) and operable to transmit therapy signals (108) corresponding to the pressure signals to an external device (300). The present invention also relates to methods for monitoring the compression therapy arrangement as well as a corresponding computer-readable medium and a corresponding computing system.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a compression therapy arrangement, methods for operating and monitoring the same, a computer-readable medium, and a computing system.

BACKGROUND

Compression therapy is for example applied in the treatment of edema which may be attributable to multiple pathologies. Two common but not exhaustive sources of edema in the lower extremities are chronic venous insufficiencies (CVI) and lymphedema. An approach for treatment and management of edema involves compression through appropriate compression garments, like bandages, hosiery, straps, stockings or the like. Success of therapy greatly depends on proper and repeated application of compression to the affected body portion. Further, long-term patient compliance/adherence of daily use at a specified conditions, such as duration and external pressure, is important for maintenance of chronic edema.

SUMMARY

This invention is directed to providing a compression therapy arrangement and associated methods of operating and monitoring the same as well as a corresponding computer-readable medium and a corresponding computing system, which each help to improve compression therapy applied via a compression garment.

According to a general aspect of this invention, a compression therapy arrangement is provided which comprises at least one compression garment adapted to exert external pressure on a body portion, at least one sensor device associated with the compression garment and having at least one pressure sensor capable of producing at least one pressure signal indicative of the external pressure and transmitter means linked to the at least one sensor device and operable to transmit a therapy signal corresponding to the pressure signal to an external device. Embodiments of the present invention enable monitoring of the compression garment.

According to another general aspect of this invention, a method for operating the compression therapy arrangement is provided, wherein a therapy signal is transmitted to an external device, such as a mobile communication device.

According to another general aspect of this invention, the compression therapy arrangement is used for the treatment of edema.

According to another general aspect of this invention, a method comprises: using at least one computer hardware processor to perform the following operations: obtaining an identifier of a compression therapy arrangement, the compression therapy arrangement including a compression garment: determining an operational state of a portion of the compression garment based on the obtained identifier: and generating instructions for displaying of an indicator of the determined operational state. Embodiments of the present invention assist the user in properly operating the underlying technical system of the compression therapy arrangement, in particular the compression garment.

According to another general aspect of this invention, a method comprises: using at least one computer hardware processor for performing the following operations: displaying one or more compression therapy set-up procedure screens that require user input: and displaying one or more compression therapy treatment screens that graphically illustrate in at least substantially real-time measured values of at least one operational parameter associated with a compression therapy arrangement, the compression therapy arrangement including a compression garment being used for a compression therapy. Embodiments of the present invention allow tracking values of one or more operational parameters of the compression therapy arrangement in real-time or substantially real-time, which provides the user with continued feedback about the operation of the underlying technical system of the compression therapy arrangement, in particular the compression garment.

According to other general aspects of this invention, a computer-readable medium and a computing system corresponding to the methods of these general aspects are provided.

The at least one computer hardware processor of these methods may be located in the external device mentioned above that is external to the compression therapy arrangement, preferably wherein the external device is a mobile communication device. The operational state and/or the measured values of the at least one operational parameter may be obtained based on the therapy signals received by the external device from the compression therapy arrangement.

According to this invention, proper application of compression therapy may be monitored via the external device, e.g. a mobile communication device such as a smartphone, a tablet computer or the like, by using an appropriate pressure sensor which is associated with the compression garment and adequate transmitter means (sensor device) which on the one hand is linked to the at least one sensor device and on the other hand is capable of transmitting a therapy signal to an external device. Within the framework of this invention it is also contemplated to integrate transmitter means into the sensor device. In other embodiments of the invention at least one sensor of the sensor device is separated from the transmitter means in order to increase patient comfort.

According to the invention, the pressure signal produced by the sensor device may be an analogous signal, while the therapy signal which is derived from the pressure signal and transmitted to the external device may be a digital signal. In other embodiments of the invention pressure signal and therapy signal may be both digital signals or even identical signals. Further, a wireless transmission path may be established between the transmitter means and the external device to thereby avoid limitations caused by wired signal transmission. On the other hand, a pressure signal may be transmitted to the transmitter device by wire to thereby avoid excessive efforts for realizing pressure devices. The sensor device and the transmitter means may be attached to a compression garment where releasable attachment is preferred, e.g. via a hook and loop fastener where the hook portion of the fastener may be associated with the sensor device, while the loop portion of the fastener may be associated with the garment: or by use of a snap mechanism. In other embodiments of the invention at least one sensor and/or the transmitter means are permanently affixed to the garment. In order to arrive at an appropriate support of the user the external device may have processor means operable to process the therapy signal which processor means may be realized within a smartphone or another mobile communication device.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the proposed compression therapy arrangement further comprises converter means linked to said processor and operable to generate a perceptible signal corresponding to the external pressure. Those converter means may comprise display means linked to said processor means and operable to display a visual representation of said external pressure. Alternatively or additionally, said converter means may comprise speaker means capable of generating an audible signal corresponding to said external pressure and/or vibration generation means capable of generating perceptible vibrations. Alternatively or additionally, a sound sequence and/or vibration sequence corresponding to the progress of compression therapy with time and/or duration of compression therapy may be produced. Storage means may be provided which are capable of storing pressure data corresponding to a plurality of external pressure values representing a plurality of pressure signals which for example may be obtained successively in pre-determined time intervals, to produce a graphic representation of a graph illustrating the progress of compression therapy with time and/or the duration of compression therapy which may be represented by the length of the graph displayed on said display means. Graphic representation or an audible representation of the progress of compression therapy may help to increase patient adherence towards educated targets. Storage means may be associated with and/or integrated in said transmitter means and/or said processor means.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention input means are provided which are linked to said processor means operable to input external data, e.g. user data, device data, target data, etc. which may be used for various purposes.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, said pressure sensor comprises at least one capacitor having a capacity which is dependent on the external pressure. This allows to determine high-precision external pressure determination in case the at least one capacitor is integrated into an electric circuit further comprising a resistance and/or inductance, such as a RC circuit or a LC circuit, and the pressure signal is determined based on a frequency analysis, such as to obtain the natural frequency or eigenfrequency of the LC circuit. The pressure sensor may have a flexible construction to ensure comfort and accuracy of measurement on uneven anatomical surfaces e.g. circumference of small limb. At least one pressure sensor and/or said transmitter means may comprise a flexible circuit board which is integrated into or attached to the garment.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention said sensor device additionally comprises at least one of a temperature sensor, a moisture sensor, a bioimpedance sensor system, a movement sensor, an Inertial Measurement Unit that measures movement and activity, an acceleration sensor and a position sensor to thereby open the possibility to monitor progress of therapy and the circumstances of therapy in more detail.

In case additional sensors are provided, said transmitter means is preferably operable to transmit to an external device at least one of a temperature signal derived from said temperature sensor, a movement signal derived from said movement sensor, an acceleration signal derived from said acceleration sensor and a position sensor derived from said position sensor. Also these additional signals are preferably transmitted to the external device via a wireless communication channel, optionally also as digital data.

In order to avoid an unauthorized or otherwise undesired link of said processor means which may be embodied by a smartphone or other mobile communication device to undesired compression therapy arrangements, in a preferred embodiment of the invention said operator means is operable to compare input data to device data indicative of said sensor device and/or said transmitter means, transmitted by said transmitter means. It may be further operable to enable operation of said processor means for controlling said display means to display graphic representations of any of the signals received from said transmitter means and derived from signals of the sensor device depending on the result of the comparison. Thus, in this preferred embodiment of the invention, only in case an appropriate verification process by comparing input device data to device data received from the compression therapy arrangement is successfully finalized the operation of the processor means in combination with specific compression therapy arrangement is allowed. In other words, only in the case where device information is sent with input data, i.e. the processor means is paired with the device, the processor may be successfully used. Obviously it is also contemplated within the framework of this invention to pare processor means with two or more compression therapy arrangements. In this case the user may be asked to select a specific garment via said input means. It may be tracked, which garment is being used and how long specific garments are used.

The above mentioned device data received from the compression therapy arrangement may be encoded in a code, such as a QR code or a bar code. The compression therapy arrangement may comprise the code, wherein the code encodes an identifier of the compression garment and wherein the code is scannable such that the identifier is obtainable through scanning of the code. The code may be attached to the compression garment or to a package thereof.

Use of a specific processing means may further depend on successful input and comparison of other user data, e.g. e-mail address, user name, and password.

Further, use of the processing means may be blocked in case the user does not acknowledge contraindications of the compression device by appropriate input upon respective request.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensor device may visually indicate if the external compression is within, above or below a user defined target range i.e. RGB LED with yellow for below range, green within range, and red above range of 20-30 mmHg). This may further help to increase patient adherence to educated targets.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, said processor means may be operable to compare input target data with progress data derived from said stored pressure data. Said target data may be input for day and night, for specific time segments, for target activity level and depending on compression garment type (i.e. knit, chopped foam, wrap, bandaging). The comparison between input target data and progress data may also allow to enable display of specific items. For this purpose, processor means may be operable to enable processor functions, e.g. control of display means to display specific items depending on the result of the comparison between said target input data and said progress data. In this way, elements of gamification showing statistics in a nice and appropriately sized shape at the top of the display may be produced. Below statistics derived from the progress data locked badges may be displayed where it should be made sure that it is obvious that these badges are inaccessible. This may entice the user to unlock them every time they visit the application by appropriate use of the processor means and associated compression therapy arrangements.

Operation of the proposed compression therapy arrangement may be embedded into social networks. For this purpose, the processor means may be operable to transmit pressure data, user data, device data and/or target data to an external web server for sharing such data and information generated on the basis thereof between a community of users. For the same purpose, the processor means of the proposed compression therapy arrangement may be operable to receive web data from an external web server and to control said display means to display a graphic representation of said web data, e.g. together with a graphic representation of said pressure data and/or said external data. In this embodiment of the invention public profiles may be generated and discussion forums may be established. Further, said web data may contain educational content and reference information, links, occasional pop-up quick tips etc., which content may be associated with main processor means and not directly associated with the community.

In a further preferred embodiment, said processor means may determine garment life status. For this purpose, the processor means may evaluate pressure data, user data and device data to determine garment life based on parameters of wash cycles, usage durations, and other user factors. Garment life may then be graphically displayed.

In a further preferred embodiment, said processor means may be operable to receive usage data indicative of the period of usage of said compression garment and to compare said usage data to respective target data to thereby produce graphic representations indicative of the end of life of the garment, alert data in case compression is out of range, device out of range/not connected, reminder to wash garment, reminder to submit daily log entry or to do daily activity, etc. Under the aspect of data security it is preferred that this processor means is operable to transmit data to one or more external hosts wherein said processor means may be operable to divide and/or encrypt data for transmission to said at least one external host and to share data between multiple encrypted tables (e.g. patient profile table, device registration table, recorded data table). Such data may be accessible at least in part by customer service for telephone support and as appropriate data analysis tool.

In all embodiments of the invention, said compression garment may comprise at least one compression sleeve, and/or at least one compression bandage and/or at least one preferably adjustable compression strap. Examples of appropriate compression garments are shown for example in U.S. Pat. No. 8,221,340 B2. The content thereof with respect to the construction of compression garments is incorporated herein by reference.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing wherein like reference numerals are referred to identical or equivalent features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The compression therapy arrangement of each ofFIG.1andFIG.2comprises a compression garment10adapted to exert external pressure on a body portion12, at least one sensor device200associated with the compression garment10and having at least one pressure sensor240,250,260capable of producing at least one pressure signal indicative of the external pressure and transmitter means100linked to the at least one sensor device200and operable to transmit therapy signals108corresponding to the pressure signals to an external device300.

The compression therapy arrangement shown inFIG.1comprises the sensor device200and the transmitter means100linked to the sensor device and to the external device300, such as a mobile communication device, which may be realized by a smartphone and usable as graphic user interface for the compression therapy arrangement. The sensor device200ofFIG.1may exemplary comprise one or more resistive sensors210,220and/or one or more sensors230which are mainly based on additional or other physical processes such as inductive sensors, each linked by wire to the transmitter means and one or more capacitive pressure sensors240and250, also linked by wire to the transmitter means100. Sensor210may be a temperature sensor, sensor220may be a moisture sensor, and sensor230may be a bioimpedance sensor system, a movement sensor, an acceleration sensor or a position sensor.

Further to comprising transmitting elements, transmitter means100may comprise additional circuitry for deriving temperature and/or pressures signals from sensor device200, e.g. inductive elements and frequency analyzer elements for deriving pressure value from pressure dependent values, such as capacity values of capacitors240and250.

As shown inFIG.1the external device300comprises converter means realized by a display which display may also be used as input means for inputting user data and user commands. The external device300may also be used as a web client communicating with an external entity, such as third party component1003that may be a server, web interface and/or another mobile application, or such as database1001ofFIG.10. The external device300may have installed thereon an application301, such as a mobile application (app), which is capable to generating an indicator, such as indicator302inFIG.3, providing a graphic representation of pressure-related data, such as in form of one or more graphs illustrating development of current pressure14and/or temperature13level.

The embodiment shown inFIG.2mainly differs from the embodiment illustrated inFIG.1in that it comprises a sensor device200having three capacity pressure sensors240,250and260, each linked by wire to transmitter means100.

According toFIG.2temperature sensor210(not shown) and three highly flexible pressure sensors240,250,260are attached to or integrated into a compression garment or bandage. Temperature and pressure signals are transmitted via transmitter means to external device300which is capable of storing a plurality of temperature and/or pressure data and generating a graphic representation of pressure data and external data as a graph illustrating development of pressure levels14,15,16and/or temperature level13.

According toFIG.4the capacitive pressure sensors240,250and260of the arrangement shown inFIG.2are attached to a compression bandage10such that a first pressure sensor240is arranged at a proximal end portion of the bandage10, a second pressure sensor250is arranged at a central portion of bandage10and a pressures sensor260is arranged at a distal end portion of the bandage10. Further, temperature sensor which is not shown inFIG.2is provided. Sensor signals from each of said sensors210,240,250and260are transmitted via transmitter means100to the external device300which has installed thereon an app301which is capable to generating an indicator302providing a graphic representation of pressure data14,15,16and temperature data13, and optionally external data as one or more graphs302illustrating development of pressure14,15,16and/or temperature13level.

FIGS.5,6and9show illustrating graphical outputs by the external device being in communication with the compression therapy arrangement for monitoring the operation of the compression therapy arrangement, such as the compression therapy arrangement according toFIG.1on2.FIGS.5,6and9also show optional means for user input via the external device, the user input to be used for monitoring of the operation of the compression therapy arrangement.

In particular,FIGS.5,6and9show graphical outputs500,600,900via a graphical user interface of the external device300, wherein the graphical output500,600,900may be generated by the application301and may be displayed by the display of the external device300.

FIGS.5and9illustrate exemplary indicators302,302a,302b,302c,302d,302e,302f,302g,302h,302i,905a,905b,905c,905d,906a,906bindicating operational states of the compression garment10. The operational states referred to in this disclosure may dynamically change and may be determined automatically. The corresponding indicators302,302a,302b,302c,302d,302e,302f,302g,302h,302i,905a,905b,905c,905d,906a,906bmay be presented and updated in real-time or in substantially real-time. Alternatively, these indicators may not be presented and updated in real-time or in substantially real-time, but rather are presented and updated at particular times during the course of the running application301, such as when the application301is started and/or at periodic intervals between connecting of the application301with the compression therapy arrangement and disconnecting of the application301with the compression therapy arrangement.

At least one computer hardware processor located in the external device300is configured to perform the following operations: obtaining an identifier of a compression therapy arrangement, the compression therapy arrangement including a compression garment10; determining an operational state of a portion of the compression garment10based on the obtained identifier: and generating instructions for displaying of an indicator302,302a,302b,302c,302d,302e,302f,302g,302h,302i,905a,905b,905c,905d,906a,906bof the determined operational state. The display of the external device300may display the indicator302,302a,302b,302c,302d,302e,302f,302g,302h,302i,905a,905b,905c,905d,906a,906bof the determined operational state. The operational state is determined by using the therapy signals108transmitted by the transmitter means100and received by the external device300.

The external device300may be configured to scan a code, wherein the code encodes the identifier of the compression therapy arrangement and wherein the identifier is obtained through the scanning of the code. The code may be a QR code or a bar code.

Based on the obtained identifier, the external device300can obtain, from a local or remote data store, such as remote database1001described in context ofFIG.10, at least one range of allowable and/or targeted values303a,303b,303cfor at least one operational parameter of the portion of the compression garment10, wherein the indicator302,302a,302b,302c,302d,302e,302f,302g,302h,302i,905a,905b,905c,905d,906a,906bmay indicate the obtained at least one range of allowable and/or targeted values303a,303b,303c. In other words, based on the obtained identifier of the compression garment10, the external device300, in particular the application301, can obtain identification of which type of compression garment is to be used (paired) with the external device300and the application301can implement the boundaries of proper operation of the particular garment10being used (paired) with the external device300in the application301, to prevent unapproved operation of the garment10by the user (patient).

The determining of the operational state may include obtaining, by the external device300and from the sensor device200via the transmitter means100, one or more measured values302hfor the at least one operational parameter of the portion of the compression garment10.

The determining of the operational state may include comparing the one or more measured values302hwith the at least one range of allowable and/or targeted values303a,303b,303c, wherein the indicator302,302a,302b,302c,302d,302e,302f,302g,302h,302i,905a,905b,905c,905d,906a,906bmay indicate a result of the comparing of the one or more measured values302hwith the at least one range of allowable and/or targeted values303a,303b,303c.

The indicator302,302a,302b,302c,302d,302e,302f,302g,302h,302i,905a,905b,905c,905d,906a,906bmay indicate how the measured values302hrelate to the range of allowable and/or targeted values303a,303b,303c.

The portion of the compression garment10may include a plurality of subparts, such as subparts “B”, “C” and “D”, of the compression garment10, the at least one range of allowable and/or targeted values303a,303b,303cincludes a plurality of ranges of allowable and/or targeted values303a,303b,303cfor the at least one operational parameter with each range of the plurality of ranges303a,303b,303cbeing associated with a corresponding subpart of the plurality of subparts, and wherein the indicator302,302a,302b,302c,302d,302e,302f,302g,302h,302i,905a,905b,905c,905d,906a,906bindicates, for each subpart of at least some of the plurality of subparts of the compression garment10, how respective ones of the measured values measured for the respective subpart relate to an associated one of the ranges of allowable and/or targeted values303a,303b,303ccorresponding to the subpart of the plurality of subparts.

As illustrated in an exemplary manner inFIG.5, indicator302bindicates that the pressure exerted by subpart D of the compression garment10being applied to the knee of the right leg of the patient is within the range of allowable pressure values303aassociated with this subpart D of the compression garment at the knee. Indicator302dindicates that the pressure exerted by subpart C of the compression garment10being applied to the calf of the right leg of the patient is within the range of allowable pressure values303bassociated with this subpart C of the compression garment at the calf. Indicator302eindicates that the pressure exerted by another subpart B of the compression garment10being applied to the calf of the right leg of the patient is below the range of allowable pressure values303bassociated with this subpart B of the compression garment at the calf.

As also illustrated in an exemplary manner inFIG.5, indicator302aindicates that the operating time or wearing time of the subpart D of the compression garment10being applied to the knee of the right leg of the patient is within the range of targeted values associated with this subpart D of the compression garment at the knee and is 6.6 hours out of targeted 9 hours. Indicator302cindicates that the operating time or wearing time of the subpart C of the compression garment10being applied to the calf of the right leg of the patient is within the range of targeted values associated with this subpart C of the compression garment at the calf and is here also 6.6 hours out of targeted 9 hours. Indicator302findicates that the operating time or wearing time of a subpart of the compression garment10being applied to the foot of the right leg of the patient is within the range of targeted values associated with this subpart of the compression garment at the foot and is here 7.4 hours out of targeted 9 hours.

As illustrated by indicator302g, the operational state may include an operational state of a particular subpart (subpart “A” at the foot, not shown) of the plurality of subparts, wherein the indicator302,302gindicates that the particular subpart is not yet activated for read-out of the at least one operational parameter. The reason may be that the particular subpart of the compression garment10does not yet have a sensor for measuring values of the at least one operational parameter, such as a pressure sensor240,250,260for measuring values of exerted pressure, or that the sensor is present at the particular subpart of the compression garment10but the sensor is not activated for read-out of values of the at least one operational parameter. In other words, indicator302gpertains to an operational state of inactivity (hence subpart “A” at the foot is not shown) of the monitoring of the subpart of the compression garment10being applied to the foot of the right leg of the patient. The operations performed by the hardware processor of the external device may further comprise: receiving an activation signal for activating read-out of the at least one operational parameter for the particular subpart (e.g., subpart “A” at the foot): and in response to the receiving of the activation signal, changing the indicator302gof the operational state of the particular subpart such that the changed indicator302gindicates that the particular subpart is activated for read-out of the at least one operational parameter.

Each of the ranges of allowable and/or targeted values may form a part of the corresponding indicator302,302a,302b,302c,302d,302e,302f,302gor may be separate therefrom.

The indicator302,302a,302b,302c,302d,302e,302f,302g,302h,302i,905a,905b,905c,905d,906a,906bmay include a graphical illustration503,603,703,803of a portion of a human body, wherein the graphical illustration is also graphically outputted via the graphical user interface of the external device300. The indicator302,302a,302b,302c,302d,302e,302f,302g,302h,302i,905a,905b,905c,905d,906a,906bmay indicate how the measured values302hrelate to the range of allowable and/or targeted values303a,303b,303cat a location of the graphical user interface that is associated with a subpart of the graphical illustration corresponding to a body portion (e.g. body part) at which the corresponding portion of the compression garment10is applied to the patient.

For example, as illustrated inFIG.5, each of the indicators302a-302gare graphically outputted/displayed via the graphical user interface of the external device300and in reference to or in association with the subpart of the graphical illustration503,603,703,803corresponding to the body portion at which the subpart (here: A, B, C, D) of the compression garment10is applied to the patient. For example, indicator302brelates to a knee, as explained above, and is graphically outputted/displayed above a graphical illustration of the knee of the right leg of the patient. However, indicator302bmay also be graphically outputted/displayed in a manner not overlapping (e.g. disjoint) with the graphical illustration of the knee, but still at a location of the graphical user interface that is associated with the graphical illustration of the knee of the right leg of the patient at which the corresponding subpart D of the compression garment10is applied to the patient. For example, indicator302bmay be graphically outputted/displayed in a manner not overlapping (e.g. disjoint) with the graphical illustration of the knee, but with a displayed graphical link between the indicator302band the graphical illustration of the knee.

FIG.5also shows optional means501,502at the graphical user interface of the external device300for user input to be used for the monitoring of the operation of the compression therapy arrangement. For example, the graphical user interface may display an element501configured to receive user input, such as user input causing activation of a (daily) log of the operational states. The graphical user interface may also display an element502being configured to receive another user input, such as user input causing an adding of an additional compression therapy arrangement to be monitored.

The hardware processor of the external device300may further perform the operations comprising: receiving, for a subpart of the plurality of subparts or the portion of compression garment10and via the graphical user interface of the external device300, user input pertaining to a change of a setting corresponding to the at least one operational parameter: and in response to the receiving of the change of the setting, generating instructions for display, via the graphical user interface, of a feedback message indicating whether or not the received change of the setting is in accordance with the at least one range of allowable and/or targeted values303a,303b,303cthat is associated with the subpart of the portion of the compression garment10.

As illustrated in an exemplary manner inFIG.5, embodiments of the present invention assist the user in properly operating the underlying technical system, namely the compression therapy arrangement.

FIG.6illustrates graphical output600pertaining to a real-time or substantially real-time monitoring of measured values of an operational parameter of the compression therapy arrangement.

At least one computer hardware processor located in the external device300is configured to perform the following operations: displaying one or more compression therapy set-up procedure screens601,602(see also501,502,700,800) that require user input: and displaying one or more compression therapy treatment screens605(see also302,905) that graphically illustrate in at least substantially real-time measured values302hof at least one operational parameter associated with a compression therapy arrangement, the compression therapy arrangement including a compression garment10being used for a compression therapy. The measured values302hof at least one operational parameter are obtained from the therapy signals108transmitted by the transmitter means100and received by the external device300.

The operational parameter being monitored in real-time or in substantially real-time may be an operational parameter of the compression garment10, such as an exerted pressure measured by one of pressure sensors240,250,260. As also illustrated by the solid and dashed graphs in indicator302h, values measured at multiple sensors pertaining to the same or multiple different operational parameters may be displayed via the graphical user interface in a compression therapy treatment screens605. InFIG.6, the multiple graphs302hpertain to multiple different pressure sensors, such as the pressure sensors associated with subparts B and C inFIG.5. The graphical output600or the one or more compression therapy treatment screens302,605,905may preferably graphically illustrate the measured values of the at least one operational parameter in association with a particular body portion12,604a,704to which the compression garment10is attached. That is, the relevant body portion604awhere the one or more operational parameters are being monitored in real-time or in substantially real-time is preferably indicated.

As illustrated inFIG.6, the graphical output600or the compression therapy treatment screen605may also include another indicator302i, in which the current operating time or wearing time in relation to a corresponding allowable value or target value is displayed, wherein in case ofFIG.6.6hours current operating time or wearing time out of 9 max. targeted hours are shown.

The one or more compression therapy treatment screens302,605,905may thus graphically illustrate the progress of at least one step in the compression therapy in at least substantially real-time.

The one or more compression therapy treatment screens302,605,905may graphically illustrate (see, e.g., indicator302i) the measured values of the operational parameter in relation to a range of allowable and/or targeted values303a,303b,303cfor the operational parameter.

As shown inFIG.6, the one more compression therapy set-up procedure screens501,502,601,602,700,800may require user input pertaining to a body portion12,604a,704to which the compression garment10is attached. For example, the user of the external device300may switch between different body portions where subparts of the compression garment10are attached to obtain the corresponding real-time or substantially real-time measured values of the one or more operational parameters. In particular, the user may switch selection between the different body portions via the compression therapy set-up procedure screens601to obtain the respective current pressure values of the subpart of the compression garment attached to the selected body portion. The one or more compression therapy set-up procedure screens501,502,601,602,700,800may also require user input pertaining to one or more dimensions of one or more body portions12,604a,704of a patient, a start and/or end time of a wearing time of the compression garment10by a patient, wash cycles applied to the compression garment10and/or a value of an external pressure exerted by the compression garment10onto a body portion12,604a,704of a patient, as also illustrated inFIGS.7and8. Through such user input, the application301can also be used to track compression garment usage, such as the operating time or the wearing time as illustrated in an exemplary manner by indicators302a,302cand302finFIG.5or indicators905b,905cinFIG.9, for compression therapy arrangements having no sensor device200that is in communication with the external device300.

FIG.6also shows that graphical output600, in particular screen601, may include other graphical elements as needed, such as an element by which the user can also submit other user input, such as submit to stop the monitoring.

As illustrated in an exemplary manner inFIG.6, embodiments of the present invention allow tracking values of one or more operational parameters of the compression therapy arrangement in real-time or substantially real-time, which provides the user with continued feedback about the operation of the underlying technical system, namely the compression therapy arrangement.

FIGS.7and8also show optional means at the external device for user input to be used for the monitoring of the operation of the compression therapy arrangement as shown byFIGS.5,6and9.

As illustrated byFIG.7, the graphical user interface of the external device300may display a graphical illustration703of a human body. The graphical illustration703indicates individual ones of a plurality of body portions, which are selectable by the user, such as the patient. Upon selection by the user, the selected body portion704is displayed in a manner that highlights the selected body portion704to distinguish the selected body portion704from the other non-selected body portions. In this disclosure, a body portion may include a body part of the human body, may be a subpart of a body part of the human body or may be a body part of the human body.

As also illustrated byFIG.7, the graphical user interface of the external device300may display an element701, such as an icon, which the user can activate to enter measurements of body portions, such as selected body portion704. The user may use one or more of his fingers702or another position indicator, such as a stylus, to perform this activation of the element701before or after selecting the body portion704for which the measurement is to be entered. A graphical output800with a graphical illustration803of a portion of the human body, as illustrated inFIG.8, may be triggered in response to activating element701in which the user may enter, into graphically depicted fields802a-802hof the graphical user interface of the external device300, individual values for sizes of individual subparts of the selected body portion704inFIG.7. The graphical output800may also include a graphical element801to save the entered sizes. The size may pertain to height, width, length and/or circumference of the respective body portion.

As discussed above in relation toFIGS.5and6, the at least one operational state or operational parameter being monitored may, for example, include an external pressure exerted by the compression garment10on a body portion12,604a,704of a patient, availability of a sensor being activated for read-out out, and/or an operating time or wearing time of the portion of the compression garment10. As illustrated inFIG.9, the at least one operational state or operational parameter being monitored may additionally or alternatively include a number of washing cycles (washes) the compression garment10has experienced.

FIG.9illustrates, in an exemplary tabular form, the user specified identifier or names903of the compression garment, graphical illustrations of the regions904of the corresponding subparts of the compression garment10along the human body, and the corresponding operational state or status905of the corresponding subpart of the compression garment10. The operational state or status905may include a remaining usable garment life906a,906b, whether or not a sensor is activated for read-out905a, and operating times/wearing times as well as experienced washing cycles (washes) in indicators905b-905d. The user may be enabled by the graphical user interface to scroll or switch between the different compression garments via graphical element902. The graphical output900may further include other optional graphical elements, such as graphical element901to register an additional compression garment, which may involve scanning the code encoding the identifier of the additional compression garment.

A remaining usable garment life may be determined by the external device300, and displayed graphically via its graphical user interface or display, such as by indicators906a,906binFIG.9, based on user input data and/or collected usage data. The collected usage data may include the operating time or wearing time of the compression garment10and the number of washing cycles the compression garment10has experienced, as shown in indicators905band905c. That is, the remaining usable garment life may be determined or calculated as a function depending on the operating time or wearing time as well as on the number of washing cycles (washes). For example, indicator906amay indicate that the corresponding subpart of the compression garment10has reached 70% of its possible garment life, leaving 30% of the garment life still available for usage. For example, indicator906bmay indicate that the corresponding subpart of the compression garment10has reached 20% of its possible garment life, leaving still 80% of the garment life available for usage.

The operations performed by the hardware processor of the external device may further comprise: generating instructions for display of guiding information, the guiding information including instructions for a user how to properly operate the compression garment10.

FIG.10illustrates a networked environment1000and which the compression therapy arrangement including the garment10is communicating with the external device300via a communication link1008, such as via Bluetooth or NFC, to transmit the therapy signals108. Also, the external device300is communicating with a database1001via a communication link1004, such as via a network connection (e.g., LAN, WAN, or Internet), and with a third party component1003via the communication link1007, such as via a network connection (e.g., LAN, WAN, or Internet). The third party component1003may be a software component, a hardware component or a combination of both. In particular, the third party component1003may be a (web) server, web interface and/or another mobile application. The third party component1003is operated by the third party, such as clinic personnel or a physician.

For example, the above at least one range of allowable and/or targeted values303a,303b,303cmay be obtained by the external device300from the database1001via the communication link1004.

The operations performed by the hardware processor of the external device may further comprise: transmitting, for each subpart of the plurality of subparts of the compression garment10or for the portion of the compression garment10, the corresponding measured values302hand associated timestamps to the database1001for storage in the database1001.

The operations performed by the hardware processor of the external device300may further comprise: receiving, from the database1001, based on historical values stored in the database1001wherein the historical values include values previously measured for the at least one operational parameter and associated historical timestamps, instructions for displaying recommendation information to a user operating the external device300, the recommendation information including behavioral recommendations for the user to comply with a particular compression therapy and/or recommendations regarding proper usage of the compression garment10.

The third party component1003may also be communicating with the database1001via communication link1006, such as via a network connection (e.g., LAN, WAN, or Internet). Each of the communication links1004,1006,1007and1008may be a bidirectional communication link allowing for bidirectional communication between the linked entities. The communication link1008between the compression therapy arrangement, including the compression garment10, and the external device300may also be one-directional such that the compression therapy arrangement may transmit signals, such as the therapy signal108, to the external device300, but not vice versa.

The database1001may be located in the memory of the external device300or may be remote to the external device300. The database1001may be located in the memory of the third party component or may be remote to the third party component1003. The database1001may have built-in functionality to perform data analytics1002for any one of the determinations or calculations described herein. The built-in functionality to perform data analytics1002may be employed by the external device300and/or the third party component1003to determine operational states of the compression garment and/or to determine guidance for the patient how to behave and/or properly operate the garment10to achieve a desired therapeutic result.

When the external device300is operated by the patient, the third party component1003may be operated by clinic personnel or a physician. That is, the patient may use the mobile communication device300throughout her/his daily routine to operate and/or monitor the compression therapy arrangement including the compression garment10and can transmit compression therapy-related data to the clinic personnel over the physician via communication link or network connection1007.

For example, the operations performed by the hardware processor of the external device300may further comprise: storing the obtained measured values for the operation parameters on the external device and/or transmitting, via link or connection1007, the obtained measured values to a pre-approved third party's server1003.

The clinic personnel or the physician having access to the third party's server1003can then, based on the received therapy-related data, assess whether or not the compression therapy works properly or if the patient should receive any additional behavior information by the clinic personnel or the physician in context of medical advice. The operations performed by the hardware processor of the external device may further comprise: generating instructions for display of the behavior information, the behavior information including instructions for the patient how to behave to comply with a particular desired compression therapy.

The external device300in the environment1000ofFIG.10provides via its application301any combination of the above described functionalities, such as device monitoring, compression garment registration and tracking, patient log and/or patient guidance/education.

Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Further, though advantages of the present invention are indicated, it should be appreciated that not every embodiment of the technology described herein will include every described advantage. Some embodiments may not implement any features described as advantageous herein and in some instances one or more of the described features may be implemented to achieve further embodiments. Accordingly, this description and these drawings are by way of example only.

Also, the data record may be stored in computer-readable media in any suitable form. For simplicity of illustration, data records may be shown to have data record entries. However, any suitable mechanism may be used to establish locations within the data record to store data, such as parameter values.

Further, some actions are described as taken by a “user” or “patient”. It should be appreciated that a “user” or “patient” need not be a single individual, and that in some embodiments, actions attributable to a “user” or “patient” may be performed by a team of individuals and/or an individual in combination with computer-assisted tools or other mechanisms.

The present invention is defined by the following independent claims. Preferred embodiments are described by the following dependent claims as well as by aspects, examples and embodiments described above.