Detection devices and monitoring systems including detection devices

Examples described herein include detection devices and systems which may provide monitoring in accordance with an analysis mode which may be selected in accordance with a severity of disease of the user. Analysis modes used by detection devices described herein may further be changed in accordance with user and/or environmental conditions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of the earlier filing date of Japanese application 2016-229042, filed Nov. 25, 2016. The priority Japanese application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for any purpose.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Examples described herein relate to a detection device which may be used for patient monitoring, and a monitoring system including the detection device.

BACKGROUND

Currently, a survival rate for heart attacks caused by arrhythmia is still low. Patients may vary in the severity of their condition, and patients' condition or environment may change over time.

Existing systems of monitoring patients generally are designed to utilize a particular fixed monitoring methodology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain details are set forth herein to provide an understanding of described embodiments of technology. However, other examples may be practiced without various of these particular details. In some instances, well-known circuits, control signals, timing protocols, and/or software operations have not been shown in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the described embodiments. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here.

Examples of detection devices and monitoring systems are described herein which may be capable of assisting in providing medical services suitable for respective patients.

An example detection device described herein may be carried (e.g., worn) by a user (e.g., a patient). The example detection device may include measurement circuitry configured to measure a biological signal of the user while the detection device is being carried by the user. The detection device may include at least one processor which may analyze the biological signal. The detection device may support a number of analysis modes, and the processor may analyze the biological signal and/or transmit measurement results in accordance with a selected one of the modes. The detection device may include storage (e.g., a memory) which may store data for the analysis modes. The detection device may include a transmitter which may transmit measurement results processed by the processor to another computing device (e.g., a communication device). The analysis mode used may be selected from multiple predetermined analysis modes in accordance with a severity of disease of the user.

Accordingly, a medical worker or other user may select an analysis mode for devices described herein in accordance with severity of disease of the user. The selection may be made, for example, when attaching the detection device to a body surface of the user (for example, a patient). A medical worker may select an analysis mode in which the number of analysis items is small for users having relatively a low severity of disease, while the medical worker may select an analysis mode in which the number of analysis items is large for a user having a relatively high severity of disease. These devices, methods, and/or systems, may assist in providing individualized medical monitoring.

An example monitoring system described herein may include a plurality of detection devices described herein, a plurality of computing devices (e.g., communication devices) which may communicate with the detection devices, and a centralized management device which may communicate with the plurality of communication devices. The centralized management device may include a display on which a plurality of analysis results transmitted via the communication devices may be displayed (e.g., in a list).

Accordingly, examples described herein may assist in providing medical services suitable for respective patients, may provide improved monitoring, for example, in a ward where multiple patients having heart disease may be hospitalized, and may reduce loads of medical workers.

FIG. 1is a schematic illustration of a ward which may utilize a monitoring system described herein. The ward1includes a number of rooms2. Each of the rooms2may have, a number of stations3.FIG. 1further illustrates computing devices30and centralized management device40.

While referred to as ward1and rooms2inFIG. 1, the ward1and rooms2may generally refer to a location and sub-locations in which multiple users (e.g., patients may be located). Examples of locations and sub-locations include, but are not limited to, buildings, houses, hospitals, businesses, amusement parks, vehicles (e.g., planes, cars, buses), cities, neighborhoods, rooms, floors, streets, and other areas.

Each of the rooms2may have a number of stations3for individual users. any number of users may be located in each room or sub-location (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more users). The stations3may be implemented using beds, desks, chairs, lockers, purses, bags, or other locations or items associated with a user. Generally, each station3may be associated with a single user, although in some examples a station may be associated with multiple users. Examples of detection devices described herein may be carried by (e.g., attached to, supported by, worn by) individual users.

A computing device may be provided to communicate with a plurality of detection devices. Computing devices30are shown inFIG. 1. In the example ofFIG. 1, there may be one computing device30for each room2. In other examples, there may be multiple computing devices in a single room. In other examples, a computing device may communicate with detection devices in multiple rooms.

The computing devices30may be implemented using, one or more receivers which may include, for example, in one or more computers, servers, desktops, laptops, tablets, smart phones, routers, appliances, or equipment.

Multiple computing devices may be in communication with a centralized management device40. The centralized management device40may be implemented, for example, using, one or more receivers which may include, for example, in one or more computers, servers, desktops, laptops, tablets, smart phones, routers, appliances, or equipment. In some examples, the centralized management device may be implemented at a nurses' station where medical workers are on call.

Generally, the computing devices30(e.g., communication devices) may be positioned proximate a subset of users of detection devices described herein. The centralized management device40can communicate with the detection devices10attached to the users in each sickroom2through the computing devices30.

For example, the detection devices10may communicate with the computing devices30using a short-range wireless communication method (e.g., NFC (Near Field Communication) and/or BLUETOOTH). In some examples, the computing devices30may communicate with the centralized management device40using a long-range wireless communication method (e.g., through networks such as a wide area network (WAN), local area network (LAN), and/or Internet). In other examples, wired communication may be used between the computing devices30and the detection devices and/or between the computing devices30and the centralized management device40.

FIG. 2is a schematic illustration of a room ofFIG. 1arranged in accordance with examples described herein.FIG. 2illustrates users U in a room2. As shown, each user U may be associated with a bed3. Each user may be carrying (e.g., wearing and/or adhered to) a detection device described herein. In the example of room2ofFIG. 2, eight beds3are included in the room2, associated eight users U. Seven users are shown in the beds, and an additional user U is illustrated walking out of the room2. The user U walking out of the room may also be carrying (e.g., wearing and/or holding) a detection device described herein. Monitoring systems described herein may continue to monitor biological signals from users even as the users traverse monitored areas—e.g., move between rooms, between other monitored locations, etc.

FIG. 3is a schematic illustration of a user carrying a detection device in accordance with examples described herein. The user U shown inFIG. 3has a detection device10attached to a chest of the user.

Generally, detection devices described herein may be carried by a user in any of a variety of ways. The detection devices may, for example, be attached to the user (e.g., adhered to a body surface of the user and/or adhered to a surface of an item carried or worn by the user). Detection devices may in some examples be held or worn by the user. Detection devices may in some examples be carried by the user using, for example, a bag, a purse, or another electronic device.

In some examples, one or more components of a detection device (e.g., one or more electrodes) may be placed in contact with a body surface of the user.

Detection devices described herein may generally be positioned proximate and/or may contact any of a variety of places on the user—e.g., chest, back, forehead, finger, arm, leg, foot, toe. In some examples, a user may carry more than one detection device.

While the user inFIG. 3is illustrated in a standing position, in some examples, users may be seated and/or lying down while carrying detection devices described herein. Users may change positions while wearing detection devices described herein.

Any of a variety of users may utilize detection devices described herein including patients, athletes, students, employees, humans, adults, children, infants, animals, and/or livestock.

FIG. 4is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of a detection device arranged in accordance with examples described herein. The detection device10includes main body11, substrate18, and electrodes12. Additional, fewer, and/or different components may be used in other examples.

The substrate18may be implemented using, for example, a long thin sheet, including a first surface S1and a second surface S2on the opposite side of the first surface S1. The substrate18may be carried by a user during operation of the detection device10. For example, the substrate18may be adhered to a user and/or worn by a user. The substrate18may in some examples be implemented using a flexible and/or biocompatible material. In some examples, an outermost surface of the second surface S2may be wholly or partially formed of a material having adhesive properties to facilitate adhesion to a user.

The main body11may be supported by the first surface S1of the substrate18. The main body11may include electronics as described herein including but not limited to, circuitry including one or more analog front end, processor(s), transmitter(s), and/or memory. The main body11may be implemented using one or more semiconductor chips, for example, and may include a housing wholly or partially enclosing electronics.

The detection device10may include electrodes12which may couple to a user during operation of the detection device10. During operation, for example, the electrodes12may contact a body surface of the user (e.g., the chest, etc.). While two electrodes12are shown inFIG. 4, any number may be present. The electrodes12are provided on a second surface S2of the substrate18, which may be opposite a surface S1supporting the main body11, although other arrangements are possible. The electrodes12may be in electrical communication with electronics in the main body11, e.g., through conductive lines present on the substrate18and/or through wireless coupling.

During operation, the electrodes12may be used to detect one or more biological signals of the user (e.g., an electrocardiogram).

While shown as a unitary device inFIG. 4, examples of detection devices described herein may be provided as multiple sub-units in some examples which may be in electrical communication. For example, the electrodes12ofFIG. 4may in some examples be provided separately from the main body11.

The detection device ofFIG. 4is illustrated as a structure in which biological signals of the user can be measured when the electrodes12are in contact with a body surface of a user. In some examples, detection devices described herein may have other form factors, and may not be attached (e.g., adhered) to a body surface of a user, although the detection device may be carried by the user. For example, detection devices may be provided in the form of a pendant, a necklace, or a watch, etc.

FIG. 5is a schematic illustration of a detection device arranged in accordance with examples described herein. The detection device504may include electrode502, electrode506, and electronics508. The electronics508may include transmitter510, power supply512, sensor(s)514, timer516, measurement circuitry518, microprocessor520, storage522, and/or interface528. The storage522may store mode data524, executable instructions for signal analysis mode(s)526, and/or change condition data530. Additional, fewer, and/or different components may be present in other examples. The detection device504may be used to implement and/or may be implemented by the detection device10ofFIG. 1-FIG. 4in some examples. For example, the electronics508may form part or all of the main body11of the detection device10ofFIG. 4, and the electrode502and electrode506may be used to implement the electrodes12ofFIG. 4.

Examples of detection devices described herein may include electrodes, such as electrode502and electrode506ofFIG. 5. Any number of electrodes may be used. The electrodes may be in direct contact with a body surface of a user (e.g., skin of a user) during operation. The electrodes may detect a biological signal of a user (e.g., an electrocardiogram).

Examples of detection devices described herein may include measurement circuitry, such as measurement circuitry518ofFIG. 5. For example, the measurement circuitry518may be implemented using an analog front end (AFE). The measurement circuitry518may be electrically coupled to the electrodes (e.g., using one or more conductive lines, traces, wires, etc.). The measurement circuitry518may measure a biological signal of a user during use (e.g., when the detection device is carried by the user). The measurement circuitry518may measure and/or condition the biological signal received by the electrodes—for example the measurement circuitry518may provide filtering, amplification, and/or may convert an analog biological signal received from the electrodes into a digital signal. The measurement circuitry518may be in electronic communication with the microprocessor520and may provide biological signals to the microprocessor520.

Examples of detection devices described herein may include one or more processors, such as microprocessor520. While microprocessor520is shown inFIG. 5, any number or variety of processors may be used, including one or more central processing units (CPUs), controllers, multi-core processors, and/or logic circuitry including application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and/or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

Examples of detection devices described herein may include electronic storage, such as storage522ofFIG. 5. The storage may be implemented using, for example, one or more computer readable media (e.g., memory, read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash, solid state drives, secure digital (SD) card, or combinations thereof).

The storage522may store executable instructions for signal analysis mode(s)526which, when executed by the microprocessor520, may cause the detection device504to perform actions described herein. For example, the instructions may cause the detection device504to operate in accordance with a selected analysis mode of a plurality of analysis modes to analyze the biological signal and provide one or more measurement results. In this manner, the detection device504may be programmed to perform as described herein. The executable instructions for signal analysis mode(s)526may include instructions for analyzing biological signals of a user received from electrode502, electrode506, and/or measurement circuitry518. The executable instructions for signal analysis mode(s)526may include instructions for generating one or more measurement results based on the biological signals. Any of a variety of measurement results may be generated by analyzing biological signals described herein. For example, the executable instructions for signal analysis mode(s)526may, in some modes, analyze whether an abnormal waveform indicative of ventricular fibrillation, atrial fibrillation, or combinations thereof, are contained in an electrocardiogram received from the electrodes and/or measurement circuitry518.

The executable instructions for signal analysis mode(s)526may include instructions for transmitting measurement result(s) to one or more other computing devices. Generally, the signal analysis may be performed in accordance with a selected one of a plurality of possible modes. Each mode may specify, for example, a type and/or number of biological signal(s) to analyze, a frequency with which to analyze the signal(s) and/or to generate measurement results, and/or a frequency with which to transmit measurement results to another computing device (e.g., how frequently a measurement result may be transmitted). This information may be wholly and/or partially stored in mode data524. For example, the mode data524may include data specifying the parameters for one or more modes.

The executable instructions for signal analysis mode(s)526may include instructions for selecting and/or changing the mode of signal analysis being used. As described herein, the mode may be selected and/or changed based on a severity of user disease, based on measurement results (e.g., generated by microprocessor520) and/or based on other predetermined conditions. For example, a different analysis mode may be selected for a patient having a mild disease than for a patient having a severe form of the disease. For example, an analysis mode used for patients having a severe form of the disease may analyze more biological signal(s) and/or more generate more frequent measurement results than an analysis mode used for a patient with a more mild disease. In some examples, an analysis mode in which the detection device504is operated may be set from a plurality of predetermined analysis modes according to the severity of disease of the user associated with the detection device504. The analysis mode in which the detection device504is operated may be reset (e.g., changed) based on predetermined conditions—e.g., predetermined change conditions or also referred to as predetermined environmental conditions.

The storage522may include change condition data530which may specify certain predetermined conditions which may cause a change in analysis mode used by the detection device504. For example, the change condition data530may associate particular analysis modes with a particular time, temperature, activity of a user, or other conditions.

While shown as all stored in a same storage522inFIG. 5, the mode data524, executable instructions for signal analysis mode(s)526, and change condition data530may be stored together or separately, and/or may be distributed across multiple computer readable media. The configuration is quite flexible. Generally, the mode data524, executable instructions for signal analysis mode(s)526, and change condition data530may be electronically accessible by the microprocessor520, wherever they are stored.

Generally, then storage522may store a plurality of predetermined analysis modes. Each of the analysis modes may be associated, for example, with a severity of disease. A selected analysis mode may be selected based on the severity of disease of a user associated with (or to be associated with) the detection device504. The detection device504may then perform analysis and transmission in accordance with the selected analysis mode. The storage522may store determination algorithms (e.g., as part of executable instructions for signal analysis mode(s)526) used for analysis by the microprocessor520of a variety of biological signals.

Examples of detection devices described herein may include a transmitter, such as transmitter510. The transmitter510may include, for example, one or more antenna(s) and/or circuitry for transmitting data. The transmitter510may receive data (e.g., one or more measurement results) from the microprocessor520and may transmit the data to another computing device. The transmissions may occur in accordance with the selected analysis mode. The transmitter510may transmit data using wired or wireless methods. In some examples, the transmitter510may be capable of transmission using a long-range wireless communication method and a short-range wireless communication method. Examples of a long-range wireless communication method include communication over a network (e.g., Internet). Using the long-range wireless communication method, the transmitter510may, for example, transmit radio waves over a distance (e.g., several kilometers) by using radio frequencies (e.g., 920 MHz). Examples of a short-range wireless communication method include Bluetooth or NFC communication. In some examples, the transmitter510may include two transmitters—one configured for short-range wireless communication and another configured for long-range wireless communication. The transmitter510may communicate with any of a variety of other computing devices, including but not limited to one or more servers, computers, laptops, desktops, tablets, mobile phones, appliances, and/or medical equipment. In some examples, the transmitter510may communicate with one or more computing devices described herein (e.g., the computing devices30ofFIG. 1). The computing device may in turn communicate with a centralized management device (e.g., the computing device30ofFIG. 1may communicate with the centralized management device40ofFIG. 1). In some examples, the transmitter510may communicate with one or more centralized management devices described herein, such as centralized management device40ofFIG. 1.

In some examples, the detection device504may, in accordance with the executable instructions for signal analysis mode(s)526, made a determination regarding communication capabilities between the detection device504and the computing device to which the transmitter510may transmit. The detection device504(e.g. using microprocessor520executing executable instructions for signal analysis mode(s)526) may select the short-range wireless communication method or the long-range wireless communication method in accordance with the determination. For example, if the intended recipient of the communication is determined to only have short-range wireless communication methods (or to prefer such methods), then the short-range wireless communication method may be used, and vice versa. In some examples, the detection device may select the communication method (e.g., the short-range wireless communication method or the long-range wireless communication method) based, at least in part, on one or more measurement results provided by the microprocessor520.

Examples of detection devices described herein may include a power supply, such as power supply512. The power supply512may provide power to all or some of the components of the detection device504. The power supply512may be implemented using one or more batteries and/or energy harvesting circuitry. In some examples, an analysis mode of the detection device504may be selected based on available power at the detection device504, e.g., a power state of the power supply512. For example, an analysis mode specifying a lower frequency (e.g., less frequent occurrence) of data transmission may be selected if available power at the power supply512is below a threshold.

Examples of detection devices described herein may include additional sensors, such as sensor(s)514. Sensor(s)514which may be used include, but are not limited to, one or more temperature sensors (e.g., to measure a temperature under clothing of a user), positional sensors (e.g., accelerometers, gyroscopes, GPS sensors, inertial sensors), pH sensors, moisture sensors, optical sensors, respiration sensors, and/or activity sensors. The sensor(s)514may be in electrical communication with the measurement circuitry518and/or the microprocessor520.

Signals from the sensor(s)514may be used to select an particular analysis mode for use by the detection device504. For example, change condition data530may include one or more thresholds or criteria for changing modes based on sensor data input. For example, based on a reading from one or more of the sensor(s)514, the detection device504may change analysis modes in accordance with the executable instructions for signal analysis mode(s)526. For example, the mode may be changed responsive to a position, movement, or location of the detection device as indicated by the sensor(s)514. The sensor(s)514may indicate an activity of the user, and the analysis mode may be selected and/or changed based on the activity.

Examples of detection devices described herein may include one or more timers, such as timer516. Signals from the timer516may be used to select an particular analysis mode for use by the detection device504. For example, based on a time provided by the timer516, the detection device504may change analysis modes in accordance with the executable instructions for signal analysis mode(s)526.

Signals provided by the timer516and/or sensor(s)514may be provided to the transmitter510(e.g., directly and/or using the measurement circuitry518and/or the microprocessor520). The transmitter510may accordingly transmit timer and/or sensor signals—either alone or in combination with other transmissions, such as measurement results described herein.

Examples of detection devices described herein may include a user interface, such as interface528ofFIG. 5. The interface528may be implemented using, for example, one or more buttons, switches (e.g., a changeover switch), touchscreens, keyboard, mouse, or combinations thereof. In some examples, an operator (e.g., a patient and/or a medical service provider) may select and/or change an analysis mode of the detection device by providing an input to interface528.

During operation, the measurement circuitry518may receive one or more signals provided by electrode502and/or electrode506. The measurement circuitry518may measure a biological signal of a user—e.g., a heart rate, an electrocardiogram, or combinations thereof, based on the signals from the electrodes. The microprocessor520, in accordance with executable instructions for signal analysis mode(s)526, may analyze the biological signal in accordance with a selected analysis mode. Measurement results generated may be provided to the transmitter510.

In some examples, the detection device504may include a timer516which measures time, a positional sensor to detect a position of the user utilizing the detection device504, a temperature sensor to measure an environmental temperature inside clothes of the user, and an activity sensor for measuring human body activities of the user. The activity sensor may include, for example, an accelerometer and/or a respiration sensor. One or more measurement signals as a result of analyzing the biological signal of the user and respective signals of the timer, the positional sensor, the temperature sensor, and/or the activity sensor may be provided from the transmitter510to another computing device (e.g., to a centralized management device through a computing device, such as computing device30ofFIG. 1).

FIG. 6is a schematic illustration of a centralized management device arranged in accordance with examples described herein. The centralized management device602includes receiver604, processor(s)606, storage608, power supply612, display614, input/output616, and alarm618. The storage608may store executable instructions610. Additional, fewer, and/or different components may be used in other examples.

The centralized management device602may be used to implement and/or may be implemented by any centralized management device described herein, including the centralized management device40shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2. The centralized management device602may be implemented using a computing system, such as a computer, laptop, desktop, tablet, mobile phone, appliance, equipment, or combinations thereof.

Examples of centralized management devices described herein may include a receiver, such as receiver604ofFIG. 6. The receiver may receive measurement results described herein from one or more detection devices and/or from one or more communication devices. For example, the receiver604may receive measurement results from the computing devices30shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2. In some examples, the receiver604may receive measurement signals from one or more detection devices10described herein. The receiver604may be able to receive signals using a long-range wireless communication method (e.g., over a network, such as the Internet). Multiple receivers may be provided in some examples of centralized management devices. For example, one receiver may receive signals using a long-range wireless communication method and another receiver may receive signals using a short-range wireless communication method (e.g., Bluetooth and/or NFC). The receiver604may be implemented, for example, using a Wi-Fi receiver, a Bluetooth receiver, an NFC receiver, or combinations thereof.

Examples of centralized management devices described herein may include one or more processor(s), such as processor(s)606ofFIG. 6. Any number or variety of processors may be used, including one or more central processing units (CPUs), controllers, multi-core processors, and/or logic circuitry including application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and/or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

Examples of centralized management devices described herein may include storage, such as storage608ofFIG. 6. The storage may be implemented using, for example, one or more computer readable media (e.g., memory, read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash, solid state drives, secure digital (SD) card, or combinations thereof). The storage608may be encoded with executable instructions, such as executable instructions610which, when executed by the processor(s)606, may cause the centralized management device602to perform actions described herein. For example, the centralized management device602may perform various types of analyses based on the measurement results received from detection devices. As another example, the centralized management device602may provide various types of alarms based on the measurement results received from detection devices in accordance with the executable instructions610.

Examples of centralized management devices described herein may include a power supply, such as power supply612ofFIG. 6. The power supply612may be implemented using, for example, one or more AC and/or DC connections and/or supplies. The power supply612may be implemented using one or more batteries and/or power harvesting circuitry. The power supply612may provide all or portions of power used by the receiver604, processor(s)606, storage608, display614, and/or other components of the centralized management device602.

Examples of centralized management devices described herein may include one or more displays, such as display614ofFIG. 6. The display614may be implemented, for example, using one or more light emitting diode (LED) displays, plasma displays, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), or combinations thereof. Other displays may be used in other examples. The display614may be in electronic communication with processor(s)606and/or storage608. The display614may display measurement results received by the receiver604and/or processed by the processor(s)606as described herein. For example, the display614may display measurement results received from a plurality of detection devices. The measurement results may be received by the receiver604directly from the plurality of detection devices and/or may be received through one or more intermediate computing devices (e.g., computing devices30ofFIG. 1andFIG. 2). In some examples, the display614may display a plurality of measurement results (e.g., pertaining to a disease, such as heart disease, of the users U ofFIG. 1andFIG. 2). The measurement results may be displayed, for example in a list associating the measurement results with each respective user. In some examples, the display614may display messages, e.g., alarms. An alarm screen may be displayed by the display614in some examples.

Additional and/or different input and/or output devices may be provided in examples of centralized management devices, such as input/output616. Examples include mice, keyboards, network interfaces, buttons, touchscreens, or combinations thereof. The input/output616may be used, for example, to activate applications included in the centralized management device and/or acknowledge alarms or otherwise interact with the centralized management device602.

Examples of centralized management devices described herein may include one or more alarms, such as alarm618. Alarms in some examples may be implemented using messages displayed on a display, such as display614. In some examples, the alarm618includes one or more speakers to provide an audible alarm, such as one or more tones or voice messages. In some examples, alarm618includes one or more vibration activators to provide one or more vibrational alarms. The alarm618may provide an alarm, for example, in accordance with the executable instructions610.

During operation, detection devices described herein may be attached to respective patients, e.g., users U. For example, the detection devices10shown inFIG. 1-FIG. 4may be attached to respective users U. The detection devices may be implemented using the detection device504ofFIG. 5. The analysis mode of each detection device may be selected according to the severity of disease (e.g., heart disease) of the user to which the device is attached. The setting may be performed, for example, by the user or another person (e.g., a medical provider). The user or the other person may select an analysis mode, for example, using an interface of the detection device (e.g., interface528, such as a button and/or switch).

In some examples, the detection devices may have a default and/or initial analysis mode set to a mode associated with a mild degree of disease. This initial and/or default mode may be altered through an interface of the detection device (e.g., through interface528). In some examples, the analysis mode for the detection device may be selected by another computing system (e.g., a computing device30as shown inFIG. 1-FIG. 4) or a different computing system. For example, the detection device may receive a signal from another computing system indicative of a selected analysis mode for the user.

Examples of analysis modes will now be described. Detection devices described herein may be able to conduct analysis in accordance with a selected analysis mode (e.g., using executable instructions for signal analysis mode(s)526ofFIG. 5). Data which may specify each of the analysis modes (e.g., mode data524) may be stored in storage of the detection device.

In some examples, the detection devices may operate in one of three analysis modes—a first analysis mode M1, a second analysis mode M2, and/or a third analysis mode M3. These analysis modes may be associated with respective severity of disease (e.g., heart disease) of the users U. The first analysis mode M1may be associated with a mild degree of heart disease, the second analysis mode M2may be associated with a moderate degree of heart disease, and the third analysis mode M3may be associated with a severe degree of heart disease.

In a detection device to be attached to a user having a mild degree of heart disease, the first analysis mode M1may be selected. In another detection device to be attached to a user having a moderate degree of heart disease, the second analysis mode M2may be selected. In a detection device to be attached to a user U having a severe degree of heart disease, the third analysis mode M3may be selected. The selection may be made in some examples before the detection device is attached to the user, and in some examples the selection may be made after the detection device is attached to the user.

Examples of the analysis performed in the analysis modes M1, M2, and M3, and measurement results transmitted during those modes, are now described. Note that other analysis modes may be used in other examples setting different measurement results to generate and/or transmit. Referring to the detection device504, note that the executable instructions for signal analysis mode(s)526may include instructions for generating and transmitting measurement results in accordance with mode M1, M2, and/or M3. Moreover, mode data524may include data describing modes M1, M2, and M3.

In an example of a first analysis mode M1associated with a mild degree of disease, the detection device may analyze heart rates and/or electrocardiograms. The detection device may determine whether the heart rate has deviated from a predetermined threshold range. The predetermined threshold range for mode M1may be stored, for example, in mode data524. In the first analysis mode M1, the detection device may transmit heart rates, electrocardiograms, and/or threshold-value determination results. The transmission may be made periodically, e.g., every 10 minutes.

In an example of a second analysis mode M2associated with a moderate degree of disease, the detection device may analyze heart rates and/or electrocardiograms. The detection device may determine whether the user has an irregular pulse based on the electrocardiogram. Criteria used to determine whether the pulse may be irregular may be stored, for example, in mode data524. The detection device may transmit heart rates, electrocardiograms, and/or irregular-pulse determination results. The transmission may be made periodically, e.g., every 1 minute. Generally, the period between transmissions in a mode associated with moderate disease may be greater than the period between transmissions in a mode associated with mild disease.

In an example of a third analysis mode M3associated with a severe degree of disease, the detection device may analyze heart rates and/or electrocardiograms. The detection device may determine whether the user has an irregular pulse based on the electrocardiogram. The detection device may transmit heart rates, electrocardiograms, and/or irregular-pulse determination results. The detection device may make transmissions continuously in mode M3. Generally, the period between transmissions in a mode associated with severe disease may be greater than the period between transmissions in a mode associated with moderate and/or mild disease.

At the time the detection device determines whether an irregular pulse is present, the analysis device may additionally analyze other parameters, including, but not limited to, asystole, ventricular fibrillation (VF), ventricular tachycardia (VT), tachycardia, bradycardia, atrial fibrillation (AF), ventricular premature contraction (VPC), a couplet (e.g., two continuous incidences) of VPC, an irregular RR (e.g., irregularity in intervals of electrocardiogram R-waves), and/or bigeminy (e.g., bigeminal pulse of VPC; a normal pulse and premature contraction are repeated).

Generally, asystole, VF and VT may be the most dangerous items from the above items, which may desirably receive fast (e.g., immediate) treatment. Tachycardia, Bradycardia, AF and VPC may be items which may not receive fast (e.g., immediate) treatment but desirably be monitored.

For example, in the determination of the irregular pulse in the second analysis mode M2, three analysis items of asystole, VF and VT may be used. In the determination of the irregular pulse in the third analysis mode M3, additional analysis items (e.g., 23 items) may be performed at the time of analyzing the irregular pulse including the above described items are used. The analysis items are not limited to 23 items and additional, fewer, and/or different analysis items may be used.

Accordingly, detection devices described herein may analyzing whether an abnormal waveform is contained in an electrocardiogram of the user based on the number of items to be used in that mode, in accordance with the executable instructions for signal analysis mode(s)526, for example.

FIG. 7Ais an example of an electrocardiogram, e.g. waveform W1, at a time of ventricular fibrillation.FIG. 7Bis an example of an electrocardiogram, e.g., waveform W2, at a time of atrial fibrillation. Detection devices described herein may perform analysis of electrocardiogram signals and/or data indicative of an electrocardiogram using a determination algorithm in accordance with a selected mode (e.g., as specified by executable instructions for signal analysis mode(s)526). Examples of determination algorithms which may be used, include, for example, whether the heart rate per a unit time exceeds a prescribed value, and/or whether an outer shape or peak intervals of abnormal waveforms vary. In some examples, a determination of abnormality may be made also using other parameters such as a temperature, acceleration, and/or respiration, which may be obtained from other sensors of the detection device described herein. In this manner, detection devices described herein may discriminate waveform variation due to a biological abnormality (e.g., a heart condition) from variation due to tooth brushing or walking of the user. In this manner, accuracy of the determination may be increased. While abnormalities have been described as detected by detection devices, in some examples, abnormalities may be detected and/or determined by computing devices and/or centralized management devices described herein (e.g., by centralized management device602in accordance with executable instructions610).

Examples of monitoring patients using systems described herein is now described. For users having a mild degree of disease, the detection device attached to the user may be operated in accordance with an analysis mode indicative of mild disease (e.g., analysis mode M1). For example, the detection device may perform the analysis of the first analysis mode M1described herein every prescribed time (e.g., 10 minutes). A detection signal including various measurement results (e.g., the heart rate and a determination result of the heart rate) may be transmitted to a centralized management device (e.g., centralized management device40and/or centralized management device602). The transmission may occur through one or more computing devices, such as computing device30.

Heart rates of users and/or determination results may be displayed on a display of the centralized management device (e.g., on display614ofFIG. 6). When the determination result of the heart rate is a determination indicating that the heart rate is deviated from a threshold range, the centralized management device may provide an alarm (e.g., an auditory, visual, and/or vibratory alarm, such as a voice message) which may inform medical workers or others of the result.

For users having a moderate degree of disease, the detection device attached to the user may be operated in accordance with an analysis mode indicative of moderate disease (e.g., analysis mode M2). For example, the detection device may perform the analysis of the second analysis mode M2described herein every prescribed time (e.g., every 1 minute). A detection signal including various measurement results (e.g., the heart rate and a determination result of the irregular pulse) may be transmitted to a centralized management device (e.g., centralized management device40and/or centralized management device602). The transmission may occur through one or more computing devices, such as computing device30.

Heart rates and/or determination results may be displayed on a display of the centralized management device (e.g., on display614ofFIG. 6). When the determination result of the irregular pulse is a determination indicating that an abnormal waveform is contained in the electrocardiogram, the centralized management device may provide an alarm (e.g., an auditory, visual, and/or vibratory alarm, such as a voice message) which may inform medical workers or others of the result.

For users having a severe degree of disease, the detection device attached to the user may be operated in accordance with an analysis mode indicative of severe disease (e.g., analysis mode M3). For example, the detection device may perform the analysis of the third analysis mode M3described herein every prescribed time (e.g., continuously). A detection signal including various measurement results (e.g., the heart rate and a determination result of the irregular pulse) may be transmitted to a centralized management device (e.g., centralized management device40and/or centralized management device602). The transmission may occur through one or more computing devices, such as computing device30.

Heart rates and/or determination results may be displayed on a display of the centralized management device (e.g., on display614ofFIG. 6). When the determination result of the irregular pulse is a determination indicating that an abnormal waveform is contained in the electrocardiogram, the centralized management device may provide an alarm (e.g., an auditory, visual, and/or vibratory alarm, such as a voice message) which may inform medical workers or others of the result.

FIG. 8is a schematic illustration of a display of a centralized management device arranged in accordance with examples described herein. The illustration ofFIG. 8may be displayed, for example on display614of the centralized management device602ofFIG. 6in some examples.

As shown inFIG. 8a collection, e.g., list, of a plurality of measurement results concerning heart disease of users U is displayed on the display614of a centralized management device. For example, a heart rate H1, whereabouts H2and state H3of each user U may be displayed. Each user may be located in a same area, e.g., sickroom2ofFIG. 1for example.

The heart rate H1may be displayed together with a name or other identifier of the user U. The heart rate may be displayed as a numerical value. When the heart rate is deviated from the threshold range, an alarm may be visually indicated, such as by having a frame of the heart rate H1displayed, or the heart rate H1itself displayed in an alarm color (for example, yellow or red).

Whereabouts H2may be displayed. For example, characters indicating a current location of the user U may displayed. In some examples, a posture or movement of the user U may be displayed as an image (e.g., a stick person and/or cartoon). For example, whereabouts H2may be displayed as characters such as “stairs” “shop” and/or “lavatory” or a sickroom or other area identifier (e.g., a number) may be displayed indicating a current location of the user U. In some examples, an environmental temperature inside clothes of the user U may additionally or instead be displayed as whereabouts H2.

State H3may be displayed. For example, characters indicating a condition of the user U, e.g., characters indicating treatment contents and/or status of the user U may be displayed. In the state display H3, “normal”, “assistance required” and so on are displayed as conditions of the user U, characters of “AED” and the like may be displayed when treatment by an automated external defibrillator (AED) is indicated, and characters of “IMPACT” and the like may be displayed when the user U receives an impact due to collision with a door, floor, or the like. Moreover, a frame that surrounds the characters indicative of state may be displayed, and the color of the frame and/or characters may change according to the situation. For example, the frame is displayed in green to indicate a normal state and the frame may be displayed in yellow or red according to a degree of emergency at the time of emergency.

Examples of setting a detection device to utilize a particular analysis mode, and monitoring a user using a particular analysis mode are described herein. Further, analysis modes may be changed (e.g., reset) in some examples. The analysis mode of a detection device may in some examples automatically be changed (e.g., reset) according to predetermined conditions (e.g., a predetermined environmental condition). For example, the detection device504may change analysis conditions in accordance with executable instructions for signal analysis mode(s)526and change condition data530.

Generally, a variety of situations may be identified in advance for which is may be desirable for the detection device to change analysis modes based on the condition of the user and/or the environment. On occurrence of the situation, the analysis mode may change. For example, the executable instructions for signal analysis mode(s)526may include instructions for recognizing a situation is occurring or has occurred and to change the analysis mode based on identification of the situation.

In some examples, the analysis mode may be changed based on time. For example, the analysis mode used by detection device504may change based on a time provided by the timer516. For example, a change in time of day and/or time zone may in some examples cause a change in analysis mode. For example, an analysis mode for disease of high severity may be selected during a time of day and/or a time zone in which a symptom may generally be considered to be worsened. An analysis mode associated with a low severity of disease may be selected during a time of day and/or time zone in which the symptom may generally be considered to be reduced.

In some examples, the analysis mode may be changed based on time and in consideration of a number of medical workers present at the time. For example, the analysis mode associated with severe disease may be selected when the time is indicative of a time when fewer medical workers may be present (e.g., a night shift). The analysis mode associated with a low severity of disease may be selected when the time indicates a time when a larger number of medical workers may be present (e.g., during a day shift).

In some examples, the analysis mode may be changed based on location and/or connectivity status. In some examples, a detection device may change analysis mode based on information received from a location sensor (e.g., a GPS system). In some examples, the analysis mode may be automatically reset in accordance with a destination of the user. In some examples, an analysis mode associated with high disease severity may be selected when the user U moves to a location (e.g., a shop) where a medical worker is not present, while an analysis mode associated with low severity of disease may be selected when the user U moves to a location (e.g., a hospital, room2) where a medical worker is present.

In some examples, when no positional information is available—e.g., when a location sensor of the detection device is malfunctioning and/or when the detection device is not in a position capable of receiving signals (e.g., GPS signals) for positional information, the analysis mode may be changed to an analysis mode associated with a high severity of disease (e.g., an analysis mode having an increased frequency of transmissions). In some examples, when no positional information is available, an alarm may be provided at the centralized management device.

In some examples, when the detection device is in a location where it cannot perform communication with another computing device or the centralized management device, the detection device may also switch the analysis mode to the analysis mode associated with a high severity of disease, and further, an alarm may be given to surrounding medical workers by noise, light, a message and so on at the centralized management device.

In some examples, when the detection device is moved to a position where the detection device is not capable of performing communication with another computing device or the centralized management device, a communication method utilized by the detection device, the another computing device, or the centralized management device (e.g., detection device10, computing device30, and/or centralized management device40) may be changed. Changing the communication method may facilitate re-establishing communication with the detection device. For example, the detection device computing device, and/or centralized management device may utilize a transmitter and/or transmission method for performing communication in a wider range (e.g., over a longer distance).

In some examples, when the detection device10detects that asystole, VF or VT in the analysis items belonging to the analysis mode associated with a high severity of disease is in an dangerous state and when the detection device is in a position where the detection device is not capable of performing communication with another computing device or the centralized management device, the communication may be re-established by changing the communication method used by the transmitter e.g., the transmitter510, for performing communication in a wider range (e.g., over a longer distance).

For example, the detection device (e.g., detection device10ofFIG. 1and/or detection device504ofFIG. 5) may normally perform communication with another computing device (e.g., computing device30), for example, in a range of several 10s of meters to several 100s of meters by using Bluetooth (e.g., operating at 2.4 GHz) as an example of a short-range wireless communication method. However, when the detection device detects that asystole, VF or VT in the analysis items of the analysis mode associated with a high severity of disease is in an dangerous state, it is also possible to establish a communication network of several ten kilometers by automatically switching the communication method to a long-range wireless communication method (e.g., operating at 920 MHz) to thereby switch the communication state to a state in which the communication with respect to the surrounding computing device or the centralized management device may be maintained more easily. In some examples, the detection device may be operated so as to establish communication in both frequency bands for short- and long-range communications (e.g., 2.4 GHz and 920 MHz). After the communication is established again, the detection device can inform another device of the dangerous state.

In some examples, the detection device may change (e.g., reset) the analysis mode using measurement results—e.g., of the heart rate or the electrocardiogram. For example, the analysis mode may be automatically reset in accordance with conditions of the user U which can vary from moment to moment. In some examples, the analysis mode may be switched to the analysis mode associated with heart disease of high severity when the heart rate exceeds a threshold value or an abnormal waveform is detected in the electrocardiogram. In some examples, the analysis mode may be switched to the analysis mode associated with heart disease of a low severity when the heart rate is stable for a long period of time and an abnormal waveform is not detected in the electrocardiogram.

In some examples, the detection device may change (e.g., reset) the analysis mode using the environmental temperature inside clothes of the user. The temperature inside clothes of the user may be measured, for example, by a temperature sensor of the detection device. For example, the analysis mode may be automatically reset in accordance with variation in environmental temperature of the user U. For example, the analysis mode may be switched to the analysis mode associated with heart disease of high severity when it is determined, from temperature change, that the user U is moved to outside of the room2or the ward1ofFIG. 1. The analysis mode may be switched to the analysis mode associated with heart disease of low severity when it is determined that the user U is present in the room2ofFIG. 1where the temperature is fixed because there is no change in temperature measured by the temperature sensor.

In some examples, the detection device may change (e.g., reset) the analysis mode using user activities, e.g., measured by an activity sensor of the detection device. For example, the analysis mode may be automatically reset in accordance with human body activities of the user U. For example, the analysis mode may be switched to the analysis mode associated with disease of high severity when it is determined that the user U falls down (e.g., at stairs, at a corridor, at a lavatory or the like) based on a detection signal provided by an activity sensor, which may include, for example, an accelerometer, a respiration sensor, etc. Criteria for detecting a fall or other activity and/or executable instructions for detecting a fall or other activity may, for example, be stored at the detection device (e.g., in storage522ofFIG. 5).

An activity sensor of the detection device may include for example, an accelerometer, an atmospheric sensor, a respiration sensor that measures a respiration of the user U, an SpO2 sensor that measures a percutaneous arterial blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) of the user U, and/or other sensors. Variation in human body activities of the user U may be detected based on these sensors and the variation may be used to make a change to the analysis mode. Pattern analysis of sensor signals may be used by the detection device to detect variation in user activity.

In some examples, a detection device may change (e.g., reset) the analysis mode responsive to user input, e.g., through an input from by operation of the interface528ofFIG. 5and/or input/output616ofFIG. 6. In this manner, the analysis mode may be selected and/or changed by, for example, a medical worker operating the interface528in accordance with a condition of the user U.

In this manner, an analysis mode for detection devices described herein may be selected from a plurality of predetermined analysis modes according to the severity of disease of the user. Accordingly, a medical worker or other observer may select the analysis mode in which the detection device is operated in accordance with the severity of heart disease of the user U at the time of attaching the detection device to a body surface of the user U. The medical worker can select, for example, the first analysis mode M1associated with a low severity of disease and having a relatively smaller number of analysis items. Or the medical worker can select the second analysis mode M2or the third analysis mode M3in which the number of analysis items is larger and the analysis modes are associated with a moderate or high severity of disease, respectively.

Accordingly, as described herein, medical services (e.g., monitoring and responsive services) may be provided personalized for the users using detection devices described herein.

Detection devices described herein may have a plurality of analysis modes, including the second analysis mode M2and the third analysis mode M3described herein which may include analyzing whether an abnormal waveform indicating ventricular fibrillation or atrial fibrillation is contained in an electrocardiogram or not when the detection device is attached to the body surface of the user U.

In some examples, the analysis mode may be automatically reset according to the situation by setting change conditions in accordance with situations and/or environmental variations. Accordingly, using detection devices described herein, accurate monitoring of users may be achieved and loads of medical workers may be reduced. Examples described herein may also save power of detection devices by avoiding unnecessary operation of analysis modes with higher power consumption (e.g., modes M2and/or M3).

The analysis mode may be automatically changed (e.g., reset) in accordance with variation in severity of disease of the user according to a time by using time measured by a timer as the change condition of the analysis mode. The analysis mode can be also automatically changed in accordance with a work shift of medical workers. For example, the analysis mode may be switched to the analysis mode associated with disease of high severity in the night shift when the number of medical workers is small, which may provide for increased monitoring and reduced loads for medical workers.

The analysis mode may be automatically changed (e.g., reset) in accordance with a location of the user U using positional information of the detection device as the change condition of the analysis mode. The analysis mode may be switched to the analysis mode associated with disease of high severity when the user U moves to a shop or the like where a medical worker is not present, which may provide for increased monitoring and reduced loads for medical workers.

The analysis mode may be automatically changed (e.g., reset) in accordance with conditions of the user U as a patient which can vary from moment to moment by using measurement results (e.g., biological signals such as the heart rate or the electrocardiogram) measured by the detection device. For example, the analysis mode may be switched to the analysis mode associated with disease of high severity when the heart rate exceeds a threshold value or an abnormal waveform is detected in the electrocardiogram, which may provide for increased monitoring and reduced loads for medical workers.

In some examples, it may be possible to determine that a user has moved to the outside of an area (e.g., ward, hospital) based on variation in environmental temperature. For example, the environmental temperature inside clothes of the user, which may be measured by a temperature sensor of the detection device, may be used as the change condition for the analysis mode. The analysis mode may be automatically changed in accordance with the status. Accordingly, this may provide for increased monitoring and reduced loads for medical workers.

In some examples, the analysis mode may be automatically changed (e.g., reset) in accordance with variation in human body activities of the user U by using human body activities of the user U, which may be measured by an activity sensor, as the change condition for the analysis mode. For example, the analysis mode may be switched to the analysis mode associated with disease of high severity when the user U falls down. Accordingly, this may provide for increased monitoring and reduced loads for medical workers.

In some examples, an interface may be used to select a desired analysis mode, which may allow a medical worker to manually select an analysis mode.

Accordingly, examples of monitoring systems and detection devices described herein may assist in providing medical services suitable for respective patients. Medical workers or other observers may check analysis results for multiple patients displayed (e.g., in a list) on a display of a centralized management device. This may allow for effective monitoring of a location where multiple patients having heart disease are located, which may also reduce loads of medical workers.

Examples described herein have been described in the context of heart disease. However, other diseases may be monitored using systems and devices described herein, and biological signals used are not limited to heart rates and/or electrocardiograms.

Examples described herein are not intended to be limiting and modifications, improvements and so on may occur. Materials, shapes, sizes, numerical values, states, numbers, arrangement places and the like of respective components described herein are arbitrary and are not limiting of the claimed technology.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made while remaining with the scope of the claimed technology.

Examples described herein may refer to various components as “coupled” or signals as being “provided to” or “received from” certain components. It is to be understood that in some examples the components are directly coupled one to another, while in other examples the components are coupled with intervening components disposed between them. Similarly, signal may be provided directly to and/or received directly from the recited components without intervening components, but also may be provided to and/or received from the certain components through intervening components.