Abstract:
Methods and systems creating Telemedical offices to remotely &amp;/or automatically perform patient identification &amp; intake, vitals measuring &amp; recording, symptom reporting, live &amp; delayed consultation by medical professionals, various and unlimited outpatient medical testing, live &amp;/or automated diagnostic, referral, prescribing, treatment, billing, payment processing and record keeping services remotely by live &amp; time-shifted medical professionals, medical and non-medical sensors, robotics (the robotics are not patented, but are used as a tool in the invention to help deliver the the services), autonomous systems and automated systems. The positive identification and teleconferencing capabilities also enable uses beyond the scope of medicine that also require positive identification prior to or during videoconferencing. The invention results in improved quality in medical service delivery, broad distribution of medical services and efficiencies in financial and time resources.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Patent # 
                 Date 
                 Inventor 
                 Relationship to Current Application 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 7,761,463 
                 Jul. 20, 
                 Wheeler 
                 Allows patient self-check in, 
               
               
                   
                 2010 
                   
                 but relies on keycards/passwords/ 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 etc. Our invention differs 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 substantially by using biometrics 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 and adds functions of medical office. 
               
               
                 6,594,607 
                 Jul. 15, 
                 Lavery 
                 Allows for remote test of diabetes 
               
               
                   
                 2003 
                   
                 induced eye problems. Our invention 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 differs substantially by allowing for 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 the remote testing of countless 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 medical conditions. 
               
               
                 5,951,469 
                 Sep. 14, 
                 Yamaura 
                 Is a system to find a counseling 
               
               
                   
                 1999 
                   
                 doctor via telephone for voice 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 communication. Our invention differs 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 substantially by allowing for 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 communication over any data line, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 includes videoconferencing, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 is a facility that enables most 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 functions of a medical office to 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 be performed not only remotely, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 but also has many autonomous 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 systems built in. 
               
               
                 7,761,185 
                 Jul. 20, 
                 Wang 
                 Allows teleconferencing with a 
               
               
                   
                 2010 
                   
                 remote physician. Our invention 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 differs substantially because 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 while theirs requires the assistance 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 of other medical professionals at 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 the patient&#39;s location because 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 no additional medical sensors are a 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 part of this system. Also, their system 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 is intended to be mobile within a 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 medical facility, while ours differs 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 substantially by being intended to be 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 utilized also within non-medical 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 facilities. 
               
               
                 6,849,045 
                 Feb. 1, 
                 Iliff 
                 Allows for computerized diagnosis of 
               
               
                   
                 2005 
                   
                 a patient&#39;s needs and gives 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 advice, which we incorporate as a 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 part of our invention, however, their 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 invention differs substantially by 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 failing to actually prescribe treatment 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 and lacks the assistance of remote 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 doctors and integrated sensors. 
               
               
                 7,306,560 
                 Dec. 11, 
                 Iliff 
                 See prior reference. Allows for 
               
               
                   
                 2007 
                   
                 computerized diagnosis of a patient&#39;s 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 needs and gives advice, which we 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 incorporate as a part of our invention, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 however, their invention differs 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 substantially by failing to actually 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 prescribe treatment and lacks the 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 assistance of remote doctors and 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 integrated sensors. 
               
               
                 7,412,396 
                 Aug. 12, 
                 Haq 
                 Enables patients to be put in touch 
               
               
                   
                 2008 
                   
                 with medical professionals, which 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 we will also do, but their approach 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 differs substantially from our 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 invention because it is limited to 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 traditional communications and lacks 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 the use of sensors and medical 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 equipment to assist in diagnosis. 
               
               
                 5,619,991 
                 Apr. 15, 
                 Sloane 
                 Allows for the communication and 
               
               
                   
                 1997 
                   
                 digital tracking of medical records 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 for large groups and focuses on 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 epidemiological data gathering 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 and dissemination. While we 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 communicate medical data, our 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 invention differs substantially 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 because our focus is more on the 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 individual needs and on having 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 integrated sensors and equipment 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 in our invention that enables the 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 collection of data necessary for 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 proper diagnosis and the 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 communication thereof. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The field of this invention relates to Medical and Laboratory Equipment (Class D24), Equipment for Diagnosis, Analysis or Treatment (Sub-Class 107), Patient Service Unit or Console (Sub-Class 185) to remotely &amp;/or automatically provide medical services to a patient at an unstaffed location. These include the standard activities one would encounter in a doctor&#39;s office or in other medical facilities. 
         [0004]    2. Discussion of the Related Field &amp; Invention 
         [0005]    Telemedicine currently enables doctors to give patient care remotely, however, in every instance in use today, the patient location requires a skilled person to assist with functions that the remote doctor cannot perform due to his/her remote location (such as taking all the necessary vital signs or performing various tests the doctor would typically preform in a traditional medical office, or, in the cases when personnel at the patients location are not needed, the doctor is frequently not provided with sufficient data to make an accurate diagnosis of the patient&#39;s medical issues. Both scenarios cause problems in delivering quality medical care without the use of skilled staff at the patient&#39;s location, especially in remote, underserved and poverty-stricken areas. 
         [0006]    In traditional medicine without the use of telemedicine, patients needing medical care call to make an appointment with their doctor, wait for the appointment and then go to the doctor&#39;s office. They then meet a receptionist at the doctor&#39;s office who identifies them and has them fill out intake sheets. The patient waits for a nurse to call them to another room to take their vitals and record their reasons for their visit. The patient then waits in another room for a doctor, who may then examine them, ask questions and order tests and/or refer them to a specialist if they are underqualified for the patient&#39;s problems (requiring the patient to go through the whole process of making another appointment, waiting, etc.) before a prescribed treatment or medication will be issued. Once the patient receives a prescription, they then have to go to yet another location and wait to get their prescription. All of this travel and waiting is a problem and a waste of the patient&#39;s time &amp; resources. 
         [0007]    The doctor who initially sees the patient is typically overqualified for the purpose of the majority of initial visits and these visits could have been adequately performed by a less expensive physician&#39;s assistant or a nurse practitioner. This is an inefficient method of providing medical care and often mismatches costly medical resources, creating a problem to be solved. 
         [0008]    It also requires great resources to house, staff and equip all of the various medical professionals in so many different spaces. A more efficient method is needed. 
         [0009]    Currently, there are effective diagnostic software solutions available that are underutilized by both patients and medical professionals because they are not sufficiently integrated with the standard or traditional administration of medical services. Further integrating them into automated systems can significantly reduce the cost of serving populations in jurisdictions where automated diagnosis is legal. 
         [0010]    Some attempts have been made at the use of telemedicine to increase efficiencies and quality of service to the patient, but all of them fundamentally lack the ability to perform the proper tests and/or many of them require the presence of a trained staff member to assist in the administration of the medical evaluation, thus increasing the cost and inefficiency. Furthermore, many attempts use non-integrated devices for taking vital signs and require self-reporting, which may be prone to errors and falsification, thus leading to faulty evaluations and inappropriate prescriptions. 
       OBJECTS AND BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    It is therefore the object of the invention to be able to adequately provide sensors, tests, images, data, videoconferencing and interfaces sufficient to enable a patient to receive their medical care as much as possible from automated systems and as needed, in part, from PAs, NPs, MDs, medical specialists, other medical professionals, staff, and, in locations where it is financially feasible, radiologists, phlebotomists, laboratory technicians, ultrasound technicians &amp; various medical technicians at one point of service through remote telepresence and automated systems. 
         [0012]    It is also the object to reduce the inefficiencies of mismatching medical professionals with the medical issue and of high overhead in physical facilities and underutilized staff and to use the power of economies of scale to decrease the cost of medicine to the patients. The system allows for the functions of a receptionist, nurse for taking vital signs and other staff to be performed by the system, thus eliminating the majority of the costs associated with these staff. The system also reduces overhead on real property expenditures because the system condenses the waiting rooms, examination rooms, vital signs areas, receptionist areas &amp; medical record keeping areas into just one area sufficient for just the patient and some equipment, which allows for the offices/kiosks to be much smaller and less costly. Because their size is so small, the rooms can be used as portable or stationary kiosks placed in malls, grocery stores, drug stores, long-term care facilities, community senior centers, remote villages across the globe, etc. 
         [0013]    The automated process will be the preferred means of serving the client, up to the point where the automated systems, either by limitations in technology or limitations imposed by reason or regulation, require the expertise &amp; capabilities of a human medical professional. Some patients will be able to be served completely (depending on their needs) autonomously (i.e. Follow-up visits, vital signs monitoring, &amp; where allowed by law, routine &amp;/or simply diagnosed medical needs) and others will require the expertise of one or many medical professionals (i.e. Initial visits, medium to complex medical needs, routine &amp;/or simply diagnosed medical needs in jurisdictions where autonomous diagnosis is not yet permitted, etc.), while others will only need the medical professional (i.e. Psychiatric and counseling sessions, etc.). This requires our system make use of integrated sensors, robotics, videoconferencing equipment, software, computers, medical equipment, GUIs, etc. 
         [0014]    By integrating all of these components, doctors will have the information they need to provide accurate medical diagnosis, enormous financial and time efficiencies are gained, patients will receive as great or greater quality care, it will cost less, take less time and be more convenient and readily available and accessible for the client. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  indicates the overall systems, methods and facilities of the invention &amp; indicates portions of the invention that can be located in different physical locations. 
           [0016]      FIG. 1.1  Indicates the portion used directly by the medical professionals at his/her physical location. It is used to control the patient&#39;s location and acquire the information needed to perform his/her job. 
           [0017]      FIG. 1.2  Indicates the virtual portion accessible by the medical professionals and portions thereof are accessible by the patient 
           [0018]      FIG. 1.3  Indicates the portion at the client&#39;s physical location. 
           [0019]    FIGS.  1 . 3 . 1 - 1 . 3 . 3  Indicate different systems, methods &amp; functions at the client&#39;s location. Additional components are outlined below each section &amp; indicate functions, equipment, systems or methods under that particular category. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0020]    The invention is a conglomeration of many systems and methods, that working together, enable autonomous and remote medical care to patients. 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  Indicates the whole systems, methods and facilities of the invention.  FIG. 1.1 . Indicates the Medical Professional&#39;s Workstation. FIG.  1 . 1 . 1 . Indicates the Video Conference Display, FIG.  1 . 1 . 2 . Indicates the Vitals, Symptoms &amp; Intake Display. FIG.  1 . 1 . 3 . Indicates the Medical Records Display and FIG.  1 . 1 . 3 . 1 . Indicates the Overview of Medical History Section, FIG.  1 . 1 . 3 . 2 . Indicates the In Depth Medical History Section, FIG.  1 . 1 . 3 . 3 . Indicates the Diagnosis &amp; Prescribed Therapy Section, and FIG.  1 . 1 . 3 . 4 . Indicates the Referrals Section. FIG.  1 . 1 . 4 . Indicates the Diagnostic Assistance Display and FIG.  1 . 1 . 5 . Indicates the Robots &amp; Medical Device Controls 
         [0022]      FIG. 1.2 . Indicates the Servers &amp; Virtual Systems. FIG.  1 . 2 . 1 . Indicates the servers, FIG.  1 . 2 . 2 . Indicates the Client Database containing Biometric &amp; Financial Data, FIG.  1 . 2 . 3 . Indicates the Electronic Medical Records, FIG.  1 . 2 . 4  Indicates the Systems and Software to Automatically Match Client Records w/Biometric Input, Vitals, Medical Records, Etc. &amp; Deliver the Needed Info to the Correct Medical Professionals, FIG.  1 . 2 . 5 . Indicates the Simple Health Tracking Records, Diagnosis &amp; Prescribed Treatments Connected to Website &amp; Client Login for Client Access to their Own Files, FIG.  1 . 2 . 6 . Indicates a Connection to Prescription Network, &amp; FIG.  1 . 2 . 7 . Indicates Diagnostic Systems to Assist Preliminary Diagnosis &amp; Routing the Client to the Correct Medical Professional. FIG.  1 . 2 . 8  Indicates that Insurance Billing and Medical Coding is done automatically by the system. 
         [0023]      FIG. 1.3 . Indicates the Telemedical Office or Patient&#39;s Location. FIG.  1 . 3 . 1 . Indicates a method to have a Speedy &amp; Automated ID, Vitals &amp; Intake. FIG.  1 . 3 . 1 . 1 . Indicates the function of Identifying the patient and matching the patient with his/her past history and medical records, FIG.  1 . 3 . 1 . 1 . 1 . Indicates the process On the Initial Intake, FIG.  1 . 3 . 1 . 1 . 1 . 1 . Indicates the Use of a Scanner to Verify  2  Forms of Identity Documentation and FIG.  1 . 3 . 1 . 1 . 1 . 2 . Indicates the use of a Database to Match ID to Biometrics. FIG.  1 . 3 . 1 . 1 . 2 . Indicates the method used on all visits including the first visit and every visit thereafter—Matching from at least 2 Biometric Sources. FIG.  1 . 3 . 1 . 1 . 2 . 1 . Indicates the possibility to use Palm Vein Mapping, FIG.  1 . 3 . 1 . 1 . 2 . 2 . Indicates the possibility to use Finger Capillary Mapping, FIG.  1 . 3 . 1 . 1 . 2 . 3 . Indicates the possibility to use Fingerprint ID &amp; FIG.  1 . 3 . 1 . 1 . 2 . 4 . Indicates the possibility to use Facial Recognition Software—Connected to Video Inputs. 
         [0024]    FIG.  1 . 3 . 1 . 2 . Indicates the methods, systems and equipment of taking and storing the Vital Signs of the patient. FIG.  1 . 3 . 1 . 2 . 1 . Indicates the Weight Sensors in Floor &amp; Chair/Table, FIG.  1 . 3 . 1 . 2 . 2 . Indicates the No Adjustment Blood Pressure Cuff to measure BP &amp; Pulse, FIG.  1 . 3 . 1 . 2 . 3 . Indicates the Bio-Electric Impedance Pads to test Bone Density, Body Fat %, BMI, Water Retention, Muscle Mass, Visceral Fat Levels, Resting Metabolism, Body Age, FIG.  1 . 3 . 1 . 2 . 4  Indicates the use of an Oximeter to measure O2 Saturation &amp; Body Temperature, FIG.  1 . 3 . 1 . 2 . 5 . Indicates the use of an Algorithm to Determine Height Based on Video Input &amp; FIG.  1 . 3 . 1 . 2 . 6  Indicates that All Vital Signs are sent to the servers to be stored in the corresponding medical records, &amp; when visiting with a medical professional, the most current vital signs are relayed to their attending medical professional. 
         [0025]    FIG.  1 . 3 . 1 . 3 . Indicates the systems and methods for automated Patient Intake. FIG.  1 . 3 . 1 . 3 . 1 . Indicates the use of a Touchscreen Video Interface, FIG.  1 . 3 . 1 . 3 . 2 . Indicates that are Asked Audibly &amp; Through the GUI to Quickly Determine the Purpose of the Visit &amp; FIG.  1 . 3 . 1 . 3 . 3 . Indicates the use of Diagnosis Assistance Software Accessed From Servers to Diagnose or to Assist in Diagnosis &amp; to Route the Patient to the Best Medical Professional for the Client&#39;s Needs FIG.  1 . 3 . 2 . Indicates the methods, processes and systems to perform the patient Examinations, Consultations &amp; Prescriptions of Treatment. FIG.  1 . 3 . 2 . 1 . Indicates Examination. FIG.  1 . 3 . 2 . 1 . 1 . Indicates that Depending on the Purpose for the Client&#39;s Visit, the Medical Professional can ask appropriate questions and review past medical records and test results, use Networked Digital Ophthalmoscopes, Otoscopes, Stethoscopic Array &amp;/or High Resolution Cameras to Remotely See or Hear What They Need to Know, &amp; FIG.  1 . 3 . 2 . 1 . 2 . Indicates that Medical Professionals Can Also Ask the Patient to Perform Various Functions; i.e. Bend Certain Joints, Etc. 
         [0026]    FIG.  1 . 3 . 1 . 4 . Indicates the method of collecting payments. FIG.  1 . 3 . 1 . 4 . 1 . Indicates that all patient payments are handled on location at the time of service via cash or electronic means &amp; FIG.  1 . 3 . 1 . 4 . 2  indicates that all insurance billing is handled automatically by the Virtual Systems as indicated in FIG.  1 . 2 . 8 . 
         [0027]    FIG.  1 . 3 . 2 . 2 . Indicates the Consultation Functions of the Medical Professionals and the intelligent software. FIG.  1 . 3 . 2 . 2 . 1  indicates the use of Diagnostic Software to Do a Diagnosis or Preliminary Diagnosis Inasmuch as the Software Permits, FIG.  1 . 3 . 2 . 2 . 2 . Indicates that Medical Professionals Then Use Video Conferencing Interface, Medical History &amp; Intake Data to Confirm the Preliminary Information Gathered By the Computer System &amp; Perform a Consultation According to Standard Medical Practices &amp; Tests Can Be Ordered, &amp; FIG.  1 . 3 . 2 . 2 . 3 . Indicates that If Additional Medical Professionals Are Needed, They Can Be Brought Into the Videoconference for the Consultation. 
         [0028]    FIG.  1 . 3 . 2 . 3 . Indicates the prescription of treatment and how the prescription is relayed to the client. FIG.  1 . 3 . 2 . 3 . 1  Indicates that Once the Medical Professional Diagnoses the Problems &amp; Prescribes a Treatment, the Prescription is Sent Electronically to the Provider of Choice. If they don&#39;t have a Preferred Provider, One is Referred w/a Map Indicating How to Arrive at the Pharmacy or Therapy Provider&#39;s Location (When possible, these units will be placed in locations inside of or close to buildings with pharmacies) &amp; FIG.  1 . 3 . 2 . 3 . 2  Indicates that the medical professional&#39;s notes and the prescription will be given to the client via electronic or printed means. 
         [0029]    FIG.  1 . 3 . 3 . Indicates the Robotics, Essential Physical Elements &amp; Optional Medical Equipment. FIG.  1 . 3 . 3 . 1 . Indicates the robotics section. FIG.  1 . 3 . 3 . 1 . 1 . Indicates that Specific Robotic Components Can Be Changed &amp; Substituted to Meet the Needs of Each Specific Configuration and can include any, all or none of the following robotic components, FIG.  1 . 3 . 3 . 1 . 2 . Indicates that All Robots Controllable By Networked Medical Professionals or by Intelligent, Autonomous &amp;/or Prespecified Programming. FIG.  1 . 3 . 3 . 1 . 3 . Indicates that Sufficient Degrees of Freedom (DOF) are back-draftable to facilitate safe use in a human environment, FIG.  1 . 3 . 3 . 1 . 4 . Indicates that System Can Use All, Any Combination or None of the Following Robotics, But Is Not Limited to These Robotic Tools Alone, FIG.  1 . 3 . 3 . 1 . 4 . 1 . Indicates that 1 DOF Robotic Arc w/4+ DOF Robotic Arm &amp; Attachment Tools, Instruments &amp; Dexterous Robotic Hands w/Visual &amp; Haptic Feedback, FIG.  1 . 3 . 3 . 1 . 4 . 2 . Indicates the use of Mono or Tandem 7+ DOF Robotic Arm(s) &amp; Attachment Tools, Instruments &amp; Dexterous Robotic Hands w/Visual &amp; Haptic Feedback 
         [0030]    FIG.  1 . 3 . 3 . 2 . Indicates the Essential Physical Elements. FIG.  1 . 3 . 3 . 2 . 1 . Indicates the function of being able to Sit &amp; Quickly take Vital Signs within 25-60 Seconds, FIG.  1 . 3 . 3 . 2 . 1 . 1 . Indicates that All Sensors are Arranged so all vitals except BP can be measured simultaneously &amp; the BP immediately thereafter, FIG.  1 . 3 . 3 . 2 . 2 . Indicates an Array of Activateable Audio Sensors, Electric Potential Sensor, or low-power, high-frequency Doppler radar for Stethoscopic Functions, FIG.  1 . 3 . 3 . 2 . 3 . Indicates that the Door Locks from Inside For Privacy, FIG.  1 . 3 . 3 . 2 . 4 . Indicates the presence and use of Remote Screens to Cover Video Cameras to Provide Privacy if Client Changing is Needed, &amp; FIG.  1 . 3 . 3 . 2 . 5 . Indicates the use of a Chair &amp; Table Combination that FIG.  1 . 3 . 3 . 2 . 5 . 1 . In Models Used for X-Ray, Digital X-Ray Sensors are Embedded in the Table &amp; the Walls Are Shielded from radiation. 
         [0031]    FIG.  1 . 3 . 3 . 3 . Indicates the option to integrate many other medical devices and modules that can be Handled By the Robots &amp; Networked as indicated in FIG.  1 . 3 . 3 . 3 . 1 . and can be integrated with Digital X-Ray Machines, Digital Ultrasound Machines, Digital EKG, EEG &amp; ECG, Digital Vision Diagnostic &amp; Treatment Machines, Remote &amp;/or Autonomous Phlebotomist, an Automated Laboratory, Etc. FIGS.  1 . 3 . 3 . 3 . 1 . 1 - 7 . and in FIG.  1 . 3 . 3 . 3 . 1 . 5 . 1 . Medical Professionals Can Control the Robots to Collect Samples, in FIG.  1 . 3 . 3 . 3 . 1 . 5 . 2 . Autonomous Phlebotomist uses stereoscopic vein mapping to create a three dimensional diagram of the veins, in FIG.  1 . 3 . 3 . 3 . 1 . 5 . 3 . the computer algorithmically determines the optimal location, depth and angle for insertion of the needles, and in FIG.  1 . 3 . 3 . 3 . 1 . 5 . 4 . the robots move in the preprogrammed pattern to insert the needle, draw the samples and withdraw the needle. Once samples are taken, preprogrammed robots (in an area separate from the Patient Area) perform standard lab procedures such as cultures, centrifuging, dehydrating, capturing images under a microscope for evaluation by remote medical professionals &amp; other necessary processes performed in a typical medical laboratory as indicated in FIG.  1 . 3 . 3 . 3 . 1 . 6 . 1 .