Abstract:
A residential monitoring system incorporates a plurality of physiological sensors that can provide information as to the condition of an individual. That information can be coupled to a local computer which can carry out more extensive analysis and engage in more complex interactions with both the individual and a displaced care giver.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The invention pertains to residential monitoring systems. More particularly, the invention pertains to such systems which communicate with a local computer or other communications devices.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Many known in-home monitoring systems use sensors and a control unit that interfaces to a remote location by way of a phone line or wireless medium. The physiological parameters of a patient are measured and the data can be periodically transmitted to the remote location for analysis. This analysis could then be transmitted back to the patient or to other locations. A computer can display compliance information as part of the patient training and encouragement to continue compliance.  
         [0003]     Known monitoring systems include those disclosed in Peddicord et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,402,691 B1 issued Jun. 11, 2002 and entitled, “In-Home Patient Monitoring System”, and, Kiff et al., U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/956,681 field Oct. 1, 2004 and entitled, “Mobile Telephonic Device and Base Station” assigned to the assignee hereof and, incorporated herein by reference.  
         [0004]     It would be desirable to provide enhanced functionality in residential monitoring systems by linking them to local home computers. Since home computers have become quite common, opportunities exist to take advantage of their processing power to run additional and more extensive programs that analyze outputs from physiological sensors. Results of such analysis can be provided to the resident as well as to medical personnel. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0005]      FIG. 1  is block diagram of a system in accordance with the invention;  
         [0006]      FIG. 2  illustrates various aspects and characteristics of usage of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawing and will be described herein in detail specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.  
         [0008]     Embodiments of this invention couple a local computer with an in-home monitoring system. The computer can be used to perform to perform the analysis of physiological parameters of the resident. Emergency conditions can be detected. One or more responses can immediately be provided.  
         [0009]     Additionally, such systems provide a capability to dispense emergency aid to the resident or take emergency action prior to the arrival of emergency personnel. Such activities are intended to support the resident until emergency personnel arrive at the home to render further aid and/or transport the resident to a hospital.  
         [0010]     Systems that embody the invention are advantageous in that they can respond in seconds while it can take several minutes or much longer for emergency personnel to arrive. If there is heavy traffic congestion, it may even take a portion of an hour for help to arrive in some large cities. Time can be very critical to survival in certain health emergency situations.  
         [0011]     In addition, since the local computer is available to process the raw physiological data, it can send the data and processing results to a remote monitoring station that has personnel on duty twenty-four hours a day. Local processing provides immediate and more complex diagnostic information to personnel at the remote monitoring site.  
         [0012]     In another embodiment, locally generated instructions can be provided to the resident as to immediate actions to take in the event of a medical alert due to abnormalities in the physiology of the resident.  
         [0013]     The computer can also be linked to emergency response devices to support and contribute to saving the resident&#39;s life. Instructions can be provided as to how to use these devices. These emergency response devices and functions can vary according to the mobility of the resident but can include:  
         [0014]     1. Activation of a defibrillator to restore heart rhythm. The resident or another person arriving at the home can attach the pads following appropriate procedures. In another embodiment, the pads can be incorporated into the clothing of the resident. In this configuration they are already coupled to the resident. If the defibrillator is connected to an interface to the computer, the computer can directly initiate a defibrillation process.  
         [0015]     2. A medication dispensing container can have a special compartment(s) with predetermined medications for specific emergencies such as heart attack, an abrupt drop in blood pressure, an abrupt increase in blood pressure, or high or low heart rates, etc. Certain residents may have high likelihoods for certain emergencies to take place. As pre-authorized by a doctor, predetermined doses of the medications can be dispensed on an emergency basis while emergency personnel are being summoned to come to the home. These medications would be different than the routine medications that may be dispensed per a scheduled routine.  
         [0016]     3. Other devices may also be coupled to or carried by the resident to help maintain his/her life until emergency personnel arrive at the home. For instance, pressure inducing devices could be incorporated into the clothing of the resident. These could inflate during a low blood pressure situation or irregular heart function and help redirect blood in the resident. An example is a pressure device around the upper legs that inflates and reduces blood flow periodically into the legs. Similarly, a pressure device around the upper arms would reduce blood flow periodically into the arms. This then increases blood flow to the head and vital organs to maintain life functions until help arrives.  
         [0017]     4. If the resident is in a wheel chair or bed and connected to an IV system, different predetermined medications could be switched and controlled by the computer in response to monitored life functions. The computer could switch over to emergency oxygen if the determined medical condition warrants it or if a primary oxygen tank is running out of gas or malfunctions.  
         [0018]     There are many other life saving devices that could be incorporated within embodiments of this invention without departing from the scope of this invention. All such functionality will preferably be associated with an emergency summons for help.  
         [0019]     The system may also have safe guards against accidental activation of devices or discharge of predetermined medications. Verification routines can be used to identify the emergency situation and the correct activation.  
         [0020]     In another aspect of the invention, communications can be established with a physician prior to activating one or more emergency response life saving devices. The system can communicate results of the analysis of the emergency situation along with proposed actions. This can be accomplished by a pre-arranged agreement wherein the physician has a password or other responses that the system recognizes for authorization to activate the emergency response life saving devices.  
         [0021]     Activation of such life saving functions may be with the help of a neighbor who may be the first to respond and could assist by following directions from the system. The computer can provide specific directions that can be followed by an essentially untrained person in performing a life saving function.  
         [0022]     In another aspect, the neighbor can be pre-identified, granted immunity from liability, and, pre-authorized to assist. To encourage others to assist in lifesaving actions, a pre-authorized document, pre-approved by the resident can be printed and presented to the person responding to an emergency.  
         [0023]     The links between the system components can be supervised to insure a reliable connection and activation. If external devices are coupled by a person, then the coupling can be supervised and verified prior to an activation signal being generated.  
         [0024]     In addition to the life saving devices being activated by the computer, the computer can display the vital information to the resident or caregiver that is useful in enhancing the life of the resident. This can include trends in the physiological measurements of the resident. The system can ask the resident questions related to detected changes. For example, if an imbalance trend has started, has the resident recently increased the intake of sugar? Immediate feedback to the resident to alter behaviors that are unbalancing their physiology from their normal level(s).  
         [0025]     In yet another aspect, the system can display these trends and emergency response instructions in graphical or written or any visual form. Audio, visual or printouts of information can also be used to help instruct the persons who may be present during an emergency.  
         [0026]     The in-home monitoring system can communicate to a remote location using mediums available for data or voice messages. This can include cable, telephone systems or a wireless medium. Other systems including computer networks that provide a communication medium for transmission of data or voice to a location outside the residence call come within the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
         [0027]      FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram of a system  10  in accordance with the invention. The system  10  incorporates a local computer, for example, a personal computer of a conventional type  12  which includes a local processor  12   a  and analysis software  12   b.    
         [0028]     The analysis software  12   b , as those of skill in the art will understand, can process information received from one or more physiological sensors associated with an individual. As discussed subsequently, these could include, without limitation, blood pressure sensors, respiratory sensors, temperature sensors, glucose sensors, cardiac sensors, all without limitation.  
         [0029]     Sensors as identified above can be coupled to monitoring circuitry of a conventional type indicated generally at  16 . The monitoring system  16  incorporates monitoring circuits  16   a  to which the above noted sensors would be coupled as well as associated control circuitry. Such circuitry is known from conventional home monitoring systems. The details of such are not limitations of the present invention. System  16  also incorporates administering or output interface circuits  16   b  which can be coupled to one or more output devices to provide functionality and/or assistance to resident R.  
         [0030]     System  16  also includes communications interface circuitry  16   c  for communicating of via a wired or wireless medium  20  to a remote monitoring location  22 . That location which might be a site where nurses and other medical personnel observe and keep track of outputs or reports from the monitoring system  16  could also be in communication via a wired or wireless medium  24  to one or more physicians  26  for receipt of instructions therefrom.  
         [0031]     As noted above, the local processor  12   a  can be in communication with monitoring system  16  for receipt of information received from one or more physiological sensors for monitoring circuitry  16   a . Results of analysis carried out by analysis software  12   b  can be coupled for audible or visual presentation to one or more output devices  30  such as display  30   a . The visual or audible output device  30  could be used to present trend or other information to the resident R. Inputs can also be received from the resident via a keyboard, mouse or other input device  30   b  of a conventional type. If desired, touch screens could also be provided.  
         [0032]      FIG. 2  illustrates one application of a system such as a system  10 . A resident R can carry or wear a plurality of physiological sensors such as glucose sensor  40 - 1 , blood pressure sensor  40 - 2 , cardiac monitor  40 - 3 , and the like all without limitation. Outputs from sensors  40 - 1 , - 2  . . . -n are coupled to monitoring circuits  16   a  which in turn communicate with the system  12 . System  12  in turn via software  12   b , can analyze and provide outputs as to developing trends, or other information of significance from a health point of view based on data received from the monitoring circuits  16   a.    
         [0033]     For example, where blood pressure sensor  40 - 2  detects that the blood pressure of the resident R has dropped to a very low value, software  12   b  can determine that an immediate response is required. As an initial response, monitoring system  16  can initiate a communication via a link  20  to a remote location  22  providing an immediate alert as to a serious low blood pressure condition. One or more monitoring individuals at the location  22  can contact emergency services if appropriate to dispatch an ambulance for a physical intercession with the resident R and also contact the doctor or physician  26  to obtain additional instructions for responding. The physician  26  could also provide authorization codes for carrying out those instructions.  
         [0034]     Such instructions could be transmitted to monitoring system  16  which, subject to verification and authorization can, via administering interface circuits  16   b  activate one or more response devices. These could include dispensing of medication from an emergency medication dispenser  44 . Dispenser  44  could be part of a routine medication dispenser or a separate unit.  
         [0035]     Circuitry  12   b  could also activate additional output devices such as periodically activating pressure devices such as  46 - 1 ,  46 - 2  which could be coupled to the resident&#39;s legs or arms as appropriate for the purpose of constricting blood vessels temporarily. Periodic activation thereof can restrict temporarily blood flow in to the legs and arms and thereby directing it in to the resident&#39;s core organs and brain. Further, the system  16  can couple in additional instructions to system  12  for presentation on display  30   a  to the resident R to provide follow-up both for the resident R as well as the response personnel who arrive at the residence.  
         [0036]     Other outputs include a source of oxygen indicated generally at  48  as well as resident worn defibrillation device  50 . As will be understood by those of skill in the art all of the devices  44 - 50  can operate under the control of interface circuits  16   b . As those of skill in the art will understand the various devices  44 - 50  would be activated only in the presence of predetermined conditions as established via system  12 ,  16  and in response to instructions received via a link  20 .  
         [0037]     It is will be understood that other sensors or output devices could be incorporated in the system  10  without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. To control or limit access to systems  12 ,  16  software to detect and respond to multi-level authorization codes can be incorporated.  
         [0038]     From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.