Abstract:
The invention relates to a reader system of biometric information adapted to sense biometric information and process the same.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The invention relates to a reader system of biometric information adapted to sense biometric information and process the same.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Biometrics refers to the automatic identification of a person based on his/her physiological or behavioral characteristics. This method of identifying a person is preferred over traditional methods involving signatures, picture ID, passwords, and PIN numbers for various reasons: (i) the person to be identified is required to be physically present at the point-of-identification; and (ii) identification based on biometric techniques obviates the need to remember a password or carry a token.  
         [0003]     The use of biometric information is finding increasing use in security and information gathering. Biometric information can be used for identification (Who am I?) and for verification (Am I whom I claim to be?). One such application that has not yet utilized biometric information is in the coordination of health information to a patient. The problem can be best illustrated by example.  
         [0004]     An unconscious patient is brought to a hospital emergency room for treatment. Unless identification exists on the patient or such information is brought to the treating physician&#39;s attention, the patient remains unidentified. Because the patient is unidentified and unconscious, the treating physician cannot know the patient&#39;s name, prior medical history, current medical problems, relatives/friends to contact, types of medications the patient uses (if any), health insurance information, etc. The unconscious patient presents myriad problems. The same problems also exist in patients that do not speak the common language of the treating physician, irrespective of whether this patient is conscious. A conscious yet profoundly mentally disabled patient may enter the emergency room and present the same problems. In the conscious patient, information cannot be gleaned unless there is a common language.  
         [0005]     Assuming that all goes well with the patient in the emergency room, the same problems exist for the admitted patient. For example, in ward-type rooms, many patients are present and undoubtedly patient charts are mixed up. In busy urban hospitals where hospital beds are in short supply, the patient may spend days in hallways or corridors; again causing problems for coordinating information about the patient with the patient. In any case, it remains paramount for the treating physician and hospital to know the patient information for the right patient.  
         [0006]     One further problem is that information needs to be updated periodically. Returning to the examples above, once the treating physician conducts treatment, such information needs to be recorded, keyed to the patient, and retrievable by the next physician. In this regard, a patient is treated in a more informed manner if the patient&#39;s information is routinely updated and keyed to the patient. But the problem remains for finding a common language.  
         [0007]     There is, however, a common language that exists irrespective of language barriers, consciousness, or mental ability. That is biometric information, which includes any type of information that can be gleaned from a person and keyed to that person. Various types of biometric systems are being used for real-time identification, the most popular are based on face recognition and fingerprint matching. However, there are other biometric systems that utilize iris and retinal scan, speech, facial thermograms, DNA/genome based identifiers, dental, and hand geometry. Once the patient is identified, the patient can be treated so long as the underlying information is readily available.  
         [0008]     Finally, with new privacy laws, medical professionals are forbidden from using patient names in public places. To this end, using some biometrics can be a silent identification mode.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     The foregoing problems are solved and a technical advance is achieved by the present invention. Disclosed is biometric information reader, recorder, processor, and display system, and processes thereof to assist medical personnel in identifying a patient&#39;s identity and determining the patient&#39;s underlying information. Such information may include the patient&#39;s name, social security/insurance number, age, date of birth, insurance information, prior health problems, prior AMA codes, blood type, past medications, current medications, relatives or friend contact information, whether the patient is wanted by law enforcement authorities, allergies, address, current treating physician, etc.  
         [0010]     In addition, the system provides for a portable biometric reader to permit mobility of the unit into, for example, patient rooms.  
         [0011]     In addition, the system is available in all languages as that is simply a function of software. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]     FIGS.  1  to  9  show various embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0013]      FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of the invention, particularly, the uploading of information into the system. To prepare the system for use or to update the system, the patient&#39;s information must be uploaded, stored, and keyed to the biometric identifier. At the outset, it will be noted that biometric information can be collected from the patient such as iris and retinal scan, speech, facial scan, facial thermograms, DNA/genome based identifiers, dental, hand scan, hand geometry, fingerprints, and etc., and any combination thereof. However, for the ease of description, but in no way limiting, the processes and systems will be described as a hand scanner, which may include an in gross scan or a hand geometry scan, palm scan, fingerprint scan, or any combination thereof.  
         [0014]     The patient provides  10  the hand for initial scanning to start the process. The system then accesses  12  a server, which becomes ready to accept information entry. The system then scans the hand to generate and upload  14  the biometric data, such as the scan pattern. The patient then provides  16  the patient information, such as, but not limited to, the patient&#39;s name, social security/insurance number, age, date of birth, insurance information, prior health problems, prior AMA codes, blood type, past medications, current medications, relatives or friend contact information, whether the patient is wanted by law enforcement authorities, allergies, address, current treating physician, whether the patient is an organ donor, etc. Such information may be manually or electronically updated. The system then links  18  the biometric data to the patient information, and then stores  20  the information, the link, and the patient information. After the first initialization, a set of patient information is now ready to be accessed.  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  shows a process chart to access information. The patient provides  22  the biometric data, such as placing the hand on the hand scanner. The scanner reads the hand and generates the scan pattern. The system then accesses  24  the server to begin retrieval of the information. The system then accesses  26  the stored biometric data to see if a preexisting and matching biometric data pattern exists. The system then verifies  28  the identity of the patient and permits continued access if a match is made. If a match is not made, then the system will, in some fashion, indicate that a match failed. The system, optionally, may include a step of creating a patient profile by performing the steps of  FIG. 1 . In the event a match is made, then the system will permit access to the patient information, and may make available  30  the information, for example, for display, printing, reading, etc.  
         [0016]     Various hand scanners may be used. For example, a hand scanner developed by Recognition Systems Inc, of Campbell, Calif. may be adapted for use. Fingerprint devices are commonly available, and include devices from Recognition Systems, Inc., or Identix, Inc. also. To improve scanning efficiency, one might optimize the use of increasing frames per second scanning, automatic finger detection, pressure sensors to monitor how much of a hand is pressed against the scanner, skin color identification, resolution, size of sensing area, number of pixels, scars or other types of dermatological aberrations, or the like.  
         [0017]      FIG. 3  shows another embodiment of the invention in which multiple initial scans are completed so that an average profile may be created. This would permit the user to compensate for some poorer quality initial scans, such as involuntary hand movements, dirty hands, inadequate hand pressure, wrinkles, dry skin, or for eyes, involuntary eye movements, blinks, “red eye”, pupil dilation, etc. In short, multiple scans may be necessary to achieve a base line scan that would get stored and to which the later scans be compared. To exemplify one embodiment of the process, the patient may provide  10  a hand, a server accessed  12 , and the hand is scanned  14 . The first scan data is stored  32  and a loop  30  is completed for a predesignated number of loops. The data scans are then collected and a baseline scan is computed  34 , which provides the baseline scan pattern of the biometric data. To this end, multiple hand or eye scans may be completed. Furthermore, multiple scans may be needed when a combination scan pattern is required, for example, if the system requires a hand and fingerprint scan, or a fingerprint and eye scan, or a hand and an eye scan, etc. Recall that each type of biometric data set may be combined to provide for greater assurances of identification or verification.  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  shows another embodiment of the invention in which a patient checks in with a physician office, a clinic, or the hospital. In this regard, the patient would provide  36  the biometric scan, the patient information would be accessed  38 , the patient then could confirm  40  the data to ensure accuracy, and if necessary update  42  the data. In the event the patient is a new patient and has not yet established a profile, the patient could input the data afresh using the scan. One benefit of this system is that patient registration can be streamlined.  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  shows another embodiment of the invention in which a patient treatment may occur. As usual, the patient will provide the biometric information  10  and access  12  the patient data. Based on the information retrieved and the new course of treatment, the physician will administer a treatment, which may include taking tests, administering medications, performing a procedure, etc. The physician then can record  44  the treatment given into the system. The system will then update the patient data. Optionally, the system may include a step of comparing  48  the treatment just administered with the prior data to determine if any adverse reactions may occur or to flag certain information for immediate attention. For example, after the physician records  44  the treatment, the system can compare  48  the treatment (for example, medication just given) to the medications in the patient data to determine if an adverse drug reaction may occur. Based on the information flagged, the physician can then administer a countermeasure or take counter-actions. In this regard, patient safety is further benefited. In addition, any information may be inputted or updated via manual entry, electronically, or using voice-input. For example, as the treating physician performs a test or procedure, he can manually enter the procedure or the procedure code, electronically select the procedure from a menu of options, or speak into the unit using voice recognition software. In this regard, the unit can store the voice instruction or the unit can convert the voice into a more readily useable format for updating or billing.  
         [0020]      FIG. 6  describes a networked environment of the system. Shown is a central processor  50  and at least one remote unit  52 . Central processor  50  may include one or more storage devices, network servers, or the like. One purpose of the central processor is to coordinate the input, processing, storage, retrieval, and output of patient information. As such, as biometric data is inputted and patient information is routed, the central processor  50  will coordinate the inputs and outputs so that the appropriate patient information can be updated, processed, transmitted, or otherwise manipulated.  
         [0021]      FIG. 7  shows an expanded network environment having one more nodes  54  connected to one or more remote units. One benefit of having one or more nodes is to optimize performance consistent with the invention described herein. In this regard, many remote users, such as hospitals, ambulance personnel, or physicians may use the system in the manner intended and have optimal performance by having one or more nodes perform some or all of the process steps.  
         [0022]     In any embodiment, the biometric input device, such as the eye or hand scanner, or the remote unit  52  may be connected to the system by wire or by wireless. Wireless communication is preferred in certain embodiments where portability is desired. Similarly, any connection between the nodes may be wireless or wired. Similarly, any communication between any two or more units or parts may be wireless or wired.  
         [0023]      FIG. 8  shows another embodiment of the invention. While some biometric information input devices may be fixed, e.g., fixed on a countertop, fixed into a wall, doorway, etc., it may be convenient to use a portable unit, such as described above.  FIG. 8  shows an embodiment of the portable device. Again using hand scanners as an example of biometric information input devices, a portable device  56  is shown as a tablet. Included on the portable device is a display screen  58 , an information input area  60 , which may further include input devices such as a keyboard  62 , a writing pad  64  and/or a mouse  66 . To input information, the user may type on the keyboard  62 , or may “write” on the writing pad similar to personal device assistants using stylus stroke recognition software (e.g., Palm® Pilot recognition software), or via a mouse. One or more of these may be included. Also included on the unit  56  is the biometric information input device  68 , such as a hand scanner. In this regard, the patient would place the hand on the hand scanner  68 , the wired/wireless communication would take place, the retrieved patient information would be displayed on the screen  58 . Upon treatment, the physician then can update the patient&#39;s information using one or more of the information input devices.  
         [0024]      FIG. 9  shows another embodiment of the invention. Whilst the embodiment of  FIG. 8  shows a tablet-type device  56 ,  FIG. 9  shows a notebook type device wherein the display area  58  is connected to the information input area  60  by one or more connectors  70 , akin to a currently traditional lap-top computer configuration. Further included in this embodiment (and could be included in any embodiment, including the embodiment of  FIG. 8 ) is a card swiper  72 . The swiper  72  is capable of reading a magnetic strip on a card, such as a health insurance card. In addition, the swiper may read information off of the card to further provide for identification or verification. Optionally, the information input area  60  may include a protective cover  74  that protects the input area. For example, the cover  74  (as shown in  FIG. 9 ) includes a cover over the hand scanner portion  68 . In this regard, the display  58  may be in an open position but yet have the input area  60  protected from spills, blood, inadvertent entries, etc.  
         [0025]     Various types of information may be inputted and/or displayed. For example, medical professionals use standard billing codes for procedures, diagnosis, or treatments, such as the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes owned by the American Medical Association; or the Internal Classification of Disease (ICD) codes used for Medicare reimbursements. These codes permit very precise tracking of patient information and may also be used for coordinating patient treatments or for alerting treating personnel of a possible adverse event. The set of codes that may be used can be modified or supplemented as necessary. In this regard, there is another embodiment of the invention in that billing may be facilitated. For example, upon updating the patient information, the information can be transmitted to a billing entity such as a billing service, collections department, or insurance company.  
         [0026]     Accordingly, in yet another embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed an increasing billing efficiency because the physician can immediately input the treatment, which the system will then transmit to the billing system to generate the invoices for payment. In this regard, billings are maximized because a nearly real-time record of any procedures, diagnostics, or treatments is created.  
         [0027]     From this disclosure, there is also disclosed a method of using biometric information to coordinate patient identity with that patient&#39;s health information. Conventional biometric reading units may be used to specifically identify a patient and to access stored patient information. In this regard, the method may also use specially designed units, such as the units described in  FIGS. 8 and 9 .  
         [0028]     It should be understood that the foregoing relates only to a limited number of embodiments that have been provided for illustration purposes only. It is intended that the scope of invention is defined by the appended claims and that modifications to the embodiments above may be made that do not depart from the scope of the claims.