Patent Publication Number: US-2019183359-A1

Title: Vital Monitoring Device, System, and Method

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/814,084 filed Nov. 15, 2017, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/422,225 filed Nov. 15, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure generally relates to a portable vital monitoring system and method and in particular, to a stand-alone vital monitoring device and an associated vital monitoring application accessible on a smart device. A method for monitoring an individual&#39;s vitals using the stand-alone vital monitoring device and associated vital monitoring application is also provided. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Health monitoring and vital measuring machines in hospital settings are well-known. These machines are used to measure or monitor a patient&#39;s vitals such as, body temperature, respiratory rate, blood pressure, electrocardiography (electrocardiogram), pulse oximetry, and the like. However, these machines are typically separate from one another such that only a single vital is measured at a time and may require up to twelve (12) electrode leads or a number of different sensors to measure a single vital. For instance, the machine for conducting an electrocardiogram (ECG) requires between three (3) and ten (10) electrodes with exact placement on three (3) and ten (10) points of the patient&#39;s body to detect electrical activity of the heart. If exact placement of the electrodes is not achieved, then the measurements will be incorrect which can result in an improper or false diagnosis. A second machine would be required to monitor a different vital, such as respiratory rate or pulse oximetry, which would have its own set of electrodes or sensors as well. 
     The electrodes or sensors for detecting a particular vital, are connected to the machine through a set of wires, and transmit data relating to the patient&#39;s vitals to the machine for processing and analysis by the doctor. Additionally, current machines are often stationary, bulky, and can be heavy to transport between patient rooms. Accordingly, the patient may be covered in multiple wires and will be restricted to only moving as far as the length of the wiring since the machine cannot be moved. 
     The machines may also have a display integrated therein or may be attached a separate piece of equipment, equally as bulky, through a wired connection. The display shows a graphical or numerical representation of the data obtained by the electrodes. A doctor may review the graphical and/or numerical data on the display or may print the data to analyze and determine if any treatment is necessary. In the past, the print out of the data was added to the patient&#39;s medical file. In recent years, those files have been converted into an electronic medical records system, which allows the patient&#39;s records to be electronically available on the hospital&#39;s individual network. Accordingly, the patient&#39;s vital data may be manually or automatically added to the patient&#39;s electronic medical records by the doctor or nurse while measurements are taken, which will then become accessible by any computer on the hospital individual network. Alternatively, the machines may be directly connected to the hospital&#39;s individual network via a wired or wireless connection and may transmit the data to the patient&#39;s medical record. However, these records may not be accessible outside of that particular hospital/hospital network and may not be accessed by or sent to a third party easily for a medical consult. 
     These systems and machines are very costly to purchase and maintain. As such, each machine&#39;s presence is limited and may even require the patient to travel to different rooms to have each vital monitored. 
     Further, due to the cost and size of these machines, some medical clinics cannot afford to purchase and maintain these machines. Accordingly, these medical clinics are unable to monitor such vitals and would be required to send patients elsewhere to run test or obtain diagnosis and treatment. As such, valuable time is wasted, not to mention, the costs of running the tests are equally as expensive due to the size and costs associated with operating and maintaining the machines. Similarly, traveling medical professions who treat army personnel, athletes, or individuals in areas of countries that do not have access to large medical clinics, hospital, or the machines, cannot monitor such vitals. 
     Thus, there is a need for a vital monitoring system which is small or compact, lightweight, portable, inexpensive and cost effective such that patients, medical professionals in the field, and small, medium, and large clinics or hospitals can easily obtain and access them. Further, a vital monitoring system is needed that provides a way for third parties to easily access the patient&#39;s data in the event a medical consult is required. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure provides for a vital monitoring device. The device includes a control unit enclosed in a housing. The control unit includes a microprocessor provided on a circuit board having a plurality of channels for receiving and processing sensor data. Each of the plurality of channels is coupled to the microprocessor. The device further includes a plurality of sensors coupled to the control unit and operable for obtaining at least three vitals from a user including pulse oximetry, electrocardiogram (ECG), and skin temperature. Each of the plurality of sensors is coupled to at least one of the plurality of channels and operable for generating signals indicative of the obtained vitals. The control unit further includes a wireless communication module coupled to the microprocessor. The wireless communication module is adapted to transmit vital data obtained by the plurality of sensors to a remote application or remote server. In one example, the plurality of sensors include a pulse oximetry sensor, an ECG sensor, and a temperature sensor, and each of the pulse oximetry sensor, ECG sensor, and temperature sensor are electronically coupled to a separate and distinct channel formed on the circuit board. 
     The present disclosure further provides for a system for vital monitoring of a user. The system includes a vital monitoring device having: (i) a control unit enclosed in a housing, the control unit including a microprocessor provided on a circuit board having a plurality of channels for receiving and processing sensor data, each of the plurality of channels coupled to the microprocessor; (ii) a plurality of sensors coupled to the control unit and operable for obtaining at least three vitals from a user including pulse oximetry, electrocardiogram (ECG), and skin temperature, wherein each of the plurality of sensors is coupled to at least one of the plurality of channels and operable for generating signals indicative of the obtained vitals; and (iii) a wireless communication module coupled to the microprocessor, wherein the wireless communication module is adapted to transmit vital data obtained by the plurality of sensors. The system further includes a remote application hosted on a remote device operable for wirelessly communicating with the vital monitoring device and receiving the vital data transmitted by the wireless communication module. A graphical user interface is provided on the remote application and adapted to display vital data obtained by the vital monitoring device. In one example, the plurality of sensors are each accessible on the exterior surface of the housing at separate sensor locations including a first finger depression sized and shaped to receive a first finger of the user, a second finger depression sized and shaped to receive a second finger of the user, and a third finger placement location sized and shaped to receive a third finger of the user. 
     The present disclosure further provides for a method of monitoring vital data of an individual. The method includes the steps of: (a) placing a vital monitoring device, as described above, in contact with a body of an individual; (b) obtaining pulse oximetry, ECG, and temperature vital data of the user using the vital monitoring device; (c) transmitting the vital data to a mobile application through the wireless communication module; (d) graphically displaying the vital information to the user through the remote application; and (e) optionally transmitting vital monitoring data to a remote server. 
     The aspects of the present disclosure present various advantages over current systems. For instance, the vital monitoring system offers a portable, small, compact, accessible, and cost effective solution to issues associated with current vital measuring machines. The system also provides the ability to use a single device to measure or detect multiple types of an individual&#39;s vitals. Further, the system provides the ability to access and analyze the vital data easily and in real-time through a vital monitoring application, wirelessly transmit the vital data to a server, generate intervention alerts generated by machine learning algorithm using vital, physical, diet and habits/addiction data of the individual and access analyses from a remote location by authorized users and by the individual. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other aspects of the present disclosure will become better understood by reference to the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a portable vital monitoring system in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is another block diagram of a portable vital monitoring system in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a portable vital monitoring device of a portable vital monitoring system in an unwired state in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a portable vital monitoring device of a portable vital monitoring system in a wired state in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram of a control unit of a portable vital monitoring system in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is an illustration of a control unit with a temperature sensor in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates example wristband electrodes of a portable vital monitoring device in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates example gel electrodes that are disposable and removable from the wristbands in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7A  shows a circuit diagram for a microcontroller included in a control unit of a portable vital monitoring device in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7B  shows a circuit diagram for a pulse oxy emitter provided for a control unit of a portable vital monitoring device in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 7C and 7D  show a circuit diagram for an ECG sensor for a control unit of a portable vital monitoring device in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7E  shows a circuit diagram for a temperature sensor for a control unit of a portable vital monitoring device in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7F  shows a circuit diagram for a power configuration for a control unit of a portable vital monitoring device in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 8A-8E  are examples of illustrations for various graphical user interfaces of an application for monitoring an individual&#39;s vitals in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure where  FIG. 8A  shows a connection screen,  FIG. 8B  shows measurements for a main display interface,  FIG. 8C  shows graphical representations of heart activity,  FIG. 8D  shows a patient identification interface,  FIG. 8E  a patient specific monitoring interface, and  FIG. 8F  shows another patient main display interface; 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart of a method for monitoring an individual&#39;s vitals using a portable vital monitoring system in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 10A-10D  illustrate an example dedicated vital monitoring device according to the present disclosure where  FIG. 10A  is a perspective front view of the dedicated device,  FIG. 10B  is a side and front face view of the dedicated device,  FIG. 10C  is a perspective view in use with fingers of a user of the dedicated device, and  FIG. 10D  illustrates a disassembled view of the dedicated device; 
         FIG. 11  a block diagram of a portable vital monitoring system in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure for obtaining and transmitting ECG vital information; 
         FIG. 12A  a block diagram of a portable vital monitoring system in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure for obtaining and transmitting pulse oximetry vital information; 
         FIG. 12B  is a schematic showing a pulse oximetry sensor in use with a finger of a user; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a schematic for a personal and wearable vital monitoring system according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 14  is a block diagram of an example system of use of a wearable device according to the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 15  is a further example of a block diagram of a system of use of a wearable device according to the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE 
     Detailed aspects of the present disclosure are provided herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary and may be embodied in various and alternative forms. It is not intended that these aspects illustrate and describe all possible forms of the disclosure. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. As those of ordinary skill in the art will understand, various features of the present disclosure as illustrated and described with reference to any of the Figures may be combined with features illustrated in one or more other Figures to produce examples of the present disclosure that are not explicitly illustrated or described. The combinations of features illustrated provide representative examples for typical applications. However, various combinations and modifications of the features consistent with the teachings of the present disclosure may be desired for any particular applications or implementations. Additionally, the features and various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further examples of the disclosure. 
     The aspects of the present disclosure provide for a portable vital monitoring system and a method for monitoring an individual&#39;s vitals using a portable vital monitoring system. The portable vital monitoring system includes a stand-alone portable vital monitoring device that allows a doctor or the individual themselves to detect or measure the individual&#39;s vitals. In doing so, the stand-alone device includes two or more sensing devices, such as electrodes, a sensor, or another sensing device, for detecting data indicative of the individual&#39;s vitals and generating one or more signals indicative of the vital data. The portable vital monitoring system also includes a control unit connected to the sensing devices for processing the signal such that the data can be displayed to and understood by the doctor or individual. The individual&#39;s vitals measurements/data include electrocardiogram (ECG), pulse oximetry, and skin temperature. The stand-alone device is compact, lightweight, low-power, and cost effective, as the device costs around $5 or less to manufacture. 
     The portable vital monitoring system also includes a vital monitoring application that is accessible and compatible with any smart device, such as a smart phone, a tablet, a smart watch, a computer, laptop, or the like. The stand-alone device is in wireless communication with the vital monitoring application via a wireless communication protocol, such as BLUETOOTH®, BLUETOOTH® Low Energy, ZIGBEE®, WLAN, 3G/4G, or the like, of a smart device and transmits the signal indicative of vital data to the vital monitoring application for display and analysis in real-time. The vital monitoring application has multiple graphical user interfaces for graphically and numerically displaying the data obtained from the sensing devices. The vital monitoring application employs a machine learning algorithm that is configured to provide early intervention alerts for long-term users by analyzing data transmitted from two or more data channels, two or more channels may include ECG, pulse oximetry, activity, position, respiratory rate, galvanic skin response, perspiration, sleep patterns, global positioning, metabolic parameters, stress, skin temperature, physical activity, diet or habits/addiction. The machine learning algorithm analyzes and compares the data from the combination of two or more channels, one or more vital sensors, and/or one or physical activity, diet and habits/addition recordings to determine if any abnormality exist. For example, from the ECG obtained, the algorithm would alert heart rate, rhythm, if it is symptomatic of Atrial fibrillation (Afib), or Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). In another example, the heart rate obtained from an ECG and pulse oximetry would be compared and if it were abnormal, data from blood pressure, activity, habits and temperature would then be considered for further analysis. The portable vital monitoring system may also include a server in communication with the vital monitoring application. The server is designed to store the data relating to the individual&#39;s vitals, and is equipped with control logic for analyzing the data to determine changes, patterns or anomalies in the individual&#39;s vitals, in real-time or in the future from past stored data. The vital monitoring application can alert the individual or the doctor in the event an anomaly is detected. The server may also transmit the individual&#39;s vital data to a remote location, such as a hospital or medical clinic, for review by a doctor or another medical professional. 
     As it will become readily apparent to one skilled in the art, the portable vital monitoring system and method offers a lightweight, small, compact, and cost effective solution to current vital measuring machines. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a portable vital monitoring system  10  in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. As discussed above, the portable vital monitoring system  10  is designed to easily measure and/or detect two or more of an individual&#39;s vitals, such as electrocardiogram (ECG) (i.e., electrical activity in the individual&#39;s heart), pulse oximetry (i.e., levels of oxygen in the individual&#39;s blood), skin temperature, and the like, using a single device. The portable vital monitoring system  10  is also designed to easily display and analyze the individual&#39;s vitals such that appropriate treatment may be provided to the individual. The portable vital monitoring system  10  may be used by one or more medical professional, such as doctors or nurses, a third-party caregiver, the individual, or a combination thereof. 
     The portable vital monitoring system  10  includes a stand-alone portable vital monitoring device  12  and a vital monitoring application  14  in communication with the stand-alone portable vital monitoring device  12 . The stand-alone device  12  detects and processes data indicative of the individual&#39;s vitals, while the vital monitoring application  14  organizes and displays the data indicative of the individual&#39;s vitals on a smart device for review and analysis by the medical professional, a third-party caregiver, the individual, or a combination thereof. The portable vital monitoring system  10  may further include a server  16  also in communication with the vital monitoring application  14 . Additionally, the server  16  stores the data indicative of the individual&#39;s vitals and may further analyze the data to determine, changes, patterns or anomalies in the individual&#39;s health. 
     The stand-alone portable vital monitoring device  12  includes two or more sensing devices  20  configured to be disposed on or around the individual&#39;s body or skin. In one aspect of the present disclosure, device  12  includes at least 3 sensing devices  20  operable for measuring skin temperature, heart-related vital data, and pulse oximetry. For purposes of this application, the term “individual” is synonymous and interchangeable with the terms “user” and/or “patient”. The sensing devices  20  detect events that occur within the individual&#39;s body and generates an output signal indicative of the detected events (i.e., vital data and information). 
     The sensing devices  20  may include two electrodes  30  for detecting electrical changes (e.g., voltage, current changes) in the individual&#39;s heartbeat pattern. To detect these changes the electrodes  30  are placed in physical contact with an individual, ideally the individual&#39;s skin. The electrodes  30  can be incorporated into wearable devices, as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , which are each placed on the individual. For example, the wearable devices may be adjustable wristbands  32  that are placed around the individual&#39;s wrist. One skilled in the art appreciates that the wristbands are an example of a type of wearable device and is not meant to be limiting as other wearable devices may be employed. 
     The sensing devices  20  may include a pulse oximetry sensor having a pair of light-emitting diodes and a photodetector (i.e., photodiode) for detecting the absorption of light against the individual&#39;s skin to determine the individual&#39;s blood oxygen levels. The pulse oximetry sensor is operable for measuring the oxygen saturation within the individual&#39;s blood and can generate a signal indicative of the same. The circuit configuration of the pulse oximetry sensor is shown in  FIG. 7B . Like the electrodes  30 , the pulse oximetry sensor  36  can be incorporated into a wearable device, such as those shown in  FIG. 3A . For instance, the sensor may be incorporated into an adjustable finger band  34  or a pulse oximeter box  36  that receives the individual&#39;s finger. One skilled in the art appreciates that the finger band  34  or pulse oximeter box  36  are examples of types of wearable devices and is not meant to be limiting as other wearable devices may be employed. 
     The sensing devices  20  can further include a temperature sensor  33  consisting of a thermistor for measuring skin temperature of the individual. The temperature sensor  33  is operable to generate a signal indicative of the same. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the temperature sensor  33  may be integrated into a control unit  22 , which is described in further detail below and is shown in  FIG. 5 . A circuit schematic for control unit  22  is shown in  FIG. 7A . In an alternative aspect, the temperature sensor  33  may be integrated into either a wristband  32  with the electrodes  30  or a finger band with the pulse oximetry sensor  36 . 
     In one example of the present disclosure, a control unit  22  is electrically connected to two or more sensing devices  20 . In another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit  22  is electrically connected to two or more sensing devices through a wired connection, as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . Outputs of the sensing devices  20  are connected to inputs of the control unit  22 . In yet another aspect, the sensing devices  20  may have wireless communication modules, such as BLUETOOTH®, WLAN, or another wireless communication technology known in the communication field, and thus may be able to wireless connect to the control unit  22  to transmit signals. In yet a further embodiment, control unit  22  is coupled to at least three sensing devices  20 . 
     The control unit  22  is operable to receive and process signals obtained from the sensing devices  20 . Specifically, the control unit  22  includes one or more individualized circuits and a microprocessor for analyzing, filtering, and converting the signals from the sensing devices  20 . This includes converting signals from analog and digital signals. In one example, a power supply  24  is connected to and powers the control unit  22 . The power supply  24  can be any battery including a 3V cell or other type. In one form, the portable vital monitoring device  12  can operate on low-power and under less than 1 mA. As such, there is little to no harm associated with electrical contact to the individual&#39;s body in using the device  12 . 
     In yet another example, the microprocessor of the control unit  22  is also equipped with a wireless communication protocol, such as BLUETOOTH®, BLUETOOTH® Low Energy (BLE), or the like, and can transmit the converted digital signals to a BLUETOOTH® or wireless enabled device. The control unit  22  of the portable vital monitoring device  12  is operable to wirelessly communicate with a vital monitoring application  14  and transmit the converted digital signals to the vital monitoring application  14  for display on any device including smart device, so data can be reviewed by a medical professional, third party, and/or the individual. According to the present disclosure, the vital monitoring application  14  can be a mobile application and can be made accessible and compatible with any operating system of various web-enabled smart devices and may be downloaded onto the smart device. The smart devices may include, but are not limited to, a smart phone, a smart watch, a tablet, a computer, laptop, and the like. 
     The vital monitoring application  14  may employ a machine learning algorithm configured to provide early intervention alerts for long-term users by analyzing data coming from a combination of two or more channels, one or more vital sensors, and one or more physical activity, diet and habits/addiction recordings. The vital monitoring application  14  includes various graphical user interfaces to display graphical and/or numeric representation of the signals obtained from the sensing devices  20 . For instance, each vital detected by the sensing devices  20  can have its own graphical user interface. For example, there may be an ECG graphical interface for displaying the electrical activity of the individual&#39;s heart, a pulse oximetry graphical interface for the individual&#39;s pulse oximetry levels, and a skin temperature graphical interface for displaying the individual&#39;s body temperature. The vital monitoring application  14  is described in greater detail below with reference to  FIGS. 8A-8E . 
     In yet a further example, an ambient temperature sensor (not shown) is provided and included in the device  12  coupled to control unit  22 . When temperature data is obtained, collected and processed, a comparison of the ambient and body temperature of the user can be compared to identify high risk environmental conditions. For example, if the user is involved in a high stress environment, such as a fire fighter, the temperature difference between body temperature and ambient temperature can be tracked and monitored to determine warning signals for high risk and dangerous conditions. 
     In one example, the vital monitoring application  14  is in communication with the server  16 . The vital monitoring application  14  may upload and transmit the graphical and numerical representation of the individual&#39;s vital data to the server  16  through an internet, broadband, or data connection such as 3G, 4G, LTE or the like. The server  16  can be a cloud network server and can be provided to medical professionals, third-party caregivers, or individuals that utilize the vital monitoring application  14 . The server  16  can also be a secured network and encrypted to maintain privacy of the individual&#39;s vital data uploaded and transmitted to the server  16 . 
     In an example, the server  16  has a central processing unit (not shown) equipped with one or more processors (not shown) for reviewing and analyzing the individual&#39;s vital data uploaded to the server  16  and one or more memory storage mediums (not shown) for storing the individual&#39;s vital data for real-time and/or future analysis. The processors are programmed with control logic for performing analysis on the individual&#39;s vital data stored therein. To do so, the vital data is reviewed and may be compared against newly uploaded data to detect if any, change, event, or anomaly has occurred. If an event or an anomaly is detected, the server  16  generates an alert and transmits the alert to the vital mobile application  14 . 
       FIG. 2  is also a block diagram that includes additional aspects to  FIG. 1 . Particularly,  FIG. 2  shows that the sensing devices  20  are in contact with an individual  26  as discussed above. Additionally,  FIG. 2  shows the server  16  may also communicate with and transmit the individual&#39;s vital data to a third party  28 , such as other medical professionals or a hospital, at a remote location from the individual  26 . Communication may occur through an internet, broadband, or data connection discussed above. This enables the third party  28  to review the individual&#39;s vital data in a remote location for medical purposes, such as a second opinion or a medical consultation from a specialist with expertise in a particular location different from where the individual is located. For example, an individual  28  and a doctor in Sri Lanka can transmit the individual&#39;s  26  vitals measurements taken from the stand-alone device  12  through the server  16  to a doctor (third party  28 ) in the United States for a medical consultant. In another example, a doctor, who is on vacation, may receive updates on his/her patient/individual  26  whose vitals are being measured by the device  12  at the hospital. The vital data may be transmitted from the server  16  to a smart device equipped with the vital monitoring application  14  or alternatively, to a hospital&#39;s electronic medical records system. In one form, the third party  28  would have to be authorized by the individual  26  or his/her doctor to view the vital data. One skilled in the art appreciates the network is designed to be fully secure and in compliance with the same standards associated with security in electronic medical records. 
       FIGS. 3A-3B  are illustrations of a portable vital monitoring device  12  of a portable vital monitoring system  10  in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure as discussed in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3A  shows a portable vital monitoring device  12  in an unwired state.  FIG. 3B  shows a portable vital monitoring device  12  in a wired state. As discussed in  FIG. 1 , the portable vital monitoring device  12  has two or more sensing devices  20 . The sensing devices  20  includes two ( FIG. 3A ) or three ( FIG. 3B ) electrodes  30 , each of which are incorporated into a wearable device  32 . In the example of the wristband, each wristband  32  with its own electrode  30  is placed around the individual&#39;s wrist to detect vital data and particularly, ECG measurements. The electrodes  30  are also shown in  FIG. 3B . Specifically, the first electrode  30  may be used for the right arm, the second electrode  30  may be used for the left arm, and the third electrode  35  may be used as a reference to eliminate the common-mode voltage which may be placed proximate to the first or second electrode  30  or on another part of the individual&#39;s body. 
     The sensing devices may  20  also include a sensor incorporated into a finger band  34  for measuring pulse oximetry levels of the individual. The finger band  34  is placed around the individual&#39;s finger such that the sensor is adjacent or is proximate to the individual. Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 3B , the finger band  34  may be replaced with a pulse oximetry box  36 . The electrodes  30  and sensor (not shown) each have an output (also not shown) for receiving a wire or cable. Other alternatives may include a sensor for skin-based reflective measurement of pulse oximetry as well an electrode with a single lead and “phantom” or a virtual second lead for ECG measurements. The electrodes  30  as shown in both  FIGS. 3A and 3B  can be dry reusable electrodes, which are incorporated into the wristbands  32 , as shown in  FIG. 6A , or can be gel electrodes that are disposable and removable from the wristbands, as shown in  FIG. 6B . 
     The portable vital monitoring device  12  further includes a control unit  22 , as described above in  FIG. 1 , which will be described in more detail in  FIGS. 4-7F . The control unit  22  includes a housing  38 , which is relatively small and compact, and a set of inputs  40 ,  42  for receiving wires from the sensing devices  20  or will have the sensing devices incorporated within it. As shown in  FIG. 3B , the electrodes  30  each have an output  44  and the pulse oximetry box  36  has an output  46  that is connected through cables  48  and  50 , respectively. In operation, when the sensing devices  20  are in contact with, or proximate to, the individual and detect his/her vital data, one or more signals indicative of the vital data is generated and transmitted through the cables to the control unit  22  for processing. The body temperature sensor  33  could be incorporated into one of the wristbands  32  or finger band  34 . Alternatively, the temperature sensor  33  may be incorporated into the control unit  22 , as shown in  FIG. 5  and accessed by placing on a user&#39;s body and touching it with the user&#39;s finger. 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram of a control unit  22  of a portable vital monitoring system  10  in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. The control unit  22  is designed to receive and read the signals indicated from vital data from each of three sensing devices, amplify the signals, filter the signals to remove unwanted frequencies and reduce background noise, and convert the signals from analog to digital. The control unit  22  includes a microprocessor  52 , a pulse oximetry circuit  54 , an ECG circuit  56 , a temperature circuit  58 , and a power supply and battery circuit  60 . The housing  38  surrounds and protects the microprocessors  52  and circuits  54 ,  56 ,  58 , and  60 . The circuit diagrams/configurations of the microprocessor  52  and circuits  54 ,  56 ,  58 , and  60  are shown in  FIGS. 4-7F . As discussed above, other sensors such as, but not limited, to the temperature sensor may be incorporated into or onto the control unit  22 . Further, it is appreciated by one skilled in the art that other circuitry may also be included in the control unit  22 , depending on the vital data being obtained, and is not limited to pulse oximeter, ECG, and temperature circuitry as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 7A-7F . Each circuit associated with a sensor input includes a separate channel for receiving the sensor data and communicating with the microprocessor. In a further embodiment, more than three channels are provided to allow for additional sensor data from additional sensors. 
     As shown in greater detail in  FIG. 7A , the microprocessor  52  may have one or more wireless, wired, or any combination thereof of communication ports to communicate with external resources as well as various input and output (I/O) ports. For instance, input ports  90  for receiving output signals from the pulse oximetry, ECG, and temperature circuits, and outputs for any LED&#39;s used as indicator lights. The microprocessor  52  may be equipped with a BLUETOOTH® communication protocol chip  53 , such as a BLE chip. However, in an alternative aspect, the microprocessor may be equipped with and utilizes other wireless communication protocols. The microprocessor may include hardware or software control logic to enable management of the microprocessor  52  including, but not limited to, converting the signals indicative of vital data from analog to digital signals for output to the vital monitoring application. The converted signals can be transmitted to the vital monitoring application  14  through the BLE chip  53 . The microprocessor  52  may also have any combination of memory storage such as random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)  55 . 
     Each of the circuits  54 ,  56 ,  58 , and  60  are electrically connected or are in communication with various input ports of the microprocessor  54 . Additionally, the pulse oximetry circuit  54  and ECG circuit  56  are electrically connected to its corresponding sensing devices. 
     With respect to the pulse oximetry show in  FIG. 7B , the pulse oximetry circuit  54  receives a signal indicative (in analog form) of vital data relating to the oxygen saturation within the individual&#39;s blood. The pulse oximetry circuit  54  includes a two-part circuit which has a first part  62  that employs two light emitting diodes (LEDs)  64 ,  66  and a second part  68  that includes a photodiode  70 , an amplifier  72 , and a combination of capacitors and resistor  74 . The circuit includes LEDs  64 ,  66  of the first part  62  face a photodiode  70  of the second part  68  and a space  76  is formed there between such that the individual&#39;s finger  78  fits within the space  76 . In determining the individual&#39;s pulse oximetry levels, the light from the LEDs  64 ,  66 , are projected onto a part of the of the body, usually a fingertip or earlobe, or in the case of an infant across the feet and the amount of light transmitted through the individual&#39;s body is measured. Alternatively, light reflected on the body may be used instead of light transmitted. In determining this different types of LEDs  64 ,  66  are provided. In one example, one of the LEDs  64  is a red LED with a wavelength of 660 nm and the other LED  66  is an infrared LED with a wavelength of 940 nm. Accordingly, the absorption of light at these wavelengths is different between blood loaded with oxygen and blood lacking oxygen. In particular, oxygenated hemoglobin absorbs more infrared light and allows more red light to pass through while deoxygenated hemoglobin allows more infrared light to pass through and absorbs more red light. In operation, the LEDs  64 ,  66  are powered by and sequenced using an LED driver circuit  80  that turns one LED ON, then the other LED ON, and then both OFF for a predetermined period of time, such as twenty times per second or 20 HZ. For example, the red LED is ON while the IR LED is OFF, then the red LED is OFF while the IR LED is ON, and then both LEDs  64 ,  66  are ON. The amount of light transmitted by the LEDs  64 ,  66  that is not absorbed is measured and converted into a signal (current) by the photodiode  70  to produce an output signal indicative of data relating to the level of oxygen in the individual&#39;s blood. In one example, the LEDS  64 ,  66  and the photodiode  70  can be located in a pulse oximeter box or a finger band and the rest of the circuit shown in  FIG. 7B  is located in control unit  22 . The output signal is amplified and filtered through the second part  68  of the pulse oximetry circuit  54 . The output  82  of the circuit  62  and  68  is in communication with an input of the microprocessor  52  and transmits the output signal there between. The output signal is converted into a digital signal in the microprocessor  52  and will eventually be transmitted to the application  14 , shown in  FIGS. 8A-8E , through BLE communication or the like. 
       FIGS. 7C and 7D  show an example circuit schematic of the ECG circuit  56  in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. The ECG circuit  56  has two inputs  94 ,  96  for receiving analog signals indicative of vital data relating to the electrical activity in the individual&#39;s heart from two electrodes. The ECG circuit  56  also has an ECG front end portion  98  for amplifying the analog signals consisting of a plurality of amplifiers, and a series of capacitors and resistors and an offset correction portion  100  for correcting the voltage of output signal and consisting of a plurality of amplifiers and a series of capacitors and resistors. In one example, a 50 Hz twin T highQ notch filter  102  for removing a single frequency from the signal is also present. The notch filter  102  rejects a single band of frequencies and allows all other frequencies to pass through the filter. The ECG circuit  56  further includes a low pass filter  104  for removing frequencies above a cutoff frequency. Accordingly, an output signal is generated and received by an input of the microprocessor  54 , shown in  FIG. 7A  and is eventually transmitted to the application  14 , as shown in  FIGS. 8A-8E . 
     A temperature circuit  58  is shown in  FIG. 7E . The temperature circuit  58  includes a serial data (SDA)  110 , a serial clock (SCL)  112 , a ground  116  for adjusting signal levels, an infrared thermometer  114  for temperature sensing and transmitting the signal indicative of data relating to skin temperature to the microprocessor  54 .  FIG. 7F  shows a power supply and battery circuit  60  and a switch circuit  61 , which includes a power supply splitter  120  for allowing a defined amount of power to be used in ECG circuit  56  and a battery holder  122  for receiving a battery (e.g., 3V cell battery) to power the control unit  22 . The switch circuit  61  is utilized to power OFF and/or reset the device for enhanced power saving. Additionally, while not explicitly discussed above, each circuit shown in  FIGS. 7A-7F  includes one or more ground elements for providing a common turn path for electric current. 
     Again, it is appreciated by one skilled in the art that the circuitry discussed above is not limiting and may include, or may be adjusted to include, circuitry for different vitals or measurements in addition to ECG, pulse oximeter, and skin temperature. 
       FIGS. 8A-8F  are examples of illustrations of multiple graphical user interfaces of a vital monitoring application  14 , accessible via a smart device, for monitoring, processing, storing, and/or storing an individual&#39;s vitals in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. As discussed above, the portable vital monitoring system  10  includes a vital monitoring application  14  that communicates with the vital monitoring device  12  via BLE communication protocol or the like and receives one or more digital signals indicative of the individual&#39;s vital data. The application  14  is designed to and is programmed with software control logic to analyze the digital signals of vital data and display the vital data in graphical and/or numeric form on a smart device for view by a user, such as the individual, third-party caregiver, medical professional, or a third party located in a remote location. The application  14  is compatible and is downloadable on any smart device, such as a smart phone, smart watch, tablet, computer, laptop, or the like. The application  14  may be stored in memory of the smart device and accessed through an icon on the display of the smart device. 
     The application  14  is also operable to communicate with a remote server through an internet, broadband, and/or data communication, as described previously. The communications between the application and the server can be encrypted or made secure such that another user of the application  14  cannot access the individual&#39;s vital data without their permission. 
     The application  14  may have various graphical user interfaces, as shown in  FIGS. 8A-8F , to operate the application  14  and review the vital data obtained by a stand-alone vital monitoring device. In an example, the graphical user interfaces may include a scanning interface  150  as shown in  FIG. 8A . The scanning interface  150  includes a scan button  152  that when engaged searches for the stand-alone vital monitoring device via BLE communication protocol to connect the device to the application  14 . Specifically, the application  14  uses the BLUETOOTH®-communication protocol on the smart device to detect the BLE chip in the control unit of the vital monitoring device to connect the application  14  and vital monitoring device for transmitting data there between. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other wireless communication protocols known in the art may be used as an alternative to BLUETOOTH®. Once the application  14  and vital monitoring device are connected, one or more signals indicative of the individual&#39;s vital data can be transmitted in real-time continuously or over a predetermined period of time. 
     In an example when application  14  and vital monitoring device are connected, a main display interface  154  is provided, where the user can view a list  156  of each vital  158  measured by the vital monitoring device. The list  156  may include the type of vital  158  such as ECG, pulse IR, and temperature with an associated numerical or graphical representation of the measurement obtained from the individual. Each type of vital  158  on the main display interface  154  may be a button that when selected displays graphical interface that shows the selected vital data in a graph form. For example, if a medical profession selects an ECG button on the main display interface  154  in  FIG. 8B , then the application  14  will display the graph interface  162  showing a graphical representation of the individual&#39;s heart activity, as shown in  FIG. 8C . 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, as disclosed in  FIG. 8D , the application  14  may have a patient identification (ID) interface  164 , where the user would enter a patient&#39;s identification (ID) number  166  associated with the individual to access their vital data. The ID interface  164  may be used in multiple settings. For instance, if a doctor is taking the individual&#39;s vitals in a hospital setting, the doctor can use the portable vital monitoring device to obtain the vital data and then use a smart device, such as a smart phone or tablet, to view the results after they have entered the individual&#39;s patient ID number. In another instance, a third party located at a remote location from the individual may have access and can view the individual&#39;s vital data after they have entered the patient ID number. 
     Once the patient ID number is entered, interfaces ( FIGS. 8E and 8F ) similar to the interfaces shown in  FIGS. 8B and 8C  can be viewed. In particular,  FIG. 8E  shows another example of a graphical interface  162  with a graphical representation  168  of the vital data, a numerical representation  170  of the vital data, a pause/resume button  174  for reviewing a particular portion of the vital data, and a save button  176  for storing and uploading the vital data to a server. Similarly,  FIG. 8F  shows another example of a main display interface  154 , which includes individual or patient details  178  and identifying information such as their age, gender, height, and weight, as well as a history  180  of their past vital data. As such, the user will be able to view the individual&#39;s vital data in real-time as well as have access to view their past vital data for determining treatment and for detecting any anomalies or changes in their vital data. The application  14  may also display an alert when an anomaly or change in vital data is detected. 
     It will be readily appreciated by one skilled in the art that various other interfaces of the application  14  are within the scope of the present application. Accordingly, there may also be a registration interface where the user provides identifying information to register and log-in to the application  14 . In one example, only the user registered will be able to view the vital data displayed on the application  14 . If a medical professional or a third party is registered to the application  14 , then they may have access to the individual&#39;s vital data after the individual authorizes them to view the data. 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart of a method for monitoring an individual&#39;s vitals using a portable vital monitoring system in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. The portable vital monitoring system includes the same components described above in  FIGS. 1-6E . The method includes providing a portable vital monitoring device and an associated vital monitoring application  200  and positioning two or more sensing devices on an individual&#39;s body or skin to obtain measurements of two or more of the individual&#39;s vitals  202 . For example, two wristbands each equipped with an electrode are placed around the individual&#39;s wrist, and the individual&#39;s finger is inserted in a finger band or a pulse oximeter box. The sensing devices then detect or measure the individual&#39;s vitals  204  and generate one or more analog signals indicative of the vital data  206 . 
     The signals are transmitted to the control unit where they are processed and converted from analog signals into digital signals  208 . Processing may include amplifying and filtering the signal. Once the signals are converted into a digital signal  208 , the control unit may transmit the signals to the vital monitoring application for review using BLE communication protocol or the like  210 . The vital data is read and displayed on the vital monitoring application in a numerical and/or graphical form  212 . 
     The method may further include transmitting the vital data from the application to the server for storage  214  and storing the vital data on the server  216 . The server can analyze the stored data for changes or anomalies in the vital data  218 . If a change or anomaly is detected  218 , then the server can generate an alert and transmit the alert to the application for display to the user  220 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10A-10D , another example of a dedicated vital monitoring system and device is shown. Device  300  is a stand-alone, dedicated vital monitoring device and includes a housing  302  which can also be referred to as a case or casing  302  for enclosing internal components such as a circuit board, microprocessor, and a plurality of sensors. In this example, housing  302  defines a circular geometry forming a disc-like structure having a thickness extending from a face  304  to a back side  306 . A side portion  305  extends around a perimeter of the circular face  304  and back side  306  forming the enclosure. In one example, the device  300  forms a cylindrical disk having a diameter of about 55 mm and a height of about 20 mm. 
     In this example, the face  304  defines a pair of sensor sections shown as first finger depression  307  and second finger depression  308  sized and shaped to receive two fingers from a user as shown in  FIG. 10C . First finger depression  307  is a pulse oximetry finger depression having a pulse oximetry sensor  310  provided therein. Pulse oximetry sensor  310  is provided within the housing  302  and exposed through an opening  311  defined in the first depression  307 . In this example, a lightguide window is provided to allow operability of the sensor  310  to transmit and receive signals that engage with a first finger F 1  of a user. Second finger depression  308  is sized and shaped to receive a different finger from the user. A temperature sensor  312  is disposed within the depression and operable to measure skin temperature of the user. The position of the temperature sensor  312  within second depression  308  can be selected according to a sufficient location for adequate physical contact with the skin of the user. Temperature sensor  312  is accessible through an opening  313  formed on second finger depression  308 . A lightguide window can also be provided in opening  313  to allow temperature sensor  312  to engage with a second finger F 2  of a user. Temperature sensor  312  can be a contactless temperature sensor. 
     Positioned further into the second finger depression  308  is a first electrode  314  operable to contact a second finger F 2  of the user. First electrode  314  is accessible through an opening  315  formed on a surface of the second finger depression  308 . The first electrode  314  works with a second electrode  316  positioned on side portion  305 . In this example, the second electrode  316  is provided in a third finger depression  309 . Finger depression  309  is sized and shaped to receive a finger of the user from an opposite hand from the fingers used in the first and second finger depressions  307  and  308 . First and second electrodes  314  and  316  are coupled to an interior circuit board  320  and a microprocessor  322 . First and second electrodes  314  and  316  can be silver electrodes. 
     The microprocessor  322  can obtain signals form the sensors associated with vital data of the user, process that data, and communicate through a communication module or protocol with a remote server and/or a mobile device and/or a mobile application. The data can be further be stored and processed by the microprocessor  322 . In a further embodiment, the processed data can be included into a machine learning algorithm to study user vital history. The machine learning can then provide real time or near real time alerts and notifications to a user associated with vitals. In yet another embodiment, data is transmitted to a mobile application which is hosted on a mobile device through a wireless communication protocol or module. The data is then processed and converted into information to be displayed through a graphical user interface on the mobile device through the mobile application as shown in  FIGS. 8A-8F . 
     Device  300  can include similar components as discussed with respect to the flow diagram of  FIGS. 1-2 . Accordingly, a device  300  can be comparable in term of function as the control unit  22  and can include a power source  24  coupled to the circuit board of the control unit. The power source can a battery sufficient to power the device  300 . In a further example, the power source includes a rechargeable battery. Device  300  can include a switch  313  coupled to the power source for turning the device on and off. In this example, switch  313  is positioned on the side portion  305 . A charge port  315  can be provided to allow recharging of the power source. In this example, the charge port is a micro USB port operable to engage a micro USB charger cord and plug. 
     In one example, the circuit board  320  can include a mother board connected to a battery such as a Lithium Polymer (Li—Po) battery  324 . The housing  302  is constructed of two parts, a top  302 A and a bottom part  302 B that are connected along a perimeter. The housing  302  can be constructed to allow access to the internal components such as circuit board  320 , microprocessor  322 , battery  324  and any of the sensors and/or electrodes. The ECG electrodes  314  and  316 , pulse oximetry sensor  310 , and temperature sensor  312  are accessible on the surface of the housing  302  and electronically coupled to the circuit board  320 . The microprocessor  322  serves as the control unit and is mounted on the motherboard  320 . In one example, the control unit is operable to amplify, filter, digitize and wirelessly transmit the received signals from sensors. Battery  323  can be any battery including a 3.7 V, 300 mAh Li—Po battery. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a flow diagram of the example device  300  in use for determining ECG data using a mobile application  14  and remote and/or cloud server  16 . ECG is the process of the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time. Electrodes, such as first and second electrodes  314  and  316 , are placed on the skin to detect the electrical changes that arise from the heart muscle&#39;s electrophysiologic pattern of depolarizing and repolarizing during each heartbeat. Device  300  allows for placing a user&#39;s fingers F 2  and F 3  on the electrodes  314  and  316  through the finger depressions  308  and  309 . The voltage difference created generates a signal that is then sent to the through the circuit board  324  to be amplified and filtered (box  326 ). Then this analog signal is digitized (box  328 ) and transmitted via a wireless protocol such as BLUETOOTH (box  330 ). A mobile application  14  associated with device  300  can then receive this signal (box  332 ) and display information (box  334 ) graphically and numerically. In one example, calculations, such as heart rate and heart rhythm and analysis can be done at the mobile application itself using the received signals. When the reading is stored in the mobile application, it will be uploaded to the cloud server for future reference. Deeper analysis (box  336 ) such as machine learning to detect arrhythmias and comparing with other channels can be done on the server side as the data can also be transmitted to a remote server  16  which is in communication with the mobile application  14 . 
     Example of device  300  in use includes the steps of turning device  300  on using the switch  319 . Device  300  is then connected the mobile application  14 . Next, a patient/user will place first finger F 1  and second finger F 2  (from the right hand) into the finger depressions  307  and  308  and covering pulse oximetry sensor  310 , temperature sensor  312  and first electrode  314 . Then the patient/user places a finger F 3  from their left hand into the depression  309  and contacting electrode  316  located on side portion  305 . An ECG waveform and heart rate will then be displayed on the mobile application graphical user interface. These readings can be uploaded to a remote cloud server for the future reference and sent to or accessed by a care giver if desired. A patient&#39;s heartrate vital can be calculated and/or approximated based on ECG data. 
       FIGS. 12A-12B  illustrate a flow diagram of the example device  300  in use for determining pulse oximetry data using a mobile application  14  and cloud server  16  and use of a reflective type sensor  310 . An important element needed to sustain life is oxygen (O2). The measurement and calculation of the percentage of Oxyhemoglobin (HbO2) in arterial blood is known as oxygen saturation. Depending on the measurement site, either a transmissive or a reflective mode can be used. In the transmissive mode, the light sources and photodiode are opposite to each other with the measurement site between them. In the reflective mode, the light sources and photodiode are positioned on the same side, and the light is reflected to the photodiode across the measurement site. Example device  300 , according to the present disclosure, can use the reflective mode (shown in  FIG. 12B ) to increase the compliance of the device. 
     Device  300  allows for placing a user&#39;s fingers F 1  on the sensor  310  in finger depression  307 . This generates a signal that is then sent to the through the circuit board  324  to be amplified and filtered (box  326 ). Then this analog signal is digitized (box  328 ) and transmitted via a wireless protocol such as BLUETOOTH (box  330 ). A mobile application  14  associated with device  300  can then receive this signal (box  332 ) and display information (box  334 ) graphically and numerically. In one example, calculations and analysis can be done at the mobile application itself using the received signals. When the reading is stored in the mobile application, it will be uploaded to the cloud server for future reference. Deeper analysis (box  336 ) such as machine learning to detect arrhythmias and comparing with other channels can be done on the server side as the data can also be transmitted to a remote server  16  which is in communication with the mobile application  14 . 
     Example of device  300  in use includes the steps of turning device  300  on using the switch  319 . Device  300  is then connected the mobile application  14 . Next, a patient/user will place first finger F 1  from the right hand into the finger depressions  307  and covering pulse oximetry sensor  310  which is exposed through a glass window. Pulse oximetry percentage (SpO2%) values and pulse waveform will be displayed on mobile application  14 . Pulse rate can be calculated and be compared with heart rate from ECG (as described above) to ensure the accuracy. These readings can be uploaded to a remote cloud server  16  for the future reference and sent to or accessed by a care giver if desired. 
     In addition to ECG and SpO2 measurement, device  300  is further operable to take skin temperature measurement as well. In an example, an infrared temperature sensor  312  is used to measure the temperature. This sensor infers temperature from a portion of the thermal radiation emitted by the skin of a user without a direct contact. When finger F 2  is placed over the temperature sensor  312 , it measures the temperature and stores in memory as raw data. The microprocessor  322  reads the raw data and interprets in Fahrenheit. Temperature values can then be displayed numerically on the mobile application  14  and/or be stored in cloud server  16 . 
     Measurement made by device  300  can be sent to a mobile platform application  14  via any wireless communication module or protocol. This can be an off-the-shelf component or built onto the circuit board  320 . One example is using a BLUETOOTH or BLUETOOTH Low Energy protocol. The mobile application  14  will receive the data, do the calculations using an algorithm and display it numerically and graphically. When a user saves the data in the mobile application  14 , it can be uploaded to remote server or cloud server  16  via internet (e.g., Cellular data or Wifi). 
     Example materials available for use in constructing a device  300  can be any materials suitable to achieve the desired results. Silver is a suitable material for the ECG electrodes. Various glass materials including acrylic glass are sufficient for a pulse oximetry window. The housing  302  can be constructed of most plastic materials including but not limited to polycarbonate or various combinations of polycarbonate such as polycarbonate+acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC+ABS). In one example, device  300  is provided in a pouch having a zipper for convenient user access. 
     In a further aspect of the vital monitoring system of the present disclosure, the system includes monitoring other activities associated with the user including but not limited to any physical activity, diet, habit/addiction related activities, sleep patterns, among others, and combinations thereof, and tracking those activities in the vital monitoring application. The system can then employ a machine learning algorithm that provides early intervention alerts for users by analyzing data coming from a combination of two or more channels, one or more vital sensors, and/or at least one of the activities described above. 
     The vital monitoring system of the present disclosure provides for a portable, compact, accessible, and cost effective solution to issues associated with current vital measuring options. The system also provides the ability to use a single device to measure or detect multiple types of an individual&#39;s vitals. Further, the system provides the ability to access and analyze the vital data easily and in real-time through a vital monitoring application, wirelessly transmit the vital data to a server, generate intervention alerts generated by machine learning algorithm using vital, physical, diet and habits/addiction data of the individual and access analyses from a remote location by authorized users and by the individual. 
     Another aspect of the vital monitoring system may include a machine learning algorithm operable to diagnose the issues from an ECG reading taken from a control unit or vital monitoring device  300 . A list of example diagnosis that can be made using the system of the present disclosure include but not limited to: arrhythmia detection, hyperkalemia, hypercalcemia, Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome, long QT syndrome, short QT syndrome, Torsades de Pointes, and others. 
     In yet another aspect of the vital monitoring system of the present disclosure includes providing a device with desirable comforting and soothing features. For example, the device  300  can be constructed with a light which illuminates and changes color to simultaneously sooth and calm patients and indicate progress of a reading. The light may change from red to purple or other colors that may be more culturally relevant. The light on the vital monitoring system may also pulse when a reading is complete, increasing and decreasing the light intensity to provide a soothing effect. In a further example, the device is formed with an outer shape and of a material comforting and soft to provide a more comforting stimulus to the user. The device may include an outer form that is soft, warm, and pliable to relieve stress and provide comfort. This reduces what may be a stressful experience of having vitals checked in stressful situations. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13-15 , another example of the vital monitoring system of the present disclosure is provided. System  400  is shown having a wearable vital monitoring device  410 . This device is sized and shaped to fit comfortably on a user. In this example, device  410  is placed near on a chest of a user P to be proximate the user&#39;s heart. Device  410  includes at least two sensing devices  420  operable for measuring the vitals of a user P. The sensing devices  420  are operable for obtaining vital information from the user P including at least ECG and skin temperature. In a further example, an ambient temperature sensor is included in device  410  to provide for risk management and monitoring by comparing changes to ambient temperature as it compares to skin temperature of the user P. 
     In another example, as shown in  FIG. 13 , a remote indicator  430  is used such as a light, buzzer, haptic or display that alerts the user in case of abnormalities in vital health or high risk situations. This feature may be helpful for users who work in extreme conditions when they cannot easily view the vital monitoring application on a corresponding smart device. The vital monitoring device  410  can be placed in proximity to the skin of a user P (Ex: at chest), an indicator  430  can be attached to anywhere the user P can see or hear or feel (Ex: Face mask, helmet, watch). When vital readings are abnormal, an indicator  430  will alert the user P through some sort of suitable stimulus such as physical, auditory, and/or visual. While the remote indicator  430  is giving an alert to the user P, vitals can simultaneously be monitored by the vital monitoring application  14  as well. For example, a fire fighter (user P) with a vital monitoring device  410  attached on the chest can get an alert  430  via light, buzzer, haptic or display when certain warning signs or risk factors are present via the monitoring of the user&#39;s vitals. So if the change in skin temperature gets too high, the vital monitoring application may send a warning signal to the user P that they are at higher risk of dehydration and thus heart complications. This allows for more accurate and real-time safety monitoring. The fire fighter&#39;s vitals can also be monitored by an onsite safety officer using the vital monitoring application who is given access to monitor one or more users. Additionally, if the monitoring device cannot communicate with the vital monitoring application, data will be stored until such connection can be made. In another example, the present disclosure provides for a system having a plurality of users transmitting through a mobile application their individual vital information to a central application accessibly by a third party user, such as a health professional or a safety officer. The officer can be allowed access to simultaneously view the vital information of the plurality of users. It is further contemplated that the third party is able to send indications and communicate with each of the plurality of users as they see fit. This can significantly improve safety in high risk environments like public safety and fire fighter situations. 
       FIG. 14  shows an example flow diagram of how the system  400  can be utilized. In this example, the process begins at box  500  where the wearable device is provided to monitor physiological vitals of a user. The process is able to detect heat stress or temperature at box  510 , typically through the use of temperature sensors. Measuring heat stress is an indication of dehydration risk. Dehydration risk can lead to box  520  as an indication of various cardiovascular strain. This can be monitored by the ECG and pulse oximetry sensors provided in the vital monitoring device. Accordingly, moving to box  530 , cardiac events, or risk of cardiac events, can be predicted. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , a further example process of the example vital monitoring system is shown. The process begins at box  600  where a wearable device is provided for physiological monitoring. Based on the obtained sensor results, the vital data is analyzed in box  610  which can happen on the mobile application or the remote server as previously described. The vital information can then be displayed to a user through a graphical user interface on the mobile application and/or some sort of heads up display like a helmet as shown schematically at box  640 . The analyzed data can further be transmitted and displayed to a third party like a field safety officer or other medical professional as shown at box  620 . The analyzed data can then be pushed to a remote server like a cloud server for further review or analysis as shown at box  530 . 
     The following Tables 1-5 provide example data for dimensions and properties for an exemplary device and its component: 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Device 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Physical Specs: 
                 Cylindrical: 
               
               
                   
                 Dimensions 
                 53 mm diameter, 20 mm height 
               
               
                   
                 Weight 
                 Approximately 100 grams 
               
               
                   
                 Memory 
                 Practically Unlimited due to real-time 
               
               
                   
                   
                 transmission to mobile phone memory 
               
               
                   
                 Power Supply 
                 Li—Po Battery: 3.7 V, 300 mAh 
               
               
                   
                 Battery 
                 100 hours operational, rechargeable 
               
               
                   
                 Battery Life 
               
               
                   
                 Data Upload 
                 BLUETOOTH Low Energy 
               
               
                   
                 Software Interface 
                 Various mobile and web-based platforms 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 ECG Sensing 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 ECG Channel 
                 Single Channel 
               
               
                   
                 Frequency Response 
                 0.5 Hz to 40 Hz 
               
               
                   
                 A/D Sampling Rate 
                 300 samples/second 
               
               
                   
                 Resolution 
                 16 bit 
               
               
                   
                 Electrodes 
                 Integrated into device 
               
               
                   
                 Skin Contact 
                 Any part of the finger (left to right) 
               
               
                   
                 Material 
                 Silver 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Pulse Oximetry 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 SpO2 Type 
                 Reflective 
               
               
                   
                 Frequency Response 
                 0.5 Hz to 40 Hz 
               
               
                   
                 A/D Sampling Rate 
                 20 samples/second 
               
               
                   
                 Resolution 
                 16 bit 
               
               
                   
                 SpO2 sensor 
                 Integrated into device 
               
               
                   
                 Skin Contact 
                 Any finger, typically right index finger 
               
               
                   
                 Material 
                 Acrylic Glass 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Temperature Sensor 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 Temperature Sensor Type 
                 IR Temperature Sensor 
               
               
                 A/D Sampling Rate 
                 1 samples/second 
               
               
                 Resolution 
                 16 bit 
               
               
                 Temperature sensor 
                 Integrated into device 
               
               
                 Skin Contact 
                 Contactless. Pointed towards the finger. 
               
               
                 Material 
                 Acrylic Glass 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 5 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Battery 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Standard Capacity 
                 300 mAh 
               
               
                   
                 Standard Voltage 
                 3.7 V 
               
               
                   
                 Charge Voltage 
                 4.20 +/− 0.03 V 
               
               
                   
                 Charge Time 
                 About 3 hours 
               
               
                   
                 Discharge Cutoff Voltage 
                 3.0 V 
               
               
                   
                 Physical Specs: 
                 6.5 mm thickness, 20 mm width, 
               
               
                   
                 Dimensions 
                 30 mm length 
               
               
                   
                 Weight 
                 6.8 grams 
               
               
                   
                 Connector and PCM 
                 Protect circuit module board(PCM) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 inside, with red(+) and black(−) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 wire lead out. 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The foregoing disclosure has been illustrated and described in accordance with the relevant legal standards, it is not intended that these examples illustrate and describe all possible forms of the present disclosure, thus the description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed examples may become apparent to those skilled in the art and fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, the features and various implementing examples may be combined to form further examples of the present disclosure.