Patent Publication Number: US-7712365-B1

Title: Accelerometer for data collection and communication

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/996,500 filed Nov. 23, 2004 and entitled “Accelerometer for Data Collection and Communication.” 

   TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates in general to communications and, more particularly, to an accelerometer for data collection and communication. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Communication architectures have become increasingly important in today&#39;s society. In particular, the ability to quickly and accurately communicate collected data presents a significant obstacle for component manufacturers, system designers, and network operators. This obstacle is made even more difficult due to the plethora of diverse technologies that exist in the current market. 
   As new devices and electronic components become available to the consumer, new protocols need to be developed in order to appropriately interface with these emerging technologies. For example, certain devices may be ill equipped to interface with network components such that collected information cannot be suitable relayed over the Internet. In other scenarios, effective data transmission and data propagation present a complicated and an arduous task for the end user to complete. Without such interfacing capabilities, these new devices are stymied in their operations and inhibited in their performance, as they are unable to take full advantage of the benefits of complimentary components, which exist in the realm of communications. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   From the foregoing, it may be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a need has arisen for an improved data collection and delivery process. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a system and a method for collecting and transmitting data from an accelerometer are provided that substantially eliminate or greatly reduce disadvantages and problems associated with conventional data transmission strategies. 
   According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for communicating data is provided that includes collecting data associated with an individual using an accelerometer. The accelerometer is operable to monitor activity associated with the individual. The method also includes communicating the data to a computing device, which can receive the data and perform any number of operations. 
   Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of technical advantages. For example, according to one embodiment of the present invention, an architecture and process are provided that can be used to accurately collect data from a targeted patient. Moreover, such data collection may be performed stealthy, which requires no individual effort by the patient and which ensures the integrity of the information. This would allow precise measurements to be collected by an end user, administrator, physician, or nurse on behalf of the patient. High-quality data may be obtained through use of the architecture, as exact measurements may be executed in a systematic fashion. Such measurements may serve as a powerful tool in the context of identifying activity parameters for any given individual. The recorded measurements may also be used in the context of ascertaining performance data, such as is the case with performance athletes. 
   Certain embodiments of the present invention may enjoy some, all, or none of these advantages. Other technical advantages may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, description, and claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     To provide a more complete understanding of the present invention and features and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a simplified block diagram illustrating a communication system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a simplified flowchart illustrating a number of example steps associated with a method of the communication system of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a simplified schematic diagram of an example communication architecture that may be used in the communication system; 
       FIG. 4  is a simplified schematic diagram of an example operation of the communication system; and 
       FIG. 5  is a simplified schematic diagram of another example operation of the communication system. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1  is a simplified block diagram of a communication system  10  for collecting, communicating, and transmitting data. Communication system  10  includes an accelerometer  14  and a computing device  18 . These two elements may cooperate in order to exchange data collected from a given end user (not illustrated) that is using accelerometer  14 . The end user may be an individual (e.g. a patient, an athletic person, an employee, etc.) that seeks to monitor his activity. 
   Accelerometer  14  is a device that is used to convert an acceleration from gravity or from motion into an electrical signal. The input for accelerometer  14  is generally gravity or motion. Accelerometer  14  can receive this input and provide an analog and/or a digital output that reflects this activity. Accelerometer  14  can measure acceleration in units of “g&#39;s”. One “g” is defined as the earth&#39;s gravitational pull on an object or a person. For example, 1 g represents the acceleration exerted by the Earth&#39;s gravity on an object or person (for example, a cell phone on a desk experiences 1 g of acceleration). The acceleration range experienced by a person when walking is between 0.1-2.0 g. Accelerometer may include a display, as well as any number of appropriate buttons that facilitate the operations thereof. 
   Computing device  18  is an element that includes hardware and/or software that is operable to receive activity data from accelerometer  14  (directly or indirectly). Computing device  18  may be accessed by any suitable authorized entity that seeks to review such information. Note that the term “computing device” encompasses a myriad of potential devices that may benefit from the operations of system  10 . Computing device  28  may be a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, an Internet protocol (IP) telephone, a personal computer, a laptop computer, or any other suitable device or element that is operable to receive end user data collected by accelerometer  14 .  FIG. 1  illustrates only one set of example devices that may be used within communication system  10 . The present invention is replete with numerous alternatives that could be used to receive the collected information. 
   It should be noted that the internal structure of accelerometer  14  and computing device  18  are malleable and can be readily changed, modified, rearranged, or reconfigured in order to achieve their intended operations. As identified supra, software and/or hardware may reside in computing device  18  and/or in accelerometer  14  in order to achieve the teachings of the communication exchange feature of the present invention. The software and/or hardware may also be used to offer other features such as global positioning system (GPS) sensing, geo-fencing, and triangulation protocols that may be used to exchange data (e.g. activity data collected by accelerometer  14 ) and/or to identify the location of the end user. All such capabilities of these elements, as well as the others outlined herein, may be provided within accelerometer  14  and/or computing device to achieve such operations. However, due to their flexibility, these two elements may alternatively be equipped with (or include) any suitable component, device, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), processor, microprocessor, algorithm, read-only memory (ROM) element, random access memory (RAM) element, erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other suitable element or object that is operable to facilitate the operations thereof. Considerable flexibility is provided by the structure of computing device  18  in the context of communication system  10 . 
   For purposes of teaching and discussion, it is useful to provide some overview as to the way in which the following invention operates. The following foundational information may be viewed as a basis from which the present invention may be properly explained. Such information is offered earnestly for purposes of explanation only and, accordingly, should not be construed in any way to limit the broad scope of the present invention and its potential applications. 
   Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for a multitude of illnesses. Precise quantification of physical activity is critical in any environment, whether it be in the realm of heightened physical fitness or in situations where some individual is in poor health. Physical activity is especially important in measuring the outcomes in frail, sedentary populations, and in the elderly, because small improvements in physical functioning such as walking and balance may translate into significantly improved higher-order function and life quality. Nonetheless, although daily monitoring of physical activity is of great interest to investigators and clinicians alike, methods to precisely measure this vital dimension of function have only been recently available. 
   Methods in current use for measuring daily activity include direct observation, self-report questionnaires and diaries, radioisotope techniques (doubly-labeled water measurement of energy expenditure), and heart-rate monitoring. These methods suffer from several problems. Direct observation is both time-consuming and intrusive, and self-report questionnaires and diaries that rely on memory are imprecise (especially in the elderly) and are time-intensive for subjects. Radioisotope methodology is both costly and technologically complex. Heart-rate monitoring is both expensive and imprecise in patients whose heart rates may vary due to medication use and other causes unrelated to physical activity. In addition, neither radioisotope and heart-rate monitoring technologies are capable of providing information on specific patterning of activity. 
   Accelerometer movement sensors are a practical alternative to other methods, providing a high degree of precision across a wide range of activity levels at a relatively low cost. Single-axis accelerometers measure movement in one plane and have been widely used to study physical activity and energy consumption in healthy young people and the elderly. In addition to having only one plane of measurement, a major disadvantage of some accelerometers is inadequate data storage and retrieval technology, which requires study subjects to read and record output from the device when measurement is carried out over days. 
   More recently, a new generation of multi-axis accelerometers have been developed that have improved sensitivity and are more suitable for research purposes. (Note that accelerometer  14  may be a single plane, dual-plane, tri-plane, or multi-plane device.) These devices have been compared to doubly labeled water to study energy expenditure in normal, active people, and to study activity in relatively sedentary clinical populations, including nursing home residents, outpatients with multiple sclerosis (MS), and obese children. 
   Accelerometer measurement of walking would assist greatly in clarifying the role of walking behavior as a marker and perhaps determinant of physical functioning in the elderly and persons with chronic illness. Walking is the activity targeted for improvement in most pulmonary rehabilitation programs and other health-maintenance regimens aimed at improving physical functioning, prolonging life, and preventing illness associated with sedentary living. In other scenarios, accelerometer measurements of running sessions or workouts provide an invaluable training tool for the serious athlete. Accelerometer  14  can accurately gauge activity associated with vigorous training regimens. In addition, the collected data may serve as a terrific training log for any athlete, as his progress and daily energy expenditures may readily be determined. 
   When looking at energy utilization, there are generally four types of approaches for measuring energy expended by an individual, they are: 1) oxygen consumption; 2) heart-rate monitoring; 3) pedometers; and 4) accelerometers. Pedometers are highly inaccurate, heart-rate monitoring measurements are often skewed (e.g. due to conditioning, deconditioning, drugs, etc.), and direct oxygen consumption measurements are time-consuming, cumbersome, and expensive. Hence, accelerometers provide a viable alternative to these flawed devices. 
     FIG. 2  is a simplified flowchart illustrating a number of example steps associated with a method to be performed within communication system  10 . The flowchart begins at step  100 , where accelerometer  14  is suitably positioned on an end user, a patient, an employee, or any other targeted individual. At step  102 , the end user initiates some activity such as walking or running. Alternatively, the end user may simply be moving about such that some form of exercise is being performed and the corresponding data recorded. 
   As the end user participates in some form of activity, accelerometer  14  monitors the end user activity and records all data readings that are recognized. This is illustrated by step  104 . Accelerometer  14  may be turned to an ON position by the end user in order to track such movement, or the device itself may be autonomous in responding to some form of movement. At step  106 , the collected data may be relayed to any suitable computing platform (such as computing device  18 ). This may be achieved in a wireless fashion (as detailed below) or via a modem, a universal serial bus (USB) connection, or any other suitable connection, link, or port. 
   At step  108 , the collected data may be accessed by any suitable entity authorized to do so. For example, the end user himself may review the collected data via his home personal computer. In other scenarios, an employer may seek to review this collected data. In still other scenarios, a provider of healthcare may wish to ascertain this information. The collected data may be presented to these entities in any suitable format: having any appropriate organization, which may be based on user preferences. 
   Note that the benefit of exercise has been well-documented. However, this descriptive information has not been quantified. For example, a study could suggest that the occurrence of breast cancer could be reduced significantly if exercise was increased in the target population. But the bigger question would be: what level of activity would solicit this positive response? Hence, accelerometer readings should be translated into some metric that provides a tool for ascertaining activity levels. Activity values, which could represent energy expended or energy intensity, could then be correlated to some level of fitness. This would allow activity to be quantified for individuals and groups. Hence, the exercise component and the health benefits of various states can be accurately quantified. This would offer a powerful tool in evaluating the correlation between activity and health. 
   In addition, an overall activity level of an individual or a group could be readily determined. This would allow for a correlation of health care costs (i.e. associated medical costs) and activity levels for various groups. Also, productivity levels could be correlated to activity levels identified through accelerometer  14 . The measurements of accelerometer  14  could be used to provide a verifiable metric for comparing any number of various characteristics amongst individuals or groups. 
     FIG. 3  is a simplified schematic diagram of an example wireless communication architecture that may be used in communication system  10 . Other embodiments may use other non-wireless connections, as described more fully herein. The arrangement features the use of a number of accelerometers  14  that can be used in any number of configurations (e.g. strapped to an end user&#39;s chest, ankle, wrist, belt, etc.).  FIG. 3  may also include a base station  26 , which represents a type of computing device  18 . The illustrated architecture may also include an Internet  28 , a telephone network  30 , a management server  32 , an administrator  34 , a physician  36 , and a nurse  38 . 
   These elements may cooperate in order to stealthy collect patient data in this example. Accelerometers  14  can be issued to selected individuals (e.g. students or employees) or patients. Accelerometers  14  may be worn continuously by the selected individuals or only worn during certain times, such as during exercise activities being completed by the individual. 
   In one embodiment, a BLUETOOTH chip may be provided in each accelerometer  14  such that data may be collected from the patient in a manner that requires no effort from the individual. BLUETOOTH, also referred to as IEEE 802.15, generally uses the radio waves located in the frequency band of 2.4 GHz (2400 to 2483.5 MHz). In this band, BLUETOOTH can transmit voice and data at flows lower than one megabit per second. The BLUETOOTH devices generally can function in two modes: 1) circuit switched (the most common mode for voice communications and wireless digital networks); and 2) packet switched (the mode for Internet data, as well as for higher bandwidth mobile communication systems (e.g. General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)). 
   A given accelerometer  14  can use either one or both of these modes or use some other appropriate BLUETOOTH application. In packet switched mode, the connection is asynchronous with a rising flow of 57.6 Kbps to 721 Kbps. In the second mode, the connection is synchronous with a flow of approximately 64 Kbps. In operation, BLUETOOTH behaves as a wireless personal area networking (PAN) technology that allows devices to connect (e.g. with base station  26 ) in a range of approximately 33 feet (10 meters) up to 100 meters with approximately 0 to 20 dBm output power. Thus, accelerometers  14  within the proximity of base station  26  may readily transmit data in a quick and an accurate manner. 
   The BLUETOOTH technology allows for a systematic and a covert retrieval of patient data. The data itself is highly accurate, as the integrity of the data is maintained as it traverses a pathway that leads to management server  32 , which can aggregate any number of data sets collected by accelerometer  14 . The data sets could represent a group of individuals who are using one or more accelerometers  14 . The key is to capture the data with little effort from the patient. One concern is to alleviate the patient from the obligation of logging information, but the more important concern is to provide the ability to collect high quality data. As described above, self-reported data is problematic, as it is often incorrect and skewed. 
   In alternative scenarios, other wireless forms of communication could also be accommodated by the present invention. For example, infrared systems, laser technologies, bar-coding scenarios, and any other suitable technologies could be implemented in cooperation with the teachings of the present invention. In still other embodiments, a cable could be used in combination with accelerometer  14 . For example, a simple USB port from a computer could be used to deliver data from accelerometer  14  to a home computer. The home computer could then relay the data, via Internet  28  or telephone network  30 , to management server  32 . Hence, these scenarios would allow for wireless or wired embodiments of the present invention or direct base station applications. 
   For example, in other embodiments a cable could be used to plug directly into base station  26 . In still other embodiments, a series of docking stations or cradles could be provided in conjunction with accelerometers  14 . The docking stations could receive accelerometer  14  and automatically download the collected data. The data exchange could be done quickly such that the patient or individual is minimally burdened with such a task. 
   Each accelerometer  14  may also include the ability to uniquely identify the user of the device. Each accelerometer  14  could also be capable of storing information and providing feedback to the user. For example, the feedback could include (e.g. text, graphic, video, sound, etc.) messages such as: “goal accomplished,” “please slow down as you are exceeding your recommended activity range,” or any other suitable message, alert, or signal that can be understood by the user. Thus, each accelerometer  14  may include an ability to store the patient data, as well as some type of technology that can transmit the recorded patient data to base station  26 . Accordingly, accelerometers  14  may include any suitable hardware, software, memory units, components, elements, or objects that may be utilized or implemented to achieve the operations and functions described herein 
   Base station  26  is an element that is equipped with electronics that are capable of interfacing with accelerometers  14 . Base station  26  could readily accommodate a wireless transmission from accelerometer  14  to base station  26 . In one embodiment (particular to a BLUETOOTH application), base station  26  could include a BLUETOOTH chip, a central processing unit (CPU), and a modem. In alternative embodiments, base station  26  could include any other suitable technology that facilitates the reception of patient data from accelerometers  14 . Alternatively, base station  26  may also include any other appropriate hardware, software, algorithms, processors, EEPROMs, EPROMs, or any other suitable elements that facilitate their operations. Such alternative configurations may be based on particular communication needs. Moreover, in other embodiments, all of the elements of  FIG. 3  may be provided in any suitable ASICs, application intervention interfaces (APIs), elements, or objects (or any suitable combination of these elements) operable to facilitate the operations thereof. 
   The modem included in base station  26  could connect (via a telephone line (through telephone network  30 ) or internet  28 ) to management server  32 , which could receive the data. The provided technology (e.g. BLUETOOTH, infrared, bar-coding, etc.) allows base station  26  to be transformed from a local area network (LAN) to a wide area network (WAN). Thus, base station  26  can collect data locally from accelerometer  14  and then relay that information in a WAN-like manner via Internet  28  and telephone network  30 . Management server  32  could collect all the patient data and organize it in any appropriate fashion. Such data propagation methods could be performed with minimal expense for their associated transmissions. 
   Internet  28  and telephone network  30  are intermediary links that are used to deliver data collected from accelerometers  14 . These elements may be replaced by any metropolitan area network (MAN), wireless local area network (WLAN), or any other appropriate architecture or system that facilitates communications in a network or a telephone environment. Internet  28  may include any suitable connection (e.g. dial-up, digital subscriber line (DSL), cable, etc.) to facilitate the delivery of data. 
   Once the data is collected by management server  32 , any suitable application could then be executed using the collected information. For example, the data could be collected by management server  32  and then relayed to physician  36  or nurse  38 , who could then review the results. Physician  36  or nurse  38  could then send a feedback message back through the system (e.g. via base station  26  to accelerometer  14 ) such that the patient could view the message. In other scenarios, physician  36  or nurse  38  could simply transfer the information to a patient chart or log for future review. In still other scenarios, the collected data may be delivered to a trainer or coach that reviews the activity information and then offers suitable feedback to the end user. 
   Other applications could include a simple patient log that is maintained by management server  32  automatically. Management server  32  may store personal records for the participating individuals, comparisons between (for example) departments, age groups, etc., and offer a place for administrator  34  to evaluate and to review the collected data. In addition, administrator  34  (who may need to use a log-in prompt and corresponding password) can oversee the progress of each individual and create his own graphs, charts, records, etc. In contrast to other health paradigms that may monitor critical levels of a patient weekly or monthly (e.g. through in-office doctor visits), such applications could generate a record and a printout that reflects patient levels being recorded several times per-day. Improvements or deteriorations in the patient could then readily be identified. Because of their extensive operations, management server  32  may include any suitable hardware, software, devices, components, algorithms, EEPROMs, EPROMs, elements, or objects that may be utilized or implemented to achieve the operations and functions described herein. Alternatively, other configurations of management server  32  may include any other suitable elements that are based on particular communication needs. In addition, the term “management server” may encompass any suitable network or electronic devices that are operable to perform the functions described herein. Such devices may include databases, host computers, and processors, for example. 
   It should be noted that the internal structure of the system of  FIG. 3  is malleable and can be readily changed, modified, rearranged, or reconfigured in order to achieve its intended operations or additional operations. Additionally, any of the items within  FIG. 3  may be combined, where appropriate, or replaced with other functional elements that are operable to achieve any of the operations described herein. 
     FIGS. 4 and 5  are simplified schematic diagrams of example operations of communication system  10 . Both  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5  depict example stages of the present invention, whereby these schematic show two example scenarios that involve one individual, who is exercising and another that is simply working at his job. In the example embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the individual is participating in an exercise program. Accelerometer  14  tracks the end user&#39;s movement during his exercise. Once the end user completes his exercise, he then returns to his home and downloads the collected data to computing device  18 . In the alternative scenario that is illustrated, a docketing station  42  is provided to receive accelerometer  14 . Once positioned in docketing station  42 , accelerometer  14  may transmit the stored information automatically to any suitable next destination. 
   Turning to  FIG. 5 , the end user is again participating in an exercise regimen (perhaps during his lunch break at a local gym). In this case however, the end user simply walks past a given base station  26  (which reflects a type of computing device  18 ) such that his data is relayed directly to base station  26 . In this scenario, base station  26  is strategically positioned such that the patient is not even aware of the data transmission. The data that is collected is relayed to base station  26 : unbeknownst to the end user. This scenario illustrates an example work environment in which data can be routinely collected while the individual is completing his daily tasks. Note that the two scenarios of  FIGS. 4 and 5  offer just a couple of the possible arrangements for an end user to benefit from the teachings of the present invention. Alternatively, base station  26  could be positioned in any suitable location such that the collected data may propagate from accelerometer  14  to base station  26 . 
   The aggregation of any incoming data from the operations of  FIGS. 4 and 5  may be executed by management server  32 . Management server  32  may receive such data via Internet  28  or telephone network  30 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Management server  32  may be positioned in any suitable location such that it can properly receive the incoming patient data. Management server  32  may be coupled to Internet  28  and/or telephone network  30  or coupled to any other link or device such that it can receive the raw patient data. 
   As outlined above, the collected data reflects a general compilation of end user data that may be organized in any format. The decision as to the format, organization, and display of the data may be executed by administrator  34 , physician  36 , nurse  38 , or the end user himself. The collected data may be stored within management server  32  or stored in any other appropriate location. In addition, any number of programs may be run on the collected data in order to produce desired outputs and resultants. For example, the collected data (e.g. displayed and stored in computing device  18  or management server  32 ) can be used as a basis for comparisons, graphs, charts, spreadsheets, or any other graphical illustrations or profiles based on particular needs. In other embodiments, the collected data may automatically trigger any suitable message to be sent to the end user. For example, certain messages may be related to encouragement or alerts about over-exertion. Hence, other messages could relate to warnings for the patient to reduce or increase his levels of activity, walking, etc. Considerable flexibility is offered by such messaging scenarios. 
   It is important to note that the stages and steps in  FIGS. 2 through 5  illustrate only some of the possible scenarios that may be executed by, or within, the present system. Some of these stages and/or steps may be deleted or removed where appropriate, or these stages and/or steps may be modified or changed considerably without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, a number of these operations have been described as being executed concurrently with, or in parallel to, one or more additional operations. However, the timing of these operations may be altered. The preceding example flows have been offered for purposes of teaching and discussion. Substantial flexibility is provided by the tendered architecture in that any suitable arrangements, chronologies, configurations, and timing mechanisms may be provided without departing from the broad scope of the present invention. 
   Note that the example embodiments described above can be replaced with a number of potential alternatives where appropriate. The processes and configurations discussed herein only offer some of the numerous potential applications of system  10 . The elements and operations listed in  FIGS. 1-5  may be achieved with use of system  10  in any number of contexts and applications. Accordingly, communications capabilities, data processing features and elements, suitable infrastructure, adequate personnel and management, and any other appropriate software, hardware, or data storage objects may be included within system  10  to effectuate the tasks and operations of the elements and activities associated with managing healthcare costs. 
   Numerous other changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications may be ascertained to one skilled in the art and it is intended that the present invention encompass all such changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications as falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. In order to assist the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and additionally any readers of any patent issued on this application in interpreting the claims appended hereto, Applicant wishes to note that the Applicant: (a) does not intend any of the appended claims to invoke paragraph six (6) of 35 U.S.C. section 112 as it exists on the date of filing hereof unless the words “means for” are specifically used in the particular claims; and (b) does not intend by any statement in the specification to limit his invention in any way that is not otherwise reflected in the appended claims.