Abstract:
In accordance with the present invention, a detection device capable of being coupled to a person for remotely monitoring heart and respiratory functions includes a processor, a photo cell coupled to the processor for determining blood oxygen content of the person and a temperature sensor coupled to the processor for determining a temperature of the person. The processor compares the determined blood oxygen content and the temperature to desired values. A transmitter is included for transmitting a warning signal if one of the determined blood oxygen content and the temperature are other than the desired values.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a wireless monitoring system and more particularly to a suffocation prevention system, temperature monitor system and indoor communication systems. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Every year thousands of babies die of premature crib death, also known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. While some of them inherited some problems such as heart irregularities or respiratory distress, other deaths are caused by accidents such as suffocation from blankets or pillows and lack of attention to certain readily observable conditions such as body temperature due to illness. In almost all cases, early detection can save the infants from death. Even though the probability of such tragedies happening is relatively small, most parents and caretakers are eager to acquire a device that will help them to further minimize the chance of suffocation if the device is inexpensive and easy to use. For example, the sales of carbon monoxide detectors can best illustrate the motive. 
     Therefore, a need exists for providing a system for early warning to allow quick response to signs of suffocation in infants or other people who are unable to help themselves. Such a system could save thousands of lives every year. A further need exists for early detection of progressing illness which may relieve parents or caretakers some of the stress and effort in monitoring people under their care. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, a detection device capable of being coupled to a person for remotely monitoring heart and respiratory functions includes a processor, a photo cell coupled to the processor for determining blood oxygen content of the person and a temperature sensor coupled to the processor for determining a temperature of the person. The processor compares the determined blood oxygen content and the temperature to desired values. A transmitter is included for transmitting a warning signal if one of the determined blood oxygen content and the temperature are other than the desired values. 
     A system for remotely monitoring heart and respiratory functions includes a detection device capable of being coupled to a person including a processor, a photo cell coupled to the processor for determining blood oxygen content of the person, a temperature sensor coupled to the processor for determining a temperature of the person. The processor compares the determined blood oxygen content and the temperature to desired values. A transmitter is included for transmitting a warning signal if one of the determined blood oxygen content and the temperature are other than the desired values. A receiver capable of being remotely coupled to the transmitter to receive the warning signal is also included. 
     Another system for remotely monitoring heart and respiratory functions includes a plurality of detection devices each capable of being coupled to a different person, the detection devices including, a processor, a photo cell coupled to the processor for determining blood oxygen content of the person and a temperature sensor coupled to the processor for determining a temperature of the person. The processor compares the determined blood oxygen content and the temperature to desired values. A transmitter is included for transmitting a warning signal if one of the determined blood oxygen content and the temperature are other than the desired values, the warning signal having uniquely identifying characteristics to identify each different person being monitored. A receiver is also included capable of being remotely coupled to the transmitters to receive the warning signals with uniquely identifying characteristics, the receiver capable of taking appropriate actions based on each person identified by the warning signals. 
     In alternate embodiments, the detection device preferably includes a power source for powering the detection device. The power source preferably includes a battery. The transmitter(s) may transmit radio frequency signals. The desired levels may include a predetermined blood oxygen content level and a predetermined temperature range. The desired levels may also include previous blood oxygen content readings and previous temperature readings. The receiver may include a warning system for alerting users of the warning signal. The warning system may include one of a flashing light, a speaker, a beeper and a telephone. The warning signals may include RFID signals. The receiver may include a server having a database for storing information about people wearing the detection devices. The information about people wearing the detection devices includes appropriate actions to be taken upon receiving the warning signals. 
     These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be described in detail in the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the following figures wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a wireless monitoring system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention showing a sensor/transmitter and a warning system receiver in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a wireless monitoring system for a plurality of sensor/transmitters in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a flow diagram for a method of monitoring blood oxygen content and temperature in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a flow diagram for a method for monitoring identifying signals and taking appropriate actions in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a person wearing detection devices in accordance with the present invention; and 
     FIG. 6 is a side view of a detection device with an adjustable strap in accordance with the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention relates to a wireless monitoring system and more particularly to a suffocation prevention system, temperature monitor system and indoor communication system. The present invention provides a remote monitoring system which provides reliable monitoring of blood oxygen levels and temperature to ensure proper breathing to infants and bed-ridden individuals who need monitoring. If oxygen levels or temperature in the individual drop below a predetermined level, an alarm or other warning signal is activated to provide an early response to the situation. 
     Referring now to the drawings in which like numerals represent the same or similar elements and initially to FIG. 1, a schematic diagram showing a wireless system  10  in accordance with the present invention. System  10  includes a sensor/transmitter  12  and a warning system/receiver  14 . Sensor/transmitter  12  includes a temperature sensor  16  which may include a detector for measuring emitted radiation, such as infrared radiation from a body of a user, or a thermocouple to continuously measure the body temperature. A photocell  18  detects the oxygen level of the user. This is preferably performed by measuring the difference between oxi-hemoglobin and dioxide hemoglobin. Normally, the level of oxygen in the blood is 100%, but if it falls below 100%, a signal output by photocell  18  will change according to the difference. The oxi-hemoglobin and dioxide hemoglobin levels are measured according to the wavelength of light emitted from the body of the user. Red wavelengths indicate blood is well oxygenated while bluer wavelengths indicate an oxygen deficiency. Photocell  18  receives the radiation from the body and preferably utilizes the photo-electric or equivalent effects to generate an electrical output signal. 
     The output signals from temperature sensor  16  and photocell  18  are sent to an embedded processor  20  for processing. Processor  20  may include a microprocessor having one or more semiconductor chips or may include hard wired circuits with the capabilities described below. Processor  20  processes the signals from the photocell  18  and temperature sensor  16 . These signals may be filtered and compared to a previous oxygen level and temperature or compared to predetermined oxygen levels and temperature ranges. If the oxygen level is lower than the predetermined value or the temperature measured is out of range then processor  20  sends a signal  22 , preferably, a Radio Frequency (RF) signal through a transmitter  32 , preferably an RF transmitter, to warning system/receiver  14 . A receiver  30  receives RF signal  22  and activates an alarm or warning device  24 . Warning device  24  may include a beeper, a telephone system, a walkie talkie, or similar device. Warning device  24  may include a flashing light, a warning buzzer from a speaker or other devices. In a preferred embodiment, alarm device includes the capability to make an emergency call to an external source  26  such as an ambulance, doctor, or other emergency service. 
     Sensor/transmitter  12  and warning system/receiver  14  may be located in close proximity or far apart depending on the signals used to implement the devices. Further, although described in terms of RF other signals may be employed such as infrared, etc. Sensor/transmitter  12  includes a power source  28  preferably a portable power source such as a battery, a solar cell or equivalents. Power source  28  may include non-portable sources as well, such as electrical power from an outlet. Sensor/transmitter  12  may include an additional warning feature to indicate a low battery, for example. 
     Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, a system  100  is provided for use in an environment such as a hospital or ward. System  100  is employed to handle a plurality of sensor/transmitters  12 . A centralized server  102  is included to serve many clients simultaneously. Centralized server  102  functions similarly as warning system/receiver  14 . However, centralized server  102  receives an identifying signal  104  from each of sensor/transmitters  12 . Identifying signals  104  are preferably RF signals, which may be modulated to uniquely identify each identifying signal. Each signal may be made unique by employing a different frequency, employing a different wavelength, employing a different synchronization, etc. for the signal. If identifying signals  104  are digital, identifying signals  104  may be encoded and decoded differently or include an encryption code or a digital key to differentiate between the signals to identify different patients. 
     In a preferred embodiment, identifying signals  104  are transmitted from sensor/transmitters  12  when the monitored conditions fall below a threshold value or are out of range. Identifying signals  104  may further provide specific information about the patient and the conditions being monitored such as temperature and blood oxygen content. Centralized server  102  includes a receiver  110  for receiving the identifying signals. Centralized server  102  may include a processor and a database  116  for formatting and outputting data received for sensor/transmitters  12  and to maintain a log of the conditions being monitored along with time information, such as when an alarm was activated. A display  106  may be included for displaying the data received according to each patient. 
     Centralized server  102  receives an identifying signal and takes appropriate actions. This may include activation of an alarm  112 , warning device (beeper, etc.) or dialing a phone  114  to call for help from an external source, as described above. 
     Referring now to FIG. 3, a method for monitoring a patient or infant is shown. Processor  20  is used to monitor the patient or infant and performs the method shown in FIG.  3 . In step  202 , oxygen levels are read from photo sensor  18 , and temperature levels are read from temperature sensor  16  (FIG.  1 ). In step  204 , the oxygen levels and the temperature reading are compared to preset levels. This may be performed using Boolean logic, an adder circuit or other devices known in the art. In an alternative embodiment, current levels of oxygen and/or temperature are compared to a previous set of readings to determine changes between the readings. If the temperature readings are out of range or the oxygen levels are below the preset levels, a signal is sent to a warning device by employing a transmitter in step  206 . Otherwise, the oxygen level and the temperature of the patient will be monitored by returning to step  202 . This method continues until a warning is activated or the system is turned off. 
     Referring to FIG. 4, a method for employing centralized server  102  used when detecting identifying signals is shown. Centralized server  102  detects signals from sensor/transmitters  12  in step  302 . In step  304 , the identifying signals from sensor/transmitters  12  are read or processed. In step  306 , a data base search may be performed to correlate the identifying signal, for example, an RFID signal to a patient and/or a patients information such as room number, name, etc. The data base may be included in the centralized server  102 . The data base may also include appropriate action messages which the person monitoring the system may take, for example, “call doctor” or more specifically “call Doctor Smith at 555-5555”. Other messages are also contemplated. In step  308 , appropriate actions are taken, such as setting alarms, displaying alert messages in a display, calling via phone an emergency number, etc. Each action taken is preferably responsive to the particular individual uniquely identified by the identifying signal. 
     Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the present invention includes a detection device  400  including sensor/transmitter  12  that detects heart or respiratory problems by examining the oxygen level in the blood of a person  402  such as an infant and/or a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the person continuously. This device  400  may be attached to a person&#39;s wrist (in the form of a bracelet  404 ) or attached to a toe or leg with an adjustable strap  406  or the like. A signal will be sent from device  400  to an embedded processor  20  which is integrated in device  400 . When processor  20  detects an abnormal condition, processor  20  will activate transmitter  32  to send an RF wireless signal to a warning system/receiver  14  to alert the parents or the caretakers of the baby, child or adult. 
     Having described preferred embodiments of a wireless monitoring system (which are intended to be illustrative and not limiting), it is noted that modifications and variations can be made by persons skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that changes may be made in the particular embodiments of the invention disclosed which are within the scope and spirit of the invention as outlined by the appended claims. Having thus described the invention with the details and particularity required by the patent laws, what is claimed and desired protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.