Abstract:
A wireless, battery-powered electrocardiograph (ECG) monitoring system, along with a method of use for detecting and analyzing patient&#39;s cardiovascular activity and interactively transmitting the data to a wireless computing device via telemetry. The wireless computing device can include but is not limited to a mobile phone, Tablet-PC or a laptop computer. ECG monitor contains a processor that continuously processes received ECG signals, stores the signals in memory and performs a series of analysis on the recorded data using pre-stored software algorithms. When an abnormality is detected, a wireless transceiver transmits the processed ECG data to a wireless computing device for viewing and further analysis, by displaying the received ECG data for doctor&#39;s viewing, sending the data to a web-based server computer for remote access, performing additional advanced analysis on the data and downloading new algorithms and instructions into the ECG monitoring device via telemetry.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a wireless monitoring system and, more particularly, to a wireless electrocardiograph (ECG) system, along with method of use for interactively detecting and analyzing patient&#39;s cardiovascular activity and downloading updated algorithms that are best suited for patients condition. This invention includes, but is not limited to, the continuous ECG monitoring of patients in an outpatient setting, utilizing a multi-stage analysis method and a special diagnostic reporting data buffer. 
     2. Description of Prior Art 
     ECG systems are used for monitoring activity of a patient&#39;s heart. A number of electrodes are positioned on the patient. Wires are connected from the electrodes to an ECG monitor. The ECG monitor processes the signals and outputs ECG data, in form of traces representing activity of the heart by measuring electrical signals at different positions on the patient. 
     Several classes of ECG monitoring devices are presently available in the market. Each of these devices exhibits major issues and limitations that the current invention resolves. 
     Stand-alone ECG monitoring systems are used to monitor and record patient&#39;s cardiovascular activity within a hospital or clinic and display or print the resulting waveforms for doctor&#39;s viewing. The problems associated with such devices are numerous. One fundamental problem is that the wires of these devices inhibit movement by and around the patient. Because the patient is wired to the stationary ECG device, doctors must work around the wires to gain access to the patient. Additionally, the patient cannot move freely and/or must always be accompanied by all the wires and equipment whenever the patient leaves the hospital bed. Another problem with these devices is that the wires will stress the electrodes connecting the patient to the stand-alone ECG device, resulting in malfunction or disconnection between the patient and the ECG device. Additionally, such stand-alone ECG devices are not suited for outpatient and post care applications. The devices are large and bulky and are not portable or designed for in-home care. In addition, current stand-alone ECG devices lack the flexibility to adapt themselves automatically to each patient&#39;s cardiovascular condition by interactively uploading new algorithms and software parameters for a more effective arrhythmias and other abnormal heart conditions analysis. Such devices require manual input by the care provider and are incapable of adapting themselves on-the-fly during cardiovascular monitoring process. 
     There are portable ECG monitoring devices that exist in several configurations that do not connect the patient to an external stand-alone device. However, these, like their stand-alone counterparts have numerous shortcomings. Many of the prior art portable ECG monitoring devices are intended to be recording devices only. These devices record cardiovascular data over long periods of time for later viewing and analysis. Additionally, these devices are incapable of performing any type of analysis of the patient&#39;s cardiovascular condition. These devices are not interactive and are not remotely programmable. An example of such devices is the ubiquitous Holter ambulatory ECG monitor. This device is worn typically around the neck of the patient and is about the size of a tape recorder. From the bottom of the Holter monitor are several wires, generally five, that attach to electrodes that are placed about the patient&#39;s torso by sticky pads. Holter monitors continuously record a patient&#39;s ECG waveform over an extended period of time such as a 24-hour period or several weeks. These devices often contain a large storage memory for recording the patient heart waves over these long time periods. The patient carries the complete monitor and recorder. The Holter ECG devices record the cardiovascular data only; they cannot scrutinize the data, they merely save it for the primary care physician to review later. The data recorded by a Holter monitor is known and can be analyzed only after the recording period is over; therefore, if the patient experiences an abnormality, the Holter device is incapable of performing an immediate analysis or of assisting the patient by interactively communicating with a doctor. Additionally, Holter monitors lack the processing power and the necessary software algorithms to immediate analyze the ECG data. 
     There are also portable ECG monitors that are not worn by the patient for extended time periods. These ECG monitors are hand-held monitoring devices that monitor and record for relatively short periods of time, typically a 30-minute interval, performed several times a day. A major problem with these devices is that there is a stored history of only that which was recorded. If the patient experiences a cardiovascular abnormality there is no record of it unless the patient was coincidentally recording at that moment. Additionally, these devices are not designed for extended wear and do not have a sufficient memory to record for extended times, like days and weeks on end. Nor do these devices have the battery life to sustain the monitors for such extended time periods. These devices are capable of only a very limited and generic analysis and are not able to interactively upload/download algorithms or software commands to adapt themselves to the patient&#39;s cardiovascular monitoring needs. 
     Additionally, among the portable extended-wear ECG monitoring devices, there are devices that store the recorded heart information and are capable of transmitting that information wirelessly, to a local base station which relays the ECG data by phone to a diagnostic center where it can be promptly scrutinized for arrhythmias. However, this method constrains the normal daily activities of the patient, as the patient must continually stay within range of the local base station. Additionally, these devices don&#39;t perform any analysis nor are they programmable or adaptable to the patient&#39;s unique monitoring needs. Of those devices that are capable of some sort of analysis, such analysis is very limited and fixed. They cannot do any in-depth analysis and because they have fixed programs, they cannot upload or download software and algorithms that customize the detection, analysis and reporting for the patient&#39;s unique and individual needs. Another inadequacy with such wireless ECG monitoring devices is their limited processing power. These small wireless ECG monitoring devices are further restricted by being able to perform a limited number of complex computations on the captured cardiovascular data, in their analysis of the data for arrhythmias and other abnormal heart conditions. The inability to perform more analysis means that these devices take a one-size-fits-all approach to their cardiovascular analysis and detection of abnormalities. Additionally, their limited battery life poses another obstacle, since due to their small battery size and extended recording requirement, the battery life is very limited, which directly prohibit the more powerful processors from conducting complex computations over extended time periods. Also, lack of flexibility further limits the capability of such wireless ECG monitoring devices. Current wireless ECG devices are not able to adapt themselves automatically to each patient&#39;s cardiovascular condition by interactively uploading new algorithms and software parameters for a more effective cardiovascular abnormality analysis. 
     What is needed is an ECG device that has the capability to record the patient cardiovascular activity over extended time period such as a 24-hour period or longer in conjunction with the ability to transmit the recorded data automatically or on-demand to an outside wireless computing device. Furthermore, there is a significant need for a wireless ECG monitoring device that is capable of analyzing and scrutinizing the patient&#39;s cardiovascular data for arrhythmia and other abnormal heart conditions. Also, in the event that abnormal activity or activities are detected, there is a significant need for an ECG monitor that can transmit recent history packets of the patient&#39;s cardiovascular activity prior to and including each abnormal event to a wireless computing device for doctor&#39;s viewing and further analysis. A wireless ECG device needs to also be able to adapt its internal algorithms for analyzing the recorded data to each patient&#39;s unique requirements by means of uploading additional software algorithms and computational parameters interactively from an outside wireless computing device such as a mobile phone, tablet-PC or laptop computer. Finally, because of its limited processing power and battery-life, a wireless ECG monitoring device also needs to be able to automatically tap into the superior processing power of an external computing device, thru wireless communications. The present invention provides all of the above capabilities and corrects the deficiencies of the prior art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a wireless ECG monitoring system, along with method of use for interactively detecting and analyzing patient&#39;s cardiovascular activity. The present invention ECG monitoring system includes a processor, a memory for storing processed ECG signals, and a transceiver for wirelessly transmitting ECG signal data to outside computing devices. The present invention ECG monitor also contains one or more software algorithms for detecting abnormal cardiovascular activities. The ECG processor continuously performs analysis on the recorded cardiovascular activity on real-time bases. When an abnormal event is detected, the present invention ECG device will automatically trigger an alarm and transmit wirelessly, to an outside computing device, the most recent history of patient&#39;s recorded data just prior to, and including the time during, the abnormality occurrence. Since wireless computing devices such as tablet-PCs, laptop computers, desktop computers and hospital computer networks often possess a much superior processing power and extended battery lifetime, they can then perform additional complex algorithms on the recorded data and determine which is the most suitable software algorithm and detection parameters for that particular patient. In addition, a wireless computing device can access patient&#39;s past recorded history, either on its local hard drive or on outside remote computers, to further customize the detection algorithms. The wireless computing device can then upload additional detection algorithms that are best suited for patient&#39;s condition, into the present invention ECG monitoring device wirelessly. The wireless computing device may also send command instructions to the present invention ECG device to activate a different pre-stored algorithm in the ECG monitor. 
     The present invention is unique and novel over the prior art in part because none of the prior art portable ECG devices are capable of interactively communicating with other computing devices. Not only can the present invention do this, but it also does this while the device records and analyzes the patient&#39;s cardiovascular activity. Additionally, the prior art capacity to scrutinize a patient&#39;s heart condition is limited to their on-board processor. The present invention resolves this obstacle. The present invention is capable of scrutinizing the patient&#39;s cardiovascular condition continuously for extended periods of time and, in the event of a detected abnormality, communicating that information to more powerful outside computers via telemetry to further analyze the information. Outside computers are equipped with larger more superior processors and can perform multiple analysis processes, and identify the best-suited algorithm for the patient&#39;s cardiovascular condition. Additionally, the present invention then downloads interactively from the outside computer, the above-mentioned best-suited algorithm, and stores it in its flash memory for future analysis of the patient&#39;s condition. This resolves a primary deficiency in the prior art. 
     The present invention is unique and novel because none of the prior art portable ECG devices are capable of creating a log of most recent cardiovascular activity leading to each abnormal event, referred to herein as the Sliding Reporting Window (SRW) and Circular Sliding Reporting Window (CSRW), nor can they communicate the recorded information embedded in those SRWs and CSRWs to outside computers for more in-depth analysis, both of which are a significant innovations of the present invention. The SRW and CSRW of the present invention records heart signals and allows outside computers to better isolate and scrutinize all abnormalities in patient&#39;s cardiovascular condition. One of the innovations of the present invention is the creation of a series of SRW and CSRW buffers, based on patient&#39;s heart condition, and logging the history of those SRWs and CSRWs along with Date &amp; Time stamp, and uploading and presenting them to the outside computer for further analysis. 
     None of the prior art portable ECG devices posses the flexibility to dynamically program the size of the recorded information leading to each abnormal cardiovascular event. It is another innovation of the present invention that it is capable of dynamically programming the duration (size) of its SRW and CSRW buffers, both by commands received from outside computers via telemetry, as well as through buttons and switches pressed by the patient or the doctor, using its Human Interface Device module. 
     Another innovation of the present invention is that the present invention provides support for an outside device to actively select and activate any of the pre-loaded algorithms to scrutinize patient&#39;s cardiovascular activities. None of the prior art portable ECG devices support this capability. 
     It is another object of the present invention to monitor and record patient&#39;s cardiovascular activity, and further to analyze patient recorded cardiovascular activity on real-time basis, and in case of an abnormality, wirelessly transmit patient&#39;s recent recorded history, which includes data leading up to and including the abnormal event, to an outside computing device, for further complex analysis. This is preferable because outside computing devices generally have superior processing power and can more quickly determine the best-suited detection algorithm for the recorded ECG data. 
     It is another object of the present invention to interactively communicate with a wireless computing device to receive updated software algorithms and command instructions that are most applicable to the patient&#39;s earlier recorded history. This process of interactive wireless linking between the ECG device and outside computer enables the ECG device to automatically configure itself to the patient&#39;s cardiovascular activity. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a web-based monitoring system for all patient&#39;s recently recorded history strips, SRWs and CSRW, leading to the abnormal event. The wireless computing device receiving the recent ECG history data, will create a log of all data packets received, and transfer the recorded data packets to a remotely located server computer connected to Internet. A special website will allow doctors to access and view various packets of information pertaining to each patient. 
     It is another object of the present invention to communicate via telemetry with outside wireless computing device to receive software commands for setting the time duration for the patient recently recorded history SRW and CSRW leading to an abnormal activity. This recently recorded history will then be transmitted to outside computing device for further analysis via telemetry. 
     It is another object of the present invention to communicate via telemetry with outside wireless computing device to report the status of available memory and battery charge of the present invention ECG device. 
     It is another object of the present invention to allow the operator to set the length of duration for the patient recently recorded history, SRWs and CSRWs, leading to an abnormal activity, via the user interface buttons of the wireless ECG monitor. 
     Further novel features and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and discussion. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Referring particularly to the drawings for the purpose of illustration only and not limitation, there is illustrated: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the hardware architecture of the present invention Portable Wireless ECG Device; 
         FIG. 2  is a detail illustration of the hardware architecture shown in a block diagram of a preferred embodiment illustrating the hardware flow control of the present invention Portable Wireless ECG Device; 
         FIG. 3  is a flow chart diagram of a preferred embodiment of the software flow control of the present invention Portable Wireless ECG Device using Sliding Reporting Window (SRW) buffer; 
         FIG. 4  is a flow chart diagram of a preferred embodiment of the software flow control of the present invention Portable Wireless ECG Device using Circular Sliding Reporting Window (CSRW); 
         FIG. 5  is a flow chart diagram of a preferred embodiment of the recording of the received ECG Data from electrodes of the present invention Portable Wireless ECG Device using Sliding Reporting Window (SRW); 
         FIG. 6  is a flow chart diagram of a preferred embodiment of the analyzing of the recorded ECG Data for abnormal cardiovascular activity of the present invention Portable Wireless ECG Device using Circular Sliding Reporting Window (CSRW); 
         FIG. 7  is a flow chart diagram of a preferred embodiment of the analyzing of the recorded ECG Data for abnormal cardiovascular activity of the present invention Portable Wireless ECG Device using Sliding Reporting Window (SRW); 
         FIG. 8  is a flow chart diagram of a preferred embodiment of the analyzing of the recorded ECG Data for abnormal cardiovascular activity of the present invention Portable Wireless ECG Device using Circular Sliding Reporting Window (CSRW); 
         FIG. 9  is a flow chart diagram of a preferred embodiment of the process after the detection of a cardiovascular abnormality of the present invention Portable Wireless ECG Device; 
         FIG. 10  is a flow chart diagram of a preferred embodiment of the customized programming, through the process of downloading software algorithms and commands from wireless devices, of the present invention Portable Wireless ECG Device; 
         FIG. 11  is a flow chart diagram of a preferred embodiment of the User Interface Module of the present invention Portable Wireless ECG Device; 
         FIG. 12  is a process diagram of a preferred embodiment of the Interactive Cardiovascular Abnormality Detection Process of the present invention Portable Wireless ECG Device; 
         FIG. 13  is a process diagram of a preferred embodiment of the Web-based/Remote Server Application of the present invention Portable Wireless ECG Device; 
         FIG. 14  is a process diagram of a preferred embodiment of the Programmable Sliding Reporting Window (SRW) Construction Process of the present invention Portable Wireless ECG Device; and 
         FIG. 15  is a process diagram of a preferred embodiment of the Programmable Circular Sliding Reporting Window (CSRW) Construction Process of the present invention Portable Wireless ECG Device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Although specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, it should be understood that such embodiments are by way of example only and merely illustrative of but a small number of the many possible specific embodiments which can represent applications of the principles of the present invention. Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the present invention. 
     It should be noted that references to “an,” “one,” or “various” embodiments in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and such references contemplate more than one embodiment. 
     The present invention method and apparatus disclosed herein is a portable ECG device equipped with an analog sensor circuitry, one or more microprocessors, storage memory and wireless connectivity, and software algorithms for analyzing the recorded information about a person&#39;s heart condition and for providing a method of interactively, and without the patient&#39;s intervention, providing customized analysis software best suited for the patient&#39;s cardiac monitoring needs. 
     Disclosed herein and illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 15  is the present invention method and apparatus ECG monitor  10 . 
     The present invention  10  has a hardware architecture  100 , which is illustrated in  FIG. 1  and in detail in  FIG. 2 , wherein a plurality of electrodes  20  are placed on the patient&#39;s body, and are connected to the present invention  10 . The hardware architecture is contained within some type of appropriate housing, not shown, the electrodes  20  connect to the hardware architecture  100  via a series of wires. The present invention  10  includes an analog sensor module  30  that receives the electrical signals from the electrodes  20  through the series of wires, and provides proper filtering and amplification circuitry to produce the desired waveform representing the patient&#39;s cardiovascular activity. The present invention includes an Analog to Digital (A to D) module  40  for digitizing the received analog waveforms. The current invention also includes a microprocessor  50  that provides the necessary computing power to process the digital data from the A to D module  40  and store the recorded information in the internal ECG data buffer  72  of the ECG memory module  70 . The processor  50  also performs a series of algorithms stored in its algorithm memory  76  for detecting arrhythmia and other abnormal heart activities. A wireless transceiver  60  will communicate the recorded information to outside computing devices  15  via telemetry. User Interface module  80  of the current invention  10  includes a display unit  82  for viewing ECG waveforms as well as various prompts and messages. User interface module  80  also includes a plurality of buttons and switches  88  for manually entering various commands to program the ECG device  10  as required. An audio device  86  is available to prompt the patient of any abnormal heart activity. A number of light emitting diodes (LEDs)  84  will also provide the operator with visual feedback of the status of the current invention. A rechargeable battery  90  provides the power source for the ECG device  10 , and the supporting circuitry  92  provides feedback to the status of the battery-charge available. 
     The present invention  10  has a hardware flow control  200 , which is illustrated in detail in  FIG. 2 . Electrodes  20  carry the cardiovascular signals, via connecting wires, to the ECG Analog Sensor circuitry  30 . The resulting analog signals then pass through the A to D converter  40  wherein they become digitized. A microprocessor  50  accesses the digitized signals produced by the A to D converter  40 . 
     The microprocessor  50  then saves this data in the Digitized Recorded ECG Data Buffer  72 , which is located in the Memory Module  70 . Also contained in the Memory Module  70  are Program Code  75 , Pre-Stored Abnormality Detection Algorithms  76 , Downloaded Algorithms  78 , and a Programmable Sliding Reporting Window (SRW)  74 . The Program Code  75  contains the main set of instructions for the microprocessor  50  to execute. The Pre-stored Abnormality Detection Algorithms  76  are the set or series of detection software algorithms that are pre-loaded on each ECG device  10  for the general purpose of detecting abnormal cardiac behavior. These algorithms are utilized for initial monitoring purposes, meaning that these are the algorithms used prior to the existence of any specific information data, pre-existing cardiovascular behavior, or patient history. These algorithms perform a broad range of general analysis of the digitized signals to determine if an abnormality may have occurred, is occurring or may be likely to occur in the near future. A key innovation of the present invention  10  is the Downloaded Algorithms  78 . These algorithms are uniquely customized and downloaded, from an outside wireless computer, according to the patient&#39;s unique history, and specialized monitoring and analysis needs. In the event that an abnormality is detected, the patient&#39;s recent recorded history is saved in the SRW buffers  74 , which is then transmitted to an outside computing source for further analysis to determine a customized algorithm which will then be downloaded into the ECG&#39;s  10  Downloaded Algorithm memory  78 . In-depth analysis can be performed on the data in the SRW and depending on the severity of the abnormality, calls to a healthcare provider can be made to make contact with the patient, ambulances can be called, and other health related care can be performed. 
     Using the human interface device  80  of the current invention, the microprocessor  50  provides the means for the patient or the doctor to reprogram the ECG device  10  through a series of buttons and switches  88 . In the event of the detection of an abnormality, an audio feedback  86  and visual feedback and communication is provided via the display  82  and the LED (light emitting diodes)  84 . 
     The Power Supply Module  90  contains a battery device  94  and the supporting battery status indicator  92 . 
     Also in communication with the microprocessor  50  are wireless transceivers  60  which transmit to the outside wireless computing device  15 , patient&#39;s recorded ECG data, and also the SRW  74 , as appropriate. Additionally, the transceivers  60  are used to download customized detection algorithms  78  from wireless computing devices  15  and save them in the downloaded algorithms  78  of the ECG  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a detail of a software multi-task flow diagram  300 . The initial task  301  obtains the electrical signals from the electrodes  20  and digitizes and stores the digital data in recorded ECG data buffer  72 , see  FIG. 5 . The next task  302  scrutinizes the digitized ECG data for arrhythmia and other abnormal behavior, using pre-stored analysis algorithms, which is illustrated in  FIG. 7 . Next, task  303  checks the results of the algorithms that were performed and, in the event that an abnormality was detected, the patient&#39;s recent recorded history leading up to the abnormal event, the SRW, is then transmitted wirelessly to an outside computing device  15 , see  FIG. 1 , via on-board wireless transceivers  60 , which are illustrated in  FIG. 9 . This allows the wireless ECG device  10  to tap into the superior processing power of an outside computer  15 , see  FIG. 1 , to further analyze and generate customized algorithms that are best suited for the patient&#39;s heart condition. Once updated algorithms are produced by outside computing devices, the next software task  304 , which is illustrated in  FIG. 10 , manages receiving those algorithms via the wireless transceivers  60 , see  FIG. 1 , and stores them in the internal download-algorithms memory  78  of the current invention  10 . Next, the user interface task  305 , which is illustrated in  FIG. 11 , allows manual programming of the ECG device  10 , as well as providing a feedback as to the status of the ECG operation. Each of these software tasks is described in further detail below. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a detail of a software multi-task flow diagram using Circular SRW buffers  350  (CSRW). The initial task  351  obtains the electrical signals from the electrodes  20  and digitizes and stores the digital data in both recorded ECG data buffer  72  and in the CSRW buffers, see  FIG. 6 . The next task  352 , which is illustrated in  FIG. 8 , scrutinizes the digitized ECG data for arrhythmia and other abnormal behavior, using pre-stored analysis algorithms. Next, task  303  checks the results of the algorithms that were performed, and in the event that an abnormality is detected, the patient&#39;s recent recorded history leading up to and including the abnormal event, the CSRW is then transmitted to outside wireless computing device  15 , see  FIG. 1 , via on-board wireless transceivers  60 , which are illustrated in  FIG. 9 . This allows the wireless ECG device  10  to tap into the superior processing power of an outside computer  15 , see  FIG. 1 , to further analyze and generate customized algorithms that are best suited for the patient&#39;s heart condition. Once updated algorithms are produced by outside computing devices, the next software task  304  manages receiving those algorithms via the wireless transceivers  60 , see  FIG. 1 , and stores them in the internal download-algorithms memory  78  of the current invention  10 , which is illustrated in  FIG. 10 . Next, the user interface task  305  allows manual programming of the ECG device  10 , as well as providing a feedback as to the status of the ECG operation, which is illustrated in  FIG. 11 . Each of these software tasks is described in further details below. 
     As illustrated in task diagram  301 , which is recorded received ECG data  301 , illustrated in  FIG. 5 , electrical signals are received  301   a , digitized  301   b  and stored  301   c  in the ECG monitoring device&#39;s memory  70  for recorded data  72 . Following that, the operation mode of the ECG is examined  301   d . In the event that ECG device is set to “Continuous Transfer” mode, then the digitized signals are also transmitted  301   e  to outside wireless computing device  15  via on-board wireless transceivers  60 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , recorded received ECG data using CSRW buffers  351  task diagram, electrical signals are received  351   a , digitized  351   b  and stored in the CSRW buffer  351   c  and the recorded ECG data buffer  351   d  in the ECG monitoring device&#39;s memory  70 , after which the operation mode of the ECG device is examined  351   e . In the event that ECG device is set to “Continuous Transfer” mode, then the digitized signals are also transmitted  351   f  wirelessly to an outside computing device  15  via on-board transceivers  60 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the Analyze Recorded Data task diagram  302 , is shown in detail and is the software task for analyzing the recorded data for arrhythmia and other cardiovascular abnormalities. ECG monitor  10  contains a number of pre-loaded software algorithms for scrutinizing  302   a  patient&#39;s ECG signals for abnormalities in its recorded ECG data buffer memory  72 . In addition, the ECG device  10  can download and store additional software algorithms  302   a  from outside computing devices  15  via its wireless transceivers  60  and save those algorithms in the downloaded-memory buffer  78  of the ECG device  10 . The most recently selected algorithm is then continuously performed on the recorded ECG data as shown in  302   b . In the event that abnormal cardiovascular activity is detected  302   c , a software “abnormalities detected” flag is then set  302   d . The recently recorded ECG data prior to the abnormal event is then saved in the SRW  302   e.    
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the analyze recorded data using a CSRW buffer task diagram  352 , is shown in detail and is the software task for analyzing the recorded data for arrhythmia and other cardiovascular abnormalities. ECG monitor  10  contains a number of pre-loaded software algorithms for scrutinizing  352   a  patient&#39;s ECG signals for abnormalities in the recorded ECG data buffer memory  72 . In addition, the ECG device  10  can download and store additional software algorithms  352   a  from outside computing devices  15  via wireless transceivers  60  and save those algorithms in the downloaded memory buffer  78  of the ECG device  10 . The most recently selected algorithm is then continuously performed on the recorded ECG data as shown in  352   b . In the event that abnormal cardiovascular activity is detected  352   c , a software “abnormalities detected” flag is then set  352   d . The current CSRW is then logged for further analysis by outside computing devices  302   e.    
     As illustrated in the Process Detected Abnormalities task diagram  303 , which is illustrated in  FIG. 9 , there is shown the software task that checks the status of the above mentioned “abnormalities-detected” software flag  303   a , and in the event this flag is set, then the size of the recently recorded ECG data leading to the abnormal event  303   b  which is stored in the SRW buffer  74  is sent  303   c  to an outside mobile device  15  via wireless transceivers  60 . The size as determined by  303   b , of the SRW  74  buffers, which represents the amount of data prior to the abnormal event being transferred, is programmable via the outside wireless device  15  as well as via the user interface device module  80  of the ECG device  10 . In other words, the size is both the length of time that is recorded and also the size of the memory space required to store this data. The larger memory space available, the longer the period of time that can be recorded. 
     As illustrated in the Upload Commands &amp; Algorithms task diagram  304 , which is illustrated in  FIG. 10 , there is shown the software task that manages uploading of new algorithms and commands  304   a  sent from outside wireless devices  15  into the ECG monitor device  10  via wireless transceivers  60 . Select Algorithm Command  304   b  selects one of the stored detection algorithms  304   e  in the ECG device  10 . Download Algorithm Command  304   c  can download and store customized detection algorithms to detect arrhythmia and other abnormal cardiovascular activities  304   f  into the downloaded algorithm memory  78  in the ECG device  10  from outside computing devices  15  via wireless transceivers  60 . Additional software commands can be downloaded that are then used to reprogram the ECG monitoring device  10 . One such command sets the size of the SRW  74  for the recently recorded history  304   f  of the ECG data prior to an abnormal event. In case of an abnormality, the data stored in the SRW buffer  74  will be transmitted  303   c  to the outside computing device  15  for further analysis. Another command can be used to activate one of the pre-loaded algorithms for detecting abnormalities  304   f . Yet another command can request the status of available memory  304   g  or battery size  304   g  from the ECG device  10 . 
     As illustrated in the User Interface Module task diagram  305 , which is illustrated in  FIG. 11 , there is shown the software task that manages utilization of a series of buttons and switches  88  along with the display unit  82  of the User Interface Module  80  to reprogram the ECG monitoring device  10 . Among features that can be programmed through these buttons  305   d , is the size of the SRW buffers  74  as shown in task  305   g . Additional buttons  305   b  can activate one of the algorithms  305   e  in the pre-stored algorithm buffer  76  and the newly downloaded algorithm from downloaded algorithm buffer  78 . Additional buttons  305   c , check the status of available recorded ECG data buffer size  72  and battery  94  condition  305   f  from the ECG device  10 . 
     As illustrated in the Interactive Abnormality Detection Process diagram  400 , which is illustrated in  FIG. 12 , there is shown the interactive process to detect arrhythmia and other cardiovascular abnormalities  302  using the wireless ECG monitoring device  10 . ECG device  10  uses an on-board microprocessor  50  to continuously analyze recorded ECG data for arrhythmia and other abnormalities. In the event that an abnormal event is detected  303 , the ECG device  10  wirelessly transmits the SRW buffer  74 , which is the recent history of patient&#39;s recorded data leading to and including the abnormality, the size of which has been previously determined, to an outside computing device  15  for further analysis via wireless transceivers  60 . The outside computing device  15  then uses its superior processing power, as well as its access to the patient&#39;s historical data, to generate additional software algorithms that are best fit for that patient. The new algorithms are then downloaded  304   f  to the ECG device  10  and saved in its internal Downloaded-Algorithm memory  78  via telemetry using the wireless transceivers  60  of the ECG device  10 . 
     As illustrated in the Web-based/Remote Server application process diagram  500 , which is illustrated in  FIG. 13 , there is shown the ECG device  10  process for transferring the stored data in its CSRW or SRW buffers  74  to the outside computing device  15  using the wireless transceiver  60  via telemetry. The outside computing device  15  will then send the recorded packets to a remotely located server computer  990 , which is connected to the Internet. A special website will allow doctors to access various packets of SRW buffered data  74  pertaining to each patient. 
     A key innovation of the present invention is the programmable SRW construction  250  of the buffer  74 . As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , there is shown the Construction Process for the Programmable SRW  74  of the wireless ECG monitoring device  10 . In the event that one or more abnormal event is detected  303   a , the ECG device saves the recent history of patient&#39;s recorded data prior to and leading up to each abnormality  302   d , along with its proper logging information and Time &amp; Data stamp in the SRW buffer  74  in the memory module  70  of the wireless ECG monitoring device. The SRW buffers  74  will then be transmitted to a computing device  15  via the wireless transceivers  60  for further analysis. The outside computing device  15  can then utilize its superior processing power as well as its access to the patient&#39;s historical data, to generate additional software algorithms that are best fit for that patient. The new algorithms are then downloaded to the ECG device  10  and saved in its downloaded algorithm memory  78  using wireless transceivers  60  via telemetry. 
     Another key innovation of present invention is the construction of a programmable Circular Sliding Reporting Window, CSRW of buffer  74 , which is an alternative to the SRW construction for buffer  74 . As illustrated in the Programmable CSRW construction  260 , which is illustrated in  FIG. 15 , there is shown the construction process for the CSRW buffer  74  of the Wireless ECG monitoring device  10 . The ECG device continuously saves the patient&#39;s recorded data both in the CSRW buffers  74 , which overwrites itself after a given and programmable size, and in the received ECG data buffer  72  of the ECG monitoring device  10 . In the event that abnormal cardiovascular activity is detected, the CSRW buffers  74  in the memory module  70  of the wireless ECG monitoring device will then be transmitted to a computing device  15  via the wireless transceivers  60  for further analysis. The outside computing device  15  then utilizes its superior processing power as well as its access to the patient&#39;s historical data, to generate additional software algorithms that are best fit for that patient. The new algorithms are then downloaded to the ECG device  10  and saved in the downloaded algorithm memory  78  using wireless transceivers  60  via telemetry. 
     Of course the present invention is not intended to be restricted to any particular form or arrangement, or any specific embodiment, or any specific use, disclosed herein, since the same may be modified in various particulars or relations without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention hereinabove shown and described of which the apparatus or method shown is intended only for illustration and disclosure of an operative embodiment and not to show all of the various forms or modifications in which this invention might be embodied or operated.