Patent Description:
Prompt medical treatment is important to reduce negative medical outcomes. However, the inability to quickly detect micro-movements that are indicative of a physiological condition delays the response time for treatment, which can lead to negative medical outcomes.

Additionally, it is important to maintain a sterile environment within a healthcare facility. Infection risks can be minimized by eliminating the need to physically touch devices. Also, it is desirable to enable patients to control the devices in their rooms (e.g., bed, TV, temperature control, etc.) without having to locate and physically touch a control device.

<CIT> describes a method performed by an electronic device. The method includes obtaining sensor data corresponding to multiple occupants from an interior of a vehicle. The method also includes obtaining, by a processor, at least one occupant status for at least one of the occupants based on a first portion of the sensor data. The method further includes identifying, by the processor, at least one vehicle operation in response to the at least one occupant status. The method additionally includes determining, by the processor, based at least on a second portion of the sensor data, whether to perform the at least one vehicle operation. The method also includes performing the at least one vehicle operation in a case that it is determined to perform the at least one vehicle operation.

In general terms, the present disclosure relates to a patient movement detection device and method. In one possible configuration and by non-limiting example, the device and method determine a physiological condition or gesture without physical contact. Various aspects are described in this disclosure, which include, but are not limited to, the following aspects.

One aspect relates to a movement detection device, comprising: a signal transmission device configured to transmit a radar signal transmission toward a target area and to receive reflected radar signals; and a signal analysis device configured to analyze the reflected radar signals to detect a movement in the target area, wherein the movement is indicative of micro-shivering, and wherein in response to detecting the micro-shivering, the movement detection device generates an alarm to mitigate the detected micro-shivering, wherein the alarm is escalated to have a higher priority in response to an increase in core body temperature.

In some examples, the movement further includes a peristaltic intestinal movement that is detected based on the reflected radar signals, the peristaltic intestinal movement being used by the signal analysis device to determine a bowel movement, an intestinal blockage, or choking. In some examples, the movement further includes jugular vein distention that is detected based on the reflected radar signals, and in response to determining jugular vein distention, an alarm is generated to indicate a risk for heart failure.

In some examples, the signal analysis device determines a contactless blood pressure measurement by measuring a pulse transit time from the reflected radar signals. The pulse transit time is measured from a heartbeat and a distal pulse. The heartbeat is a chest wall movement detected from the reflected radar signals. The distal pulse is a heartbeat induced movement on a skin surface detected from the reflected radar signals. The skin surface is a patient's face.

In some further examples, the signal analysis device detects cardiac deterioration by mapping a heartbeat shape using data from the reflected radar signals. In some examples, the signal analysis device detects pregnancy contraction intensity, frequency, and duration from the reflected radar signals. In some examples, the signal analysis device detects patterns of movement associated with pain management from the reflected radar signals.

In some examples, the signal analysis device recognizes gestures to control the operation of a controllable device. In some examples, the movement detection device is fixed in an area next to touch controls of the controllable device, and is configurable to recognize various hand shapes and movements that are correlated to the touch controls. In some examples, the gestures recognized by the signal analysis device are used to move or position the controllable device, silence an alarm on the controllable, activate functions of the controllable device, deactivate functions of the controllable device, or initiate a call for assistance. In some examples the movement detection device is installed on a patient support system, and the signal analysis device detects gestures that indicate that a caregiver is preparing to help the patient out of the patient support system, and transmits a signal to silence or disarm an exit alarm of the patient support system. In some examples, the movement detection device is installed on a vital signs monitor, and the signal analysis device detects gestures to control the vital signs monitor including to display one or more items of information, to measure one or more vital signs, or to save one or more measured vital signs to an electronic record. In some examples, the signal analysis device detects gestures to control one or more environmental conditions within a subject arrangement area including temperature and lighting. In some examples, the movement detection device controls one or more controllable devices in an operating room to eliminate the need to touch the one or more controllable devices in the operating room.

Another aspect relates to a method for mitigating micro-shivering, the method comprising: transmitting a radar signal transmission toward a target area; receiving reflected radar signals from the target area; analyzing the reflected radar signals to detect a movement in the target area, the movement being indicative of micro-shivering; and generating an alarm to mitigate the detected micro-shivering.

Another aspect relates to a system for mitigating micro-shivering, the system comprising: a thermal sensor configured to measure a temperature of a target area; and a movement detection device, including: a signal transmission device configured to transmit a radar signal transmission toward the target area and to receive reflected radar signals; and a signal analysis device configured to analyze the reflected radar signals to detect a movement indicative of micro-shivering; and wherein the system generates an alarm when a change in the temperature of the target area occurs after the micro-shivering is detected.

The disclosure will now be further described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

This patent application is directed to using radar to detect movements. These movements can be categorized into (<NUM>) micro-movements that are indicative of a physiological condition such as micro-shivering, peristaltic intestinal motion, jugular vein distention, and pregnancy contractions; and (<NUM>) gestures for controlling one or more types of devices.

<FIG> schematically illustrates an example monitoring system <NUM>. The monitoring system <NUM> includes a movement detection device <NUM> that detects micro-movements and gestures from a subject S located in a subject arrangement area <NUM>. The movement detection device <NUM> detects these movements without touching or contacting the subject S.

In some examples, the movement detection device <NUM> is separately installed within the subject arrangement area <NUM>. In other examples, the movement detection device <NUM> is incorporated into another device positioned within a close vicinity of the subject S such as a patient support system or a vital signs monitor. Other configurations are possible.

In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the subject S is a patient in a healthcare facility, and the subject arrangement area <NUM> is a room within the healthcare facility such as a patient room or an operating room. A patient support system <NUM> supports the subject S within the subject arrangement area <NUM>. Examples of the patient support system <NUM> may include a bed on which the patient can lie, rest, or sleep, a surgical table, a stretcher, a chair, a lift, and the like.

In alternative examples, the subject S is a caregiver such as a nurse, physician, doctor, surgeon, and the like. In such examples, the subject arrangement area <NUM> can be a room within the healthcare facility such as a patient room or an operating room where the subject S performs a task related to providing treatment, taking vitals, or performing a surgery.

In some examples, the movement detection device <NUM> is a device that is separately installed in the subject arrangement area <NUM>. In some examples, the movement detection device <NUM> is fixed or otherwise incorporated into another device present in the subject arrangement area <NUM>, such as the patient support system <NUM> that supports the subject S within the subject arrangement area <NUM>, such as the patient support system described in <CIT>. In yet other examples, the movement detection device <NUM> is fixed or otherwise incorporated into a vital signs monitor that monitors various physiological aspects of the subject S, such as the vital signs monitor described in <CIT>.

In the example monitoring system <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the movement detection device <NUM> communicates with a central station <NUM> through a data communications network <NUM>. In other example embodiments, it is contemplated that the movement detection device <NUM> can directly communicate with the central station <NUM>. The central station <NUM> operates to manage patient data and information for providing continuous patient monitoring, clinical workflows, and alarm management within the healthcare facility.

The data communications network <NUM> communicates data between one or more computing devices, such as between the movement detection device <NUM> and the central station <NUM>. Examples of the data communications network <NUM> include a local area network and a wide area network such as the Internet. In some examples, the data communications network <NUM> includes wireless communications, wired communications, or a combination of wireless and wired communications. Examples of wireless communications include Wi-Fi communication devices that utilize wireless routers or wireless access points, cellular communication devices that utilize one or more cellular base stations, Bluetooth, ANT, ZigBee, medical body area networks, personal communications service (PCS), wireless medical telemetry service (WMTS), and other similar devices and services.

A secondary sensor <NUM> is included in the subject arrangement area <NUM>. The secondary sensor <NUM> is operatively connected to the movement detection device <NUM> to communicate data to the movement detection device <NUM>, and receive data therefrom. The secondary sensor <NUM> is used by the monitoring system <NUM> to provide enhanced feedback on the subject S' condition. In some examples, the secondary sensor <NUM> is a thermal sensor that detects the subject S's temperature. The temperature readings of subject S obtained from the secondary sensor <NUM> allow the movement detection device <NUM> to determine whether detected micro-shivering by the subject S has caused the subject S's core body temperature to increase.

<FIG> further illustrates that the movement detection device <NUM> is operatively connected to communicate with one or more controllable devices <NUM> within the subject arrangement area <NUM>. As will be described in more detail below, the movement detection device <NUM> can be used by the monitoring system <NUM> to detect gestures from the subject S to control the operation of the one or more controllable devices <NUM> within the subject arrangement area <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically illustrates an example of the movement detection device <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG>, the movement detection device <NUM> includes a signal analysis device <NUM>, a signal transmission device <NUM>, and a computing device <NUM>. In certain examples, the signal transmission device <NUM> is positioned on an external housing of the movement detection device <NUM> and the signal analysis device <NUM> is an internal hardware component of the movement detection device <NUM> positioned inside the external housing.

In one example, the signal transmission device <NUM> is a radar signal transceiver that transmits radar signals toward the subject S and receives reflected radar signals. The signal transmission device <NUM> includes one or more antennas to transmit and receive the radar signals.

The signal analysis device <NUM> operates to analyze the radar signals received from the signal transmission device <NUM> to determine a movement of the subject S. In some examples, one or more algorithms are used by the signal analysis device <NUM> to determine the movement. In some examples, the computing device <NUM> includes a processor and a memory that control the operation of the signal analysis device <NUM> and the signal transmission device <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically illustrates an example configuration of the signal transmission device <NUM>. In this example, the signal transmission device <NUM> is a radar module that uses radar signals to detect various characteristics of the subject S within the subject arrangement area <NUM>. The signal transmission device <NUM> includes a transmitter unit <NUM>, a receiver unit <NUM>, a processing unit <NUM>, a storage unit <NUM>, and a power supply <NUM>. In certain aspects, the signal transmission device <NUM> incorporates components of the patient monitoring system described in <CIT>, and the vital sign detection and measurement system described in <CIT>.

In some examples, the signal transmission device <NUM> is a phased array that electronically steers the transmitter unit <NUM> and receiver unit <NUM>. In alternative examples, the signal transmission device <NUM> uses automatic target recognition (ATR) to mechanically steer the transmitter unit <NUM> and receiver unit <NUM> by recognizing characteristics of a target such as the subject S located in the subject arrangement area <NUM>. In some examples, reflected radar signals received by the transmitter unit <NUM> are used to recognize the characteristics of the target for steering the transmitter unit <NUM>. Alternatively, or in combination with the reflected radar signals received by the transmitter unit <NUM>, an external device such as a camera can be used to recognize the characteristics of the target for steering the transmitter unit <NUM>.

The transmitter unit <NUM> includes one or more signal transmitters <NUM> to produce radar signals, and one or more transmitting antennas <NUM> to transmit the radar signals toward a target area such as the subject arrangement area <NUM> where the subject S is located. The signal transmitters <NUM> emit radar signals (also referred to as radio waves or electromagnetic waves) in predetermined directions through the transmitting antennas <NUM>. In some examples, signal transmitters <NUM> use pulsed frequency chirping at predetermined time intervals.

The radar signals produced from the signal transmitters <NUM> are fed to the transmitting antennas <NUM> through phase shifters <NUM>, controlled by the processing unit <NUM>, which alter the phase of the radar signals electronically, to steer the radar signals to different directions. The algorithm stored in the storage unit <NUM> can be used to adjust the focus of the radar signals transmitted from the transmitting antennas <NUM> by controlling the dispersion of the radar signals in a particular direction. Electronically controlling the direction and focus of the radar signals emitted from the transmitting antennas <NUM> reduces noise and improves the signal strength. In some examples, the phase shifters <NUM> may also be incorporated in the receiver unit <NUM>.

The radar signals transmitted from the transmitting antennas <NUM> reflect off objects, such as the subject S and surrounding objects in the subject arrangement area <NUM>, and return to the receiver unit <NUM>. The receiver unit <NUM> includes one or more signal receivers <NUM> and one or more receiving antennas <NUM> for receiving the reflected radar signals. In some examples, the same antennas can be used for both the receiving antennas <NUM> and the transmitting antennas <NUM>. The receiver unit <NUM> can be arranged in the same location as, or adjacent to, the transmitter unit <NUM>. In certain examples, the reflected signals captured by the receiving antennas <NUM> can be strengthened by electronic amplifiers and/or signal-processed to recover useful radar signals.

A plurality of signal transmitters <NUM>, a plurality of transmitting antennas <NUM>, a plurality of signal receivers <NUM>, and a plurality of receiving antennas <NUM> can be used to transmit signals to different directions or angles, and receive reflected signals from different directions or angles, thereby detecting different objects and/or different portions of a single object, which can be used to map different objects and/or different portions of an object within a target area that is being monitored by the signal transmission device <NUM>.

The reflected radar signals received by the receiver unit <NUM> are delayed versions of the radar signals transmitted from the transmitter unit <NUM>. The radar signals that are reflected back towards the receiver unit <NUM> are used to measure a movement of the subject S such as by monitoring changes in the frequency of the radar signals, caused by the Doppler effect, due to an object moving toward or away from the signal transmission device <NUM> and to measure the range, caused by the delay in the received signal. In some examples, the scale of the movement is small and the effect is a micro-Doppler effect. The terms Doppler effect and micro-Doppler effect are used interchangeably. In this manner, the phase of the reflected radar signals is monitored to measure micro-movements of the subject S without having to contact the subject S.

Various types of radar signals can be used by the signal transmission device <NUM>. In one example, the signal transmission device <NUM> uses millimeter waves (also referred to as mmWaves or millimeter band), which are in the spectrum between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. Millimeter waves are also known as extremely high frequency (EHF) waves. Millimeter waves have short wavelengths that can range from about <NUM> millimeters to about <NUM> millimeter. In some examples, Doppler motion sensing can be performed for detecting micro-movements at lower frequencies (e.g., <NUM>) although gesture, position, and distention detection may have insufficient accuracy from Doppler motion sensing at these lower frequencies.

Still referring to <FIG>, the processing unit <NUM> operates to control the transmitter unit <NUM> and the receiver unit <NUM>. In some examples, the processing unit <NUM> is further configured to perform the functionalities of the signal analysis device <NUM>, such as processing and analyzing of the radar signals to determine a movement of the subject S.

The storage unit <NUM> includes one or more memories configured to store data associated with the radar signals and data usable to evaluate the radar signals. The storage unit <NUM> may also include one or more algorithms to adjust the direction and focus of the radar signal transmission. The storage unit <NUM> can be of various types, including volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable, and/or persistent media. In some embodiments, the storage unit <NUM> is an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM) or flash memory.

The power supply <NUM> provides power to operate the signal transmission device <NUM> and associated elements. In some examples, the power supply <NUM> includes one or more batteries, which is either for single use or rechargeable. In other examples, the power supply <NUM> includes an external power source, such as mains power or external batteries.

In some examples, filters <NUM> are used to filter the reflected radar signals to focus on a particular type of movement of the subject S. For example, the filters <NUM> are used to detect valid movement signals. In some examples, the filters <NUM> are used to ignore objects that move above or below a predetermined distance or velocity, and to ignore objects that are motionless. Filters <NUM> may also be used to subtract background objects. The filtering is performed using the reflected radar signals received by the receiver unit <NUM>. In some examples, an external device such as a camera can also be used to detect valid movements of the subject S for enhancing the filtering of the reflected radar signals. Additional methods of detecting valid movement signals such as machine learning and pattern recognition may also be used.

<FIG> illustrates a method <NUM> of detecting a movement of the subject S. In some example embodiments, the method <NUM> is performed by the movement detection device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the method <NUM> includes an operation <NUM> of transmitting radar signals. As described above, the movement detection device <NUM> includes a signal transmission device <NUM> having a transmitter unit <NUM> with one or more signal transmitters <NUM> for producing radar signals and one or more transmitting antennas <NUM> for transmitting the radar signals toward a target area such as the subject arrangement area <NUM> where subject S is located.

In some examples, the method <NUM> uses frequency chirping to transmit the radar signals. In some examples, the method <NUM> transmits the radar signals using frequency chirping at predetermined time intervals of <NUM> milliseconds. In some examples, the method <NUM> transmits millimeter waves in a spectrum between about <NUM> and about <NUM>.

Next, the method <NUM> includes an operation <NUM> of receiving reflected radar signals. As described above, the signal transmission device <NUM> of the movement detection device <NUM> further includes a receiver unit <NUM> having one or more signal receivers <NUM> and one or more receiving antennas <NUM> for receiving the radar signals reflected from the subject S.

Next, the method <NUM> includes an operation <NUM> of analyzing data from the reflected radar signals to detect a movement of the subject S. In some examples, the data from the reflected radar signals is transmitted to the central station <NUM> via the data communications network <NUM> for further analysis, display, and/or alarm triggering.

In some examples, one or more algorithms are performed by the signal analysis device <NUM> to detect the movement of the subject S based on the data collected from the reflected radar signals. The data inputted into the one or more algorithms includes frequency changes in the reflected radar signals caused by the Doppler effect. In some examples, operation <NUM> includes filtering the reflected radar signals by using the filters <NUM> of the receiver unit <NUM>.

In some examples, the method <NUM> proceeds to an operation <NUM> of determining micro-movements indicative of a physiological condition. Micro-shivering, peristaltic intestinal motion, jugular vein distention, and pregnancy contractions are examples of micro-movements that are indicative a physiological condition. By using the data from the reflected radar signals, a physiological condition can be determined and monitored without contacting the subject S.

Alternatively, the method <NUM> proceeds to an operation <NUM> of determining gestures indicative of commands for controlling one or more devices within the subject arrangement area <NUM>. Advantageously, by using the data from the reflected radar signals, the commands are detected without the subject S having to contact the one or more devices.

The method <NUM> may include additional operations to subtract background noise, and thereby improve the quality of the movement detection. For example, the filters <NUM> described above can be used to remove reflected radar signals outside a predetermined frequency or distance range. The filters <NUM> can be used to remove reflected radar signals outside of an azimuth or elevation range where the subject S is located. The filters <NUM> can also be used to subtract out ambient background reflections. In some examples, waveforms of the reflected radar signals can be correlated with an expected shape of a known micro-movement waveform to discriminate against signals that are not representative of a predetermined micro-movement.

During cardiac surgery, blood flow to the brain is stopped for a period of time. Targeted temperature management (also known as therapeutic hypothermia) is a medical treatment that lowers the core body temperature for a specific duration of time after cardiac surgery has been performed. By lowering the core body temperature, the metabolic rate and oxygen consumption of the brain are lowered in order to maintain normal brain functioning following resuscitation of the patient from cardiac surgery.

Shivering is the body's natural response to lowering the core body temperature. In some instances, shivering is not detectable especially when the patient is covered by clothing, blankets, and the like. Micro-shivering, also known as subclinical shivering, occurs when the muscles start to twitch in an attempt to warm up the body. Micro-shivering is not visibly detectable by caregivers. Instead, caregivers have to know to look for other physiological signs such as unexplained increase in heart rate, the rate of cooling the core body temperature slows down, increased difficulty in keeping the patient cool, evidence of shivering on an electroencephalogram (EEG) monitor, and the like. Shivering and micro-shivering generate heat which causes an increase in core body temperature, metabolic rate, and oxygen consumption, and which can cause irreparable damage to the brain after resuscitation from cardiac surgery.

In certain examples, the movement detection device <NUM> is installed in a subject arrangement area <NUM> such as a post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) where patients are admitted following cardiac surgery. In some examples, the movement detection device <NUM> is a separately installed device. In other examples, the movement detection device <NUM> is installed into another device such as a vital signs monitor or a patient support system (e.g., a bed, a surgical table, a chair, a lift, a stretcher, etc.) that is located within the PACU.

The movement detection device <NUM> automatically detects shivering and micro-shivering in patients undergoing targeted temperature management by analyzing the data from the reflected radar signals. Advantageously, the movement detection device <NUM> detects shivering and micro-shivering through the patient's clothing and bedding, and without contacting the patient. Additionally, the movement detection device <NUM> is able to provide an objective assessment of whether the patient is shivering or micro-shivering.

The movement detection device <NUM> can include an aiming device to optimize the aiming and direction of the radar signal transmission from the signal transmission device <NUM>. The aiming device can visually indicate the direction of the radar signal transmission. In some examples, the aiming device is a laser or a light-emitting diode (LED) that emits a visible light in the direction of the radar signal transmission. In this manner, the aiming device can assist a caregiver to direct the signal transmission device <NUM> towards an appropriate target area (e.g., the subject arrangement area <NUM>), and even more specifically towards a specific anatomical area of the patient. Further, the visible light from the aiming device can provide a visual confirmation to the caregiver that the signal transmission device <NUM> is pointed in an appropriate direction.

High-pass filtering can be performed to filter out breathing, heart rate, and patient body movement which enhances the sensitivity and accuracy of the shivering and micro-shivering detection. In some examples, a frequency range from about <NUM> to about <NUM> is filtered for detecting shivering and micro-shivering from the reflected radar signals. In some examples, only radar signals reflected from a certain portion of the patient's body such as the patient's body core (e.g., torso) are analyzed.

When shivering or micro-shivering is detected by the movement detection device <NUM>, an alarm is generated to alert caregivers to take action to mitigate the shivering and micro-shivering. For example, the alarm can instruct a caregiver to take actions to mitigate and/or stop the shivering and micro-shivering such as administering one or more types of sedatives and neuromuscular blockers to the patient.

In some examples, the alarm is generated by the movement detection device <NUM>. In other examples, the alarm is generated by the central station <NUM> or by one or more devices associated with the central station <NUM> after a signal indicating a positive detection of shivering or micro-shivering is sent to the central station <NUM> via the data communications network <NUM>.

In some examples, the alarm is visibly displayed on a display device of the movement detection device <NUM> or is visibly displayed on one or more display devices associated with the central station <NUM>. In other examples, the alarm is an audible alarm generated by one or more speakers of the movement detection device <NUM> or by one or more speakers associated with the central station <NUM>. Additional types of alarms are contemplated.

According to the invention, the movement detection device <NUM> may receive a temperature reading from the secondary sensor <NUM> of the target area where the shivering and/or micro-shivering is detected. The movement detection device <NUM> can determine whether a change in the temperature reading occurs after the shivering and/or micro-shivering is detected. As described above, an increase in core body temperature can cause irreparable damage to the brain after resuscitation from cardiac surgery Thus, according to the invention, the movement detection device <NUM> can escalate the alarm based on the change in the temperature reading. According to the invention, the alarm can be escalated to have a higher priority over other alarms. It can include a visual or audible indicator that signals to caregivers that the patient's core body temperature has increased due to micro-shivering and instruct the caregivers to mitigate the micro-shivering.

In another illustrative example, the movement detection device <NUM> can be installed in a subject arrangement area <NUM> where it is not desirable for the patient to be cold. In this example, the movement detection device <NUM> generates an alarm to alert caregivers that the patient is cold after the movement detection device <NUM> detects shivering and/or micro-shivering. The alarm can instruct the caregivers to raise the ambient temperature around the target area where the shivering and/or micro-shivering is detected such as by raising the temperature of the room where the patient is located or bringing additional clothing, blankets, and the like to cover the target area where the shivering and/or micro-shivering is detected to keep the patient warm.

In some further examples, the movement detection device <NUM> is configurable for use with the secondary sensor <NUM> (see <FIG>) to provide enhanced feedback on a patient's condition. For example, the movement detection device <NUM> can be used along with a thermal imaging device or thermal sensor to determine whether a patient's core temperature is changing when shivering and/or micro-shivering is detected by the movement detection device <NUM>. For example, the secondary sensor <NUM> can confirm a patient's temperature deterioration when the movement detection device <NUM> detects micro-shivering during targeted temperature management. When the patient is not undergoing targeted temperature management, the secondary sensor <NUM> can provide confirmation that the patient is cold when the movement detection device <NUM> detects that the patient is shivering and/or micro-shivering.

In the gastrointestinal tract, smooth muscle tissues contract in sequence to produce a peristaltic wave to propel food along the tract. Peristaltic movement comprises relaxation of circular smooth muscles, then their contraction behind the material to keep it from moving backward, and then longitudinal contraction to push it forward. After food is digested, waste material in the form of feces and urine is eliminated from the gastrointestinal tract.

In one illustrative embodiment, the movement detection device <NUM> is installed in a subject arrangement area <NUM> to automatically detect peristaltic intestinal motion using the data from the reflected radar signals. In some examples, the movement detection device <NUM> is installed in a patient support system (e.g., a bed, chair, surgical table, lift, stretcher, etc.) to automatically and continuously monitor peristaltic movement of the patient.

The movement detection device <NUM> is configurable to analyze data from the reflected radar signals to monitor bowel movements such as when the patient is ready to defecate, or to monitor bladder fluid level such as when the patient needs to urinate. An alarm can be generated by the movement detection device <NUM> or central station <NUM> to notify caregivers that a bowel movement is incoming so that the caregivers can help the patient to the toilet or so that the caregivers can replace a bedpan under the patient support system for bedridden patients.

Additionally, the movement detection device <NUM> can detect an intestinal blockage or bowel obstruction which prevents the normal peristaltic movement of digestion. In this example, an alarm can be generated by the movement detection device <NUM> or central station <NUM> to alert caregivers that the patient is experiencing an intestinal blockage so that the caregivers can provide treatment including providing intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and/or pain medication.

In a further example, the movement detection device <NUM> is a handheld device that is used in a post-operative recovery ward to detect peristalsis in postoperative patients. When peristalsis is detected, the patient can be released from the healthcare facility (e.g., the patient is classified as out-patient). When peristalsis is not detected, the patient can be admitted to the healthcare facility for further treatment (e.g., the patient is classified as in-patient).

In some examples, the movement detection device <NUM> detects an obstruction in the peristaltic movement of the upper gastrointestinal tract such as when the patient is choking on food. An alarm can be generated by the movement detection device <NUM> or central station <NUM> to alert caregivers that the patient is choking and the need for immediate medical assistance.

In some examples, the movement detection device <NUM> uses the aiming device (described above) and one or more filtering techniques to enhance the sensitivity and accuracy of the peristaltic movement detection. For example, the aiming device and filtering can be used to ensure that only radar signals reflected from a specific anatomical area of the subject S such as the gastrointestinal tract are analyzed for detecting the peristaltic movement.

Jugular veins are located on both sides of the neck. Jugular veins act as passageways for blood to move from the head to the superior vena cava which is the largest vein in the upper body. The superior vena cava then transports the blood to the heart and lungs.

Jugular vein distention (JVD) occurs when increased pressure from the superior vena cava causes the jugular vein to bulge. Typically, bulge in the jugular vein is most visible on the right side of the neck. Jugular vein distention (JVD) is thus indicative of a blood volume increase in the superior vena cava, which is a sign of heart failure.

The movement detection device <NUM> is configurable to use the data from the reflected radar signals to measure the JVD. In some examples, the movement detection device <NUM> can be implemented into a diagnostic tool for heart failure. For example, the movement detection device <NUM> can be implemented into a diagnostic tool that can be used at home by patients (i.e., non-physicians) to determine if an emergency room visit is warranted based on the detected JVD.

The movement detection device <NUM> is configurable to use the data from the reflected radar signals to detect the height of the meniscus in a patient's jugular vein and the location of the clavicle, and measure the distance between the two to determine a JVD measurement. In some further examples, the movement detection device <NUM> uses these measurements to estimate the central venous pressure of the patient. As an illustrative example, when the movement detection device <NUM> detects a central venous pressure above <NUM> H<NUM>O, the movement detection device <NUM> generates an alarm to indicate that the patient is at risk for heart failure.

Blood pressure is typically measured by a device that uses an inflatable cuff. The cuff can be uncomfortable for patients, and takes time for caregivers to attach and remove, as well as to inflate and deflate for each time a blood pressure measurement is taken.

The movement detection device <NUM> is configurable to use the data from the reflected radar signals to detect blood pressure without contacting a patient. Accordingly, the movement detection device <NUM> can be used as a contactless blood pressure measurement device.

In these examples, the movement detection device <NUM> uses data from reflected radar signals to determine a pulse transit time which is the time for a pulse wave to travel between two arterial sites. The speed at which this arterial pulse wave travels is directly proportional to blood pressure. Hence, pulse transit time can be used to determine blood pressure. The pulse transit time can be determined by detecting a heartbeat and a subsequent distal pulse of the patient.

The movement detection device <NUM> is configurable to use the data from the reflected radar signals to detect a heartbeat by measuring the movement of the chest wall. For example, the movement detection device <NUM> can identify chest movements associated with the apex of the heart pushing against the rib cage when the ventricles of the heart contract.

The movement detection device <NUM> is also configurable to use data from the reflected radar signals to detect a distal pulse by measuring heartbeat induced movement on a skin surface of the patient. For example, the movement detection device <NUM> can measure heartbeat induced movement on the face of a patient to detect a distal pulse. In some examples, the movement detection device <NUM> can measure the heartbeat induced movement on the skin surface using similar techniques such as those described above with respect to detecting shivering and micro-shivering.

In some examples, the detection of the heartbeat and distal pulse by the movement detection device <NUM> is done by using pulsed, continuous, pulsed Doppler, continuous Doppler, chirped Doppler, continuous-wave Doppler, pulsed-chirped Doppler, and ultra-wide band radar transmission signals from the signal transmission device <NUM> described above.

In alternative examples, the distal pulse can be detected by using Eulerian Video Magnification (EVM) which uses spatial and temporal processing to emphasize temporal variations in a video sequence. Using EVM, a video sequence is decomposed into different spatial frequency bands, and then a sequence of pixel values over time are applied to a filter to extract a frequency band of interest. The resulting signal is then amplified and added back to the original frames to generate an output video that can be used to measure pulse rate. In this manner, the micro-movement of blood that moves with each heartbeat can be measured on a skin surface of the patient such as the patient's face to detect the distal pulse.

The shape of a heartbeat varies with onset of congestive heart failure (CHF). In some examples, the movement detection device <NUM> is configurable to detect cardiac deterioration by mapping the shape of the heartbeat using the data from the reflected radar signals.

Also, the movement detection device <NUM> can use the data from the reflected radar signals to detect heart arrhythmia and heart rate variability to further enhance the non-contact measurement of cardiac deterioration.

The movement detection device <NUM> is configurable to use the data from the reflected radar signals to detect pregnancy contraction intensity, frequency, and duration. Advantageously, the movement detection device <NUM> can monitor pregnancy contractions without contact.

When patients experience pain or discomfort they often move or fidget their bodies in an effort to find a more comfortable position to mitigate the pain. For example, when a patient is on the patient support system <NUM> such as a hospital bed within the subject arrangement area <NUM>, the patient may move, twist, and/or fidget their body and limbs in one or more recognized patterns of movement associated with pain management while on the patient support system.

In one illustrative embodiment, the movement detection device <NUM> is installed in the subject arrangement area <NUM> to automatically detect patterns of movement associated with pain management using the data from the reflected radar signals. In some examples, the movement detection device <NUM> is a device that is separately installed in the subject arrangement area <NUM>, while in other examples, the movement detection device <NUM> is installed into a patient support system (e.g., a bed, chair, surgical table, lift, stretcher, etc.).

Advantageously, by detecting patterns of movement associated with pain management, the movement detection device <NUM> can provide an objective measurement of pain. This may help remove subjectivity from the assessment of whether a patient is in pain, and may also help to quantify the level of pain experienced by the patient.

In some examples, the movement detection device <NUM> uses the aiming device (described above) and one or more filtering techniques to enhance the sensitivity and accuracy for detecting patterns of movement associated with pain management.

The movement detection device <NUM> is configurable to use the data from the reflected radar signals to identify and quantify Parkinson's disease. For example, the movement detection device <NUM> can be used to identify and quantify symptoms of Parkinson's disease such as tremors, muscle rigidity, and slowness of movement enabling a caregiver to assess the progression of the disease such as on a scale of <NUM>-<NUM> stages. The movement detection device <NUM> is configurable to measure what zones on a patient's body are sedentary, what zones on the patient's body are shaking, and to what degree. Accordingly, the movement detection device <NUM> can provide a metric on the symptoms of Parkinson's disease as it progresses.

In addition to detecting micro-movements indicative of a physiological condition of a patient, the movement detection device <NUM> can also use the data from reflected radar signals to detect limb and finger movements to recognize various gestures from caregivers and patients. The gestures can be used by the monitoring system <NUM> to control the operation of one or more controllable devices <NUM> within the subject arrangement area <NUM>.

The types of gestures that are recognizable by the movement detection device <NUM> include movements that are larger than the micro-movements described above. Accordingly, the filtering of the reflected radar signals by the filters <NUM> can be adjusted to enhance the detection of these larger movements. Also, the aiming device (described above) can be adjusted so that the movement detection device <NUM> is appropriately aimed for detecting various gestures for controlling the operation of the one or more controllable devices <NUM>.

In some examples, the movement detection device <NUM> can be fixed to a controllable device <NUM>. For example, the movement detection device <NUM> can be fixed in an area next to the touch controls of the controllable device <NUM> to recognize various hand shapes and movements (i.e., "gestures") that are correlated to the touch controls on the device. The gestures recognized by the movement detection device <NUM> can be used to move the controllable device <NUM>, silence an alarm on the controllable device <NUM>, activate and deactivate certain functions of the controllable device <NUM>, or initiate a call for assistance. Advantageously, by recognizing various gestures for controlling the operation of the controllable device <NUM>, the movement detection device <NUM> reduces the transfer of bacteria to the touch controls of the device.

In some examples, the controllable device <NUM> is a patient support system (e.g., a bed, a chair, a surgical table, a lift, a stretcher, etc.), and the movement detection device <NUM> detects gestures from a caregiver or patient to control the movement and positioning of the patient support system such as raising or lowering the patient support system as directed by one or more types of detected gestures. For example, bed controls are typically provided near the head of the bed. Advantageously, the movement detection device <NUM> can recognize gestures from more convenient locations. For example, the movement detection device <NUM> when fixed to a bed can recognize a gesture from a caregiver approaching the bed to indicate that the caregiver is preparing to help the patient out of the bed. After the gesture is recognized, the movement detection device <NUM> can transmit a signal to silence the bed exit alarm or disarm it.

In another example, the controllable device <NUM> is a vital signs monitor, and the movement detection device <NUM> detects gestures to control the operation of the vital signs monitor. For example, the movement detection device <NUM> can detect gestures to display items of information on the vital signs monitor, measure one or more vital signs, or save the one or more measured vital signs in an electronic record.

In further examples, the movement detection device <NUM> detects gestures from a patient to control one more environmental conditions within the subject arrangement area <NUM> such as the temperature or lighting. The movement detection device <NUM> may also detect gestures to control the operation of one or more controllable devices within the subject arrangement area <NUM> such as a TV, or to dispatch a caregiver to the subject arrangement area <NUM> for assistance.

In further examples, the movement detection device <NUM> can be installed in an operating room to control one or more controllable devices <NUM> such as a surgical table, or to control the location, intensity, and angle of the lights in the operating room. Advantageously, the movement detection device <NUM> can help maintain a sterile environment within the operating room by eliminating the need for a surgeon or a surgical nurse to touch the one or more devices in the operating room. In some examples, the movement detection device can detect the breach of a sterile field within the healthcare facility. For example, the movement detection device <NUM> can use the reflected radar signals to perform body tracking to detect if someone who has not undergone proper sterilization procedures enters the sterile area, or to detect if someone prepared to work within the sterile area has touched something that is not sterile.

<FIG> illustrates example physical components of a computing device <NUM>, such as the computing device or devices associated with the movement detection device <NUM> described above. As shown, the computing device <NUM> includes at least one processor or central processing unit ("CPU") <NUM>, a system memory <NUM>, and a system bus <NUM> that couples the system memory <NUM> to the CPU <NUM>. The CPU <NUM> is an example of a processing device.

The system memory <NUM> includes a random access memory ("RAM") <NUM> and a read-only memory ("ROM") <NUM>. A basic input/output system containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within the computing device, such as during startup, is stored in the ROM <NUM>. The computing device further includes a mass storage device <NUM>. The mass storage device <NUM> is able to store software instructions and data. The mass storage device <NUM> is connected to the CPU <NUM> through a mass storage controller connected to the system bus <NUM>. The mass storage device <NUM> and its associated computer-readable data storage media provide non-volatile, non-transitory storage for the computing device. Although the description of computer-readable data storage media contained herein refers to a mass storage device, such as a hard disk or CD-ROM drive, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that computer-readable data storage media can be any available non-transitory, physical device or article of manufacture from which the device can read data and/or instructions. The mass storage device <NUM> is an example of a computer-readable storage device.

Computer-readable data storage media include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable software instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Example types of computer-readable data storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other solid-state memory technology, CD-ROMs, digital versatile discs ("DVDs"), other optical storage media, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by the computing device.

The computing device <NUM> may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to remote network devices through the data communications network <NUM>, such as a local network, the Internet, or another type of network. The computing device <NUM> connects to the data communications network <NUM> through a network interface unit <NUM> connected to the system bus <NUM>. The network interface unit <NUM> may also connect to other types of networks and remote computing systems.

The computing device <NUM> includes an input/output controller <NUM> for receiving and processing input from a number of other devices, including a touch user interface display screen, or another type of input device. Similarly, the input/output controller <NUM> may provide output to a touch user interface display screen, a printer, or other type of output device.

As mentioned above, the mass storage device <NUM> and the RAM <NUM> of the computing device <NUM> can store software instructions and data. The software instructions include an operating system <NUM> suitable for controlling the operation of the computing device <NUM>. The mass storage device <NUM> and/or the RAM <NUM> also store software instructions, that when executed by the CPU <NUM>, cause the computing device <NUM> to provide the functionality discussed in this document, including the methods described herein.

Communication media may be embodied in the software instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. By way of example, communication media may include wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF), infrared, and other wireless media.

The block diagrams depicted herein are just examples.

Claim 1:
A movement detection device (<NUM>), comprising:
a signal transmission device (<NUM>) configured to transmit a radar signal transmission toward a target area and to receive reflected radar signals; and
a signal analysis device (<NUM>) configured to analyze the reflected radar signals to detect a movement in the target area, wherein the movement is indicative of micro-shivering, and
wherein in response to detecting the micro-shivering, the movement detection device (<NUM>) generates an alarm to mitigate the detected micro-shivering,
characterised in that the alarm is escalated to have a higher priority in response to an increase in core body temperature based on a temperature reading received from a secondary sensor.