Patient monitoring devices and methods

• US 20030010345A1
• Filed: 08/02/2002
• Published: 01/16/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 08/02/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Arthur Koblasz, Lorand Csiszar, Mary Koblasz, Robert S. Mckeeman
• Original Assignee: Arthur Koblasz, Lorand Csiszar, Mary Koblasz, Robert S. Mckeeman
• Inventors: Mckeeman, Robert S, Csiszar, Lorand, Koblasz, Mary, Koblasz, Arthur
• Application Number:
  US10/203,130
• Publication Number:
  US 20030010345A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 128/845
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2503/08 Elderly
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1115 Monitoring leaving of a patient support, e.g. a bed or a wheelchair
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1117 Fall detection
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0476 Cameras to detect unsafe condition, e.g. video cameras
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/63 for local operation
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 for remote operation
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/181 for receiving images from a plurality of remote sources

Abstract

The device features one or more video cameras (13, 14, 15) linked to a computer (16) which analyses the output of the cameras to distinguish between normal movement and falls. Upward or similar movements, normally associated with a patient attempting to get out of bed are also identified. An alarm is activated at a remote attendant station when a fall movement is determined to have occured. The cameras and computer are situated as a bedside unit (11).

Claims

1. A bedside patient monitor, for a bed having two sides and two ends, comprising:

an arrangement of video cameras, the arrangement comprising at least one video camera mounted so as to image an area covering one or both sides;

the video cameras producing an output connected to a computer which runs software which can interpret the output and make a determination from that output when a fall or patient movement has occurred in an area;

the computer adapted to transmit an alarm in response to the determination.

2. The monitor of claim 1, wherein:

the arrangement comprises a table mounted on wheels, the table supporting one or more video cameras on each side and one camera mounted centrally.

3. The monitor of claim 2, wherein:

the table also supports a video monitor.

4. The monitor of claim 3, further comprising:

a bedside control box, the box connected to the computer and having means for a patient to input control information to the computer.

5. The monitor of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising:

a portable RF transmitter, having at least one button and adapted to be carried or worn by a patient and further adapted to transmit a signal when the button is pressed.

6. The monitor of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:

a mat, comprising one or more load cells;

the mat adapted to sense a patient fall as an increase in load and transmit a signal to the computer in response thereto.

7. The monitor of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising:

a video monitor located remotely from the patient'"'"'s bedside and adapted to display, in response to an alarm signal from a patient'"'"'s monitor, images from the arrangement of video cameras.

8. The monitor of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein:

the arrangement of video cameras also includes a centre camera adapted to provide an image of a patient'"'"'s head;

the centre camera providing a signal to the computer;

the computer having software for making a determination that the patient is getting out of bed or rising;

the computer initiating a warning to the patient in response to said determination.

9. The monitor of claim 4, wherein:

the control box further comprises a speaker and microphone.

10. The monitor of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein:

the computer is adapted to transmit or receive information over an existing intercom line.