System and method for monitoring frequency and intensity of movement by a recumbent subject
First Claim
1. A system for monitoring health parameters of an ambulatory subject, comprising:
- a network, comprising;
a computer;
a remote node accessing the computer;
a data storage device receiving and storing data acquired by the system; and
a data analysis means in the computer for analyzing acquired data;
a physiological monitoring subsystem coupled to the network, being operative to produce a physiological parameter measurement of the subject and transmit a first signal corresponding to the physiological parameter measurement via the computer to the data storage device;
a behavioral and cognitive monitoring subsystem coupled to the network, being operative to produce a behavioral and cognitive parameter measurement of the subject and transmit a second signal corresponding to the behavioral and cognitive parameter measurement via the computer to the data storage device;
a personal tracking subsystem, operative to produce a tracking signal corresponding to the identity and location of the ambulatory subject and transmit the tracking signal to the computer; and
wherein the data analysis means is operative to associate the tracking signal with the first signal and with the second signal to form data records of the parameter measurements of the subject.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An integrated subject monitoring system facilitates measurement, collection and analysis of data pertaining to frequency and intensity of movement by a recumbent subject. The system includes a network-coupled computer and sensors placed in a bed or other resting surface of the subject. Parameter data is obtained primarily passively, without the cooperation or active participation of the subject. Subject parameters can be continuously monitored, sampled and recorded. Captured values then can be compared to initial baseline values for a measured parameter as well as to the trend the parameter of that subject. Readings falling outside the boundaries can trigger a signal to be sent to an appropriate party. The system preferably further includes a location monitoring or tracking subsystem for determining a subject'"'"'s location within a defined space. Location data from the subsystem can be used to identify the subject being measured by the sensors in the bed.
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Citations
38 Claims
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1. A system for monitoring health parameters of an ambulatory subject, comprising:
a network, comprising;
a computer;
a remote node accessing the computer;
a data storage device receiving and storing data acquired by the system; and
a data analysis means in the computer for analyzing acquired data;
a physiological monitoring subsystem coupled to the network, being operative to produce a physiological parameter measurement of the subject and transmit a first signal corresponding to the physiological parameter measurement via the computer to the data storage device;
a behavioral and cognitive monitoring subsystem coupled to the network, being operative to produce a behavioral and cognitive parameter measurement of the subject and transmit a second signal corresponding to the behavioral and cognitive parameter measurement via the computer to the data storage device;
a personal tracking subsystem, operative to produce a tracking signal corresponding to the identity and location of the ambulatory subject and transmit the tracking signal to the computer; and
whereinthe data analysis means is operative to associate the tracking signal with the first signal and with the second signal to form data records of the parameter measurements of the subject. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A system for monitoring a physiological parameter of an ambulatory subject, comprising:
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a network-coupled computer with a data storage device and a data analysis means;
a personal tracking device, operative to produce a tracking signal corresponding to the identity and location of the ambulatory subject and transmit the tracking signal to the computer;
parameter measuring means for measuring a physiological parameter of a subject, the measuring means residing in an object or fixture in a defined area in which the ambulatory subject is present;
signal generating means for generating a parameter signal corresponding to the physiological parameter measurement;
means for transmitting the parameter signal from the signal generating means via the computer to a data storage device; and
means for creating a data record by associating the parameter signal with the tracking signal. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8)
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9. A computer method for monitoring a health parameter of an ambulatory subject within a defined environment, the method comprising:
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providing a network-coupled computer with a data storage device and a data analysis means;
providing a plurality of detectors positionable within the defined space, each member of the plurality of detectors coupled to the computer and capable of detecting a health parameter of a subject;
measuring passively a health parameter of a subject and generating a signal corresponding to the measured parameter value;
creating a data record by associating the signal with subject identity; and
storing the data record in a record uniquely associated with the subject. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A system for passively monitoring a subject'"'"'s behavioral and cognitive health status, comprising:
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a network-coupled computer with a data storage device and a data analysis means;
a spatial monitoring device, operative to produce a signal corresponding to the identity and location of the ambulatory subject and transmit the signal to the computer;
a passive medication compliance device, operative to produce a signal corresponding to accessing a medication by a subject and transmit the signal to the computer;
a first interactive physiological parameter measurement device, operative to produce a signal corresponding to measurement of a physiological parameter of the subject and transmit the signal to the computer;
a sensor embedded in an article of regular and ordinary use by a subject, operative to produce a signal corresponding to use of the article by a subject and transmit the signal to the computer;
a nocturnal activity monitoring system, operative to produce a signal corresponding to restlessness of a subject and transmit the signal to the computer; and
data analysis means for analyzing signals produced by the above system components. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A system for monitoring frequency and intensity of movement by a subject during sleep, comprising:
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a sleeping surface upon which the subject rests;
a plurality of force sensors coupled to the surface, each force sensor being operative to develop a potential corresponding to an application of force by the subject and to communicate the potential as a data signal; and
a data storage device for storing a plurality of data signals. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27)
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28. A method for monitoring frequency and intensity of movement by a recumbent subject, comprising:
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providing a surface upon which the subject rests;
providing a plurality of force sensors coupled to the surface, each member of the plurality of force sensors being operative to develop a potential corresponding to an application of force to that member, the plurality of force sensors being spatially positioned such that a load applied downward on the sleeping surface is differentially sensed by each member of the plurality of force sensors;
differentially sensing by each of the plurality of force sensors changes in force, the changes in force corresponding to movement of the subject upon the surface;
providing the potentials, together with chronological identifiers associated therewith, as movement data to a data analysis means; and
analyzing the movement data. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31)
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32. (New) A movement monitoring system suitable to monitor a recumbent subject, comprising:
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a resting apparatus structured to support the subject;
a plurality of force sensors coupled to the resting apparatus and positioned to generate potentials corresponding to applications of force on the apparatus;
a personal tracking subsystem configured to determine a subject identity from a detected identity signal corresponding to subject identity;
a processor having a data storage device coupled thereto; and
a data analyzer operative to associate the tracking signal with the potentials to form data records. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34)
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35. (New) A method for monitoring frequency and intensity of movement by a recumbent subject, comprising:
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providing a surface upon which the subject rests;
providing a plurality of force sensors coupled to the surface, each member of the plurality of force sensors being operative to develop a potential corresponding to an application of force to that member, the plurality of force sensors being spatially positioned such that a load applied downward on the sleeping surface is differentially sensed by each member of the plurality of force sensors;
differentially sensing by each of the plurality of force sensors changes in force, the changes in force corresponding to movement of the subject upon the surface;
providing the potentials, together with chronological identifiers associated therewith, as movement data to a data analysis means; and
analyzing the movement data. - View Dependent Claims (36, 37, 38)
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Specification