User monitoring

• US 20050086083A1
• Filed: 12/03/2004
• Published: 04/21/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 11/17/1992
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Robert Bosch LLC (Robert Bosch GmbH)
• Original Assignee: Health Hero Network Incorporated (Robert Bosch GmbH)
• Inventors: Brown, Stephen J.
• Granted Patent: US 7,941,327 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/2
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0443 Modular apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0022 Monitoring a patient using a global network, e.g. telephone networks, internet
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0205 Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular conditions and different types of body conditions, e.g. heart and respiratory condition
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/087 Measuring breath flow
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14532 for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6896 Toys
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/743 Displaying an image simultaneously with additional graphical information, e.g. symbols, charts, function plots
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/48792 Data management, e.g. communication with processing unit for in vivo diagnostics A61B5/0002; transmission systems for measured values G08C
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 15/025 adapted to a specific application
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/10 Office automation; Time management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/08 Insurance
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/12 Accounting
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 10/60 for patient-specific data, e.g. for electronic patient records
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 15/00 ICT specially adapted for medical reports, e.g. generation or transmission thereof
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/17 delivered via infusion or injection
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/40 for the management of medical equipment or devices, e.g. scheduling maintenance or upgrades
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/63 for local operation
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 for remote operation
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 50/20 for computer-aided diagnosis, e.g. based on medical expert systems
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/903 Radio telemetry

Abstract

A user-based monitoring system, made up of a at least one of each of remote user-monitoring subsystem, central server and authorized-user computer. The user-based monitoring subsystem facilitates collection of user-related data and includes at least one monitoring unit. The central server is remotely located from, and configured for signal communication with, the remote user-monitoring subsystem. The authorized-user computer is remotely located from, and configured for two-way signal communication with, the central server. An authorized user communicates with the central server upon transmitting an identifying authorization code; and can receive reports, based on user-related data collected by a remote user-monitoring subsystem, from the central server. These reports include at least information on the current condition of the remote user being monitored.

Claims

1. A user-based monitoring system, comprising:

(a) at least one remote user-monitoring subsystem

(i) configured to facilitate collection of user-related data; and

(ii) including at least one monitoring unit;

(b) at least one central server

(i) remotely located from the remote user-monitoring subsystem; and

(ii) configured for communication with the remote user-monitoring subsystem to receive signal communications therefrom;

(c) at least one authorized-user computer remotely located from, and configured for two-way signal communication with, the central server to

(i) allow an authorized-user to communicate with the central server upon transmitting an identifying authorization code; and

(ii) receive reports, based on user-related data collected by a remote user-monitoring subsystem, from the central server, wherein the reports include at least information on the current condition of the remote user being monitored.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the remote user-monitoring subsystem further includes at least one display for use in generating monitoring related displays for the remote user.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the remote user-monitoring subsystem further includes at least:

(i) one microprocessor-based unit;

(ii) a memory; and

(iii) stored program instructions for use in facilitating collection of user-related data.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the remote user-monitoring subsystem includes at least two microprocessor-based units selected from the group consisting of a data management unit, a personal computer, a handheld device and a monitoring device.

5. The system of claim 4, being configured for two-way communication between the remote user-monitoring subsystem, the central server and the authorized user for receiving and delivering signal communications to and from the remote user-monitoring subsystem.

6. The system of claim 4, wherein at least one of the microprocessor-based units is configured to facilitate collection of user-related data through a user using buttons, keys or switches.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein at least one microprocessor based unit is a handheld device.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the handheld device has a display.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one monitoring unit at the user-based monitoring subsystem has a receptacle for receiving a removable memory.

10. The system of claim 3, wherein the user-based monitoring subsystem is configured to monitor a health-related parameter.

11. The system of claim 5, wherein the system is configured to transmit information to the user-based monitoring subsystem.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the information includes instructions.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one report includes condition trends data.

14. The system of claim 2, wherein the report can be standardized.

15. The system of claim 2, wherein the report includes at least one of graphs and icons.

16. The system of claim 2, wherein the report can be generated periodically.

17. The system of claim 2, wherein the server can generate the report.

18. The system of claim 2, wherein remote user-monitoring subsystem includes at least one display and the system is configured to cause the presentation of information for the user on the display at a remote user subsystem.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the system is configured to transmit a message for display on at least one remote user subsystem display.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the system is configured to cause the message to be transmitted to a specific user.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the message is educational or motivational.

22. The system of claim 18, wherein the system is configured to allow a user using a user subsystem to control the collection of data using at least one monitoring menu.

24. The system of claim 18, wherein the system is configured to enable the user to respond to information on the display by using a cursor or other indicator positioned at a selected item.

23. The system of claim 23, wherein the menu allows the user to select any one of the operational modes from the set consisting of:

(i) a display mode for displaying relevant information;

(ii) an input mode for providing information; and

(iii) a communications mode for establishing a link with the central server.

25. A user-based-monitoring system, comprising:

(a) at least one remote user-monitoring subsystem including

(i) at least one display;

(ii) at least one microprocessor-based unit configured to facilitate collection of user monitoring-related data, and

(iii) a memory with stored program instructions for use in generating-monitoring related information on the display;

(b) at least one central server

(i) remotely located from the remote user-monitoring subsystem; and

(ii) configured for two-way communication with the remote user-monitoring subsystem to receive signal communications therefrom;

(c) at least one authorized-user computer remotely located from, and configured for two-way signal communication with, the central server to

(i) receive related data collected by a remote user-monitoring subsystem, and

(ii) allow an authorized user to communicate with the central server.

26. The system of claim 26, wherein the system is configured to allow the authorized-user to communicate with the user-based monitoring subsystem via the central server.

27. The system of claim 26, wherein the microprocessor-based units is configured to facilitate collection of user-related data through a user using buttons, keys or switches.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein at least one display is in at least one of the microprocessor-based devices.

29. The system of claim 26, wherein the display is in a handheld device.

31. The system of claim 28, wherein the user-based monitoring subsystem is configured to monitor a health-related parameter.

32. The system of claim 26, wherein the collected user monitoring related data can be used to create a report.

36. The system of claim 26, wherein the system is configured to transmit a message for display on at least one remote user subsystem display.

38. The system of claim 26, wherein the system is configured to allow a user using a user subsystem to control the display of monitoring related information using at least one menu.

30. The system of claim 30, wherein the handheld device is capable of displaying pictorial-monitoring related information.

33. The system of claim 33, wherein the report includes information for a period of time.

34. The system of claim 33, wherein the report can be generated periodically.

35. The system of claim 33, wherein the server can generate the report.

37. The system of claim 37, wherein the system is configured to cause the message to be transmitted to a specific user associated with a user subsystem.

39. The system of claim 39, wherein the menu allows the user to select any one of the operational modes from the set consisting of:

(i) a display mode for displaying relevant information;

(ii) an input mode for providing information; and

(iii) a communications mode for establishing a link with the central server.

40. A monitoring system, comprising:

(a) at least one remote monitoring subsystem configured to facilitate collection of monitoring data and including

(i) at least one monitoring unit and

(ii) at least one data management unit in communication with the monitoring unit;

(b) at least one central server

(i) remotely located from the remote monitoring subsystem; and

(ii) configured for communication with the remote monitoring subsystem to receive signal communications therefrom; and

(c) at least one authorized-user computer remotely located from, and configured for two-way signal communication with, the central server to

(i) allow an authorized-user to communicate with the central server upon transmitting an identifying authorization code; and

(ii) receive reports, based on monitoring data collected by a remote monitoring subsystem, from the central server, wherein the reports include at least information on the current condition of the remote user being monitored.

41. The system of claim 41, wherein the remote monitoring subsystem further includes at least one display for use in generating monitoring related displays for the remote user.

43. The system of claim 41, wherein the remote monitoring subsystem includes at least two microprocessor-based units being one or more selected from the group consisting of a data management unit, a personal computer, a handheld device and a monitoring device.

42. The system of claim 42, wherein the remote monitoring subsystem further includes:

(i) a memory; and

(ii) stored program instructions for use in facilitating collection of user-related data and for generating the monitoring related displays.

47. The system of claim 42, wherein the at least one report includes condition trend data.

52. The system of claim 42, wherein the system is configured to allow a user at a remote monitoring subsystem to control the collection of data using at least one monitoring menu.

53. The system of claim 42, wherein the system is configured to enable the user to respond to information on the display by using a cursor or other indicator positioned at a selected item.

44. The system of claim 44, being configured for two-way communication between the remote monitoring subsystem, the central server and the authorized user for receiving and delivering signal communications to and from the remote monitoring subsystem.

45. The system of claim 44, wherein at least one monitoring unit at the remote monitoring subsystem has a receptacle for receiving a removable memory.

46. The system of claim 44, wherein the remote monitoring subsystem is configured to monitor a condition related to a user at the remote subsystem.

49. The system of claim 44, wherein the system is configured to transmit a message for display on at least one remote monitoring subsystem display.

48. The system of claim 48, wherein the report can be standardized.

50. The system of claim 50, wherein the system is configured to cause the message to be transmitted to a specific user.

51. The system of claim 51, wherein the message is educational or motivational.

54. A user-based monitoring system, comprising:

(a) using at least one remote user-monitoring subsystem including at least one monitoring unit to collect user-related data

(b) establishing communications between at least one central server remotely located from the remote user-monitoring subsystem to receive signal communications therefrom;

(c) establishing between at least one authorized-user computer, remotely located from, two-way communication, the central server and the central server;

(d) allowing an authorized user to communicate with the central server upon transmitting an identifying authorization code; and

(e) receiving reports, at the authorized user computer, based on user-related data collected by a remote user-monitoring subsystem, from the central server, wherein the reports include at least information on the current condition of the remote user being monitored.

55. The method of claim 55, further comprising generating at least one monitoring related display for the remote user.

57. The method of claim 55, wherein the remote user-monitoring subsystem includes at least two microprocessor-based units selected from the group consisting of a data management unit, a personal computer, a handheld device and a monitoring device.

62. The method of claim 55, wherein the at least one report includes condition trend data.

63. The method of claim 55, wherein the report is standardized.

64. The method of claim 55, wherein the report includes at least one of graphs and icons.

65. The method of claim 55, wherein the report is generated periodically.

66. The method of claim 55, wherein the server generates the report.

68. The method of claim 55, further comprising transmitting information to the user-based monitoring subsystem.

70. The method of claim 68, wherein the information includes at least one message for display at the remote user subsystem.

73. The method of claim 68, wherein a user controls the collection of data using at least one monitoring menu.

75. The method of claim 68, wherein the a user responds to information on the display by using a cursor or other indicator positioned at a selected item.

56. The method of claim 56, wherein the remote user-monitoring subsystem further includes at least one microprocessor-based unit;

and a memory; and

the method further comprises using program instructions stored in the memory for collecting user-related data.

58. The method of claim 56, further comprising:

(a) being configured for two-way communication between the remote user-monitoring subsystem, the central server and the authorized user; and

(b) receiving and delivering communications to and from the remote user-monitoring subsystem.

59. The method of claim 58, wherein at least one of the microprocessor-based units is configured to facilitate collection of user-related data through a user using buttons, keys or switches.

60. The method of claim 58, wherein at least one monitoring unit at the user-based monitoring subsystem has a receptacle for receiving a removable memory.

61. The method of claim 58, wherein the user-based monitoring subsystem monitors a health parameter.

67. The method of claim 56, wherein remote user-monitoring subsystem includes at least one display and the method further comprises presenting information for the user on the display at a remote user subsystem.

69. The method of claim 69, wherein the information includes instructions.

71. The method of claim 71, wherein the message is transmitted to a specific user.

72. The method of claim 72, wherein the message is educational or motivational.

74. The method of claim 74, wherein the user uses the menu to select any one of the operational modes from the set consisting of:

(i) a display mode for displaying relevant information;

(ii) an input mode for providing information; and

(iii) a communications mode for establishing a link with the central server.

76. A monitoring method, comprising:

(a) at least one remote monitoring subsystem including at least one monitoring unit and at least one data management unit in communication with the monitoring unit;

(b) using the remote monitoring subsystem to called monitoring data;

(c) establishing communications between at least one central server, remotely located from the remote monitoring subsystem, and the rewrite, monitoring subsystem; and

to receive signal communications therefrom;

(d) at least one authorized-user computer establishing between two-way communication and the central server;

(e) allowing an authorized-user to communicate with the central server upon transmitting an identifying authorization code; and

(f) providing reports, to the authorized user, based on monitoring data collected by a remote monitoring subsystem, from the central server, wherein the reports include at least information on the current condition of the remote user being monitored.

77. The method of claim 77, wherein the remote monitoring subsystem further at least one display and the method further comprises in generating monitoring related displays at the remote monitoring system.

83. The method of claim 77, wherein the at least one report includes condition trend data.

78. The method of claim 78, wherein the remote monitoring subsystem includes a memory;

and the method further comprises using stored program instructions in collecting monitoring related data and for generating the monitoring related displays.

79. The method of claim 78, wherein the remote monitoring subsystem includes at least two microprocessor-based units being one or more selected from the group consisting of a data management unit, a personal computer, a handheld device and a monitoring device.

88. The method of claim 78, further comprising allowing a user at a remote monitoring subsystem to control the collection of data using at least one monitoring menu.

89. The method of claim 78, further comprising responding to information on the display by using a cursor or other indicator positioned at a selected item.

80. The method of claim 80, further comprising establishing two-way communication between the remote monitoring subsystem, the central server and the authorized user to receive and deliver communications to and from the remote monitoring subsystem.

81. The method of claim 80, wherein at least one monitoring unit at the remote monitoring subsystem has a receptacle for receiving a removable memory.

82. The method of claim 80, wherein the remote monitoring subsystem monitors a condition detected at the remote subsystem.

85. The method of claim 80, further comprising transmitting a message for display on at least one remote monitoring subsystem.

84. The method of claim 84, wherein the report is standardized.

86. The method of claim 86, wherein the message is transmitted to a specific user.

87. The method of claim 86, wherein the message is educational or motivational.