Communication system for an instrumented orthopedic restraining device and method therefor

• US 6,515,593 B1
• Filed: 07/24/2000
• Issued: 02/04/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 02/15/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: IZEX Technologies, Inc.
• Original Assignee: IZEX Technologies, Inc.
• Inventors: Stark, John G., Dempster, Shawn B.
• Primary Examiner(s): Edwards, Jr., Timothy
• Application Number:
  US09/621,929
• Time in Patent Office: 925 Days
• Field of Search: 340/870.07, 340/573, 128/903, 606/102
• US Class Current: 340/870.07
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0002 Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network A61B5/07 takes precedence; transmission systems for measured values G08C; transmission H04B; transmission of digital information H04L; wireless communication networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/411 Detecting or monitoring allergy or intolerance reactions to an allergenic agent or substance
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4528 Joints A61B5/4533, A61B5/4538 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/01 Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0023 for isometric exercising, i.e. substantial force variation without substantial muscle motion
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4025 Resistance devices worn on the user's body A63B21/065 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/12 specially adapted for children
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/16 Angular positions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/54 Torque
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/30 Maintenance
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/0494 primarily by articulating the knee joints A63B23/0405, A63B23/0476 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/00 Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/903 Radio telemetry

Abstract

A system and method for communicating an orthopedic parameters signal between a remote communication unit and a central site monitoring station is provided. The orthopedic signal includes a value representative of a total torque output by an individual over a period of time as measured by a personal orthopedic restraining device. The restraining device is restrains movement of a first flexibly connected body portion relative to a second body portion. Communication is accomplished by receiving the orthopedic parameters signal at the remote unit from the orthopedic device. Subsequently, the received signal is protected from potential transmission errors through encoding. The encoded signal is prepared for transmission through modulation. Finally, the modulated signal is transmitted over a communication channel from the remote unit to the central station such that movement of flexibly connected body portions can be monitored. In addition, the operations of the central site monitoring station are described.

Claims

1. A communication unit comprising:

(a) data input means for receiving an orthopedic parameters signal;

(b) encoding means, operably coupled to the data input means, for protecting the received orthopedic parameters signal from potential transmission errors by encoding the received orthopedic parameters signal;

(c) modulating means, operatively coupled to the encoding means, for preparing the encoded orthopedic parameters signal for subsequent transmission by modulating the encoded orthopedic-parameters signal; and

(d) transmitting means, operatively coupled to the modulating means, for transmitting the modulated orthopedic parameters signal over a communication channel,

wherein the data input means is operably connected to a control unit that is programmed to direct a patient through an orthopedic treatment routine.

2. The communication unit of claim 1 wherein the orthopedic parameters signal comprises a signal representative of a sensed stress in a personal orthopedic restraining device.

3. The communications unit of claim 1 wherein the orthopedic parameters signal comprises a patient identifier.

4. The communications unit of claim 1 wherein the communications channel is selected from the group consisting of an electrohic databus, public switched telephone network, private data network, radio communication link, wireline, optical fiber link, and satellite link.

5. The communications unit of claim 1 further comprising:

(e) a receiver; and

(f) a data output operably coupled to the receiver,

wherein the data output is operably coupled to a programmable control unit that can be remotely programmed by way of the signal from the data output.

6. The communications unit of claim 1 wherein a message from the patient is incorporated into the orthopedic parameter signal for transmission to the central site monitoring station.

7. A central site monitoring station comprising:

(a) receiving means for modulating an orthopedic parameters signal over a communications channel;

(b) demodulating means, operatively coupled to the receiving means, for demodulating the received modulated orthopedic parameters signal;

(c) detecting means, operatively coupled to the demodulating means, for detecting an orthodpedic parameter signal;

(d) data output means, operatively coupled to the detecting means; and

(e) a processor operatively coupled to the data output means, the processor being programmed to statistically analyze the orthopedic parameters signal.

8. The central site monitoring station of claim 7 wherein the communications channel is selected from the group consisting of an electronic databus, public switched telephone network, private data network, radio communication link, wireline, optical fiber link, and satellite link.

9. The central site monitoring station of claim 7 wherein the statistical analysis program involves an analysis in conjunction with other values of the orthopedic parameters received at the central site monitoring station.

10. The central site monitoring station of claim 7 wherein the orthopedic parameters signal includes a message from the patient.

11. The central site monitoring station of claim 7 wherein the processor prepares a clinical record for implementing a standard review of the patient'"'"'s case.

12. The central site monitoring station of claim 7 wherein the orthopedic parameter signal comprises a signal representative of a sensed stress in a personal orthopedic restraining device.

13. The central site monitoring station of claim 7 further comprising a transmitter.

14. The central site monitoring station of claim 13 wherein the transmitter is operably connected to a processor for transmitting programming instructions to a remote communications unit.

15. The central site monitoring station of claim 14 wherein the programming instructions are selected from the group consisting of modifications in the exercise routine and adjustments to the reporting schedule.

16. A method for communicating an orthopedic parameters signal between a remote communication unit and a central site monitoring station, the method comprising:

(a) transmitting an orthopedic parameters signal over a communications channel from the remote communications unit to the central site monitoring station;

(b) outputting the orthopedic parameters to a processor;

(c) analyzing the orthopedic parameters to determine if programming changes are warranted;

(d) communicating programming changes to a transmitter;

(e) transmitting the programming changes from the central monitoring station to the remote communications unit; and

(f) outputting the programming changes to a programmable control unit to effect the programming changes.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the programming changes are selected from the group consisting of modifications of the exercise routine and adjustments to the reporting schedule.

18. The method of claim 16 wherein the orthopedic parameter signal comprises a message between the patient and the central monitoring station.

19. The method of claim 16 wherein the orthopedic parameter signal comprises a signal representative of a sensed stress in a personal orthopedic restraining device.

20. The method of claim 16 wherein the analysis of the orthopedic parameters comprises a statistical analysis.

21. The method of claim 20 wherein the statistical analysis is performed in conjunction with other values received at the central monitoring station.