Physical condition or environmental threat detection appliance system

• US 7,188,767 B2
• Filed: 02/23/2004
• Issued: 03/13/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 03/18/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Precision Dynamics Corporation (Brady Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Precision Dynamics Corporation (Brady Corporation)
• Inventors: Lasch, Jonathan, Penuela, Oswaldo
• Primary Examiner(s): Le; Thien M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): TAYLOR, APRIL ALICIA
• Application Number:
  US10/785,128
• Publication Number:
  US 20040178913A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,114 Days
• Field of Search: 235/435, 235/439, 235/440, 235/492, 340/573, 340/539, 340/309.15, 340/600
• US Class Current: 235/439
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 1/18 with arrangements for signalling that a predetermined value of an unspecified parameter has been exceeded G01D1/14 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 21/00 Measuring or testing not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/04 characterised by the shape
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/0716 at least one of the integrated circuit chips comprising a sensor or an interface to a sensor
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/0723 the record carrier comprising an arrangement for non-contact communication, e.g. wireless communication circuits on transponder cards, non-contact smart cards or RFIDs
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07749 the record carrier being capable of non-contact communication, e.g. constructional details of the antenna of a non-contact smart card
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07762 the adhering arrangement making the record carrier wearable, e.g. having the form of a ring, watch, glove or bracelet record carriers for insertion in the human body for medical purposes A61B90/00; record carriers adapted for attachment to animals A01K11/00
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0453 worn on the body to detect health condition by physiological monitoring, e.g. electrocardiogram, temperature, breathing detecting, measuring or recording for diagnostic purposes A61B5/00
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/12 responsive to undesired emission of substances, e.g. pollution alarms
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/02 Terminal devices

Abstract

A system includes one or more devices for providing information about a physical condition or environmental hazard. Each device includes a sensor physically associated with the user for detecting a predetermined environmental hazard and/or a physical condition of the user. The device is usually in the form of a wristband patch or tag attached to the user. The one or more sensors are adapted to detect predetermined chemicals, biological organisms, radiation or user blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, oxygen level, glucose level, skin condition, or biological and chemical changes of the user. An electronic circuit communicates with the sensor and includes an alarm for notifying the user or a third party of elevated environmental hazards or abnormal physical conditions of the user. Typically, the electronic circuit includes a transmitter, such as a radio frequency transmitter, for conveying information obtained from the sensor and electronic circuitry to a third party.

Claims

1. A device for providing information about a physical condition and an environmental condition, comprising:

a first sensor physically associated with a user for detecting predetermined environmental hazards;

a second sensor physically associated with a user for detecting physical conditions of the user; and

means associated with the sensors for notifying the user or a third party of the detection of the environmental hazard or physical condition exceeding a predefined limit.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a wristband.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a tag attached to the user.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a patch attached to the user.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the first sensor detects at least one of:

predetermined chemicals, predetermined biological organisms, and radiation.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is assigned a unique identification.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the notifying means comprises an alarm for notifying the user of the detected environmental hazard or physical condition.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the alarm comprises a visual alarm.

9. The device of claim 7, wherein the alarm is operably connected to an electronic circuit that communicates with the sensors.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the alarm comprises an audible alarm.

11. The device of claim 1, including means for conveying information obtained from the sensors to a third party.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the conveying means comprises a passive transmitter.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the transmitter comprises a radio frequency transmitter.

14. The device of claim 12, wherein the device is assigned a unique identification and wherein the transmitter conveys information obtained from the sensors and the unique identification to a third party.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein the physical conditions comprise biological or chemical changes of the user.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the second sensor detects at least one of:

blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, oxygen level, glucose level, skin condition, blood chemistry, protein levels, carbohydrate levels, lipid levels, or genetic material levels or changes of the user.

17. The device of claim 1, wherein the notifying means comprises an audible or visual alarm operably connected to an electronic circuit that communicates with the sensors for notifying the user of the detected physical condition or environmental hazard.

18. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is removably attached to the user.

19. The device of claim 1, wherein the notifying means includes an electronic circuit communicating with a receiver not physically associated with the device.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the electronic circuitry includes data storage means.

21. A device having a unique identification and for providing information about a physical condition and an environmental condition, the device comprising:

a first sensor physically associated with a user for detecting predetermined environmental hazards;

a second sensor physically associated with a user for detecting a physical condition as a biological or chemical change in the user;

means associated with the sensors for notifying the user or a third party of the detection of the environmental hazard or physical condition exceeding a predefined limit;

means for conveying the unique identification of the device and information obtained from the sensors to the third party.

22. The device of claim 21, wherein the device comprises a wristband, patch or a tag attached to the user.

23. The device of claim 21, wherein the first sensor detects at least one of:

predetermined chemicals, predetermined biological organisms, and radiation.

24. The device of claim 21, wherein the notifying means comprises an alarm for notifying the user of the detected environmental hazard or physical condition.

25. The device of claim 24, wherein the alarm comprises a visual alarm or an audible alarm.

26. The device of claim 25, wherein the alarm is operably connected to an electronic circuit that communicates with the sensors.

27. The device of claim 21, wherein the conveying means comprises a passive transmitter.

28. The device of claim 27, wherein the transmitter comprises a radio frequency transmitter.

29. The device of claim 21, wherein the physical condition detected includes at least one of:

blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, oxygen level, glucose level, skin condition, blood chemistry alteration, lipid alteration, protein alteration, carbohydrate alteration, and genetic material alteration.

30. The device of claim 21, wherein the notifying means comprises an audible or visual alarm operably connected to an electronic circuit that communicates with the sensors for notifying the user of the detected physical condition or environmental hazard.

31. The device of claim 21, wherein the device is removably attached to the user or an article of clothing of the user.

32. The device of claim 21, wherein the notifying means includes an electronic circuit communicating with a receiver not physically associated with the device.

33. The device of claim 32, wherein the electronic circuitry includes data storage means.

34. A system for providing information about a physical condition and an environmental hazard, comprising:

a device being worn by a user and assigned a unique identification;

a first sensor physically associated with the device for detecting the environmental hazard;

a second sensor physically associated with the device for detecting a physical condition of the user;

a remote receiver communicating with the device;

means for conveying the unique identification of the device and information obtained from the sensors to the remote receiver; and

means associated with the sensors for notifying the user or the remote receiver of the detection of the environmental hazard and/or physical condition exceeding a predefined limit.

35. The system of claim 34, wherein the device comprises a wristband, patch or a tag attached to the user or an article of clothing of the user.

36. The system of claim 34, wherein the first sensor detects at least one of:

predetermined chemicals, predetermined biological organisms, and radiation.

37. The system of claim 34, wherein the notifying means comprises a visual or audible alarm for notifying the user or a third party of the detected environmental hazard or physical condition.

38. The system of claim 37, wherein the alarm is operably connected to an electronic circuit that communicates with the sensors.

39. The system of claim 34, wherein the conveying means comprises an electronic circuit including a passive transmitter.

40. The system of claim 39, wherein the transmitter comprises a radio frequency transmitter.

41. The system of claim 34, wherein the second sensor detects biological or chemical changes of the user, including at least one of:

blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, oxygen level, glucose level, skin condition of the user, and alterations of blood chemistry, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates or genetic material.

42. The system of claim 41, wherein the notifying means comprises a visual or audible alarm for notifying the user or a third party of the detected environmental hazard or physical condition.

43. The system of claim 42, wherein the alarm is operably connected to an electronic circuit that communicates with the first and second sensors.

44. The system of claim 41, wherein the conveying means comprises an electronic circuit including a passive transmitter in communication with the sensors.

45. The system of claim 44, wherein the transmitter comprises a radio frequency transmitter.

46. A system for providing information about a physical condition and an environmental hazard, comprising:

a device being worn by a user and assigned a unique identification;

a first sensor physically associated with the device for detecting the environmental hazard;

a second sensor physically associated with the device for detecting a physical condition of the user in the form of biological or chemical changes in the user;

a remote receiver communicating with the device;

an electronic circuit operably connected to the sensors and having a passive transmitter for conveying the unique identification of the device and information obtained from the sensors to the remote receiver; and

an alarm for notifying the user or the remote receiver of the detection of an environmental hazard or physical condition exceeding a predefined limit.

47. The system of claim 46, wherein the device comprises a wristband, patch or a tag attached to the user or an article of clothing of the user.

48. The system of claim 46, wherein the first sensor detects at least one of:

predetermined chemicals, predetermined biological organisms, and radiation.

49. The system of claim 46, wherein the alarm comprises a visual alarm for notifying the user or a third party of the detected environmental hazard or physical condition.

50. The system of claim 46, wherein the alarm comprises an audible alarm operably connected to the electronic circuit.

51. The system of claim 46, wherein the transmitter comprises a radio frequency transmitter.

52. The system of claim 46, wherein the biological or chemical changes in the user include at least one of:

blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, oxygen level, glucose level, skin condition of the user, and alterations of blood chemistry, protein, carbohydrate, lipid, or genetic material.

53. The system of claim 52, wherein the conveying means comprises an electronic circuit including a passive transmitter in communication with the second sensor.

54. The system of claim 53, wherein the transmitter comprises a radio frequency transmitter.

55. The system of claim 52, wherein the notifying means comprises a visual or audible alarm for notifying the user or a third party of the detected environmental hazard or physical condition.

56. The system of claim 55, wherein the alarm is operably connected to an electronic circuit that communicates with the first and second sensors.

57. A method for monitoring physical and environmental conditions of users in a potentially hazardous environment, comprising the steps of:

assigning each user a device having a unique identification, a first sensor for detecting environmental conditions around the user, and a second sensor for detecting physical conditions of the user;

logging each identification into a database;

detecting a predetermined hazard using either the first or second sensor of one or more of the devices;

conveying the unique identification and sensor information from the one or more devices to a receiver;

identifying the one or more devices detecting the predetermined hazard; and

notifying the one or more users of the identified devices of the detection of the predetermined hazard.

58. The method of claim 57, including the step of determining if the detected hazard exceeds a predefined limit.

59. The method of claim 57, including the step of attaching a device to each user.

60. The method of claim 59, wherein the device comprises a wristband, patch or tag attachable to the user or an article of clothing of the user.

61. The method of claim 57, wherein the detecting step comprises the step of detecting an environmental hazard.

62. The method of claim 61, wherein the sensor detects at least one of:

predetermined chemicals, predetermined biological organisms, and radiation.

63. The method of claim 57, wherein the detecting step comprises the step of detecting a user physical condition hazard.

64. The method of claim 63, wherein the detecting step comprises the step of detecting at least one of:

blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, oxygen level, glucose level, skin condition, and alterations of blood chemistry, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, or genetic material of each user.

65. The method of claim 57, wherein the conveying step includes the step of passively transmitting the unique identification and sensor information from the one or more devices to the receiver.

66. The method of claim 65, including the step of using a radio frequency transmitter to transmit the unique identification and sensor information from the one or more devices to the receiver.

67. The method of claim 57, wherein the notifying step includes the step of activating an alarm to notify the one or more users of the detection of the hazard exceeding a predefined limit.

68. The method of claim 67, including the step of continuously monitoring the user in real time to create control data prior to detecting an abnormal physical condition.

69. A method for monitoring physical and environmental conditions of users in a potentially hazardous environment, comprising the steps of:

attaching a device to each user, the device having a unique pre-assigned identification, a first sensor for detecting environmental conditions around the user, and a second sensor for detecting physical conditions of the user;

logging each identification into a database;

detecting a predetermined hazard using either the first or second sensor of one or more of the devices;

transmitting the unique identification and sensor information from the one or more devices to a receiver;

identifying the one or more devices detecting the predetermined hazard;

determining if the detected predetermined hazard exceeds a predefined limit;

notifying the one or more users of the identified devices of the detection of the predetermined hazard exceeding the predefined limit.

70. The method of claim 69, wherein the device comprises a wristband, patch or tag attachable to the user or an article of clothing of the user.

71. The method of claim 69, wherein the detecting step comprises the step of detecting an environmental hazard.

72. The method of claim 71, wherein the sensor detects at least one of:

predetermined chemicals, predetermined biological organisms, and radiation.

73. The method of claim 69, wherein the detecting step comprises the step of detecting a user physical condition hazard.

74. The method of claim 73, wherein the detecting step comprises the step of detecting the alteration of at least one of:

blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, oxygen level, glucose level, skin condition, lipid levels, protein levels, carbohydrate levels, and genetic material of each user.

75. The method of claim 69, including the step of using a radio frequency transmitter to transmit the unique identification and sensor information from the one or more devices to the receiver.

76. The method of claim 69, wherein the notifying step includes the step of activating an alarm to notify the one or more users of the detection of the hazard exceeding the predefined limit.

77. The method of claim 76, including the step of continuously monitoring the user in real time to create control data prior to detecting an abnormal physical condition.