Computer-automated system and method of assessing the orientation, awareness and responses of a person with reduced capacity

• US 7,966,378 B2
• Filed: 06/29/2009
• Issued: 06/21/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 08/04/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kimberco, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Kimberco, Inc.
• Inventors: Bradsher, Christopher Michael, Bradsher, Arthur Brown, Krienen, Carl Henry Jr., Berisford, Kimberley Price, Berisford, Audrey Elizabeth
• Primary Examiner(s): Thomas; Joseph
• Assistant Examiner(s): Kim; Tae K
• Application Number:
  US12/494,005
• Publication Number:
  US 20090259728A1
• Time in Patent Office: 722 Days
• Field of Search: 340 71- 763, 709204-206, 368/10, 235/462.45, 600/483, 707/3, 707/102
• US Class Current: 709/206
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0423 detecting deviation from an expected pattern of behaviour or schedule
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0476 Cameras to detect unsafe condition, e.g. video cameras
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0492 Sensor dual technology, i.e. two or more technologies collaborate to extract unsafe condition, e.g. video tracking and RFID tracking
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/24 Reminder alarms, e.g. anti-loss alarms
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 for remote operation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99933 Query processing, i.e. searching
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99943 Generating database or data structure, e.g. via user interface

Abstract

A system and method for scheduling, and reminding people receiving care (PRC) about upcoming events uses a remote computer-based interface that allows a Caregiver at a remote location to schedule the events for the PRC. The PRC has in their residence (or other location) a device that prompts the PRC, by an audio and/or video prompt, so as to “nudge” the PRC, asking whether they intend to participate in a pre-scheduled event. A man-machine interface, such as a two input keypad containing one button labeled “yes” and another button labeled “no”, the remote Caregiver is able to monitor the responses of the electronic “nudges” offered by the system to the PRC. In turn, the device used by the remote Caregiver accumulates the responses and creates a history of the level of activity the person has indicated in which they wish to participate.

Claims

1. A computer based system for remotely monitoring responses of a person to invitations to participate in activities that include an event, comprising:

a local interactive device configured to invite the person to participate in an upcoming event and solicit feedback from the person regarding an intent of the person to participate in the event, said local interactive device including

an input/output device configured to receive a message containing data regarding the event from a remote interface device via a communication link,

an event reminder mechanism configured to generate an announcement signal at a predetermined time not later than said time for the event,

an announcement mechanism configured to present an invitation query in audio, and visual form to the person regarding an intention of the person to participate in the event,

a local interaction device having a first tactile actuator that when actuated only once by the person generates an affirmative response to the invitation and a second tactile actuator that when actuated only once by the person generates a negative response to the invitation, said local interaction device configured to convert an expression of interest by said person into a digital representation of said interest, and

a memory configured to store the digital representation of said expression of interest, wherein

said local interaction device is not either a conventional keyboard or a mouse for a personal computer,

said local interaction device being a self-contained portable device with a keypad having not more than three keys, said first tactile actuator includes a first key of said keypad, and said second tactile actuator includes a second key of said keypad,

said input/output device is configured to send data corresponding to said expression of interest to said remote interface device via said communication link, and

said remote interface device including a monitoring mechanism, said monitoring mechanism configured to produce cumulative data by combining said data regarding said expression of interest with other data received regarding expressions of interest for participating in different upcoming events, compare said cumulative data against a predetermined threshold, and generate an alarm when said cumulative data drops below said predetermined threshold, said first tactile actuator having a label indicative of an affirmative response, and said second tactile actuator having a label indicative of a negative response.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said self-contained portable unit being configured to support two-way wireless communications.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said self-contained portable unit being a pendant.