Emergency station kiosk and related methods

• US 20050075907A1
• Filed: 11/22/2004
• Published: 04/07/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 03/14/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: John Rao
• Original Assignee: John Rao
• Inventors: Rao, John
• Application Number:
  US10/996,296
• Publication Number:
  US 20050075907A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/2
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0431 Portable apparatus, e.g. comprising a handle or case
• 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 5/0205 Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular conditions and different types of body conditions, e.g. heart and respiratory condition
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/022 by applying pressure to close blood vessels, e.g. against the skin; Ophthalmodynamometers
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/145 Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissuemeasuring of blood pressure or blood flow A61B5/02; non-radiation detecting or locating of foreign bodies in blood A61B5/06
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14532 for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/411 Detecting or monitoring allergy or intolerance reactions to an allergenic agent or substance
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6888 Cabins
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 7/04 Electric stethoscopes microphones, acoustic transducers therefor H04R
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/18 involving self-service terminals [SST], vending machines, kiosks or multimedia terminals
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/0092 for assembling and dispensing of pharmaceutical articles medical dispensers for private use, A61J7/00
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 10/60 for patient-specific data, e.g. for electronic patient records
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/10 relating to drugs or medications, e.g. for ensuring correct administration to patients
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/63 for local operation
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 for remote operation

Abstract

Applications of the present invention are particularly useful in providing a system that allows the secure distribution of medical documents through a medical kiosk. The medical kiosk includes a customer interface and a camera that captures an image of the customer and attaches the image to a medical document. In order to receive a medical document through the kiosk, a customer requests a medical examination, enters information into the system by answering questions, and using medical instruments, and then requests the medical document. A picture of the customer is captured for attachment to the medical document. Another embodiment of the invention allows a customer to communicate directly with a medical professional during the examination process through a customer interface with the kiosk.

Claims

1. A medical service distribution system comprising:

a customer interface with a computer system; and

a camera associated with the customer interface and configured to capture an image of a customer at the customer interface;

wherein the customer interface is configured to receive a request for a medical document from the customer through an interface input, capture a facial image of the customer requesting the medical document proximate a time of the request through the camera, and generate, in response to the request, the requested medical document including the facial image of the customer requesting the medical document.

2. The medical service distribution system of claim 1, wherein the medical document is a prescription for a prescription drug or a letter concerning the customer'"'"'s health.

3. The medical service distribution system of claim 1, wherein the customer interface allows the customer to see and speak to a medical professional.

4. The medical service distribution system of claim 1, further comprising medical instruments attached to the system in order to take medical readings from the customer.

5. The medical service distribution system of claim 1, wherein the customer interface displays instructions on how to perform a medical self examination.

6. The medical service distribution system of claim 1, further comprising a medical kit for emergency treatment.

7. The medical service distribution system of claim 1, further comprising a credit card or currency acceptor.

8. The medical service distribution system of claim 1, wherein the medical document is printed directly from the system.

9. The medical service distribution system of claim 1, further comprising an emergency button which summons professional medical help.

10. The medical service distribution system of claim 1, further comprising at least one video camera, wherein the at least one video camera allows the customer to show a medical professional any physical symptoms that the customer may have.

11. The medical service distribution system of claim 10, wherein the at least one video camera allows the medical professional to monitor the customer'"'"'s use of the customer interface.

12. A method of providing medical documents, the method comprising:

receiving a request for a medical examination from a customer through a customer interface with a computer;

receiving information concerning the customer through the customer interface with a computer;

receiving a request from the customer for a medical document through the customer interface with a computer;

capturing a facial image of the customer requesting the medical document proximate a time of the request through the customer interface with a computer; and

generating a medical document with the customer'"'"'s image in response to the request through the customer interface with a computer.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising receiving responses from the customer to a plurality of medical questions related to the medical examination proximate the time of the request through the customer interface with a computer.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising confirming an identity of the customer having the medical document by comparing the image on the medical document to the customer.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the information received through the customer interface with a computer concerning the customer consists partially of instrument readings such as blood pressure, pulse rate and the like.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein a medical professional directs the customer in the use of medical instruments through the customer interface with a computer, wherein the medical instruments are part of the customer interface.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein a medical professional directs the customer on medical procedures in cases of emergency through the customer interface with a computer.

18. The method of claim 12, wherein the medical document is a prescription for prescription drugs or a letter stating the customer'"'"'s health.

19. A method of issuing medical documents, the method comprising:

a medical professional communicating with a customer through a customer interface with a computer;

the medical professional directing the customer in taking readings using medical instruments, wherein the medical instruments are part of the customer interface with a computer;

the medical professional asking the customer medical questions through the customer interface with a computer;

the medical professional receiving a request for a medical document through the customer interface with a computer which captures a facial image of the customer requesting the medical document proximate a time of the request; and

the medical professional issuing, through the customer interface with a computer, the medical document attached to the facial image of the customer in order to allow verification of the identity of the customer as the owner of the medical document.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the customer interface with a computer further comprises at least one video camera which allows a medical professional and the customer to view each other.