Wireless communications device and personal monitor

• US 20060224051A1
• Filed: 05/16/2006
• Published: 10/05/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 06/16/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: JB IP Acquisitions LLC
• Original Assignee: BodyMedia Incorporated (AliphCom Corp.)
• Inventors: Stivoric, John M., Kasabach, Christopher D., Teller, Eric, McCormack, Margaret A., Liden, Craig B., Pacione, Christopher D., Moss, John L.
• Granted Patent: US 8,961,413 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/300
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0209 adapted for power saving
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0295 adapted for recording user messages or annotations
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/04 Constructional details of apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0456 Apparatus provided with a docking unit
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0462 Apparatus with built-in sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0468 Built-in electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0219 Inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers, gyroscopes, tilt switches
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/002 Monitoring the patient using a local or closed circuit, e.g. in a room or building A61B5/0017 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0022 Monitoring a patient using a global network, e.g. telephone networks, internet
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02055 Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular condition and temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/021 Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels A61B5/0205 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02405 Determining heart rate variability
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02438 with portable devices, e.g. worn by the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0531 Measuring skin impedance
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0537 Measuring body composition by impedance, e.g. tissue hydration or fat content
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0816 Measuring devices for examining respiratory frequency measuring frequency of electric signals G01R23/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/11 Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor, mobility of a limb for measuring pulse A61B5/02 ;A61B5/1038 takes precedence; motion detection to correct for motion artifacts in physiological signals A61B5/721
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1118 Determining activity level
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14532 for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14542 for measuring blood gases A61B5/14551 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1455 : using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/16 : Devices for psychotechnics using teaching or educational appliances G09B1/00 - G09B7/00; Testing reaction times ; Devices for evaluating the psychological state
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/165 : Evaluating the state of mind, e.g. depression, anxiety
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/222 : combined with detection or measurement of physiological parameters, e.g. heart rate
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/369 : Electroencephalography [EEG] devices for psychotechnics A61B5/16
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/389 : Electromyography [EMG]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/398 : Electrooculography [EOG], e.g. detecting nystagmus; Electroretinography [ERG]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/411 : Detecting or monitoring allergy or intolerance reactions to an allergenic agent or substance
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/441 : Skin evaluation, e.g. for skin disorder diagnosis
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4806 : Sleep evaluation A61B5/4821 takes precedence; devices for inducing sleep A61M21/02
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4809 : Sleep detection, i.e. determining whether a subject is asleep or not
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4812 : Detecting sleep stages or cycles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4815 : Sleep quality
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/486 : Bio-feedback A61B5/375 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4866 : Evaluating metabolism A61B5/083 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6802 : Sensor mounted on worn items
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6824 : Arm or wrist
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7271 : Specific aspects of physiological measurement analysis A61B5/316, A61B5/349 and A61B5/374 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7278 : Artificial waveform generation or derivation, e.g. synthesising signals from measured signals A61B5/327 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7282 : Event detection, e.g. detecting unique waveforms indicative of a medical condition A61B5/4094, A61B5/4818, A61B5/349, A61B5/0823 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/74 : Details of notification to user or communication with user or patient indicating measured values G01D7/00; user input means input or output arrangements for computers G06F3/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7405 : using sound
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/743 : Displaying an image simultaneously with additional graphical information, e.g. symbols, charts, function plots
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7455 : characterised by tactile indication, e.g. vibration or electrical stimulation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7475 : User input or interface means, e.g. keyboard, pointing device, joystick
• 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 40/63 : for local operation
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 : for remote operation
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 50/30 : for calculating health indices; for individual health risk assessment
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13092 : Scanning of subscriber lines, monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13098 : Mobile subscriber
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13103 : Memory
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13104 : Central control, computer control
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13389 : LAN, internet
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/00 : Selecting arrangements H04Q5/00 - H04Q11/00 take precedence

Abstract

The invention is a wireless communications device, such as a cellular telephone, having sensors to generate data indicative of a physiological or contextual parameters of a user. A processor on the wireless communications device is adapted derive physiological state information of the user from the contextual or physiological parameters. The apparatus may include a central monitoring unit remote from the sensors for storing data and transmitting data to a recipient.

Claims

1. A cellular telephone for monitoring and reporting a human status parameter of an individual, said cellular telephone comprising:

a. a housing

b. a processing unit supported by said housing;

c. a physiological sensor in electronic communication with said processing unit, said physiological sensor adapted to generate data indicative of a first physiological parameter of said individual when said physiological sensor is in proximity to said individual; and

d. an output means supported by said housing and in electronic communication with said processing unit,

wherein said processing unit is programmed to utilize (a) said data indicative of a first physiological parameter of said individual and (b) data indicative of at least one of (i) a second physiological parameter of said individual and (ii) a contextual parameter of said individual to cause said output means to provide output data to a recipient.

2. The cellular telephone of claim 1, wherein said processing unit is further programmed to derive from, (a) said data indicative of a first physiological parameter of said individual and (b) said data indicative of at least one of (i) a second physiological parameter of said individual and (ii) a contextual parameter of said individual, physiological state information of said individual, and to cause said output means to provide output data to a recipient based on said derived physiological state information.

3. The cellular telephone of claim 1 wherein said physiological sensor is supported by said housing.

4. The cellular telephone of claim 1, further comprising a contextual sensor adapted to generate data indicative of a contextual parameter of said individual.

5. The cellular telephone of claim 4, wherein said contextual sensor is supported by said housing.

6. The cellular telephone of claim 1, wherein said physiological sensor is adapted to be worn by said individual.

7. The cellular telephone of claim 4, wherein said contextual sensor is adapted to be worn by said individual.

8. The cellular telephone of claim 6, wherein said physiological sensor is adapted to be in contact with the skin of said individual.

9. The cellular telephone of claim 1, wherein said physiological sensor generates data indicative of at least one of—

a heart-related parameter of said individual, a respiration-related parameter of said individual, a weight-related parameter of said individual, a motion-related parameter of said individual, a skin temperature-related parameter of said individual, data related to the impedance of said individual'"'"'s skin, data related to the composition of said individual'"'"'s blood, a blood pressure-related parameter of said individual, and data related to heat flow off of the body of said individual.

10. The cellular telephone of claim 1, wherein said cellular phone comprises an event time stamp button.

11. The cellular telephone of claim 1, wherein said data indicative of a contextual parameter of said individual is selected from the group consisting of—

a location-related parameter of said individual and environmental data.

12. The cellular telephone of claim 11, wherein said location related parameter is global positioning data of said individual.

13. The cellular telephone of claim 1 further comprising a means to input data related to said individual'"'"'s life activities.

14. The cellular telephone of claim 1, wherein said output data comprises at least one of an alert and a reminder.

15. The cellular telephone of claim 1, wherein said processor is further programmed to utilize data from a third-party source to cause said output means to provide output data to a recipient.

16. The cellular telephone claim 1, wherein said output data is sent electronically to a third-party.

31. The cellular telephone of claim 1, wherein said output data is sent electronically to a third-party.

53. The cellular telephone of claim 1, wherein said data indicative of a second physiological parameter of said individual is selected from the group consisting of—

a heart-related parameter of said individual, a respiration-related parameter of said individual, a weight-related parameter of said individual, a motion-related parameter of said individual, a skin temperature-related parameter of said individual, data related to the impedance of said individual'"'"'s skin, data related to the composition of said individual'"'"'s blood.

55. The cellular telephone of claim 15, wherein said processing unit is further programmed to derive from, (a) said data indicative of a first physiological parameter of said individual and (b) at least one of said data indicative of (i) a second physiological parameter of said individual, (ii) a contextual parameter of said individual, and (ii) said data from a third-party source, physiological state information of said individual, and to cause said output means to provide output data to a recipient based on said derived physiological state information.

58. The cellular telephone of claim 2, wherein said physiological state information cannot be directly detected from either of said data indicative of a first physiological parameter of said individual, said data indicative of a second physiological parameter of said individual, said data indicative of a contextual parameter of said individual alone.

17. A cellular telephone for monitoring and reporting a human status parameter of an individual, said cellular telephone comprising:

a. a physiological sensor in electronic communication with a central monitoring unit remote from said cellular telephone, said physiological sensor adapted to generate data indicative of a first physiological parameter of said individual when in proximity to said individual; and

b. an output means,

wherein said central monitoring unit is programmed to utilize (a) said data indicative of a first physiological parameter of said individual and (b) data indicative of at least one of (i) a second physiological parameter of said individual and (ii) a contextual parameter of said individual to cause said output means to provide output data to a recipient.

18. The cellular telephone of claim 17 wherein said central monitoring unit is further programmed to derive from, (a) said data indicative of a first physiological parameter of said individual and (b) said data indicative of at least one of (i) a second physiological parameter of said individual and (ii) a contextual parameter of said individual, physiological state information of said individual, and to cause said output means to provide output data to a recipient based on said derived physiological state information.

19. The cellular telephone of claim 17, further comprising a contextual sensor adapted to generate data indicative of a contextual parameter of said individual.

20. The cellular telephone of claim 17, wherein said physiological sensor is adapted to be worn by said individual.

21. The cellular telephone of claim 17, wherein said contextual sensor is adapted to be worn by said individual.

22. The cellular telephone of claim 20, wherein said physiological sensor is adapted to be in contact with the skin of said individual.

23. The cellular telephone of claim 17, wherein said physiological sensor generates data indicative of at least one of—

a heart-related parameter of said individual, a respiration-related parameter of said individual, a weight-related parameter of said individual, a motion-related parameter of said individual, a skin temperature-related parameter of said individual, data related to the impedance of said individual'"'"'s skin, data related to the composition of said individual'"'"'s blood, a blood pressure-related parameter of said individual, and data related to heat flow off of the body of said individual.

24. The cellular telephone of claim 17, wherein said cellular phone comprises an event time stamp button.

25. The cellular telephone of claim 24, wherein said cellular telephone is programmed to upload data relating to the actuation of said event stamp button said central monitoring unit.

26. The cellular telephone claim 17, wherein said data indicative of a contextual parameter of said individual is selected from the group consisting of—

a location-related parameter of said individual and environmental data.

27. The cellular telephone of claim 26, wherein said location related parameter is global positioning data of said individual.

28. The cellular telephone of claim 17 further comprising a means to input data related to said individual'"'"'s life activities.

29. The cellular telephone of claim 17, wherein said output data comprises at least one of an alert and a reminder.

30. The cellular telephone of claim 17, wherein said central monitoring unit is further programmed to utilize data from a third-party source to cause said output means to provide output data to a recipient.

46. The device of claim 17, wherein said data indicative of a second physiological parameter of said individual is selected from the group consisting of—

a heart-related parameter of said individual, a respiration-related parameter of said individual, a weight-related parameter of said individual, a motion-related parameter of said individual, a skin temperature-related parameter of said individual, data related to the impedance of said individual'"'"'s skin, data related to the composition of said individual'"'"'s blood, a blood pressure-related parameter of said individual, and data related to heat flow off of the body of said individual.

54. The cellular telephone of claim 17, wherein said data indicative of a second physiological parameter of said individual is selected from the group consisting of—

a heart-related parameter of said individual, a respiration-related parameter of said individual, a weight-related parameter of said individual, a motion-related parameter of said individual, a skin temperature-related parameter of said individual, data related to the impedance of said individual'"'"'s skin, data related to the composition of said individual'"'"'s blood.

56. The cellular telephone of claim 30, wherein said processing unit is further programmed to derive from, (a) said data indicative of a first physiological parameter of said individual and (b) at least one of said data indicative of (i) a second physiological parameter of said individual, (ii) a contextual parameter of said individual, and (ii) said data from a third-party source, physiological state information of said individual, and to cause said output means to provide output data to a recipient based on said derived physiological state information.

59. The cellular telephone of claim 18, wherein said physiological state information cannot be directly detected from either of said data indicative of a first physiological parameter of said individual, said data indicative of a second physiological parameter of said individual, said data indicative of a contextual parameter of said individual alone.

32. A wearable device for monitoring and reporting a human status parameter of an individual, said device comprising:

a. a housing;

b. a processing unit supported by said housing;

c. a wireless communication device supported by said housing;

d. a physiological sensor supported by said housing and in electronic communication with said processing unit, said physiological sensor adapted to generate data indicative of a first physiological parameter of said individual when said physiological sensor is in proximity to said individual; and

e. an output means in electronic communication with said processing unit,

wherein said processing unit is programmed to utilize (a) said data indicative of a first physiological parameter of said individual and (b) data indicative of at least one of (i) a second physiological parameter of said individual, and (ii) a contextual parameter of said individual to cause said output means to provide output data to a recipient.

33. The device of claim 32 wherein said processing unit is further programmed to derive from (a) said data indicative of a first physiological parameter of said individual and (b) said data indicative of said at least one of (i) a second physiological parameter of said individual, and (ii) a contextual parameter of said individual, physiological state information of said individual, and to cause said output means to provide output data to a recipient based on said derived physiological state information.

34. The device of claim 32 including at least two sensors, the second sensor supported by said housing and being at least one of a physiological sensor and a contextual sensor.

35. The device of claim 32, wherein said device is adapted to be worn by said individual.

36. The device of claim 35, wherein said device is adapted to be worn on the upper arm of said individual.

37. The device of claim 32, wherein said physiological sensor is adapted to be in contact with the skin of said individual.

38. The device of claim 32, further comprising a third sensor in electronic communication with said device.

39. The device of claim 38, wherein said third sensor is supported by said housing.

40. The device of claim 38, further comprising a wearable device, said wearable device comprising said third sensor.

41. The device of claim 38, wherein said third sensor is adapted to be in contact with the skin of said individual.

42. The device claim 38, wherein said third sensor generates data indicative of at least one of—

a heart-related parameter of said individual, a respiration-related parameter of 54 said individual, a weight-related parameter of said individual, a motion-related parameter of said individual, a skin temperature-related parameter of said individual, data related to the impedance of said individual'"'"'s skin, data related to the composition of said individual'"'"'s blood, a blood pressure-related parameter of said individual, and data related to heat flow off of the body of said individual.

43. The device of claim 32 further comprising a central monitoring unit in electronic communication with said processor, said central monitoring unit programmed to provide said processing means with data for output to said recipient.

44. The device of claim 32, wherein said device comprises an event time stamp button.

45. The device of claim 44, wherein said processor is programmed to upload data relating to the actuation of said event stamp button to the central monitoring unit.

47. The device claim 32, wherein data indicative of a contextual parameter of said individual is selected from the group consisting of—

a location-related parameter of said individual and environmental data.

48. The device of claim 47, wherein said location related parameter is global positioning data of said individual.

49. The device of claim 32 further comprising a means to input data related to said individual'"'"'s life activities.

50. The device claim 49, wherein said means to input utilizes voice recognition or email.

51. The device of claim 32, wherein said output data comprises at least one of an alert and a reminder.

52. The device of claim 32, wherein said processor is further programmed to utilize data from a third-party source to cause said output means to provide output data to a recipient.

57. The device of claim 52, wherein said processing unit is further programmed to derive from, (a) said data indicative of a first physiological parameter of said individual and (b) at least one of said data indicative of (i) a second physiological parameter of said individual, (ii) a contextual parameter of said individual, and (ii) said data from a third-party source, physiological state information of said individual, and to cause said output means to provide output data to a recipient based on said derived physiological state information.

60. The device of claim 33, wherein said physiological state information cannot be directly detected from either of said data indicative of a first physiological parameter of said individual, said data indicative of a second physiological parameter of said individual, said data indicative of a contextual parameter of said individual alone.