1 A Personal Information Device and Systems and Methods Associated Therewith Field of the invention [001] The present invention relates to a personal information device. In one particular example, the invention provided herein relates to a device which is able to provide information in relation to a medical condition. In yet at a further example, the present invention is related to a method and system for accessing medical information electronically. Background of the invention [002] Currently in the United States, there are an estimated 2.5 million children and adults who have diabetes, 2.4 million citizens with asthma, 2 million citizens with epilepsy, and 40-50 million citizens with an allergic disease. The increasing number of people around the world with medical conditions which can result in an emergency situation such as collapsing or becoming unconscious in the middle of a public area or the like, has meant that many people with diseases have to wear a metallic bracelet around their wrist in order to notify the public of their medical condition if an emergency situation occurs. [003] In one example, people suffering from diabetes often wear a metallic bracelet notifying others of the fact that they are a diabetic. This is commonly advised by medical practitioners as diabetics can be subjected to blood sugar variations, which can cause patients to collapse. Thus, the metallic bracelet on the diabetic can inform the public of the medical condition and can help the medical and emergency staff such as ambulance officers who arrive at a scene, to determine quickly the cause of the collapse. [004] However, metallic bracelets are uncomfortable to wear and expensive to make. Furthermore, people often cannot wear metallic objects or jewellery when partaking in sporting activities or the like. Additionally, metallic bracelets can typically only provide very limited information in respect of the medical condition. [005] Thus, there is required a personal information device which ameliorates or provides alternatives to the existing arrangements.
2 [006] Any reference herein to known prior art does not, unless the contrary indication appears, constitute an admission that such prior art is commonly known by those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, at the priority date of this application. Summary of the invention [007] According to one aspect, there is provided herein, personal information device for being worn around a body part of a wearer, the device including a first surface for providing personal information associated with the wearer, wherein at least a portion of the device is formed of pliable material such that the first surface is moveable between a first position facing the body part, and a second position facing away from the body part. [008] In one example, the personal information can include any one or a combination of: the wearer's name; medical condition information associated with the wearer; emergency contact details for the wearer; and, a pattern or ornamentation. [009] In yet a further example, the device can include a second surface, the second surface being formed opposite the first surface, the second surface provides any one or a combination of the wearer's name; medical condition information associated with the wearer; emergency contact details for the wearer; and, a pattern or ornamentation. In a further aspect, the personal information can be inscribed, embossed, or debossed into the device. [010] In a further example, any one or a combination of the first surface or the second surface can include an information section for receiving printed information. [011] In yet another aspect, the information section can include a plurality of fine indentations on a printing surface of the information section. [012] In a further example, the fine indentations can be formed in a cross-hatch pattern. [013] In yet another example, the printing surface can include a welling formed substantially around the printing surface. [014] In a further form, the printing surface can be recessed in the device such that the printing surface is lower than the first surface or the second surface.
3 [015] In yet another example, the welling can be formed lower than the first surface or the second surface. [016] In another example, the welling can be configured to be substantially filled with a filling, such that the filling is provided at substantially the same level as the first surface or the second surface. [017] In one particular example, the filling can be paint. [018] In another form, any one or a combination of the first surface or a second surface can include an indicia being indicative of hidden personal information on either the first surface or the second surface. [019] According to another aspect, the device is configured such that the first surface can be retained in the first position once moved to the first position and is retained in the second position once moved to the second position. [020] In yet a further aspect, the device section can include card information in relation to a medical card or tag, the card or the tag being carried or worn by the wearer. [021] In a further form, the device can include electronic data information associated with an electronic medical record associated with the wearer. [022] In another example, the device can be formed entirely of pliable material. [023] According to a further form, the material can be substantially elastic. [024] In yet a further example, the material can be made primarily of silicone. [025] According to another example, the material can be primarily of rubber or any other polymer. [026] According to a further aspect, the device can be any one or a combination of: a wristband; an anklet; and, a general device. [027] In yet a further form, the wristband can have one or more fasteners on one side for fastening the wristband around a wrist of the wearer [028] According to another example, the device can include a ring attached thereto, for using the device as a key ring. [029] In yet a further broad form, there is provided herein a medical information system for providing user medical information, the system including a processing system, the processing system being configured to: receive a unique identifier 4 associated with a user; and, provide user medical information in accordance with the unique identifier, the unique identifier being provided in a personal identification device carried by the user. [030] In one example, receiving the unique identifier can generate a notification in relation to an emergency situation. [031] In yet a further example, a medical professional can receive the notification. [032] According to another example, the user medical information can include any one or a combination of: emergency contact details; and, medical condition information in relation to an illness or allergy, or special medical requirement of the user. [033] In yet a further example, the device carried by the user can be any one or a combination of: a wristband; a necklace; a key ring; a tag; and, the personal information device of any one of claims 1 to 23. [034] In yet a further broad form there is provided herein a method for providing user medical information, the method including the steps of, in a processing system: receiving a unique identifier associated with a user; and, providing user medical information in accordance with the unique identifier, the unique identifier being provided in a personal identification device carried by the user. [035] In a further example, the method described can be performed by the processing system described herein. [036] It will be appreciated that there is included herein all different combinations of the features of the device, processing system and methods associated therewith. Brief description of the drawings [037] An embodiment or embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [038] Figures 1A to 1D are perspective views of an example devices as described herein; [039] Figure 2 is flat top view of a first surface and a second surface of an example device as described herein; 5 [040] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an example device as described herein, together with an example medical emergency card associated with the device; [041] Figure 4 is a flat top view of a first surface and a second surface of another example device as described herein; [042] Figure 5 is a perspective view of another example device as described herein; [043] Figure 6 is a perspective view of another example device as described herein; [044] Figure 7 is a flow diagram of an example process/method of an aspect associated with the device described herein; and, [045] Figure 8 is an example diagram of a distributed architecture for giving effect to the example method of Figure 7. Detailed description of the embodiment or embodiments [046] An example of a personal informational device 10 is shown in the Figures 1A to Figure 6. [047] In the examples shown, the device 10 can be used to be worn around a body part (not shown) of a wearer. Thus for example, the device 10 may be worn as a wristband,, an anklet, a necklace, any general band, or the like. As described below, the device 10 may also be formed into a key ring, and as attachments to a person's belongings/objects, such as a tag, or the like [048] In the examples shown, the device 10 can include a first surface 15 and a second surface 20. The first surface 15 can be provided with personal information 25A, 25B associated with the wearer. [049] Additionally, at least a portion of the device 10 can be formed from pliable material such that the first surface 15 can be moveable between a first position facing the body part and a second position facing away from the body part. [050] Notably, the first surface 15 or the second surface 20 can be retained/biased in the first position once moved to the first position and is retained/biased in the second position once it is moved to the second position.
6 [051] Thus for example, if worn as a wristband, the device 10 can be reversible in order to have the first surface 15 facing towards the body part in one configuration (the first position) and away from the body part in another configuration (second position). [052] Thus, the device 10 can be formed partially of pliable material where it is only the first surface 15 that is pliable or alternatively the entire device can be formed of pliable material in order to allow for the device 10 and/or the first surface 15 to be reversible. [053] The personal information 25A, 25B provided on the device 10 can be provided on either the first surface 15 or the second surface 20, where the second surface 20 is typically provided opposite the first surface 15. Thus, the personal information 25A, 25B can include the wearer's name or any other personal details, information in respect of a medical condition associated with the wearer, emergency contact details for the wearer, and/or a pattern or ornamentation. [054] Thus for example in one particular form, the device 10 may be formed such that medical condition information is provided inside the device and hidden from other people when worn around the wearers wrist and can include a pattern or ornamentation provided on the outside surface 15 of the device 10 (such as, for example, the pattern and ornamentation shown in Figures 1 A and 1 B). Alternatively, the outside surface may include indication that the device is a medical band (such as for example, the device 10 shown in Figures 1C and 1D which has the terms I.C.E and medical signal depicted thereon). Thus, in an emergency situation the device 10 can be flipped or reversed such that the medical condition information can become visible if needed. It will be appreciated that the examples of the device as shown in Figures 1 A to 1 D allows for the user of the device to hide the medical information when the medical information is provided on the inner second surface 20. However, it will also be appreciated that the medical information can be provided on any one or a combination of the first surface 15 or the second surface 20. [055] Accordingly, the various personal information 25A/25B can be provided on the device in numerous ways. In one particular example, the personal information 25A is inscribed, embossed or debossed into the device. In a further example, any one of the first surface 15 or the second surface 20 can include an information section 30 for receiving printed information at 25B. The printed information 25B can be either printed 7 with a pen or the like by the wearer, or the device 10 may come customised with information printed within the information section 30. [056] According to one particular example the information section 30 can have a plurality of fine indentations or the like on a printing surface 35 of the information section 30. An example of this is shown in Figure 2, where the information section 30 has a printing surface 35 where the information section 30 is recessed within the device 10, and has the plurality of fine indentations on the printing surface 35. The fine indentations can be provided in any pattern but in this particular example are provided as a cross-hatched pattern. [057] Furthermore, the information section 30 may include a welling 40 substantially formed around the perimeter of the information section 30 as well as a frame 45 around the information section 30. [058] Thus, by having a recessed printing surface 35, the device 10 can provide a printing surface 35 which is formed lower than the second surface 20 (the inner surface). This can make the printing surface 35 substantially robust such that when any personal information or medical condition information is printed on the printing surface 35, it is not rubbed off easily when the device 10 is worn around a body part. [059] Accordingly, in one particular example, the printing surface 35 can be recessed in the device 10 such that the printing surface 35 is lower than the first surface 15 or the second surface 20. Thus, the welling 40 can be formed lower than the first surface 15 or the second surface 20 such that the welling 40 is configured to be substantially filled with a filling, such that the filling is provided at substantially the same level as the first surface 15 or the second surface 20. [060] Thus, for example, paint can be used as a filling into the welling 40 which makes the top surface of the welling 40 substantially flush with the first surface 15 or the second surface 20. [061] In a further example, the first surface 15 or the second surface 20 can also include indicia 50 which can be indicative of hidden personal information on the other surface 15 or 20. The indicia can signify to the public, if a persons wearing the device 10 faints for example from a medical condition, that there is hidden medical information within the device 10 that may be relevant.
8 [062] As shown in Figure 3, the device 10 may also include card information in relation to a medical card or tag which is carried or worn by the wearer. An example of the card 55 is shown in Figure 3, whether the card 55 provides further emergency contact information in this particular example, or can provide further information in relation to the medical condition in case of an emergency. [063] The device 10 may also include electronic data information associated with an electronic medical record of the wearer which is further described below. The electronic data information can be a unique identifier of the wearer, which can be used to access the user's electronic medical information or medical history. [064] Further examples, of the device 10 are shown in Figures 4 and 5. In these examples, the device 10 includes one or more fasteners such as button or the like to fasten the device 10, for example, to a wearer's wrist. In this particular example, the fasteners 60 are push buttons. However, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that any fastening means can be used. [065] In yet a further example, the device 10 may be formed such that it is a part of a key ring. In the example shown in Figure 6 the device 10 has been passed through a ring 70 and clamped such that the ring 70 is held within a portion of the device 10. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that many different variations of key rings, tags or the like can be formed and used in accordance with the device and processing system described herein. [066] It will also be appreciated that the material of which the device 10 is formed can include different types of materials but in one example includes material which is an elastomeric material or natural or synthetic rubber or the like. In one particular example, the device 10 is formed from silicone or any other polymer material. [067] In one particular example, the device 10 is moulded of silicone where the manufacturing process can include moulding, printing patterns or medical condition information, or user ID baking the debossed area with colour in-filled silicone paint information on the device 10, cleaning the device 10 and injecting different dye inks in various parts (such as making the information section 30 which is typically a white write on section, white). Although it will be appreciated that many other colours can be used or alternatively, the device can be formed such that part thereof is clear. The device can 9 be baked and/or the surfaces can be activated by a (flame)/heat/baked treatment to ensure adhesion of the various elements. [068] It will be appreciated that many different types of mechanical keying options can be used to form the information panels as discussed herein. Thus for example, a cross-hatch pattern can be formed on the information panels by lasers or can be moulded. The cross-hatch pattern can provide a printing surface 35 which is substantially wear-resistant when the device 10 is in use. Thus, any suitable pattern can be provided on the printing surface 35 which can allow for a more resistant and robust surface. [069] Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the information panel can be provided on the device 10 by having a welding around the outside inner edge, in combination or separately to the recessed area of the panel and further can include the cross hash pattern. Thus, a wearer of the device 10 can use printing technologies such as a pen, a marker or the like to print the information required on the device or alternatively, the panel can come pre-printed on the device. In one particular example, once printed it is recommended that the device be immersed in hot boiled water to set the printing on the device. [070] In yet a further example a medical information system and method can be provided. As shown in Figure 7, in this process, a processing system may receive a unique identifier associated with a user at step 100 and provide user medical information in accordance with the unique higher identifier at step 110. The unique identifier can be provided in a personal identification device carried by the user, such as the device 10 described herein. At step 120, a notification can be generated to a contact, such as an emergency contact or the like. [071] Thus in one example, once a unique identifier is received by a base station (which can be any form of processing system) at step 100, the base station can then generate notification in relation to the emergency situation. Thus, a medical professional can receive the notification (such as an ambulance service, a doctor, nurse, hospital, retirement home, or the like). Notably, it would be appreciated that a user of the system may elect one or more third parties as part of a list or the like, which can be contacted or receive a notification of the emergency situation. This can also include a person's next of kin, family member, friend, or the like.
10 [072] In one particular example, a contact in a database in a user's list of emergency contact details can receive a notification once the user's medical information or User ID has been accessed. If there is a list, the first person on the list can be the initial person who receives the notification. The system can also allow for the person who receives the notification to respond to the notification and acknowledge that it has been received. [073] Additionally, the medical information can include emergency contact details or information in relation to the medical condition of the user/wearer of the device 10, or further information in respect of an illness, a special medical requirement, or an allergy of the user. Furthermore, the medical information can include information in relation to medication, surgical procedures, or the like. Thus, the medical information can be any information which may be required to know during an emergency situation. [074] Accordingly, the process of Figure 7 can be performed by using a distributed system, an example of which will now be described in relation to Figure 8. [075] In this example, a base station 201 is connected to a number of end or user stations 205 via a communications network 202 such as the internet, and/or via a communication network 206 such as local area networks (LANs), or wide area networks (WANs). Thus, the communication network 202, 204 can allow the device 205 to communicate with a processing system 210 provided in a base station 201 via the communication network 202, 204. [076] The base station 201 typically includes one or more processing systems 210, which can include one or more databases 211. In use, the process system 210 can be configured to allow the users of the device 205 to access particular information/data stored in the database 211, such as accessing website information, adding or amending user information, or the like. [077] It will be appreciated that any form of suitable processing system 210/205 may be used. Typically, the processing systems 210, 205 may include a processor, a memory device, an input output device such as a keyboard and a display device, or the like. The processing systems 205, 210 may be in the form of large servers or small tablet or mobile telephone devices or the like. [078] Thus for example, if a person wearing the medical information device falls ill in the middle of the street and collapses, someone passing by can look at the device 11 10 and determine a unique identifier (which can be a member number, username, or the like). They are then able to use a smart-phone or the like to submit the unique identifier to the medical information system. The system can then compare the unique identifier to a known database and identify the user which has collapsed. The system can then provide specific medical information in accordance with the unique identifier such as for example this user is diabetic and has most likely fainted from glucose imbalance. Thus the person helping the user can either move to alert authorities such as ambulance or other medical professionals or alternatively the system can generate a notification in relation to the emergency situation to a medical professional or to anyone listed in an emergency contact person in the database associated with the user. [079] Thus, the system and method described herein can hold vital medical details and critical medical condition information such as medical history, allergy or disease information, information in relation to test results and/or operations, and emergency contact details. [080] Furthermore, the system and method described herein can also include personal reminders for the user such as reminders for the user to take medicine/prescriptions etc. on time at certain times and dates, also records a person's current whereabouts, such as if they are on vacation, which can assist doctors or medical professionals in a different location if an emergency situation occurs. Accordingly, a user's (or wearer's) medical history can be available on demand, and can be used if the user is suddenly unconscious or unable to communicate their medical history, in order to help provide access to critical medical information. [081] Where ever it is used, the word "comprising" is to be understood in its "open" sense, that is, in the sense of "including", and thus not limited to its "closed" sense, that is the sense of "consisting only of". A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words "comprise", "comprised" and "comprises" where they appear. [082] It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.
12 [083] While particular embodiments of this invention have been described, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments and examples are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all modifications which would be obvious to those skilled in the art are therefore intended to be embraced therein.