EA007308B1 - Device of monitoring physiological functioning and conditions of a person - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a monitoring the physiological functioning and conditions of a person. The said device generally is designed as a kind of lifeshirt with a few sensors, medical apparatuses, and I/O ports attached to the said lifeshirt, comprising the step of using sensors in a garment body wearing by the person and the step of using a monitoring center unit of monitoring and functioning using a display to enable a two-way on-line interaction or treatment.

Description

This invention relates to devices for monitoring the physiological functions and condition of a person, and in particular to monitoring devices that are equipped with sensors and medical tools for monitoring the physiological functions and status of the user and providing the user with appropriate treatment at the right time and that are also suitable for wearing and able to emit signals that correspond to the indicators of controlled physiological functions and user states spruce.

Prior art

Along with a controlled index of physiological conditions and conditions of human life, health status is also an important component of the human health index.

The development of the disease has the so-called “incubation period”. Vice-President of the National Taiwan University Medical School, Professor Cheng-Yi Wang, pointed out that there is also a transition period when the human body changes from health to disease status, and it is easier to treat the disease when the disease is detected before the onset of symptoms, i.e. . at an earlier stage; some diseases are difficult to cure, even if they are identified before the onset of symptoms, and the patient may die shortly after the onset of symptoms.

The same concept corresponds to the progression of population aging. People in old age are faced with a period of extinction of vital functions, when there is a transition from a healthy, active, energetic state to a state of weak, sick, dependent on the medical care of a person. During this period of extinction of vital functions, many signs can be observed, including a decrease in vigor, an increase in time spent in bed, a change in lifestyle, a decrease in the ability to self-service (cooking, washing, etc.). The concept of caring for an old person emphasizes the importance of caring for diseases, reducing physiological functions, emergency situations and other “states of disability”. The most important and economical way to provide the old person with the conditions under which he would enjoy the quality of a healthy life: constant monitoring of the living conditions and daily activities of an elderly person, installation of data transfer systems, storage, processing and receiving data, as well as life quality assessment systems, provide the ability to predict the deterioration of living conditions or physiological functions before signs of their occurrence, as well as informing the relevant person about the adoption of measures to the disease of an old person or the loss of his physiological functions.

It is necessary to set parameters for detecting human behavior in everyday life in order to collect data on the physiological state of a person. However, such a monitoring system cannot accurately assess and manage each patient on a case-by-case basis. The data obtained as a result of the current control can only be compared with the recorded data to evaluate and predict the possible course of the process, as well as the choice of the method of observation.

Various systems for monitoring physiological functions are widely known. Examples of such systems can be found among publications in the Taiwan Patent Newspaper, publication No. 383590, entitled “Wireless Detector and Physiological Condition Generator”; Publication No. 415836, entitled “Wireless Medical Control Method and Control System”; Publication No. 436276, entitled “Instruments and Method for a Multielectrode Medical Examination System”. These traditional systems use devices to determine and monitor the physiological states (vital activity, body temperature and pulse). In the case of a painful condition, for example, a significantly high or low body temperature, due to external factors or a pathological somatic process, such traditional systems can only transmit an emergency signal, call the health worker to assist, i.e. such traditional systems provide only one-way communication and cannot actively lead a treatment to maintain the user's body temperature in the required range.

Thus, it is desirable to provide monitoring devices that monitor the functioning of the physiological systems of the user and provide the necessary treatment if necessary, as well as emit signals corresponding to the identified condition.

Summary of Invention

The main objective of the present invention is to create a monitoring device that combines microtechnology and human factor technology when sensors are installed in a piece of clothing to monitor the functioning of the user's physiological systems.

Another object of the present invention is to create a monitoring device that constantly monitors the functioning of the user's physiological systems, stores, manages and analyzes the data obtained in order to diagnose and detect disease states, informs the person providing medical care about the need to take action in case of

- 1 007308 physiological signs of extinction of vital functions and provides treatment to the user if necessary.

Another objective of the present invention is to create a monitoring device that is in dialogue with the user and can cope with urgent conditions, take care of the states of the functions of the user's body.

To solve these problems, the present invention proposes a device for monitoring the physiological functions and states of the user.

The device proposed in the present invention consists of:

a garment having a plurality of zones that the user wears;

sensors installed in areas of the garment accordingly to determine the physiological functions and conditions of the user wearing the garment;

therapeutic tools that are selected from the group consisting of an oxygen supply, pumps, air bags, body temperature regulators, pain devices, hypodermic syringes and electroshock devices, and installed in predetermined areas of the garment in order to provide treatment of the user wearing the item of clothing;

a communication channel for transmitting the received data to a remote control center in real time or in a delayed mode or receiving and transmitting responses to user requests, the communication channel is connected by an electrical connection to the medical instruments;

the module of the center of monitoring and surveillance, connected by electrical communication with sensors, medical instruments and communication channel used for receiving and transmitting signals, so that the communication channel is used to transmit the received data to the remote control center, the monitoring center has I / O channels combined with sensors and medical instruments;

whereby the obtained data on the physiological functions and conditions of the user are stored, managed and analyzed in order to identify the pathological conditions of the user for their further treatment.

Moreover, the sensors are selected from the group consisting of pressure sensors, temperature sensors, terminal sensors, speech sensors, biochemical sensors, biochips.

Moreover, the sensors produce signals corresponding to the physiological functions and conditions of the user, and send signals to the communication channel.

An air bag is used with a pump, oxygen supply device or sensors to correct the user's position, fix broken bone in a certain position, transfer pressure to the user, stop bleeding, apply cardiopulmonary resuscitation or abdominal shock to the user.

The air bag is fixed to the mounting bracket on the garment to maintain the spine of the wearer in the specific position.

Moreover, the communication channel is connected with a communication device for transmitting the received data to a remote control center for remote diagnostics, to a computer or other compatible device.

Moreover, the module of the center for monitoring and surveillance consists of an interface of sensors connected by electrical communication with sensors for transmitting the received data to the processor for processing;

a communication channel for transmitting the received data to a remote control center through a communication device for remote diagnostics or to a computer or other compatible device;

data storage devices for storing entered data and received data;

a display placed in a garment for displaying information; and an energy system to provide devices with the necessary electricity for operation.

The device also has the means to search for data in order to be able to configure the monitoring and surveillance center module for individual use and the use of personal data entered into it.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1A is a front view of a monitoring device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1B is a rear view of the monitoring apparatus shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a device for an electric shock in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of an enlarged portion of FIG. 1B, showing a thin, elongated air sac, located vertically along the user's spine, and a mounting bracket supporting a narrow elongated air sac.

FIG. 4 shows a system block diagram of a monitoring and observation center module in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

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FIG. 5A-5C are operational flow diagrams for a process in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

FIG. 1A depicts a monitoring device 1 for monitoring physiological functions and conditions of a person in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The control device 1 can be made in any of the forms.

According to this embodiment of the invention, the monitoring device 1 is made in the form of a jacket material consisting of a garment 11. The garment 11 is equipped with a plurality of sensors and medical tools, a communication channel 232 for transmitting the processed information and a plurality of input / output channels connected to external equipment for information processing. In contrast to short-term surveys and diagnostics in the clinic, sensors and therapeutic tools built into the garment 11, in practice, are used for long-term and continuous monitoring of the functioning of human physiological systems.

The garment 11 is divided into a plurality of zones (zones A to H), sensors and / or medical instruments can be installed in these zones from the outer or inner side of the garment 11.

Zone A contains the monitoring and surveillance center module 2. The monitoring and surveillance center module 2 consists of a communication channel 232, an integrated circuit (IC) and an oxygen container or air mini pump 3 adapted to prevent an emergency condition caused by a malfunction of the user's respiratory system . Air mini pump 3 can also be used to provide the necessary air supply when inflating other devices in an emergency. Communication channel 232 has terminals connected to a communication device, for example, via a cellular telephone, a global positioning system, a radio, a pocket computer for transmitting or receiving data. When the user is in an emergency, the user himself or a third party can use the attached communication device to communicate with clinicians in a remote location responsible for monitoring, and request assistance. Through a global positioning system, clinicians in a remote location can determine the user's location and monitoring devices 1.

Zone B is located in the shoulder section of the monitoring device 1 and is an annular cuff 4 with a pressure sensor (not displayed) connected electrically to the monitoring and observation center module 2 and mechanically connected to the air mini pump 3 for measuring the blood pressure of the user. In the same way, a thermometer installed in other zones can be used to measure the user's body temperature. Similarly, other sensors can be used to measure heart rate, blood oxygen concentration, blood glucose level, and other basic physiological conditions of the user.

If the user's body temperature rises above normal due to environmental influences or illness, a gas cylinder (not shown) in the garment 11 opens and releases gas to decrease the user's body temperature. In the opposite case, if the user's body temperature drops below normal, the heating device, powered by an external source of electricity, begins to maintain the user's body temperature.

Zone C contains a speech sensor (not shown) adapted to detect pathological conditions of the heart and lungs. The speech sensor may be a piezoelectric or condenser microphone. Zone C2 contains a speech transducer for intrauterine control. Speech sensors in Zone C and Zone C2, respectively, are electrically connected to the monitoring and observation center module 2.

Zone Ό contains a charge-discharge circuit with a device for an electric shock 234. Referring to FIG. 2, the monitoring and observation center module 2 also consists of an energy system 21 adapted to convert electrical energy to a desired voltage level, a charging device 51 adapted to store electrical energy received from the energy system 21, a discharge circuit 52 adapted to release electricity from charger 51 through electric shock device 234 and control program 22 adapted to control the amount and time of electricity release from terraced device 51 in the discharge circuit 52 and the monitor sensor cardioscope 6 adapted to determine the user's heart rate and outputting these results (cardiograph) through the center module of the monitoring and surveillance zone 2. Ό also comprises a plurality of air bags C1-C3. installed on the inside of the garment 11. The air bag 01 is inflated and deflated by means of an air mini pump 3, by monitoring the control program 22, and is adapted for massaging the user in the case of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Air bag 02 is adapted for applying abdominal shock to the user. Air bag 03 is adapted to apply unexpected pressure to stimulate the user to determine whether the user is conscious, and to determine when the user is in a coma.

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Zone E contains an air bag 7, partially stretching along the spine or located on the user's spine to correct the position of the user. Alternatively, two air bags can be installed and, alternatively, inflated to move the user's spine between two positions.

Zone E (see Fig. 1B) contains a narrow oblong air bag 71 stretching in the vertical direction along the user's spine (see Fig. 3), and a mounting bracket 711 mounted on the garment 11 and adapted to support the air bag 71 in a certain form. The air bag 71 is inflated using an air mini pump 3 and is adapted to correct the position of the user's spine and maintain the user's spine in a certain position. In addition, sensors 712 are installed in the air bag 71 and are in contact with the user's spine, waist and hips to determine the position of the user's spine and provide the received data to the monitoring and observation center module 2, which allows the monitoring and monitoring center module 2 to control the inflation of the air bag 71.

Zone H contains a hypodermic syringe 235, controlled by a person at a remote location, conducting control through the monitoring and observation center module 2, for administering the medicine to the user's body using an air mini pump 3 according to a doctor’s prescription if necessary.

The number of zones, correlated sensors and treatment tools can be set according to the user's conditions to achieve the best result. For example, after installing the user monitoring device 1 on the user, we can monitor the user's physiological conditions in real time, such as heartbeat, pulse, external respiration, body temperature, glucose level and blood pressure. When the monitoring and monitoring center module detects that one of the parameters slightly deviates from the norm without improvement, the monitoring and monitoring center module immediately sends a signal and informs the family of the user or person caring for the user, and the user can figure out how to fix this the situation using the display 24. If the user's family or user cannot cope with the situation, an image or signal informing them of an emergency situation can be sent through to communication channel 232 to a person in a remote center, who controls, via a cell phone or PDA. A person located in a remote center and exercising control can decide which steps to take according to the data provided. A person located in a remote center and exercising control can also communicate the data obtained to a doctor for consultation so that the doctor can correctly assess the situation. When a signal is received that notifies of the physiological signs of the extinction of the user's vital functions, the user's family or the person caring for him is immediately informed about the situation and can take the necessary measures to correct it. It is also necessary to undergo training before using monitoring devices.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of a module system for a monitoring and observation center in accordance with the present invention. The system contains input / output interfaces 23, a sensor 231 interface connected by electrical communication with sensors in a garment of a monitoring device for transmitting the received data to the main data processing device for processing them, a communication interface 232 for sending the received data to a remote center via a communication device or directly to a computer or other devices, for remote diagnostics, backup terminals 233 for connecting other medical instruments, data storage device 27 for storing data received from sensors in a garment, a display 24 located outside the garment for data entry, an energy system 21 adapted to provide the entire system with the necessary operating voltage, an electroshock device 234 that receives the necessary operating voltage from an external source 211 through an energy system 21, an audible alarm 26 adapted to play a warning audio signal at a set time to remind you to take a medicine, or when an unforeseen deterioration in the user's physical condition occurs.

The system also has the means to search for data 25, connected to it to enable the monitoring and observation center module to search for the received data on the established individual articles. For example, if it is necessary to monitor only the user's heartbeat or respiratory system, a pre-recorded data chip is inserted into the system, and the system will reject data from other sensors and treatment tools to reduce energy consumption. By executing external control, the user can change the settings and add new articles for control.

Medical surveillance can be carried out by anyone who is able to use a monitoring device according to the present invention. This monitoring device is designed for practical use in remote locations where there is a shortage of medical facilities, or for a person who needs constant monitoring. User can connect to the system

- 4 007308 current control or remote control center to provide relevant data to the person providing medical care, located in the remote control center, so that the person providing medical care from the remote control center can take the necessary measures if necessary.

FIG. 5A shows the flow of the obtained control and diagnostic information according to the present invention. When the process is started (step 81), the device identifies the user (step 82) and requests registration of personal data (step 821) in the event that a new user is registered. After identifying the user ID, the diagnostic system (monitoring device) performs a self-test on each device (steps 831-833) to check for the presence or absence of sensors (step 831) whether the sensors function correctly (step 832), whether the software functions correctly (step 833 ). When all checks have been completed successfully, the diagnostic system returns to the standby state. If pathology is detected during the self-test, the diagnostic system immediately issues a corresponding message (step 84) through the display. The user can enter an instruction to neutralize the system if necessary during system operation (step 8).

Referring to FIG. 5B, we have data obtained in two ways, that is, from the device interface (step 85) or from the corresponding sensors (step 86) (for example, body temperature). The data received from the sensors must be converted via an analog-to-digital converter (step 87) and sent to the firmware control device (step 88). At this time, the firmware manager assesses whether the data provided has passed all levels of data processing devices (step 89). If the data provided is insufficient, the firmware manager continues to request additional data. After obtaining the necessary data, the obtained data is compared with the previously set reference values (step 90) (for example, the reference value is set to 37 ° C for body temperature), and the result is compared with this reference value.

Referring to FIG. 5C, after switching on and self-testing, the monitoring device according to the present invention controls the respective sensors to monitor the functioning of the user's physiological systems. In the event of a pathological condition (step 91) (for example, body temperature is above 39 ° C), the user can immediately contact the diagnostic system through an input device (step 92) by question-answer (for example, the device prompts the user to use cryotherapy or turn on the cooling device) . If the user's body temperature does not change significantly and the user has another symptom (for example, a headache), the firmware control device evaluates the situation according to the information entered by the user (step 93) (evaluates the functioning of other physiological systems). The information entered is sent to the diagnostic system through an I / O device so that the diagnostic system can suggest the use of an oral antipyretic agent or anesthetic. If necessary, the firmware will send an alarm through the I / O device to the medical center (step 94) so that the doctor can direct the user to the hospital or take the necessary measures (step 95). While waiting for life-saving assistance, the monitoring device provides the user with necessary measures, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, maintenance of body temperature, the use of medicines for emergency conditions, the use of electric shocks, etc.

Claims (8)

CLAIM 1. A device for monitoring the physiological functions and conditions of the user, consisting of a piece of clothing worn by the user and having many zones; sensors installed in the areas of the garment to determine the physiological functions and conditions of the user wearing the garment; medical instruments, which are selected from the group consisting of an oxygen supply device, pumps, air bags, body temperature regulators, pain-causing devices, hypodermic syringes and electroshock devices, and are installed in certain areas of the garment to provide medical treatment to the user, wearing a piece of clothing; a communication channel for transmitting the received data to the remote monitoring center in real time or in deferred mode or receiving requests and answers to user requests, the communication channel is connected by electrical communication with medical instruments; module of the center for monitoring and monitoring, connected by electrical communication with sensors, medical instruments and a communication channel for receiving and transmitting signals, so that the communication channel is used to transmit the received data to the remote monitoring center, and the monitoring center has input / output channels, associated with sensors and medical instruments; - 5 007308 whereby the obtained data on the physiological functions and conditions of the user are stored, managed and analyzed in order to identify pathological conditions of the user for further treatment. 2. The device according to π. 1, characterized in that the sensors are selected from the group consisting of pressure sensors, temperature sensors, terminal sensors, speech sensors, biochemical sensors and biochips. 3. The device according to π. 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensors produce signals corresponding to the physiological functions and conditions of the user, and send signals to the communication channel. 4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the air bag is used with a pump, an oxygen supply device or sensors to correct the user's position, fix the broken bone in the required position, transmit pressure to the user, stop bleeding, apply cardiopulmonary resuscitation or abdominal shock . 5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the air bag is fixed using a mounting bracket on the garment to maintain the spine of the user wearing the garment in the required position. 6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the communication channel is connected to a communication device for transmitting the received data to a remote control center for remote diagnostics to a computer or other compatible device. 7. The device according to π. 1, characterized in that the specified module of the center for monitoring and surveillance consists of a sensor interface connected by electrical communication with the sensors for transmitting the received data to the processor for processing; a communication channel for transmitting the received data to the remote monitoring center through a communication device for remote diagnostics or to a computer or other compatible devices; data storage devices for storing input data and received data; a display located in the garment to display information and an energy system to provide the device with electricity necessary for operation. 8. The device according to claim 1 or 7, characterized in that it also consists of means for searching for data, providing the module settings of the center for monitoring and surveillance for a specific user whose personal data is entered into the device.