JP2009531073A - Compact monitor and user monitoring method - Google Patents

Abstract

Compact monitor and health monitoring method. The compact monitor includes at least one physiological sensor, a mass storage unit, and a connector electrically coupled to the mass storage unit, the connector being fixedly connected to another device. Is configured to mechanically support a compact monitor.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

(Related application)
This patent application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 751,317, filed January 23, 2006.
(Field of Invention)
The present invention relates to a compact monitor and a user monitoring method.

  During the last decade, various health monitors have been developed. These health monitors can send information to a host computer, medical center, or the like. A typical health monitor includes specialized hardware for collecting and processing physiological data. The following US patents and patent applications provide a brief view of the state of the art systems and devices, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Menard US Patent Application No. 2004/0027244 entitled “Personal medical device communication system and method”, Kirk, et al. US entitled “Health support system” US Pat. No. 5,390,238, Rosenfeldt et al., US Pat. No. 5,566,676 entitled “Pressure data acquisition device for a patient monitoring system”, “Method for monitoring the health of a patient”. Heinonen et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,586, entitled “Method of Monitoring Patient Health”, Heinoen et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,840,020, entitled “Monitoring Method and a Monitoring Equipment”. No. 5983, Heinonen, entitled “patient's nursing apparatus and nursing system” No. 93, Geva US Pat. No. 6,366,871, entitled “Personal ambulatory cellular health monitor for mobile patient”, Teller et al. US Pat. No. 6,605,038, and Hilton et al. US Patent Application No. 2005/0245793.

  A USB flash device is a flash memory data storage device integrated with a universal serial bus (USB) interface. These do not change the stored contents, are small, and can store a large amount of information. Conventionally, a USB flash driver is used to transfer data between computers. In many cases, they are used to carry applications that run on a host computer connected to a USB flash driver.

  A typical USB flash driver includes a male USB connector and a housing in which a small printed circuit board, a controller, a flash memory integrated circuit, and a crystal oscillator are located. The controller controls access to the flash memory integrated circuit. The following US patents and patent applications provide a straightforward view of the state of the art USB flash driver, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. US Patent Application No. 2006 / 0230226A1, Meir et al. Entitled "Hard disk drive with optional cache memory", "Flash memory backup system and method" US Patent Application No. 2006/0198202 A1, entitled “Memory Backup System and Method”, Meir el al., US Patent Application No. 2006/0198202 A1, “NAND flash memory system architecture” 2006 / 0184724A1, Moran el al., US Patent Application No. 2006/0107317 A1, entitled “Selective protection of files on portable memory devices”, “Method of managing a multi-bit-cell flash memory " US Patent Application No. 2006 / 0004952A1, entitled “Portable memory device includes software program for interacting with host computing device to provide a customized configuration for the program” (host to provide a customized configuration for the program) US Patent No. 6,986,030 to Shemueli et al. Entitled "Portable Memory Device containing Software Program that Interacts with Computer" and US Patent Application No. entitled "Novel Flash Memory Arrangement". 2005 / 0038983A1.

  A context-based reminder is illustrated in Tuomela et al. U.S. Patent Application No. 2002 / 012035A1, which describes a context-based data recording and monitoring device comprising a context-based reminder. is doing.

Each of these previously described devices and methods only presents partial solutions to specialized problems.
There is a need to provide an efficient multipurpose monitor and method for monitoring users.

  The compact monitor includes at least one physiological sensor, a mass storage unit, and a connector that is electrically connected to the mass storage unit, and when the connector is fixedly connected to another device, the connector Is configured to mechanically support a compact monitor.

  The health monitoring method includes a step of storing a large amount of data in a mass storage unit belonging to a compact monitor, a step of collecting physiological information by at least one physiological sensor belonging to the compact monitor, and a compact monitor. Securing the connector to another device, the connector providing mechanical support to the personal health monitor and electrically connecting the connector to the mass storage device.

  The compact monitor includes a processor coupled to an alarm circuit and at least one physiological sensor, and the health monitoring device monitors the user's condition at a first monitoring level and evaluates whether the monitoring condition is met. In response to the completion of the monitoring condition, the health monitoring device is configured to issue a request to the user to change the monitoring level of the health monitoring device through the alarm circuit.

  The health monitoring method includes a step of monitoring a user's state at a first monitoring level by a compact monitor and evaluating whether or not the monitoring condition is satisfied, and if the monitoring condition is satisfied, an alarm circuit Issuing a request to the user to change the monitoring level of the monitoring device.

  The compact monitor includes a processor coupled to the mass storage unit and the user interface, and the compact monitor generates a context-based reminder to perform at least one predefined action through the user interface. Is configured to do. Further, the compact monitor determines completion of at least one predefined action in response to input provided to the compact monitor.

  A user monitoring method generates a context-based reminder to perform at least one predefined action through a compact monitor user interface comprising a processor coupled to a mass storage unit; Determining completion of at least one predetermined action in response to input provided to the compact monitor.

  Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description. The present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, a compact monitor is provided. This is a consumer product that can monitor the user and can also be equipped with mass storage (like USB flash drive) capabilities. The monitoring application can also utilize data, images, icons, and codes stored in the mass storage unit.

  The compact monitor can be connected to other devices (such as a host computer) via a connector. The connector is electrically connected to the mass storage unit and is configured to mechanically support the compact monitor when the connector is fixedly connected to the receiving device. Other devices can be involved in the execution of various health monitoring applications, contextual reminders, and verification applications, can store information stored on the compact monitor, and download information to the compact monitor Can do so. The compact memory is fixedly connected to other devices by using a connector. Conveniently, no wires or other flexible connection components are required and the overall monitor size is small and can be less than a few centimeters.

  Since the compact monitor does not include any cable or other means for providing mechanical support to the compact monitor other than the (compact) connector, it is convenient to carry the compact monitor. Therefore, a person wearing a minimum of clothes can carry a compact monitor.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, the compact monitor is configured to monitor a user's condition at a first monitoring level and evaluate whether a specific prescribed monitoring condition is met. If the expected monitoring condition is met, the compact monitor switches through an alarm circuit to another monitoring level of the health monitoring device suitable for monitoring the patient when the expected special monitoring condition is met. It is configured to issue a request to the user.

Conveniently, the anticipated special monitoring conditions can represent the user's mental condition, environmental conditions, user pulse, user heart condition, user breathing, user body temperature, and the like.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first monitoring level can be executed without touching the user. The compact monitor can be placed in the user's shirt pocket, connected to the user's pants, or placed in the user's wallet or handbag to monitor the user's condition. Monitoring can include analyzing the user's voice, assessing the user's breathing, assessing whether the user is running, walking, sitting, sleeping, etc. Changing the monitoring level from the first monitoring level to the second monitoring level involves some sort of user touching the sensor of the compact monitor and allowing the compact monitor to perform one or more tests. It is necessary to perform the act of. Conveniently, the first monitoring level is characterized by less power consumption than the second monitoring level, and the second level monitoring provides a more accurate indication of the user's condition.

  It should be noted that the same compact monitor can be used to apply the first and second levels of monitoring, but this is not necessarily the case, and each monitoring level can be applied by a different monitor. .

  A compact monitor can include one or more physiological sensors such as, but not limited to, a heart rate sensor, a temperature sensor, a body fat analyzer, a blood glucose sensor, and an ECG sensor. The compact monitor can also include additional environmental sensors such as accelerometers, humidity sensors, location detectors, and the like. To simplify the description, the following figure shows a temperature sensor and two ECG electrodes.

  The compact monitor can run various health-related applications, as well as context-based reminder and verification applications. In some cases, the context is also related to health. Examples of applications include ECG analysis, diet management, fitness management, and drug reminders and confirmations.

FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional view of a compact monitor 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
The compact monitor 10 is relatively thin and long and has an oval shape. The inventor used a compact monitor having a length of 82 mm, a width of 8.5 mm, and a height of 25.6 mm. It should be noted that the compact monitor can be of other dimensions without departing from the scope of the claims.

  FIG. 1 shows a housing 33 having a front panel and a number of side panels. The front panel includes a display 20 located in the center of the front panel, control push buttons 52, 54 and 56, and EGC electrodes 40 and 30. The ECG sensors 40 and 30 are located on both sides of the display 20. The first control push button 52 is located on the left side of the display 20, while the second and third push buttons 54 and 56 are located on the right side of the display 20. The temperature sensor 42 is located on the right side of the compact monitor 10.

The display 20 is conveniently placed under the transmissive cover.
The display 20 can be a black and white display, a color display, a graphic display, or the like. The OLED color display used by the inventor has a color depth of 56,000 colors, a resolution of at least 96 × 96 pixels, an effective visual area of about 20 × 20 mm, and power consumption is about 20 mA at battery voltage. is there.

  The second and third control push buttons 54 and 56 are used for browsing between screens and menus displayed on the display 20 while the first control push button 52 is used to select an item. It should be noted that the compact monitor 10 may include more than three control push buttons, which can be used to enter various types of information. . The compact monitor 10 can also include fewer than three control push buttons and include different input elements (such as knobs, touch screens, voice based control elements, etc.) than the push buttons. You can also.

  FIG. 2 is a rear view of the compact monitor 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The read panel of the compact monitor 10 includes control elements such as a slider 60. The slider 60 is connected to a connector such as a movable male USB connector (such as the male USB connector 70 in FIG. 3). The slider 60 is connected to the male USB connector, and determines the position of the male USB connector. The male USB connector 70 can slide over the entire opening defined in the housing of the compact monitor 10. The male USB connector 70 provides mechanical support for the compact monitor 10 when the compact monitor is plugged into the host computer.

3 and 4 show the interior of the compact monitor 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 shows a top view of the inner surface of the compact monitor 10. The display 20 is located at the center of the compact monitor 10. The battery 80 is disposed on the right side of the display 20. Second and third push buttons 54 and 56 are located on the battery 80.

  FIG. 3 shows a rear view of the inside of the compact monitor 10. This shows temperature sensor 42, connector 70 (slidable along the imaginary horizontal axis of compact monitor 10), and printed circuit board 90. The printed circuit board 90 can also be connected to the display 20, the temperature sensor 42, and various integrated circuits and components further illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a compact monitor 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the compact monitor 10 includes a single printed circuit board (PCB) 90, but according to other embodiments of the present invention, a USB flash driver PCB and a health monitoring PCB. including.

  The compact monitor 10 includes a number of sensors 30, 40 and 42, an adapter 110, a processor 112, a small memory unit 118, a controller 134, interrupt control lines 117 and 119, a first serial interface 114, a serial bus 115, It includes a second serial interface 116, a non-volatile mass storage unit such as a flash memory integrated circuit 132, a buzzer 140, a battery 80, a display 20, and push control buttons 52-56.

  The processor 112 is an upper processor and is configured to execute complicated applications such as diet management and drug reminders. The sensors 30, 40, and 42 are connected to the adapter 110, and the adapter 110 can convert the analog detection signals supplied by these sensors into digital detection signals. The digital detection signal can be stored in the memory unit 118 or the flash memory integrated circuit 132. These digital detection signals are processed by the processor 112. The adapter 110 includes at least one digital / analog converter and can simultaneously process detection signals from one or more sensors. In addition or alternatively, the adapter 110 may apply time division multiplexing techniques to process detection signals from one sensor at a given time.

  Adapter 110 may include analog and / or digital circuitry that can perform amplification, filtering, or other processing of the detection signals from sensors 30, 40, and 42. The adapter 110 can include a medical subsystem such as the medical subsystem shown in Geva US Pat. No. 6,366,871, entitled “Personal ambulatory cellular health monitor for mobile patient”. This patent is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

  The processor 112 is connected to the controller 134 through two interrupt control lines 117 and 119. The processor 112 is also connected to a first serial interface 114 that is connected to the serial bus 115. A second serial interface 116 is connected between the serial bus 115 and the controller 134. Serial interfaces 114 and 116 may be UART compliant, but need not be.

  The controller 134 can perform at least one of the following functions. (I) Control access to the flash memory integrated circuit 132. (Ii) Control various hardware components of the compact monitor, such as the display 20, the buzzer 140, and the battery 20. (Iii) Receive input from control push buttons 52-56. (Iv) Control the charging of the battery 20 and execute power management. (V) Control the audio level of the buzzer 140 and the tone of the buzzer 140, and determine when to activate the buzzer 140.

  The compact monitor 10 can generate an audible alarm, a visual alarm, or a combination of both. Accordingly, the display 20 and / or the buzzer 140 can be regarded as an alarm circuit of the compact monitor 10.

  Interrupt control lines 117 and 119 can be used to send an activation signal (get out of idle or pending mode) between controller 134 and processor 120.

  The flash memory integrated circuit 132 stores a number of images and icons that can be displayed on the display 20. Also, contextual information used by context-based reminders and confirmation applications can be stored.

  The compact monitor 10 used by the inventors utilized 100 images each containing up to 96 × 96 color pixels and 20 icons containing up to 10 × 12 color pixels. It should be noted that these images and icons are used during the execution of various applications, including health monitoring applications and context-based reminders and verification applications. A portion of the image can serve as a background for text or other symbols.

  Instructions, test results, and reminders relating to wealth can be displayed on the display 20 in various ways. For example, the user can be invoked to initiate such a test by generating an audible alert (by buzzer 140) and / or displaying a request to perform such a test. . During the examination, the display 20 can display an instruction indicating the current stage of the examination (for example, “measuring measurement”... “Processing measurement signal”. .

  The display and / or buzzer 140 can be used to generate a request to the user to change the monitoring level from the first monitoring level to the second monitoring level and vice versa.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, the compact monitor 10 is configured to transmit physiological information collected by one or more physiological sensors. The physiological information to be transmitted can be supplied through the USB connector 70, but this is not necessarily the case. The compact monitor 10 may include communication circuitry that may include a USB connector 70, but may additionally or alternatively include a wireless transmitter, whereby the compact monitor 10 transmits physiological information. It can also be possible. The communication circuit can be any communication protocol known in the art, and is preferably a short-range transmitter. It should be noted that the communication circuit can also include a receiver for receiving information.

FIG. 6 illustrates a number of example screens according to one embodiment of the present invention.
The first screen 201 displays a main menu. The user performs inspection (“inspection”), visual inspection of a photo album (“photo album”), review of old inspection results (“history”), definition definition of display 20 and buzzer 140 (“setting”), or termination ("End") can be selected. If “inspection” is selected, an inspection screen 204 appears and the user selects between performing a single inspection (“single inspection”), a combined inspection (“composite inspection”), or a temperature inspection (“temperature”). be able to. When the single examination is selected, the single examination menu screen 206 is displayed, and the user can perform a temperature examination (“temperature”), an ECG examination (“ECG”), a BFA examination (“BFA”), and a heartbeat examination (“HR”). Or return to the main menu ("Menu").

  When the inspection (single inspection or combined inspection) is selected, an inspection command screen is displayed from the screens 210 to 218. Each of these test instruction screens includes the name of the selected test and instructions related to the test, such as pressing the first push button 52 and then pressing the ECG sensors 30 and 40.

  During the examination period, one of the examination progress images 220 to 228 is displayed. These screens provide visual instructions regarding the progress of the examination. A typical inspection progress screen can include a certain shape, and gradually fills this shape as the inspection progresses. Various shapes can be selected. The inventor used the following shape. Heart shape, thermometer, upper body of human body.

  Once the inspection is completed, one inspection result screen is displayed from the inspection result screens 230-240. The inspection result screen shows the inspection performed and the result of the inspection. Following the exam results screen, a selective save screen 242 can be displayed (after a predetermined time or after the user presses the push control button), where the user is asked if he wants to store the results.

  If the user chooses to adjust the settings of the compact monitor 10 (in response to the main menu screen), a settings selection screen 250 is displayed. The user can make a selection in the volume setting of the buzzer 140 (“volume increase / decrease”) or the brightness adjustment of the display 20 (“brightness increase / decrease”). When the former is selected, a volume adjustment screen 256 is displayed, and the user can increase or decrease the volume of the buzzer 140 using the second and third push control buttons 54 and 56. When the latter is selected, a brightness adjustment screen 258 is displayed and the user can increase or decrease the brightness of the display 20 using the second and third push control buttons 54 and 56.

  When the user selects to review the old inspection result (“history”), a result selection screen 260 is displayed, and the user can perform temperature inspection (“temperature”), ECG inspection (“ECG”), BFA inspection (“BFA”). ), Viewing previous results of various tests such as a heart rate test (“HR”) and returning to the main menu (“menu”). Following the selection, the previous test results are displayed from the screens 262 to 268.

  A compact monitor is conveniently provided. The compact monitor includes a processor such as processor 122, a mass storage unit, a user interface such as control push buttons 52-56, and a display 20. A compact monitor (such as compact monitor 10) generates a context-based reminder to perform at least one predefined action through a user interface and in response to input provided to the compact monitor. Determining completion of at least one predetermined action. Input can be supplied by the user. The input can be, for example, a text response that is entered by using a control push button. The input can be a word selected from a predefined word group. The input can also be an auditory input sensed by a microphone (not shown) of the compact monitor 10. The input also contacts one or more physiological sensors and causes the compact monitor to evaluate the user's condition and determines whether at least one predetermined action has been performed (in response to the evaluated condition). It can also involve doing. Input can also be supplied by elements other than the user. For example, if the user is requested to reach a location, the input (indicating the user's location) can be provided from a location determination system such as a GRP system.

In response to completing at least one predetermined action, the compact monitor may generate another reminder, and so on.
The compact monitor 10 responds to environmental parameters, responds to the user's physiological or mental state, and stores previously stored information (such as context and reminder definitions provided at least in part by the host computer). ) To generate a context-based reminder, etc.

  Various applications, such as medication reminders and confirmation applications, can use the contextual features of the compact monitor 10. A reminder for taking the medicine can be issued at a predetermined time. The user can be requested to confirm that the drug has been taken, and can be further encouraged to undergo a physiological test that can confirm that the drug has been taken.

FIG. 7 illustrates a health monitoring method 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
The method 200 begins at step 210 by storing a large amount of data (at least 8 megabytes) in a mass storage unit belonging to a compact monitor. The data can include images, icons, text, old health test results, context information, and the like. The mass storage unit may be a flash memory storage unit, such as flash storage integrated circuit 132. Information can be provided wirelessly (by a wireless transmitter included within the communication circuit), such as by using connector 70, and the like. Images and icons can be used in surveillance applications.

  In step 220 following step 210, physiological information is collected by at least one physiological sensor belonging to the compact monitor. Step 220 applies a first level of monitoring, applying a second level of monitoring, collecting physiological information without contacting the user, collecting physiological information while contacting the user. Etc. can be accompanied.

Step 230 following step 220 is responsive to the collected physiological information.
Stage 230 may include at least one of the following operations, or a combination thereof. (I) The host process is executed by the host data processor belonging to the personal health monitor. (Ii) extracting a physiological parameter in response to a detection signal provided by at least one physiological sensor; (Iii) Output information is output based on the extracted physiological parameter by the host data processor. (Iv) providing a defense record or command in response to at least one extracted parameter; (V) Information representing the collected physiological information is displayed on the display. Note that displaying can include displaying information on a graphic display.

  Stages 220 and 230 may include performing one or more tests, giving context-based reminders (and verifying that the user has acted according to the reminders), and the like. Note that multiple tests and multiple iterations of steps 220 and 230 can be performed before jumping to step 250.

  In step 250, following step 230, the connector is slid through an opening defined in the housing of the compact monitor. The connector is located on the outside of the housing so that it can be connected to another device such as a host computer. Conveniently, step 250 includes controlling sliding by a control element (such as a slider) configured to control the position of the connector.

  In step 260 following step 250, the compact monitor connector is connected to another device. Here, the connector provides mechanical support for the personal health monitor and the connector is electrically connected to the mass storage compact monitor.

  Stage 260 typically involves reading information from the mass storage unit, downloading contextual information or old test results, downloading application code, and the like.

FIG. 8 illustrates a health monitoring method 400 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
The method 400 begins at step 410, where the compact monitor monitors the user's status at the first monitoring level and evaluates whether the monitoring conditions are met.

  If the monitoring condition is satisfied, step 410 follows step 410 and proceeds to step 420. The monitoring condition can represent at least one of the following. (I) user mental state, (ii) environmental conditions, (iii) user heart rate, (iv) user heart condition, (v) user breathing.

  Note that step 410 can be performed without connecting to the user. For example, a compact monitor can perform a first level of monitoring while in a user's pocket, even in a user's handbag, and the like. An example of contactless monitoring can involve analyzing a user's voice and determining whether the user is stressed.

  Stage 420 includes generating a request to the user to change the monitoring level of the compact monitor through an alarm circuit if the monitoring conditions are met. The user can also be required to perform a health test, which requires the user to contact at least one physiological sensor of the compact device.

  In step 430 following step 420, if it is detected that the user has responded to the request by performing the requested action, the second mode of monitoring (what is first level monitoring is) by changing the monitoring mode. Apply different). Note that a new monitoring level can be applied by utilizing a compact monitor, but this is not necessarily so and other monitors can be used to apply a second level of monitoring. Keep it.

Conveniently, stage 430 can include examining the user's condition while the user is in contact with at least one physiological monitor of the compact monitor.
FIG. 9 illustrates a health monitoring method 500 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

  Method 500 begins at 510 and generates a context-based reminder to perform at least one predefined action through a compact monitor user interface including a processor coupled to a mass storage unit.

  Following step 510, step 520 determines completion of at least one predefined action in response to input provided to the compact monitor. The input can be supplied by the user (using a control push button, touching a sensor, etc.), but this is not necessarily so. For example, location information can be provided by a location determination component. The location determination component can be connected to a compact monitor (also in a wireless fashion) or it can be attached to the compact monitor.

  If at least one predefined action is completed, step 520 can be followed by step 510 to generate another reminder. Note that if at least one predefined action is completed, step 520 can be followed by step 530 to generate a completion indication. Following step 510, step 530 may be entered.

  If at least one predefined action has not been completed, step 520 can be followed to stage 540 to request the user to complete at least one predefined action. Prior to method 500, 540 can be performed a number of times, each iteration can involve displaying a different reminder to the user.

  The context can be defined by at least one of the following: Environmental parameters, at least one signal provided by at least one physiological sensor, previously stored information, information provided by the host computer.

  The various stages of method 500 may be performed by a drug reminder and confirmation application, a diet monitoring application, a fitness regimen application, and the like.

  For example, the medication monitoring application may remind the user to take the medication and send him a reminder until the appropriate medication is taken. The user can inform the user that the medicine has been taken by using the control push button. The additional notification may involve examining the user's physiological response and assessing whether the drug has been taken in response to the measured user condition. If you are running a fitness regimen application, you can require users to perform some of the main physical actions and verify that the physical actions are complete by location sensors, heart rate sensors, and / or accelerometers can do.

  It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the preferred embodiments of the present invention illustrated above, without departing from the scope defined by the appended claims and without departing from them. It will be easily recognized.

FIG. 1 illustrates a compact monitor according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a rear view of a compact monitor according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows the interior of the compact monitor of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows the interior of the compact monitor of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a compact monitor according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates a number of example screens according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 illustrates a user monitoring method according to various embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 8 illustrates a user monitoring method according to various embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 9 illustrates a user monitoring method according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Claims (57)

A compact monitor,
At least one physiological sensor;
A mass storage unit;
A connector electrically connected to the mass storage unit, the connector configured to mechanically support the compact monitor when the connector is fixedly connected to another device. When,
A compact monitor equipped with   The compact monitor according to claim 1, further comprising a host data processor.   The compact monitor of claim 2, wherein the host data processor is configured to extract a physiological parameter in response to a detection signal provided by at least one physiological sensor.   4. The compact monitor according to claim 3, wherein the upper data processor is configured to output information based on the extracted physiological parameter.   5. The compact monitor of claim 4, wherein the outputting of information comprises outputting a reminder or command to a person in response to at least one extracted parameter.   The compact monitor according to claim 1, further comprising a display.   The compact monitor of claim 6, wherein the display is a graphic display.   2. The compact monitor according to claim 1, wherein the compact monitor comprises a housing including an opening through which the connector can slide.   The compact monitor of claim 8, further comprising a control element configured to control the position of the connector. A health monitoring method,
Storing a large amount of data in a mass storage unit belonging to a compact monitor;
Collecting physiological information with at least one physiological sensor belonging to the compact monitor;
Fixedly connecting a connector of the compact monitor to another device, the connector providing mechanical support to a personal health monitor and electrically connecting the connector to the mass storage device; When,
A method.   11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of performing higher level processing by a higher level data processor belonging to the personal health monitor.   The method according to claim 10, wherein performing the higher-level processing includes extracting a physiological parameter in response to a detection signal supplied by the at least one physiological sensor.   13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising the step of outputting output information based on the extracted physiological parameter by the host data processor.   14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of providing a reminder or instruction in response to the at least one extracted parameter.   11. The method of claim 10, further comprising displaying information representing the collected physiological information on the display.   16. The method of claim 15, wherein the displaying step includes displaying the information on a graphic display.   11. The method of claim 10, further comprising sliding the connector in an opening defined in the compact monitor housing.   18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of controlling the sliding by a control element configured to control the position of the connector. A compact monitor comprising a processor coupled to an alarm circuit and at least one physiological sensor,
The compact monitor is configured to monitor the state of the user at the first monitoring level and evaluate whether the monitoring condition is satisfied,
In response to completion of the monitoring condition, the compact monitor is configured to issue a request to the user to change the monitoring level of the compact monitor device through the alarm circuit. .   The compact monitor according to claim 19, wherein the monitoring condition represents a mental state of a user.   20. The compact monitor according to claim 19, wherein the monitoring condition represents an environmental condition.   The compact monitor of claim 19, wherein the at least one physiological sensor comprises a heart rate sensor.   The compact monitor of claim 19, wherein the at least one physiological sensor comprises a heart condition sensor.   The compact monitor of claim 19, wherein the at least one physiological sensor comprises a respiration sensor.   20. The compact monitor of claim 19, further configured to change the monitoring mode after generating the request and performing an action requested by a user.   The compact monitor of claim 19, wherein the compact monitor is configured to apply the first monitoring level without touching a user.   27. The compact monitor of claim 26, wherein the compact monitor is configured to apply a second monitoring level while the user is in contact with at least one physiological sensor.   27. The compact monitor of claim 26, configured to issue a request to a user to contact at least one physiological sensor. A health monitoring method,
Monitoring a user's state at a first monitoring level with a compact monitor and evaluating whether the monitoring condition is satisfied;
If the monitoring condition is satisfied, issuing a request to the user to change the monitoring level of the compact monitor by an alarm circuit;
A method.   30. The method of claim 29, wherein the monitoring condition represents a user's mental state.   30. The method of claim 29, wherein the monitoring condition represents an environmental condition.   30. The method of claim 29, wherein the monitoring step comprises monitoring a user's heartbeat.     30. The method of claim 29, wherein the monitoring step comprises monitoring a user's heart condition.   30. The method of claim 29, wherein the monitoring step comprises monitoring a user's breathing.   30. The method of claim 29, further comprising changing the monitoring mode if it is detected that a user has responded to the request by performing a requested action.   30. The method of claim 29, wherein the monitoring includes applying the first monitoring level without touching a user.   30. The method of claim 29, wherein the monitoring includes applying a second monitoring level while the user is in contact with at least one physiological sensor.   30. The method of claim 29, wherein the issuing step comprises issuing a request to the user to contact at least one physiological sensor. A compact monitor,
A processor coupled to a mass storage unit and a user interface;
The compact monitor is configured to generate a context-based reminder to perform at least one predefined action through the user interface;
A compact monitor configured to determine completion of at least one predetermined action in response to an input provided to the compact monitor.   40. The compact monitor of claim 39, wherein the compact monitor is configured to generate a context-based reminder in response to environmental parameters.   40. The compact monitor of claim 39, further comprising at least one physiological sensor.   42. The compact monitor of claim 41, wherein the processor is configured to generate a context-based reminder in response to at least one signal provided by the at least one physiological sensor. .   43. The compact monitor of claim 42, wherein the processor is configured to generate a context-based reminder in response to previously stored information.   44. The compact monitor of claim 43, wherein the context is defined at least in part by information received from a computer.   40. The compact monitor of claim 39, wherein the input is provided by a user and the input is selected from a set of possible input words.   40. The compact monitor of claim 39, further configured to generate another reminder for the user if the at least one predetermined condition is not met. A user monitoring method,
Generating a context-based reminder to perform at least one predefined action through a compact monitor user interface comprising a processor coupled to the mass storage unit;
Determining completion of at least one predetermined action in response to input provided to the compact monitor;
A method.   48. The method of claim 47, wherein the generation is responsive to environmental parameters.   48. The method of claim 47, wherein the generation is responsive to at least one signal provided by at least one physiological sensor.   48. The method of claim 47, wherein the generation is responsive to previously stored information.   48. The method of claim 47, further comprising receiving information from a computer, wherein the generation is responsive to information received from the computer.   48. The method of claim 47, wherein the receiving step comprises receiving an input word selected from a set of possible input words.   48. The method of claim 47, further comprising generating another reminder for the user if the at least one predetermined condition is not met. A compact monitor,
At least one physiological sensor;
A mass storage device;
A communication circuit configured to transmit physiological information collected by the at least one physiological sensor;
A compact monitor equipped with   55. The compact monitor of claim 54, wherein the communication circuit is configured to transmit the physiological information wirelessly. A health monitoring method,
Storing a large amount of data in a mass storage unit belonging to a compact monitor;
Collecting physiological information with at least one physiological sensor belonging to the compact monitor;
Transmitting the physiological information;
A method.     57. The method of claim 56, wherein the transmitting step comprises the step of transmitting the physiological information wirelessly.

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