DE102021006294A1 - Portable vital meter - Google Patents

Abstract

Mobile device for recording vital parameters, wherein the device, which is placed on the wearer's body• has at least one sensor for recording a following vital parameter and the information that can be derived therefrom, such as temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation of the blood and others,• at least one transmission module for the transmission of the data obtained.

Description

The present invention relates to a portable vital measuring device, in particular in the form of a finger ring

• „die schnellstmögliche, fachgerechte medizinische Versorgung eines Individuums für den Fall von sich unerwartet ankündigenden und/oder plötzlich auftretenden Gesundheitsstörungen gewährleisten sollen, bei dem - personenbezogene, ein Optimum darstellende physiologische Normwerte des Individuums erfasst und in einer Auswerteeinheit gespeichert werden, - unter Verwendung eines Körper-Kontaktmoduls mindestens ein aktueller physiologischer Messwert des Individuums mittels mindestens eines dem Körper-Kontaktmodul zugeordneten Sensors gemessen und in physikalische Signale bzw. lesbare Daten umgewandelt wird, - die der Auswerteeinheit zugeführt und mit den gespeicherten Normwerten verglichen werden, wobei - bei unter Umständen lebensbedrohlichen Abweichungen der von dem Sensor erfassten Messwerte von den Normwerten ein Notrufsignal (C) mit gleichzeitiger Angabe der jeweiligen Abweichungen und des Standorts des Individuums an eine Zentraleinheit gesendet werden, - in die für die diversesten Krankheitsbilder als übergreifendes Service-Netzwerk die Daten von Kompetenzzentren, wie Krankenhäuser, Fachärzte, Dienstleister (z.B. Krankentransporte), Telekommunikationsunternehmen oder dergleichen eingespeichert worden sind, - und die an mindestens eines der ihr als am geeignetsten erscheinenden Kompetenzzentren ein Notrufsignal (C) über das Krankheitsbild und den Standort des Individuums übermittelt, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Auswerteeinheit vor Absenden eines Notrufsignals (C) an die Zentraleinheit - bei aktuellen Messwerten, die innerhalb vorgegebener tolerierbarer Grenzen der gespeicherten personenbezogenen Normenwerte liegen, an das Individuum ein Hinweis- bzw. Warnsignal (A) auf eine sich unter Umständen anbahnende Gesundheitsstörung abgibt, um dieses Individuum zu eigenen Aktivitäten zwecks Rückführung der aktuellen Messwerte in Richtung der optimalen Normwerte zu veranlassen, und - bei Abweichungen der aktuellen Messwerte, die außerhalb der tolerierbaren Grenzen liegend, aber noch nicht bedrohlich sind, an das Individuum ein Alarmsignal (B) abgibt mit gleichzeitigen, in die Auswerteeinheit eingespeicherten, an unterschiedliche Gesundheitsstörungen angepassten Empfehlungen zu sofortigen eigenständigen Aktivitäten bis zum Eingreifen von durch die Zentraleinheit benachrichtigten Kompetenzzentren.“

The inventor and his team have been developing sensor systems for measuring vital parameters for almost a decade. So are in the DE 10 2010 061 531 A1 , which was released in 2010 and in the DE 10 2015 117 053 five years later each method has been disclosed which

• "The aim is to ensure the fastest possible, professional medical care for an individual in the event of unexpected and/or sudden health problems, in which - personal, optimal physiological standard values of the individual are recorded and stored in an evaluation unit, - using a body - contact module, at least one current physiological measured value of the individual is measured using at least one sensor assigned to the body contact module and converted into physical signals or readable data, - which are fed to the evaluation unit and compared with the stored standard values, whereby - in the event of potentially life-threatening deviations of the measured values recorded by the sensor from the standard values, an emergency call signal (C) with simultaneous indication of the respective deviations and the location of the individual is sent to a central unit - in which the data from competence centers such as hospitals for the most diverse clinical pictures as a comprehensive service network , medical specialists, service providers (e.g. ambulance transport), telecommunications companies or the like have been stored, - and which transmits an emergency call signal (C) about the clinical picture and the location of the individual to at least one of the competence centers it deems most suitable, characterized in that the evaluation unit before sending an emergency call signal (C) to the central unit - in the case of current measured values that are within specified tolerable limits of the stored personal standard values, the individual emits a reference or warning signal (A) to a health disorder that may be imminent, to this individual to cause one's own activities to bring the current readings back towards the optimal standard values, and - in the event of deviations in the current readings that lie outside the tolerable limits but are not yet threatening, to send an alarm signal (B) to the individual with simultaneous, in Recommendations stored in the evaluation unit, adapted to different health disorders, for immediate independent activities until the competence centers notified by the central unit intervene.”

This fastest possible professional medical care is based on the recording of measured values, whereby each measured value is converted into physical signals and these are transmitted to a central unit via a bidirectional communication link. There, the data is evaluated by staff in competence centers and sent back to the transmitter with information. The procedures are used both for long-term monitoring and for the early detection of critical values. However, so far no practicable and mobile solutions for carrying out the method could be found. Because the conventional stationary monitoring systems from intensive care medicine, which can provide the data required above, have the decisive disadvantage that they are often voluminous. In addition, the sensors and electrodes are connected via cable connections, which also significantly restrict freedom of movement.

This is of course in contrast to the realization that in the continuity of biosignal acquisition, which is actually supposed to cover 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, only in this way can long-term trends and short-term occurrences be recorded.

In the intensive care units, which offer full-time observation and diagnosis or therapy for the respective patient, the recording of measurement data is guaranteed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, only those patients who urgently need intensive medical care with serious to life-threatening illnesses or injuries are treated there. Common abbreviations for the designation intensive care unit are therefore IS, IPS as an abbreviation of intensive care unit, ITS as an abbreviation of intensive care unit, IB as an abbreviation of intensive care unit, ICU as an abbreviation of English. intensive care unit and ITV as an abbreviation of intensive.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a mobile device which, due to the measurement and transmission of relevant vital parameter measurements, has the possibility of providing the wearer with information about his state of health 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

This object is achieved by the mobile device according to the invention for recording vital parameters, wherein the device, which rests on the body of the wearer, has at least one sensor for recording one of the following vital parameters and the information that can be derived therefrom, such as temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation of the blood and others, and has at least one transmission module for transmitting the data obtained.

As stated in the task, the present application strives for the measurement and transmission of vital parameters 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. It is therefore not far from the idea of resting these measurements on the principles of an intensive care unit, except that "normal, healthy" people are not examined here in their daily lives and informed about their condition.

The intensive care departments in hospitals differ from the other departments in that they use a wide range of technical equipment and employ more staff. In intensive care units, each nurse looks after only one to three patients at a time, while in normal wards up to twenty patients receive care from one nurse. More doctors are also deployed, so that a doctor is always present or available in the shortest possible time. This high personnel effort is not possible here. However, the use of all possible test devices and the signaling to medically managed stations for immediate and fastest possible medical care is given. The basis of the information and treatment methods are the measurement results of vital parameters.

Vital parameters are numbers that evaluate the basic functions of the human body. For the purposes of this application, other parameters and measurement results are also referred to as vital parameters. In fact, many measurement data that are not even considered relevant today are useful data for assessing a physical condition. Combinations of measurement data and metadata can also be used to assess the physical condition. Therefore, the term vital parameters is to be interpreted very broadly within the meaning of this application. These vital parameters are measured during medical physical examinations and provide information about the vital functions, namely the bodily functions that describe the life processes of a (here) human organism. This includes breathing, cardiovascular function, brain function, the water-electrolyte and acid-base balance, kidney function and heat balance. Basically, vital parameters are differentiated based on two types of measurement. On the one hand there is the discrete, time-oriented measurement, such as heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and respiratory rate. On the other hand, there is the continuous measurement, which includes the electrocardiogram (ECG) and the electroencephalography (EEG).

Symptoms that can be detected and treated early by such monitoring are heart attacks or severe cardiac arrhythmias, ARDS, pulmonary embolism, severe asthma attacks, pancreatitis, gastrointestinal bleeding and sepsis, kidney failure, pulmonary edema, (severe) pneumonia, suspected stroke. This list is intended only as an example and is therefore unfortunately incomplete. However, the information, warnings and advice should not only be given in cases of serious suspicion, but also take into account slight deviations from "normal".

Biosignals that can be determined non-invasively, such as the electrocardiogram (ECG), the photoplethysmogram (PPG) and oxygen saturation, are particularly suitable for personal healthcare systems.

The recording of a person's vital parameters and their evaluation allows conclusions to be drawn about the state of health of this person. This can lead to clues that the person himself does not perceive. Sensors for recording vital parameters are known, but they are being replaced at any time by newer sensors that measure more precisely. The mobility of the device according to the invention, which is intended to rest directly on the wearer's skin, limits the overall size of the device and thus also of the sensors installed thereon. The transmission module for transmitting the data obtained is well known in the prior art and does not need to be described separately.

In another embodiment of the mobile device for recording vital parameters, at least one sensor determines the vital parameters using the PPG method (photoplethysmography).

In this procedure, described in a very simplified way, light is guided into the skin and how much light is scattered back depending on the blood flow is measured. The light is scattered differently with a change in blood flow in a predictable way. Among other things, this causes a change in the pulse rate and a change in the blood volume recognized. As a rule, such a sensor for photoplethysmography (PPG) comprises one or two light sources (LEDs) whose light is introduced into the skin and a photodetector (photodiode and analog front end) which collects the reflected light. The analog signals are converted into digital information and meaningful heart rate data is created. Furthermore, the PPG sensor usually sits directly on the skin. Preferably, the PPG sensor is located on or in the inner surface of the ring so that it can come into direct contact with the skin on the side of the finger on which the ring is worn. The excitation wavelength of the PPG sensor is usually selected in such a way that it penetrates tissue and blood vessels. In this case, the incident light is absorbed, transmitted or reflected to the detector. As described above, an electrical signal is generated there that depends on the absorption in the tissue, veins and arteries. Only the part of the blood volume in the arteries that pulsates with the heartbeat is responsible for the changing signal part. The pulse can therefore be determined from the periodicity of the detector signal. A PPG sensor that works with red and/or infrared light is preferably used here. Depending on the part of the body, different wavelengths are suitable for these measurements. Green light is commonly used on the wrist. It has been observed that better results can be achieved on the finger or in the ear with red and infrared light. If the sensor works with infrared or red light, the oxygen saturation of the arterial blood can advantageously also be calculated from the measurement data. Two (or more) PPG sensors, which work with different light colors (different wavelengths), can preferably be arranged in the lateral section. At least one PPG sensor that works with red and/or infrared light and at least one other PPG sensor that works with green light are particularly preferred in the lateral section. Depending on the nature of the skin and/or tissue of a wearer of the ring, the red light may have difficulty passing through these layers. In this context, the green light can be used in particular to prepare the way (to put it in simple terms) for the red light. Preferably, in this context, the two sensors are set up, arranged and/or aligned with one another in such a way that the (green and red) light emitted by the sensors can extend at least partially in the same area through the wearer's finger. In a special embodiment, the frequency or wavelength of the light waves emitted by the sensors are adapted to the physical conditions of the wearer. The position of the sensors and the condition of the wearer's skin are individual factors that must be carefully considered and can falsify measurement results. This must be prevented by finding the right wavelengths of light. Such a calibration, ie individual adjustment of the sensors to the respective carrier, requires an examination and testing carried out by trained personnel, for example in the form of a test series, in which the optimum settings can then be found. In this way, a maximum blood flow signal is determined and the ambient noise is reduced to a minimum.

The measurement of the pulse and heart rate is used, among other things, for the detection and early detection of heart attacks and other heart problems, such as cardiac arrhythmias. However, further information is gained from the PPG wave that can be stored and processed. The respiratory rate, the oxygen saturation of the blood, the blood pressure, the blood circulation and the performance of the heart can be determined. Therefore, not only is the overall heart efficiency known, but an indicator of cardiovascular health is also given.

In a special embodiment of the device according to the invention, it is additionally provided with a clock sensor that measures the time difference between signal emission and signal reception. As a result, the penetration depth of the respective electromagnetic radiation can be precisely determined. The measurement results, which show the concentrations of the various substances, can now be located exactly. A concentration level profile can be created and evaluated. If you see this new process as an image, it is comparable to an echo sounder, except that the sound waves are replaced by light waves. Using certain wavelengths of light, you can now choose exactly which substance you want to detect. For example, oxygen, ammonium, carbon dioxide, alcohol, sugar and various other metabolites and their derivatives.

In a further embodiment, further emitters and the associated sensors are attached to the mobile device according to the invention, so that measurements can also be carried out in a different spectral range. It is well known that the emitter as well as the sensor can be specific to a certain bandwidth of the electromagnetic spectrum. A selective measurement of specific electromagnetic wavelengths is thus possible. The measured signal can be generated by reflection, absorption and refraction of the radiation waves in the tissue. Each signal can be used for evaluation and information can be obtained from it. Of course is strict It should be noted that only radiation that is harmless to the body is used. Of course, it also applies here that the time difference between emission and detection can be measured and evaluated in order to gain additional information.

In a special embodiment of the device according to the invention, it is designed as a finger ring. The design of the mobile device for recording vital parameters as a ring now has the proven advantages of portability, small size and easy handling, because the ring can be easily slipped on by the wearer, it can be easily reached by him or another person and is therefore easy to use . This can be supplemented by other mobile devices that also take measurements and forward the data obtained via a transmission module for processing. In this context, finger and ear clips are conceivable. Bracelets and chest straps are suitable for use. In principle, the devices according to the invention are to be worn there, ie on those parts of the body, which allow a meaningful measurement. The mobile devices also do not have to be worn all day. Some measurements only have to be carried out once a day, so there is no reason to burden yourself with all the sensors mentioned above all day long.

In a very special embodiment of the invention, it is equipped with sensors that detect the substances excreted through the skin and the breath.

The metabolism of every human being serves to maintain the vital bodily functions. Substances are also produced here that the metabolism cannot further utilize and are therefore eliminated. If there are physical malfunctions or deficiency symptoms, substances are produced that should not be present in such a form and in these quantities. Some of these substances remain in the body, and some are also excreted. It can be excreted through the breath or through the skin. The substances can be in gaseous or dissolved form. A measurement of the partial pressure of a gas in the blood can be carried out via the breathing air or on the skin's surface. In any case, they can be measured. The excretion of acetone or other ketone bodies through the skin indicates possible malfunctions (diabetes). These substances should actually continue to be "burned" in the body and not be sweated out in large quantities through the skin. In this way, a possible ketoacidosis can be diagnosed and treated at an early stage. Ammonium, another blood gas, can also be detected in the breath or in dissolved form. The measurement of the ammonium concentration allows all analyzes that are otherwise based on the determination of the urea concentration in the blood. Carbon dioxide can also be measured using both methods. Here breathing and oxygen saturation are examined and assessed. An increase in carbon dioxide concentration can indicate insufficient or even no breathing.

A combination of a more complex check, usually in the morning, and the subsequent periodic or continuous selection check has proven to be a conceivable procedure for thoroughly determining the individual daily body parameters. The thorough check can be done with a variety of devices, while the selective check is done "only" with the appropriate devices that do not interfere with the wearer's activities. The currently measured data is always compared with other test data that is already available. In this way, any deviation can be recognized and assessed.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the device has a rapid alarm module which, given certain measured data, emits a signal which can be recognized by the wearer of the device. This module can and must be viewed very critically, since an alarm always causes stress for its wearer. However, there are situations in which an alarm is useful for the wearer and his environment. Microsleep caused by lack of oxygen and lack of sleep announces itself with certain measurable symptoms. If these are detected by the sensors and the wearer has activated the alarm function, he will be woken up. This can be done with a vibration module, an acoustic wake-up call or similar.

In a very special embodiment of the ring according to the invention, this is characterized in that the ring has an upper section, a lower section, two side sections and an alignment means, the alignment means being designed in such a way that the ring is only worn on the respective finger of the wearer when it is worn in a particular orientation, the orientation placing the top portion of the ring on the back of the finger and placing the bottom portion of the ring on the inside of the finger, and the ring having at least one sensor on one of the side portions. The alignment tool in combination with the carefully selected arrangement of the sensor support the determination of the measurement data. The measurements taken at the edge of the finger, i.e. on the side of the finger, benefit from the delicate, permeable skin that is free of calluses and calluses, and which also does not show any disturbing hair growth. The vital parameters measurements can be taken here without disruption. The measurement accuracy therefore increases at this point. However, the alignment means must also ensure that the sensor's lateral position is accurately maintained during wear.

The alignment means can be implemented, for example, via the (outer) contour or shape of the ring. The term contour refers here in particular to the course of the outer boundary of the annular body in a cross-sectional area which is orthogonal to the axis of rotation or central axis of the inner boundary of the annular body. The "inner boundary" is the area that contacts the skin of the finger when worn. The ring can also have, for example, side flanks or at least partially straight side faces, on which a finger adjacent to the finger on which the ring is worn can come to rest, in order to allow the ring to rotate in the circumferential direction around the finger limit. Alternatively or cumulatively, it can be provided that the ring (body) is thicker in the upper section and/or in the lower section of the ring (with greater wall thickness and/or with a larger cross-sectional area) than in at least one of the lateral sections. In addition, it can be provided that the ring has a curvature in at least one of the lateral sections or in both lateral sections that is less than the curvature in the upper section and/or the lower section of the ring.

Furthermore, it can be provided as an alternative or cumulative alignment means that an additional weight is arranged in the lower section. This weight can be attached to the ring body (e.g. molded on) and/or integrated into it. The additional weight can help the ring stay in, or at least return to, the desired orientation during regular wear of the ring.

A second (or third) ring can also be coupled to the ring according to the invention as an alignment means and thus prevent a change in position. These two rings are arranged relative to one another in such a way that their central axes are aligned parallel to one another. This second (or third) ring can thereby or thereby be worn on a finger adjacent to the finger on which the ring is worn and thus contribute to fixing the alignment of the ring on the finger. All of these individual exemplary embodiments show the importance and relevance of the alignment means which ensures that the position of the ring on the wearer's finger always remains the same and is in a location which allows for high measurement accuracy of the sensor.

The function of the alignment means, which of course is available in many different embodiments, can be supported by a precise fit of the ring on the finger of its wearer. The shape, size, thickness and length of fingers differ from person to person. Custom-made products can be made here, but there may also be options for manual ring size adjustments on the ring. Here, however, ideas for ring enlargement or ring reduction are already known, so that everyone can get their custom-fit ring. It is also possible to equip the inside of the ring with an expansion area or an elastic material so that it automatically adapts to the circumference of the finger. The expansion area can be generated by a ring segment or a ring section in the circumferential direction of the ring.

An inner layer or ply of the ring may also define an area of stretch. The inner (expansion) layer usually forms the surface that lies on the skin of the finger. This layer can extend completely around the inner circumference of the ring or around only part of the inner circumference of the ring. Furthermore, the stretching properties can be at least partially improved with a stretchable and/or elastic material, such as an elastic plastic (rubber, caoutchouc, etc.). Alternatively or cumulatively, a material known as “liquid wood” can be used for the expandable and/or elastic material. Liquid wood is a biomaterial that is mainly made from the two wood components lignin and cellulose. It is particularly advantageous for medical and/or clinical applications, since it allows the manufacture of annular bodies that are as sterile as possible and advantageously have smooth surfaces. Other materials such as metal or plastic may require additional antiseptic treatments such as coatings to prevent allergies, for example. Surprisingly, it turned out that corresponding treatments for ring bodies made of liquid wood are not necessary. Ring bodies made of liquid wood can be produced particularly preferably in a three-dimensional printing process or in an additive, layered manufacturing process. To produce liquid wood, for example, lignin can be mixed with natural fibers (cellulose, flax, hemp or other fiber plants) and/or natural additives and a fiber composite material that can be processed, in particular with an increase in temperature and/or pressure, is obtained. In addition, the rings or ring bodies can be manufactured in various standard ring sizes. This is particularly advantageous in the case of industrially manufactured products and is easy to implement if the production figures allow it.

Of course, the ring should also have other sensors. The sensors for recording the following vital parameters and the information that can be derived from them, such as temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation of the blood have already been mentioned. They can also be arranged on the lateral sections or also on the upper or lower section of the ring for interference-free recording of measurement results. Odor sensors and pressure sensors can also supplement the measurement results, so the smell of certain substances (e.g. acetone) can provide an indication of diabetes. A motion and acceleration sensor, as well as a location sensor, also supports the evaluation of the data obtained, since the activities of the wearer can be derived here, among other things. Furthermore, the orientation and stability of the ring in this position is aided by a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape in the upper portion of the ring. In this context, the cross section refers in particular to a plane which is parallel and/or tangential to the central axis of the inner boundary of the annular body. In addition, this plane may be orthogonal to a (vertical) axis of the ring (vertical axis) passing through the lower portion and the upper portion of the ring. This essentially rectangular cross-sectional shape can contribute to the alignment of the ring and thus also form at least part of the alignment means.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the ring and its shape, it is proposed that the sensor arranged in the lateral section is arranged in an angular range of 60° to 120°, preferably 70 to 110° and particularly preferably 75° to 105°. The angle specification refers to a (vertical) axis of the ring (vertical axis), which runs through the lower section and through the upper section of the ring. The angular range lies in a plane which is orthogonal to the axis of rotation or central axis of the inner boundary of the annular body.

Since the ring is a medical item, it is also subject to high hygiene requirements in accordance with medical standards. The ring and the at least one sensor together form a medical system, which can also be completed with additional components.

One possibility of a system is the interaction of the ring with an assistant, the smartphone, a PDA or the like and a connection to a network of the competence centers that have already been described many times. The ring itself can communicate with the assistant via a radio link, but it can also transmit the data directly to the network of competence centers. The ring can save the measured values and data itself and even generate further information with software. However, he can also send the measured values, data and information to the assistant. Who processes, stores or even only forwards them. It is only important that the interaction of the system components works smoothly and that the measured values are recorded, processed and interpreted without any problems, in order to then promptly transmit feedback to the ring carrier. The measured values and data can also be stored on external storage. USB interfaces on the ring and/or on the assistant are ideal here.

The following example is provided for illustrative purposes and is not intended to be limiting.

For example, a network can consist of at least one ring described here that can be worn on a human finger and a hospital control center, with the ring being set up to transmit at least one measured value to the hospital control center. The hospital control center can be, for example, a digital administration facility of a hospital or a ward of a hospital or a clinic. For example, data from several rings, which transmit measured values or vital parameters to the hospital control center, can be visualized at least partially in parallel or simultaneously on a display of the hospital control center. If necessary, the data can be visualized depending on the relevance of the data and/or depending on the state of health that this data describes. If the rings only transmit measured values, it can be provided that the hospital control center evaluates the measured values for one or more of the rings in order to determine vital parameters from them and/or make them visible. As an alternative or in addition to a display in the hospital control center, the measurement data from the rings can also be transmitted directly or via the hospital control center to the portable computers (tablets) of the hospital staff. In the latter case, the evaluation can be carried out by the hospital control center or directly on the portable computers. In other words, this means in particular that the hospital control center can assess measurement data transmitted to it from one or more rings (raw data measured by the respective ring). Provision can also be made for the hospital control center to emit a signal in the event of unusual data. The signal can, for example, be visualized on a central computer or display of the clinic control center and/or, if necessary, also output directly acoustically. Especially in the rehabilitation area alternatively or cumulatively to the assessment via the clinic control center, an assessment can also be made using a mobile application (so-called “app”), which is implemented on a portable computer (tablet) or smartphone of the clinic or rehabilitation staff. This application can also prompt the portable computer or smartphone to emit an audible signal when unusual data is detected. In addition, a traffic light system can be implemented in the hospital control center and/or the mobile application, which allows conclusions to be drawn about the condition of the respective ring bearer (e.g. through a traffic light system, green: everything is fine; yellow: no threatening situation, but change; red: it will be in a hurry). In principle, an evaluation or assessment using a mobile application (so-called “app”), which is implemented on a portable computer (tablet) or smartphone of the ring wearer, is also conceivable. In order to avoid the risk that the ring bearer mutes his mobile device (possibly accidentally) and an acoustic signal is not emitted as a result, the application can provide that when a medically critical situation is detected (red situation in the traffic light system), a rescue procedure is automatically initiated via the application, for example by making an emergency call to a rescue control center. In particular, this can occur if the wearer does not respond to a request by the application, for example to touch and/or slide a specific button and/or enter a specific code, within a predetermined period of time (e.g. 10 minutes). reacted.

The measured values, information and data are evaluated by suitable software, whereby it is of course important to know the time, place and activity in order to analyze and interpret the measured values as correctly as possible. Odor sensors and pressure sensors can supplement the measurement results.

Additional tools are needed for this, which do not necessarily have to be present on the ring, but can also be present on the assistant.

• • ein Positionssensor,
• • ein Ausrichtungssensor,
• • ein Beschleunigungssensor,
• • ein Mikrofon und
• • ein Lautsprecher

das System ergänzen ebenfalls Daten erheben bzw. Informationen aufnehmen und ausgeben und/oder entweder selbst auswerten oder zur Auswertung zu dem Netzwerk der Kompetenzzentren weitergeben.For example, should

• • a position sensor,
• • an orientation sensor,
• • an acceleration sensor,
• • a microphone and
• • a speaker

complement the system also collect data or record and output information and/or either evaluate it yourself or pass it on to the network of competence centers for evaluation.

The position sensor and alignment sensor indicate the position of the wearer, this allows conclusions to be drawn about his actions, just as place and time can help explain the activities. The accuracy of the measured values can be increased using pattern recognition and context recognition. The software required for this can be provided.

1. a) Bereitstellen eines hier beschriebenen, an einem Finger eines Menschen tragbaren Rings, mit dem mindestens ein Messwert erfasst wird,
2. b) Übermitteln des mindestens einen Messwerts von dem Ring an eine Auswerteeinrichtung,
3. c) Auswerten des mindestens einen Messwerts, um einen Vitalparameter des Menschen zu erfassen.

The inventive system presented here can be carried out using a method for recording and evaluating vital parameters, which comprises at least the following steps:

1. a) Provision of a ring as described here, wearable on a human finger, with which at least one measured value is recorded,
2. b) transmission of the at least one measured value from the ring to an evaluation device,
3. c) evaluating the at least one measured value in order to record a vital parameter of the human.

The specified sequence of steps a), b) and c) is merely an example. Steps a), b) and c) can be carried out at least once in the order given. Alternatively or cumulatively, steps a), b) and c) can also be carried out at least partially in parallel or even simultaneously. In particular, measurements are taken with the ring at least every four seconds. The associated measurement results (vital parameters) are still preferably evaluated to at least four digits after the decimal point (precisely). This advantageously allows a medical plausibility of the measurement results to be recognized.

According to a further aspect, the use of a ring, which is described here and can be worn on a human finger, is also proposed for detecting at least one measured value from which a vital parameter of the human can be derived. The ring is preferably worn on an index finger, middle finger or ring finger. As a result, the ring can advantageously be protected by at least one external finger on each side. The details, features and advantageous configurations discussed in connection with the ring can accordingly also occur in the network, the method and/or the use presented here and vice versa. In this respect, full reference is made to the statements there for a more detailed characterization of the features.

All features of the ring according to the invention that have been presented so far or of a similar device that can record vital parameters show the high relevance of the invention for health care, maintenance and determination. The technical devices and components mentioned here in this application are basically developed in such a way and work together in such an optimal way that they are medically relevant. This is confirmed by reports and medical approval is currently being examined. The similar devices mentioned above mean here sensors for measuring vital parameters on the ankles, on the breastbone or on the neck. The exact position of the sensor-carrying device depends very much on the respective individual and can therefore only work optimally if it has been set optimally and individually and adapted to the respective wearer.

In the following, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention are discussed with reference to the drawing.

• 1: eine beispielhafte Ausgestaltung eines hier beschriebenen,an einem Finger eines Menschen tragbaren Ringes in Schnittansicht,
• 2: eine beispielhafte Ausgestaltung eines hier beschriebenen Netzwerks, und
• 3: einen beispielhaften Ablauf eines hier beschriebenen Verfahrens.

It shows as an example and schematically:

• 1 : an exemplary embodiment of a ring described here that can be worn on a human finger, in a sectional view,
• 2 : an exemplary embodiment of a network described here, and
• 3 : an exemplary sequence of a method described here.

Example 4: Schematic of the calibration and networking of the device

Reference List

1

ring

2

upper section

3

lower section

4

lateral section

5

lateral section

6

alignment means

7

sensor

8th

sensor

9

cross-sectional shape

10

angle range

11

ring body

12

network

13

clinic control center

14

evaluation device

15

transmission facility

16

energy storage

1 shows schematically an exemplary embodiment of a ring 1 described here that can be worn on a human finger . A measured value from which a vital parameter of the human being can be derived can be recorded with the sensors 7, 8. The alignment means 6 is set up in such a way that the ring 1 can assume a predetermined alignment when worn on the finger, in which the upper section 2 is arranged in the area of the back of the hand and the lower section in the area 3 of the palm of the hand. The alignment means 6 is implemented here by way of example via the outer contour of the ring 1 . One of the sensors 7 is arranged in one of the lateral sections 4 . This advantageously allows the measurement to be carried out on the side of the finger. Thus, the measurements can be carried out in an area of the finger that usually has very little to no hair growth and usually very little to no calluses or calluses. This contributes to the fact that the measurement accuracy of vital parameter measurements can be improved. In this context, the alignment means contributes to the fact that the lateral position of the sensor can also be maintained while it is being carried. The sensor 7 arranged in the lateral section 4 is, for example, a PPG sensor. The additional sensor 8 is a temperature sensor, for example. In 1 It can also be seen that the ring 1 has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape 9 in the upper section 2 . This contributes here, for example, to the shaping of the outer contour of the ring 1 and thus also to the formation of the alignment means 6 . The sensor 7 arranged in the lateral section 4 is arranged, for example, in an angular range 10 of 60° to 120°. Furthermore, the ring body 11 of the ring 1 is formed here by way of example with the material liquid wood.

In addition, the ring 1 has an energy store 16 here, for example. This can be formed, for example, in the manner of an electric battery or a rechargeable electric accumulator. In addition, the ring 1 has a transmission device 15 here, for example. This can be in the form of a radio transmission device, for example, in order to transmit data via radio to an evaluation device, for example.

2 shows a schematic of an exemplary embodiment of a network 12 described here. The network 12, for example, comprises a ring 1, described here, which can be worn on a human finger, and a hospital control center 13, with the ring 1 being set up to send at least one measured value to the hospital control center 13 above average For this purpose, the ring 1 can, for example, transmit data via the transmission device 15 (cf. 1 ) to the hospital control center 13, for example by radio. The hospital control center 13 can include an evaluation device 14 for evaluating the data transmitted by the ring 1 .

3 shows schematically an exemplary sequence of a method described here. The method is used to record at least one vital parameter of a person. The sequence of steps a), b) and c) represented by blocks 110, 120 and 130 is an example and can thus occur in a regular operating sequence. In block 110, according to step a), a ring 1, which is described here and can be worn on a human finger, is provided, with which at least one measured value is recorded. In block 120, according to step b), the at least one measured value is transmitted from the ring 1 to an evaluation device 14. In block 130, according to step c), the at least one measured value is evaluated in order to record a vital parameter of the person.

For example, the evaluation device 14 can be integrated into a hospital control center 13 (cf. 2 ) and/or is connected to it using signals. A ring that can be worn on a human finger, a network with the ring, a method for detecting at least one vital parameter of a human and a use of the ring are specified that measure the accuracy of vital parameter measurements carried out using a ring that can be worn on a human finger become, improve.

The technical devices and components mentioned here in this application are basically developed in such a way and work together in such an optimal way that they are medically relevant. This is confirmed by reports and medical approval is currently being examined. It is not presumptuous to say that the inventive device is or replaces a portable intensive care unit with regard to the recording and evaluation of relevant medical measurement values.

Example 4 shows schematically how the sensor system works, its calibration and networking. The wearer has his body and vital parameters measured under the supervision of trained medical staff. The data obtained from these measurements represent his individual base values. Deviations from these data therefore represent an impairment. This is not worrying at first, since living conditions naturally have an impact on the parameters to be measured. In a subsequent step, the vital parameters are possibly measured daily again with the help of sensors. Mobile, but also other measuring devices can be used for this purpose. The data from these measurements now represent the current data. The measuring devices used for this can provide even more precise values than those used by the convenient mobile device, for example the ring, for the rest of the day. So you can think of a breath analyzer that measures the blood gases in the morning and thus provides the daily blood gas value. Such a breath analyzer does not have to be carried around in your pocket all the time. The values corresponding to this are now measured periodically or continuously by the mobile vital parameter measuring device. There is therefore a large amount of data and measurement results, which are compared and evaluated in order to protect the respective wearer. The mobile devices can be in the form of a ring, upper arm band, neck band, wrist band or even a bracelet. Several different mobile devices can also be carried by a carrier and coupled in such a way that they work together. This can be necessary if a measured value can be measured particularly precisely on the neck of a wearer. Here this function is deactivated in the ring and activated in the mobile neckband.

The method mentioned here in this example for obtaining as much data as possible to assess a carrier can of course also be applied to a large number of users. The more data is available and evaluated, the more correlations and connections can be recognized by specialists or even an AI. Data protection must of course be observed.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• DE 102010061531 A1 [0002]
• DE 102015117053 [0002]

Claims (14)

Mobile device for recording vital signs, the device resting on the wearer's body • has at least one sensor for recording one of the following vital parameters and the information that can be derived therefrom, such as temperature, heart rate, pulse rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation of the blood and others and • has at least one transmission module for transmitting the data obtained. Mobile device for recording vital parameters claim 1 , characterized in that at least one sensor determines the vital parameters using the PPG method (photoplethysmography), with an additional clock sensor for recording and measuring the time difference between signal emission and signal detection being present. Mobile device for recording vital parameters according to one of the first two claims, characterized in that the device has further emitters and sensors which act in a range from 400 nm to 900 nm. Mobile device for recording vital parameters according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device has a sensor for recording acetone and/or carbon dioxide and/or ammonium. Mobile device for recording vital parameters according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device has a rapid alarm module which, given certain measured data, emits a signal recognizable by the wearer of the device. System consisting of at least one mobile device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein this interacts with at least one other device for recording vital parameters and the data obtained from this system are transmitted via the transmission module. Mobile device for recording vital parameters according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mobile device is designed as a finger ring, the ring having an upper section, a lower section, two lateral sections and an alignment means, and the alignment means being designed in such a way , the ring only rests in a certain orientation when it is worn on the respective finger of the wearer, with the orientation placing the upper section of the ring on the back of the finger and placing the lower section of the ring on the inside of the finger and the ring having at least one sensor, in particular a PPG sensor or a temperature sensor on one of the lateral sections. ring after claim 7 , characterized in that the ring body is partially made of an elastic material, in particular liquid wood. Ring after one of Claims 7 until 8th , characterized in that the ring has an expansion area. Monitoring system consisting of the device according to one of Claims 1 until 9 , an assistant with a radio link module for communication with the ring and a competence center Monitoring system consisting of the device according to one of Claims 1 until 9 equipped with software for automatic pattern and context recognition. Method for detecting vital parameters with a device according to claims 1 until 9 . Method for recording vital parameters, characterized in that the sensors for recording the parameters are calibrated to the individual physical characteristics of the respective wearer. Use of the device according to claims 1 until 9 for recording vital parameters and/or evaluating them.

Images