ES2429364T3 - Apparatus for monitoring health, well-being and fitness - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for detecting, monitoring and reporting human state information, which comprises a sensor device (10, 400, 700) that includes at least two sensors selected from the group consisting of physiological sensors and contextual sensors, said physiological sensors being adapted to facilitate generation of the data indicative of one or more physiological parameters of a person, said contextual sensors being adapted to facilitate the generation of data indicative of one or more contextual parameters of said person, said sensors being adapted to facilitate the generation of data indicative of at least a first parameter and a second parameter of a person, and a memory (22) for recoverable storage of said data indicative of at least said first parameter and said second parameter, a computing device (35, 490, 750) in electronic communication with said sensor device ( 10, 400, 700), generating said di computing device (35, 490, 750) derived data based on said indicative data of at least said first parameter and said second parameter, said derived data comprising a third parameter of said person, and an output device (455, 575, 730 , 735, 740) to transmit to said person at least one of said data indicative of at least said first parameter and said second parameter and said derived data, characterized in that the apparatus also comprises a wireless transceiver (565) for wireless electronic communication with a device (558) separated from said apparatus, said computing device (35, 490, 750) being programmed to control the device (558) separated from said apparatus to perform an operation, said operation being based on at least one of said data indicative of the under said first parameter, said data indicative of said second parameter, and said third parameter.

Description

Apparatus for monitoring health, well-being and fitness

5 Technical field

The present invention relates to a system for monitoring health, well-being and fitness, and, in particular, to a system for collection, using a sensor device, and for storage in a remote data site in relation to the physiological state of a person, the lifestyle, and various contextual parameters and based on this data, make this data and this analytical information available to the person, preferably through an electronic network. In addition, the present invention also relates to an apparatus for monitoring health, well-being and fitness, and, in particular, to an apparatus that includes one or more sensors for collecting and storing data related to the physiological state of a person and several contextual parameters, and based on this data make such data and analytical information available to the person.

Prior art

Research has shown that a large number of the main health problems in society are caused in whole or in part by an unhealthy lifestyle. Increasingly, our society requires that people lead accelerated lifestyles, oriented towards achievements that often cause poor eating habits, high levels of tension, lack of exercise, poor sleep habits and the inability to find the time to focus Mind and relax. Recognizing this fact, people are increasingly interested in establishing a healthier lifestyle.

25 Traditional medicine, represented in the form of WHO or similar organizations, does not have the time, training or reimbursement mechanism to meet the needs of people interested in a healthier lifestyle. There have been several attempts to meet the needs of these people, including an infusion of fitness programs and exercise equipment, diet plans, self-help books, alternative therapies, and, more recently, a lot of information from websites with health information on the Internet. Each of these attempts is aimed at empowering the person to take charge and be healthy. Each of these attempts, however, addresses only part of the needs of people who seek a healthy lifestyle and disregard many of the real barriers that most people face when faced with. Try to adopt a healthier lifestyle. These barriers include the fact that the person often abandons himself to find motivation, to implement a

35 plan to achieve a healthy lifestyle, to monitor progress, and to generate solutions when problems arise; The fact is that existing programs address only certain aspects of a healthy lifestyle, and are rarely a complete package, and the fact is that the recommendations do not usually address the unique characteristics of the person or their circumstances. lifetime.

Document DE 19911766 discloses a procedure and a device for determining pertinent information of sports medicine and training, such as the current speed, average speed, distance traveled, stopwatch, time, direction, geographical position, distance from the start, heart rate, EKG , body temperature, height above sea level, and calories used for sports that can be done anywhere. These parameters are determined by identifying the geographic position data in relation to the values

45 biological characteristics.

Disclosure of the invention

The present invention provides an apparatus for detecting, monitoring and reporting human state information as claimed in claim 1.

In a preferred embodiment, the system includes a sensor device that generates at least one of data indicative of one or more physiological parameters and data derived from at least a portion of the data indicative of one or more physiological parameters when placed in proximity with at least a portion of the human body.

55 The system also includes a central monitoring unit located remotely from the sensor device. The central monitoring unit generates an analytical state.

WO 00/47108 discloses an outpatient monitor that is used to increase patient compliance in taking medications, reporting side effects, disease progression, symptoms, and / or the effect of treatment. The preferred embodiment includes the monitor, an alert generator, a controller, a screen, a sensor and a communication port for the patient. The sensor may be a physiological sensor and / or an environmental sensor and / or a motion sensor.

The data of at least one of the data indicative of one or more physiological parameters, the derived data, and the

65 analytical status data have been previously generated. The central monitoring unit also includes a data storage device to store the data it receives and generates in a recoverable way. The system described also includes means for establishing electronic communication between the sensor device and the central monitoring unit. Examples may include various known types of long-range wireless transmission devices, or a short-range physical or wireless coupling to a computer, which in turn establishes electronic communication with the central monitoring unit through a network.

5 electronics such as the Internet. Also included in the system are means for the transmission of the indicative data of one or more physiological parameters, the derived data, and / or the analytical status data to a recipient, such as the person or a third party authorized by the person.

A procedure for detecting, monitoring and providing human physiological information is also described. The procedure includes the generation of at least one of the indicative data of one or more physiological parameters of a set of individual data and derived from at least a portion of the indicative data of one or more physiological parameters using a sensor device adapted to be placed in proximity with at least a part of the human body. The at least one of the indicative data of one or more physiological parameters and the derived data are transmitted to a central remote monitoring unit of said sensor device and are

15 stored recoverable on a storage device. Analytical status data is generated from at least a portion of at least one of the indicative data of one or more physiological parameters, derived data and analytical status data, and at least one of the indicative data of one or more More physiological parameters, derived data and analytical status data are transmitted to a recipient.

The sensor device includes one or more sensors to generate signals in response to the physiological characteristics of the person. The sensor device may also include a processor that is adapted to generate the data indicative of one or more physiological parameters of the signals generated by the one or more sensors. The processor may also be adapted to generate the derived data. Alternatively, derived data can be generated by the central monitoring unit.

The central monitoring unit may be adapted to generate one or more web pages containing the data indicative of one or more physiological parameters, the derived data, and / or the analytical status data. The web pages generated by the central monitoring unit are accessible by the recipient through an electronic network, such as the Internet. Alternatively, data indicative of one or more physiological parameters, derived data, and / or analytical status data may be transmitted to the recipient in a physical form, such as email or fax.

The system and the procedure can also obtain data on activities of the person's life and can use that data on life activities when the analytical status data is generated. In addition, the sensor device may also be adapted to generate data indicative of one or more contextual parameters of the person. The system and the procedure below can use the indicative data of one

or more contextual parameters when the analytical state data is generated.

A system for monitoring the degree to which a person has followed a predetermined routine is also described. The system includes a sensor device adapted to generate at least one of the data indicative of one or more physiological parameters of the individual data and derived from at least a portion of the data indicative of one or more physiological parameters when the sensor device is placed in the proximity with at least a portion of the human body. Also included are means for transmitting the data generated by the sensor device to a remote central monitoring unit of the sensor device and some

45 means for providing activity data of the person's life to the central monitoring unit. The central monitoring unit is adapted to generate and provide information to a receiver in relation to the degree to which the person has followed the predetermined routine. Feedback is generated from at least a portion of at least one of the data indicative of one or more physiological parameters, the derived data, and the life activity data.

A procedure for monitoring the degree to which a person has followed a predetermined routine is also described. The procedure includes receiving, in a central monitoring unit, at least one of the indicative data of one or more physiological parameters of said individual and derived data based on at least a portion of the indicative data of one or more physiological parameters, where the indicative data of one

55 or more physiological parameters and derived data are generated by a sensor device when placed in proximity to at least a portion of the human body. Data on the activities of the person's life are also received in the central monitoring unit. The procedure also includes the generation in the central feedback monitoring unit in relation to the degree to which the person has followed the predetermined routine, the feedback being generated from at least a portion of at least one of the indicative data of one or more more physiological parameters of the person, derived data, and data of life activities, and providing feedback to a recipient.

The predetermined routine may include a plurality of categories, in which feedback is generated and provided with respect to each of the categories. Examples of the categories include nutrition, activity level, mind centering, sleep and daily activities. Feedback can be provided in graphic or textual form and can be contained in one or more web pages generated by the unit of

central monitoring Alternatively, the feedback can be transmitted to the receiver in a physical form.

An alternative system for the detection, monitoring and presentation of human physiological information is also disclosed. The system includes a sensor device adapted to be placed in contact with the part

5 upper arm of a person. The sensor device includes at least one of an accelerometer, a GSR sensor and a heat flow sensor and is adapted to generate data indicative of at least one of the activity, the galvanic response of the skin, and the heat flow of the person carrying the sensor device. The sensor device may also be adapted to generate data derived from at least part of the data indicative of at least one of the activity, the galvanic response of the skin and the heat flow. The sensor device may include a computer case and a flexible wing body having a first and second wings adapted to wrap around a portion of the person's arm. The sensor device may also be adapted to provide audible, visible or tactile information to the user.

The system also includes a central monitoring unit placed remotely from the sensor device. The

The central monitoring unit generates analysis status data of at least one of the data indicative of at least one of the activity, the galvanic response of the skin and heat flow, the derived data, and the analytical status data that They have been previously generated. The central monitoring unit can also be adapted to generate data derived from the data indicative of at least one of the activity, the galvanic response of the skin and the heat flow. The central monitoring unit also includes a data storage device to retrievably store the data it receives and generates. The described system also includes means for establishing electronic communication between the sensor device and the central monitoring unit. Also included in the system is a means for the transmission of the data indicative of at least one of the activity, the galvanic response of the skin and the heat flux, the derived data, and / or the analytical status data to a recipient, such as the person or a third party authorized by the person.

25 The central monitoring unit may be adapted to generate one or more web pages containing data indicative of at least one of the activity, the galvanic response of the skin and heat flow, the derived data, and / or the data of analytical state The web pages generated by the central monitoring unit are accessible by the recipient through an electronic network, such as the Internet. Alternatively, the data indicative of at least one of the activity, the galvanic response of the skin and the heat flux, the derived data, and / or the analytical status data can be transmitted to the receiver in a physical form, such as a Email or fax.

The system can also obtain activity data from the person's life and can use these data life activities when the analytical status data is generated. In addition, the sensor device can also

35 be adapted to generate data indicative of one or more contextual parameters of the person. The system can then use the data indicative of one or more contextual parameters when generating the analytical status data.

An alternative system to monitor the degree to which a person has followed a suggested routine is also described. The system includes a sensor device as described above. Also included is a means for transmitting the data generated by the sensor device to a remote central monitoring unit from the sensor device and means for providing activity data of the person's life to the central monitoring unit. The central monitoring unit is adapted to generate and provide information to a receiver in relation to the degree to which the person has followed the suggested routine. The

Feedback is generated from at least a portion of at least one of the data indicative of at least one of the activity, the galvanic response of the skin and heat flux, the derived data, and the activity data of life.

The suggested routine may include a plurality of categories, in which feedback is generated and provided with respect to each of the categories. Examples of the categories include nutrition, activity level, mind centering, sleep and daily activities. The feedback can be provided in graphic or textual form and can be contained in one or more web pages generated by the central monitoring unit. Alternatively, the feedback can be transmitted to the receiver in a physical form.

In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for detecting, monitoring and reporting on at least one of human physiological and contextual information is disclosed which includes at least two sensors selected from the group consisting of physiological sensors and contextual sensors. The physiological sensors are adapted to facilitate the generation of the indicative data of one or more physiological parameters of a person, and the contextual sensors are adapted to facilitate the generation of the indicative data of one or more contextual parameters of the person. A processor is coupled to the sensors and is adapted to generate at least one of the data derived from at least a part of the indicative data of physiological parameters and the analytical status data of at least a part of at least one of the indicative data of physiological parameters, data indicative of contextual parameters, derived data and status data

65 analytical. A memory for storage is recoverable at least one of the indicative data of physiological parameters, the indicative data of the contextual parameters, the derived data and the analytical status data. Several options are available for transmission to the person of at least one of the indicative data of physiological parameters, indicative data of contextual parameters, derived data and analytical status data, including a visual output device, an output device touch, an audible output device, and a computer device attached to the device. The apparatus can also include a component

5 to allow manual input of information, and a wireless device to allow the device to receive information from and / or output information to at least one of a wireless device used by the person, a wireless device implanted in the body of the person , and a wireless device located near the person.

In accordance with another alternative embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for detecting, monitoring and reporting at least one of human physiological and contextual information, including a sensor device and a computer device coupled to the sensor device, is disclosed. The sensor device includes at least two sensors selected from the group consisting of physiological sensors and contextual sensors. The physiological sensors are adapted to facilitate the generation of data indicative of one or more physiological parameters of a

15 person, and the contextual sensors are adapted to facilitate the generation of the data indicative of one or more contextual parameters of the person. The sensor device also includes a memory for recoverable storage at least one of the indicative data of physiological parameters and the indicative data of contextual parameters. The computing device is adapted to generate at least one of the data derived from at least a part of the indicative data of physiological parameters and the analytical status data from at least a part of at least one of the indicative data of parameters physiological, data indicative of contextual parameters, derived data and analysis status data. Several options are available for transmission to the person at least one of the indicative data of physiological parameters, the indicative data of contextual parameters, the derived data and the analytical status data, including a visual output device, a tactile output device , an audible output device, and the device

25 computing The apparatus may also include a component to allow manual input of information, and a wireless device to allow the apparatus to receive information from and / or output information to at least one of a wireless device used by the person, a wireless device implanted in the body of the person, and a wireless device located near the person. As an alternative, the apparatus may include a processor adapted to generate data derived from at least a portion of the data indicative of physiological parameters.

In accordance with a further alternative embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for monitoring and reporting at least one of human physiological and contextual information and nutritional information including at least two sensors selected from the group consisting of physiological sensors and sensors is described.

35 contextual. The physiological sensors are adapted to facilitate the generation of the indicative data of one or more physiological parameters of a person and the contextual sensors are adapted to facilitate the generation of the indicative data of one or more contextual parameters of said person. The apparatus also includes means for entering food consumption information into the apparatus. A memory is also provided for storing conversion information to convert food consumption information into nutritional information. The apparatus further includes a processor adapted to generate at least one of the data derived from at least a part of the indicative data of physiological parameters and the analytical status data from at least a part of at least one of the indicative data of physiological parameters, data indicative of contextual parameters, derived data, nutritional information and analytical status data, and means to transmit to the person at least one of the data indicative of physiological parameters, data indicative of

45 contextual parameters, derived data, and analytical status data.

Brief description of the drawings

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of the present invention, taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:

Figure 1 is a diagram of an embodiment of a system for monitoring physiological and lifestyle data through an electronic network in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the sensor device shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the central monitoring unit shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the central monitoring unit shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 is a representation of a preferred embodiment of the Health Manager website according to an aspect of the present invention; Figure 6 is a representation of a preferred embodiment of the nutrition website in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; Figure 7 is a representation of a preferred embodiment of the activity level web page

65 according to an aspect of the present invention; Figure 8 is a representation of a preferred embodiment of the mind centering web page of

according to an aspect of the present invention; Figure 9 is a representation of a preferred embodiment of the dream web page according with an aspect of the present invention; Figure 10 is a representation of a preferred embodiment of the daily activities web page of

5 according to one aspect of the present invention; Figure 11 is a representation of a preferred embodiment of the Health Index web page according to an aspect of the present invention; Figure 12 is a front view of a specific embodiment of the sensor device shown in Figure 1;

10 Figure 13 is a rear view of a specific embodiment of the sensor device shown in Figure 1; Figure 14 is a side view of a specific embodiment of the sensor device shown in Figure 1; Fig. 15 is a bottom view of a specific embodiment of the sensor device shown in the

15 figure 1; Figures 16 and 17 are front perspective views of a specific embodiment of the sensor device shown in Figure 1; Figure 18 is an exploded side perspective view of a specific embodiment of the sensor device shown in Figure 1;

20 Figure 19 is a side view of the sensor device shown in Figures 12 to 18 inserted in a battery charger unit; Figure 20 is a block diagram illustrating all components either mounted on or coupled to the printed circuit board that forms a part of the sensor device shown in Figures 12 to 18, and Figure 21 is a diagram of Blocks of an apparatus for monitoring health, well-being and condition

25 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Best way to carry out the invention

In general, in accordance with the present invention, data relating to physiological status, lifestyle and certain

30 contextual parameters of a person are collected and transmitted, either later or, in real time, to a site, preferably at a distance from the person, where they are stored for manipulation and subsequent presentation to a receiver, preferably through a network electronics such as the Internet. Contextual parameters as used here mean the parameters related to the environment, the environment and the location of the person, including, but not limited to, air quality, sound quality, ambient temperature, global positioning

35 and the like. Referring to Figure 1, located in the position of the user 5 there is a sensor device 10 adapted to be placed in proximity with at least a part of the human body. The sensor device 10 is preferably used by an individual user in his body, for example, as part of a garment such as a fitted shirt, or as part of an arm band or the like. The sensor device 10 includes one or more sensors, which are adapted to generate signals in response to the physiological characteristics of a person,

40 and a microprocessor. Proximity, as used herein, means that the sensors of the sensor device 10 are separated from the body of the person by a material or the like, or a distance such that the capabilities of the sensors are not hindered.

The sensor device 10 generates data indicative of several physiological parameters of a person, such as the

45 heart rate, pulse, heart beat variability, EKG or ECG, respiratory rate, skin temperature, body temperature, body heat flow, galvanic skin response or GSR, EMG, EEG, EOG, blood pressure, body fat, hydration level, activity level, oxygen consumption, glucose or blood sugar level, body position, pressure on muscles or bones, and exposure to UV radiation and absorption of the person. In certain cases, the indicative data of the various

50 physiological parameters is the signal or signals generated by the same one or more sensors and in certain other cases, the data is calculated by the microprocessor based on the signal or signals generated by the one or more sensors. The procedures for generating data indicative of various physiological parameters and sensors to be used for this are well known. Table 1 provides several examples of such well-known procedures and shows the parameter in question, the procedure used, the sensor device used, and the signal

55 that is generated. Table 1 also provides an indication as to whether additional processing is required based on the generated signal to generate the data.

Table 1

Parameter

Process Sensor Signal Additional processing

Heart rate

EKG 2 electrodes DC voltage Yes

Pulse

BVP LED emitter and optical sensor Change in resistance Yes

Beat to beat variability

Heart rate 2 electrodes DC voltage Yes

Parameter

Process Sensor Signal Additional processing

EKG

Skin surface potentials 3-10 electrodes DC voltage Do not

Breathing frequency

Chest Volume Variation Voltage sensors Change in resistance Yes

Skin temperature

Surface temperature probe Thermistors Change in resistance Yes

Core temperature

Esophageal or rectal catheter Thermistors Change in resistance Yes

Heat flux

Heat flux

Thermopile DC voltage Yes

Galvanic Skin Response

Skin Conductance 2 electrodes Change in resistance Do not

EMG

Skin surface potentials 3 electrodes DC voltage Do not

EEG

Skin surface potentials Multiple electrodes DC voltage Yes

EOG

Eye movement Thin film piezoelectric sensors DC voltage Yes

Blood pressure

Korotkuff non-invasive sounds Electronic sphygmomanometer Change in resistance Yes

Body fat

Body impedance 2 active electrodes Change in impedance Yes

The activity in interpreted impacts G per minute

Body's movement Accelerometer DC voltage, capacitance changes Yes

Oxygen consumption

Oxygen consumption Electrochemical DC voltage change Yes

Glucose level

Not invasive Electrochemical DC voltage change Yes

Body position (for example, supine, upright, sitting)

N / A Matrix Mercury Switches DC voltage change Yes

Muscle pressure

N / A Thin film piezoelectric sensors DC voltage change Yes

UV radiation absorption

N / A UV photosensitive cells DC voltage change Yes

The types of data indicated in Table 1 are intended to be examples of the types of data that can be generated by the sensor device 10. It is understood that other types of data in relation to other parameters can be generated by the device sensor 10 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

5 The microprocessor of the sensor device 10 can be programmed to summarize and analyze the data. For example, the microprocessor can be programmed to calculate a medium, minimum or maximum heart rate or breathing rate for a defined period of time, such as ten minutes. The sensor device 10 may be able to obtain information related to the physiological state of a person based on the

10 data indicative of one or more physiological parameters. The microprocessor of the sensor device 10 is programmed to derive said information using known procedures based on data indicative of one or more physiological parameters. Table 2 provides examples of the type of information that can be derived, and indicates some of the types of data that can be used for this purpose.

15 Table 2

Derived Information

Data used

Ovulation

Skin temperature, central temperature, oxygen consumption

Start of sleep / wakefulness

Heartbeat to heartbeat variability, heart rate, pulse, respiratory rate, skin temperature, core temperature, heat flow, galvanic skin response, EMG, EEG, EOG, blood pressure, oxygen consumption

Derived Information

Data used

Calories burned

Heart rate, pulse rate, respiratory rate, heat flow, activity, oxygen consumption

Basal metabolic frequency

Heart rate, pulse rate, respiratory rate, heat flow, activity, oxygen consumption

Basal Temperature

Skin temperature, central temperature

Activity level

Heart rate, pulse rate, respiratory rate, heat flow, activity, oxygen consumption

Tension level

EKG, beat to beat variability, heart rate, pulse, respiratory rate, skin temperature, heat flow, galvanic skin response, EMG, EEG, blood pressure, activity, oxygen consumption

Relaxation Level

EKG, heartbeat variability, heart rate, pulse, respiratory rate, skin temperature, heat flow, galvanic skin response, EMG, EEG, blood pressure, activity, oxygen consumption

Maximum oxygen consumption rate

EKG, heart rate, pulse rate, respiratory rate, heat flow, blood pressure, activity, oxygen consumption

Rise time or the time it takes to climb from a standby frequency to 85% of a maximum target

Heart rate, pulse rate, heat flow, oxygen consumption

Time in the zone or the time at which the heart rate was above 85% of a maximum target

Heart rate, pulse rate, heat flow, oxygen consumption

Recovery time or time it takes for the heart rate to return to a resting frequency after the heart rate was greater than 85% of a maximum target

Heart rate, pulse rate, heat flow, oxygen consumption

In addition, the sensor device 10 can also generate data indicative of various contextual parameters related to the environment surrounding the person. For example, the sensor device 10 can generate data indicative of air quality, sound level / quality, light quality or ambient temperature 5 near the person, or even the overall positioning of the person. The sensor device 10 may include one or more sensors to generate signals in response to the contextual characteristics related to the environment surrounding the person, ultimately, the signals that are used to generate the type of data described above. Such sensors are well known, as are the procedures for generating contextual parametric data such as air quality, sound level / quality, ambient temperature and

10 global positioning.

Figure 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the sensor device 10. The sensor device 10 includes at least one sensor 12 and the microprocessor 20. Depending on the nature of the signal generated by the sensor 12, the signal may be sent to through one or more of an amplifier 14, a conditioning circuit 16, and an analog to digital converter 18, before being sent to the microprocessor 20. For example, when the sensor 12 generates an analog signal in need of amplification and filtered, that signal can be sent to an amplifier 14, and then to the conditioning circuit 16, which can, for example, be a bandpass filter. The amplified and conditioned analog signal can then be transferred to the analog to digital converter 18, where it is converted into a digital signal. The digital signal is then sent to microprocessor 20.

20 Alternatively, if the sensor 12 generates a digital signal, the signal can be sent directly to the microprocessor 20.

A digital signal or signals representing certain physiological and / or contextual characteristics of the individual user can be used by the microprocessor 20 to calculate or generate parameter indicative data.

25 physiological and / or contextual of the individual user. The microprocessor 20 is programmed to derive information related to at least one aspect of the physiological state of the person. It should be understood that microprocessor 20 can also comprise other forms of processors or processing devices, such as a microcontroller, or any other device that can be programmed to carry out the functionality described herein.

The data indicative of physiological and / or contextual parameters may, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, be sent to memory 22, such as a flash memory, where it is stored until it is loaded in the manner described in continuation. Although the memory 22 is shown in Figure 2 as a discrete element, it will be appreciated that it can also be part of microprocessor 20. The sensor device 10 also includes input / output circuits 24, which is adapted to emit and receive as input. of certain data signals in the ways described in this document. Therefore, the memory 22 of the sensor device 10 will accumulate, over time, a data store in relation to the body and / or the environment of the

5 individual user. This data is periodically loaded from the sensor device 10 and sent to the remote central monitoring unit 30, as shown in Figure 1, where it is stored in a database for further processing and presentation to the user, preferably through of a local or global electronic network such as the Internet. This data loading can be an automatic process that is initiated by the sensor device 10 periodically or when an event occurs, such as the detection by the sensor device 10 of a heart rate below a certain level, or it can be initiated by the user individual or a third party authorized by the user, according to a periodic schedule, such as every day at 10:00 pm Alternatively, instead of storing data in memory 22, the sensor device 10 can continuously perform real-time data loads .

15 Data loading from the sensor device 10 to the central monitoring unit 30 for storage can be accomplished in several ways. In one embodiment, the data collected by the sensor device 10 is loaded by transferring the data to the first personal computer 35 shown in Figure 1 by means of the physical connection 40, which, for example, may be a connection in series, such as an RS232 or USB port. This physical connection can also be made through the use of a stand, not shown, that is electronically coupled to the personal computer 35 into which the sensor device 10 can be inserted, as is common with many commercially available personal digital assistants. The data entry can then be initiated by pressing a button on the base or it can be started automatically after the insertion of the sensor device 10. The data collected by the sensor device 10 can be loaded by transferring the data to the first personal computer 35 by means of short-range wireless transmission, such as transmission

25 by infrared or RF, as indicated in 45.

Once the data is received by the personal computer 35, it is optionally compressed and encrypted by any one of a variety of well known procedures and then sent through a local electronic network.

or global, preferably the Internet, to the central monitoring unit 30. It should be noted that the personal computer 35 can be replaced by any computing device that has access and can transmit and receive data through the electronic network, such as , for example, a personal digital assistant, such as the Palm VII sold by Palm, Inc., or the 2-way Blackberry pager sold by Research in Motion, Inc.

Alternatively, the data collected by the sensor device 10, after being encrypted and, optionally, compressed by the microprocessor 20, can be transferred to a wireless device 50, such as a 2-way pager or cell phone, for transmission wireless long distance post-site of the local telecommunications company 55 using a wireless protocol, such as email

or as ASCII or binary data. Local telecommunications site 55 includes tower 60 that receives wireless transmission from wireless device 50 and computer 65 connected to tower 60. According to the preferred embodiment, computer 65 has access to the corresponding electronic network, such as the Internet, and is used to transmit the data received in the form of the wireless transmission to the central monitoring unit 30 via the Internet. Although the wireless device 50 is shown in Figure 1 as a discrete device coupled to the sensor device 10, the same or a device having the same or similar functionality

45 may be embedded as part of the sensor device 10.

The sensor device 10 may be provided with a button to be used for time indication events, such as bedtime, wake time, and mealtime. These timestamps are stored in the sensor device 10 and loaded into the central monitoring unit 30 with the rest of the data as described above. The time stamps may include a digitally recorded voice message that, after being uploaded to the central monitoring unit 30, is translated using speech recognition technology in text or some other format of the information that can be used by the unit Central monitoring 30.

55 In addition to using the sensor device 10 to automatically collect physiological data relating to an individual user, a position could be adapted to collect such data by, for example, weighing the person, by providing a detection device similar to the sensor device 10 in which a person places his hand or another part of his body, or scanning the body of the person using, for example, laser technology or an ISTAT blood analyzer. The position would be provided with processing capacity as described in this document and access to the corresponding electronic network, and would therefore be adapted to send the collected data to the central monitoring unit 30 through the electronic network. A desktop detection device can also be provided, again similar to the sensor device 10, in which a person places his hand or another part of his body. For example, said desktop detection device may be a blood pressure monitor in which a person puts his arm. A person could also wear a ring that has a

65 sensor device 10 incorporated therein. A base could then be provided, which is not shown, which is adapted to be coupled to the ring. The desktop detection device or the base just described can then be coupled to a computer such as a personal computer 35 by means of a physical short-range wireless connection or by which the collected data could be loaded to the unit of central monitoring 30 on the relevant electronic network in the manner described above. A mobile device such as, for example, a personal digital assistant, could also be provided with a sensor device 10

5 built into it. Such sensor device 10 is adapted to collect data when the mobile device is placed in proximity to the body of the person, such as holding the device in the palm of the hand, and loading the collected data to the central monitoring unit 30 in any of the forms described in this document.

On the other hand, in addition to collecting data by automatically detecting such data in the ways described above, people can also manually provide data related to various life activities that are ultimately transferred and stored in the unit. central monitoring

30. An individual user can access a website maintained by the central monitoring unit 30 and can directly enter information regarding life activities by entering text freely, answering the questions asked by the website, or by clicking on the dialog boxes provided by the website. The central control unit 30 can also be adapted to periodically send emails containing questions to obtain information related to life activities to the personal computer 35 or to any other device that can receive email, such as a personal digital assistant, a pager, or a cell phone. The person would then provide the data related to the activities of life to the central monitoring unit 30 by responding to the appropriate email message with the relevant data. The central control unit 30 may also be adapted to make a telephone call to an individual user in which certain questions would be posed to the individual user. The user can answer the questions by entering information through a telephone keypad, or by voice, in which case conventional voice recognition technology

25 would be used by the central monitoring unit 30 to receive and process the response. The phone call can also be initiated by the user, in which case the user can speak directly with a person or enter information using the keypad or using voice recognition technology. The central control unit 30 can also be given access to a source of user-controlled information, for example, the user's electronic calendar such as that provided with the Outlook product sold by Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Washington, from which The information could be collected automatically. Data related to life activities may be related to food, sleep, exercise, centering or relaxation of the mind, and / or habits of daily life, patterns and / or activities of life. person. Therefore, examples of questions may be: What did you have for lunch today? What time are you going to sleep tonight? What time did you wake up this morning? How much time did you run on the tape today?

35 This feedback can also be provided to a user directly through the sensor device 10 in a visual form, for example through an LED or LCD or by the construction of sensor device 10, at least in part, of a thermochromatic plastic, in the form of an acoustic signal or in the form of tactile feedback such as vibration. This feedback can be a reminder or an alert to eat a meal or take a medication or a supplement such as a vitamin, to participate in an activity such as exercise or meditation, or to drink water when a state of dehydration is detected. In addition, a reminder or alert can be issued in the event that a particular physiological parameter has been detected, such as ovulation, a level of calories burned during an exercise session has been achieved or a high heart rate or of the frequency of breathing.

45 As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, it may be possible to download data from central monitoring unit 30 to sensor device 10. The data flow in said download process would be substantially the reverse of that described above with respect to the load of the data of the sensor device 10. Therefore, it is possible that the firmware of the microprocessor 20 of the sensor device 10 can be updated or altered remotely, that is, the microprocessor can be reprogrammed, by downloading new firmware for the sensor device 10 of the central monitoring unit 30 for parameters such as the time and sampling frequencies of the sensor device 10. Also, the reminders / alerts provided by the sensor device 10 may be configured by the user using the website maintained by the unit of central monitoring 30 and then be downloaded to the sensor device 10.

55 Referring to Figure 3, a block diagram of an embodiment of the central monitoring unit 30 is shown. The central control unit 30 includes a CSU / DSU 70, which is connected to a router 75, the main function of which is to take traffic requests, both incoming and outgoing, and directing said requests and the traffic to be processed or viewed on the website maintained by the central monitoring unit 30. Connected to a router 75 is a firewall 80. The purpose The main firewall 80 is to protect the rest of the central monitoring unit 30 from unauthorized or malicious intrusions. A switch 85, connected to the firewall 80, is used for direct data flow between intermediate servers 95a and 95c through database server 110. A load balancer 90 serves to disseminate the workload of incoming requests between intermediate servers 95a to 95c configured identically. He

65 load balancer 90, a suitable example of which is the product sold by F5 Server Iron Foundry Networks, Inc., of San Jose, California, analyzes the availability of each of the intermediate servers 95a to 95c, and the amount of resources of the system that is used on each intermediate server 95a to 95c, in order to properly distribute the tasks among them.

The central control unit 30 includes a network storage device 100, such as a network area

5 storage or SAN, which acts as the central repository for data. In particular, the network storage device 100 comprises a database that stores all the data collected for each individual user in the ways described above. An example of a suitable network storage device 100 is the product sold by Symmetrix of EMC Corporation of Hopkinton, Massachusetts. Although only one network storage device 100 is shown in Figure 3, it will be understood that multiple network storage devices of various capacities could be used depending on the data storage needs of the central monitoring unit 30. The unit Control center 30 also includes a database server 110 that is coupled to the network storage device 100. The database server 110 is composed of two main components: a large-scale multiprocessor server and a software component of enterprise-type server, such as the 8 / 8i component sold by Oracle

15 Corporation of Redwood City, California, or component 506 7 sold by Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Washington. The main functions of the database server 110 are to provide access on request to the data stored in the network storage device 100, and to populate the network storage device 100 with the new data. Attached to the network storage device 100 is the controller 115, which typically comprises a personal desktop computer, for managing the data stored in the network storage device 100.

The intermediate servers 95a to 95c, a suitable example of which is the Dual 22OR Processor sold by Sun Microsystems, Inc., of Palo Alto, California, each contains software for the generation and maintenance of the corporate website or web pages or Start-up of the website maintained by the central monitoring unit 25 30. As is known in the art, a web page refers to a block or blocks of data available on the Internet comprising a file or files written in the markup language of Hypertext or HTML and a website commonly refers to any computer on the Internet that runs an Internet server process. The corporate or home page or web pages are the page or pages that are accessible by all members of the general public who visit the site through the use of the uniform resource locator or appropriate URL. As is known in the art, URLs are in the form of an address used on the Internet and provide a standard way of specifying the position of an object, usually a web page, over the Internet. The intermediate servers 95a to 95c also each contain software for the generation and maintenance of the web pages of the central monitoring unit website 30, which can only be accessed by people who register and become members of the central monitoring unit 30. 35 Member users will be those who wish to have their data stored in the central monitoring unit 30. Access by said member users is controlled using passwords for security reasons. Preferred embodiments of the web pages are described in detail below and are generated from collected data that is stored in the network storage device database.

100

Intermediate servers 95a to 95c also contain software to request data from and write data to a network storage device 100 through database server 110. When an individual user wishes to initiate a session with the central monitoring unit 30 To enter data into the database of the network storage device 100, its data stored in the database of the network storage device 100 is displayed, or both, the user visits the home page of the unit of storage. Central monitoring 30 through a browser program such as Internet Explorer distributed by Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Washington, and is registered as a registered user. Load balancer 90 assigns the user to one of the intermediate servers 95a to 95c, identified as the chosen intermediate server. A user will preferably be assigned to an intermediate server chosen for each complete session. The chosen intermediate server authenticates the user using any one of many well-known procedures, to ensure that only the true user is authorized to access the information in the database. A member user may also grant access to their data to a third party, such as a health service provider or a personal trainer. Each authorized third party can give a separate password and can view the data of the member user using a conventional browser. Therefore, it is possible that both the user

55 as the third party is the recipient of the data.

When the user is authenticated, the chosen intermediate server requests, through the database server 110, the data of each user from the network storage device 100 for a predetermined period of time. The predetermined period of time is preferably thirty days. The requested data, once received from the network storage device 100, is temporarily stored on the chosen intermediate server in the cache. The data in the cache memory is used by the intermediate server chosen as the basis for presenting information, in the form of web pages, for the user again through the user's browser. Each intermediate server 95a to 95c is provided with the appropriate software for the generation of this type of web pages, which includes the software for handling and performing calculations 65 that use the data to put the data in the appropriate format for presentation to the Username. Once the user ends their session, the data in the cache is discarded. When the user starts a new session,

the process for obtaining and caching the data for that user is repeated as described above. This cache storage system, therefore, ideally requires that only one call be made to the network storage device 100 per session, thereby reducing the traffic that the database server 110 must handle. . If a request from a user during

If a special session requires data that is outside a predetermined period of time of the data stored in the cache already recovered, a separate call can be made on the network storage device 100 by the chosen intermediate server. The predetermined period of time must be chosen, however, in such a way that these additional calls are minimized. The data in the cache can also be stored in the cache so that they can be reused when a user starts a new session, eliminating the need to initiate a new call to the network storage device 100.

As described in relation to Table 2, the microprocessor of the sensor device 10 can be programmed to derive information related to the physiological state of a person based on the indicative data

15 of one or more physiological parameters. The central monitoring unit 30, and preferably intermediate servers 95a to 95c, can also be programmed in a similar manner to derive said information based on data indicative of one or more physiological parameters.

It is also contemplated that a user enters additional data during a session, for example, information related to the user's eating or sleeping habits. This additional data is preferably stored by the chosen intermediate server in a cache for the duration of the user's session. When the user ends the session, these new additional data stored in the cache are transferred via the chosen intermediate server to the database server 110 to be in the network storage device 100. Alternatively, in addition to being stored in a cache for use

Potential during a session, the input data can also be transferred immediately to the database server 110 so that they are in the network storage device 100, as part of a write cache system that is well known in the art. .

The data collected by the sensor device 10 shown in Figure 1 is periodically loaded into the central monitoring unit 30. Either by long-distance wireless transmission or through a personal computer 35, a connection is made to the control unit. central monitoring 30 through an electronic network, preferably Internet. In particular, the connection to a load balancer 90 is made through CSU / DSU 70, a router 75, a firewall 80 and a switch 85. Load balancer 90 chooses one of the intermediate servers 95a to 95c to handle the data load, hereinafter referred to as the intermediate server

35 chosen. The chosen intermediate server authenticates the user using any one of many well known procedures. If the authentication is successful, the data is uploaded to the chosen intermediate server as described above, and is ultimately transferred to the database server 110 to be in the network storage device 100.

Referring to Figure 4, an alternative embodiment of the central monitoring unit 30 is shown. In addition to the elements shown and described with respect to Figure 3, the embodiment of the central monitoring unit 30 shown in Figure 4 includes a mirror network storage device 120, which is a redundant backup of the network storage device 100. Attached to the mirror network storage device 120 is the controller 122. The data of the network storage device

45 100 are periodically copied to the mirror network storage device 120 for data redundancy purposes.

Third parties such as insurance companies or research institutions may have access, possibly for a fee, to certain information stored in the mirror network storage device 120. Preferably, to maintain the confidentiality of the individual users who provide data to the central monitoring unit 30, these third parties are not given access to such individual user database records, but rather they are only given access to the data stored in the mirror network storage device 120 in aggregate form. These third parties may be able to access the information stored in the mirror network storage device 120 through the Internet using a conventional browser program. Third-party requests may enter through CSU / DSU 70, router 75, firewall 80 and switch 85. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, a separate load balancer 130 is provided for the dissemination of tasks related to the access and presentation of data from the array of mirror units 120 between intermediate servers configured identically 135a to 135c. The intermediate servers 135a to 135c each contain software to allow third parties, using a browser, to make information queries to the mirror network storage device 120 through the independent database server 125. The intermediate servers 135a to 135c also contain software for presenting the information obtained from the mirror network storage device 120 to third parties via the Internet in the form of web pages. In addition, third parties can choose from a series of prepared reports that have information packaged along lines of

65 issues, such as different demographic categories.

As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, instead of giving these third parties access to the backup data stored in the mirror network storage device 120, the third parties may have access to the data stored in the device network storage 100. In addition, instead of providing a load balancer 130 and intermediate servers 135a to 135c, the same functionality, although

5 with a sacrificed performance level, could be provided by load balancer 90 and intermediate servers 95a to 95c.

When an individual user first becomes a registered user or member, the user completes a detailed survey. The objectives of the survey are the following: to identify the unique characteristics / circumstances for each user that they may need to face in order to maximize the probability that they will be implemented and maintain a healthy lifestyle as suggested by the monitoring unit central 30, collect reference data that are used to set initial goals for the individual user and facilitate the calculation and presentation of certain graphical data output such as the Health Index pistons, identify the unique characteristics and circumstances of the user that will help the central monitoring unit 30 to customize the type of

15 content provided to the user in the Daily Dose of the Health Manager, and identify the unique characteristics and circumstances of the users that the Health Manager can guide the user to treat as possible obstacles to a healthy lifestyle through the function of resolution of problems of the Health Manager.

The specific information that is the subject of the survey may include: key characteristics of the person's temperament, including the level of activity, regularity of food, sleep and bowel habits, initial response to situations, adaptability, persistence, the response limit, the intensity of the reaction, and the quality of mood; the user's level of independent functioning, that is, their own organization and management, socialization, memory and academic performance skills; the user's ability to concentrate and maintain attention, including the user's level of excitement, cognitive tempo, the ability to distract from filtering, surveillance, and self-control; The user's current health status, including current weight, height and blood pressure, last general medical visit, gynecological exam, and other applicable medical / health contacts, current medications and supplements, allergies, and a review of current symptoms and / or health-related behaviors; the history of the user's health, that is, illnesses / surgeries, family history and situations of social tension, such as divorce or loss of a job, which have required adjustment by the person, user beliefs, values and opinions about health priorities, their ability to alter their behavior and, what may contribute to stress in their lives, and how they handle it, the degree of user self-awareness, empathy, strengthening and self-esteem, and Current daily routines of the user of eating, sleeping, exercising, relaxing, completing the activities of daily living, and the user's perception of the temperamental characteristics of two key people in their life, by

35 example, your spouse, a friend, a co-worker or your boss, and if there are current confrontations in relationships that can interfere with a healthy lifestyle and contribute to stress.

Each member user will have access, through the home page of the central monitoring unit 30, to a series of personalized web pages for the user, referred to as the Health Manager. The home page of the Health Manager 150 is shown in Figure 5. The Health Manager web pages are the main work area for the member user. The web pages of the Health Manager comprise a utility through which the central monitoring unit 30 provides various types and forms of data, commonly indicated as analytical status data, for the user that are generated from the data collected or are generated, namely, from one or more of: the data indicative of several physiological parameters generated by the sensor device 10, the data derived from the data indicative of several physiological parameters, the data indicative of several contextual parameters generated by the sensor device 10, and the input of data by the user. Analytical status data is characterized by the application of certain utilities or algorithms to convert one or more of the indicative data of various physiological parameters generated by the sensor device 10, the data derived from the indicative data of various physiological parameters, the indicative data of several contextual parameters generated by the sensor device 10, and the input of data by the user in the calculated indicators of health, well-being and lifestyle. For example, from the data entered by the user in relation to the foods he or she has eaten, things such as calories and amounts of protein, fat, carbohydrates, and certain vitamins can be calculated. As another example, skin temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, heat flow and / or GSR can be used to provide an indicator

55 for the user of his voltage level for a desired period of time. As yet another example, skin temperature, thermal flow, heart variability from beat to beat, heart rate, pulse rate, respiratory rate, core temperature, galvanic skin response, EMG, EEG, EOG , blood pressure, oxygen consumption, ambient sound and body movement or movement that is detected by a device such as an accelerometer, can be used to provide indicators for the user of their sleep patterns during a period of desired time

Located on the home page of the Health Manager 150 there is a Health Index 155. The Health Index 155 is a graphical utility that is used to measure and provide information to member users regarding their performance and the degree to which a healthy daily routine suggested by the central monitoring unit 30 has been achieved. Health Index 155 thus provides an indication to the member user to track their progress. Health Index 155 includes six categories related to user health and

your lifestyle: food, activity level, mind-centered, sleep, daily activities and how you feel. The Nutrition category refers to what, when and how much a person eats and drinks. The Activity level category refers to what a person moves. The category of Centered of the mind is related to the quality and the amount of time that a person spends participating in an activity that allows the body to

5 reach a state of deep relaxation, while the mind becomes very alert and focused. The Dream category refers to the quality and quantity of a person's sleep. The Daily Activities category refers to the daily responsibilities and health risks that people face. Finally, the category of How do you feel relates to the general perception that a person has about how they feel on a particular day. Each category has an associated level indicator or piston that indicates, preferably on a scale that goes from poor to excellent, how the user is progressing with respect to that category.

When each member user completes the initial survey described above, a profile is generated that provides the user with a summary of their relevant characteristics and life circumstances. A plan and / or set of objectives is provided in the form of a suggested healthy daily routine. The suggested healthy daily routine

15 may include any combination of concrete proposals for the incorporation of adequate nutrition, exercise, mind-centered, sleep and selected activities of daily life into the user's life. Prototype programming can be offered as guides for how these suggested activities can be incorporated into the user's life. The user can periodically re-conduct the survey, and based on the results, the elements described above will be adjusted accordingly.

The Nutrition category is calculated from the input of data by the user and those detected by the sensor device 10. The data entered by the user have the time and duration of breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks and ingested foods, supplements such as vitamins that are taken, and water and other liquids consumed for a relevant pre-selected period of time. Based on these

25 data and in the stored data relating to the known properties of various foods, the central monitoring unit 30 calculates the values of well-known nutritional foods, such as calories and amounts of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, etc., which Are consumed.

The piston level of the Nutrition Health Index is preferably determined with respect to the following suggested healthy daily routine: eat at least three meals, eat a varied diet consisting of 6-11 servings of bread, pasta, cereals and rice, 2 -4 servings of fruit, 3-5 servings of vegetables, 2-3 servings of fish, meat, chicken, dried beans, eggs and nuts, and 2-3 servings of milk, yogurt and cheese, and drink 8 or more glasses of 8 ounces of water This routine can be adjusted based on information about the user, such as sex, age, height and / or weight. Certain nutritional objectives can also be set by the user or for the user, in

35 relation to daily calories, protein, fiber, fat, carbohydrates, and / or drinking water and the percentages of total consumption. The parameters used in the calculation of the relevant piston level include the number of meals per day, the number of glasses of water, and the types and amounts of food consumed each day as inputs by the user.

Nutritional information is presented to the user through the nutrition website 160 as shown in Figure 6. The preferred nutritional website 160 includes graphs of nutritional facts 165 and 170 illustrating actual and objective nutritional facts, respectively, as graphs Pie charts and graphs of nutritional intake 175 and 180 showing the total actual nutritional intake and the objective nutritional intake, respectively, as pie charts. The informative nutritional charts 165 and 170 preferably show a distribution

45 percent of items such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats, and the nutritional intake charts 175 and 180 are preferably split to show components such as calories, fats, carbohydrates, proteins and total and target vitamins. The website 160 also includes the tracking of food and water consumption 185 with time entries, hyperlinks 190 that allow the user to directly access elements and news articles related to nutrition, suggestions for refining or improving the daily routine regarding the Affiliated nutrition and advertising elsewhere in the network, and the 195 calendar to choose between views that have variable and selectable time periods. The items shown in 190 can be selected and customized based on the information acquired about the person in the survey and their performance, as measured by the Health Index.

55 The Activity Level category of Health Index 155 is designed to help users monitor how and when they move during the day, and use the data entered by the user and the data detected by the sensor device 10. The data entered by the user can include details about the daily activities of the users, for example, the fact that the user works at a desk from 8 to 17 and then takes an aerobics class from 18 to 19. The relevant data detected by the sensor device 10 may include heart rate, movement as detected by a device such as an accelerometer, thermal flow, respiration rate, calories burned, GSR and hydration level, which can be derived by the sensor device 60 or central monitoring unit 30. Burned calories can be calculated in a variety of ways, including: e type multiplication user input for the duration of the user input exercise; motion detection multiplied by the time of movement multiplied

65 for a filter constant; or the thermal flux detected multiplied by the time multiplied by a filter constant.

The piston level of the Health Index of the Activity Level is preferably determined with respect to a suggested healthy daily routine that includes: aerobic exercise for a prescribed period of time, preferably 20 minutes, or participating in a vigorous lifestyle activity during a prescribed period of time, preferably one hour, and the burning of at least a minimum target number of calories, preferably 205

5 calories, through aerobic exercise and / or a lifestyle activity. The minimum number of target calories can be adjusted according to the information about the user, such as sex, age, height and / or weight. The parameters used in the calculation of the corresponding piston level include the amount of time dedicated to aerobic exercise or participating in a vigorous lifestyle activity such as an entry by the user and / or detected by the sensor device 10, and the number of calories burned above the previously calculated energy expenditure parameters.

Information on the movement of the individual user is presented to the user through an activity level web page 200 shown in Figure 7, which may include an activity graph 205 in the form of a bar graph, for monitoring the activities of the individual user in one of three categories: high, medium and low intensity with respect to a preselected unit of time. The activity percentage graph 210, in the form of a pie chart, can also be provided showing the percentage of a preselected period of time, such as a day, that the user spent in each category. The activity level website 200 may also include the calorie section 215 for displaying items such as the total calories burned, the daily target calories burned, the total calorie intake, and the duration of aerobic activity. Finally, the website of activity level 200 may include at least one hyperlink 220 to allow a user to directly access relevant news items and articles, suggestions to refine or improve the daily routine regarding the level of activity and affiliate advertising. in another place in the network. The activity level 200 website can be viewed in a variety of formats, and can include user selectable charts and diagrams, such as a bar chart, pie chart, or both, selectable by activity level 225 boxes.

25 activity level calendar 230 is provided to select from views that have variable and selectable time periods. The items shown in 220 can be selected and customized based on the information acquired about the person in the survey and its performance, measured by the Health Index.

The Mind Centered category of the Health Index 155 is designed to help users control the parameters related to the time taken to participate in certain activities that allow the body to reach a state of deep relaxation, while the mind is focused, and it is based on both the input of data by the user and the data detected by the sensor device 10. Specifically, the user can enter the start and end times of the relaxation activities such as yoga or meditation. The quality of the activities,

35 to determine the depth of a mind centering event can be measured by monitoring parameters, including skin temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and thermal flux as detected by the sensor device 10. Also The percentage change in GSR can be used as derived by the sensor device 10 or the central monitoring unit 30.

The piston level of the Mind Centering Health Index is preferably calculated with respect to a suggested healthy daily routine that includes participating every day in an activity that allows the body to achieve deep relaxation, while the mind remains very focused for at least fifteen minutes. The parameters used in the calculation of the corresponding piston level include the amount of time invested in a centering activity of the mind, and the percentage of change in skin temperature, heart rate, breathing rate,

Heat flux or GSR as detected by the sensor device 10 compared to a baseline that is an indication of the depth or quality of the centering activity of the mind.

Information about the time dedicated to self-reflection and relaxation is presented to the user through the mind centering web page 250 shown in the figure. 8 For each mind centering activity, indicated as a session, the preferred mind centering web page 250 includes the time spent during the session, shown in 255, the target time, shown in 260, the comparison section 265 showing the objective and real depth of centering of the mind, or focus, and a histogram 270 showing the overall level of tension derived from such things as skin temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, the thermal flux and / or GSR. In comparison section 265, the profile of the human figure showing the

The objective focus is solid, and the profile of the human figure showing the actual focus varies from diffuse to solid depending on the level of focus. The preferred mind centering web page may also include an indication of the total time devoted to mind centering activities, shown in 275, hyperlinks 280 that allow the user to directly access relevant articles and news, suggestions to refine or improve the daily routine regarding the centering of the mind and affiliate advertising, and a 285 calendar to choose between views that have variable and selectable time periods. The items shown in 280 can be selected and customized based on the information acquired about the person in the survey and its performance, measured by the Health Index.

The Sleep category of Health Index 155 is designed to help users to monitor their

65 sleep patterns and the quality of your sleep. Its objective is to help users learn about the importance of sleep in their healthy lifestyle and the relationship of sleep with circadian rhythms, with normal daily variations in body functions. The category of Sleep is based on the input of data by the user and on the data detected by the sensor device 10. The data entered by the user for each relevant time interval includes the times the user went to sleep and was woke up and an index of sleep quality. As indicated in Table 2, the relevant sensor device 10 data includes temperature

5 of the skin, thermal flow, heart variability from beat to beat, heart rate, pulse rate, respiratory rate, core temperature, galvanic skin response, EMG, EEG, EOG, pressure blood, and oxygen consumption. Also relevant is ambient sound and body movement or movement detected by a device such as an accelerometer. These data can be used to calculate or derive the onset of sleep and wake time, sleep interruptions, and sleep quality and depth.

The piston level of the Sleep Health Index is determined with respect to a healthy daily routine that includes obtaining a minimum amount, preferably eight hours of sleep each night and having an hour to go to sleep and a predictable time to wake up. The specific parameters that determine the calculation of the level of

15 pistons include the number of hours of sleep per night and the time of sleep and the time to get up detected by the sensor device 10 or as input by the user, and the quality of sleep as rated by the user or derived from other data.

The information related to the dream is presented to the user through the sleep website 290 shown in Figure 9. The sleep website 290 includes an indicator of sleep duration 295, based on the data of the sensor device 10 or about the data entered by the user, together with the user's sleep time indicator 300 and the time to get up indicator 305. A quality of the sleep rating 310 entered by the user can also be used and sample. If more than one time interval of one day is shown, on the sleep website 290, the sleep duration indicator 295 is then calculated and shown as a cumulative value, and the indicator of the sleep is calculated and illustrated. sleep time 300, the wake up time indicator 305 and the quality of sleep rating 310 as averages. Sleep webpage 290 also includes a user selectable dream graph 315 that calculates and displays a sleep-related parameter during a preselected time interval. For illustrative purposes, Figure 9 shows the thermal flux over a period of one day, which tends to be lower during sleeping hours and higher during waking hours. From this information, the biorhythms of a person can be derived. The sleep graph 315 may also include a graphical representation of the data of an accelerometer incorporated in the sensor device 10, which monitors the movement of the body. Sleep webpage 290 may also include hyperlinks 320 that allow the user to directly access dream elements related to news and articles, suggestions to refine or improve the daily routine regarding sleep and affiliate advertising available

35 in other places on the network, and a 325 sleep calendar to choose a relevant time interval. The items shown in 320 can be selected and customized based on the information acquired about the person in the survey and its performance, measured by the Health Index.

The Daily Life Activities category of the Health Index 155 is designed to help users control certain activities related to health and safety and risks, and is based exclusively on the data entered by the user. The Daily Life Activities category is divided into four subcategories: personal hygiene, which allows the user to control activities such as brushing their teeth and flossing and showering; health maintenance, which tracks if the user is taking prescribed medications or supplements and allows the user to control tobacco and alcohol consumption and

45 car safety, such as the use of a seat belt; personal time, which allows the user to control socially dedicated time with friends and family, leisure and activities to focus the mind and responsibilities, which allows the user to control certain jobs and financial activities, such as paying bills and household chores .

The piston level of the Daily Life Activities of the Health Index is preferably determined with respect to the healthy daily routine described below. With regard to personal hygiene, the routine requires the user to shower or bathe every day, brush their teeth and floss every day, and maintain regular bowel habits. Regarding health maintenance, the routine requires the user to take medications and vitamins and / or supplements, wear a seat belt, refrain from smoking, drink with

55 moderation, and monitor health every day with the Health Manager. Regarding personal time, the routine requires users to spend at least one hour of quality time every day with family and / or friends, limit working time to a maximum of nine hours a day, spend some time in a Leisure center or a game activity every day, and participate in a mind-stimulating activity. As for responsibilities, the routine requires users to do household chores, pay bills, arrive on time to work, and have appointments. The piston level is calculated based on the degree to which the user completes a list of daily activities as determined by the input of information by the user.

Information regarding these activities is presented to the user through the daily activities website 330 shown in Figure 10. On the website, preferred daily activities 330, the 65 activities chart 335, selectable for one or more More of the subcategories, show if the user has done what is required by the daily routine. A colored or shaded box indicates that the user has performed the required activity,

and an empty, non-colored or shaded box indicates that the user has not performed the activity. Activity chart 335 can be created and viewed in selectable time intervals. For illustrative purposes, Figure 10 shows the subcategories of personal hygiene and personal time for a particular week. In addition, the daily activities website 330 may include hyperlinks of daily activity 340 that allow the user to access

5 directly to the relevant news items and articles, suggestions for improving or perfecting the daily routine regarding activities of daily living and affiliate advertising, and a calendar of daily activities 345 for the selection of a relevant time interval. The items shown in 340 can be selected and customized based on the information acquired about the person in the survey and their performance, measured by the Health Index.

The How You Feel category of the Health Index 155 is designed to allow users to control their perception of how they felt on a given day, and it is based on information, essentially a subjective rating, which is entered directly by the user. A user provides a rating, preferably on a scale of 1 to 5, in regard to the following nine thematic areas: mental, emotional and mental acuity

15 psychological well-being, energy level, ability to cope with life tensions, physical appearance, well-being, self-control, motivation, and comfort in the relationship with others. These ratings are averaged and used to calculate the corresponding piston level.

Referring to Figure 11, the Health Index 350 website is displayed. The Health Index 350 website allows users to view the performance of their health index during a time interval selected by the user, including any number of consecutive or non-consecutive days. Using the 360 buttons of the Health Index selector, the user can select to view the piston levels of the Health Index of a category, or can see a side-by-side comparison of the Health Index levels for two or more categories. For example, a user might simply want to activate Dream to see if their overall sleep score 25 improved over the previous month, in the same way as to see the performance of their favorite actions. Alternatively, the level of Sleep and Activity can be displayed simultaneously to compare and evaluate the sleep scores with the corresponding activity level ratings to determine if there are day-to-day correlations. Nutrition scores can be shown with your symptoms for a pre-selected time interval to determine if there is any correlation between daily eating habits and how they felt during that interval. For illustrative purposes, Figure 11 shows a comparison of the Dream and Activity piston levels for the week from June 10 to June 16. The 350 Health Index website also includes a 365 tracking calculator that shows access information and statistics, such as the total number of days the user has logged in and used the Health Manager, the percentage of days that the user has used the Health Manager since becoming a subscriber, and the

35 percentage of time the user has used the sensor device 10 to collect data.

Referring again to Figure 5, the initial website of Health Manager 150 may include a plurality of selectable user category summaries 156a to 156f, one corresponding to each of the Health Index categories 155. Each summary of Category 156a to 156f presents a preselected filtered subset of the data associated with the corresponding category. The nutrition category summary 156a shows the daily goal and actual caloric intake. The Activity Level category summary 156b shows the daily goal and actual calories burned. The Summary of Mind Centering category 156c shows the objective and real depth of the centering of the mind or focus. The Sleeping 156d category summary shows the goal of sleep, real sleep, and a sleep quality rating. The summary of Activities category

45 Daily 156e shows an objective and actual result based on the percentage of daily activities suggested that have been completed. The category summary of How you feel 156F shows an objective and actual classification for the day.

The initial website of Health Manager 150 may also include the Daily Dose section 157 which provides, on a daily basis, time interval, information to the user, including, but not limited to, hyperlinks to news articles and articles, comments and reminders to the user based on trends, such as bad eating habits, determined from the initial survey. The comment for Daily Dose 157 may be, for example, a statement that drinking 8 glasses of water a day can reduce the risk of colon cancer by up to 32%, accompanied by a proposal to keep a cup of water near your computer or your desk at work and fill it frequently. The initial website of Health Manager 150 may also include a Problem Solver section 158, which actively evaluates user performance in each of the categories of Health Index 155 and presents suggestions for improvement. For example, if the system detects that a user's sleep levels have been low, it suggests that the user has been having trouble sleeping, Problem Solver 158 may provide suggestions for ways to improve sleep. Problem Solver 158 may also include the possibility of user questions regarding performance improvements. The initial website of Health Manager 150 may also include a daily data section 159 that initiates an input dialog box. This dialog box facilitates user input of the various data required by the Health Manager. As is known in the art, data entry can be in the form of selection of predefined lists or free text entry in general. Finally, the initial website 65 of the Health Manager 150 may include the section on Body Statistics 161 that can provide information regarding the user's height, weight, body measurements, body mass index or BMI, and

vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure or any of the physiological parameters identified.

Referring to Figures 12 to 17, a specific embodiment of the sensor device 10 is shown which is in

5 the shape of a bracelet adapted to be worn by a person on his upper arm, between the shoulder and the elbow. The specific embodiment of the sensor device 10 shown in Figures 12 to 17, for convenience, will be referred to as the cuff sensor device 400. The cuff sensor device 400 includes a computer case 405, a flexible wing body 410 and, as an elastic band 415 is shown in Figure 17. The computer case 405 and the flexible wing body 410 are preferably made of a flexible urethane material or an elastomeric material such as rubber or a mixture of rubber and silicone by a process molding The flexible wing body 410 includes a first and second wings 418 each having a through hole 420 located near the ends 425 thereof. The first and second wings 418 are adapted to wrap around a portion of the upper part of the user's arm.

15 The elastic band 415 is used to detachably fix the cuff sensor device 400 of the upper arm of the person. As seen in Figure 17, the bottom surface 426 of the elastic band 415 is provided with velcro loops 416 along a portion thereof. Each end 427 of the elastic band 415 is provided with a velcro hook patch 428 on the lower surface 426 and a pull tab 429 on the upper surface 430. A portion of each pull tab 429 extends beyond the edge of each end 427.

To carry the cuff sensor device 400, a user inserts each end 427 of the elastic band 415 into a respective through hole 420 of the flexible wing body 410. The user places his arm through the loop created by the elastic band 415, the flexible wing body 410 and computer case 405. Pulling each tongue 429

25 and by coupling the velcro hook patches 428 with the velcro loops 416 in a desired position along the bottom surface 426 of the elastic band 415, the user can adjust the elastic band 415 to fit comfortably. Since velcro hook patches 428 can be coupled with velcro loops 416 in almost any position along the bottom surface 426, the cuff sensor device 400 can be adjusted to accommodate arms of various sizes. In addition, elastic band 415 can be provided in various lengths to accommodate a wider range of arm sizes. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, other means of fixing and adjusting the size of the elastic band may be used including, but not limited to, clasps, buttons, or buckles. It is also possible to use two elastic bands that hold by one of several conventional means including velcro, snaps, buttons, buckles or the like, or simply a single elastic band attached to the wings 418.

Alternatively, instead of providing through holes 420 in the wings 418, letter D-shaped loops, not shown, can be fixed to the ends 425 of the wings 418 by one of several conventional means. For example, a pin, not shown, can be inserted through ends 425, where the pin couples each end of each loop. In this configuration, the D-shaped loops would serve as connection points for the elastic band 415, creating a through hole between each end 425 of each wing 418 and each loop.

As shown in Figure 18, which is an exploded view of the cuff sensor device 400, the computer case 405 includes an upper portion 435 and a lower portion 440. Contained within the computer housing 405 are a circuit board printed or PCB 445, a rechargeable battery 450, preferably a

45 lithium-ion battery, and a 455 vibrating motor to provide tactile feedback to the user, such as that used in pagers, suitable examples of which are Model 12342 and 12343 engines marketed by MG Motors Ltd. of the United Kingdom.

The upper portion 435 and the lower portion 440 of the computer case 405 coincide tightly along a slot 436 where a washer 437 fits, and can be fixed together by means of screws, not shown, passing through holes threaded 438a and reinforcements 438b of the lower portion 440 and openings 439 in the PCB 445 and in the threaded receiving reinforcements 451 of the upper portion 435. Alternatively, the upper portion 435 and the lower portion 440 may snap together or be fixed between Yes with an adhesive. Preferably, the assembled computer case 405 is sufficiently waterproof to allow the sensor device

55 of bracelet 400 is worn while swimming without adversely affecting its performance.

As can be seen in Figure 13, the lower portion 440 includes, on a lower side thereof, an elevated platform 430. Attached to the raised platform 430 is a thermal flow or flow sensor 460, a suitable example of which is the micro-sheet thermal flow sensor sold by RdF Corporation of Hudson, New Hampshire. The thermal flow sensor 460 functions as a self-generating thermopile transducer, and preferably includes a support made of a polyamide film. The lower portion 440 may include on an upper side thereof, which is on an opposite side of the side on which the thermal flow sensor 460 is fixed, a heat sink, not shown, made of a suitable metallic material, such like aluminum Also attached to the raised platform 430 are GSR 465 sensors, which preferably comprise electrodes formed of a material such as conductive carbonized rubber, gold or stainless steel. Although two GSR 465 sensors are shown in Figure 13, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the number of GSR 465 sensors and the placement of

they may vary on the raised platform 430, as long as the individual sensors GSR 465, that is, the electrodes, are electrically isolated from each other. When fixed on the raised platform 430, the thermal flow sensor 460 and the GSR 465 sensors are adapted to be in contact with the user's skin when the cuff sensor device 400 is worn. The lower portion 440 of the computer case 405

5 may also be provided with a removable and replaceable soft foam fabric pad, which is not shown, on a portion of the surface thereof that does not include raised platform 430 and threaded holes 438a. The soft foam fabric is intended to contact the user's skin and make the cuff sensor device 400 more comfortable to use.

The electrical coupling between the thermal flow sensor 460, the GSR 465 sensors, and the printed circuit 445 can be carried out in one of several known procedures. For example, suitable wiring, not shown, can be molded into the lower portion 440 of the computer case 405 and then electrically connected, such as by welding, to the appropriate input positions on the PCB 445 and to the sensor 460 thermal flux and GSR 465 sensors. Alternatively, instead of molding wiring in the

15 lower portion 440, through holes can be provided in the lower portion 440, through which appropriate wiring can pass. The through holes would preferably be provided with a water-tight seal to maintain the integrity of the computer case 405.

Instead of being attached to the raised platform 430 as shown in Figure 13, one or both of the thermal flow sensor 460 and the GSR 465 sensors can be fixed in the inner portion 466 of the flexible wing body 410 in either or both of the wings 418 to be in contact with the user's skin when the cuff sensor device 400 is worn out. In one configuration, the electrical coupling between said thermal flow sensor 460 and the GSR 465 sensors, whichever the case, and the PCB 445 can be made through suitable wiring, not shown, molded into the flexible wing body 410 that passes through one or more holes

25 through-holes in the computer case 405 and which is electrically connected, such as by welding, to the appropriate input positions on the PCB 445. Again, the through holes are preferably provided with a water-tight seal to maintain the integrity of the computer case 405. Alternatively, instead of providing through holes in the computer case 405 through which the wiring passes, the wiring can be captured in the computer case 405 during an overmolding process, which is described then, and ultimately welded into the corresponding input positions on PCB 445.

As shown in Figures 12, 16, 17 and 18, the computer case 405 includes a button 470 that is coupled to and adapted to activate a momentary switch 585 on the PCB 445. The button 470 can be used for

35 activate the cuff sensor device 400 for use, to mark the time an event occurred or to request information on the system status, such as battery level and memory capacity. When button 470 is pressed, momentary switch 585 closes a circuit and sends a signal to a processing unit 490 on PCB 445. Depending on the time interval during which button 470 is pressed, the generated signal triggers one of the events just described. The computer case 405 also includes LEDs 475, which can be used to indicate the battery level or memory capacity or to provide visual information to the user. Instead of LEDs 475, the computer case 405 may also include a liquid crystal display or LCD to provide the battery level, memory capacity or visual feedback information for the user. The battery level, memory capacity or feedback information can also be managed for the user tactilely or audibly.

The cuff sensor device 400 may be adapted to be activated for use, which is the collection of data, when any of the GSR 465 sensors or the thermal flow sensor 460 detects a particular condition indicating that the cuff sensor device 400 has been placed in contact with the user's skin. In addition, the cuff sensor device 400 may be adapted to be activated for use when one or more of the thermal flow sensor 460, the GSR 465 sensors, the accelerometer 495 or 550, or any other device in communication with the cuff sensor device 400, alone or in combination, detect a condition or conditions indicating that the cuff sensing device 400 has been placed in contact with the user's skin for its particular use. On other occasions, the cuff sensor device 400 is deactivated, thus preserving the battery power.

55 Computer case 405 is adapted to be coupled to a battery recharge unit 480 shown in Figure 19 to recharge rechargeable battery 450. Computer case 405 includes recharge contacts 485, shown in Figures 12, 15, 16 and 17, which are coupled to the rechargeable battery 450. The recharge contacts 485 may be made of a material such as brass, gold or stainless steel, and are adapted to match and be electrically coupled to the electrical contacts, not shown, provided in the battery charger unit 480 when the cuff sensor device 400 is placed therein. The electrical contacts provided in the battery charger unit 480 may be coupled to a recharging circuit 481 provided inside the battery charger unit 480. In this configuration, the recharging circuit 481 is coupled to a wall outlet , such as by wiring that includes a suitable plug that is connected or can be connected to the battery charger unit 480.

65 Alternatively, the electrical contacts 480 can be coupled to the wiring that joins or can be attached to the battery recharge unit 480 which in turn is coupled to the external recharge circuit 481b to the battery charger unit 480. The wiring in This configuration would also include a plug, not shown, adapted to connect to a conventional wall outlet.

Also provided in the 480 battery charger unit is an RF 483 transceiver adapted to receive

5 signals from and transmit signals to the RF transceiver 565 provided in the computer case 405 and shown in Figure 20. The RF transceiver 483 is adapted to be coupled, for example by a suitable cable, to a serial port, such as an RS 232 port or a USB port of a device such as a personal computer 35 shown in Figure 1. Therefore, the data can be uploaded to and downloaded from the cuff sensor device 400 using RF transceiver 483 and RF transceiver 565. It will be appreciated that although RF transceivers 483 and 565 are shown in Figures 19 and 20, other forms of wireless transceivers can be used, such as infrared transceivers. Alternatively, the computer case 405 may be provided with additional electrical contacts, not shown, that would be adapted to match and electrically coupled to additional electrical contacts, not shown, provided in the battery charger unit 480 when the cuff sensor device 400 is placed in it. Electrical contacts

Additional 15 in the computer case 405 are coupled to the processing unit 490 and the additional electrical contacts provided in the battery charger unit 480 are coupled to a suitable cable which in turn is coupled to a serial port, such as a RS R32 port or a USB port of a device such as a personal computer 35. This configuration thus provides an alternative procedure for loading data from and downloading data to the cuff sensor device 400 using a physical connection.

Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing the system architecture of the cuff sensing device 400 and, in particular, each of the components, that is, in or coupled to PCB 445.

As shown in Figure 17, PCB 445 includes a processing unit 490, which can be a

25 microprocessor, a microcontroller, or any other processing device that can be adapted to perform the functionality described in this document. The processing unit 490 is adapted to provide all the functionality described in connection with the microprocessor 20 shown in Figure 2. A suitable example of the processing unit 490 is the Dragonball EZ sold by Motorola, Inc. of Schaumburg, Illinois . PCB 445 also has a 495 two-axis accelerometer on it, a suitable example of which is the ADXL210 model accelerometer sold by Analog Devices, Inc. of Norwood, Massachusetts. The two-axis accelerometer 495 is preferably mounted on a PCB 445 at an angle such that its detection axes are displaced at an angle substantially equal to 45 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the PCB 445 and, therefore, the longitudinal axis of the arm of the user when the cuff sensor device 400 is worn. The longitudinal axis of the user's arm refers to the axis defined by a straight line drawn from the

35 user's shoulder to the user's elbow. The output signals of the two-axis accelerometer 495 pass through buffers 500 and enter the analog-to-digital converter 505, which in turn is coupled to the processing unit 490. The GSR 465 sensors are coupled to the amplifier 510 of the PCB 445. Amplifier 510 provides amplification and low step filtering functionality, a suitable example of which is the Model AD8544 amplifier sold by Analog Devices, Inc. of Norwood, Massachusetts. The output of the amplified and filtered signal by the amplifier 510 is introduced in amps / displacement 515 to provide more gain and to eliminate any bias voltage and in the filter / conditioning circuit 520, which in turn are each coupled to the converter analog to digital 505. Thermal flow sensor 460 is coupled to differential input amplifier 525, such as the Model INA amplifier sold by Burr-Brown Corporation, of Tucson, Arizona, and the resulting amplified signal passes through the filter circuit 530, buffer 535

45 and the amplifier 540 before it is introduced into the analog-to-digital converter 505. The amplifier 540 is configured to provide low-pass filtering plus gain and, a suitable example of which is the Model AD8544 amplifier sold by Analog Devices, Inc from Norwood, Massachusetts. The PCB 445 also includes therein a battery monitor 545 that monitors the remaining charge level of the rechargeable battery 450. The battery monitor 545 preferably comprises a voltage divider with a filter to provide an average voltage of the passing battery low. When a user presses the button 470 in the form adapted for the request of the battery level, the processing unit 490 checks the battery output of the monitor 545 and provides an indication thereof to the user, preferably via LEDs 475 , but also, possibly, through vibrating motor 455 or doorbell 575. An LCD screen can also be used.

55 PCB 445 may include a three-axis accelerometer 550 instead of or in addition to a two-axis accelerometer

495. The three-axis accelerometer emits a signal to the processing unit 490. A suitable example of a three-axis accelerometer is the μPAM product sold by IM Systems, Inc. of Scottsdale, Arizona. The three-axis accelerometer 550 preferably tilts in the manner described with respect to the two-axis accelerometer 495.

PCB 445 also includes RF receiver 555 which is coupled to processing unit 490. RF receiver 555 can be used to receive signals that are emitted by another device capable of wireless transmission, shown in Figure 20 as wireless device 558, worn by or located near the person wearing the cuff sensor device 400. As used herein, located nearby means within the transmission range of the wireless device 558. For example, the wireless device 558 can be a monitor 65 chest-mounted heart rate, such as the Tempo product sold by Polar Electro from Oulu, Finland. By using such a heart rate monitor, data indicative of the user's heart rate can

be collected by the cuff sensor device 400. The antenna 560 and RF transceiver 565 are coupled to the processing unit 490 and are provided for data loading purposes to the central monitoring unit 30 and for the reception of the downloaded data from the central monitoring unit 30. The RF transceiver 565 and the RF receiver 555, for example, can use Bluetooth technology as the protocol for

5 wireless transmission In addition, other forms of wireless transmission, such as infrared transmission, can be used.

The fact that the RF transceiver 565 can be used to wirelessly upload data and download data wirelessly to the cuff sensor device 400 is advantageous because it eliminates the need to remove the cuff sensor device 400 to perform these functions, such as It would be necessary with a physical connection. For example, if the cuff sensor device 400 is worn under the user's clothing, it requires the removal of the cuff sensor device 400 before loading and / or downloading the data, increasing user discomfort. In addition, the use of the cuff sensor device 400 has an effect on the skin of the user and the underlying blood vessels, which in turn can affect any ongoing measurement with respect to

15 the same. It may be necessary for a period of time during which the cuff sensing device 400 is used by the user before a stable and consistent state is achieved, accurate measurements can be made. By providing the cuff sensor device 400 with wireless communication capability, the data can be uploaded and downloaded without altering an established steady state equilibrium condition. For example, the programming data for the processing unit 490 that controls the sampling characteristics of the cuff sensor device 400 can be downloaded to the cuff sensor device 400 without disturbing the steady state equilibrium condition.

In addition, the antenna 560 and the RF transceiver 565 allow the cuff sensor device 400 to communicate wirelessly with other devices capable of wireless communication, that is, transmit information to and receive information from the devices. The devices may include, for example, devices that are implanted in the body of the person using the cuff sensor device 400, such as an implantable cardiac pacemaker or an implantable insulin dispensing device, for example, the implantable insulin pump MiniMed® 2007 sold by MiniMed Inc. of Northridge, California, devices that are placed on the body of the person using the cuff sensing device 400, or devices located near the person using the cuff sensing device 400 at any time in particular, such as an electronic balance, a blood pressure monitor, a glucose monitor, a cholesterol monitor or other cuff sensor device 400. With this two-way wireless communication capability, the cuff sensor device 400 can be adapted to transmit information that activates or deactivates a device for use or information that program such a device behaves in a particular way. For example, the device

The cuff sensor 400 may be adapted to activate a piece of exercise equipment such as a treadmill and program that works with certain parameters that are dictated or desired or are optimal for the user of the cuff sensor device 400. As another example , the cuff sensor device 400 may be adapted to adjust a computer-controlled thermostat in a home based on the detected temperature of the user's skin or deactivate a computer, television or stereo controlled lighting system when it is determined that the User has fallen asleep.

The vibrating motor 455 is coupled to the processing unit 490 through the vibrator controller 570 and provides tactile feedback to the user. Similarly, doorbell 575, a suitable example of which is the Model SMT916A doorbell sold by Projects Unlimited, Inc. of Dayton, Ohio, is attached to the unit

490 processing through the 580 doorbell controller, a suitable example of which is the Darlington Model MMBTA14 CTI transistor controller sold by Motorola, Inc. of Schaumburg, Illinois, and provides audible information to the user. Feedback may include, for example, celebration, warning and other limit or messages for events, for example, when a user reaches a level of calories burned during a workout.

The momentary switch 585 is also provided on the PCB 445 and the momentary switch 585 is coupled to the processing unit 49. The momentary switch 585 is also coupled to a button 470 for the activation of the momentary switch 585. The LEDs 475, which are used to provide various types of feedback information to the user, are coupled to the processing unit 490 through the controller / insurance of the

55 LED 590.

An oscillator 595 is provided on the PCB 445 and supplies the system clock to the processing unit 490. A reset circuit 600, accessible and activatable through a hole in the side of the computer case 405, is coupled to the processing unit 490 and allows unit 490 to reset to a standard initial processing value.

A rechargeable battery 450, which is the main source of energy for the cuff sensing device 400, is coupled to the processing unit 490 through a voltage regulator 605. Finally, memory functionality is provided to the sensing device of bracelet 400 via SRAM 610, which stores the data 65 related to the user of the bracelet sensor device 400, and a flash memory 615, which stores programs and configuration data, provided on PCB 445. The SRAM 610 and flash memory 615 are attach to the unit

of processing 490 and each preferably has at least 512K of memory.

In the manufacture and assembly of a cuff sensing device 400, first preferably the upper portion 435 of the computer case 405, such as by a conventional molding process, and the body 5 of the flexible wing 410 is then overmolded onto the upper part of the upper portion 435. That is, the upper portion 435 is placed in an appropriately shaped mold, that is, one that when the upper portion 435 is placed therein, has a remaining cavity shaped according to the shape desired of the flexible wing body 410, and the flexible wing body 410 is molded in the upper part of the upper portion 435. As a result, the flexible wing body 410 and the upper portion 435 will fuse or join together, forming a single unit Alternatively, the upper portion 435 of the computer case 405 and the flexible wing body 410 can be formed together, such as by molding in a single mold, to form a single unit. The single unit formed, however, can then be turned over in such a way that the lower part of the upper portion 435 is facing up, and the contents of the computer case 405 can be placed in the upper portion 435, and the upper portion 435 and the lower portion 440 can be fixed together. As another alternative, the flexible wing body 410 can be formed separately, such as by a conventional molding process, and the computer case 405, and, in particular, the upper portion 435 of the computer case 405 can be placed on the body of the flexible wing 410 by one of several known methods, such as by means of an adhesive, by pressure adjustment, or by screwing the two pieces together. Next, the rest of the computer case 405 would be mounted as described above. It will be appreciated that instead of mounting the rest of the computer case 405 after the upper portion 435 has been placed on the body of the flexible wing 410, the computer case 405 could be mounted first and then fixed on the body of the flexible wing

410.

Referring to Figure 21, a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the present is shown.

Invention This alternative embodiment includes an independent sensor device 700 that functions as an independent device, which means that it is capable of collecting and / or generating the various types of data described in this document in connection with the sensor device 10 and the sensor device 400 and providing analytical status data to the user without interaction with a remote located apparatus such as the central monitoring unit 30. The individual sensor device 700 includes a processor that is programmed and / or otherwise adapted to include utilities and algorithms necessary to create analytical status data from the indicative data of various physiological and / or contextual parameters of the user, the data derived therefrom, and the input of data by the user, all of which are stored, and are consulted as necessary, in the memory provided in the 700 independent sensor device. The device The independent sensor 700 may comprise the sensor device 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 which includes the microprocessor 20 and the

35 memory 22 or the cuff sensor device 400 as shown in Figures 12 to 17, which includes the processing unit 490 and SRAM 610.

As shown schematically in Figure 21, the data can be entered into the individual sensor device 700 in a number of ways. The independent sensor device 700 may include one or more physiological sensors 705 as described herein to facilitate the collection of data indicative of various physiological parameters of the user. The individual sensor device 700 may also include one or more contextual sensors 710 as described herein to facilitate the collection of data indicative of various user contextual parameters. As indicated by reference number 715, the individual sensor device 700 may be adapted to allow manual data entry by the user. For example, the independent sensor device 700 may include a data input button, such as a button 470 of the cuff sensor device 400, through which a user could manually enter information such as information relating to various life activities of the user as described in this document or information regarding the operation and / or control of the independent sensor device 700, for example, the configuration of reminders or alerts as described in this document. In this example, the activation of button 470 can simply record or time stamp that an event such as a meal has occurred, with the user having to assign a meaning to the time stamp through data entry at a time. later. Alternatively, activation of the 470 button in certain sequences, such as one activation, two successive activations, three successive activations, etc., can be programmed to have different specific meanings. A user would have to follow a menu or guide of such predetermined activation sequences to the data of

55 relevant entry. Alternatively, the independent sensor device 700 may include more sophisticated means for manually entering information, such as a keyboard, a touch screen, a microphone or a remote control device, for example, a remote control device incorporated in a wristwatch. In the case of a microphone, the processor of the independent sensor device 700 is provided with well-known or similar voice recognition software for converting the input voice into usable data.

As indicated by reference numbers 720 and 725, the information comprising data indicative of various physiological and / or contextual parameters and the data derived therefrom can be entered into the individual sensor device 700 through interaction with other devices. In addition, information such as hand movement data or data indicative of various physiological and / or contextual parameters and data derived therefrom are sent from the independent sensor device 700 to the other devices. According to one embodiment, the interaction is in the form of wireless communication between the sensor device.

700 independent and another device capable of wireless communication by means of a wireless transceiver provided in the independent sensor device 700, such as wireless transceiver 565 shown and described in connection with Figure 20. The interaction of device to device can, as It is shown by reference number 720, being explicit, which means that the user of the independent sensor device 700 has

5 consciously initiated the interaction. For example, a user can activate a button on a scale to load data from the independent sensor device 700. The device-to-device interaction can also be hidden, as evidenced by reference number 725, which means that the user of the device 700 independent sensor does not consciously initiate the interaction. For example, a gymnast may have a sensor that transmits a wireless signal to the detection device 700 when the user enters and leaves the gym to mark the time when the user began and finished an exercise session.

As schematically shown in Figure 21, the information can be sent or transmitted from the independent sensor device 700 in a plurality of ways. Such information may include the data indicative of various physiological parameters and / or contextual parameters, the data derived therefrom, the input data manually by the user, the analytical status data, or any combination thereof. As shown by reference numbers 730, 735 and 740, the information can be sent

or transmitted in an audible manner, such as through a series of tones or beeps or a voice recording by a device such as a loudspeaker, visually, such as by one or more LEDs, or in a tactile manner, such as by vibration. For example, the independent sensor device 700 may be adapted to emit a tone or tones, light an LED or LEDs, or vibrate as a reminder for an event, such as a reminder to eat or exercise at a particular time, or when You have reached a goal, such as a target number of calories burned during an exercise session, or a condition, such as an ovulation, has been detected. Alternatively, the independent sensor device 700 may be provided with more sophisticated visual output means such as an LCD screen similar to those found in the 25 commercially available cell phones, pagers and personal digital assistants. With an LCD screen or a similar device and with the expanded visual output capabilities that it would provide, the individual sensor device 700 may be adapted to emit or transmit part or all of the information described in relation to Figures 5 to 11 therein or in a similar format. For example, the independent sensor device 700 could provide data on the analysis status in the form of a Health Index for the user. As an additional alternative, the independent sensor device 700 may be coupled to the computing device 750, such as a personal computer, a cell phone, a pager, a personal digital assistant, another independent sensor device 700 or any other device that has a processor , via 755 cable connection or 760 wireless connection. For example, the battery charger unit 480 shown in Figure 19 can be used to provide the 755 cable connection or a 760 wireless connection.

In this configuration, the display of the computing device could be used to visually send information from the independent sensor device 700. It will be appreciated that since the computing device 750 includes sophisticated output means such as an LCD, which can be used to send or transmit to the user part or all of the information described in relation to figures 5 to 11, such as the Health Index, in the same or in a similar format.

In addition, the computing device 750 may in turn be used to control other devices, such as lights or thermostat in a home, based on data output by the individual sensor device 700, such as the fact that the user has fallen asleep or the fact that the user's skin temperature has reached a certain level. In other words, the individual sensor device 700 and, in particular, its

A processor can be adapted to cause a computing device 750 to trigger an event after the detection of one or more physiological and / or contextual conditions by means of the individual sensor device 700. Alternatively, the individual sensor device 700 may be adapted to cause a computing device 750 triggers an event based on the information received from another computing device 750.

The individual sensor device 700 may be adapted to interact with and influence an interactive electronic media device, such as a video game, or non-interactive electronic media device, such as a display device, such as a DVD or a video disc player digital that plays a digitally recorded video. For example, the individual sensor device 700 may be adapted to transmit information related to the physiological state of the user to the video game, which in turn adjusts the characteristics of the game, such

55 as the difficulty level. As another example, the individual sensor device 700 may be adapted to transmit information related to the physiological state of the user to the display device of the digitally recorded film, which in turn adjusts the characteristics, such as the output, of the film.

On the other hand, independent sensor device 700 may include a position sensing device 765, such as an ultrasonic or radiofrequency identification tag, to allow a computing device 750 to detect the geographical position of the independent sensor device 700, such as the position of the independent sensor device 700 within a defined space, such as a building. In one embodiment, a position indication causes the computing device 750 to trigger an event, such as reducing the temperature in a room corresponding to the indicated position, preferably based on detection by the independent sensor device 700 of one or more physiological conditions of the user, such as skin temperature. In another embodiment, the position indication causes the device to

computing 750 triggers an event, such as reducing the temperature in a room that corresponds to the indicated position, if the independent sensor device 700 detects one or more physiological conditions, such as that a temperature of the user's skin is above A certain level. In addition, the input means of the computing device, such as the mouse and keyboard of a personal computer, the keyboard of a telephone

5 cell phone or a pager, or the touch screen of a personal digital assistant, can be used manually to enter information into the independent sensor device 700.

Different output modes can be used in combination to provide different types and levels of information to a user. For example, the limited sensor device 700 may be carried by a person during exercise and an LED or tone may be used to indicate that the goal of burning a certain number of calories has been achieved. The user could then transmit additional data wirelessly from the individual sensor device 700 to a computing device 750, such as a cell phone after he or she has finished exercising to view data such as heart rate and / or the speed of breathing over time.

As an additional alternative embodiment of the present invention, instead of the processor provided in the independent sensor device 700 being programmed and / or otherwise adapted to generate the derived data and to include the utilities and algorithms necessary to create the Analytical status data, the computing device 750 can be programmed in this way. In this embodiment, the independent sensor device 700 collects and / or generates the data indicative of various physiological and / or contextual parameters of the user, the data entered manually by the user, and / or the data entered as a result of the interaction from device to device shown in 720 and 725, all of which are stored in the memory provided in the independent sensor device 700. This data is then periodically uploaded to the computing device 750, which in turn generates the derived data and / or data. analytical status data. Alternatively, the

The processor of the individual sensor device 700 could be programmed to generate the derived data with the computing device 750 programmed and / or otherwise adapted to include the utilities and algorithms necessary to create the analytical status data based on the indicative data of one or more physiological and / or contextual parameters, data derived therefrom, the data entered manually by the user and / or the data entered as a result of the device-to-device interaction shown in 720 and 725 sent from the independent sensor device 700. As an additional alternative, the processor of the independent sensor device 700 may be programmed and / or otherwise adapted to include the utilities and algorithms necessary to create the analytical status data based on the indicative data of one or more physiological and / or contextual parameters, the data derived from them, the d Atos entered manually by the user and / or the data entered as a result of the device-to-device interaction

35 shows in 720 and 725 sent from the independent sensor device 700 with the computing device 750 is programmed to generate the derived data. In an alternative, any or all of the data indicative of the physiological and / or contextual parameters of the user, the data derived therefrom, the data entered manually by the user, the data entered as a result of the device interaction to device shown in 720 and 725 and the analytical status data can then be viewed by the user using the output means of the programmed computing device 750 or another computing device 750 to which the data is downloaded. In the latter alternative, all but the analytical status data can also be sent by the independent sensor device 700 as described herein.

The computing device 750 in these alternative embodiments may be connected to an electronic network,

45 such as the Internet, to allow it to communicate with central monitoring unit 30 or the like. The programming of the computing device 750 that allows to generate the derived data and / or the analytical status data can, with such a configuration, be modified or replaced by downloading the relevant data to the computing device 750 via the electronic network.

As still a further alternative embodiment, the computing device 750 may be provided with an additional custom written program adapted to provide data presentation functionality through the use of a well-known browser program. In this embodiment, the individual sensor device 700 collects and / or generates the data indicative of various physiological and / or contextual parameters of the user, the derived data, the data entered by the user, the data entered as a result of the interaction of device to device

55 shown in 720 and 725, and / or analytical status data based thereon and uploads this data to the computing device 750. The added program provided in the computing device 750 then generates appropriate display pages based on the data that they can be seen by the user through the browser provided with the computing device 750. The added program can be modified / updated from a source such as the central monitoring unit 30 through an electronic network, such as the Internet.

The terms and expressions that have been used in this document are used as terms of description and not as a limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions to exclude equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, and it will be recognized that several modifications are possible within the scope of the claimed invention. Although the particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in the above detailed description, it should also be understood that the present

The invention is not limited only to the described embodiments, but they are capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions.

Claims (18)

An apparatus for detecting, monitoring and reporting human status information, which comprises a sensor device (10, 400, 700) that includes at least two sensors selected from the group consisting of physiological sensors and contextual sensors, said physiological sensors being adapted to facilitate the generation of the indicative data of one or more physiological parameters of a person, said contextual sensors being adapted to facilitate the generation of indicative data of one or more contextual parameters of said person, said sensors being adapted to facilitate the generation of data indicative of at least a first parameter and a second parameter of a person, and a memory (22) for recoverable storage of said data indicative of at least said first parameter and said second parameter, a computing device (35, 490, 750) in electronic communication with said sensor device (10, 400, 700), gene said computing device (35, 490, 750) deriving derived data based on said data indicative of at least said first parameter and said second parameter, said derived data comprising a third parameter of said person, and an output device (455 , 575, 730, 735, 740) to transmit to said person by At least one of said data indicative of at least said first parameter and said second parameter and said derived data, characterized in that the apparatus also comprises a wireless transceiver (565) for wireless electronic communication with a device (558) separated from said apparatus, said computing device (35, 490, 750) being programmed to control the device (558) separated from said apparatus for performing an operation, said operation being based on at least one of said data indicative of at least said first parameter, said indicative data of said second parameter, and said third parameter. 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said device (558) separated from said apparatus is at least one of a wireless device used by said person, a wireless device implanted in the body of said person, and a wireless device located near that person.

3.

An apparatus according to claim 2, said information comprising said wireless transceiver (565) comprising at least one of the data indicative of a physiological parameter of said person and the data derived therefrom.

Four.

An apparatus according to any preceding claim, said output device comprising a visual output device (735), or an audible output device (575, 730), or a touch output device (455, 740).

5.

An apparatus according to any preceding claim, said computing device being adapted

35 (35, 490, 750) to send said person at least one of said data indicative of at least said first parameter and said second parameter and said derived data.

6.

An apparatus according to any preceding claim, said computing device (35, 490, 750) being coupled to said sensor device (10, 400, 700) by a physical connection.

7.

An apparatus according to any preceding claim, said computing device (35, 490, 750) being coupled to said sensor device (10, 400, 700) via a wireless connection.

8. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, said sensor device further comprising means for manually entering the information into said apparatus.

9.

An apparatus according to any preceding claim, which also comprises a manual input device for manually entering the information into said apparatus.

10.

An apparatus according to claim 8 or claim 9, said information entered manually in said memory.

eleven.

An apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, generating one of said device

sensor (10, 400, 700) and said computing device (35, 490, 750) analytical status data from at least a portion of said derived data and said manually entered information. 12. An apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 11, said apparatus monitoring the degree to which said person has followed a predetermined routine, generating one of said sensor device (10, 400, 700) and said computing device (35, 490, 750) analytical status data comprising a feedback to said person in relation to the degree to which said person has followed said predetermined routine, said feedback being generated from at least a portion of at least one of said data indicative of at least said first parameter and said second parameter of said person, manually entering said derived data and said information. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said routine comprises a plurality of categories and said feedback is generated and provided with respect to each of said categories. 14. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said categories include two or more nutrition, activity level, mind centering, sleep and daily activities. 15. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein at least a portion of said feedback is in at least one graphically and textually. 16. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, said apparatus also comprising a position sensing device for indicating to said device separated from said apparatus a position of said apparatus within a defined space. 17. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, said apparatus also comprising a position sensing device for indicating to said separated device a geographical position of said apparatus. An apparatus according to claim 16 or claim 17, said position indication being used to control said device separate from said apparatus. 19. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, generating one of said sensor device (10, 400, 700) and said computing device (35, 490, 750) analytical status data from at least a portion of said said derived data, said apparatus also comprising a wireless communication component (565) for transmitting at least one of said data indicative of at least said first parameter and said second parameter, said derived data and said analytical status data to an electronic media device , said electronic means device including electronic means, transmitting at least one of said data indicative of at least said first parameter and said second parameter, said derived data and said data 25 analytical status used to adjust one or more characteristics of said electronic means. 20. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said device separated from said apparatus is a portable device.