WO2020252317A1

WO2020252317A1 - Portable health monitoring apparatus, system, and method

Info

Publication number: WO2020252317A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/037504
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sushir KADIDAL; Linda XIN
Original assignee: Kadidal Sushir; Xin Linda
Priority date: 2019-06-12
Filing date: 2020-06-12
Publication date: 2020-12-17

Abstract

A portable wireless-enabled health monitoring apparatus with multiple sensors to measure vital signs and other bodily health conditions is disclosed. In various embodiments, the apparatus may have a shape that is a flattened sphere having an upper and lower portion. An upper portion of the apparatus may itself contain sensors and/or reveal additional sensors to measure vitals and other bodily health information. The health monitoring apparatus may connect to a wireless device (e.g, a smart phone) and be controlled via an accompanying mobile application. The mobile device may communicate with a telemedicine service and/or online platform that is accessible by both the patient and the care provider. In various embodiments, the apparatus includes, but is not limited to, the capability for electrocardiogram monitoring, pulse oximetry monitoring, heart rate monitoring, blood pressure monitoring, temperature monitoring, and stethoscope recording and monitoring.

Description

PORTABLE HEALTH MONITORING APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S.

Application No. 62/860,335 filed June 12, 2019, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to monitoring health of a patient in a non-medical setting ( e.g ., at the patient’s site).

BACKGROUND

[0003] Traditionally, access to healthcare outside of a medical setting (e.g., a doctor’s office) is limited, making it difficult for patients to monitor their health or to obtain care when needed. Access to healthcare may be further hindered during crises, for example, a global pandemic. Telemedicine is one of the ways patients may be provided easier and quicker access to healthcare. Telemedicine is defined by the remote consultation, diagnosis, and/or treatment of patients by means of telecommunications technology, typically involving the patient using video chat, text or instant messaging, or email with a physician or healthcare provider. In the U.S., it may take an average of 24 days before a patient is able to see his or her doctor. This ability for a patient to access care in a non-medical setting or from home not only makes it easier for a patient to be proactive about his or her health, but also gives patients the ability to access on-demand care when they need it. Since patients can access care from anywhere with an internet connection, telemedicine has the potential to lower overall healthcare costs by eliminating unnecessary hospital, emergency room, or urgent care visits. However, one limitation of telemedicine appointments is that physicians or care providers are unable to obtain a physical understanding of the patient during one of these virtual appointments. An in-person doctor’s appointment typically begins with a care provider taking the patient’s vitals and/or, but not limited to, listening to his or her heart, lungs, or abdomen with a stethoscope. However, this is not possible during a remote telemedicine interaction.

[0004] Existing telemedicine systems include U S. Patent No. 5,931,791 to Saltzstein

(1999), which shows a portable monitoring device for multiple vitals that transmits the patient’s voice and vitals data captured via a telephone line to a healthcare provider.

However, Saltzstein relies on an LCD screen to show a live feed of vitals data and other bodily health information being gathered. This apparatus does incorporate capabilities that more modern forms of technology, such as the smart-phone, provide.

[0005] Another existing method used to measure multiple vital sign is shown in U.S.

Patent No. 4,383,534 to Peters (1983). This apparatus has multiple vital sign detection devices, such as temperature detector, ECG detector, heart and breath sound detector, etc., all of which plug into a central chassis which has the ability to broadcast visual and audio signals to the patient or care provider. While the device is portable and can move with the patient, the methods in which it attaches to a patient’s body, namely through a series of tubes that interface with the user’s body, make it difficult to use outside of a medical setting. Another limitation of this device is that its digital capabilities are limited to the chassis itself, and lacks any wireless ability to transmit the vitals and health information to a remote server or database.

[0006] These existing systems suffer from various deficiencies including the lack of wireless capabilities, and therefore do not have the ability to connect to a care provider. Furthermore, existing devices only display numbers and do not contextualize these readings for the patient in the context of their own health profile and their personal health needs. This means that patients have to make sense of the readings coming from these devices independently and on their own.

[0007] Furthermore, conventional single vital sign monitors may be portable and lightweight, but only allow the user to capture one vital sign at a time, e.g. blood pressure ( e.g ., as measured by an inflatable limb encircling cuff) or blood-oxygen levels (e.g. as measured by pulse oximetry or SpC ). Existing systems do not enable the monitoring of all vital signs and bodily health information necessary for a remote doctor's check-up.

[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for a health monitoring apparatus that overcomes these disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED SUBJECT MATTER

[0009] The purpose and advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be set forth in and apparent from the description that follows, as well as will be learned by practice of the disclosed subject matter. Additional advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be realized and attained by the methods and systems particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof, as well as from the appended drawings.

[0010] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the disclosed subject matter, as embodied and broadly described, the disclosed subject matter includes an apparatus including a housing having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion includes a first slot and a second slot and the lower portion includes a third slot and a fourth slot. The apparatus further includes a first sensor configured to measure a first bodily health signal, and the first sensor is removably disposed within the first slot. The apparatus further includes a second sensor configured to measure a second bodily health signal, and the second sensor is integrated into the upper portion. The apparatus further includes a third sensor configured to measure a third bodily health signal, and the third sensor is removably disposed within the third slot. The apparatus further includes a fourth sensor configured to measure a fourth bodily health signal, and the fourth sensor is integrated into the fourth slot. The apparatus further includes a fifth sensor configured to measure a fifth bodily health signal, and the fifth sensor is integrated into the lower portion. The apparatus further includes a sixth sensor configured to measure an environmental signal, and the sixth sensor is in fluid communication with the second slot. The apparatus further includes a transmitter disposed within the housing. The transmitter is configured to transmit data from the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor, the fourth sensor, the fifth sensor, and the sixth sensor to a wireless device.

[0011] In various embodiments, the apparatus further includes a charging station coupled to the housing. In various embodiments, the first sensor comprises an audio sensor. In various embodiments, the second sensor comprises an electrical signal sensor. In various embodiments, at least a portion of the upper portion comprises a conductive surface, and the second sensor is electrically coupled to the conductive surface. In various embodiments, the second sensor comprises a heartbeat sensor. In various embodiments, the third sensor comprises a blood pressure sensor. In various embodiments, the fourth sensor comprises a blood oxygen sensor. In various embodiments, the fifth sensor comprises a temperature sensor. In various embodiments, the temperature sensor is a non-contact infrared

thermometer. In various embodiments, the sixth sensor comprises at least one of: an air quality sensor, an ambient pressure sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, an ambient sound sensor, and ambient light sensor, a humidity sensor, an atmospheric composition sensor, a pollution sensor, and an ultraviolet radiation sensor. In various embodiments, the apparatus further includes a seventh sensor configured to measure a sixth bodily health signal; the fifth sensor integrated into the lower portion, the seventh sensor integrated into the lower portion. In various embodiments, the seventh sensor is a blood glucose sensor. In various embodiments, the transmitter is configured to enable wireless transmission of each signal to a mobile device. In various embodiments, the second slot is a ring that extends

circumferentially around the upper portion. In various embodiments, the apparatus further includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed within the conductive surface configured to indicate placement of hands. In various embodiments, the apparatus further includes an encrypted key slot. In various embodiments, the first sensor and the third sensor are wirelessly connected to the transmitter.

[0012] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide further explanation of the disclosed subject matter claimed.

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate and provide a further understanding of the method and system of the disclosed subject matter. Together with the description, the drawings serve to explain the principles of the disclosed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] A detailed description of various aspects, features, and embodiments of the subject matter described herein is provided with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below. The drawings are illustrative and are not necessarily drawn to scale, with some components and features being exaggerated for clarity. The drawings illustrate various aspects and features of the present subject matter and may illustrate one or more embodiment(s) or example(s) of the present subject matter in whole or m part. [0015] Fig. 1 illustrates a system block diagram of a wireless-enabled health monitoring apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a health monitoring apparatus, in a closed configuration, hovering above an accompanying charging station according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a health monitoring apparatus, in an open configuration, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the invented health monitoring apparatus, in an open configuration, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] Fig. 5 illustrates an exploded assembly drawing of a health monitoring apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] Fig. 6 illustrates multiple screens from an accompanying smart-phone mobile application according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] Fig. 7 illustrates multiple screens from an accompanying smart-phone mobile application according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] Fig. 8 illustrates multiple screens from an accompanying smart-phone mobile application according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] Fig. 9 illustrates multiple screens from an accompanying smart-phone mobile application according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Various vital signs of a patient that a care provider might require can be measured by patients in a nonmedical setting using various commercially-available devices. Most of these consumer devices are digital, but do not have wireless ( e.g ., Bluetooth or Wi- Fi) capabilities and therefore do not have the ability to connect to a care provider. Often, these devices only display numbers and do not contextualize these readings for the patient in the context of their own health profile and their personal health needs. In other instances, these devices may also not be integrated into telemedicine systems and must be read out or manually input by the user (as opposed to a live reading). This means that patients have to make sense of the readings coming from these devices independently and on their own. Conventional single vital sign monitors may be portable and lightweight, but only allow the user to capture one vital sign at a time, e.g., blood pressure (e.g, as measured by an inflatable limb encircling cuff) or blood-oxygen levels (e.g, as measured by pulse oximetry or SpCk). Some single vital sign monitoring devices provide for real-time telemetry to a smart phone app or online platform, but none enable the monitoring of all vital signs and bodily health information necessary for a remote doctor’s check-up.

[0025] At a high level, a health monitoring apparatus include two or more sensors disposed within or integrated into a housing. In various embodiments, the housing may have a closed configuration in which the housing may have a smaller volumetric profile and/or protect various components (e.g, sensors) of the apparatus. In various embodiments, the apparatus may be wireless-enabled such that the apparatus may communicate (transmit and/or receive data) with a mobile device and/or a remote server.

[0026] An improved health monitoring apparatus is designed and constructed to be portable, small, and light weight. An improved health monitoring apparatus incorporates multiple components that capture a patient’s vitals and/or other bodily health information. In its preferred embodiment, the portable unit takes the form of a flattened sphere (or mushroom having a bulbous top which is wider than the stem), the top of which rises to reveal additional components that the user must physically interact with when capturing vitals or other bodily health information. The rechargeable health monitoring apparatus preferably relies on its connection with a smart-phone or mobile application to operate or activate the device. The accompanying mobile application receives information from the health monitoring apparatus and then sends this information to an online platform, which is accessible by a physician or care provider. Accordingly several advantages are to provide a user-friendly way to capture multiple vital signs or other bodily health information in a single device and mobile application, and to provide telemedicine care providers with the ability to capture vitals or other bodily health information.

[0027] Fig. l is a system block diagram of a wireless-enabled health monitoring apparatus 110. In various embodiments, the apparatus 110 may utilize a wireless communications protocol ( e.g ., Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) to connect to a user device 111. In various embodiments, the user device 111 may be a mobile device ( e.g ., a smart-phone or tablet) having a mobile application. In various embodiments, the apparatus 110 may send vital signals or bodily health information to the mobile device 111. In various embodiments, the mobile device 111 may send the vital signals and/or bodily health information, via a network, to a remote server having an application accessible by both patient and care provider 112. In various embodiments, the application is accessible via an online web portal. In various embodiments, the application may be provided as a mobile application or software program. In various embodiments, the sensors may directly communicating with the apparatus (e.g., via wireless communications protocol). In various embodiments, the apparatus may provide information form the one or more sensors to the mobile device. In various embodiments, the mobile device may receive data from the sensor(s) and create, store, and/or cross-reference trends, statistics and insights about the history of readings between the vitals sensors and the environmental sensors. In various embodiments, a report of health and/or environmental trends may be secured and/or encrypted on the mobile device. In various embodiments, the data may be combined with a long-term health report stored on an air-gapped data module ( e.g ., hard disk drive) inside the apparatus.

[0028] In various embodiments, the remote server may be in communication with an electronic health record (EHR) server. In various embodiments, the remote server may transmit the recorded data from the apparatus to the patient’s medical record stored on the EHR server.

[0029] In various embodiments, the apparatus may include two or more sensors, where each sensor is configured to obtain a different vital or bodily health information. In various embodiments the two or more sensor may be selected from the group consisting of: a blood pressure sensor, a cardiac output sensor, a temperature sensor, a blood oxygen sensor, a blood glucose sensor, a heart rate sensor, a heart rate variability sensor, a heart electrical activity sensor, a depth of breath sensor (e.g., tidal volume), a respiration rate sensor, a thoracic variation sensor, an inspiratory flow characteristic sensor, an expiratory flow characteristic sensor, an electrocardiography sensor, an electroencephalography sensor, and/or an electromyography sensor. In various embodiments, the apparatus may include one or more environmental sensor configured to measure an environmental parameter. In various embodiments, the one or more environmental sensor may be selected from the group consisting of: an ambient pressure sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, an ambient sound sensor, an ambient light sensor, a humidity sensor, an atmospheric composition sensor, a pollution sensor, an ultraviolet radiation sensor, a lighting condition sensor, an air quality sensor.

[0030] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a health monitoring apparatus 210 in a closed configuration. As shown in Fig. 2, the apparatus 210 may include a housing having an upper portion 210 and a lower portion 211 that are coupled to one another. In various embodiments, the upper portion and the lower portion may include any suitable shape, for example, a sphere, half sphere, a flattened sphere, a cut sphere (one side cut, two sides cut, etc), a rectangular box, a cube, a torus, a pyramid, etc. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the upper portion 210 has a concave shape that transitions into a convex middle portion 310 such that there is a point of inflection between upper and middle portions. Additionally, the middle portion can be formed with a thinner profile than the upper portion so as to form a mushroom-like stem, with a foot that is wider than the stem. The entire outer surface of the upper and middle portions of the device can be arcuate, with the sensor(s) disclosed herein received completely within recesses provided in the device such that the sensor(s) are flush with the outer surface, when installed. In various embodiments, one or more sensors may be hidden within the housing while the apparatus is in the closed configuration. In various embodiments, the hidden one or more sensors may be disposed or integrated into a portion of the upper portion 210 of the housing. In various embodiments, the hidden one or more sensors may be disposed or integrated into a portion of the lower portion 211 of the housing. In various embodiments, the one or more sensors may be revealed by expanding the housing to the open configuration. In Fig. 2, the meeting point, represented by a line, between the upper portion 210 and the lower portion 211 is shown.

[0031] In various embodiments, the upper portion of the housing may include a slot

212. In various embodiments, the slot may be located at the apex of the upper portion. In various embodiments, the slot 212 may be shaped to contain an audio sensor 213 that is configured to obtain audio of a heart of a subject. In various embodiments, the audio sensor 213 may be a digital stethoscope. In various embodiments, the audio sensor ( e.g ., digital stethoscope) may be wirelessly connected to the apparatus, for example, via Bluetooth or Wi Fi. In various embodiments, the apparatus 210 may be provided with an accompanying charging station 214, which connects to a power source through a cord 215. In various embodiments, the charging station 214 may be bowl-shaped. In various embodiments, the top of the charging station 214 may be substantially flat. In various embodiments, the bottom of the charging station 214 consists of a bowl-shaped base which houses the electronics. The lower portion 211 of the device has a complementary contour to engage the charging station. In various embodiments, the upper portion 210 may include a slot 216. In various embodiments, slot 216 may extend around a circumference of the upper portion 210. In various embodiments, the slot may be fluidly coupled to one or more environmental sensors 220

[0032] Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the invented health monitoring apparatus 110 in an open configuration. In the open configuration, the upper portion 210 separates from the middle portion 310 to reveal a middle portion (which is telescopingly received within the upper portion 210 when in the closed configuration). An actuator (e.g. spring) can expand or open the device by separating the upper 210 and middle 310 portions. For example, a user can press downward on the upper portion 210 of the device until a sufficient force threshold is applied to activate an internal lock or release lever, thereby allowing the actuator to expand or elevate the upper portion 210 with respect to the middle portion 310. In various embodiments, the separation of the upper portion and the lower portion may be electronically controlled via a mobile application. In some

embodiments, the middle portion may be a part of either the upper portion or the lower portion. Fig. 3 shows additional sensors for capturing vitals data in the middle portion 310.

In various embodiments, the middle portion 310 includes an aperture 315 that contains a sensor for obtaining vitals data. In various embodiments, disposed within the aperture 315 is a lens 317 of a non-contact thermometer infrared. In various embodiments, the non-contact thermometer 316 may be wirelessly-enabled, for example, via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. In various embodiments, the middle portion may include a slot 311 for housing a sensor for measuring a vital of a body. In various embodiments, slot 311 contains a blood pressure sensor 312 disposed therein. In various embodiments, the blood pressure monitor is wirelessly enabled, for example, via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. In various embodiments, the blood pressure sensor 312 includes a blood pressure cuff 313 configured to be wrapped around a limb ( e.g ., upper arm, wrist, leg, etc.) of a subject. In various embodiments, the blood pressure sensor 312 includes a pump and electronics housing 314 coupled to the cuff 313. In various embodiments, blood pressure sensors may include those that apply an auscultatory technique, an oscillometric technique, a photoplethysmography technique, or any other suitable blood pressure sensing technique as is known in the art. Fig. 3 also shows the audio sensor 213 removed from slot 212. In various embodiments, the apparatus may include an electrical signal sensor 320 integrated into a surface of the housing (e.g., upper portion and/or lower portion). In various embodiments, the electrical signal sensor 320 may include an electrocardiogram sensor. In various embodiments, at least a portion of the housing (e.g., upper portion and/or lower portion) may include an electrically conductive surface integrated into the surface. In various embodiments, the electrically conductive surface may be made of a metal (e.g, stainless steel). In various embodiments, the apparatus may include lights 318, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), which may be positioned within the housing to designate a user’s hand placement for use of the electrical signal sensor. In various embodiments, the housing may include an encrypted key slot 217. In various embodiments, the encrypted key slot may be configured to receive a storage device for storing personal health information, such as recorded vitals data. In various embodiments, the housing may include a laser pointer 218.

In various embodiments, the laser pointer may be configured to indicate the location of non- contact thermometer reading.

[0033] Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the invented health monitoring apparatus 110, in an open configuration. As shown in the view of Fig. 4, the audio sensor 213 may include a diaphragm 414, which is a thin membrane that helps sound waves reverberate. Similar to FIG. 3, the view shown in FIG. 4 illustrates the apparatus 110 in the open configuration, where the upper portion 210 extends from the lower portion 211 to reveal the middle portion 310. In various embodiments, the apparatus 110 may include slot 410 with a blood oxygen sensor 411 disposed within the slot 410. In various embodiments, the slot 410 may include an upper flap 412 and a lower flap 413. In various embodiments, the upper flap 412 and/or the lower flap 413 may be hinged. In various embodiments, the upper flap 412 and/or the lower flap 413 may be stationary. In various embodiments, the slot 410 may be a rounded cavity.

[0034] Fig. 5 illustrates an exploded assembly drawing of the health monitoring apparatus 110, showing its component parts and their relationships to one another. As shown in Fig. 5, the wireless-enabled removable audio sensor 213 ( e.g ., digital stethoscope) is above the slot 212 into which it may be placed while not in use. The slot 212 for the audio sensor 212 has a lip that sits above touch latches 510, and is kept in a vertical orientation by connectors 514 which slide through holes 513. The upper portion 210 also houses the wireless-enabled electric signal sensor 320 (e.g., electrocardiogram), which may include one or more rows of small lights to indicate hand placement 318 and electrical signal receptor pads 511. The wireless-enabled removable blood pressure monitor 312, slides into its slot 311. In various embodiments, the apparatus 110 includes touch latches 510 that sit behind the slot 31 lwhen all parts are assembled. In various embodiments, the apparatus may include a processor. In various embodiments, a printed circuit board (PCB) may control any of the sensors described herein. In various embodiments, a PCB including the wireless non-contact thermometer 316 is connected to the middle portion 310 with connectors 514 which slide into holes 513. This PCB 316 sits behind an infrared lens 317 directly in line with an aperture 315. In various embodiments, adjacent to the thermometer, the wireless-enabled pulse oximeter 411 sits behind its opening 410. In various embodiments, the top portion of the pulse oximeter 412 is connected to the bottom portion of the pulse oximeter 413 with a hinging mechanism 515. In various embodiments, a centralized PCB may include a central wireless data hub. In various embodiments, the PCB and central wireless data hub 517 is attached to the lower portion of the health monitoring apparatus 211 with connectors 514 that go through receiving holes 513. The rechargeable battery 516 sits on top of the central PCB 517 and powers the health monitoring apparatus 110.

[0035] In various embodiments, the apparatus may further include a blood glucose sensor 219 integrated within the housing. In various embodiments, the blood glucose sensor may be disposed within a slot in the upper portion 210, the lower portion 211, or the middle portion 310. In various embodiments, the blood glucose sensor may include a device capable of receiving blood glucose strip (wetted with a blood sample of the subject thereon) as is known in the art. The device may send a current through the wetted strip to determine a signal associated with an amount of blood glucose in the blood sample.

[0036] Fig. 6 illustrates multiple screens from an accompanying smart-phone mobile application. In various embodiments, the mobile application may include a control panel and integrated service for the portable health monitoring apparatus 110. In various embodiments, the mobile application has access to a record of each patient’s health and medical history 610, family health history 611, any medications the patient is currently taking 612, and/or any allergies 613 the patient might have. In various embodiments, the mobile application incorporates notifications to patients of when to take their vitals or other bodily health readings 614, and also notifications to patients when they need to book an appointment 615. In various embodiments, the mobile application may provide the ability to book an appointment 616. In various embodiments, the mobile application may display a diagram of instructions on how to use the blood oxygen sensor 617 and a live feed the user’s heart rate 618 when being used. In various embodiments, the mobile application may display a summary of the user’s blood oxygen level 619 and an accompanying diagram showing the user’s results on a scale of normal to abnormal 620. In various embodiments, the mobile application may display a summary of the user’s heart rate 621 and an accompanying diagram showing the user’s results on a scale of normal to abnormal 622.

[0037] In various embodiments, the determination of normal or abnormal may be performed by the mobile device. In various embodiments, the apparatus may operate as a central conduit for that data between each sensor and the mobile device. In various embodiments, the mobile phone may store a history of the readings made by the sensors in the apparatus. In various embodiments, the mobile device may correlate current data with past data in the stored history. In various embodiments, the mobile device may correlate currently recorded data from the sensors in the apparatus to medically standard levels relevant to each vital. In various embodiments, the mobile device may provide personalized insights and readings specific to the user’s body. In various embodiments, personalized insights could alert the user if their specific vitals ( e.g ., heart rate) are within medically normal levels but outside their personal bands. In various embodiments, each vital may be correlated with the other vitals to understand their impacts on each other.

[0038] Data fusion of three vital signs (e.g. , heart rate, temperature, and oxygen saturation) provides moderate accuracy for predicting serious illness in children, and outperforms scores produced using this subset of vital signs in existing scoring systems. Although this type of score is difficulty to calculate by hand, it could be incorporated into commonly-available handheld phone applications, or into an integrated device incorporating a thermometer and pulse oximeter. Such a device would require a means of entering the patient's age, as the technique uses evidence-based curves to allow for the normal variation of heart rate during childhood. In various embodiments, the apparatus does not need to have data from all sensors before starting the analysis but the more data introduced the more accurate the correlation of the data. In various embodiments, the mobile device may provide a preliminary diagnosis based on an analysis of the recorded data and/or correlations between each set of recorded data (from the different sensors).

[0039] Fig. 7 illustrates multiple screens from an accompanying smart-phone mobile application. In various embodiments, the mobile application displays a diagram of how the user should use the electrocardiogram 710 and a live feed the user’s readings 711 when being used. In various embodiments, the mobile application may display a summary of the user’s heart rhythm 712 with an accompanying graphic 713. In various embodiments, the mobile application may display a summary of the user’s heart strength 714 with an accompanying graphic 715. In various embodiments, the mobile application may display to the user how to use the non-contact thermometer 716 and show a live feed of the user’s body temperature being captured 717. In various embodiments, the results may be displayed with a summary 718 and an accompanying graph 719.

[0040] Fig. 8 illustrates multiple screens from an accompanying smart-phone mobile application. In various embodiments, the mobile application shows a diagram of how the user should use the blood pressure monitor 810 and a live feed the user’s readings 811 when being used. In various embodiments, the mobile application then displays a summary of the user’s blood pressure 812 along with an accompanying graphic 813. In various

embodiments, the mobile application also shows a diagram of how the user should use the stethoscope 814 and a live feed indicating placement of the stethoscope on the body 815. In various embodiments, the mobile application then displays a short summary if the recordings 816 and an accompanying graphic of the recordings that were captured 817.

[0041] Fig. 9 illustrates multiple screens from an accompanying smart-phone mobile application. In various embodiments, the mobile application may display a summary of all vitals and bodily health information gathered. In various embodiments, the mobile application has the capability of connecting users with care providers through telecommunications means such as video chat 913. In various embodiments, appointment summaries may be provided, which show prescriptions 914, diagnoses 915, and suggestions on any next steps 916 the patient must take.

[0042] In various embodiments, a self-administered vitals analysis is performed. In various embodiments, the patient is directed by the mobile application on when and how to perform each vitals monitoring. In various embodiments, the mobile device then compares those readings to both medically-acceptable levels and established personal normal levels. In various embodiments, deviations are identified and presented to the patient in both text and graphical indications that show the level of deviation, any implications, potential causes of the deviation(s), and potential recommendations. In various embodiments, environmental trends and factors recorded are also combined with the current vitals readings. In various embodiments, the correlations of vitals and environmental factors are then collated and presented to the patient to indicate insights. In various embodiments, if a telemedicine appointment be necessary to continue the diagnosis, an appointment is set up with the appropriate urgency based on these insights. In various embodiments, when on a telemedicine call with a doctor, if the data is not recorded and then sent to the doctor, it may be shown live. In various embodiments, when the data has been completed per vital, the information may be presented as it relates to medically acceptable levels, and personally recorded normal levels. In various embodiments, this display of the personal normal and the present case can show the patient and the doctor anomalies and can lead to a more precise diagnosis. In various embodiments, on completion of the telemedicine appointment, all readings are available to the patient, along with the medical insights provided by the healthcare provider ( e.g ., diagnosis, directions and/or prescriptions). In various embodiments, these insights may be linked to reminders on the mobile device for the relevant timing, frequency and duration of the care.

[0043] In operation, the portable health monitoring apparatus 110 and smart-phone mobile application 111 may be used to monitor and/or track a medical patient’s vitals and bodily health information. In various embodiments, the apparatus 110 is able to

communicate said vitals and health information to a mobile application 111 and/or an online platform 112 accessible by a remote care provider for diagnostic, follow-up, or prescriptive purposes. In various embodiments, communication with the mobile application and/or online platform is done over and internet connection at the patient’s site. In various embodiments, online communication via voice, video, or chat, is provided between the patient using the apparatus 110 and its accompanying mobile application.

[0044] In various embodiments, upon receiving the device, a user begins using the portable health monitoring apparatus 110 by performing the following steps:

[0045] (1) In various embodiments, the user pairs a smart phone and mobile application (FIG. 6) with the health monitoring apparatus 110 by using Bluetooth or other wireless communications protocol. In various embodiments, the user is able to input personal information such as their own health history 610, their family’s health history 611, their medications 612, and/or their allergies 613.

[0046] (2) In various embodiments, at any given time, the user may receive a notification to remind them to monitor their vitals or bodily health 614. In various embodiments, the user may also receive a reminder to book a follow-up appointment 615, which they can do directly through the mobile application 616.

[0047] (3) In various embodiments, before a virtual doctor’s appointment or when the patient wants to measure vital signs, the accompanying smart-phone and mobile application may be used to activate the apparatus. In various embodiments, upon activation of the apparatus, the device’s upper portion 210 raises itself upwards and away from the lower portion 211 to reveal the middle portion 310. In various embodiments, the middle portion 310 provides the user access to additional components ( e.g ., temperature sensor, blood glucose sensor, blood pressure sensor, pulse oximeter, etc.) needed to capture vitals or bodily health information.

[0048] (4) In various embodiments, the mobile application 111 guides the user through the process of using each separate vitals and health monitoring component using the portable health monitoring apparatus 110.

[0049] (5) In various embodiments, to use the wireless-enabled pulse oximeter 411 the user must place a finger in the hole, slot, or opening for the pulse oximeter 410 as instructed in an accompanying mobile application 617. In various embodiments, the process of measurement may be similar to many existing pulse oximeters. In various embodiments, when a finger is placed within, the upper portion of the pulse oximeter finger slot 412 hinges upwards while the lower portion 413 remains stationary. In various embodiments, the expansion and contraction of the flap(s) of the slot allow for different size fingers to fit in the same slot. In various embodiments, while the pulse oximeter is gathering data, the mobile application may show a live feed of the information being gathered 618. In various embodiments, once the pulse oximeter 411 has captured the readings, a verbal summary of the user’s blood oxygen results 619 (and its graphic summary 620) and heart rate 621 (and its graphic summary 621) are shown on the accompanying mobile application.

[0050] (6) In various embodiments, to use the wireless-enabled portable

electrocardiogram 320 the user must place his or her hands on the areas where the apparatus’ lights 318 indicate where the conductive receptors 511 are located. This is to be done as instructed in an accompanying mobile application 710. When the user places his or hands in the conductive upper portion 210, the device is able to take readings of the user’s electrical heart signals. While the electrocardiogram is gathering data, the mobile application shows a live feed of the information being gathered 711. Once the electrocardiogram 320 has captured the readings a verbal summary of the user’s heart rhythm results 712 (and its graphic summary 713) and heart strength 714 (and its graphic summary 715) are shown on the accompanying mobile application.

[0051] (7) In various embodiments, to use the wireless-enabled non-contact thermometer 316, the user must place his or her arm in front of the hole 315 on the side of the middle portion 310 of the health monitoring apparatus 110, as instructed an accompanying mobile application 716. In various embodiments, a laser pointer may be included to indicate the location of the non-contact thermometer reading. In various embodiments, when the arm of a user is within close proximity to this hole 315, the non-contact thermometer infrared lens 317 focuses light from the ligament of the user and uses a thermopile to absorb this infrared radiation and translates this reading into a temperature reading. In various embodiments, while the non-contact thermometer is gathering data, the mobile application shows a live feed of the information being gathered 717. In various embodiments, once the non-contact thermometer 316 has captured the readings a verbal summary of the user’s body temperature 718, and its graphic summary 719, are shown on the accompanying mobile application.

[0052] (8) In various embodiments, to use the wireless-enabled blood pressure monitor 312, the device is released, as instructed in an accompanying mobile application 810. The device is pushed outward by a concealed push latch 510. In various embodiments, once released, the blood pressure monitor can then be taken out of its slot 311. In various embodiments, after unwrapping the blood pressure cuff 313 away from the blood pressure pump and electronic housing 314, the user wears the device by wrapping it around the arm, a process similar to many existing blood pressure monitors. In various embodiments, while the blood pressure monitor 312 is gathering data, the mobile application shows a live feed 811 of the expansion and contraction of the blood pressure cuff 313. In various embodiments, once the blood pressure monitor 312 has captured the readings a verbal summary of the user’s blood pressure 812, and its graphic summary 813, are shown on the accompanying mobile application.

[0053] (9) In various embodiments, to use the wireless-enabled digital stethoscope

213, the device is released, as instructed by an accompanying mobile application 814. In various embodiments, the device is pushed upward by a push latch 510. In various embodiments, the once released, the stethoscope can then be taken out of its slot 212. In various embodiments, after putting the diaphragm face of the stethoscope 414 against the body, the user can then gather audio recordings of any relevant bodily sounds. In various embodiments, while the stethoscope 213 is activated, the mobile application shows a live feed 815 of which locations on the body a care provider might need to get recordings of. In various embodiments, once the stethoscope 213 has captured the audio readings of the heart, a summary ( e.g ., verbal) of the recordings 816, and a graphic summary 817, may be shown on the accompanying mobile application.

[0054] (10) In various embodiments, after capturing all the relevant health information with the health monitoring apparatus 110, all of the vitals 910 and stethoscope recordings 911 (and its graphic summary 912) are consolidated in one summary page.

[0055] (11) In various embodiments, the user is then able to send all of his or her vitals and bodily health information to a care provider and start a video chat 913 or telemedicine appointment with a care provider.

[0056] (12) In various embodiments, the after this virtual consultation with a care provider, a summary of the appointment is available on the mobile application showing any prescriptions 914, any diagnoses 915, or any suggestions 916 the care provider might have provided. [0057] (13) In various embodiments, to charge the device, the user can place the portable health monitoring apparatus 110 onto its wireless charging station 214 which is attached to a power cord 215. In various embodiments, when the conductive lower portion of the health monitoring apparatus 211 and the conductive bowl-shaped plate are touching the device will receive power. In various embodiments, the electronic components that enable this wireless transfer of power are housed in the cylindrical base below the bowl-shaped plate.

[0058] An electronic health record (EHR), or electronic medical record (EMR), may refer to the systematized collection of patient and population electronically-stored health information in a digital format. These records can be shared across different health care settings and may extend beyond the information available in a PACS discussed above.

Records may be shared through network-connected, enterprise-wide information systems or other information networks and exchanges. EHRs may include a range of data, including demographics, medical history, medication and allergies, immunization status, laboratory test results, radiology images, vital signs, personal statistics like age and weight, and billing information.

[0059] EHR systems may be designed to store data and capture the state of a patient across time. In this way, the need to track down a patient's previous paper medical records is eliminated. In addition, an EHR system may assist in ensuring that data is accurate and legible. It may reduce risk of data replication as the data is centralized. Due to the digital information being searchable, EMRs may be more effective when extracting medical data for the examination of possible trends and long term changes in a patient. Population-based studies of medical records may also be facilitated by the widespread adoption of EHRs and

EMRs. [0060] Health Level-7 or HL7 refers to a set of international standards for transfer of clinical and administrative data between software applications used by various healthcare providers. These standards focus on the application layer, which is layer 7 in the OSI model. Hospitals and other healthcare provider organizations may have many different computer systems used for everything from billing records to patient tracking. Ideally, all of these systems may communicate with each other when they receive new information or when they wish to retrieve information, but adoption of such approaches is not widespread. These data standards are meant to allow healthcare organizations to easily share clinical information.

This ability to exchange information may help to minimize variability in medical care and the tendency for medical care to be geographically isolated.

[0061] In various systems, connections between a PACS, Electronic Medical Record

(EMR), Hospital Information System (HIS), Radiology Information System (RIS), or report repository are provided. In this way, records and reports form the EMR may be ingested for analysis. For example, in addition to ingesting and storing HL7 orders and results messages, ADT messages may be used, or an EMR, RIS, or report repository may be queried directly via product specific mechanisms. Such mechanisms include Fast Health Interoperability Resources (FHIR) for relevant clinical information. Clinical data may also be obtained via receipt of various HL7 CDA documents such as a Continuity of Care Document (CCD). Various additional proprietary or site-customized query methods may also be employed in addition to the standard methods.

[0062] While the disclosed subject matter is described herein in terms of certain preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and improvements may be made to the disclosed subject matter without departing from the scope thereof. Moreover, although individual features of one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter may be discussed herein or shown in the drawings of the one embodiment and not in other embodiments, it should be apparent that individual features of one embodiment may be combined with one or more features of another embodiment or features from a plurality of embodiments.

[0063] In addition to the specific embodiments claimed below, the disclosed subject matter is also directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination of the dependent features claimed below and those disclosed above. As such, the particular features presented in the dependent claims and disclosed above can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the disclosed subject matter such that the disclosed subject matter should be recognized as also specifically directed to other embodiments having any other possible combinations. Thus, the foregoing description of specific embodiments of the disclosed subject matter has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed subject matter to those embodiments disclosed.

[0064] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the method and system of the disclosed subject matter without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the disclosed subject matter include modifications and variations that are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus comprising:

a housing having an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion comprises a first slot and a second slot and the lower portion comprises a third slot and a fourth slot;

a first sensor configured to measure a first bodily health signal, the first sensor removably disposed within the first slot;

a second sensor configured to measure a second bodily health signal, the second sensor integrated into the upper portion;

a third sensor configured to measure a third bodily health signal, the third sensor removably disposed within the third slot;

a fourth sensor configured to measure a fourth bodily health signal, the fourth sensor integrated into the fourth slot;

a fifth sensor configured to measure a fifth bodily health signal, the fifth sensor integrated into the lower portion;

a sixth sensor configured to measure an environmental signal, the sixth sensor in fluid communication with the second slot; and

a transmitter disposed within the housing, the transmitter configured to transmit data from the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor, the fourth sensor, the fifth sensor, and the sixth sensor to a wireless device.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a charging station coupled to the

housing.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first sensor comprises an audio sensor.

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second sensor comprises an electrical signal sensor.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the upper portion comprises a conductive surface, and the second sensor is electrically coupled to the conductive surface.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second sensor comprises a heartbeat sensor.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the third sensor comprises a blood pressure sensor.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the fourth sensor comprises a blood oxygen sensor.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the fifth sensor comprises a

temperature sensor.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the temperature sensor is a non-contact infrared thermometer.

11. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the sixth sensor comprises at least one of: an air quality sensor, an ambient pressure sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, an ambient sound sensor, and ambient light sensor, a humidity sensor, an atmospheric composition sensor, a pollution sensor, and an ultraviolet radiation sensor.

12. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a seventh sensor configured to measure a sixth bodily health signal; the fifth sensor integrated into the lower portion, the seventh sensor integrated into the lower portion.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the seventh sensor is a blood glucose sensor.

14. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the transmitter is configured to enable wireless transmission of each signal to a mobile device.

15. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the second slot is a ring that extends circumferentially around the upper portion.

16. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes

(LEDs) disposed within the conductive surface configured to indicate placement of hands.

17. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising an encrypted key slot.

18. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the first sensor and the third sensor are wirelessly connected to the transmitter.

19. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the apparatus comprises a

substantially flattened-spherical shape.

20. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the apparatus comprises an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein:

in the closed configuration, the apparatus assumes a substantially flattened- spherical shape; and

in the open configuration, the upper portion separates from the lower portion to thereby reveal one or more of the sensors.

21. A system comprising:

the apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 20;

a mobile device having a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, the program instructions executable by the processor to cause the processor to perform a method comprising:

receiving, from the first sensor, audio data of a heart of a subject; receiving, from the second sensor, electrical data of the heart of the subject;

receiving, from the third sensor, blood pressure data of the subject; receiving, from the fourth sensor, blood oxygen data of the subject; receiving, from the fifth sensor, temperature data of the subject;

receiving, from the sixth sensor, environmental data of an

environment;

transmitting, from the mobile device, the audio data, the electrical data, the blood pressure data, the oxygen saturation data, the temperature data, and the air quality data to the remote server;

a remote server having a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, the program instructions executable by the processor to cause the processor to perform a method comprising:

determining, from at least one of the audio data, the electrical data, the blood pressure data, the blood oxygen data, the temperature data, and the

environmental data, a diagnosis of a health condition of the subject.

22. A method comprising:

providing the apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 20;

receiving, from a first sensor, audio data of a heart of a subject at a mobile device;

receiving, from a second sensor, electrical data of the heart of the subject at the mobile device;

receiving, from a third sensor, blood pressure data of the subject at the mobile device;

receiving, from a fourth sensor, blood oxygen data of the subject at the mobile device; receiving, from a fifth sensor, temperature data of the subject at the mobile device;

receiving, from a sixth sensor, environmental data of an environment at the mobile device;

transmitting, using a transmitter, the audio data, the electrical data, the blood pressure data, the oxygen saturation data, the temperature data, and the air quality data to a remote server; and

determining, from at least one of the audio data, the electrical data, the blood pressure data, the blood oxygen data, the temperature data, and the environmental data, a diagnosis of a health condition of the subject at the remote server.