U.S. patent application number 10/687409 was filed with the patent office on 2004-07-22 for bodily worn device for digital storage and retrieval of emergency medical records and personal identification.
Invention is credited to Reeves, William Francis.
Application Number | 20040140898 10/687409 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32326867 |
Filed Date | 2004-07-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040140898 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reeves, William Francis |
July 22, 2004 |
Bodily worn device for digital storage and retrieval of emergency
medical records and personal identification
Abstract
The invention is a novel bodily worn device, preferably in the
form of jewelry, a medallion or watch, which provides for the
digital storage and retrieval of a user's medical records, drug
prescriptions, medical history, organ donor instructions, and
personal identification for use in an emergency or rountine medical
situation. Additonal embodiments include an electronic dogtag for
military and law enforement applications. The device includes; an
outer safety shell, in the form of a medallion, or watch with
markings which identify it as a medical device, and digital storage
media such as a computer chip or high density silicon media, and
non-contact wireless electrical power to the device and non-contact
wireless retrieval of records. Security features include encrypted
software and user passwords for medical records confidentiality.
The invention includes features for retrieving and displaying
stored records on computer screens via a wireless interface wand or
by providing access to a central website via the Internet with use
of a user serial number password.
Inventors: |
Reeves, William Francis;
(North Branford, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
William Reeves
c/o MedDataNet, LLC
PO Box 23
North Branford
CT
06471
US
|
Family ID: |
32326867 |
Appl. No.: |
10/687409 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10687409 |
Dec 22, 2003 |
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09597107 |
Jun 20, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
340/573.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1656 20130101;
G06F 1/1626 20130101; G16H 10/65 20180101; G06F 1/1635 20130101;
G06F 1/163 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/573.1 |
International
Class: |
G08B 023/00 |
Claims
1. A method and device for storing and retrieving information from
a device carried or worn on the body, comprising: a bodily worn or
carried device a means of identifying the bodily worn device and
being an information storage device a means of accessing the users
information from the device
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application is a CONTINUATION of pending U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/597,107 filed Jun. 20, 2000 entitled
"BODILY WORN DEVICE FOR DIGITAL STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL OF EMERGENCY
MEDICAL RECORDS AND PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION" Applicant claims
priority of the above identified parent application which is
incorporated herein for reference.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERAL RESEARCH
[0002] Not Applicable
MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON COMPACT DISK
[0003] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention relates to novel and improved methods
of bodily worn or hand held devices which useful for the digital
storage and retrieval of medical records, prescription history and
emergency medical instructions in the event the wearer of such a
device experiences a medical emergency, accident, or any other
emergency. The device can provide a positive identification of the
wearer via digitally stored color photo, in the event the wearer is
unconscious and requires emergency medical treatment and/or
medication provider wants to make a positive identification. The
device can also be linked to the Internet via a serial number code
to augment the digital storage capacity and international
accessibility of said medical records and personal information in
an emergency situation.
[0005] There is a long history of devices and particularly jewelry
which are bodily worn and have been used to identify persons with
known medical conditions in the event of a medical emergency.
Several such examples of this would be a bracelet for identifying a
rare blood type or a bracelet for identifying a diabetic or person
with a rare allergic reaction to bees, snake bites or spiders.
[0006] Some recent patents which relate to bodily worn devices for
medical records make reference to storing the medical records on
microfilm (Chioffe U.S. Pat. No. 4,249,330 and Pelosi U.S. Pat. No.
5,359,798) or on a fan like device which could be read by a medical
person (Eller U.S. Pat. No. 4,984,683). These inventions would be
awkward to use and read in the event of an emergency and would only
provide very limited medical information in the event of an
emergency. Also, in the event of an accident, wherein these devises
came off a persons body and the person was unconscious, it would be
impossible for a medical emergency person to know which victim the
jewelry belonged to (no positive ID).
[0007] Other recent patents include medical cards or medical like
credit cards (Eberhardt U.S. Pat. No. 5,659,741 and Whalen U.S.
Pat. No. 5,197,763) wherein medical records can be imbedded on or
written into the card for storage and carrying in a wallet. The
shortcoming of such cards, in the event of a medical emergency, is
that such cards which are carried in a wallet would not be
accessible to or known by the medical emergency worker. Having to
require a medical worker or emergency technician to reach into an
unconscious persons wallet to search for medical card poses serious
legal liability questions, not to mention the awkwardness of
fumbling with a persons wallet and searching through credit cards
in an emergency. This card approach to the problem is not a
practical solution which would be adopted by US society in general
and particularly the medical-legal communities because of the legal
questions. What if a medical technician was to find illegal drugs
or weapons on a person when searching in their pockets or purse for
a medical card? Although Eberhardt does mention in one sentence a
locket or bracelet device he fails to teach or describe the
invention disclosed herein or address the issues of being rugged,
waterproof, explosion proof or bullet proof or address any of the
issues of a transponder for tracking or locating ill, dead or lost
wearers of the device.
[0008] Recent advances in the size and power of digital chips and
digital storage media have made the invention described herein
practical in that large amounts of digital data, which would
provide for storing meaningful and practical medical information,
can be stored on miniature chips and media that are lightweight,
compact and would lend themselves to easy storage and retrieval in
an emergency situation. Also, in the invention described herein,
the digital storage media would not require electrical power and
therefore a battery would not be required which would further
reduce weight and increase portability. Advances in Internet speed
and accessibility would also make it advantageous to link the
bodily worn device to a central website via a unique user code so
as to augment the digital storage capacity of the storage device
and provide for international accessibility of user medical records
and information in an emergency.
[0009] Also, combined as an integral part of this invention is a
base unit and/or module which can be used in conjunction with the
device to access, capture or otherwise obtain the stored
information from the device in a non-contact wireless method as
described herein. The preferred configuration of the module is a
wireless and non contact means of accessing the stored data
(induction, electromagnetic or radio transmitted signal with
receiver wand) routing the data from the wand into the module in
digital format either with a fiber optic cable, serial or parallel
computer cable, or any other appropriate means, then sending the
data through an interface circuit which would connect directly to
an existing patent monitor or into a personal computer for viewing
and interpretation by medical personnel. The prior art in this area
of invention and most specifically Eberhardt U.S. Pat. No.
5,659,741; Doue U.S. Pat. No. 5,361,202; Whalen U.S. Pat. No.
5,327,341 fails to each many of the critical and practical new
improvements embodied in this invention. Eberhardt's main focus is
on a massive central computer system for obtaining and managing
medical data. Although Eberhardt briefly mentions storage devices
for medical data he fails to teach or disclose any of the
improvements embodied in this invention including but not limited
to non contact and wireless transfer of data from the storage
device to the module via a inductance or differential data
transmission, the battery operation of the storage device, the
transponder signal emitted from the device as a locator, making the
device waterproof, explosion proof etc., for law enforcement and
military applications. Eberhardt also fails to teach the preferred
embodiment of the base module which would most likely be a simple
plus in module to an existing patient monitor to minimize the coast
to the health care system. Doue teaches a computer system and
software for improving the management of a patient's stay in a
hospital but fails to teach or mention the medallion or pendant
storage device or any of the aspects of storing and interpreting
medical data in an emergency response situation. Whalen, like Doue,
teaches a software and computer system for managing patient files
and organizing medical records in general terms but does not teach
any of the art of the bodily worn storage device, the wireless data
retrieval, or the plug in interface module.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The invention disclosed describes a novel new approach to
the storage, bodily wearing and retrieval of medical records,
emergency medical treatment data, organ donor data, living will
data, etc., in a rapid non contact manner, for displaying such data
on a patient monitor for rapid emergency medical treatment,
personal identification, autopsy, etc. The bodily device can also
be linked to the Internet via a user code with would enable the
users records to be accessible remotely and to augment the digital
storage capacity of said device. The novel improvements of this
device also describe a means of camouflaging the device as jewelry
or a wristwatch or pocket watch so as to provide a tracking device
and improvements to make the device waterproof and explosion proof,
so as to be used as digital dogtags for military, law enforcement,
or providing a hand held miniature computer type device with
display.
[0011] The invention described herein has many improvements and
innovations over prior art which, in part, include:
[0012] a). A large digital storage medium such as a computer chip,
flash memory disk or other digital media for storage of large
amounts of useful and meaningful medical information and records,
including but not limited to pre-existing serious medical
conditions, allergies to medications and drugs, ECG records,
ex-rays, cardiac images or summaries of serious medical conditions,
in the event of a medical emergency.
[0013] b). The digital storage of a color photo identification,
iris eye scan identifier, fingerprints, dental records, of the
wearer of the device to provide a positive identification in the
event the wearer is unconscious or dead as a result of a medical
emergency.
[0014] c). A decorative and/or functional use of the device such as
embodying it into a wristwatch, enclosing the device in a pendant
or medallion which is ornamental and resembles fine jewelry, or
creating a decorative bracelet or other such device, but at the
same time has the characteristics of being waterproof, explosion
proof and bullet proof in the event the device is used as a digital
dogtag for military applications or law enforcement or in the event
the wearer is in a catastrophic accident such as a plane crash,
train wreck, etc., wear body identification becomes an extremely
difficult or near impossible task due to little or no remains of
the victims body. There are many cases in aircraft accidents and in
combat where the human body is literally blown into thousand of
small and untraceable pieces and the medallion or digital dogtag
could provide a means of identification and provide a clue to the
fate of a relative or loved one to provide physiological
closure.
[0015] d). Providing a rapid means of accessing the digital storage
media for updating the information, retrieving the information in
the event of an emergency. Such retrieval means could include a
laser scanner head, a serial or parallel computer port, a digital
phono jack, wireless AM or FM transmission, or fiber optic
transmission, bar code scanner, inductive wand scanner or any other
rapid and appropriate digital means to retrieve the data in the
event of an emergency. The device can also be linked via a unique
user serial number to a central website via the Internet. Such an
Internet link can improve remote accessibility on an international
scale as well as augment the digital storage capacity of the device
via remote server and storage devices. The preferred access means
embodied in this device is the electromagnetic wand or inductance
wand which affords a rapid and convenient means of accessing the
device data without any physical contact with the device or having
to hook up any leads, wires or to insert the device in any slot,
computer reader, disk reader, etc., which has been described by
prior art.
[0016] e). Providing a battery pack or DC battery for long term
electrical power of the device in the event it is embodied into a
digital wristwatch, for the powering of AM or FM digital data
transmission of stored information, for powering an AM or FM
transponder signal in the event the wearer is lost due to
Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or hurt in an accident so as to
track the wearer and locate their position using a Global
Positioning System type network or local tracking network.
[0017] f). Providing a base unit for retrieving the data in an
emergency such as in an ambulance, software and a computer screen
for viewing the medical information and a means of transmitting the
data via AM, FM, telemetry or digital telephone lines from the
emergency vehicle to a hospital emergency room in the event of a
medical emergency. The form of the base unit would most
conveniently be in the form of a portable computer, dedicated hand
held display and transmitter unit or could be in the form of a
personal computer, but not need to be. It is most likely that,
given the present state of medicine and the drive to reduce cost,
the based unit will be no more than an interface module, which will
consist of a printed circuit board and A/D converter which would
plug into an existing patient monitor mounted in an ambulance or in
an emergency room or physician's office and such monitoring device
performs a plurality of physiological function monitoring including
ECG, blood gas, heart rate, respiration, etc., and the device
digital information would be dumped into such a monitor and
displayed on a split screen format for emergency medical treatment.
It would be advantageous for each display computer to have Internet
access to the computer can link to a central website where user
records can also be accessed using a secure password code which is
affixed to the bodily worn device.
[0018] g). Providing an AM or FM transponder signal which is
emitted from the device to act as a tracking device in the event
the wearer is in a remote location and has an accident, if the
wearer wanders off due to dementia, Alzheimer's disease, old age or
is stricken with illness and needs to be located. Or, in the case
of military applications or law enforcement officers to track and
locate wounded, dead, lost or captured soldiers, sailors, or airmen
or law enforcement officers. This invention, when worn by a child
in the form of a watch or pendant, could also be used as a child
protection tracking device in the event a child wandered off, was
kidnapped or taken against their will in a nasty divorce. Since the
device would look like a piece of jewelry, the person taking the
child would not know the child was wearing a tracking device.
[0019] h). Providing a waterproof, explosion proof and bullet proof
shell or casing around the inner workings and storage device to
protect it in the event of a catastrophic accident or military
disaster or combat.
[0020] i). Provide a clear and standard identification symbol on
the exterior of the device identifying it as a medical and/or
identification digital storage device and which identification
symbol is further used to categorize the device into a series of
classes, for easy visual recognition, such as green for non-life
threatening medical conditions or normal conditions, yellow for
mild to moderate medical conditions or drug interactions or red for
serious or severe medical conditions which would be life
threatening. The classification could also be done with symbols or
alpha numerical code or classes of which bar coding or any other
appropriate means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1A outlines one embodiment of the bodily worn device in
the form of a medallion or locket which could also include a small
watch in the front or jewelry for decorative purposes. FIG. 1B
shows a cross sectional view of the device which includes a clam
shell-like casing made of polished titanium, stainless steel or an
appropriate strength composite or polymer material which would
withstand severe underwater pressure, explosions and/or fragments
or bullets. Also shown in FIG. 1A is an "O" ring groove seal, and a
polymer "O" ring, and an appropriate equivalent which would seal
the case from water, dust, etc., and such "O" ring would be sealed
with a graphite dust or equivalent material, naked to the human
eye, which would provide any indication if the device was opened
and or tampered with by an unauthorized person. FIG. 1 B also
indicates the markings color coding or other alpha-numeric coding
which would identify the class of severity of the medical defect of
the wearer on the exterior of the shell. FIG. 1B also shows an
internal printed circuit board mounted in a specially designed
shock resistant groove. Such printed circuit board would hold a
long life lithium battery or equivalent, digital storage media,
radio signal transponder, optical scanner head (optional), digital
or analog wire jack (optional). FIG. 1B also shows the exterior rim
of the outer shell being welded or hermetically sealed to prevent
any tampering or unauthorized opening of the device. The back
exterior of the shell also could have a bar code identification
number to signify manufacturers lot code, confidential wearer ID
number or any other variety of encoded identification information
which has utility for either emergencies or routine service and
maintenance of the device. FIG. 1B also indicates the shell of the
device, being of a conductive metal or composite material, can act
as an electrode in the event the manufacturer chooses to use this
method as a means of transmitting the data via an intimate contact
probe between the device and the base unit.
[0022] FIG. 1A shows a front cut away view of the bodily worn
device with its main components mounted to a printed circuit board
of an equivalent device. This figure shows a long life battery
which can be replaced or recharged, if required, a
transmitter/receiver transponder unit, a digital media storage
device, an optical eye for transmitting data via a wireless wand,
and an optional jack connection for plug-in transmittals and
service. Again, either an optional time piece watch or jewelry can
be mounted on the front of the device to make it more attractive
and decorative.
[0023] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of
the data flow and communications of the various hardware and
telecommunications components of the overall system described
herein. FIG. 5 can also be referenced to show a practical graphic
representation of the figure two block diagram. The bodily worn
device 27 stores medical records and personal information of the
user. These records and personal information can be accessed using
either the interface unit and scanning wand 26 so to be displayed
on portable field unit 25 or base unit 24. As an additional and/or
alternative means of storing and accessing said user records a
serial number is inputted into a central website via access to the
Internet through either the base unit 24 or field unit 25, the user
records are accessible via this Internet link without having to use
the interface wand to retrieve the records from within the bodily
device. This Internet link can greatly augment the storage capacity
of medical records and data available to a user in an emergency and
can provide an international network to access said records in an
emergency when on vacation or travel.
[0024] FIG. 3 shows a cross section of the device as embodied in a
watch or ring. Again the device is miniaturized to such a small
size as to make it feasible to be included in a wristwatch or ring.
The same features and criterion embodied in FIG. 1 (A & B) and
FIG. 4 (A & B) apply to FIG. 3, e.g., battery unit, optical
eye, transponder, digital storage, etc.
[0025] FIG. 4A shows the device as embodied in the form of a tag
which can be worn either around the neck and a digital "dogtag" or
can be worn on a bracelet to be carried in a pocket, etc. The tag
as show in FIG. 4A can be made from a molded fire and impact
resistant polymer and the electronic components can be molded into
the polymer tag by heating the polymer or having the polymer be a
two part type epoxy whereby when the parts are mixed they solidify
and harden.
[0026] FIG. 4B shows a cross section of the tag embodiment. Molded
into the tag is a miniature battery pack which can be accessed to
replace or recharge batteries, a digital storage chip or other
appropriate media, a transponder receiver/transmitter for tracking
the wearer of the device, an optical scanner eye, or other
appropriate access means, a hard wire jack access which can be in
the form of a miniature computer cable connection or other
appropriate means, a bar code strip to provide quick access to tag
serial number and other identification data. The components are to
be molded and imbedded below the surface of the tag so as to
provide for integral means of waterproofing the function of the
device, allowing the device to be shock resistant, fire resistant
and explosion resistant.
[0027] FIG. 4B shows a front view of the tag embodiment and various
means of mounting the device on either a necklace, bracelet, or
simply carrying the tag in a persons pocket or wallet. The tag can
be coded with any type of previously described color or alpha
numeric codes to signify the severity of the persons medical
deficiency. Also, any type of decorative finish can be added to the
exterior to make the device more attractive to the consumer and on
the contrary the device can be left plain and uniform for law
enforcement, military and fire fighting personnel.
[0028] FIG. 5A shows the preferred embodiment of the bodily worn
device and the base unit which would be used to access the digital
data in a rapid, wireless manner. As shown, an incapacitated person
wearing the bodily worn device (BWD) can have their personal
medical records accessed in an emergency situation by the EMT
holding the inductance, electromagnetic or other type of
non-contact wand.
[0029] FIG. 5B shows one embodiment of a system to retrieve data
from the Bodily worn device via the scanning wand. The data is
stored in the Emergency Monitor Unit and can be sent via wireless
means to the Hospital Base Unit.
[0030] FIG. 6 shows one typical embodiment of the organization of
the medical records into digital "pages which can be prioritized in
a means so that critical medical data is displayed in first order
and secondary data is then available. The data is organized into a
series of pages in the storage system for ease of use and to make
the data medically significant to medical personnel.
[0031] FIG. 7 shows one embodiment of the flow of data and the
software logic which would be used to control all of the data
storage functions and transmittal functions of the entire hardware
and electronics systems described.
[0032] FIG. 8 shows one typical embodiment of the means to
mechanically align the interface wand and the Bodily worn device to
power the BWD as well as retrieve and transmit data to the
device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] The invention disclosed herein is an improved method of
storing and retrieving digitized medical records which are stored
in a protective bodily worn enclosure. The inventor has done
several thorough patent searches and finds no other prior art which
describes such a digital device(s) and teaches its patentable
features.
[0034] Reference to FIG. 1
[0035] One embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 1 (A &
B). The device has an outer protective shell 1 which is made from
either steel, titanium, aluminum or a conductive polymer, or
another appropriately strong, but light-weight conductive material
which can be polished to an aesthetic finish. In one embodiment of
the invention the shell is conductive so as to act as an antenna
for the AM or FM transponder unit 5 which is embodied in the device
for tracking or locating the wearer and in this embodiment an anti
Radio Frequency (RF) film coating 2 is placed on the inside of the
shell to protect the devices electronics from RF interference from
ambient sources. In another embodiment of the invention wherein a
transponder is not used shell 1 can be non-conductive to avoid RF
interference and is also shielded from radio frequency with coating
2. Shell 1 is designed with an appropriate groove and/or recess in
its outside front to accommodate either a watch, jewelry or other
ornamental or functional objects. Shell 1 is designed in such
fashion to either include an internal "O" ring groove 3 or polymer
"O" ring 4 for the purpose of waterproof sealing of the two halves
of shell 1. Included on one embodiment of the invention would be a
means of locking or fastening the halves of the shell 1 closed
which could include miniature screws 5 with internal standoffs 6 as
shown, a press fit between the two halves of shell 1 such that the
halves are intimately locked together yet can be opened if
required, or an external lock and clasp assembly 7 shown which is
similar to a locket or pocket watch. In another embodiment of the
invention the halves of shell 1 can be welded together around the
perimeter or glued along the inner perimeter so as to provide for a
waterproof and tamper proof seal to the shell ] 1. The outside of
shell 1 is marked with appropriate symbols 8 which identify the
device as a medical information device and an alpha numerical code
or color code 9 which identifies the level of severity of the
preexisting medical condition of the wearer. The device can be worn
on the exterior of the body by means of a bracelet or necklace 12
or any other appropriate means of affixing the device to the body
where it is clearly visible and readily accessible in an emergency.
In one embodiment mounted to one interior halve of shell 1 is a
series of threaded standoffs 13 upon which is mounted Printed
Circuit Board 14 which holds the main electronic circuits and
components. An alternative mounting of PC Board 14 is a groove
which is machined in the inner perimeter of one half of shell 1 and
acts to nest the pc board in place. In such a configuration a
polymer pad 15 can be placed in between shell 1 and pc board 14 so
as to act as a shock absorber or dampened so as to mechanically
isolate pc board 14 from exterior vibrations or shocks. Another
embodiment of the shock absorber concept is to fill the entire
shell 1 with a non-conductive insulation polymer once all
electronics and components are in place in shell 1 so as to provide
a mechanical damping nest for all interior components. Mounted to
the printed circuit board are a series of electrical components and
interconnecting electrical circuitry for the device. One such
component is an optical reading eye 16 with is mounted to the pc
circuitry. An aperture opening in shell 1 allows the optical eye to
protrude throughout the shell so as to be read by an optical
reading device which is further described in this invention. The
optical eye 16 is one such way in which the stored digital medical
data is retrieved from the device in a rapid wireless fashion. A
transponder 17 is mounted to pc board 14 and acts to emit either an
AM or FM signal from the device in the event the wearer is lost,
kidnapped or incapacitated or otherwise needs to be located. A
digital storage media 18 is mounted to the pc board 14 and is used
to store all of the wearer's medical records and data as described
herein. The circuitry of the pc board is designed in such a way so
as to provide for rapid means of accessing the digital data from
the storage media 18 via the optical eye 16 through a switching
components 19. The switching component, mounted to the pc board 14,
is of such a variety as to allow for two way transmission of data
to and from the storage media 18. The storage media 18 is such a
variety so as to be both written on and read, but, for security
reasons can only be written on by a person that knows confidential
passwords and/or messages as to protect the integrity of the device
and the medical data stored in media 18. A long life battery 19 of
the type which is commonly used in watches and other low energy
usage devices is mounted in pc board 14 and acts to provide dc low
amperage electrical power to the transponder and any other
components which from time to time may require power for the
operation of the device. In general, the device has been designed
so as to be a passive device which means under normal circumstances
it is not using power and thus conserves the energy in the battery
for emergency situations. A miniature jack 20 is mounted to the pc
board 14 and is used to provide an alternative means of hard wire
connecting the device to a base unit, patient monitor or other
device for displaying the stored medical data on a display screen.
The jack can be of any appropriate type such as a phono jack,
serial or parallel jack, cable jack or any other appropriate
miniature type jack for uni or bi-directional transmission of data.
Alternatives to the optical eye 16 for retrieving the digital data
could include capacitive probes 21 mounted on the BWD and the
interface wand, a bar code reading device, a telemetric
transmission device of other wireless, low energy means of
transmitting and receiving digital data. An important alternative
to the long life battery included in the device shown herein is an
electromagnetic means of powering the device from the interface
wand to the BWD by mounting inductive windings of a transformer 22
on both the wand and the BWD. Primary coils of an inductive
transformer can be mounted on the wand and secondary coils can be
mounted on the BWD. When the inductive pads of the wand and BWD are
in close proximity enough voltage and electrical power is
transferred to operated the BWD during data transmission and can
also be used to recharge on the board battery 19.
[0036] Reference to FIG. 2 (--See FIG. 4 (A & B))
[0037] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of
the data flow and communications of the various hardware and
telecommunications components of the overall system described
herein. FIG. 5 can also be referenced to show a practical graphic
representation of the figure two block diagram. The bodily worn
device 27 stores medical records and personal information of the
user within the device. The same patient records can be also stored
remotely in a central database and accessed via the central website
and Internet Link 23 when used in conjunction with the portable
field unit 25 or base unit 24. A user's records and personal
information can be accessed from the bodily worn device 27 using
the interface unit and scanning wand 26 so to be displayed on
portable field unit 25 or base unit 24. Each bodily worn device 27
contains a digital serial number which is stored within the memory
storage device. This serial number is automatically recognized by
the interface wand and system software so as to provide system
security and confidentiality of patient records. A non-system
reader wand would not be able to access and read the user serial
number and patient records. Addition security features include data
encryption of the serial number and patient records. As an
additional and/or alternative means of storing and accessing said
user records a separate user serial number is displayed on the
exterior of the bodily worn device. In an emergency this visible
serial number is inputted into the systems central website, via
access to the Internet through either the base unit 24 or field
unit 25, and the user records are accessible via this Internet link
without having to use the interface wand to retrieve the records
from within the bodily device. Access to the website and patient
database is limited to medical personnel via a separate medical
access code which acts as a second and redundant password to
prevent unauthorized personnel from accessing the remote website
database. This Internet link greatly augments the storage capacity
of medical records (only limited by the number of servers and back
end computers in the central website system) and data available to
a user in an emergency and can provide an international network to
access said records in an emergency when on vacation or travel. In
an emergency a medical service provider would have a choice of
either accessing medical records from a portable field unit 25 or
base unit 24 via either the interface unit and wand 26 or the
central website 23. If a medical provide did not have access to the
interface wand hardware then they could use the website connection
to access user records.
[0038] Reference to FIG. 3 (A & B)
[0039] FIG. 3 (A & B ) shows the wrist watch embodiment of the
Bodily worn device in a cut-away drawing. The rugged, waterproof
and shock resistant casing 7 is mounted to the wristband 2 using a
suitable means for ensuring mechanical bonding, including molding,
gluing, or running the band 2 through a slot in the back of case 7.
Optical eye 3 protrudes out of a port which is either machined or
molded into the case 7. The hardware and electronics of the optical
eye 3 are kept within the case 7 in order to protect them from the
elements and damage and are mounted to the pc board 8 so as to
complete an electrical circuit with the other components of the
device. Battery 4 is mounted onto the printed circuit board 8 using
appropriate hardware. The battery can be either a replaceable type
or a rechargeable type battery. An access port in the rear of the
case 7 would allow for the removal and replacement of the battery
and for other maintenance of the device. Transponder 5 is mounted
to the pc board 8. Transponder 5 transmits/emits a continuous radio
frequency signal which would allow the wearer of the wrist watch
device to be located by emergency personnel, rescue workers or law
enforcement personnel in the event the wearer is lost, disabled,
diseased, or incapacitated in any way. The storage device 1 is
mounted to the pc board 8 and is comprised of any suitable digital
storage media which can be a digital storage computer chip, a
silicon type storage device, flash memory chip or other suitable
device. The storage device 1 is connected to an electronic circuit
on the pc board 8 which allows the storage device 1 to transmit and
receive digital medical records either via to optical eye 3 or the
data input port 10 or the data export port 9. The data input port
10 has a digital data jack which protrudes through the case 7 and
allows a user to connect a jack or other suitable device to the
wrist watch as an alternative means of inputting and storing
digital medical records into the device via the electronic circuit
imbedded in the pc board 8 which connects the surface mounted
devices, including the input port 10 and the storage device 1. The
output port 9 allows an emergency medical technician or other
person who wishes to access the stored digital information to
retrieve said digital records by plugging a jack or other hard
connection means into the port 9. This is an alternative to the
wireless data transmission via the optical eye 3. The wrist watch 6
is a time piece which allows the overall device to serve another
useful purpose as well as to be stylish and cosmetically appealing
for the wearer of the device.
[0040] Reference to FIG. 4 (A & B)
[0041] FIG. 4 (A & B) shows another embodiment of the invention
disclosed herein. As previously described FIG. 4 (A & B) shows
a version of the invention which broadly comprises the electronic
inner workings of the device molded within a rigid polymer
enclosure which is shock proof, water proof, explosion and fire
resistant. This embodiment of the invention can be either in the
form of a digital dogtag, pendant or bracelet worn tag. Polymer
shell 1 is molded around the inner electronics and board 2 in such
a fashion that the seals around the protruding optical eye 3 and
communications jack 4 are water tight and hermetically sealed and
the entire body of the polymer shell 1 is water tight and
hermetically sealed. The exterior of the shell 1 is color coded or
alpha numeric coded 5 in such a way as to identify the severity of
a pre-existing medical condition of the wearer. A bar code 6 on the
exterior of the shell 1 can be used to store either identifier code
numbers, manufacturers lot code numbers or any other alpha
numerical identification code. Printed circuit pc board 7 is
designed in such a way that all of the main components are surface
mounted and oriented either toward the front or back of the device
as required. Optical scanning eye 8 is oriented and mounted so that
the optical eye protrudes through the outer shell 1 for rapid
wireless reading of stored digital data. Communications port/jack 9
protrudes the outer shell 1 so as to provide for a back up hard
wired means of communicating with the device and transmitting
digital data. A long life cadmium batter 10, either rechargeable or
permanent life, is mounted to the pc board and can be either
permanently sealed by shell 1 or have a removable access panel for
changing of the battery when required.
[0042] This FIG. 4 (A & B) embodiment of the invention has all
of the other components listed and described in FIG. 1 (A & B)
which include the optical eye, transponder, long life battery,
digital storage and retrieval device, two way data transfer switch,
pc board, shell, etc. The embodiments and the components function
the same way as the prior embodiment. The obvious difference
between the FIG. 1 (A & B) and FIG. 4 (A & B) is the FIG. 4
(A & B) has molded polymer shell, which can be in the form of
either a tag, round pendant, bracelet tag or any other practical
and functional shape. The molded shell acts to seal the electronic
working of the device in such a way as to be waterproof, fire
resistant, shock and explosion resistant so as to make the FIG. 4
(A & B) embodiment practical for military, fire fighters and
law enforcement applications.
[0043] The transponder 11 is mounted to the pc board 7 and emits a
radio frequency signal which is used by emergency personnel,
military personnel or others to find the wearer of the device if
the wearer is dead, injured or incapacitated and requires
assistance. The storage device 12 is mounted to the pc board 7 and
is connected via an electrical circuit mounted on the pc board 7 to
the other electronic devices mounted on the pc board 7 to receive
and transmit digital data as well as other functions described
herein. The storage device 12 can be either a computer chip storage
device, flash memory chip or other suitable high capacity digital
memory storage device. The power coil 13 with its inductive power
contact allows the device to receive electrical power, as an option
to the on board battery, by mating said 30 power contacts with a
remote device which contains the opposite side and mating coils to
the inductive coil. Electrical current can then be transmitted
across the inductive contact to the device via the completion of
the inductive coil connection. The jack component 14 allows for
remote access to the digital data by plugging in a male jack to the
female jack receptacle. The jack can be any type of standard
miniature electronic jack and can be used to transmit digital data
to the device as well as receive digital data from the device for
viewing in an emergency. The control circuit 15 can be comprised of
a digital logic chip or other suitable device which allows for the
storage of logic software which can control the functions of the
device. Such functions would be the organization of the digital
medical records into page format, ensuring the battery 10 has a
proper charge to maintain functions of the device (an audible
signal can be emitted if the battery is getting low), allow for
orderly updating of the digital medical records via the
input/output device 14 or optical eye 3, ensure that the device was
not over powered via the power coil 13, sense that the transponder
11 was properly functioning and emitting its proper radio frequency
signal, as well as other control and logic functions of the device
further described in FIG. 7.
[0044] Reference to FIG. 5 (A & B)
[0045] The bodily worn digital storage device in its embodiments
described herein is used with other complimentary devices patented
by this inventor. The other integral components of an overall
system for using the Bodily Worn Device in a practical situation
are shown in various configurations in FIG. 5 (A & B). The
complimentary components include:
[0046] a). A portable or remote display unit with an optical
reading wand, used by EMT's, paramedics or corpsmen, allows for
rapid retrieval and display of vital medical and identification
records in remote locations.
[0047] b). Included with the portable or remote unit is the
capability of sending the information wireless either using AM, FM
or telemetry technology.
[0048] c). Also shown is a module which can be added to a more
substantial patient monitoring base unit used by either an
ambulance or emergency room. The purpose of the module is to reduce
the overall cost of integrating this technology into existing
patient monitoring equipment presenting used in medicine today.
[0049] d). Included with either the portable unit, module unit or
base unit is a wireless means of retrieving data and/or
transmitting and updating data back to the Bodily Worn Device. This
wireless means could include optical scanning differential data
transmission, AM or FM wireless transmission or any other form of
practical wireless transmission presently in use or to be
conceived.
[0050] 11. Reference to FIGS. 6 and 7
[0051] An integral part of the invention disclosed herein is the
software invented to store the digitized medical records in orderly
files, locate and retrieve the digital records in rapid wireless
fashion, allow for two way transmission of data so stored records
can be periodically updated as well as retrieved, display the
digital records on the module or portable screen in an orderly and
easily readable standard fashion.
[0052] FIG. 6 shows one possible such embodiment of the standard
format for the medical records organization in digital files or
display screen "pages". When the digital records are retrieved and
displayed through either the module unit, portable display unit or
base unit previously mentioned, they will appear as either one
organized page or in a series of organized pages as shown in FIG.
6. The main page of the records will show, starting from the upper
left hand corner of the display page:
[0053] a). Either color or black and white photo of the wearer of
the device.
[0054] b.) A thumb print, iris print of other distinguishing
physical characteristic.
[0055] c). Dental records.
[0056] d). Sample ECG or Cardiac Echo Scan.
[0057] e.) A section of "Emergency Medical Data" which could
include:
[0058] 1). blood type
[0059] 2). present medication being taken
[0060] 3). drug interaction precautions
[0061] 4). drug and/or allergic reaction precautions
[0062] 5). a description of serious pre-existing medical
conditions
[0063] f). A section for Emergency Medical Instructions, which
could include:
[0064] 1). administering of certain suggested drugs or physical
treatments
[0065] 2). calling emergency physician numbers listed
[0066] 3). bringing the patient to a certain type of clinic or
facility based on religious beliefs, etc.
[0067] 4). living will instructions in the case of seriously ill
patients
[0068] g). Organ Donor instruction.
[0069] h). Living Will instructions which could include:
[0070] 1). instructions for life support or termination of
treatment
[0071] 2). notification of next of kin and/or friends including
addresses and telephone numbers
[0072] On subsequent pages other types of supporting medical
records and diagnostic aids could be included, including but not
limited to:
[0073] a). complete ECG trace
[0074] b). Cardiac Echo Scan
[0075] c). EEG trace
[0076] e). diabetes test results and instructions
[0077] f). x-ray scans
[0078] g). etc.
[0079] Other pertinent medical records and scans could be included
which are tailored to a wearer's specific preexisting medical
condition.
[0080] 12. Reference to FIG. 7
[0081] An integral part of the invention disclosed herein is the
unique software invented and used as part of the Bodily Worn Device
as well as for the module, base unit and a computer system used for
organizing and storing large amount of data.
[0082] As seen from FIG. 6 the Bodily Worn Device contains
important software for the organization and storage of the wearer's
medical records and ID information. There is also software integral
for the retrieval, management and updating of the Bodily Worn
Devices which is contained in the interface module, base unit and
central computer system. This additional software is vital to the
use and management of the records stored in the Bodily Worn Devices
and acts to link all of the components together to act as a total
functioning system.
[0083] The following is a basic description of the software and its
basic functions as depicted in FIG. 7 flowchart. To start the
process new/original medical information 1 is organized and edited
to fit into the BWD page format either in physicians office or by a
third party with access to a patient's medical records using the
base unit storage and encrypting software 2 which can be stored in
a normal pc or other compatible computer device. One important
aspect of this base unit software 2 is the fact that it is capable
of encrypting the records so as to be secure and confidential and
only accessible to authorized individuals with compatible
de-encrypting software. The interface module 3 is an electronic
enclosure designed with a "nest" for sitting the Bodily Worn Device
into and using wireless optical or differential data transmission.
The interface module 3 is used as a link between the BWD 4 and the
base unit 2. Software in the Interface module 3 allows for two way
communication and transmission of data to and from the BWD for both
inputting medical records into the BWD and for retrieving them for
editing and updating purposes. The interface module 2 and base unit
2 are each equipped with software and a telephone modem to allow
for remote access to, programming and updating of the BWD stored
records in remote locations. (For example: and elderly person with
a BWD could have their medical records updated while at home using
the interface module 3 in their home communicating with a base unit
2 in a remote location via telephone lines.) Once new/original
records are burned into the BWD 4 using the base unit 2 and the
interface module 3 the wearer is free to use the BWD and travel and
move freely about. In the event the wearer is stricken with an
emergency illness a Paramedic, EMT or Emergency Room Technician can
use the interface wand 5 in conjunction with either the portable
field display 6 or the remote ambulance patient monitor 7 to
rapidly retrieve and display the stored medical records in the BWD
4, displaying those records in page format as shown in FIG. 6, and
sending those stored medical records, via modem or wireless
telemetry to a remote emergency room or physicians office for rapid
and life saving medical intervention in a crisis situation.
Separately, in a non-emergency fashion, either the phone link Unit
8 or the interface module 3 can be used to access information from
the BWD 4 through wand 5 so as to perform periodic maintenance,
testing, retrieval and updating of medical records via telephone
modem, telemetry, cable link or any other type of wireless or hard
wire transmission. When a wearer of a BWD 4 has a change in their
medical condition, drug treatment, organ donor instructions or
living will instructions they have the choice of either going to
their physicians office 11 to have the stored medical data updated
through the base unit 2 and interface modem 3 or going through a
third party insurance carrier, private service or other company 9
which can send updated data through a remote interface module 3 to
update the BWD 4 through a telephone modem or other wired or
wireless transmission. All of these devices contain software which
is compatible with the other devices mentioned and allow for
smooth, fluid encrypting, de-crypting, retrieval and display of
medical data in emergency and non-emergency situations.
[0084] Reference to FIG. 8
[0085] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the mechanical interface and
electrical circuit interface of the reader/wand 1 and bodily Worn
Device 2. This interface between the two devices is an integral
part of the invention and its operation when a battery is not
included in the BWD 2 and external power is required to operate the
BWD. Also, the capacitive probes described herein are an important
alternative to the optical eye in transmitting and receiving data
to the BWD 2 from the wand 1. A mechanical slot or socket is shown
which ensures the wand and BWD are rapidly and easily aligned for
proper alignment of the inductive pads (power) and capacitive pads
(data transmission). Capacitive pads 3 are used to both transmit
and receive data to and from the BWD in bi-directional fashion. The
primary coils and inductance pad 3 is mounted into the wand 1 as
shown and sends electromagnetic voltage across to the secondary
coils and inductive pad 4 mounted into the BWD. Electrical power is
distributed to the components on the BWD through the interface
circuit. The interface circuit could also contain the means to
recharge an on board battery as previously described herein.
[0086] Reference FIG. 9
[0087] FIG. 9 depicts one typical means of organizing the
electronic components of the device and distributing electrical
power to the components of the device and for transmitting digital
to and from components of the device. In the schematic presented in
FIG. 9, which is one of many ways organizing the electronics
contemplated by this invention, the data transmission lines 11
(typical) which are depicted by the hashed lines, are kept separate
from the electric power lines 10 (typical) so as not to have
electrical interference, either IF or electromagnetic, come in
contact with and corrupt the digital data information. Electrical
power can be supplied to the device via the power contact 1 which
complete the circuit between the secondary transformer coils 2 and
the primary coils of the interface wand 12 or via long battery life
3. The power is then transmitted to the logic chip 4 which acts to
meter and distribute power to the optical eye 7, storage media
device 6 and transponder 5. The logic chip 4 is connected to the
storage media device 6 and is capable of sensing the flow of
digital data to and from the storage media 6, determining the
amount of data flowing to the device and preventing overloads,
quality checking the data flowing to and from the storage media 6
to ensure the data is not corrupted, contains no electrical or RF
interference, and is matched by alpha numerical identifier code to
the wearers unique alpha numerical serial number code. The logic
chip can also monitor the flow of data so as to prevent two way
data flow at the same time over the same circuit. The optical eye 7
is connected to the storage media via two way digital data circuit.
This allows for digital data to be send from the optical eye 7 to
the storage media 6 to initially create digital data files or to
erase and up data new digital files. Stored data files can be
retrieved from the storage device 6 via access and transmission
through the optical eye 7 to the interface wand optical eye 13. As
an alternative to the optical eye 7 the input jack 8 allows digital
data to be transmitted into the storage media device via hard wired
jack connection to the device. As an alternative to the optical eye
7 the output jack 9 allows stored digital data files to be
retrieved from the device. The transponder 5 acts to emit a high
frequency signal which allows the wearer or holder of the device to
be tracked. The transponder 5 also is capable of emitting an
audible error signal, via a logic signal which allows the wearer or
holder of the device to be tracked. The transponder 5 also is
capable of emitting an audible error signal, via a logic signal
from the logic chip 4 in the event that the battery becomes low on
power or if the logic chip senses that data stored in the storage
media 6 is corrupted or inadvertently erased.
* * * * *