U.S. patent application number 12/054544 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-09 for mobile devices as centers for health information, monitoring and services.
This patent application is currently assigned to THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. Invention is credited to Roger Shu Kwan Cheng, Vincent Kin Nang Lau, Wai Ho Mow, Ross David Murch, Chi Ying Tsui.
Application Number | 20080246629 12/054544 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39826375 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080246629 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tsui; Chi Ying ; et
al. |
October 9, 2008 |
MOBILE DEVICES AS CENTERS FOR HEALTH INFORMATION, MONITORING AND
SERVICES
Abstract
A mobile device with local and remote services and applications
for collecting, storing, analyzing and delivering health data to
medical professionals and others. The mobile device communicatively
connects to sensors attached to a body to collect health data and
remote servers to send raw and massaged data for medical analysis.
The mobile device also provides alerts and alarm messages based on
the health sensor data.
Inventors: |
Tsui; Chi Ying; (Hong Kong,
CN) ; Murch; Ross David; (Hong Kong, CN) ;
Cheng; Roger Shu Kwan; (Hong Kong, CN) ; Mow; Wai
Ho; (Hong Kong, CN) ; Lau; Vincent Kin Nang;
(Hong Kong, CN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
AMIN, TUROCY & CALVIN, LLP
1900 EAST 9TH STREET, NATIONAL CITY CENTER, 24TH FLOOR,
CLEVELAND
OH
44114
US
|
Assignee: |
THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE
AND TECHNOLOGY
Hong Kong
CN
|
Family ID: |
39826375 |
Appl. No.: |
12/054544 |
Filed: |
March 25, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60910109 |
Apr 4, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
340/870.07 ;
340/573.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02J 7/32 20130101; H02J
7/00302 20200101; H02J 50/001 20200101; H04L 67/16 20130101; H02N
2/18 20130101; Y02B 40/00 20130101; H02J 2207/40 20200101; Y02A
90/10 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/870.07 ;
340/573.1 |
International
Class: |
H04Q 9/00 20060101
H04Q009/00 |
Claims
1. A mobile device comprising: at least one body condition sensory
input for receiving body condition data relating to a bodily
condition of a user from at least one body sensor communicatively
coupled to the mobile device; at least one environmental sensory
input for receiving environmental data relating to an environmental
condition from at least one environmental sensor communicatively
coupled to the mobile device; and an application or service
accessible by the mobile device that automatically performs at
least one process based on the body condition data and/or the
environmental data.
2. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein the body sensor is
embedded in the body below skin level.
3. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein the body sensor is
attached to clothing worn adjacent to the body.
4. The mobile device of claim 3, wherein the clothing comprises
hats, shirts, pants, shoes and jewelry.
5. The mobile device of claim 2, wherein the body sensor detects at
least one of blood pressure, blood sugar level, cholesterol level
and core body temperature.
6. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein the environmental sensor
detects air quality adjacent to the body.
7. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein the application or service
automatically sends an alarm to a remote service alerting emergency
medical personnel of a critical body condition.
8. The mobile device of claim 1, further comprising a health data
information store for archiving health data.
9. The mobile device of claim 8, wherein the application or service
automatically logs body condition data to the health data
information store.
10. The mobile device of claim 9, wherein the application or
service automatically archives the body condition data to a remote
server.
11. The mobile device of claim 9, wherein the application or
service automatically uploads the body condition data to a remote
server for analysis by a physician.
12. The mobile device of claim 1, further comprising a user
interface for presenting formatted body condition data.
13. A method for use in connection with a mobile device, the method
comprising: receiving body condition data relating to a bodily
condition of a user from at least one body sensor communicatively
coupled to the mobile device; receiving environmental data relating
to an environmental condition from at least one environmental
sensor communicatively coupled to the mobile device; and
automatically performing at least one process based on the body
condition data and/or the environmental data.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the automatic process comprises
notifying emergency medical response personnel of a location of an
incapacitated person requiring immediate medical attention and
requesting dispatch of emergency medical personnel to the location
of the incapacitated person without interaction of the
incapacitated person.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the automatic process further
comprises notifying emergency medical response personnel of the
nature of the medical emergency.
16. A method for use in connection with a mobile device, the method
comprising: automatically receiving blood sugar level data relating
to a diabetic user from at least one blood sugar level sensor
embedded in the user's body and communicatively coupled to the
mobile device; automatically determining if the blood sugar level
is within a range prescribed by the user's physician; automatically
transmitting a command to an emergency delivery device system
embedded below the user's skin and communicatively coupled to the
mobile device to release either a sugar solution or insulin if the
user's blood sugar is out of range low or high respectively, and
notifying an emergency medical response team of an immediate need
for assistance; automatically logging the blood sugar level data to
an archival location on the mobile device; and automatically
transmitting the archived blood sugar level data from the mobile
device to a remote server for analysis;
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the transmitted blood sugar
data is encrypted.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the analysis is part of a
medical research project or drug trial project.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising transmitting
instructions for changed medical behavior from the remote server to
the mobile device.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein the changed medical behavior
comprises a change in medication type or dosage.
21. A method for use in connection with a mobile device, the method
comprising: automatically receiving pacemaker electrical data
relating to a user from a pacemaker embedded in the user's body and
communicatively coupled to the mobile device; automatically
receiving blood pressure data relating to the user from a blood
pressure sensor embedded in the user's body and communicatively
coupled to the mobile device; automatically determining if the
electrical data is within a range prescribed by the user's
physician; automatically determining if the blood pressure data is
within a range prescribed by the user's physician; automatically
transmitting a command to the pacemaker to increase or decrease the
electrical discharge amount or frequency if the user's blood
pressure is out of range low or high respectively; notifying an
emergency medical response team of an immediate need for
assistance; automatically logging the electrical and blood pressure
data to an archival location on the mobile device; and
automatically transmitting the archived electrical and blood
pressure data from the mobile device to a remote server for
analysis;
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the transmitted electrical and
blood pressure data is encrypted.
23. The method of claim 21, wherein the analysis is part of a
medical research project or drug trial project.
24. The method of claim 23, further comprising transmitting
instructions for changed medical behavior from the remote server to
the mobile device.
25. The method of claim 24 wherein the changed medical behavior
comprises a change in pacemaker electrical discharge amount or
frequency parameters.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/910,109 filed on Apr. 4, 2007 and entitled
ADVANCEMENTS FOR WIRELESS DEVICES AND WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The subject invention relates generally to medical
monitoring systems, and more particularly to personal devices for
sampling, storing and transmitting health information for
diagnostics and preventative health care.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Conventional health measuring and monitoring devices, such
as heart rate monitors, are dedicated devices that are specific to
a particular health issue, cumbersome to use and very expensive.
Another drawback with such devices is the patient must come to the
machine and remain for the time necessary for the machine to
collect the health data. In most cases, a technician or nurse
administers the test with the machine and provides the results to
the doctor for analysis. Typically, the results are paper output by
the machine. The interoffice delivery service must then deliver
paper output to the doctor for analysis, a mechanism taking a
considerable amount of time with the inherent risk of loss of data,
all factors tending to raise the stress level and anxiety of the
patient. This method of diagnosing problems relies on the patient
exhibiting diagnosable symptoms during the testing period.
[0004] In some cases, such as cardiac monitoring, the patient can
visit the doctor's office and have a data logging device harnessed
to their midsection. This provides for a longer data sample but the
data logger is uncomfortable and the patient must return to
doctor's office to deliver the data logger after typically a
twenty-four hour period. Although this method provides a larger
data sample, it requires the same mechanism of data analysis and
may miss the period where the patient exhibits diagnosable
symptoms.
[0005] Although many illnesses and diseases are detectable by
established tests, the medical profession regularly recommends
annual visits as people age because the sooner a problem is
detected the better the chance of a successful outcome. The
mechanism behind this recommendation involves creating a baseline
healthy individual database and a trend of the indicator parameters
associated with a human organism. These parameters include such
measurements as blood pressure, blood sugar level, red and white
blood cell count, body weight, percent body fat composition,
activity level, heart beat interval and regularity, brain activity
and the like. Many of these properties change slowly over a period
measured in years or decades and therefore are not easily
observable on a daily basis.
[0006] The health care industry has realized the savings in both
monetary value and quality of life in preventative health care and
the information required to prevent initial symptoms from becoming
a life threatening illness or disease. Today, the health care
industry balances the preventative abilities against the
cooperation of the individual and the sometime extreme cost of
tests and medical visits to make a preventative diagnosis. However,
there has been no historical sharing of individual health
information. Neither has a service infrastructure developed
leveraging health data information automatically to support a daily
preventative healthcare system.
SUMMARY
[0007] The following presents a simplified summary in order to
provide a basic understanding of some of the aspects described
herein. This summary neither is an extensive overview nor intended
to identify key or critical elements or to delineate the scope of
the various aspects described herein. The sole purpose of the
summary is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a
prelude to the more detailed description presented later.
[0008] In one aspect, the invention includes a mobile device
similar to today's cellular telephone acting as a center for
collecting health and lifestyle data and providing this data to
other authorized individuals, such as health care professionals,
for maintaining both good health and a healthy lifestyle. The
invention includes a collection of applications and services
allowing for the automated collection and analysis of an
individual's health data. The health data can be temporarily stored
on the mobile device until a time appropriate for uploading to a
remote system. After analysis, the remote system can download
recommendations for changes or requests to schedule future office
visits to the device and presented to the user.
[0009] In another aspect, the invention includes sensors for use by
the mobile device in collecting the user's health data. The user
can have the sensors embedded in their body as a permanent
installation or included in clothing, shoes, hats and jewelry as a
wearable sensor net. The sensors can operate on both a wireless and
wired technologies. Other sensors unrelated to parameters measured
in the body but related to the heath of the user, such as air
quality can also be included in either the mobile device or the
sensor net.
[0010] The invention has another aspect including the ability to
communicate to other mobile devices in addition to communications
with remote systems. The user can allow other users with compatible
mobile devices to share the health information. For example, an
elderly user can share their information with a relative as part of
an ongoing caregiver arrangement. The communications between the
mobile devices and between a mobile device and a remote system can
be by a cellular network, a wireless network such as an 802.11
a/b/g/n specification, a "bluetooth" network or any other available
network communications technology. The mobile device system and
services provide security to prevent access to the user's health
information by any other than authorized individuals.
[0011] In another aspect of the invention, the mobile device may
alert medical personnel of an imminent threat to the health of a
user because of an analysis of data collected from the user. The
user can also use the mobile device to subscribe to a medical study
appropriate to the user and provide the user's health information
related to the study.
[0012] Another aspect of the invention provides the user guidance
with respect to lifestyle choices. For example, the mobile device
can monitor the user's weight and daily level of activity and
inform the user if either of these parameters varies outside of the
user's predefined requirements. The user receives the feedback
necessary to correct a problem difficult to notice on a day-to-day
basis.
[0013] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends,
certain illustrative aspects are described herein in connection
with the following description and the annexed drawings. These
aspects are indicative of various ways which can be practiced, all
of which are intended to be covered herein. Other advantages and
novel features may become apparent from the following detailed
description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary non-limiting block diagram
of embodiments of the invention in the context of mobile devices as
centers for health information, monitoring and services.
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the sensors embedded in
the user's body for collecting health data.
[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the sensors attached to
the user's clothing and jewelry for collecting health data.
[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the health data
information store component and the collections of health data
stored therein.
[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the local applications
and services component and representative services and applications
locally available to the user.
[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the interfaces component
and the hardware and software interfaces available to the mobile
device for use by the user.
[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the remote applications
and services component and representative applications and services
remotely available to the user.
[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a method of
automatically collecting and analyzing a user's health
information.
[0022] FIG. 9 illustrates an overview of an exemplary, non-limiting
network environment suitable for service by various
embodiments.
[0023] FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary,
non-limiting operating environment in which various aspects
described herein can function.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] As mentioned in the background, there has been no historical
sharing of health information, or services infrastructure that
leverages such health data information automatically, among mobile
devices and so health monitoring equipment remains ad hoc in the
health industry.
[0025] In accordance with the invention, integration of health
sensors into a mobile device ecosystem enables a host of services,
algorithms and actions predicated on the sensor data for better
personal information management and access to services that are of
particular help to the owner of the mobile device, e.g., filtered
or individually tailored for the mobile device user. For instance,
with sensors attached to the human body that can communicate with
the mobile device via wired or wireless protocols (e.g.,
Bluetooth), and/or with sensors embedded into the mobile device
itself, the mobile device itself becomes a personal center of
health information and services for the user of the mobile
device.
[0026] FIG. 1 is an architectural overview of the intelligent
personal health agent for a mobile device in accordance with the
invention. Various health sensor data HSD 1 to HSD n (e.g., heart
rate, stress levels, glucose levels) selected by a user is input to
the user's mobile device 100. Other sensor data OSD 1 to OSD n may
also be input to the device to provide a centralized health data
information store 105 on mobile device 100. Mobile device 100
includes local applications and services 110 based on various
subsets of the health and environmental data stored in information
store 105. One such application can be a personal health advisor
and intelligent agent 114 that manages the user's data and advises
or takes action on behalf of the user in a way tailored for the
user of the mobile device. Applications and services 110 may employ
predictive algorithms that are based on the data of the health data
information store 105, and operate to help the user prevent (e.g.,
the onset of a disease) or further encourage a future health result
(e.g., weight loss).
[0027] A variety of communications, such as commands, requests,
queries, data transmission, authentication, etc. may also take
place, via interfaces 120 and one or more communications networks
130. A set of distributed or remote health applications and
services that may have additional data 150, such as historical user
data or aggregate user data trends across many users, for
processing in connection with applications or services 140 carried
out on behalf of the mobile device 100. This allows for hybrid
processing for services too, taking advantage of a combination of
local and remote computing capabilities with respect to processing,
power, storage, etc. Applications or services 140 may also, in
turn, communicate acknowledgements, results, commands, requests,
etc. back to mobile device 140 as part of an ongoing dialog with
the user about the user's health, as filtered via intelligent
personal health agent 114.
[0028] For instance, if mobile device 100 determines, based on a
collective state of health information in store 105 that the user
is sick, action can be automatically taken to set up an appointment
with an available doctor according to the needs of the user,
financial or insurance resources can automatically be lined up for
the user, or other automatic action can be taken. Representative,
non-limiting sensor measurements by sensors HSD 1 to HSD n include
heartbeat readings, blood pressure, emotion, stress, glucose
levels, vitamin or medicine deficiency, birth control scheduling,
and other illness specific symptoms identifiable by sensor
measurements.
[0029] FIG. 2 depicts a user 201 with four embedded health sensors.
The embedded health sensors collect readings of body variables and
transmit them to the mobile health device 100. Embedded health
sensor 202 represents a sensor for measuring blood toxins
associated with kidney function. A user of this type of sensor
requires dialysis to remove the toxins from their bloodstream
because of insufficient kidney function. Typically, an individual
in need of dialysis would have regularly scheduled visits to a
treatment facility for a constant scheduled duration. An example of
a dialysis schedule might be every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for
four hours on each visit. The dialysis center does not vary the
amount of treatment needed at each visit because there is no data
available to determine the concentration of toxins in the patient's
bloodstream as a function of time. The toxin concentration in a
patient's bloodstream is dependent on food intake, fluid intake,
fluid loss and the level of function of the patient's diseased
kidneys. Based on these criteria there is an optimal time to
conduct a dialysis when the maximum amount of toxins are
accumulated in the patient's bloodstream before the toxins become
harmful to the patient's other organs. Accordingly, there is also
an optimal dialysis period to reduce the toxin concentration to a
level sufficient to maintain a reasonable quality of life for the
patient with respect to trips to the dialysis center.
[0030] The combination of the embedded health sensor 202 and mobile
device 100 permits the user to receive notice of the appropriate
time for a dialysis. In another aspect, the mobile device 100 can
notify the dialysis center of the user's need for a dialysis
treatment and inform the user of a confirmed appointment time. The
mobile unit and the embedded health sensor provide the user maximum
safety by monitoring the toxin concentration in the user's
bloodstream and minimizes the financial costs of the treatment by
performing the dialysis treatment only when necessary.
[0031] In another aspect of the invention, embedded health sensor
203 represents a sensor for measuring blood pressure. The mobile
device 100 takes measurements continuously through all aspects of
the user's life. For example, the mobile device 100 takes a resting
blood pressure while the user is sleeping and takes a stress level
blood pressure while the user is at work. The mobile device 100
records the blood pressure samples and averages them to produce a
much more reliable representation of the user's blood pressure. The
mobile device 100 can regularly transmit the blood pressure
information to a physician for adjusting the level of medication
required for proper control of high blood pressure.
[0032] Embedded health sensor 204 represents a health sensor for
measuring blood sugar level. The mobile device 100 can collect
sugar concentration data from the embedded heath sensor and
determine an optimal amount of insulin to deliver to the user. In
another aspect, the mobile device 100 can communicate with an
embedded insulin delivery system and provide the insulin delivery
system the volume of insulin to inject into the user. The mobile
device 100 can deliver the collected data to the user's physician
for analysis and consultation scheduling. The physician, through a
remote application may communicate to the mobile device 100 that it
is time for an appointment and alert the user. In another aspect of
the invention, the user may sign up for clinical trials of a new
insulin compound and authorize the mobile device 100 to provide the
researchers the user's health data related to blood sugar levels
and insulin consumption.
[0033] In another aspect of the invention, embedded health sensor
205 represents a health sensor for measuring electrical signal
strength of the nervous system to the heart. The mobile device 100
can collect data concerning electrical discharge frequency and
duration associated with the user's heartbeat. The mobile device
100 can analyze this data and send alarms to the user and the
user's physician if the mobile device 100 detects any irregular
electrical signals. Upon receiving this information, the physician
can schedule an appointment and send notice of the appointment to
the user through the mobile device 100. In another aspect of the
invention where a pacemaker is already in place, the mobile device
100 can monitor the electrical discharge from the pacemaker device
and detect the indication of a low battery voltage. The mobile
device can send an alert to the user's physician requesting an
appointment for battery replacement. In response, the physician can
notify the user through mobile device 100 of the date and time for
the procedure.
[0034] Embedded health sensor 206 presents another aspect of the
invention representing one or more health sensors measuring
chemical concentrations in the brain. The mobile device 100
collects data from embedded health sensor 206 and performs an
analysis to verify that a user is properly taking their medication
to control psychological disorders. The mobile device 100 can alert
the user at the appropriate time to take the next dosage of the
medication. The mobile device can provide the user's brain
chemistry data to the user's physician for later analysis and
medication adjustment. The user can also subscribe to a clinical
study related to the user's illness and provide health data for
inclusion in research aimed at understanding and curing the user's
condition. The remote clinical study application can send the
results of the clinical study and any recommendations to the user's
mobile device to alert the user to new treatments or theories
related to the illness.
[0035] FIG. 3 depicts a user 301 with five apparel health sensors
and one other data sensor. The apparel health sensors, like the
embedded health sensors above, collect readings of body variables
and transmit them to the mobile device 100. The apparel health
sensors are sewn into clothing, hats or shoes or are molded into
jewelry for ease of application and removal. Apparel health sensor
301 is a footpad with an incorporated load cell placed in each
shoe. Apparel health sensor 301 when communicatively connected to
mobile device 100 provides in one aspect the measurement of the
weight of the user. When the user stands up, the user exerts their
full body weight on the footpads. Over time, the predictive
algorithms 112 of the mobile device 100 are capable of determining
an accurate value of the user's weight. The mobile device 100
transmits this health data to the user's physician on a scheduled
basis to maintain an accurate profile of the user's weight.
[0036] In another aspect of the invention, apparel health sensor
301 can provide data to a local lifestyle application on the level
of activity performed by the user. For example, if the user's
weight drops to near zero, then the user is probably in a reclined
position and the mobile device 100 can assign an appropriate
caloric burn rate for this level of activity. If the user's body
weight drops to a low but non-zero value then the user is probably
sitting and the mobile device 100 can assign an appropriate caloric
burn rate for this activity. If the user's body weight remains at
the defined value then the user is probably standing and the mobile
device 100 can assign an appropriate caloric burn rate for this
activity. Mobile device 100 can combine the data above with
position data from other data sensor 306 to calculate a rate of
movement value and an associated caloric burn rate based on the
user walking or running. In summary, over a few days time, the
mobile device 100 can evaluate the user's lifestyle and weight and
consult with lifestyle services on remote systems to create a plan
to improve the user's health. The remote system lifestyle
application 715 can transmit the proposed plan to mobile device 100
and uploaded to the user's physician for approval before
implementation.
[0037] Apparel health sensor 302 is a bracelet, wristwatch or
similar wrist worn sensing device representing another aspect of
the invention. In one aspect of the invention, mobile device 100
can measure the conductivity between apparel health sensor 302 and
apparel health sensor 301 and calculate a percent body fat
composition of the user. Mobile device 100 can use this calculated
health indicator to adjust the prescribed exercise regimen proposed
to the user. In another aspect of the invention, the user's mobile
device 100 can share the lifestyle health data with another user's
mobile device 100. For example, two mobile device 100 users can
agree to a fitness contest and to verify the winner, they agree to
share their percent body fat composition health data with each
other.
[0038] In another aspect of the invention, apparel health sensor
303 is cap, similar but not limited to a baseball cap, outfitted
with sensors for detecting brainwaves. The mobile device 100
collects health data from the apparel health sensor 303 for
producing an electroencephalograph. The mobile device 100 can
transmit the electroencephalograph to the user's physician for
analysis and/or to a remote medical research application 711. The
electroencephalograph produces a more accurate representation of
the user's brain wave activity because the data is sampled over a
longer period of time and the user is participating in many
different activities during the test i.e. periods of low thought
process such as relaxing at home through periods of extreme thought
process such as intense work situations.
[0039] Apparel health sensor 304 is jewelry in the form of a ring.
In one aspect of the invention, mobile device 100 collects health
data from apparel health sensor 304 representing the ambient air
temperature. In another aspect, mobile device 100 collects health
data from apparel health sensor 304 representing the user's body
surface temperature and conductivity level. For example, mobile
device 100 can analyze the health data and determine that the
ambient temperature is one hundred and one degrees Fahrenheit and
the user's surface temperature is rising combined with a
corresponding decrease in conductivity indicating the onset of a
heat stroke. Mobile device 100, upon reaching defined health alarm
limits can alert the user to take shelter from the heat and
increase fluid intake while communicating through alarm service 506
to notify emergency response application 712 and medical personnel
of eminent severe threat to the user.
[0040] In another aspect of the invention, apparel health sensor
305 is a shirt, blouse, bathing suit top or similar article of
clothing containing sensors for detecting exposure to ultraviolet
radiation. Mobile device 100 collects health data from apparel
health sensor 305 for determining the amount of ultraviolet
radiation and time the user is exposed and based on prescribed
limits, alerts the user when the mobile device 100 detects
overexposure. The mobile device 100 also sends the collected health
data to the user's dermatologist for tracking the user's exposure
and updating exposure limits. The dermatologist downloads the new
limit information to mobile device 100 to advise the user they have
reached daily, weekly, monthly or seasonal exposure limits.
[0041] Other sensor data 306 can be, but is not limited to, a belt
or "fanny pack" article containing but not limited to data sensors
related to position, direction, air quality, etc. In one aspect of
the invention, the article contains a global positioning sensor
allowing a mobile device to collect data identifying the user's
three-dimensional position on the planet. For example, if the user
becomes disoriented while hiking in the mountains, the mobile
device 100 can advise the user of his location. In another aspect,
mobile device 100, using the directional data, can advise the user
which direction to travel to reach the user's desired
objective.
[0042] In another aspect of the invention, mobile device 100
collects air quality data from other sensor data 306 to alert the
user of possible acute respiratory problems. For example, on a
particularly hot summer afternoon the air quality declines for the
user because their age makes them particularly susceptible to
particulate matter in the air. Mobile device 100 can alert the user
to the declining air quality recommending they seek an
air-conditioned environment. Mobile device 100 can also alert the
user's physician to the exposure. The user can choose to share this
data with the mobile device 100 of friends or neighbors to prevent
them from experiencing the same exposure.
[0043] In another aspect of the invention, the air quality decline
can be due to natural pollutants such as pollen or other allergens.
Mobile device 100 can detect the increase in allergens identified
as harmful to the user and alert the user to take appropriate
anti-histamine type medication to prevent the development of
allergic symptoms. The user can confirm to mobile system 100 that
the recommended medication was taken and mobile system 100 can
inform the user's pharmacy of the decrease in on-hand supply of the
medication. If the user's on-hand supply is low enough, the
pharmacy can notify the user, and if requested by the user, prepare
and send another prescription of the medication, assuring the
user's on-hand supply.
[0044] FIG. 4 depicts the health data information store 105 of
mobile device 100. The explosion in memory technology has provided
enormous amounts of storage space in a small footprint with no
moving parts. The resultant use of this technology by mobile device
100 allows for the retention of large amounts of health data for
on-site analysis and transmission to remote applications and
services 140 as communication availability permits. For example,
the user may be out of communication range for several days and the
health data collected by mobile device 100 is queued in the health
data information store 105 until communications are established and
the health data can be delivered to the appropriate destination.
Mobile device 100 permits the user to segregate health and outside
data, alarm data, trend data and configuration data and provide
security levels of varying degree with respect to access to the
data by remote services and applications 140 and other mobile
devices 100. It should be noted that the aforementioned
segregations are exemplary and not limiting.
[0045] In one aspect of the invention, public health data 401 is
maintained in the health data information store 105. Public health
data 401 is accessible by any remote services and applications 140
interested in the data or by any other mobile device in proximity.
The public health data 401 database does not require any security
credentials before accessing the health data. For example, the
user's data concerning air quality can be of interest to other
local mobile device 100 users who are also susceptible to low air
quality and wish to avoid low air quality areas. Local weather
forecasting services can access the air quality data to develop a
much more detailed map of locations suitable to warn the audience
of low air quality.
[0046] Health data information store 105 maintains Private health
data 402 as another aspect of the invention. The user considers
private health data 402 more sensitive and therefore protected by
requiring security credentials before access. Each identified type
of private health data 402 can have its own set of security
credentials thus allowing particular access to particular sections
based on the provided security credentials. For example, the
section of private health data related to blood pressure and
cholesterol level can have security credentials known only by the
user's cardiologist. Another section of private health data related
to the user's weight and percent body fat composition can have
security credentials known by the user's general practitioner, a
remote server application 140 for a medical research project
related to weight loss and a friend's mobile device 100 for a
weight loss competition.
[0047] In another aspect of the invention, mobile device 100
maintains secure control data 403 for controlling devices typically
implanted in the user's body and critical to the user's health. The
data represents control values used by the devices in maintaining
the user's organic functions. For example, the user can have an
insulin delivery device implanted to replace the need for daily
injections. The mobile device 100 can communicate with the insulin
delivery device and download new control values for the volumetric
rate to deliver insulin and the number of times and times of day
for deliveries. In another example, the user can have a pacemaker
implanted to regulate the user's heartbeat. Mobile device 100 can
communicate with the pacemaker and download new control values for
the level of charge to deliver and the frequency of delivery to
insure the pacemaker properly regulates the user's heartbeat.
[0048] Mobile device 100 maintains health trend data 404 for
analyzing long-term changes in the user's health. For example,
changes in body weight and composition, blood pressure, cholesterol
level, blood sugar level all become more obvious when viewed as
trend data. In another aspect, the point in time where medical
intervention is required becomes predictable and therefore future
medical problems are addressed at the most opportune time. In
another aspect, the user can share their health trend data with
medical research applications 711 interested in accumulating
historical data for a particular disease or analysis.
[0049] Health data information store 105 maintains health alarm
data 405 as another aspect of the invention. Health alarm data 405
is a collection of data values associated with each data source
identifying values at which the user wishes alarm notifications
sent to appropriate parties. The parties are provided appropriate
security credentials allowing access to the remote health data of
interest as well as the data logged by the mobile device. For
example, the user may configure an alarm limit for body weight
exceeding one hundred eighty pounds. The user can configure the
mobile device 100 to detect the alarm condition and send a
corresponding alarm message to the user. In another example, the
user can configure an alarm limit of cholesterol level greater than
one hundred fifty. The user can configure mobile device 100 to send
an alarm message to the user and to the user's cardiologist. The
cardiologist can collect the health trend data 404 from the user's
mobile device 100 and analyze the recent trend to determine if the
trend data warrants an adjustment in the user's cholesterol
medication. If necessary, the user's cardiologist can notify the
user of a required office visit or an adjustment in the user's
cholesterol medication dosage.
[0050] In another aspect of the invention, the health data
information store 105 maintains a health data access list 406
provided by the user. The health data access list provides the
login names, security credentials and associated private health
data 402 accessible for this login account. The user defines the
areas available on a per-account basis and configures what
operations the account can execute. For example, the user can allow
a friend's account from another mobile device 100 to view body
weight and body composition health data but not allow downloading
or deletion of any of the health data. In another example, a remote
medical research application 711 can upload and automatically
delete the blood pressure data but cannot inspect the blood
pressure data in the user's mobile device.
[0051] The health data information store 105 maintains health data
scheduler 407 configuration information related to actions the user
requires based on the passage of time or a particular calendar date
and time. For example, the user can configure mobile device 100 to
send the previous month's blood pressure health data on the first
day of each month to the user's cardiologist. In another example,
the user can configure mobile device 100 to send the body weight,
body composition and blood sugar level to the user's general
practitioner on the user's birthday each year. The general
practitioner reviews the health data and sends the user a notice of
changes to the user's general health regimen and any requirements
for additional medical appointments.
[0052] In another aspect of the invention, the health data
information store maintains health data events 408 configurations
related to actions the user requires based on predefined events.
For example, the user may configure the mobile device 100 to send
blood pressure health data to a medical research application 711
related to clinical trials of a new blood pressure medication if
the user's blood pressure exceeds a predefined value. The mobile
device 100 sends the health data even though the predefined value
is not considered an alarm condition and the information would
normally be sent at the end of the month.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 5, the mobile device 100 contains and
executes many services and applications. The services and
applications are updateable from the remote applications and
services 140 servers and if the user requests, the mobile device
100 can change service configurations and add or delete
applications. In one aspect of the invention, mobile device 100
provides a communication service 501 for communicatively coupling
with embedded health sensors, apparel health sensors, other sensor
data sensors, peer mobile devices 100, wireless networks and wired
networks. The communication service 501 includes but is not limited
to protocol support for "Bluetooth," Ethernet, 802.11 a/b/g/n,
universal serial bus (USB) IEEE 1394 (FireWire) and the like.
[0054] In another aspect of the invention, mobile device 100
provides a data logging service 502 archiving at least but not
limited to health data collected from the array of sensing devices.
The data logging service provides for retaining the value from the
sensing device along with the date and time the mobile device 100
collected the data. The mobile device 100 can associate metadata
with the data providing information relating to the status and
configuration of the mobile device 100 at the time the mobile
device 100 collected the health data.
[0055] In another aspect of the invention, mobile device 100
provides a trend service 503 generating trend data for health data
selected by the user for trending. The user defines the sample
period for trending and the time window of the trend. For example,
the user can configure a trend of body weight sampled on the every
two weeks and maintained over the previous fifty-two weeks. The
user can review the trend with the mobile device 100 or upload the
health trend data 404 for review and archiving on another computing
device.
[0056] Local applications and services 110 provide scheduler
service 504 for scheduling user-defined actions. The user can
configure the scheduler service for time-based or event-based
actions. The user can schedule a time-based action relative to a
clock time of day. For example, the user can configure the
scheduler service 504 to transmit all health data from the previous
month to the user's general practitioner every Sunday at midnight.
The user can configure an event based action on events determined
from health sensor data or predefined criteria. For example, the
user may define an event to upload all health data to the user's
general practitioner immediately upon establishing network
communications to the remote system if the user's mobile device has
not communicated with the remote system for more than seven
days.
[0057] In another aspect of the invention, mobile device 100
provides an encryption service 505 for conducting secure
communications between the mobile device 100 and the remote
applications and services 140 or peer mobile devices 100. The user
can select the type of encryption on an application basis or the
mobile device and the remote application or service 140 can
negotiate a compatible encryption method. The encryption service
provides security during transmission of health data and for any
data stored on mobile device 100 in the event mobile device 100 is
lost or stolen.
[0058] Local applications and services 110 provide an alarm service
506 for notifying a user-configured list of individuals of user
health conditions requiring medical attention. For example, mobile
device 100 can detect that user's blood sugar level is below a
lower threshold limit indicating a probable insulin overdose.
Mobile device 100 can provide user an alarm indicating the
immediate requirement for sugar intake to counter the insulin
overdose. Additionally, mobile device 100 can transmit the alarm to
remote emergency response application 712 requesting the dispatch
of emergency medical personnel. Emergency medical personnel can
more efficiently handle the medical emergency upon arrival because
they already have reliable knowledge of the nature of the medical
emergency.
[0059] In another aspect of the invention, mobile device 100
provides a lifestyle application 511 for managing the user's body
weight, body composition, activity level, etc. For example, the
lifestyle application 511 can maintain a trend of the user's body
weight and body composition as collected by the mobile device 100
from apparel health sensor 301 and apparel health sensor 302.
Mobile device 100 can notify the user of meeting the goals set by
the user as a parameter of lifestyle application 511. Lifestyle
application 511 can also track and trend the user's activity level
by monitoring and analyzing the user's load data from apparel
health sensor 301 as previously described.
[0060] Lifestyle application 511 can present the user with meal
recommendations for appropriate caloric intake based on the user's
calculated activity level. If the user is away from home then
lifestyle application 511 can recommend calorically appropriate
restaurants based on the user's activity level. Mobile device 100
provides the user input capabilities allowing the user to notify
lifestyle application 511 of the caloric values of each meal for
tracking caloric intake. For meals consumed at restaurants, mobile
device 100 can automatically receive caloric data based on the
user's choices, transmitted over the mobile device 100 wireless
network.
[0061] In another aspect of the invention, mobile device 100
provides a general health application 512 for tracking basic health
parameters such as blood pressure, body temperature, blood sugar
level, cholesterol level, etc. Mobile device 100 trends these
general parameters and provides alerts if the trends begin to vary
outside of medically suggested ranges of normal values based on age
and personal medical history. Mobile device 100 through
communication with remote applications and services 140 obtains
information related to community health concerns such as the
prevalence of influenza and locations where inoculations are
available and presents alert information recommending vaccination.
General health application 512 can also negotiate appointment times
and dates then provide alerts advising of upcoming medical
appointments.
[0062] Local applications and services 110 provides a disease
tracker application 513 for monitoring more specific and detailed
parameters associated with indicated diseases. When the user
indicates a selected disease is applicable, disease tracker
application 513 creates entries with data logging service 502 and
trend service 503 to monitor appropriate health data at a greater
frequency. For example, if the user selects diabetes, disease
tracker application 513 will monitor blood sugar levels at a
greater frequency and narrow the window of acceptable ranges for a
timelier reporting of health data outside of the acceptable range.
Additionally, mobile device 100 will more frequently transmit
diabetes related health data to the identified physician resulting
in scrutiny of the disease.
[0063] Disease tracker 513 can also search through remote
applications and services 140 for breaking research information or
clinical trial studies of interest and present a notice through
mobile device 100 advising of new treatments or medications of
interest. Disease tracker 513 can also provide, if authorized, the
accumulated health data to research organizations associated with
the identified disease.
[0064] In another aspect of the invention, mobile device 100
provides a weather reporter application 514 for providing alerts of
current weather conditions, predictions of upcoming weather and
transmits localized weather related data to remote weather reporter
application 714. For example, mobile device 100 uses other sensor
data 306 to record air temperature, humidity and air quality data
and presents the information with alerts indicative of unusual
conditions such as a high pollen count. Weather reporter
application 514 uploads this localized weather data to remote
weather reporter application 714 where weather reporter application
714 combines the weather data with uploads from other mobile
devices 100 producing a more accurate and detailed weather report
for communication to appropriate local mobile devices 100 for
presentation.
[0065] In another aspect of the invention, data sharing application
515 provides for sharing raw health data with other mobile devices
100 and remote applications and services 140. The data sharing
application can mirror real-time health data allowing others to see
data values and changes as they occur. For example, a user
experiencing chest pains can configure data sharing application 515
to mirror cardiac related health data to the user's cardiologist
for analysis and recommendations on courses of action based on the
present situation. At the conclusion of the online analysis, the
mirror is disabled and mobile device 100 discontinues real-time
health data transmission.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 6, the mobile device 100 contains both
hardware and software interfaces. The hardware interfaces include
interfaces to the sensing devices either embedded in or attached
the user and any sensing devices included in mobile device 100
including "Bluetooth." Interfaces to cellular networks such as CDMA
and GSM, interfaces wireless networks including 802.11 a/b/g/n,
interfaces to wired networks including Ethernet and user interfaces
in the form of a display screen on the mobile device 100. The
software interfaces include programmatic interfaces to public data,
private data, control data, configuration data, alarm data and
schedule data.
[0067] Sensor interface 601 provides communicative capabilities
allowing mobile device 100 to collect health data from the
embedded, apparel and other sensors. For example, the embedded
sensors can support a "Bluetooth" implementation providing wireless
communication of health data from the embedded health sensor to
mobile device 100.
[0068] Cellular network interface 602 provides communicative
capabilities allowing mobile device 100 to transfer information to
remote application and services 140 servers or other mobile devices
100. For example, a mobile device 100 can use a cellular network to
transmit lifestyle information from the lifestyle application 511
on mobile device 100 to the lifestyle application 715 on a remote
server 140.
[0069] Wireless network interface 603 provides communicative
capabilities allowing mobile device 100 to transfer information to
remote application and services 140 servers or other mobile devices
100 located within range of the wireless network. For example, the
remote server 140 can download the caloric information associated
with purchases at a restaurant to mobile device 100 when the user
pays the bill at the end of the meal.
[0070] Wired network interface 604 provides communications
capabilities as described for the cellular network interface and
the wireless network interface in a format compatible with
locations where cellular or wireless network support is not
practical or available. For example, in certain remote locations
such as an Antarctic research facility, wired communications to a
satellite uplink may be the only means of transmitting data to a
remote server.
[0071] User interface 605 provides input and output capabilities
for mobile device 100. A mobile device 100 includes a graphical
display screen for presentation of data in formats such as textual,
tabular or graphical. For example, the user can select a trend
chart and trend service 503 will generate a graphical
representation of the trend. The graphical display can also present
alarm messages to the user in different formats such as colors,
including flashing, bold and underlined and different sized fonts.
The mobile device 100 can also present audible alarms configurable
by the user such as beeps or tones intended to attract the user's
attention when mobile device 100 presents important messages for
viewing.
[0072] Mobile device 100 provides an input system such as a
keyboard, touch screen, stylus, etc. for input of selections and
configuration information. For example, the user can select a block
of private health data 402 and enter a name and password as
security credentials for accessing the health data. The user can
then select available actions for the new account's operations on
the private data such as "read-only."
[0073] The public data interface 611 of mobile device 100 provides
programmatic access to any data stored on mobile device 100 in the
public health data 401 section of the health data information store
105. For example, another mobile device 101 can request local
weather information form a mobile device 101 storing its weather
information in public health data 401.
[0074] The private data interface 612 of mobile device 100 provides
identical programmatic support for private health data 402 access
as described for public data interface 611 access with the
exception of the requirement of providing security credentials
before mobile device 100 allows access to the private health data
402. Additionally, private data interface 612 enforces the
permitted actions available through the interface for operations on
the private health data 402. For example, a remote medical research
application 711 attempting to access blood chemistry private health
data 402 must first present security credentials defined to allow
access to the health data of interest. Additionally, the mobile
device 100 will deny the remote medical research application 711
permission to delete the private health data 402 because the
configuration denies private data interface 612 deletions of this
private health data 402.
[0075] The control data interface 613 of mobile device 100 provides
identical programmatic support for secure control data 403 access
as described for private health data 402 with the exception of
providing additional layers of security by requiring additional
security credentials and validating control data against internal
data ranges. For example, a remote emergency response application
712 must provide security credentials to access the secure control
data 403 and if the remote emergency response application 712
attempts to change the volumetric flow rate of the insulin pump
associated with this secure control data 403, the remote emergency
response application 712 must supply another set of security
credentials. Once both sets of security credentials are accepted,
the mobile device 100 control data interface 613 then validates
that the new volumetric flow rate for the insulin pump is within
the allowable range of values.
[0076] The configuration interface 614 of mobile device 100
provides programmatic access to configuration parameters used for
operation of and access to mobile device 100. For example,
configurable parameters include but are not limited to the
frequency of collecting data from the health sensors, the time
period between uploads from mobile device 100 to remote servers,
the health data to upload and the location of the remote servers,
the security credentials for accessing private health data and the
like.
[0077] The alarm interface 615 of mobile device 100 provides
programmatic access to alarm parameters for providing alerts for
defined alarm conditions. The mobile device 100 can display alarms
on the user interface 605 and/or transmit alarms to remote
applications and services 140. For example, the user can configure
an alarm for systolic blood pressure exceeding one hundred thirty
millimeters of mercury. If the blood systolic blood pressure
reading rises above this value then an alarm message is displayed
by mobile device 100 user interface 605 and an alarm message is
transmitted to a remote server notifying the user's
cardiologist.
[0078] The scheduler interface 616 of mobile device 100 provides
programmatic access to user scheduled actions for transferring
data. The user can schedule actions based on clock time or the
occurrence of a defined event. For example, the user can select
midnight every Sunday to transmit all collected health data to
remote medical research application 711. In another example, the
user can select an event of low blood sugar to transmit health data
related to blood sugar level to the user's physician.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 7, mobile device 100 can interact with
remote services and applications 140. The remote services and
applications 140 can have counterparts running locally on mobile
device 100.
[0080] Communication service 701 of the remote server provides
compatible communication protocols with mobile device 100
communication service 501 allowing reliable secure communications
between the remote server and mobile device 100. For example,
mobile device 100 and a remote server can use TCP/IP on an 802.11
a/b/g/n wireless network to upload heath data to a medical research
application 711 running on the remote server.
[0081] Data logging service 702 of the remote server provides data
archiving capabilities for mobile device 100. For example, at the
end of each month, mobile device 100 uploads all health data to
data logging service 702 for archival purposes for the lifetime of
the user. Mobile device 100 can then delete the uploaded data from
the mobile device 100 to provide storage space for additionally
collected health data.
[0082] Emergency location service 703 of the remote server provides
tracking capabilities to locate mobile device 100 at any location
on the planet. Mobile device 100 contains a global positioning
sensor and can report the current location to emergency location
service 703 when supplied with valid security credentials. For
example, emergency rescue personnel could locate a user
incapacitated by an illness reported by mobile device 100 without
requiring involvement by the incapacitated user.
[0083] Scheduler service 704 of the remote server provides time and
event based actions initiated by the remote server for mobile
device 100. For example, the release of an updated version of a
software application installed on mobile device 100 can generate a
download of the new application version to mobile device 100. In
another example, at noon on the first day of each month, remote
server executes a timed event and downloads a list of all remote
applications available for use by mobile device 100 to all
interested mobile devices 100.
[0084] Medical research application 711 of a remote server provides
the user of mobile device 100 with information related to the
health concerns of the user and the opportunity for the user to
participate in medical research programs and drug trial programs.
The user can post a medical profile with the medical research
application 711 to researches looking for candidates like the user.
Additionally, the user can browse a list of medical research
programs looking for any research programs that might be of
interest to the user. Once the user selects a medical research
application 711 program and the medical research application 711
programs accepts the user, mobile device 100 establishes security
credentials and identities allowing the remote medical research
application 711 to collect health data from the user's mobile
device 100. The user can also choose to interact with respect to
other users admitted to the remote medical research application 711
with direct communication from mobile device 100 to mobile device
100. The medical research application 711 also provides analysis
related to the user to the user's physician through the user's
mobile device 100.
[0085] Emergency response application 712 of a remote server
provides capabilities to dispatch emergency medical personnel to
mobile device 100 anywhere on the planet, even if the user is
incapacitated and cannot assist in providing location information.
For example, mobile device 100 can detect an erratic heartbeat and
extremely low blood pressure and transmit a request for medical
assistance to emergency response application 712. Included in the
transmission are the GPS determined coordinates of mobile device
100. While mobile device 100 is summoning emergency medical help,
the user is unconscious, because of an ongoing heart attack, and
unable to assist in requesting emergency medical assistance.
[0086] Disease tracker application 713 of a remote server provides
capabilities to assist the user in understanding and fighting a
specific disease afflicting the user. For example, a physician has
diagnosed the user as diabetic and the user, through mobile device
100, selects to join this disease community on remote disease
tracker 713. Mobile device 100 presents the user's profile to the
remote disease tracker application 713 community bulletin board and
provides the user's disease related health data to any medical
research application 711 associated with this community. The remote
disease tracker application also alerts the user through mobile
device 100 of all drug trial programs associated with this
community. Additionally, remote disease tracker application 713
presents support groups for this community to the user through
mobile device 100 and the user can elect to join the support groups
for guidance.
[0087] In another aspect of disease tracker application 713, the
long-term archived public and private user health data can be
analyzed to discover markers or trends indicating the presence of
the initial stages of a disease unknown to the user. Disease
tracker application 713 can accomplish the analysis by methods such
as but not limited to trending or statistical analysis of the
archived data with respect to other individuals of the user's age,
genetic disposition and lifestyle. When disease tracker application
713 detects specific markers or trends, disease tracker application
713 can send an alert to the user notifying the user of the
possible detection of the early stages of a particular disease.
Disease tracker application 713 also can, if authorized by the
user, provide this same alert to the user's physician and schedule
an appointment for the user with the physician to review the
findings of the analysis.
[0088] Weather reporter application 714 of a remote server provides
capabilities to notify the user of weather conditions in the user's
locality and to collect localized weather information from the user
through mobile device 100 to create a more accurate and detailed
weather forecast. For example, if selected by the user, mobile
device 100 uploads the user's locale weather and air quality data
to the remote weather reporter application for analysis. The
combination of many users submitting weather data provides a more
accurate localized forecast because of the greater number of data
points. The remote weather reporter application analyzes the
weather data and computes a weather prediction to download to all
mobile devices 100 in the localized area.
[0089] Lifestyle application 715 of a remote server provides
capabilities to assist the user in leading a healthy lifestyle with
respect to body weight, body composition, eating habits, exercise
habits, sleep habits, etc. For example, the user can upload their
body weight and body composition information from mobile device 100
to remote lifestyle application 715 for inclusion in an analysis
program that outputs a weight appropriate exercise regimen for the
user and downloads the regimen to mobile device 100. The user can
also select information available from remote lifestyle application
715 on healthy choice eating venues in the user's locality. The
user can subscribe to online journals through remote lifestyle
application 715 presenting informative articles on proper sleep
habits to promote better health. Remote lifestyle application 715
can also present a weight appropriate list of support groups based
on the users profile information and body weight health data
through mobile device 100. The user can read a summary of each
support groups makeup and goals and select a support group in line
with the lifestyle goals of the user.
[0090] Referring to FIG. 8, illustrated is an exemplary
non-limiting flow diagram showing a method for use in connection
with a mobile device in accordance with the invention. At 210, body
condition data is received relating to a bodily condition of a user
from body sensor(s) communicatively coupled to the mobile device.
At 220, environmental data is received relating to an environmental
condition from environmental sensor(s) communicatively coupled to
the mobile device. At 230, one or more processes are automatically
initiated based on the body condition data and/or the environmental
data.
[0091] Thus, based on a collective profile of various measurements
sensed from the user, an intelligent agent on the mobile device (or
implemented through a network service) can offer relevant services,
or take automatic action. Predictive medicine is possible where the
mobile device can aggregate and analyze various subsets of sensor
data and appreciate a health characteristic or trend prior to the
mobile device user receiving an associated illness or condition. In
such case, the mobile device can automatically take, or help the
user take, preventive action to stave off the onset of illness or
condition. For instance, the mobile device can optionally instruct
the user how to mitigate the trend, provide other relevant
information about treatment, or otherwise take action to prevent a
predicted health trend. For example, before a diabetic's sugar
levels become too low, the mobile device can sense the trend, alert
the user and/or take action on behalf of the user. For another
example, if the user is in critical condition, a doctor can be
automatically notified via any of the communication methods
available to the mobile device (email, SMS, phone call, beeper,
facsimile, etc.). Micro-sensors can also be included in ordinary
bodily wear products like jewelry (e.g., rings, necklaces),
waistbands, hats, sunglasses, etc. Sensors may also be integrated
into a user's shoes, making the shoes an activator for virtual
phone, sensors of emotion, triggering various functionality for the
device.
[0092] In addition to personal health information, other
environmental information can be taken into account, in order to
provide a holistic account of a mobile device user's environment,
both inside the body and outside. For instance, GPS tags can be
embedded in people or their things such that health information can
be coupled to location. For example, a person's onset of fever
combined with a GPS position in Siberia and an ambient temperature
of - 15 degrees can trigger an alert to the user to find a warmer
locale. When one considers barometric, air or water quality,
temperature, humidity, or other environmental readings, the
scenarios and services that can be predicated on such data on
behalf of the mobile device user are virtually limitless.
[0093] Moreover, if users are willing to have embedded sensors in
their bodies, a host of remote applications and services can
provide extra value add to the user in the form of automatic
hospital services, administration of dynamic exercise and dieting
programs, and other services. Accordingly, in one non-limiting
aspect, the invention targets the synergy of bodily sensor data,
heart rate, stress level, and other environmental data, e.g.,
measurements with respect to items of food one is going to eat, air
quality (pollution), water quality, etc. Moreover, any product one
purchases, such as clothes, can be sensed with one or more
measurements that may initiate further actions and services, or
rendering of information about the product (e.g., an object age
sensor that authenticates antiques).
[0094] In one embodiment, the mobile device directly, or indirectly
through a service, senses data relating to the emotional state of
another mobile device user such that a friend can tell if another
friend is experiencing a certain emotional state (whether angry,
stressed, relaxed, happy, bored, etc.). The aggregation of health
sensory data thus enables a variety of personal services based on
the sharing of such data with other mobile phone users. Due to the
implications on privacy, however, the invention enforces strict
authorization rules that enable only designated users certain
privileges for such data. One or more layers of security can be
implemented to protect privacy of the user. For instance, one might
authorize only their trusted family or friends to see normally
encrypted data relating to one's health as a backup in case of
unconsciousness or other scenario where only the trusted family or
friends should have access to the data. Thus, the invention
includes the ability to grant privileges to certain data of the
collective personal health store as authorized by the user of the
mobile device.
[0095] In other embodiments, where a group of mobile devices
collectively point to a common trend for many users in a given
area, conditions affecting a great number of people may be inferred
and widespread measures can be taken to mitigate the threat (e.g.,
a breakout of fever, or other set of common symptoms may be
detected across a wide audience). This could be effective in
detecting and preventing the further spread of malaria, or other
communicable infectious diseases. The mobile device is thus a
gateway to a host of health and environmental services that can
build on top of health and environmental data sensed by and
aggregated in the mobile device.
[0096] FIG. 9 depicts an overall block diagram of an exemplary
packet-based mobile cellular network environment, such as a GPRS
network, in which the invention may be practiced. In such an
environment, there are a plurality of Base Station Subsystems
("BSS") 900 (only one is shown), each of which comprises a Base
Station Controller ("BSC") 902 serving a plurality of Base
Transceiver Stations ("BTS") such as BTSs 904, 906, and 908. BTSs
904, 906, 908, etc. are the access points where users of
packet-based mobile devices become connected to the wireless
network. In exemplary fashion, the packet traffic originating from
user devices is transported over the air interface to a BTS 908,
and from the BTS 908 to the BSC 902. Base station subsystems, such
as BSS 900, are a part of internal frame relay network 910 that may
include Service GPRS Support Nodes ("SGSN") such as SGSN 912 and
914.
[0097] Each SGSN is in turn connected to an internal packet network
920 through which a SGSN 912, 914, etc. can route data packets to
and from a plurality of gateway GPRS support nodes (GGSN) 922, 924,
926, etc. As illustrated, SGSN 914 and GGSNs 922, 924, and 926 are
part of internal packet network 920. Gateway GPRS serving nodes
922, 924 and 926 mainly provide an interface to external Internet
Protocol ("IP") networks such as Public Land Mobile Network
("PLMN") 945, corporate intranets 940, or Fixed-End System ("FES")
or the public Internet 930. As illustrated, subscriber corporate
network 940 may be connected to GGSN 924 via firewall 932; and PLMN
945 is connected to GGSN 924 via boarder gateway router 934. The
Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service ("RADIUS") server 942
may be used for caller authentication when a user of a mobile
cellular device calls corporate network 940.
[0098] Generally, there can be four different cell sizes in a GSM
network--macro, micro, pico and umbrella cells. The coverage area
of each cell is different in different environments. Macro cells
can be regarded as cells where the base station antenna is
installed in a mast or a building above average roof top level.
Micro cells are cells whose antenna height is under average roof
top level; they are typically used in urban areas. Pico cells are
small cells having a diameter is a few dozen meters; they are
mainly used indoors. On the other hand, umbrella cells are used to
cover shadowed regions of smaller cells and fill in gaps in
coverage between those cells.
[0099] Although not required, the claimed subject matter can partly
be implemented via an operating system, for use by a developer of
services for a device or object, and/or included within application
software that operates in connection with one or more components of
the claimed subject matter. Software may be described in the
general context of computer-executable instructions, such as
program modules, being executed by one or more computers, such as
clients, servers, mobile devices, or other devices. Those skilled
in the art will appreciate that the claimed subject matter can also
be practiced with other computer system configurations and
protocols, where non-limiting implementation details are given.
[0100] FIG. 10 thus illustrates an example of a suitable computing
system environment 1000 in which the claimed subject matter may be
implemented, although as made clear above, the computing system
environment 1000 is only one example of a suitable computing
environment for a mobile device and is not intended to suggest any
limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the claimed
subject matter. Further, the computing environment 1000 is not
intended to suggest any dependency or requirement relating to the
claimed subject matter and any one or combination of components
illustrated in the example operating environment 1000.
[0101] With reference to FIG. 10, an example of a remote device for
implementing various aspects described herein includes a general
purpose computing device in the form of a computer 1010. Components
of computer 1010 can include, but are not limited to, a processing
unit 1020, a system memory 1030, and a system bus 1021 that couples
various system components including the system memory to the
processing unit 1020. The system bus 1021 can be any of several
types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory
controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a
variety of bus architectures.
[0102] Computer 1010 can include a variety of computer readable
media. Computer readable media can be any available media that can
be accessed by computer 1010. By way of example, and not
limitation, computer readable media can comprise computer storage
media and communication media. Computer storage media includes
volatile and nonvolatile as well as removable and non-removable
media implemented in any method or technology for storage of
information such as computer readable instructions, data
structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media
includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or
other memory technology, CDROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or
other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape,
magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any
other medium which can be used to store the desired information and
which can be accessed by computer 1010. Communication media can
embody computer readable instructions, data structures, program
modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier
wave or other transport mechanism and can include any suitable
information delivery media.
[0103] The system memory 1030 can include computer storage media in
the form of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory such as read only
memory (ROM) and/or random access memory (RAM). A basic
input/output system (BIOS), containing the basic routines that help
to transfer information between elements within computer 1010, such
as during start-up, can be stored in memory 1030. Memory 1030 can
also contain data and/or program modules that are immediately
accessible to and/or presently being operated on by processing unit
1020. By way of non-limiting example, memory 1030 can also include
an operating system, application programs, other program modules,
and program data.
[0104] The computer 1010 can also include other
removable/non-removable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storage
media. For example, computer 1010 can include a hard disk drive
that reads from or writes to non-removable, nonvolatile magnetic
media, a magnetic disk drive that reads from or writes to a
removable, nonvolatile magnetic disk, and/or an optical disk drive
that reads from or writes to a removable, nonvolatile optical disk,
such as a CD-ROM or other optical media. Other
removable/non-removable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storage
media that can be used in the exemplary operating environment
include, but are not limited to, magnetic tape cassettes, flash
memory cards, digital versatile disks, digital video tape, solid
state RAM, solid state ROM and the like. A hard disk drive can be
connected to the system bus 1021 through a non-removable memory
interface such as an interface, and a magnetic disk drive or
optical disk drive can be connected to the system bus 1021 by a
removable memory interface, such as an interface.
[0105] A user can enter commands and information into the computer
1010 through input devices such as a keyboard or a pointing device
such as a mouse, trackball, touch pad, and/or other pointing
device. Other input devices can include a microphone, joystick,
game pad, satellite dish, scanner, or the like. These and/or other
input devices can be connected to the processing unit 1020 through
user input 1040 and associated interface(s) that are coupled to the
system bus 1021, but can be connected by other interface and bus
structures, such as a parallel port, game port or a universal
serial bus (USB). A graphics subsystem can also be connected to the
system bus 1021. In addition, a monitor or other type of display
device can be connected to the system bus 1021 via an interface,
such as output interface 1050, which can in turn communicate with
video memory. In addition to a monitor, computers can also include
other peripheral output devices, such as speakers and/or a printer,
which can also be connected through output interface 1050.
[0106] The computer 1010 can operate in a networked or distributed
environment using logical connections to one or more other remote
computers, such as remote server 1070, which can in turn have media
capabilities different from device 1010. The remote server 1070 can
be a personal computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer
device or other common network node, and/or any other remote media
consumption or transmission device, and can include any or all of
the elements described above relative to the computer 1010. The
logical connections depicted in FIG. 10 include a network 1071,
such local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), but can
also include other networks/buses. Such networking environments are
commonplace in homes, offices, enterprise-wide computer networks,
intranets and the Internet.
[0107] When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 1010
is connected to the LAN 1071 through a network interface or
adapter. When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer
1010 can include a communications component, such as a modem, or
other means for establishing communications over the WAN, such as
the Internet. A communications component, such as a modem, which
can be internal or external, can be connected to the system bus
1021 via the user input interface at input 1040 and/or other
appropriate mechanism. In a networked environment, program modules
depicted relative to the computer 1010, or portions thereof, can be
stored in a remote memory storage device. It should be appreciated
that the network connections shown and described are exemplary and
other means of establishing a communications link between the
computers can be used.
[0108] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean serving as an
example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the
subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In
addition, any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is
not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over
other aspects or designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent
exemplary structures and techniques known to those of ordinary
skill in the art. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms
"includes," "has," "contains," and other similar words are used in
either the detailed description or the claims, for the avoidance of
doubt, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar
to the term "comprising" as an open transition word without
precluding any additional or other elements.
[0109] The aforementioned systems have been described with respect
to interaction between several components. It can be appreciated
that such systems and components can include those components or
specified sub-components, some of the specified components or
sub-components, and/or additional components, and according to
various permutations and combinations of the foregoing.
Sub-components can also be implemented as components
communicatively coupled to other components rather than included
within parent components (hierarchical). Additionally, it should be
noted that one or more components may be combined into a single
component providing aggregate functionality or divided into several
separate sub-components, and that any one or more middle layers,
such as a management layer, may be provided to communicatively
couple to such sub-components in order to provide integrated
functionality. Any components described herein may also interact
with one or more other components not specifically described herein
but generally known by those of skill in the art.
[0110] In view of the exemplary systems described supra,
methodologies that may be implemented in accordance with the
described subject matter will be better appreciated with reference
to the flowcharts of the various figures. While for purposes of
simplicity of explanation, the methodologies are shown and
described as a series of blocks, it is to be understood and
appreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the
order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur in different orders
and/or concurrently with other blocks from what is depicted and
described herein. Where non-sequential, or branched, flow is
illustrated via flowchart, it can be appreciated that various other
branches, flow paths, and orders of the blocks, may be implemented
which achieve the same or a similar result. Moreover, not all
illustrated blocks may be required to implement the methodologies
described hereinafter. In addition to the various embodiments
described herein, it is to be understood that other similar
embodiments can be used or modifications and additions can be made
to the described embodiment(s) for performing the same or
equivalent function of the corresponding embodiment(s) without
deviating therefrom. Still further, multiple processing chips or
multiple devices can share the performance of one or more functions
described herein, and similarly, storage can be effected across a
plurality of devices. Accordingly, no single embodiment shall be
considered limiting, but rather the various embodiments and their
equivalents should be construed consistently with the breadth,
spirit and scope in accordance with the appended claims.
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