U.S. patent application number 13/358588 was filed with the patent office on 2012-06-28 for medical monitoring system.
Invention is credited to Angeline Hadiwidjaja, Thomas A. Howell, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong.
Application Number | 20120162404 13/358588 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46327522 |
Filed Date | 2012-06-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120162404 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Howell; Thomas A. ; et
al. |
June 28, 2012 |
MEDICAL MONITORING SYSTEM
Abstract
A medical monitoring system that facilitates end-users in
obtaining medical information concerning their health or wellness
is disclosed. In one embodiment, an end-user is provided with a
medical monitoring appliance. In another embodiment, an end-user
acquires an appropriate medical monitoring appliance. The end-user
can utilize the medical monitoring appliance to capture health data
concerning the end-user. The health data can be electronically
stored at a central repository and be available for electronic
access by medical personnel and/or the end-user. The medical
monitoring system also facilitates remote evaluation of an
end-user's health data by another person, such as a medical
specialist.
Inventors: |
Howell; Thomas A.; (Palo
Alto, CA) ; Hadiwidjaja; Angeline; (Los Altos,
CA) ; Thomas; C. Douglass; (Saratoga, CA) ;
Tong; Peter P.; (Mountain View, CA) |
Family ID: |
46327522 |
Appl. No.: |
13/358588 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11725360 |
Mar 17, 2007 |
8112293 |
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13358588 |
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11451780 |
Jun 12, 2006 |
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11725360 |
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60785825 |
Mar 24, 2006 |
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60880308 |
Jan 12, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
348/77 ;
348/E7.085; 382/128 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G16H 30/20 20180101;
G16H 40/67 20180101; A61B 5/01 20130101; G03B 17/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/77 ; 382/128;
348/E07.085 |
International
Class: |
G06K 9/62 20060101
G06K009/62; H04N 7/18 20060101 H04N007/18 |
Claims
1. A method for monitoring skin conditions for a user, said method
comprising: (a) receiving digital picture data pertaining to at
least one photo at a processing facility, the at least one photo
being a photo of at least one region of the user's skin that can
have a suspect skin condition; (b) processing the digital picture
data to organize and electronically evaluate the digital picture
data; (c) electronically storing the organized digital picture data
so as to be associated with the user; (d) determining whether
medical personnel should review the organized digital picture data
associated with the user; and (e) requesting medical personnel to
review the organized digital picture data associated with the user,
if medical personnel should review the data upon said determining
(d).
2. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said receiving (a)
results from a person physically delivering the digital picture
data or a representation of the digital picture data to a
company.
3. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said method further
comprises: (f) receiving a medical report concerning the skin
condition of the user from the one or more medical personnel; (g)
electronically storing the medical report so as to be associated
with the user; (h) determining whether the user should be notified
concerning the skin condition of the user; (i) producing a
notification regarding the skin condition of the user if the user
is determined to be notified; and (j) sending the notification to
the user.
4. A method as recited in claim 3, wherein the notification
includes a recommendation for the user.
5. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one photo
was acquired through the use of a medical monitoring appliance, and
wherein the medical report can be electronically accessed by an
authorized personnel.
6. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said determining (d)
periodically determines whether medical personnel should review
data associated with the user at a frequency previously
determined.
7. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said processing (b)
further comprises processing the received data to correlate such
data with other previously stored picture data of the user.
8. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said method further
comprises: (f) determining whether the user should be provided with
a medical monitoring device; and (g) initiating physical mailing of
the medical monitoring device to the user if the user should
receive such a device.
9. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one photo
was acquired using a monitoring device.
10. A health care monitoring system as recited in claim 9, wherein
the monitoring device includes at least an image acquisition
device.
11. A health care monitoring system as recited in claim 10, wherein
the image acquisition device is provided to assist for use in
capturing pictures of skin conditions of the at least one region of
the user's skin.
12. A health care monitoring system as recited in claim 10, wherein
the image acquisition device comprises a camera and a housing, and
wherein the housing includes at least: a camera interface suitable
for being coupled to a camera, the camera interface including an
opening to allow images to be captured by the camera; and a skin
surface interface suitable for being coupled to a skin surface of
the user, the skin surface interface including an opening that
provides a picture border for pictures being taken.
13. A health care monitoring system as recited in claim 12, wherein
the camera interface enables the camera to be removably coupled
thereto.
14. A health care monitoring system as recited in claim 12, wherein
an inner surface of the skin surface interface includes at least a
portion of a ruler.
15. A health care monitoring system as recited in claim 12, wherein
the housing further includes a lens, the lens being provided
internal to the housing and positioned between the camera interface
and the skin surface interface, and at a predetermined distance
from the skin surface interface.
16. A health care monitoring system as recited in claim 15, wherein
the lens is movable to provide at least first and second
predetermined distances from the skin surface interface, with the
first distance being for close-up pictures, and with the second
distance being for taking non-close-up pictures.
17. A health care monitoring system as recited in claim 16, wherein
the camera or the housing further includes a light source
configured to provide light for use in taking pictures.
18. A health care monitoring system as recited in claim 12, wherein
the camera is a disposable digital camera.
19. A non-transitory computer readable medium including at least
computer program code for monitoring skin conditions for a user,
said computer readable medium comprising: computer program code for
receiving digital image data pertaining to a plurality of images at
a processing facility, the images being images of one or more
regions of the user's skin that can have one or more suspect skin
conditions; computer program code for processing the digital image
data to organize and electronically evaluate the digital image
data; computer program code for electronically storing the
organized digital image data so as to be associated with the user;
computer program code for determining whether medical personnel
should review the organized digital image data associated with the
user; and computer program code for requesting medical personnel to
review the organized digital image data associated with the user,
if medical personnel should review the data as determined by said
computer program code for determining.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/725,360, filed Mar. 17, 2007, entitled
"MEDICAL MONITORING SYSTEM," which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference, and which is in turn a Continuation-In-Part application
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/451,780, filed Jun. 12,
2006, entitled "HEALTHCARE BASE," and which is hereby incorporated
herein by reference, which in turn claims priority benefit of: (i)
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/785,825, filed Mar. 24,
2006, and entitled "MEDICAL MONITORING SYSTEM," which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference; and (ii) U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/880,308, filed Jan. 12, 2007, entitled "PORTABLE
PRESSURE SENSOR AND HEART-BEAT SENSOR FOR PREGNANCY," and which is
hereby incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] In addition, the following applications are made reference
to: (i) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/314,545, filed Dec. 20,
2005, entitled "BOTTLE OF LOTION WITH A SENSOR," and which is
hereby incorporated herein by reference; (ii) U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/451,781, filed Jun. 12, 2006, entitled
"PERSONAL AND PORTABLE BOTTLE," and which is hereby incorporated
herein by reference; (iii) U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/451,780, filed Jun. 12, 2006, entitled "HEALTHCARE BASE," and
which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; (iv) U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/479,665, filed Jun. 30, 2006, entitled
"MOISTURE SENSOR FOR SKIN," and which is hereby incorporated herein
by reference; (v) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/491,774,
filed Jul. 22, 2006, entitled "PORTABLE CONTAINER WITH SPEAKER
ATTACHED," and which is hereby incorporated herein by reference;
(vi) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/592,431, filed Nov. 2,
2006, entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS TO SENSE HYDRATION LEVEL OF A
PERSON," and which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.;
(vii) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/636,969, filed
Dec. 20, 2004, entitled "PREVENTIVE MEDICAL SYSTEMS, METHODS AND
APPARATUS," and which is hereby incorporated herein by reference;
(viii) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/652,213, filed
Feb. 14, 2005, entitled "PREVENTIVE MEDICAL SYSTEMS, METHODS AND
APPARATUS," and which is hereby incorporated herein by reference;
(ix) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/670,957, filed Apr.
13, 2005, entitled "BOTTLE OF LOTION WITH A LOTION SENSOR," and
which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; (x) U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/689,312, filed Jun. 10, 2005,
entitled "PERSONAL AND PORTABLE BOTTLE," and which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference; and (xi) U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/732,925, filed Nov. 2, 2005, entitled "METHOD
AND APPARATUS TO SENSE HYDRATION LEVEL OF A PERSON," and which is
hereby incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to medical monitoring and,
more particularly, to medical monitoring with end-user
participation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Traditionally, a person schedules an appointment with a
medical provider (e.g., a doctor), and then visits the medical
provider on the scheduled time. During the appointment, the medical
provider can perform a health or wellness check-up for the person.
In some instances, the person might be due for a diabetes checkup,
a hearing checkup, etc. In other instances, the person may be
interested in particular medical conditions. For example, the
person might have a skin discoloration that would like to have
check to see if it is skin cancer. Unfortunately, for all these
checkups and medical evaluations, the person must visit the medical
provider's office which is time consuming and inconvenient for the
person. Moreover, medical providers typically charge patients per
office visit so the cost to the person or their insurance company
is significant. Accordingly, there continues to be a need for
improved approaches for persons to have their health and wellness
monitored.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The invention pertains to a medical monitoring system. The
medical monitoring system facilitates end-users in obtaining
medical information concerning their health or wellness. In one
embodiment, an end-user is provided with a medical monitoring
appliance. In another embodiment, an end-user acquires an
appropriate medical monitoring appliance. The end-user can utilize
the medical monitoring appliance to capture health data concerning
the end-user. The health data can be electronically stored at a
central repository and be available for electronic access by
medical personnel and/or the end-user. The invention also
facilitates remote evaluation of an end-user's health data by
another person, such as a medical specialist.
[0006] The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including
as a system, device, apparatus, and method. Several embodiments of
the invention are discussed below.
[0007] As a method for monitoring skin conditions for a user, one
embodiment can, for example, include at least: receiving digital
picture data pertaining to at least one photo at a processing
facility, the at least one photo being a photo of at least one
region of the user's skin that can have a suspect skin condition;
processing the digital picture data to organize and electronically
evaluate the digital picture data; electronically storing the
organized digital picture data so as to be associated with the
user; determining whether medical personnel should review the
organized digital picture data associated with the user; and
requesting medical personnel to review the organized digital
picture data associated with the user, if determined that medical
personnel should review the data.
[0008] As a non-transitory computer readable medium including at
least computer program code for monitoring skin conditions for a
user, one embodiment can, for example, include at least: computer
program code for receiving digital image data pertaining to a
plurality of images at a processing facility, the images being
images of one or more regions of the user's skin that can have one
or more suspect skin conditions; computer program code for
processing the digital image data to organize and electronically
evaluate the digital image data; computer program code for
electronically storing the organized digital image data so as to be
associated with the user; computer program code for determining
whether medical personnel should review the organized digital image
data associated with the user; and computer program code for
requesting medical personnel to review the organized digital image
data associated with the user, if medical personnel should review
the data as determined by said computer program code for
determining.
[0009] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become
apparent from the following detailed description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way
of example, the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The invention will be readily understood by the following
detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements,
and in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a distributed health and wellness system according
to one embodiment of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a health and wellness system
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a skin monitoring system
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the skin monitoring
system illustrated in FIG. 3A according to one embodiment of the
invention.
[0015] FIG. 4A is a view of a skin reference device according to
one embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 4B is a view of a skin reference device according to
another embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate how the skin reference devices can be
utilized in acquiring appropriate images of skin conditions by an
end-user according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIGS. 5D-5F illustrate how devices according to another
embodiment of the invention can be utilized in acquiring
appropriate images by an end-user.
[0019] FIGS. 6A and 6B are flow diagrams of a skin monitoring
process according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 6C is a flow diagram of an image acquisition process
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a distributed health and wellness system according
to one embodiment of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 8A is a flow diagram of a monitoring data upload
process according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIGS. 8B and 8C are flow diagrams of a host server process
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 9 is a distributed health and wellness system according
to another embodiment of the invention.
[0025] FIGS. 10A and 10B are flow diagrams of a server process
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 11 shows one embodiment of such a base that can be
electrically coupled to a medical monitoring device or
appliance.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] The invention pertains to a medical monitoring system. The
medical monitoring system facilitates end-users in obtaining
medical information concerning their health or wellness. In one
embodiment, an end-user is provided with a medical monitoring
appliance. In another embodiment, an end-user acquires an
appropriate medical monitoring appliance. The end-user can utilize
the medical monitoring appliance to capture health data concerning
the end-user. The health data can be electronically stored at a
central repository and be available for electronic access by
medical personnel and/or the end-user. The invention also
facilitates remote evaluation of an end-user's health data by
another person, such as a medical specialist.
[0028] Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with
reference to FIGS. 1-11. However, those skilled in the art will
readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with
respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the
invention extends beyond these limited embodiments.
[0029] FIG. 1 is a distributed health and wellness system 100
according to one embodiment of the invention. The health and
wellness system 100 is distributed in that it utilizes resources,
which can be both personnel and electrical equipment, located in
one or more different locations.
[0030] In one embodiment, the distributed health and wellness
system 100 includes a health and data processing and management
facility 102. The health data processing and management facility
102 controls the overall operation of the distributed health and
wellness system 100. In particular, the health data processing and
management facility 102 is able to interact with a plurality of
end-users 104. An end-user 104 is a person whose health or wellness
is being monitored by the distributed health and wellness system
100. Through interaction with the end-users 104, the health data
processing and management facility 102 operates to acquire health
and wellness data (hereafter "health data") from the end-users 104.
The acquired health data can be stored and managed by the health
data processing and management facility 102. In addition,
health-care providers 106 can be permitted to access the health
data processing and management facility 102. Hence, the health data
processing and management facility 102 facilitates the health care
providers 106 in gaining access to the health data stored and
maintained by the health data processing and management facility
102. Moreover, medical representatives 108 can interact with the
health data processing and management facility 102. The medical
representatives 108 can be trained medical professionals, nurses,
medical technicians, etc. The medical representatives 108 can also
gain access to the health data stored and maintained by the health
data processing and management facility 102. The medical
representatives 108 can be associated with, or independent of, the
health-care providers 106.
[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the distributed
health and wellness system 100 is distributed. For example, the
end-users 104 participate in the acquisition of their health data.
The acquired health data is then transmitted from an end-user's
location (e.g., home, office or local clinic) to the health data
processing and management facility 102, which serves as a central
processing facility. The health care providers 106 need not be
located at the health data processing and management facility 102.
Instead, the health care providers 106 can be provided with
electronic access to the health data stored and/or maintained at
the health data processing and management facility 102. Likewise,
the medical representatives 108 can be geographically located away
from the end-users, such as at other parts of the world. However,
the medical representatives 108 can gain access to the health data
stored and maintained by the health data processing and management
facility 102.
[0032] In one embodiment, the medical representatives 108 are
utilized to analyze the health data that is stored and maintained
by the health data processing and management facility 102. In this
regard, a particular medical representative 108 can specialize in
evaluating health data for particular problematic health
conditions. With electronic access to the health data and
assistance from the health data processing and management facility
102, a particular medical representative 108 is able to efficiently
handle and/or analyze health data regarding specific problematic
health conditions for a number, which can be a large number of
end-users 104. For example, the particular medical representative
108 may be highly trained at reviewing images of skin
discolorations to evaluate presence of skin cancer conditions. In
this regard, as an example, the health data processing and
management facility 102 can facilitate end-users 104 in acquiring
images of suspect skin regions on their bodies. The skin images
that have been acquired from the end-user 104 can then be sent
(electronically or manually) to the health data processing and
management facility 102 and then stored by the health data
processing and management facility 102. When or as appropriate, the
medical representative 108 can examine the stored skin images to
analyze whether a problematic skin condition exists, such as
melanoma or skin cancer. Further, if there is a suspected
problematic skin condition, the medical representative 108 can
request (or the health data processing and management facility 102
can determine) that an appropriate health care provider 106 should
be notified concerning the suspected problematic skin condition.
The health data processing and management facility 102 can operate
to so inform the health care provider 106. As appropriate, the
health data processing and management facility 102 may also operate
to inform the end-user 104 of the suspected problematic skin
condition.
[0033] Given that the particular medical representative 108 can be
specialized and can be located anywhere electronic network (e.g.,
Internet) access is available, the cost of the analysis can be
reduced. As an example, the particular medical representative 108
can be a doctor, such as a doctor experienced in analyzing skin
conditions. The doctor, referred to as a primary doctor, can be
assisted by a team of junior doctors and other medical
practitioners. The initial review of the health data can be by the
lower cost medical practitioners. If desired, multiple independent
reviews of the same health data can be performed for even greater
certainty. Subsequent review by the junior doctors can then be
performed on a subset of the health data that potentially have
suspected problematic skin conditions, and then still a further
subset of the health data can be reviewed by the primary doctor.
The health data can also be reviewed by a computer. The computer
evaluation can be initially performed as to assist or aid
practitioners in reviewing the health data or can be performed as
requested by a practitioner, health care provider or user. The
computer evaluation can also be automatically performed, such as
periodically or when new health data is available to be evaluated.
Still further, the computer evaluation can serve to trigger manual
evaluation or review of the health data be practitioners or health
care providers.
[0034] The skin images acquired and processed, for example, as
noted above, are typically optical images. Such optical images can,
for example, be referred to as digital pictures. However, it should
be noted that the skin images can differ in other embodiments. For
example, in one embodiment, the skin images can pertain to thermal
images. The thermal images can be acquired and processed to analyze
whether a problematic skin condition exists. As an example, it is
believed that cancerous cells tend to absorb or retain more heat,
or take longer time to release heat absorbed, than healthy or
non-cancerous cells. The thermal images can be processed to locate
skin regions having such problematic conditions.
[0035] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a health and wellness system
200 according to one embodiment of the invention. The health and
wellness system 200 is, for example, suitable for use as the health
data processing and management facility 102 illustrated in FIG.
1.
[0036] In one embodiment, the health and wellness system 200
includes various different subsystems. A data distribution and
management subsystem 202 serves as a central subsystem for the
health and wellness system 200. The data distribution and
management subsystem 202 couples to a user data storage device 204.
The user data storage device 204 can store health and wellness data
for a plurality of end-users.
[0037] The health and wellness system 200 supports distributed
health and wellness monitoring by the end-users. In this regard,
the health and wellness system 200 includes a monitoring manager
206. The monitoring manager 206 overseas the monitoring of one or
more health and wellness issues or conditions of the end-users. In
one embodiment, the monitoring manager 206 couples to the data
distribution and management subsystem 202 and a monitoring device
delivery/return subsystem 208. The monitoring manager 206
determines when end-users are to monitor certain health and
wellness conditions. When requested by the monitoring manager 206,
the monitoring device delivery/return subsystem 208 provides (e.g.,
delivers) a monitoring device to an end-user. The monitoring device
can be, for example, sent by a courier or by postal mail, to the
end-user. The monitoring device provided to the end-user is
utilized by the end-user to acquire health and wellness data
pertaining to the user. The type of monitoring device can vary
widely depending upon the type of health and wellness data to be
acquired. For example, when the health and wellness stated to be
acquired are images of skin regions, the monitoring device can be
an image capture device. Upon receiving the monitoring device, the
end-user then utilizes the monitoring device to acquire the desired
health and wellness data (e.g., images of skin regions). The
monitoring device then can be returned to the monitoring device
delivery/return subsystem 208.
[0038] When the returned monitoring device is received by the
monitoring device delivery/return subsystem 208, a monitoring data
reception manager 210 extracts the health and wellness data from
the returned monitoring device and provides such data to the data
distribution and management subsystem 202, which causes the health
and wellness data to be stored in the user data storage device 204.
The data distribution and management subsystem 202 can also process
the incoming health and wellness data prior to or after being
initially stored in the user data storage device 204. The health
and wellness data can also be referred to as user data. For
example, the health and wellness data over a period of time may be
processed (e.g., organized or correlated) through data processing
operations so that the stored health and wellness data is more
usable by health-care providers or medical representatives.
Organizing the health and wellness data in a predetermined manner
can provide a consistent data model that enables health care
providers and medical representatives to efficiently review the
stored health and wellness data.
[0039] The data distribution and management subsystem 202 can also
maintain user accounts 212. The user accounts 212 provide personal
information regarding the users (name, address, age, social
security number, insurance information, etc.), authorizations for
data access that they have approved, their health-care provider,
medical group, etc. The user accounts 212 can also store user
requests, conditions or preferences for types of health and
wellness conditions to be monitored. With health and wellness data
for a given user stored in the user data storage device 204, the
data distribution and management subsystem 202 can determine that
remote medical personnel should review the health and wellness
data. In this regard, the data distribution and management
subsystem 202 can interact with a medical review manager 214. The
medical review manager 214 can coordinate the medical review of
health and wellness data for one or more users with remote medical
representative. The medical review manager 214 is operatively
connected to the data distribution and management subsystem 202 and
to a remote medical review/report subsystem 216. When the medical
review manager 214 desires to have a remote medical representative
review the health and wellness data for one or more users, the
medical review manager 214 interacts with the remote medical
review/report subsystem 216. The remote medical review/report
subsystem 216 can then operate to forward appropriate requests and
health and wellness data (or access thereto) to a remote medical
representative. The remote medical representative then is able to
review the health and wellness data and can prepare a report
regarding his/her review. The report is typically provided as an
electronic report. The report is then returned to the remote
medical review/report subsystem 216 which can cause the report to
be stored by the data distribution and management subsystem 202 in
the user data storage device 204.
[0040] Depending upon the nature of the report, a health-care
provider (e.g., the user's primary care physician) may be consulted
regarding the health and wellness data of the user. The health-care
provider could be notified when the data distribution and
management subsystem 202 detects certain conditions. Such
notifications can be computerized or automatic. For example, the
data distribution and management subsystem 202 can process the
health and wellness data to determine whether suspect health
conditions exist. Nevertheless, when the data distribution and
management subsystem 202 desires to interact with a health-care
provider, a health-care provider notification/access/request
subsystem 218 is utilized. The health-care provider
notification/access/request subsystem 218 allows a health-care
provider to (i) be notified, (ii) access health and wellness data
from the user data storage device 204, and (iii) request certain
monitoring to be performed (either by the health-care provider or
by the end-user).
[0041] The health and wellness system 200 can also produce a user
data report suitable for distribution to an end-user. Typically,
the health and wellness system 200 would produce a user report to
provide health and wellness data to an end-user in a useful and
user-friendly manner. A user data/report manager 220 can be used to
generate a user data report for an end-user. For example, a user
preference as specified by the user may have specified periodic
user reports to be provided to the end-user. On the other hand, the
data distribution and management subsystem 202 alone or together
with the user data/report manager 220 can determine when it is an
appropriate time to provide user reports to end-users. In any case,
when the user data/report manager 220 determines that a user report
is to be provided to an end-user, a user access subsystem 224
permits a user report to be provided to the end-user, or permits
the end-user to access the user report available from the user
data/report manager 220.
[0042] As noted above, the health and wellness data acquired by the
monitoring device can pertain to images of skin regions. In one
embodiment, the images can pertain to radiation in a visible range,
which can be known as pictures or photographs. In another
embodiment, the images can pertain to other sources, such as
radiation in an infrared range, which can be known as thermal
images. However, the health and wellness data used with the health
and wellness system 200 can be various other types of data as
acquired by a monitoring device. For example, the health and
wellness data that can be acquired, such as heart, kidney or lung
performance data, chemical reaction data, etc. In one embodiment,
the chemical reaction data results from a chemical to a bodily
secretion. The health and wellness data can be used to monitor
various illnesses, including asthma, diabetes, heart disease, HIV,
lung disease, kidney disease, etc.
[0043] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a skin monitoring system
300 according to one embodiment of the invention. The skin
monitoring system 300 includes a camera 302 and a guide box 304.
The skin monitoring system 300 is designed to facilitate capturing
of skin images by end-users.
[0044] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the skin monitoring
system 300 illustrated in FIG. 3A according to one embodiment of
the invention. As shown in FIG. 3B, the guide box 304 has a smaller
opening 310 proximate to the camera 302, and a larger opening 312
at the opposite end of the guide box 304. The camera 302 is
attached to the guide box 304. In one embodiment, the camera 302 is
removably attached to the guide box 304. Internal to the guide box
304 is a lens 314. When the camera 302 is attached to the guide box
304, an aperture 306 for the camera is aligned with the lens 314.
The lens 314 can be held in position by lens holders 316. Although
the opening 312 of the guide box 304 is a substantial portion of
the area at that end of the guide box 304, the guide box 304 can
include a partial back surface 318. On the interior side 320 of the
partial back surface 318 there can be provided a ruler or other
markings. Such a ruler or markings can assist with the
understanding of the size, nature or characteristics of an image or
part of an image being captured. For example, when an image is
acquired using the skin monitoring system 300, the image will
include the ruler or other markings, which provide a reference. The
guide box 304 has a height (h), and has a distance (f) from the end
of the guide box 304 to the lens 314, which is the focusing
distance of the lens 314. Hence, when the skin monitoring system
300 is utilized to capture skin images, the images are typically
properly in focus, or otherwise acquired in a controlled
environment. A push button 308 on the camera 302 allows the user to
capture an image using the camera 302. The aperture 306 can also
include a lens.
[0045] Although not show in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the skin monitoring
system 300 can also include a light or flash device so as to
provide light during capture of the skin images. For example, the
light or flash device can provide light that is white, red, blue,
infrared ultraviolet, or other color that is useful for imaging the
skin region being analyzed. In one embodiment, the light or flash
is provided by the camera 302. For example, the light or flash
device could be adjacent to the opening 312 of the guide box 304 or
at another opening that can be provided in the guide box 304. In
another embodiment, the light or flash device could be attachable
to the guide box 304. In still another embodiment, the light or
flash can be provided by the guide box 304. In this situation, the
light or flash device would be internal to the guide box 304 and
controlled by a switch. In any case, the light or flash device
serves to provide uniform or appropriate lighting for image capture
so that images can be relatively consistently properly exposed.
[0046] FIG. 4A is a view of a skin reference device 400 according
to one embodiment of the invention. A user can utilize the skin
reference device 400 to provide a reference at any skin area that
is being captured by a camera or a skin monitoring system. The skin
reference device 400 includes a pointer 402 and a reference number
404. The skin reference device 400 can, for example, be a label
that can be placed on an end-user's skin such that the pointer 402
points to the skin condition, mark or area that is to be captured
by the system. Hence, when the image (e.g., picture or photo) of
the skin condition, mark or area is captured, the image will
include a depiction of the skin reference device 400. The reference
number 404 can serve to provide a designator, which can be unique,
for the skin condition, mark or area.
[0047] FIG. 4B is a view of a skin reference device 450 according
to another embodiment of the invention. The skin reference device
450 includes a pointer 452, a reference number 454, a bar code 456,
and a ruler 458. A user can utilize the skin reference device 450
to provide a reference at any skin area that is being captured by a
camera or a skin monitoring system. The skin reference device 450
can, for example, be a label that can be placed on the end-user's
skin such that the pointer 452 points to the skin condition, mark
or area that is to be captured by a skin monitoring system. The bar
code 456 can facilitate computerized recognition of the
characteristics of the skin reference device 450. For example, the
bar code 456 can signal to a computing system the reference number
454. The bar code 456 could also encode or be linked to various
other information, such as user information, date, time, etc. The
ruler 458 facilitates review of the captured images, namely,
understanding the size of a particular mark on the skin, which can
be subsequently evaluated from an acquired image. For example, the
ruler 458 can allow a mark (e.g., lesion) to be compared over time,
such as where the mark in a recently acquired image is of a
different size (e.g., larger) than in a previously acquired
image.
[0048] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate how the skin reference devices
according to one embodiment of the invention can be utilized in
acquiring appropriate images of skin conditions by an end-user. The
images of skin conditions are acquired by a skin monitoring system,
such as the skin monitoring system 300 illustrated in FIGS. 3A and
3B.
[0049] In FIG. 5A, a skin reference device 504 is provided
proximate to a skin condition 502. The pointer 505 of the skin
reference device 504 is directed to the skin condition 502. Then,
using the skin monitoring system, an image 500 of the skin
condition 502 and the skin reference device 504 is captured.
Similarly, in FIG. 5B, a skin reference device 510 is provided
proximate to a skin condition 508. The pointer 511 of the skin
reference device 510 is directed to the skin condition 508. Then,
using the skin monitoring system, a second image 506 is captured.
Note that the skin reference device 504 includes a reference number
1, and the skin reference device 510 includes a reference number 2.
The images 500 and 506 can be considered close-up images of the
skin conditions 502 and 508, respectively. Given the use of the
skin monitoring system, the images 500 and 506 can be clear,
properly exposed and in focus. However, capturing additional images
from a perspective further from the skin surface can aid in the
understanding of the precise position of the skin conditions being
monitored with respect to other parts of the end-user's body. For
example, in FIG. 5C, an image 512 includes a substantial portion of
the end-user's arm. As shown in FIG. 5C, the skin reference devices
504 and 510 remain on the end-user's arm when the image 512 was
acquired. Hence, the image 512 provides context as to where the
skin conditions 502 and 508 reside with respect to the arm of the
end-user.
[0050] A camera can be used to capture the images. In one
implementation, the camera can have two different lens systems. In
another implementation, the camera can have one lens with two
different focal settings, with one focal setting used for the
close-up images (e.g., images 500 and 506) and the other focal
setting used for the context images (e.g., images 512).
[0051] In one embodiment, there can be a CCD array or other image
detector(s) at the smaller opening 310, such as at the aperture
306. The lens 314 can be positioned at a focusing distance (f) so
that for close-up pictures, the images (e.g., images 500 and 506)
can be in focus at the image detector(s), such as at the aperture
306. For context pictures, the lens 314 can be moved closer to the
aperture 306 to a different focusing distance (f) so that the
context images (e.g., images 512) can be in better focus at the
image detector(s). In one embodiment, there can be a small lever or
other type of moving mechanisms to move the lens 314 from the
close-up position to the context position. In another embodiment,
the camera 302 can be a commercial camera, such as a disposable
digital camera, with its own lens system. The lens 314, which can
be a lens system, can be designed so that when the lens 314 is
positioned at a focusing distance (f), close-up images (e.g. images
500 and 506) are in focus at the image plane of the camera. For
context images (e.g. images 512), the lens 314 can be removed (or
moved) to allow the camera to take pictures. In one embodiment, the
lens 314 can be removed manually, and in another embodiment, the
lens 314 can be moved by a mechanical system, such as a lever.
[0052] In one embodiment, when images are taken, they are also
time-stamped to record when the images are taken. Since each image
can be electronically identified relative to its position at the
body of the end-user, multiple images of the same location can be
compared relative to each other as a function of time. For example,
images with reference number 1 are compared as a function of time.
The images document the change or the lack of change of the skin
condition 502 as a function of time. In one embodiment, when a
medical representative is reviewing the images, the system
automatically collects and organizes the images with the same
reference number. Then they can be shown to the representative
chronologically as a function of time on a screen. All the images
can be shown on the screen simultaneously with a time-stamp
indicated below each image. In another embodiment, only recent
images are shown to show how a skin condition has been changing
recently. For example, only images in the last twelve months can
be, at least initially, shown to the medical representative.
[0053] In another embodiment, the system automatically performs
image processing on the images pertaining to skin condition. For
example, based on edge-recognition techniques, the system
automatically identifies the size of a skin condition and computes
the approximate area occupied by the skin condition. If the area
changes by more than a preset percentage over a preset period of
time, then the skin condition could be considered as a suspect skin
condition. In such cases, a medical representative could be alerted
to review the images.
[0054] According to another embodiment of the invention, thermal
radiation can be measured and utilized to determine skin condition
or other health conditions associated with a user. According to one
implementation, skin associated with the user can be locally heated
and then one or more thermal images are acquired at the
corresponding skin region. The thermal image(s) acquired can be
evaluated as discussed herein. More generally, an embodiment of the
invention can first excite or induce a portion of the body by an
excitation source, and then measure responsiveness to such
excitation. As one example, the excitation can be a heat source to
apply heat to a body portion (e.g., skin region), and the
measurement can be thermal imaging of the body portion that has
been previously heated. Thermal imaging can be done by a thermal
image acquisition device, and the images can be used to determine,
for example, the rate of heat dissipation by the previously heated
body portion.
[0055] FIGS. 5D-5F illustrate how devices according to another
embodiment of the invention can be utilized in acquiring
appropriate images by an end-user. In the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 5D-5F, images of skin conditions can be acquired. In one
implementation the images being acquired are thermal images.
[0056] FIG. 5D illustrates a thermal wrap 520 according to one
embodiment of the invention. The thermal wrap 520 can pertain to a
piece of cloth, fabric, or other material that can be utilized to
apply heat to a portion of a user's body. The thermal wrap 520 can
also be considered a thermal blanket. The thermal wrap 520 can
itself generate heat or can retain heat that was otherwise
previously applied to the thermal wrap 520. In any case, the
thermal wrap 520 can be placed on a portion of the body and
utilized to heat that portion of the body. Typically, the portion
of the body is associated with a region of skin on the body.
[0057] FIG. 5E illustrates a cross-sectional view of a heater 540
according to one embodiment of the invention. The heater 540
represents another approach to heating a portion of the body. The
heater 540 includes a housing 542. One end of the housing 542
includes an opening 544. The end of the housing 542 having the
opening 544 is applied against a portion on the user's skin. A
heating element 546 provided within the housing 542 generates heat.
The heat from the heating element 546 can be absorbed by the user's
skin adjacent to the opening 544. In addition, the housing 542 also
can include an on/off switch 548 that can be used to
activate/deactivate the heating element 546. Still further, the
housing 542 can include electrical circuitry 550 that is utilized
to control the heating element 546 to produce the appropriate
amount of heat. The on/off switch 548 can also be connected to the
circuitry 550. The heater 540 can be powered by a battery provided
within the housing 542 or it can be powered by an external source,
e.g., external battery or an AC outlet via an electrical cord.
[0058] In FIG. 5E, the heating element 546 receded (or set back)
from the opening 544. In another embodiment, the heating element
546 can be provided at the opening 544, and can be flexible or
malleable to conform to the curvature of the skin or body part that
is being heated. In such an embodiment, the heating element 546 can
be in contact with the region to be heated.
[0059] FIG. 5F illustrates a cross-sectional view of an image
acquisition device 560 according to one embodiment of the
invention. The image acquisition device 560 includes a housing 562.
The housing 562 includes internal circuitry 564, a switch 566, and
a thermal imaging sensor 568. The thermal imaging sensor 568 is
provided facing the end of the housing 562 having an opening 570.
When the image acquisition device 560 is placed on a portion of the
user's skin, the skin is adjacent to not only the opening 570 but
also the thermal imaging sensor 568. The thermal image sensor 568
can then acquire one or more thermal images associated with the
portion of the user's skin.
[0060] In one embodiment, the thermal imaging sensor 568 is
represented by a two-dimensional arrangement of thermocouples
arranged in a two-dimensional array. In another embodiment, the
thermal imaging sensor 568 is a sheet of material with
thermochromic paint. Thus, in this embodiment, instead of an
infrared array or other image detector(s) at an aperture, such as
the aperture 306 in FIG. 3B, the thermal imaging sensor can be a
sheet of material whose characteristics change as a function of
temperature.
[0061] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5F, the imaging sensor 568
receded (or set back) from the opening 570. In another embodiment,
the imaging sensor 568 can be provided at the opening 570, and can
be malleable or flexible. For example, the thermal imaging sensor
568 includes a sheet of transparent plastic with thermochromic
paint on a first surface. That first surface is at the opening 570,
facing away from the inside of the housing 562. The plastic can
conform to the surface to be measured to allow the thermochromic
paint to be substantially in contact with the surface. There can be
the thermal imaging sensor 568 (e.g., a digital camera) on the
other side of the plastic, opposite to the first surface. With the
plastic being transparent, the thermal imaging sensor 568 can take
pictures of the thermochromic paint to register its color
change.
[0062] The circuitry 564 can control the acquisition of a thermal
image by the thermal imaging sensor 568, such as under the control
of the switch 566. The circuitry 564 can also include circuitry
(e.g., memory) to store the acquired thermal image. The image
acquisition device 560 can optionally include a peripheral port
572, such as a USB port. The peripheral port 572 can be utilized to
up-load data from the image acquisition device 560 to another
electronic device, such as a personal computer.
[0063] In yet another embodiment, the image acquisition device and
the heating device are integrated or incorporated in a package. One
example is based on the transparent plastic sheet with
thermochromic paint, as described above. There can be heating wires
embedded in the plastic, such as in the configuration of a mesh.
When current passes through the wires, the plastic heats up, and
can be used as the heating device. When used as the image
acquisition device, current is removed from the wires. Initially,
the thermochromic paint still registers areas of elevated
temperature due to the heating wires. After the heating wires have
cooled off, the thermochromic paint can be used to image the
temperature of the portion of the skin that the paint is
adjacent.
[0064] FIGS. 6A and 6B are flow diagrams of a skin monitoring
process 600 according to one embodiment of the invention. The skin
monitoring process 600 is, for example, performed by a user and a
computing device.
[0065] The skin monitoring process 600 initially identifies 602
regions having suspect skin conditions. Then, digital pictures are
taken 604 of the identified regions. In one embodiment, the digital
pictures are taken 604 using a skin monitoring system, such as the
skin monitoring system 300 illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B. After
the digital pictures are taken 604, the digital pictures are
forwarded 606 to a processing facility. The digital pictures can be
forwarded 606 in a variety of different ways, including by courier,
postal mail, electronic file transfer or electronic mail. The
forwarding 606 of the pictures can involve the forwarding of the
electronic data or can involve the forwarding of the skin
monitoring system, or a camera portion thereof, that includes the
digital pictures.
[0066] When the digital pictures arrive at the processing facility,
the digital pictures are processed 608, which can include
organizing and evaluating the picture data. The organized picture
data is then electronically stored 610. Subsequently, a decision
612 determines whether medical personnel should review the picture
data. When the decision 612 determines that medical personnel
should review the picture data, a medical review is requested
614.
[0067] There can be different approaches to determine that medical
personnel should review the picture data. In one embodiment, when
picture data arrives, medical personnel will be alerted to review
the arrived data. In another embodiment, the picture data can be
initially electronically evaluated. For example, computerized
processing at the processing facility can perform an evaluation of
the picture data in an automated fashion. To illustrate, in the
context of monitoring skin conditions, the electronic evaluation
can monitor size, rate of growth, and/or color (pigmentation).
Regarding monitoring the rate of growth, the electronic evaluation
could check the picture data against prior picture data. If the
electronic evaluation indicates one or more suspected regions,
medical personnel can be summoned. Different embodiments have been
described in electronically determining problematic images of skin
problems in U.S. Patent Publications, 2005/0119551 A2 and
2004/0218810 A1, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by
reference
[0068] In response to the medical review request, a medical person
can review and prepare a report regarding the picture data. Hence,
the skin monitoring process 600 can await the reception of such a
report. Here, a decision 616 determines whether a report has been
received from a medical person. When the decision 616 determines
that a report has not yet been received, the skin monitoring
process 600 can await such a report, though other processing or
acts can be performed while awaiting a report. Once the decision
616 determines that a report has been received, the received report
is stored 618. Alternatively, when the decision 612 determines that
medical review is not requested at this time, then blocks 614
through 618 are bypassed.
[0069] Following the block 618, or its being bypassed, a decision
620 determines whether the end-user should be notified. In one
embodiment, the end-user can be notified after the medical review
of the images. In another embodiment, the end-user can be notified
if there are problematic images. In still another embodiment, user
preferences provided by an end-user can determine or influence when
the end-user is to be notified (and/or how). In yet another
embodiment, notification of an end-user can be determined or
influenced by a practitioner performing a review or by a health
care provider.
[0070] The end-user can be notified of the medical data, the
medical review/report, etc. when the decision 620 determines that
the end-user is to be notified. When the end user is to be
notified, an evaluation results message is prepared 622. The
evaluation results message can include medical data, medical
review/reports regarding the medical data, recommendations,
preventative care treatments, and/or additional related
information. After the message is prepared, the evaluation results
message is sent 624 to the end-user. The evaluation results message
can be sent 624 in a variety of different ways, including such as
by courier, postal mail, electronic file transfer or electronic
mail. Alternatively, when the decision 620 determines that the
end-user is not to be notified, the blocks 622 and 624 are
bypassed. Following the blocks 624, or its being bypassed, the skin
monitoring process 600 is complete and ends. In one embodiment, the
blocks 602 and 604 are performed by or with the assistance of
end-users, whereas the blocks 606-624 are performed by one or more
computing devices.
[0071] FIG. 6C is a flow diagram of an image acquisition process
650 according to one embodiment of the invention. The image
acquisition process 650 can, for example, be performed by a user
utilizing a thermal wrap or heater as well as an image acquisition
device.
[0072] The image acquisition process 650 initially can apply 652 a
heat source to a particular skin region. Here, the heat source
produces heat that is transferred to the particular skin region.
After the appropriate amount of heating of the particular skin
region, the heat source can be removed 654. Then, an image
acquisition device can be located 656 proximate to the particular
skin region. Thereafter, one or more images of the particular skin
region can be acquired and stored 658 using, for example, the image
acquisition device. In this embodiment, the images are thermal
images associated with a thermal mapping of the particular skin
region in response to the prior heating of such region. Following
the block 658, the image acquisition process 650 can end. Once the
thermal images are acquired, the thermal images can be processed
and evaluated, such as by processes similar to processing other
images discussed herein.
[0073] FIG. 7 is a distributed health and wellness system 700
according to one embodiment of the invention. The distributed
health and wellness system 700 includes a host server 702, which
can be a networked computer. The host server 702 stores account
information 704 corresponding to a plurality of registered
end-users. The host server 702 maintains health and wellness data
for the various end-users. The health and wellness data is
typically stored in a database 706. The host server 702 can also
process the health and wellness data using an evaluation module
708.
[0074] The host server 702 couples to a data network 710. The data
network 710 can be a wide area or global area network. For a given
end-user, a home network device 712 can couple to the data network
710. For example, the home network device 712 can be a personal
computer or a personal health and wellness system for in-home or
personal use. In one embodiment, the home network device 712
supports the capture of images pertaining to health and wellness of
an end-user, and a camera 714 is utilized by the end-user. The
end-user uses the camera 714 to capture images corresponding to
health and wellness conditions of the end-user. In one approach,
the camera 714 is capable of electrically coupling to the home
network device 712 over a link 716. The link 716 can be a wireless
link or a wired link or a connector established link.
[0075] In one embodiment, the distributed health and wellness
system 700 can further permit medical evaluators to access the
health and wellness data for the various end-users being stored by
the host server 702. In this regard, the health and wellness data,
such as the health and wellness images provided by the camera 714,
can be uploaded by the home network device 712 through the data
network 710 to the host server 702. The host server 702 can store
the health and wellness images in the database 706 such that they
are associated with the pertinent user account associated with the
end-user. The host server 702 can also process the health and
wellness data using the evaluation module 708. The evaluation
module 708 can evaluate whether specific medical conditions exist
based on a computerized examination of the health and wellness
data. The evaluation module 708 can also determine whether a
medical evaluation by a medical evaluator (or medical
representative) should be performed using the health and wellness
data associated with a particular end-user. When the host server
702, namely, the evaluation module 708, determines that a medical
evaluator should review the health and wellness data for a
particular end-user, the host server 702 can notify a medical
evaluator's computing device 718 via the data network 710. The
medical evaluator associated with the medical evaluator's computing
device 718 can then access the health and wellness data for the
particular end-user via the host server 702 and provide an
evaluation of any existing health and wellness conditions that
require attention. The medical evaluation or report can then be
returned to the host server 702 via the data network 710. The
report can also be stored in the database 706.
[0076] FIG. 8A is a flow diagram of a monitoring data upload
process 800 according to one embodiment of the invention. The
monitoring data upload process 800 can, for example, be performed
by the home network device 712 illustrated in FIG. 7. The
monitoring data upload process 800 begins with a decision 802. The
decision 802 determines whether an upload request has been
received. An upload request can be provided by an end-user through
a manual user action, or can be automatically initiated by the home
network device 712, or can be requested by the host server 702. In
any case, when the decision 802 determines that an upload request
has not been received, then the monitoring data upload process 800
awaits such a request. Once the decision 802 determines that an
upload request has been received, data, including monitoring data,
from the monitoring device is acquired 804. The monitor data is
then sent 806 to the host server. Typically, to secure the
monitoring data, the monitor data would be encrypted prior to its
transmission to the host server. Additionally, the home network
device 712 could authenticate the camera 714 prior to transmission
of the monitor data to the host server. The home network device 712
also could authenticate itself with the host server 702. The
authentication of the camera 714 can ensure that the camera 714 is
authorized for use with the host server 702. The authentication of
the home network device 712 can ensure that the home network device
712 is authorized for use with the host server 702 and/or ensure
that the user of the home network device 712 is an authorized (and
registered) user of the system. After the monitor data has been
sent to the host server, the monitoring data upload process 800 is
complete and ends.
[0077] FIGS. 8B and 8C are flow diagrams of a host server process
820 according to one embodiment of the invention. For example, the
host server process 820 can be performed by the host server 702
illustrated in FIG. 7.
[0078] The host server process 820 begins with a decision 822. The
decision 822 determines whether monitor data is incoming. When the
decision 822 determines that monitor data is incoming, the monitor
data is received 824. In addition, an appropriate user account may
be identified 826. If the monitor data is associated with a
particular end-user, the identification 826 of the appropriate user
account can be important. If the monitor data is associated with a
particular end-user, next, the monitor data is stored 828 such that
it is associated with the corresponding user account. Subsequently,
although other processing may intervene, the monitor data can be
processed 830 for correlation with earlier monitor data. The
ability to correlate current monitor data with earlier monitor data
can be advantageous when the monitor data is provided over an
extended period of time and the evolution and change in the monitor
dated is important for health and wellness evaluation.
[0079] Following the block 830, or directly following the decision
822 when the monitor data is not incoming, a decision 832
determines whether a medical review is due or appropriate. A
medical review can be initiated by the host server 702. For
example, the medical review could be periodically requested or
could be requested when the evaluation module 708 indicates that
irregularity (or certain particular features) exists in the monitor
data. In any case, when the decision 832 determines that a medical
review is due or appropriate, one or more user accounts for medical
review are identified 834. Then, medical review or remote medical
review for the identified user accounts is initiated 836.
[0080] Following the block 836, or directly following the decision
832 when a medical review is not due, a decision 838 determines
whether a medical report has been received. When the decision 838
determines that a medical report has been received, an appropriate
user account associated with the medical report is identified 840.
Then, the medical report is stored 842 associated with the user
account.
[0081] Following the block 842, or following the decision 838
directly when a medical report has not been received, a decision
844 determines whether a user report is due. When the decision 844
determines that a user report is due, a user account for one or
more user reports are identified 846. User reports are then
generated 848 for the identified user account. The user reports are
then stored 850 in the associated user accounts. Thereafter, the
user is sent (or notified of) 852 the user reports.
[0082] Following the block 852, or directly following the decision
844 when a user report is not due, the host server process 820
returns to repeat the decision 822 and subsequent blocks so that
the host server process 820 can repeat and process other incoming
data or requests.
[0083] FIG. 9 is a distributed health and wellness system 900
according to another embodiment of the invention. The distributed
health and wellness system 900 includes a processing facility 902.
The processing facility 902 includes a host server 904. The host
server 904 is a computing device that controls overall operation of
the processing facility 902. The host server 904 includes an
evaluation module 906 and account information 908. Coupled to the
host server 904 is a database 910. The database 910 can store
health and wellness data corresponding to various end-users who
have registered with the host server 904 and have account
information stored in the account information area 908. The
processing facility 902 also includes a shipping/receiving unit
912. The shipping/receiving unit 912 operates to send shipments to
and receive shipments from a plurality of different end-users 914
and other facilities. In particular, the shipping/receiving unit
912 can ship a medical appliance together with usage instructions
to an end-user 914. The instructions can inform the end-user 914
about how to use the medical appliance to acquire health and
wellness data. After the end-user 914 has used the medical
appliance, the end-user 914 can return all or a portion of the
medical appliance together with the acquired health and wellness
data back to the shipping/receiving unit 912 of the processing
facility 902.
[0084] The shipping/receiving unit 912 can then acquire the health
and wellness data for the end-user 914 from the returned materials,
such as the returned medial appliance, and supplies such to the
host server 904. The host server 904 associates the health and
wellness data to the associated user and stores such health and
wellness data in the database 910. The evaluation module 906 can
then evaluate the health and wellness data within the database 910
to determine when a remote medical evaluation is to be performed by
a medical person. When the evaluation module 906 indicates that a
medical evaluation is appropriate, the host server 904 informs a
medical evaluator's computing device 918, which can be a personal
computer, PDA, or cell phone, via a network 916, such as the
Internet, that an evaluation of certain health and wellness data is
requested. The medical person associated with the medical
evaluator's computing device 918 can then access the health and
wellness data for the user of interest and perform an evaluation.
The evaluation is then returned to the host server 904 via the
network 916, and then stored in the database 910.
[0085] In some embodiments, the medical evaluation is done by a
medical person that is capable of evaluating specific health and
wellness data. For example, the medical person can be a specialist
that specializes in reviewing images of skin conditions. In such
case, the medical specialist can be very efficient in reviewing the
health and wellness data for their specific field(s) of expertise.
On the other hand, the medical person could be a more general
practice type medical person, or could even be the health care
provider for the end-user. In any case, the distributed health and
wellness system 900 can also permit health care providers'
computing devices access to the processing facility 902, namely,
access the health and wellness data associated with end-users under
their care. Hence, a health-care provider's computing device 920
can couple to the host server 904 via the Internet 916.
[0086] FIGS. 10A and 10B are flow diagrams of a server process 1000
according to one embodiment of the invention. The server process
1000 is, for example, performed by a host server, such as the host
server 904 illustrated in FIG. 9.
[0087] The server process 1000 begins with a decision 1002 that
determines whether one or more users to be monitored are to be
identified. When the decision 1002 determines that a number of
users to be monitored are to be identified, a set of users to be
monitored is determined 1004. Then, physical mailing of monitoring
devices is initiated 1006 to the set of users. The physical mailing
can, for example, be performed or controlled by the
shipping/receiving unit 912 illustrated in FIG. 9.
[0088] Following the block 1006, or directly following the decision
1002 when the decision 1002 determines that users to be monitored
are not to be identified at this time, a decision 1008 determines
whether a monitoring device has been returned. When the decision
1008 determines that a monitoring device has been returned, such as
to the shipping/receiving unit 912, monitored data can be acquired
1010 from the returned monitoring device. An appropriate user
account is identified 1012. The monitored data associated with the
user account is then stored 1014. Normally, the monitored data
would be stored such that it is organized with respect to
previously stored data for the corresponding user. In other words,
the data can be correlated with earlier data to provide organized
storage. With the data stored in an organized manner, subsequent
evaluation of the data can become more efficient and, for certain
wellness data, more accurate.
[0089] Following the block 1014, or directly following the decision
1008 when the decision 1008 determines that a monitoring device has
not been returned, a decision 1016 determines whether a medical
review is due or appropriate. When the decision 1016 determines
that a medical review is due, one or more user accounts for medical
review are identified 1018. In one embodiment, medical review can
be initiated periodically for each user, by a health care
provider's request, by an end-user's request, and/or automatically
by computerized evaluation of the stored monitored data. The
medical review can be of different types, including different
conditions, diseases, infections, etc. Then, remote medical review
for the identified user accounts can be initiated 1020. Here, the
server process 1000 can select from a variety of different medical
evaluators such that the evaluator to be utilized is appropriate
for the type of medical review desired. The medical evaluator that
provides the remote medical review can complete a report for the
evaluation he or she has performed.
[0090] Following the block 1020, or directly following the decision
1016 when a medical review is not due, a decision 1022 determines
whether a medical report has been received. When the decision 1022
determines that a medical report has been received, an appropriate
user account associated with the medical report is identified 1024.
Then, the medical report is stored 1026 associated with the user
account.
[0091] Following the block 1026, or following the decision 1022
directly when a medical report has not been received, a decision
1028 determines whether a user report is due. When the decision
1028 determines that a user report is due, one or more user
accounts for one or more user reports are identified 1030. One or
more user reports are then generated 1032 for the identified user
accounts. The user reports can then be stored 1034 in the
associated user accounts. Thereafter, one or more users are sent
(or notified of) 1036 the user reports.
[0092] Following the block 1036, or directly following the decision
1028 when a user report is not due, the host server process 1000
returns to repeat the decision 1002 and subsequent blocks so that
the host server process 1000 can repeat and process other incoming
data or requests.
[0093] In still another embodiment of the invention, a distributed
health and wellness system can provide a medical monitoring device
or appliance at a retail or discount store. A customer, while
visiting the store, can purchase the medical monitoring device or
appliance. In one embodiment, the medical monitoring device or
appliance can be provided within a kit that further includes one or
more of a computer readable medium including computer program code
for execution by a computer to assist the customer (user) in
acquiring and transmitting health data to a remote facility, either
physically or electronically, instruction for operation of the
medical monitoring device or appliance, and/or possibly a cable for
connecting the medical monitoring device or appliance to a host
device (e.g., computer)server.
[0094] The medical monitoring device or appliance can monitor
various different health or wellness conditions of a user. As an
example, the medical monitoring device or appliance can monitor
skin or other conditions, chemical analysis for bodily fluids, etc.
The medical monitoring device or appliance can, for example, be a
probe, a container, or sensor. The medical monitoring device or
appliance can use one or more of a reagent, an electrical
component, an electrical circuit, and data storage.
[0095] In one embodiment, any of a number of functions previously
described as being performed by a medical monitoring device or
appliance can be performed by a base. FIG. 11 shows one embodiment
of such a base 650 that can be electrically coupled to a medical
monitoring device or appliance.
[0096] In one embodiment, in such a base implementation, operations
performed by a medical monitoring device can be minimized. For
example, when the user gets his medication from a pharmacist, the
device, such as a bottle, can include information regarding the
prescription, which can include the user's schedule to take the
medication. Such information can be on a barcode, a RFID tag or in
a memory in the device, according to different embodiments. The
user can facilitate downloading such information from the device
into the base 650. For example, if the information is in a barcode
on a device, the base 650 can include a barcode reader 652. The
user can push a start button 654, and then the user can scan the
barcode to enter such information into the base 650. When the
barcode is successfully scanned, a signal can be provided to the
user, such as a light 656 can turn on, or an audio feedback can be
provided by a speaker. Note that different pharmacies might use
different barcodes. In one embodiment, information regarding
different barcodes from the different pharmacies is stored in the
base 650. In one embodiment, the base 650 can include a RFID tag
reader, including its antenna 658, to access the information stored
in an RFID tag.
[0097] Alternatively, the device or appliance can include an
electrical connector. The user can connect the device's connector
to a base connector at the base 650 to download the information. In
one embodiment, the device's connector is located at the bottom of
the device. There can be a recessed space on top of the base 650 to
receive the device. When the user puts the device into the space,
with the device's connector received by the base's connector,
information in the device can be downloaded into the base. In one
embodiment, the device's connector can be at the bottom of the
device. The device's connector can be a standard connector, such as
a USB connector. The connector can be slightly recessed into the
device, allowing the device to firmly stand on a flat surface,
without the connector sticking out.
[0098] In one embodiment, the base 650 includes a slot 660 to
receive a sensor 662, such as a thermometer. The slot 660 can be
used to track different measurements regarding an end-user. Each
time a sensor is stationed in the space, such as inserted into the
slot 660, measurements made by the sensor 662, such as in the past
24 hours, are uploaded to the base 650. The upload can be through a
connector at the sensor 662 with a corresponding connector at the
base 650. The sensor 662 is one example of a medical monitoring
device or appliance that can be used with the base 650.
[0099] In one embodiment, the base 650 can also include a scale
664. An end-user can weigh a device with the scale 664. The scale
664 can also be at a recessed space on top of the base 650 to
receive the device. In another embodiment, as the device sits on
the scale 664, its RFID tag is read by a RFID tag reader in the
base 650.
[0100] In another embodiment, the base can have multiple recessed
spaces for more than one device. The base can also have multiple
slots for more than one sensor to be stationed.
[0101] In another embodiment, the base 650 can include a connector
666 to connect to other devices or instruments, such as a computer.
Instead of a physical connector, the connection can also be
wireless. Based on such connections, the base 650 can be connected,
for example, to another area, such as a website. Information in the
base 650 can be accessed and the base 650 can also access
information from the another area, such as the website. In yet
another embodiment, the base 650 can also include another
input/output connector 668, which can be for a memory device, such
as a flash memory card.
[0102] In one embodiment, the base 650 can keep track of the time,
the date, the weight of a medical monitoring device, sensor
measurements from a medical monitoring device and/or the identity
of the end-user using the base 650 and/or medical monitoring
device. In one embodiment, the device can contain medication. For
example, the device can be a bottle of pill. Every time the end
user uses the device, the user can place the device on a selected
space on the base 650 to weigh the device and to download
information into the base 650. This would allow the base 650 to
keep track of information related to the user taking the
medication.
[0103] In one embodiment, since the device can keep track of the
type of substance taken by the user, as the user takes different
types of substances, such as from different devices, the
information regarding the substance can be downloaded into the base
650 accordingly. Based on information in the base 650, or
information accessed from a remote site or area, the base can
provide indication to the user that the different types of
medication the user is taking, conflict with each other and can
cause complications to the user.
[0104] In one embodiment, a base 650 is, or performs the functions
of, a medical monitoring system. In another embodiment, a base 650
can be considered personal to an end-user in the sense that the
user typically does not want to share it with another end-user if
the another person is using the base 650 for similar purposes as
the user. This can be similar to a toothbrush, which is usually
considered personal to the user. However, the user may be willing
to let a healthcare provider use it because the provider is
typically using the base 650 for different purposes, such as to
access information from it to diagnose the user.
[0105] Different processes have been described regarding analyzing
and processing images captured. In one embodiment, the analysis
includes color analysis. For example, the colors of optical images
of lesions can be analyzed to provide additional skin condition
information.
[0106] The various embodiments, implementations and features of the
invention noted above can be combined in various ways or used
separately. Those skilled in the art will understand from the
description that the invention can be equally applied to or used in
other various different settings with respect to various
combinations, embodiments, implementations or features provided in
the description herein.
[0107] Certain aspects of the invention can be implemented in
software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software.
Certain aspects of the invention can also be embodied as computer
readable code on a computer readable medium. The computer readable
medium is any data storage device that can store data which can
thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer
readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory,
CD-ROMs, magnetic tape, optical data storage devices, and carrier
waves. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over
network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code
is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.
[0108] The advantages of the invention are numerous. Different
embodiments or implementations may yield one or more of the
following advantages. One potential advantage of the invention is
that health care costs can be significantly lowered. Another
potential advantage of the invention is that through use of
technology associated with the invention quality health care can be
provided in the privacy and convenience of one's home. More people
may be interested in checking themselves more often and more
regularly, given it ease of use and given that the user's portion
of the testing can be done in the privacy of the user's home. Still
another potential advantage of the invention is that a health and
wellness system as described herein can provide standardized,
consistent health and wellness data that can be used by hospitals,
medical researchers, doctors, and end-users.
[0109] Numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide
a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will
become obvious to those skilled in the art that the invention may
be practiced without these specific details. The description and
representation herein are the common meanings used by those
experienced or skilled in the art to most effectively convey the
substance of their work to others skilled in the art. In other
instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and
circuitry have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily
obscuring aspects of the present invention.
[0110] In the foregoing description, reference to "one embodiment"
or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be
included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The
appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in
the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually
exclusive of other embodiments. Further, the order of blocks in
process flowcharts or diagrams representing one or more embodiments
of the invention do not inherently indicate any particular order
nor imply any limitations in the invention.
[0111] The many features and advantages of the present invention
are apparent from the written description. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation as illustrated and described. Hence, all
suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to as
falling within the scope of the invention.
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