U.S. patent application number 16/668759 was filed with the patent office on 2020-02-27 for portable biometric monitoring device and method for use thereof.
The applicant listed for this patent is Anthony Olivero. Invention is credited to Anthony Olivero.
Application Number | 20200060556 16/668759 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64562759 |
Filed Date | 2020-02-27 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200060556 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Olivero; Anthony |
February 27, 2020 |
PORTABLE BIOMETRIC MONITORING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR USE THEREOF
Abstract
A portable biometric monitor includes a wearable member having a
plurality of sensors incorporated therein. Each sensor of the
plurality of sensors is adapted to monitor a corresponding
biometric indicator. A communications hub is in selective wireless
communication with the plurality of sensors. One of the wearable
member and the communications hub includes a set of biometric
parameters, wherein each biometric parameter of the set of
biometric parameters includes a corresponding preferred range. When
at least one of the sensors indicates that the corresponding
biometric indicator is outside of the corresponding preferred
range, the communications hub provides a status indicia
corresponding to a proposed recommendation.
Inventors: |
Olivero; Anthony; (Ada,
MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Olivero; Anthony |
Ada |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
64562759 |
Appl. No.: |
16/668759 |
Filed: |
October 30, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16003377 |
Jun 8, 2018 |
10492696 |
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16668759 |
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62517250 |
Jun 9, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2562/066 20130101;
A61B 5/0022 20130101; A61B 5/02055 20130101; A61B 5/02438 20130101;
A61B 5/0816 20130101; A61B 5/6831 20130101; G16H 40/67 20180101;
A61B 5/01 20130101; A61B 5/14542 20130101; A61B 5/1112
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 5/0205 20060101
A61B005/0205; A61B 5/00 20060101 A61B005/00 |
Claims
1. A method for contacting a physician using a wearable member, the
method comprising steps of: placing a portable biometric monitor
onto a portion of an individual's body, wherein a plurality of
sensors within the portable biometric monitor are positioned to
monitor personal biometric indicators of the individual's body;
monitoring the personal biometric indicators using the plurality of
sensors; comparing each personal biometric indicator with a
corresponding customized biometric parameter of a plurality of
personal biometric parameters, wherein each corresponding
customized biometric parameter includes a corresponding customized
preferred range, wherein the corresponding customized preferred
range is related to the personal biometric indicators of the
individual's body; providing a status indicia when at least one of
the personal biometric indicators falls outside the corresponding
customized preferred range of the personal biometric indicators;
sending, via the portable biometric monitor, a communication
regarding the status indicia to a medical care professional when
the personal biometric indicators reach a predetermined threshold
in relation to the corresponding customized preferred range.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the portable biometric monitor
includes a wearable portion and a communications hub, wherein the
communications hub receives data from the plurality of sensors and
transmits the status indicia and the communication.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the corresponding customized
biometric parameters and the corresponding customized preferred
ranges are stored within the wearable portion of the portable
biometric monitor.
4. The method of claim 2, further comprising a step of: placing the
plurality of sensors in wireless communication with the
communications hub, wherein the communications hub includes a set
of biometric parameters that includes each personal biometric
parameter.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the status indicia is provided to
the communications hub.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the communications hub provides
the status indicia to a portable computing device.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein the communications hub is a
portable computing device.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the personal biometric indicators
include at least two of heart rate, temperature, respiratory rate,
oxygen saturation, global positioning data and inspiration and
expiration ratio.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of personal
biometric parameters are obtained by customizing the portable
biometric monitor during an evaluation phase that results in the
plurality of personal biometric parameters of an individual.
10. A method of communicating a biometric function of an individual
to a health care provider, the method comprising steps of: placing
a wearable portion of a portable biometric monitor onto a portion
of an individual's body, wherein a plurality of sensors within the
wearable portion are positioned to monitor corresponding personal
biometric indicators; placing the plurality of sensors in wireless
communication with a communications hub of the portable biometric
monitor, wherein the communications hub includes a set of biometric
parameters, wherein each biometric parameter of the set of
biometric parameters includes a preferred range; monitoring the
corresponding personal biometric indicators using the plurality of
sensors; customizing the set of biometric parameters having the
preferred range to be a set of personal biometric parameters that
includes corresponding personal preferred ranges of the
corresponding personal biometric indicators; comparing each
corresponding personal biometric indicator with the corresponding
personal preferred range of the corresponding personal biometric
indicators; providing a status indicia when at least one of the
corresponding personal biometric indicators falls outside the
corresponding personal preferred range of the corresponding
personal biometric indicators; and communicating, via the portable
biometric monitor, the status indicia to the health care provider
when at least one of the corresponding personal biometric
indicators reaches a predetermined threshold in relation to the
corresponding personal preferred range.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the portable biometric monitor
includes the wearable portion and a communications hub, wherein the
communications hub receives data from the plurality of sensors and
transmits the status indicia.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the set of personal biometric
parameters and the corresponding personal preferred ranges are
stored within at least one of the wearable portion and the
communications hub.
13. The method of claim 10, further comprising a step of: placing
the plurality of sensors in wireless communication with the
communications hub, wherein the communications hub includes a set
of biometric parameters that includes each personal biometric
parameter.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the communications hub provides
the status indicia to a portable computing device.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the communications hub is a
portable computing device.
16. The method of claim 10, wherein the corresponding personal
biometric indicators include at least two of heart rate,
temperature, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, global
positioning data and inspiration and expiration ratio.
17. A method of communicating a biometric function of an individual
to a health care provider, the method comprising steps of: placing
a wearable portion of a portable biometric monitor onto a portion
of an individual's body; placing the wearable portion in wireless
communication with a communications hub of the portable biometric
monitor, wherein the communications hub includes a set of biometric
parameters, wherein each biometric parameter of the set of
biometric parameters includes a preferred range; monitoring
corresponding personal biometric indicators using the wearable
member; customizing the set of biometric parameters having the
preferred range to be a set of personal biometric parameters that
includes corresponding personal preferred ranges of the
corresponding personal biometric indicators; comparing each
corresponding personal biometric indicator with the corresponding
personal preferred range of the corresponding personal biometric
indicators; providing a recommending status indicia when at least
one of the corresponding personal biometric indicators falls
outside the corresponding personal preferred range of the of the
corresponding personal biometric indicators; and communicating, via
the communications hub, a house call status indicia to the health
care provider when at least one of the corresponding personal
biometric indicators reaches a predetermined threshold in relation
to the corresponding personal preferred range, wherein the
predetermined threshold of the house call status indicia is farther
outside of the corresponding personal preferred ranges than the
recommending status indicia.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the communications hub is a
portable computing device.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the corresponding personal
biometric indicators include at least two of heart rate,
temperature, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, global
positioning data and inspiration and expiration ratio.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein the wearable portion includes a
plurality of sensors that are positioned to monitor corresponding
personal biometric indicators, and wherein the plurality of sensors
are in communication with the communications hub.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/003,377 filed Jun. 8, 2018, entitled
PORTABLE BIOMETRIC MONITORING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR USE THEREOF,
which claims priority to and the benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/517,250 filed
on Jun. 9, 2017, entitled PORTABLE BIOMETRIC MONITORING DEVICE AND
METHOD FOR USE THEREOF, the entire disclosures of which are hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a biometric
monitoring device, and more specifically, a device including
sensors for monitoring the various biometric indicators related to
an individual's current status with respect to various health
and/or wellness parameters.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Certain illnesses, such as bronchiolitis, can afflict
individuals of a younger age and those with diminished immune
systems. Bronchiolitis and other respiratory ailments can often be
recurring and can last for an extended period of time.
Additionally, these respiratory ailments can be highly contagious,
such that they may spread rapidly through various geographic
locations at any one time. Additionally, children with chronic
illnesses suffer longer and more severe symptoms than otherwise
healthy children. Early detection of these ailments can facilitate
closer healthcare monitoring and interventions which may decrease
the duration and severity of symptoms. This may reduce the degree
and/or rate of geographic spread and inform healthy or
immunocompromised individuals about locations where various
illnesses may be prevalent at a particular time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a portable
biometric monitor includes a wearable member having a plurality of
sensors incorporated therein. Each sensor of the plurality of
sensors is adapted to monitor a corresponding biometric indicator.
A communications hub is in selective wireless communication with
the plurality of sensors. One of the wearable member and the
communications hub includes a set of biometric parameters, wherein
each biometric parameter of the set of biometric parameters
includes a corresponding preferred range. When at least one of the
sensors indicates that the corresponding biometric indicator is
outside of the corresponding preferred range, the communications
hub provides a status indicia corresponding to a proposed
recommendation.
[0005] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
method of monitoring a biometric function of an individual includes
placing a wearable member onto a portion of an individual's body,
wherein a plurality of sensors within the wearable member are
positioned to monitor corresponding biometric indicators. The
method also includes monitoring the corresponding biometric
indicators, comparing each biometric indicator with a corresponding
biometric parameter, wherein each corresponding biometric parameter
includes a corresponding preferred range, and providing a status
indicia when at least one of the biometric indicators falls outside
the preferred range of the corresponding biometric indicators.
[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
method of monitoring a biometric function of an individual includes
placing a wearable member onto a portion of an individual's body,
wherein a plurality of sensors within the wearable member are
positioned to monitor corresponding biometric indicators. The
method also includes placing the plurality of sensors in wireless
communication with a communications hub, wherein the communications
hub includes a set of biometric parameters, wherein each biometric
parameter of the set of biometric parameters includes a preferred
range. The method also includes monitoring the corresponding
biometric indicators using the plurality of sensors, comparing each
biometric indicator with the corresponding preferred range of the
corresponding biometric indicators, providing a status indicia when
at least one of the biometric indicators falls outside the
preferred range of the of the corresponding biometric indicators,
uploading the status indicia to a hub network, wherein the hub
network includes a plurality of communications hubs, and comparing
a plurality of uploaded status indicia from the hub network.
[0007] These and other aspects, objects, and features of the
present invention will be understood and appreciated by those
skilled in the art upon studying the following specification,
claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] In the drawings:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a hub and sensor array that
are used as part of the biometric monitoring device;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a child and an adult
wearing an aspect of the sensor array, where the sensor array is in
communication with the hub for the biometric monitoring device;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an aspect of the hub for the
biometric monitoring device in wireless communication with a
portable computing device;
[0012] FIGS. 4-7 illustrate schematic diagrams exemplifying
biometric measurements taken by the sensor array and compared with
various biometric parameters saved within the biometric monitoring
device, as well as indicia that are communicated by the biometric
monitoring device in response to the measurements taken by the
sensor array;
[0013] FIG. 8 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method for
operating the biometric monitoring device;
[0014] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an aspect of the
biometric monitoring device where a user can upload various
biometric markers and indicia to a social computing network;
and
[0015] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a potential
geographic record keeping function used in conjunction with a
plurality of biometric monitoring devices.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper,"
"lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical,"
"horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention
as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the
invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where
expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood
that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached
drawings, and described in the following specification are simply
exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the
appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical
characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are
not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state
otherwise.
[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1-7, reference numeral 10 generally refers
to a portable biometric monitor or portable health monitor that can
be worn upon the body 14 of an individual 12 or proximate the
individual's body 14 for measuring various biometric indicators 16
of the subject individual 12. Using these biometric indicators 16,
the portable biometric monitor 10 can monitor and gather
information regarding the status of an individual 12. The status of
an individual 12 can be in the form of a health and/or wellness
status of the individual 12. According to various aspects of the
device, the portable biometric monitor 10 can include a wearable
member 18 having a plurality of sensors 20 incorporated therein.
The plurality of sensors 20 can be in the form of a sensor array 22
or a plurality of individual sensors 20 that are applied on or near
an individual's body 14. It is contemplated that each sensor 20 of
the plurality of sensors 20 is adapted to monitor a corresponding
biometric indicator 16 of a plurality of biometric indicators 16.
By way of example, and not limitation, the biometric indicator 16
may take the form of a respiratory indicator 16 that can provide
information related to the individual's respiratory function.
[0018] According to various aspects of the device, the biometric
indicators 16 can include, but are not limited to, respiratory
rate, respiratory inspiratory and expiratory times and ratio, heart
rate, temperature, electromyography, muscle contraction strength,
electrocardiography, electroencephalography, oxygen saturation
(arterial, venous, capillary), carbon dioxide level, blood
pressure, hydration, glucose and electrolyte monitors, lactate
level, hormone levels, bilirubin level, chemical signaling molecule
levels, chemical concentration level, apnea indicators, activity
level, global positioning system (GPS) data related to the body
position and orientation of an individual 12 (prone vs. supine,
active vs. sedentary, etc.), combinations thereof, and other
various biometric indicators 16. Typically, two or more biometric
indicators 16 will be utilized by the portable biometric monitor 10
in accessing the condition of the individual 12.
[0019] Referring again to FIGS. 1-7, the portable biometric monitor
10 can also include a communications hub 24 that is in selective
wireless communication with at least one sensor 20 of the plurality
of sensors 20. It should be understood that a wired connection
between the various components of the portable biometric monitor 10
may also be implemented where desired. The communications hub 24
typically includes a processor for monitoring and recording the
measurements taken by the sensors 20.
[0020] During operation of the portable biometric monitor 10, at
least one of the wearable member 18 and communications hub 24 can
include a set of biometric parameters 26. Each corresponding
biometric parameter 26 of the set of biometric parameters 26
includes a corresponding preferred range 28. Accordingly, each
corresponding preferred range 28 relates to a respective and
corresponding biometric indicator 16. When at least one of the
sensors 20 indicates that the corresponding biometric indicator 16
is outside of the corresponding preferred range 28, the
communications hub 24 may provide a status indicia 30 that
corresponds to a proposed recommendation. It is contemplated that
another component of the portable biometric monitor 10 can also
display the status indicia 30. The proposed recommendation can be
in the form of an alert (e.g. visual, audio, haptic, tactile,
combinations thereof and others) to check the status of the sensors
20 included within the wearable member 18, or can be a
recommendation to take some sort of action, such as calling a
healthcare provider or providing increased surveillance as to the
condition of the individual 12 wearing the plurality of sensors 20.
The sensors 20, communications hub 24, and portable computing
device 50 may display the status indicia 30 at any point, and may
alter the display if/when one or more biometric parameters 26 moves
outside of the preferred range 28 and/or if the rate of change is
outside of the preferred setting, all of which may result in a
recommendation.
[0021] According to various aspects of the device, the preferred
ranges 28 for the biometric indicators 16 may include preferred
ranges 28 that correspond to current status information as well as
status information over time. This status information over time may
be in the form of data relating to the rates of change over time.
Each of the current (or instantaneous) status information and the
status information over time can be provided in real time or
substantially in real time. In this manner, the sensors 20,
communications hub 24, and portable computing device 50 may display
the status indicia 30 at any point, and may alter the display
if/when one or more biometric parameters 26 moves outside of the
preferred range 28. Additionally, the status indicia 30 may be
displayed when the rate of change of one or more biometric
parameters 26 is outside of a preferred range 28 for the rate of
change of a particular biometric parameter 26. Rate of change,
according to various aspects, can be indicative of the existence of
a health concern as well as the potential severity of the health
concern. Accordingly, where a particular biometric parameter 26 may
be within a preferred range 28, the rate of change of the biometric
parameter 26 may indicate a health and/or wellness concern and may
result in the communication of a recommendation. In this manner,
data relating to the rate of change of a biometric parameter 26 may
provide an advance status indicia 30 in the form of a
recommendation, before the biometric parameter 26 actually falls
outside of the preferred range 28. In certain aspects of the
device, the various sensors 20 of the portable biometric monitor 10
may also, or alternatively, communicate directly with the portable
computing device 50. The rate of change data and the evaluation of
the biometric parameters 26 in relation to the preferred ranges 28
can be performed by a processor of the sensors 20, the
communications hub 24 or a portable computing device 50.
[0022] According to various aspects of the device, the portable
biometric monitor 10 can be used to assist a user, a parent or
other caregiver, or a healthcare monitoring entity, in making
decisions regarding actions to take with respect to the individual
12. These types of recommended actions may take the form of whether
or not to get a professional healthcare provider involved in caring
for the individual 12 that is being monitored by the portable
biometric monitor 10. These recommendations may range from a
notification to the caregiver or parent or a notification to a
healthcare provider or entity.
[0023] In certain aspects of the device, the recommendation may
take the form of a therapeutic and/or medication recommendation
based on the person's known medical history, and which may or may
not be based on a consultation with an expert. By way of
explanation, and not limitation, the presence of a biometric
indicators 16 being outside of a preferred range 28 may typically
indicate that a recommendation is warranted. In certain
individuals, the presence of a biometric indicator 16 outside of a
preferred range 28 may be a reflection of a known or expected
reaction to a prescribed medication or activity, such as when an
individual diagnosed with asthma inhales albuterol, the biometric
monitor 10 will typically show a fast respiratory rate and
increased chest wall muscle use. In such an instance, the
recommendation may take the form of a message or request to confirm
that the medication was taken or the action performed.
[0024] While certain aspects of the device may be calibrated to
provide a preliminary diagnosis, typically, no diagnosis is
provided. Accordingly, the recommendation with respect to the
actions described above is provided to encourage a user of the
portable biometric monitor 10 to seek prompt and appropriate
assistance of a health care provider so that a formal assessment
and diagnosis can be made via a health care provider.
[0025] Referring again to FIGS. 1-7, the plurality of sensors 20
that are included within the wearable member 18 can be in the form
of a sensor array 22 and can also be in the form of individual
sensors 20 that can be disposed on or near the body 14 of the
individual 12. The sensor array 22 can be included within a single
wearable member 18 that can be attached to a portion of the user's
body 14. Typical locations for placing the wearable member 18 may
include, but are not limited to, near the rib cage or near the
user's back so that the person cannot remove the device, such as in
the case of a small child 40. More diverse locations may be
possible when the portable biometric monitor 10 is used on older
children and/or adults 42, who may be less likely to remove,
intentionally or unintentionally, the device during use of the
portable biometric monitor 10. To assist in placement of the
plurality of sensors 20, the sensors 20 may be incorporated within
a piece of clothing such as a shirt, onesie, or other piece of
clothing. Typically, the sensors 20 will be disposed within a
separate wearable member 18 that can be attached directly to the
user's skin. In this manner, the sensors 20 can be in contact with
the user's body 14 to provide a substantially accurate measurement
of the various biometric indicators 16 that are recorded by the
plurality of sensors 20. The wearable member 18 can include an
adhesive or substantially tactile coating that can be at least
temporarily adhered to the user's skin. Semi-permanent or permanent
biometric monitoring tattoos can be printed or placed on the skin
to acquire the biometric signals. Various straps 44, bands and
other wrapping members can also be included as part of the wearable
member 18 for coupling the plurality of sensors 20 with the user's
body 14.
[0026] Referring again to FIGS. 1-7, the plurality of sensors 20
can include a wide range of sensing mechanisms that can include,
but are not limited to, heartrate monitors, thermometers, EMG, EKG,
EEG, I:E (inspiration:expiration) ratio monitors, oxygen saturation
monitors (arterial, capillary, and/or venous), hydration monitors,
lactate monitors, CO.sub.2 monitors, pulse-ox monitors, hydration
monitors, apnea monitors, GPS sensors for monitoring the position
of an individual 12 (prone vs. supine, active vs. sedentary, etc.),
combinations thereof, and other similar sensing mechanisms. Data
obtained from the various sensors 20 may be stored locally, and/or
transmitted to the communications hub 24 for storage, and/or
transmitted to one or more portable computing devices 50 for
storage, and/or ultimately transmitted to a secure data storage
center. These data may be processed by a processor at various
events along the communication line.
[0027] According to various aspects of the device, the biometric
indicators 16 measured by the plurality of sensors 20 may typically
be related to respiratory indicators 16 that measure the
respiratory health of the individual 12. Typically, afflictions
such as bronchiolitis and other similar respiratory infections
affect the respiratory function of the individual 12. Accordingly,
for measuring respiratory function, the plurality of sensors 20 can
include a heartrate monitor, I:E ratio monitor, body temperature
thermometer and oxygen saturation monitor.
[0028] To assist in evaluating the health, such as respiratory
health, of the individual 12, the corresponding preferred ranges 28
that relate to each of these sensors 20 can be predetermined based
upon generally accepted biometric data 70 that relates to a
typically healthy individual 12. It is also contemplated that upon
acquisition of the portable biometric monitor 10, the preferred
ranges 28 can be customized based upon the unique characteristics
of the monitored individual 12 wearing the portable biometric
monitor 10. Such unique identifying information taken during an
evaluation period can include, but is not limited to, gender,
gestational age, known medical conditions (e.g. asthma, COPD, heart
disease, etc.), zip code or other geographical location identifying
where certain afflictions may be more prominent, time of day,
activity level, variation in other biometric parameters 26 and
other similar information that can assist in customizing the
preferred ranges 28 for the portable biometric monitor 10.
[0029] After the preferred ranges 28 of the portable biometric
monitor 10 are derived, the sensors 20 can be used for measuring
various biometric indicators 16 that can be relayed and compared
against the preferred ranges 28. Based upon the number of biometric
indicators 16 that are inside or outside of the corresponding
preferred ranges 28 (or near the outer boundaries 72 of the
preferred ranges 28), as well as the current value and rate of
change of the biometric indicators 16, certain indicia 30 can be
conveyed from the portable biometric monitor 10 to the user or
caregiver of the device. By way of example, and not limitation,
where a single biometric indicator 16 is outside of a corresponding
preferred range 28 (illustrated in FIG. 4), such a condition may be
more indicative of a mechanical issue with one of the sensors 20,
rather than a legitimate health or wellness concern. Accordingly,
in such an instance, the indicia 30 may be in the form of a message
to at least one specifically identified person or entity, such as
the user or caregiver, to verify placement of the sensors 20 or the
wearable device. This indicia 30 can verify the existence of a
"false positive" reading by one of the sensors 20. The indicia 30
may be also in the form of a prompt to verify the preferred ranges
28, such that an individual 12 may have a preferred range 28
different than that currently included within the portable
biometric monitor 10. Predictive analytics and other statistical
methods can be utilized to analyze the user's biometric indicators
16, including, but not limited to, comparing the user's current
data to the user's historical trends and norms, comparing (usually
anonymously) the user's data to like individuals, and providing
estimates for likelihood of a user having a certain condition or
requiring a higher level of monitoring and/or care. Algorithms and
the predictive analytics and metrics may be continuously updated
utilizing protected user data to refine the accuracy and
appropriateness of recommendations.
[0030] Typically, various afflictions, such as respiratory illness,
show symptoms across multiple systems of the body 14. Accordingly,
an illness such as bronchiolitis will typically include symptoms
that affect respiratory function, heart rate, temperature, and/or
oxygen saturation. Accordingly, a typical affliction of
bronchiolitis can correspond to multiple biometric indicators 16
being either outside of the preferred range 28 or at or near the
outer boundaries 72 of the preferred ranges 28. Therefore, where a
single biometric indicia 30 is outside of the corresponding
preferred range 28, where the other biometric indicia 30 are well
within the other corresponding preferred ranges 28, this may be
indicative of a "false positive" resulting from a mechanical issue,
rather than being indicative of an illness.
[0031] As further exemplified in FIGS. 4-7, where two biometric
indicators 16 are outside of their corresponding preferred ranges
28 (illustrated in FIG. 5), or near the outer boundaries 72
thereof, this may be more indicative of a health concern, rather
than a mechanical issue. Accordingly, where two biometric
indicators 16 are outside of the corresponding preferred ranges 28,
the indicia 30 provided to the user or caregiver may prompt the
caregiver to provide additional monitoring to the individual 12 and
also check to verify the placement of the sensors 20. Where more
than two biometric indicators 16 are outside of the preferred
ranges 28 or at the outer limits of the preferred ranges 28
(illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7), this may be indicative of a
potential health issue. The indicia 30 given to the user and/or
caregiver may recommend that the user contact a healthcare
provider. Accordingly, the user and/or caregiver can use the
portable biometric monitor 10 as an early warning system as to the
onset of a potential illness or respiratory affliction.
[0032] The various indicia 30 can be delivered to the user and/or
the caregiver either directly via a portable computing device 50 or
at the communications hub 24 or at one or more of the sensors 20.
Such indicia 30 can be in the form of an illumination color of the
sensor 20 and/or the communications hub 24 (e.g., green for no
concern, yellow for possible concern, red for a recommended
action). The indicia 30 can also be an auditory signal from the
sensor 20 and/or the communications hub 24. The indicia 30 can also
be delivered wirelessly via Wi-Fi; Bluetooth, or other
non-transitory communication. The wireless indicia 30 can be in the
form of an e-mail, text, application prompt, phone call, prompt to
a wearable computing device or other similar communication to a
portable computing device 50 and/or a health care provider. In
various aspects of the device, the portable computing device 50 can
take the form of any one or more of various communications and
computing devices that can include, but are not limited to,
smartphones, tablets, cell phones, laptop computers, desktop
computers, servers, cloud computing sites, wearable
computing/communications devices, portable computing assistants
(Siri, Alexa, Echo, Google Home, Bixby, etc.), combinations thereof
and other similar computing devices.
[0033] According to various aspects of the device, it is
contemplated that the communications hub 24 may be in the form of
an application, program, routine or other similar computing program
that is uploaded onto and operated, at least in part, by the
portable computing device 50. In such an embodiment, the
communications hub 24 may be included with the portable computing
device 50.
[0034] Referring again to FIGS. 1-7, it is contemplated that the
portable biometric monitor 10 is a device that may be worn by the
user intermittently (e.g. during an acute illness or continuously
for a period of time to build a set or baseline of personalized
biometric indicia 30). It is further contemplated that the portable
biometric monitor 10 could be an over the counter (OTC) device that
can be purchased, used for a temporary period, and then disposed of
or recycled. The portable biometric monitor 10 could also be
purchased over the counter and used continuously (i.e. as a
wellness monitor of various biometric signals). The portable
biometric monitor 10 could also be prescribed by healthcare
practitioners in order to enable continuous monitoring for
patients. It is also contemplated that the communications hub 24
may be a single purchase item and the plurality of sensors 20 can
be an OTC purchase that is acquired and then recycled and disposed
of more frequently. The communications hub 24 and/or smart device
could be programmed to process either single or multiple users'
data, and configured to grant passcode protected access to one or
more individuals 12.
[0035] In use of the portable biometric monitor 10, at the onset of
symptoms that may be indicative of a potential illness or
respiratory infection, the user or caregiver can acquire the
communications hub 24 and/or the plurality of sensors 20 to assist
in monitoring the various biometric indicators 16 of the individual
12. It is contemplated that the wearable member 18 can be placed
upon the skin of an individual 12 and can be secured thereon for
multiple days or weeks to provide continuous, or substantially
continuous, monitoring to monitor potential development of an
infection or other illness. The portable biometric monitor 10 can
be used also for monitoring secondary effects of infection such as
dehydration, fever and other symptoms that are commonly associated
with respiratory infections and other illnesses. It is also
contemplated that the plurality of sensors 20 can include a
microphone for recording various sounds, including, but not limited
to, respiratory sounds and cardiac sounds. Recordings of these
sounds can be delivered to a healthcare provider, and/or healthcare
entity for assisting the healthcare provider in making a proper
analysis and diagnosis. The information gathered by the portable
biometric monitor 10 is not typically used to diagnose but can be
an information gathering tool for assisting the healthcare provider
in making the diagnosis.
[0036] In various aspects of the device, the portable biometric
monitor 10 may include some functionality to provide and/or assist
a healthcare provider in providing analysis of the biometric data.
By way of example, and not limitation, the microphone can record a
set of baseline recordings of breathing and cardiac sounds under
various personal conditions. These baseline sounds may be compared
with current sounds to assess whether any atypical or abnormal
breathing sounds or cardiac sounds or rhythms are present in the
breathing/cardiac patterns of the individual 12. These sounds may
be assessed along with information regarding current breathing
rate, heart rate and other current data and/or baseline data to
assess and/or analyze whether a recommendation is appropriate.
[0037] During use of the portable biometric monitor 10, the
communications hub 24 and/or the wearable member 18 can include an
internal memory 60 that can be used to record the various biometric
indicators 16 over time and also provide information concerning the
relationship of the corresponding biometric indicators 16 in
relation to the corresponding preferred ranges 28 of these
indicators 16. This information can then be delivered to a
healthcare provider and/or healthcare entity such as by physically
delivering the internal memory 60 to the healthcare provider who
can then evaluate the information. It is also contemplated that a
communications hub 24 and/or the portable computing device 50 can
be used to transmit, wirelessly, this biometric data 70 in real
time or at periodic intervals to the healthcare provider for
assisting in analysis and making a diagnosis.
[0038] Using the portable biometric monitor 10 described above,
healthcare visits and healthcare costs can be greatly diminished by
having a health care provider involved early in the potential
illness. In this manner, more serious secondary effects of these
illnesses may be avoided or at least mitigated. The use of the
portable biometric monitor 10 may also assist healthcare providers
during routine "well visits" by providing data which may identify
trends 90 or concerning values which may prompt additional testing
and/or diagnostic studies.
[0039] One particular illness that affects many children is
bronchiolitis. Medical studies have shown that infants experienced,
on average, 6-10 viral infections per year. Each of these viral
infections can range from 14-28 days in duration. Accordingly, it
is not uncommon for infants to have an active viral infection for
approximately three to nine months of any given calendar year.
Through use of the portable biometric monitor 10, these viral
infections can be identified early, such that treatment can be
provided for limiting the duration of these viral infections.
[0040] Bronchiolitis is a disorder commonly caused by a viral lower
respiratory tract infection and is typically seen in infants less
than two years old. Bronchiolitis is typically characterized by
inflammation, edema, and necrosis of the epithelial cells lining
the small airways within the lungs. It is also characterized by an
increase in mucous production. These symptoms can lead to effects
seen in respiratory function, heart rate, fever, and other health
concerns.
[0041] The viruses that lead to bronchiolitis can be any one of
various viruses that can include, but are not limited to,
respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinovirus, parainfluenza, human
meta pneumovirus, influenza virus, adenovirus, coronavirus, and
other identified viruses. Studies have shown that approximately 90%
of children are affected by RSV by two years of age. Additionally,
infection with RSV does not grant permanent or long-term immunity.
In fact, studies have shown that re-infections are common
throughout an individual's lifetime. Certain risk factors for more
severe bronchiolitis are young age (such as less than 12 weeks),
prematurity (such as less than 36 weeks gestation), congenital
heart disease, chronic lung disease, cystic fibrosis,
immunodeficiency, neuromuscular diseases, and airway
malformation.
[0042] Additionally, while adults 42 may be able to recognize and
describe abnormal physiological conditions (e.g. fast heart rate,
increased respiratory rate, etc.), infants and very young children
are typically unable to communicate the details of a physiological
condition and/or illness. Also, certain individuals 12 (children
and adults) may have mental or physical impairments that can also
prevent communication of such conditions. Accordingly, the use of
the portable biometric monitor 10 can be effective in assisting a
parent or caregiver on the health of children or other individuals
12, by monitoring the biometric indicators 16 of the subject
individual 12.
[0043] Once infected, bronchiolitis symptoms can include runny
nose, cough, faster respiratory rate, apnea, and other respiratory
distress. The presence of a normal respiratory rate suggests low
risk of a significant viral or bacterial lower respiratory tract
infection or pneumonia, such as a likelihood ratio of less than
0.5%. Conversely, a heightened respiratory rate such as greater
than 70 breaths per minute has been associated with increased risk
of severe disease, as shown in certain studies. Further, apnea was
detected in 5% of children less than two years of age that were
hospitalized with bronchiolitis. Also, about one in three children
who have a viral infection, such as an upper respiratory tract
infection, are seen to develop lower respiratory tract symptoms
similar to those described herein. These symptoms in their early
stages may be detectable through the use of the portable biometric
monitor 10. Accordingly, a healthcare provider can be introduced
and become involved in the treatment of the individual 12 before
more serious symptoms may become pronounced. Additionally, where an
individual 12 is shown to be more susceptible to respiratory
infections, a regimen of virus prevention can be instituted in the
household and can become a typical way of life. Such prevention of
viral infections can include disinfecting hands before and after
direct contact with patients or after contact with various objects
in the vicinity of a patient, the use of alcohol-based rubs for
hand decontamination when caring for children with bronchiolitis,
and/or the use of soap and water. Also, avoiding smoke exposure can
also be consciously limited or avoided.
[0044] The effects of bronchiolitis and other respiratory
infections also go beyond the symptoms experienced by an individual
12 and their families. Bronchiolitis and similar respiratory
infections in young children result in approximately 300,000
emergency room visits per year in the United States. For example,
in 2002, 149,000 patients were hospitalized with bronchiolitis with
an average hospital length of stay of 3.3 days. The health care
cost associated with these hospitalizations resulted in a mean cost
of $3,799 per hospitalization and a total cost of $543 million.
Additionally, bronchiolitis, according to some studies, was shown
to be the most common cause of hospitalization among infants during
the first 12 months of life. The costs of hospitalizations for
bronchiolitis have increased, such that over 100,000 bronchiolitis
admissions occur annually in the U.S. at an estimated cost of
approximately $1.73 billion. These instances of hospitalization
also have patterns, such that the highest incidents of
bronchiolitis occur in the cold winter months of November through
April. Certain predictors can also identify a likelihood of
hospitalization. As an example, premature (low gestational age)
infants typically have an increased rate of hospitalization
compared to the hospitalization rate than that of full term
infants.
[0045] These health and economic factors can be lessened through
the use of the portable biometric monitor 10 such that early
identification of an illness can result in a healthcare provider
being involved in the care of the individual 12 at an early stage.
Treatment can also be initiated early, such that the number of
hospital stays can be decreased and the length of hospital stays
can also potentially be decreased. The spread of these contagious
viruses may also be diminished through the use of early monitoring
that may result in the modification and behavior around more
individuals 12 that may be more sensitive to viral infection.
[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 9-10, it is contemplated that the use
of the portable biometric monitor 10 can be conducted in
conjunction with a social network 86 and other similar social
cloud-based networks. Information from the communications hub 24
can be uploaded via a portable computing device 50 to a computing
network that can gather various health information among multiple
individuals 12. Where health disclosure laws are concerned, this
information can be limited solely to the onset of an infection,
such that personal identifying information can be withheld from
such an upload of data. However, where voluntarily provided, a user
or caregiver may wish to communicate significant information
concerning the biometric data of an infection, or the onset of an
infection and duration of symptoms within a particular geographic
area.
[0047] A hub network 80 of portable biometric monitors 10,
including a plurality of communications hubs 24 and/or a plurality
of portable computing devices 50, can be used throughout a certain
geographic area to monitor the presence of infections as a type of
social network 86. Accordingly, data concerning viral infections
can be uploaded to a social network 86 and this information can be
used to provide an information or data map 82 showing trends 90 in
bronchiolitis, for example, or other abnormal biometric data or
illnesses at any given time. By way of example, and not limitation,
data collected by a network 80 of portable biometric monitors 10,
in the form of a plurality of uploaded status indicia 30, can be
used to indicate that an outbreak 84 of bronchiolitis, for example,
or other illness have been seen in a specific part of the country.
An individual 12 wishing to travel to that portion of the country
may decide to delay that trip to avoid obtaining such an infection.
Travel plans can also be arranged such that travel to an unaffected
area 92 when the infection rate is low can be accommodated. These
trends 90 over time can also be used by hospitals and government
agencies to promote habits that can limit the spread of various
infections and also potentially shorten hospital stays among the
population.
[0048] It is contemplated that the geographic area that can be
monitored through the social network 86 in conjunction with the
network 80 of portable biometric devices can vary in size. The
social network 86 can be in the form of a global network, a
national network, statewide network or very localized network. The
social network 86 can also be configured to be scalable to adjust
the size of the network 80 of portable biometric monitors 10 as
needed to reflect the desired set of information. Various studies
have shown that the outbreak 84 of infections within a certain
geographic area can be small in nature such that a small number of
counties in a particular state may be affected at a given time,
while other portions of the state may be unaffected area 92 at the
same time. The trends 90 in the outbreak 84 of infections can also
vary over time. Accordingly, certain geographic areas may see the
outbreak 84 of infection at a different time than another
geographic area. Using the social network 86 in conjunction with
the network 80 of portable biometric monitors 10, these trends 90
of outbreaks 84 and unaffected areas 92 over time can be recorded
and evaluated over time and patterns can be generated to assist
healthcare providers in planning for these regular onsets of
infection. In this manner, hospitals can use a more proactive
approach in assisting the public in recognizing and treating these
infections to limit their effects on individuals 12 and families
and also the financial effects on the healthcare system at
large.
[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 1-10, having described various
aspects of the device, a method 400 is disclosed for monitoring the
biometric function of an individual 12. The method 400 can include
steps of placing a wearable member 18 onto a portion of an
individual's body 14 (step 402). As discussed previously, a
plurality of sensors 20 within the wearable member 18 are
positioned to monitor corresponding biometric indicators 16, such
as respiratory indicators 16.
[0050] Once the wearable member 18 is placed onto a portion of the
individual's body 14, the plurality of sensors 20 can be placed in
wireless communication at least with a communications hub 24 (step
404). Wireless communication can also be established between the
sensors 20 and one or more portable computing devices 50. The
communications hub 24 and/or the wearable member 18 include a set
of respiratory parameters 26 or biometric parameters 26, wherein
each respiratory parameter 26 of the set of respiratory parameters
26 includes a preferred range 28. This information may also be
stored within the portable computing device 50. As discussed
previously, this preferred range 28 can be based upon a set of
generally accepted ranges indicative of a "healthy" individual 12.
These parameters 26 can also be contoured and customized based upon
information gathered about the individual 12 being monitored. The
corresponding biometric indicators 16 can then be monitored by the
plurality of sensors 20 (step 406). These biometric indicators 16
can then be compared with the corresponding preferred ranges 28 of
the corresponding biometric indicators 16 (step 408). As discussed
previously, depending upon the number of biometric indicators 16
that are within and outside the respective preferred ranges 28, and
the position of the indicators 16 within each of the respective
preferred ranges 28, various indicia 30 can be provided to the user
and/or caregiver. A status indicia 30 can then be provided to the
individual 12 and/or caregiver (step 410). The status indicia 30
can be provided periodically regardless of the position of the
biometric indicator 16 within the corresponding preferred range 28.
In this manner, where the biometric indicators 16 are all well
within the preferred ranges 28, the indicia 30 can be in the form
of a healthy symbol, various emojis, or other similar indicia 30
indicative of a biometric indicia 30 being within the preferred
parameters 26. This instance can also be communicated through the
absence of an indicia 30.
[0051] Typically, some indicia 30 will be provided such that the
user or caregiver understands that the portable biometric monitor
10 is operational and is monitoring the biometric indicators 16 and
respiratory indicators 16 of the individual 12. Conversely, as
discussed above, various indicators 16 can be provided when one or
more of the respiratory indicators 16 or biometric indicators 16
falls outside of the preferred ranges 28 or moves toward the outer
boundaries 72 of the preferred ranges 28 for the corresponding
preferred range 28. Again, these indicia 30 can be in the form of a
prompt to verify the placement of the sensors 20, to increase
monitoring of the individual 12 to contact a healthcare provider so
that a proper diagnosis can be made.
[0052] According to the method 400, the status indicia 30 can then
be uploaded to a network 80 (step 412). In such an embodiment, the
status indicia 30 is selectively shareable with a network 80 of
communication hubs 24 as well as portable computing devices 50 and,
in turn, the social network 86. This status indicia 30 and recorded
data can also be uploaded to be accessed by a healthcare provider.
In this manner, the healthcare provider can analyze the recorded
data and can provide additional information concerning actions that
should be taken by the individual 12 and/or the healthcare
provider.
[0053] By way of example, and not limitation, where data is
provided to a healthcare provider, a healthcare provider can
observe the data over time and may be able to provide periodic
checkups to the individual 12 such that the healthcare provider can
recommend a specific action and/or testing, or that the individual
12 be brought into a hospital or other healthcare facility. In this
manner, the healthcare provider may be able to provide virtual
"house calls" without leaving the hospital or their office. These
virtual "house calls" may have significant advantages over
conventional telehealth modalities. The virtual "house calls" that
can be performed using the portable biometric monitor 10 can
provide a health care provider with various and current biometric
data that can be immediately available for analysis. This real time
or substantially real time provision of biometric data 70 can
enable clinicians to more accurately identify current abnormal
biometric values which, in turn, can aid in diagnosis and prompt
recognition of disease severity and trajectory.
[0054] According to the method 400, these uploaded status indicia
30 can be compared with other status indicia 30 throughout the
network 80 of communications hubs 24 and various information plots
and information maps 82 can be generated (step 414). These
information maps 82, as discussed above, can be used by individuals
12 for planning travel, by hospitals for planning corrective steps
to deal with various infections that may have cyclical or
geographic patterns, and also assisting various entities in
communicating to a particular community that an infection trend 90
is occurring or is imminent.
[0055] According to the various embodiments, the portable biometric
monitor 10 can be an OTC device that can be used by an individual
12 to monitor the biometric indicators 16 of an individual 12 that
may show signs of a respiratory illness or other infection or
illness. The device may also be used by hospitals to provide care
for individuals 12 such that individuals' biometric indicators 16
can be communicated to a central station for monitoring by one or
more health care providers. In the case of the portable biometric
monitor 10 being used with a hospital, the portable biometric
monitor 10 may be used to provide data to a healthcare provider for
making the diagnosis and/or identifying the disease severity and
trajectory with respect to an in-patient community of individuals
12. The wireless communication functions of the portable biometric
monitor 10 can also be used to provide accurate and real time
outpatient monitoring by a healthcare provider of one or more
individuals 12.
[0056] The use of the portable biometric monitor 10 can be
implemented to allow for monitoring of multiple individuals 12 to
limit healthcare costs associated with frequent visits by
individuals 12 that may not require in-person treatment.
Conversely, an individual 12 who is showing signs of an illness
that may use the portable biometric monitor 10 to receive a
recommendation to go see a healthcare provider to receive early
recognition and treatment to prevent a hospital stay or limit the
time period of a hospital stay. The use of a portable biometric
monitor 10 can decrease healthcare costs and provide an effective
tool for early treatment of various infections and/or illnesses
that may be preventable and also may be lessened in severity due to
early identification of treatment.
[0057] It is to be understood that variations and modifications can
be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the
concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be
understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the
following claims unless these claims by their language expressly
state otherwise.
* * * * *