1\:1
`...
`1\:1
`.....
`
`(.o)
`
`0
`Ol
`.......
`0>
`0
`0>
`
`C.
`~
`"'0
`~
`0
`In re Patent Application of: Eric Teller et al.
`Title: Wireless Communications Device and Personal Monitor
`Firefly-US-Cont.-Cont.
`Attorney Docket No.:
`PATENT APPLICATION TRANSMITTAL
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`Commissioner for Patents
`P.O. Box 1450
`Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
`
`We are transmitting herewith the following attached items and information (as indicated with an "X"):
`
`X
`
`X Return postcard.
`X CONTINUATION of prior Patent Application No.(I0/638.588) under 37 CFR 1.53(b)) comprising:
`Specification (QQ_pgs, including claims numbered ..L through 60 and a
`X
`page Abstract).
`X
`Formal Drawing(s) Q1 sheets).
`X
`Copy of signed Combined Declaration and Power of Attorney (2. pgs) from prior application.
`Incorporation by Reference: The entire disclosure of the prior application, from which a copy of the oath or declaration is
`supplied herewith, is considered as being par/ of the disclosure ofthe accompanying application and is hereby
`incorporated by reference therein.
`X
`Charge Credit Card in the amount of $1500.00 to pay the filing fee.
`X Prior application is assigned of record to BodyMedia, Inc.
`X Revocation and Power of Attorney with Change of Correspondence Address (I pg.).
`X Statement Under 37 CFR 3.73(b) (I pg.)
`X Credit Card Payment Form (I pg.)
`
`11 II ows:
`I db I
`I
`h f i ' t i h b een ca cu ate
`T e thng ee as
`e ow as o
`
`No. Filed
`
`No. E>tra
`
`Rate
`
`Fee
`
`TOTAL CLAIMS
`
`INDEPENDENT CLAIMS
`
`60-20
`
`3-3
`
`40
`
`0
`
`X 25.00
`
`$1000.00
`
`X 100.00 ~
`
`OMUL TIPLE DEPENDENT CLAIMS PRESENTED
`
`BASIC FEE
`
`SEARCH FEE
`
`EXAMINATION FEE
`
`$0.00
`
`$0.00
`
`$150.00
`
`$250.00
`
`$100.00
`
`APPLICATION SIZE FEE
`
`$0
`
`TOTAL
`
`$1500.00
`
`Customer Number: 57245
`
`"Express Mail" mailing label number: EV784747805US
`Date ofDeposit: MA.\..1 \\.Q 1..oor,
`This paper or fee is bein~ depo~ited on ih'e date indicated above with the United States Postal Service pursuant to 37 CFR 1.1 0, and is addressed to
`The Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450.
`
`1 of 616
`
`FITBIT EXHIBIT 1003
`
`

`
`Wireless Communications Device and Personal Monitor
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`5
`
`This application is a continuation of co-pending United States Application Serial No.
`
`10/638,588 filed August 11, 2003, which is a continuation of 09/602,537, filed June 23, 2000,
`
`which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,605,038. United States Application Serial No. 09/602,537 was a
`
`continuation-in-part of co-pending United States Application Serial No. 09/595,660, filed June
`
`16, 2000.
`
`10
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to a system for monitoring health, wellness and fitness, and in
`
`particular, to a system for collecting, using a sensor device, and storing at a remote site data relating
`
`to an individual ' s physiological state, lifestyle, and various contextual parameters, and making such
`
`15
`
`data and analytical information based on such data available to the individual, preferably over an
`
`electronic network.
`
`20
`
`Research has shown that a large number of the top health problems in society are either
`
`BACKGROUND OFTHE INVENTION
`
`caused in whole or in part by an unhealthy lifestyle. More and more, our society requires people to
`
`lead fast-paced, achievement-oriented lifestyles that often result in poor eating habits, high stress
`
`levels, lack of exercise, poor sleep habits and the inability to find the time to center the mind and
`
`25
`
`relax. Recognizing this fact, people are becoming increasingly interested in establishing a healthier
`
`lifestyle.
`
`1
`
`2 of 616
`
`

`
`Traditional medicine, embodied in the form of an HMO or similar organizations, does not
`
`have the time, the training, or the reimbursement mechanism to address the needs of those
`
`individuals interested in a healthier lifestyle. There have been several attempts to meet the needs of
`
`these individuals, including a perfusion of fitness programs and exercise equipment, dietary plans,
`
`5
`
`self-help books, alternative therapies, and most recently, a plethora of health information web sites
`
`on the Internet. Each of these attempts are targeted to empower the individual to take charge and get
`
`healthy. Each of these attempts, however, addresses only part of the needs of individuals seeking a
`
`healthier lifestyle and ignores many of the real barriers that most individuals face when trying to
`
`adopt a healthier lifestyle. These barriers include the fact that the individual is often left to himself
`
`10
`
`or herself to find motivation, to implement a plan for achieving a healthier lifestyle, to monitor
`
`progress, and to brainstorm solutions when problems arise; the fact that existing programs are
`
`directed to only certain aspects of a healthier lifestyle, and rarely come as a complete package; and
`
`the fact that recommendations are often not targeted to the unique characteristics of the individual or
`
`his life circumstances.
`
`15
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`An apparatus for monitoring human status parameters is disclosed which includes at least
`
`20
`
`two sensors adapted to be worn on an individual's body. At least one of the sensors is a
`
`physiological sensor selected from the group consisting of respiration sensors, temperature
`
`sensors, heat flux sensors, body conductance sensors, body resistance sensors, body potential
`
`sensors, brain activity sensors, blood pressure sensors, body impedance sensors, body motion
`
`sensors, oxygen consumption sensors, body chemistry sensors, body position sensors, body
`
`25
`
`pressure sensors, light absorption sensors, body sound sensors, piezoelectric sensors,
`
`electrochemical sensors, strain gauges, and optical sensors. The sensors are adapted to generate
`
`2
`
`3 of 616
`
`

`
`data indicative of at least a first parameter of the individual and a second parameter of the
`
`individual, wherein the first parameter is a physiological parameter. The apparatus also includes
`
`a processor that receives at least a portion of the data indicative of the first parameter and the
`
`second parameter. The processor is adapted to generate derived data from at least a portion of
`
`5
`
`the data indicative of a first parameter and a second parameter, wherein the derived data
`
`comprises a third parameter of the individual. The third parameter is an individual status
`
`parameter that cannot be directly detected by either of the at least two sensors.
`
`In an alternate embodiment, an apparatus for monitoring human status parameters is
`
`disclosed that includes at least two sensors adapted to be worn on an individual's body selected
`
`10
`
`from the group consisting of physiological sensors and contextual sensors, wherein at least one
`
`of the sensors is a physiological sensor. The sensors are adapted to generate data indicative of at
`
`least a first parameter of the individual and a second parameter of the individual, wherein the
`
`first parameter is physiological. The apparatus also includes a processor for receiving at least a
`
`portion of the data indicative of at least a first parameter and a second parameter, the processor
`
`15
`
`being adapted to generate derived data from the data indicative of at least a first parameter and a
`
`second parameter. The derived data comprises a third parameter of the individual selected from
`
`the group consisting of ovulation state, sleep state, calories burned, basal metabolic rate, basal
`
`temperature, physical activity level, stress level, relaxation level, oxygen consumption rate, rise
`
`time, time in zone, recovery time, and nutrition activity. The third parameter is an individual
`
`20
`
`status parameter that cannot be directly detected by any of the at least two sensors.
`
`In either embodiment of the apparatus, the at least two sensors may be both physiological
`
`sensors, or may be one physiological sensor and one contextual sensor. The apparatus may
`
`further include a housing adapted to be worn on the individual's body, wherein the housing
`
`3
`
`4 of 616
`
`

`
`supports the sensors or wherein at least one of the sensors is separately located from the housing.
`
`The apparatus may further include a flexible body supporting the housing having first and
`
`second members that are adapted to wrap around a portion of the individual's body. The flexible
`
`body may support one or more of the sensors. The apparatus may further include wrapping
`
`5 means coupled to the housing for maintaining contact between the housing and the individual's
`
`body, and the wrapping means may support one or more of the sensors.
`
`Either embodiment of the apparatus may further include a central monitoring unit remote
`
`from the at least two sensors that includes a data storage device. The data storage device
`
`receives the derived data from the processor and retrievably stores the derived data therein. The
`
`10
`
`apparatus also includes means for transmitting information based on the derived data from the
`
`central monitoring unit to a recipient, which recipient may include the individual or a third party
`
`authorized by the individual. The processor may be supported by a housing adapted to be worn
`
`on the individual's body, or alternatively may be part of the central monitoring unit.
`
`The apparatus may be further adapted to obtain life activities data of the individual,
`
`15
`
`wherein the information transmitted from the central monitoring unit is also based on the life
`
`activities data. The central monitoring unit may also be adapted to generate and provide
`
`feedback relating to the degree to which the individual has followed a suggested routine. The
`
`feedback may be generated from at least a portion of at least one of the data indicative of at least
`
`a first parameter and a second parameter, the derived data and the life activities data. The central
`
`20 monitoring unit may also be adapted to generate and provide feedback to a recipient relating to
`
`management of an aspect of at least one of the individual's health and lifestyle. This feedback
`
`may be generated from at least one of the data indicative of a first parameter, the data indicative
`
`of a second parameter and the derived data. The feedback may include suggestions for
`
`.4
`
`5 of 616
`
`

`
`modifying the individual's behavior.
`
`BRJEF DESCRJPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`5
`
`Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent upon consideration
`
`of the following detailed description of the present invention, taken in conjunction with the
`
`following drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts, and in which:
`
`Fig. 1 is a diagram of an embodiment of a system for monitoring physiological data
`
`and lifestyle over an electronic network according to the present invention;
`
`1 o
`
`Fig. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the sensor device shown in Fig. 1;
`
`Fig. 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the central monitoring unit shown in
`
`Fig. 1;
`
`Fig. 4 is a block diagram of an alternate embodiment ofthe central monitoring unit
`
`shown in Fig. 1;
`
`15
`
`Fig. 5 is a representation of a preferred embodiment of the Health Manager web page
`
`according to an aspect of the present invention;
`
`Fig. 6 is a representation of a preferred embodiment of the nutrition web page
`
`according to an aspect of the present invention;
`
`Fig. 7 is a representation of a preferred embodiment of the activity level web page
`
`20
`
`according to an aspect of the present invention;
`
`Fig. 8 is a representation of a preferred embodiment of the mind centering web page
`
`according to an aspect of the present invention;
`
`Fig. 9 is a representation of a preferred embodiment of the sleep web page according
`
`to an aspect of the present invention;
`
`5
`
`6 of 616
`
`

`
`Fig. I 0 is a representation of a preferred embodiment of the daily activities web page
`
`according to an aspect of the present invention;
`
`Fig. II is a representation of a preferred embodiment of the Health Index web page
`
`according to an aspect of the present invention;
`
`5
`
`Fig. I2 is a front view of a specific embodiment of the sensor device shown in Fig. I;
`
`Fig. I3 is a back view of a specific embodiment of the sensor device shown in Fig. I;
`
`Fig. 14 is a side view of a specific embodiment of the sensor device shown in Fig. I;
`
`Fig. IS is a bottom view of a specific embodiment of the sensor device shown in Fig.
`
`I·
`'
`
`10
`
`Figs. 16 and I7 are front perspective views of a specific embodiment of the sensor
`
`device shown in Fig. I;
`
`Fig. I8 is an exploded side perspective view of a specific embodiment of the sensor
`
`device shown in Fig. I;
`
`Fig. I9 is a side view of the sensor device shown in Figs. I2 through I8 inserted into
`
`15
`
`a battery recharger unit; and
`
`Fig. 20 is a block diagram illustrating all of the components either mounted on or
`
`coupled to the printed circuit board forming a part of the sensor device shown in Figs. I2
`
`through I8.
`
`20
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`In general, according to the present invention, data relating to the physiological state, the
`
`lifestyle and certain contextual parameters of an individual is collected and transmitted, either
`
`subsequently or in real-time, to a site, preferably remote from the individual, where it is stored for
`
`6
`
`7 of 616
`
`

`
`later manipulation and presentation to a recipient, preferably over an electronic network such as the
`
`Internet. Contextual parameters as used herein means parameters relating to the environment,
`
`surroundings and location of the individual, including, but not limited to, air quality, sound quality,
`
`ambient temperature, global positioning and the like. Referring to Fig. I, located at user location 5 is
`
`5
`
`sensor device I 0 adapted to be placed in proximity with at least a portion of the human body. Sensor
`
`device I 0 is preferably worn by an individual user on his or her body, for example as part of a
`
`garment such as a form fitting shirt, or as part of an arm band or the like. Sensor device I 0, includes
`
`one or more sensors, which are adapted to generate signals in response to physiological
`
`characteristics of an individual, and a microprocessor. Proximity as used herein means that the
`
`10
`
`sensors of sensor device I 0 are separated from the individual's body by a material or the like, or a
`
`distance such that the capabilities of the sensors are not impeded.
`
`Sensor device I 0 generates data indicative of various physiological parameters of an
`
`individual, such as the individual' s heart rate, pulse rate, beat-to-beat heart variability, EKG or
`
`ECG, respiration rate, skin temperature, core body temperature, heat flow off the body, galvanic skin
`
`IS
`
`response or GSR, EMG, EEG, EOG, blood pressure, body fat, hydration level, activity level, oxygen
`
`consumption, glucose or blood sugar level, body position, pressure on muscles or bones, and UV
`
`radiation exposure and absorption. In certain cases, the data indicative of the various physiological
`
`parameters is the signal or signals themselves generated by the one or more sensors and in certain
`
`other cases the data is calculated by the microprocessor based on the signal or signals generated by
`
`20
`
`the one or more sensors. Methods for generating data indicative of various physiological parameters
`
`and sensors to be used therefor are well known. Table I provides several examples of such well
`
`known methods and shows the parameter in question, the method used, the sensor device used, and
`
`7
`
`8 of 616
`
`

`
`the signal that is generated. Table 1 also provides an indication as to whether further processing
`
`based on the generated signal is required to generate the data.
`
`Table 1
`
`Method
`
`Sensor
`
`Signal
`
`EKG
`
`BVP
`
`2 Electrodes
`
`DC Voltage
`
`LED Emitter and
`Optical Sensor
`
`Change in Resistance
`
`Heart Rate
`
`2 Electrodes
`
`DC Voltage
`
`Parameter
`
`Heart Rate
`
`Pulse Rate
`
`Beat-to-Beat
`Variability
`
`EKG
`
`Respiration Rate
`
`Skin Temperature
`
`Core Temperature
`
`Skin Surface
`Potentials
`
`Chest Volume
`Change
`
`Surface
`Temperature
`Probe
`
`Esophageal or
`Rectal Probe
`
`Further
`Processing
`
`Yes
`
`Yes
`
`Yes
`
`No
`
`3-10 Electrodes
`
`DC Voltage
`
`Strain Gauge
`
`Change in Resistance
`
`Yes
`
`Thermistors
`
`Change in Resistance
`
`Yes
`
`Thermistors
`
`Change in Resistance
`
`Yes
`
`Heat Flow
`
`Heat Flux
`
`Thermopile
`
`DC Voltage
`
`Galvanic Skin
`Response
`
`EMG
`
`EEG
`
`EOG
`
`Skin Conductance
`
`2 Electrodes
`
`Change in Resistance
`
`Skin Surface
`Potentials
`
`Skin Surface
`Potentials
`
`Eye Movement
`
`3 Electrodes
`
`DC Voltage
`
`Multiple Electrodes
`
`DC Voltage
`
`Thin Film
`Piezoelectric
`Sensors
`
`DC Voltage
`
`Yes
`
`No
`
`No
`
`Yes
`
`Yes
`
`Blood Pressure
`
`Non-Invasive
`Korotkuff Sounds
`
`Electronic
`Sphygromarometer
`
`Change in Resistance
`
`Yes
`
`Body Fat
`
`Body Impedance
`
`2 Active Electrodes Change in Impedance
`
`Activity in
`Interpreted G
`Shocks per Minute
`
`Body Movement
`
`Accelerometer
`
`DC Voltage,
`Capacitance Changes
`
`Yes
`
`Yes
`
`8
`
`9 of 616
`
`

`
`Parameter
`Oxygen
`Consumption
`
`Method
`
`Sensor
`
`Signal
`
`Oxygen Uptake
`
`Electro-chemical
`
`DC Voltage Change
`
`Glucose Level
`
`Non-Invasive
`
`Electro-chemical
`
`DC Voltage Change
`
`Body Position (e.g.
`supine, erect,
`sitting)
`
`N/A
`
`Mercury Switch
`Array
`
`DC Voltage Change
`
`Further
`Processing
`
`Yes
`
`Yes
`
`Yes
`
`Muscle Pressure
`
`N/A
`
`Thin Film
`Piezoelectric
`Sensors
`
`DC Voltage Change
`
`Yes
`
`UV Radiation
`Absorption
`
`N/A
`
`UV Sensitive Photo
`Cells
`
`DC Voltage Change
`
`Yes
`
`The types of data listed in Table 1 are intended to be examples of the types of data that can
`
`be generated by sensor device 10. It is to be understood that other types of data relating to other
`
`5
`
`parameters can be generated by sensor device 10 without departing from the scope of the present
`
`invention.
`
`The microprocessor of sensor device 10 may be programmed to summarize and analyze the
`
`data. For example, the microprocessor can be programmed to calculate an average, minimum or
`
`maximum heart rate or respiration rate over a defined period of time, such as ten minutes. Sensor
`
`10
`
`device 10 may be able to derive information relating to an individual's physiological state based on
`
`the data indicative of one or more physiological parameters. The microprocessor of sensor device 10
`
`is programmed to derive such information using known methods based on the data indicative of one
`
`or more physiological parameters. Table 2 provides examples of the type of information that can be
`
`derived, and indicates some of the types of data that can be used therefor.
`
`15
`
`Table 2
`
`Derived Information
`
`Data Used
`
`9
`
`10 of 616
`
`

`
`Derived Information
`Ovulation
`
`Data Used
`Skin temperature, core temperature, oxygen consumption
`
`Sleep onset/wake
`
`Calories burned
`
`Basal metabolic rate
`
`Basal temperature
`
`Activity level
`
`Stress level
`
`Relaxation level
`
`Beat-to-beat variability, heart rate, pulse rate, respiration
`rate, skin temperature, core temperature, heat flow, galvanic
`skin response, EMG, EEG, EOG, blood pressure, oxygen
`consumption
`
`Heart rate, pulse rate, respiration rate, heat flow, activity,
`oxygen consumption
`Heart rate, pulse rate, respiration rate, heat flow, activity,
`oxygen consumption
`
`Skin temperature, core temperature
`
`Heart rate, pulse rate, respiration rate, heat flow, activity,
`oxygen consumption
`
`EKG, beat-to-beat variability, heart rate, pulse rate,
`respiration rate, skin temperature, heat flow, galvanic skin
`response, EMG, EEG, blood pressure, activity, oxygen
`consumption
`
`EKG, beat-to-beat variability, heart rate, pulse rate,
`respiration rate, skin temperature, heat flow, galvanic skin
`response, EMG, EEG, blood pressure, activity, oxygen
`consumption
`
`Maximum oxygen consumption rate
`
`EKG, heart rate, pulse rate, respiration rate, heat flow, blood
`pressure, activity, oxygen consumption
`
`Rise time or the time it takes to rise from
`a resting rate to 85% of a target maximum
`
`Time in zone or the time heart rate was
`above 85% of a target maximum
`
`Recovery time or the time it takes heart
`rate to return to a resting rate after heart
`rate was above 85% of a target maximum
`
`Heart rate, pulse rate, heat flow, oxygen consumption
`
`Heart rate, pulse rate, heat flow, oxygen consumption
`
`Heart rate, pulse rate, heat flow, oxygen consumption
`
`Additionally, sensor device 10 may also generate data indicative of various contextual
`
`: parameters relating to the environment surrounding the individual. For example, sensor device 1 0
`
`can generate data indicative of the air quality, sound level/quality, light quality or ambient
`
`5
`
`temperature near the individual, or even the global positioning ofthe individual. Sensor device I 0
`
`may include one or more sensors for generating signals in response to contextual characteristics
`
`10
`
`11 of 616
`
`

`
`relating to the environment surrounding the individual, the signals ultimately being used to generate
`
`the type of data described above. Such sensors are well known, as are methods for generating
`
`contextual parametric data such as air quality, sound level/quality, ambient temperature and global
`
`positioning.
`
`s
`
`Fig. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of sensor device 10. Sensor device 10 includes
`
`at least one sensor 12 and microprocessor 20. Depending upon the nature of the signal generated by
`
`sensor 12, the signal can be sent through one or more of amplifier 14, conditioning circuit 16, and
`
`analog-to-digital converter 18, before being sent to microprocessor 20. For example, where sensor
`
`12 generates an analog signal in need of amplification and filtering, that signal can be sent to
`
`10
`
`amplifier 14, and then on to conditioning circuit 16, which may, for example, be a band pass filter.
`
`The amplified and conditioned analog signal can then be transferred to analog-to-digital converter
`
`18, where it is converted to a digital signal. The digital signal is then sent to microprocessor 20.
`
`Alternatively, if sensor 12 generates a digital signal, that signal can be sent directly to
`
`microprocessor 20.
`
`15
`
`A digital signal or signals representing certain physiological and/or contextual characteristics
`
`of the individual user may be used by microprocessor 20 to calculate or generate data indicative of
`
`physiological and/or contextual parameters of the individual user. Microprocessor 20 is
`
`programmed to derive information relating to at lease one aspect of the individual's physiological
`
`state. It should be understood that microprocessor 20 may also comprise other forms of processors
`
`20
`
`or processing devices, such as a microcontroller, or any other device that can be programmed to
`
`perform the functionality described herein.
`
`The data indicative of physiological and/or contextual parameters can, according to one
`
`embodiment of the present invention, be sent to memory 22, such as flash memory, where it is stored
`
`11
`
`12 of 616
`
`

`
`until uploaded in the manner to be described below. Although memory 22 is shown in Fig. 2 as a
`
`discrete element, it will be appreciated that it may also be part of microprocessor 20. Sensor device
`
`10 also includes input/output circuitry 24, which is adapted to output and receive as input certain
`
`data signals in the manners to be described herein. Thus, memory 22 of the sensor device 10 will
`
`5
`
`build up, over time, a store of data relating to the individual user' s body and/or environment. That
`
`data is periodically uploaded from sensor device 10 and sent to remote central monitoring unit 30, as
`
`shown in Fig. 1, where it is stored in a database for subsequent processing and presentation to the
`
`user, preferably through a local or global electronic network such as the Internet. This uploading of
`
`data can be an automatic process that is initiated by sensor device I 0 periodically or upon the
`
`I 0
`
`happening of an event such as the detection by sensor device 10 of a heart rate below a certain level,
`
`or can be initiated by the individual user or some third party authorized by the user, preferably
`
`according to some periodic schedule, such as every day at 10:00 p.m. Alternatively, rather than
`
`storing data in memory 22, sensor device 10 may continuously upload data in real time.
`
`The uploading of data from sensor device I 0 to central monitoring unit 30 for storage can be
`
`15
`
`accomplished in various ways. In one embodiment, the data collected by sensor device I 0 is
`
`uploaded by first transferring the data to personal computer 35 shown in Fig. I by means of physical
`
`connection 40, which, for example, may be a serial connection such as an RS232 or USB port. This
`
`physical connection may also be accomplished by using a cradle, not shown, that is electronically
`
`coupled to personal computer 35 into which sensor device IO can be inserted, as is common with
`
`20 many commercially available personal digital assistants. The uploading of data could be initiated by
`
`then pressing a button on the cradle or could be initiated automatically upon insertion of sensor
`
`device I 0. The data collected by sensor device 10 may be uploaded by first transferring the data to
`
`12
`
`13 of 616
`
`

`
`personal computer 35 by means of short-range wireless transmission, such as infrared or RF
`
`transmission, as indicated at 45.
`
`Once the data is received by personal computer 35, it is optionally compressed and encrypted
`
`by any one of a variety of well known methods and then sent out over a local or global electronic
`
`5
`
`network, preferably the Internet, to central monitoring unit 30. It should be noted that personal
`
`computer 35 can be replaced by any computing device that has access to and that can transmit and
`
`receive data through the electronic network, such as, for example, a personal digital assistant such as
`
`the Palm VII sold by Palm, Inc., or the Blackberry 2-way pager sold by Research in Motion, Inc.
`
`Alternatively, the data collected by sensor device I 0, after being encrypted and, optionally,
`
`10
`
`compressed by microprocessor 20, may be transferred to wireless device 50, such as a 2-way pager
`
`or cellular phone, for subsequent long distance wireless transmission to local telco site 55 using a
`
`wireless protocol such as e-mail or as ASCII or binary data. Local telco site 55 includes tower 60
`
`that receives the wireless transmission from wireless device 50 and computer 65 connected to tower
`
`60. According to the preferred embodiment, computer 65 has access to the relevant electronic
`
`15
`
`network, such as the Internet, and is used to transmit the data received in the form of the wireless
`
`transmission to the central monitoring unit 30 over the Internet. Although wireless device 50 is
`
`shown in Fig. I as a discrete device coupled to sensor device 10, it or a device having the same or
`
`similar functionality may be embedded as part of sensor device I 0.
`
`Sensor device 10 may be provided with a button to be used to time stamp events such as time
`
`20
`
`to bed, wake time, and time of meals. These time stamps are stored in sensor device 10 and are
`
`uploaded to central monitoring unit 30 with the rest of the data as described above. The time stamps
`
`may include a digitally recorded voice message that, after being uploaded to central monitoring unit
`
`13
`
`14 of 616
`
`

`
`30, are translated using voice recognition technology into text or some other information format that
`
`can be used by central monitoring unit 30.
`
`In addition to using sensor device I 0 to automatically collect physiological data relating to an
`
`individual user, a kiosk could be adapted to collect such data by, for example, weighing the
`
`5
`
`individual, providing a sensing device similar to sensor device I 0 on which an individual places his
`
`or her hand or another part of his or her body, or by scanning the individual's body using, for
`
`example, laser technology or an iS tat blood analyzer. The kiosk would be provided with processing
`
`capability as described herein and access to the relevant electronic network, and would thus be
`
`adapted to send the collected data to the central monitoring unit 30 through the electronic network.
`
`10 A desktop sensing device, again similar to sensor device I 0, on which an individual places his or her
`
`hand or another part of his or her body may also be provided. For example, such a desktop sensing
`
`device could be a blood pressure monitor in which an individual places his or her arm. An
`
`individual might also wear a ring having a sensor device I 0 incorporated therein. A base, not
`
`shown, could then be provided which is adapted to be coupled to the ring. The desktop sensing
`
`15
`
`device or the base just described may then be coupled to a computer such as personal computer 35
`
`by means of a physical or short range wireless connection so that the collected data could be
`
`uploaded to central monitoring unit 30 over the relative electronic network in the manner described
`
`above. A mobile device such as, for example, a personal digital assistant, might also be provided
`
`with a sensor device I 0 incorporated therein. Such a sensor device 10 would be adapted to collect
`
`20
`
`data when mobile device is placed in proximity with the individual's body, such as by holding the
`
`device in the palm of one's hand, and upload the collected data to central monitoring unit 30 in any
`
`of the ways described herein.
`
`14
`
`15 of 616
`
`

`
`Furthennore, in addition to collecting data by automatically sensing such data in the manners
`
`described above, individuals can also manually provide data relating to various life activities that is
`
`ultimately transferred to and stored at central monitoring unit 30. An individual user can access a
`
`web site maintained by central monitoring unit 30 and can directly input infonnation relating to life
`
`5
`
`activities by entering text freely, by responding to questions posed by the web site, or by clicking
`
`through dialog boxes provided by the web site. Central monitoring unit 30 can also be adapted to
`
`periodically send electronic mail messages containing questions designed to elicit infonnation
`
`relating to life activities to personal computer 35 or to some other device that can receive electronic
`
`mail, such as a personal digital assistant, a pager, or a cellular phone. The individual would then
`
`10
`
`provide data relating to life activities to central monitoring unit 30 by responding to the appropriate
`
`electronic mail message with the relevant data. Central monitoring unit 30 may also be adapted to
`
`place a telephone call to an individual user in which certain questions would be posed to the
`
`individual user. The user could respond to the questions by entering infonnation using a telephone
`
`keypad, or by voice, in which case conventional voice recognition technology would be used by
`
`15
`
`central monitoring unit 30 to receive and process the response. The telephone call may also be
`
`initiated by the user, in which case the user could speak to a person directly or enter infonnation
`
`using the keypad or by voice/voice recognition technology. Central monitoring unit 30 may also be
`
`given access to a source of infonnation controlled by the user, for example the user' s electronic
`
`calendar such as that provided with the Outlook product sold by Microsoft Corporation of Redmond,
`
`20 Washington, from which it could automatically collect infonnation. The data relating to life
`
`activities may relate to the eating, sleep, exercise, mind centering or relaxation, and/or daily living
`
`habits, patterns and/or activities of the individual. Thus, sample questions may include: What did
`
`15
`
`16 of 616
`
`

`
`you have for lunch today? What time did you go to sleep last night? What time did you wake up
`
`this morning? How long did you run on the treadmill today?
`
`Feedback may also be provided to a user directly through sensor device I 0 in a visual form,
`
`for example through an LED or LCD or by constructing sensor device I 0, at least in part, of a
`
`5
`
`thermochromatic plastic, in the form of an acoustic signal or in the form of tactile feedback such as
`
`vibration. Such feedback may be a reminder or an alert to eat a meal or take medication or a
`
`supplement such as a vitamin, to engage in an activity such as exercise or meditation, or to drink
`
`water when a state of dehydration is detected. Additionally, a reminder or alert can be issued in the
`
`event that a particular physiological parameter such as ovulation has been detected, a level of
`
`10
`
`calories burned during a workout has been achieved or a high heart rate or respiration rate has been
`
`encountered.
`
`As will be apparent to those of skill in the art, it may