peT
`INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)
`WO 97/49077
`
`WORLD INTELLECTIJAL PROPERTY ORGANIZA 110N
`International Bureau
`
`(51) International Patent Classification 6 :
`G08C 17102, H04M IVOO, A61B 5100
`
`(11) International Publication Number:
`
`Al
`
`(43) International Publication Date:
`
`24 December 1997 (24.12.97)
`
`(21) International Application Number:
`
`PCf/FI97/00378
`
`(22) International Filing Date:
`
`16 June 1997 (16.06.97)
`
`(30) Priority Data:
`U960362
`
`17 June 1996 (17.06.96)
`
`FI
`
`(71) Applicant (jor all designated States except US): NOKIA
`MOBILE PHONES LTD. [FIlFI]; Keilalahdentie 4, FIN-
`02150 Espoo (PI).
`
`(81) Designated States: AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR,
`BY, CA, CH, CN, CU, CZ, DE, OK, EE, ES, FI, GB, GE,
`HU, IL, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, L T,
`LU, LV, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT,
`RO, RU, SO, SE, SG, SI, SK, TJ, TM, TR, TT, UA, UG,
`US, UZ, VN, ARIPO patent (GH, KE, LS, MW, SD, Sz,
`UG, ZW), Eurasian patent (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD,
`RU, TI, TM), European patent (AT, BE, CH, DE, OK, ES,
`Fl, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OAPI patent
`(BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD,
`TG).
`
`(72) Inventors; and
`(75) Inventors/Applicants (for us only): KUUSELA, Tom (FIIFI];
`Vlistarilkinpolku 4 A 9, FIN-20610 Turku (FI). KAlLA,
`Timo [FIIFI]; Sirkkalankatu 24 as 52, FIN-20700 Turku (FI).
`
`Published
`With international search report.
`In English translation (filed in Finnish).
`
`(74) Agent: JOHANSSON, Folke; Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd., P.O.
`Box 100, FIN-00045 Nokia Group (FI).
`
`(54) Title: AN ADD-ON UNIT FOR CONNECTING TO A MOBILE STATION AND A MOBILE STATION
`
`(57) Abstract
`
`The present invention relates to an auxiliary unit (20), to be coupled
`to a mobile station (10), which comprises a basic element (21) containing
`components necessary for data transmission, analyses and storage, as well
`as a sensor element (22) containing a sensor suitable for the non-invasive
`measuring of a person's bodily functions and the special electronics
`required by the sensor. This means that different kinds of non-invasive
`measurements, such as ECG, EEG, EMG, blood pressure and respiratory
`flow, can be taken by changing the mere sensor element (22).
`
`10
`
`13
`
`12
`
`15
`25
`24
`
`23
`
`+1
`
`21
`
`I ::: ::
`
`"H 22 a .. ,...... . .. ~
`
`11
`
`16
`
`20
`
`Sierra Wireless America, Inc., Sierra Wireless, Inc. and RPX Corp. Exh. 1128 p. 1
`
`

`
`Codes used to identify States party to the PCT on the front pages of pamphlets publishing international applications under the PCT.
`
`FOR THE PURPOSES OF INFORMATION ONLY
`
`AL
`AM
`AT
`AU
`AZ
`BA
`BB
`BE
`BF
`BG
`BJ
`BR
`BY
`CA
`CF
`CG
`cn
`CI
`CM
`CN
`CU
`CZ
`DE
`DK
`EE
`
`Albania
`Annenia
`Austria
`Australia
`Azerbaijan
`Bosnia and Herzegovina
`Barbados
`Belgium
`Burkina Faso
`Bulgaria
`Benin
`Brazil
`Belarus
`Canada
`Central African Republic
`Congo
`Switzerland
`COte d'ivoire
`Cameroon
`China
`Cuba
`Czech Republic
`Gennany
`Denmark
`Estonia
`
`ES
`FI
`FR
`GA
`GB
`GE
`Gil
`GN
`GR
`nu
`IE
`IL
`IS
`IT
`JP
`KE
`KG
`KP
`
`KR
`KZ
`LC
`LI
`LK
`LR
`
`Spain
`Finland
`France
`Gabon
`United Kingdom
`Georgia
`Ghana
`Guinea
`Greece
`Hungary
`Ireland
`Israel
`Iceland
`Italy
`Japan
`Kenya
`Kyrgyzstan
`Democratic People's
`Republic of Korea
`Republic of Korea
`Kazakstan
`Saint Lucia
`Liechtenstein
`Sri Lanka
`Liberia
`
`LS
`LT
`LV
`LV
`MC
`MD
`MG
`MK
`
`ML
`MN
`MR
`MW
`MX
`NE
`NL
`NO
`NZ
`PL
`PT
`RO
`RU
`SD
`SE
`SG
`
`Lesotho
`Lithuania
`Luxembourg
`Latvia
`Monaco
`Republic of Moldova
`Madagascar
`The fonner Yugoslav
`Republic of Macedonia
`Mali
`Mongolia
`Mauritania
`Malawi
`Me~ico
`Niger
`Netherlands
`Norway
`New Zealand
`Poland
`Portugal
`Romania
`Russian Federation
`Sudan
`Sweden
`Singapore
`
`SI
`SK
`SN
`SZ
`TD
`TG
`TJ
`TM
`TR
`TT
`UA
`UG
`US
`UZ
`VN
`YU
`ZW
`
`Slovenia
`Slovakia
`Senegal
`Swaziland
`Chad
`Togo
`Tajikistan
`Turkmenistan
`Turkey
`Trinidad and Tobago
`Ukraine
`Uganda
`United States of America
`Uzbekistan
`Viet Nam
`Yugoslavia
`Zimbabwe
`
`Sierra Wireless America, Inc., Sierra Wireless, Inc. and RPX Corp. Exh. 1128 p. 2
`
`

`
`W097/49077
`
`PCTIFI97/00378
`
`AN ADD-ON UNIT FOR CONNECTING TO A MOBILE STATION AND A MOBILE
`
`STATION
`The present invention relates to an auxiliary unit, to be coupled to a mobile
`
`station, and the mobile station.
`
`5
`
`Information on patients' bodily functions has already previously been sent by
`
`phone from a measuring point to a nursing unit. International Patent Publication
`
`WO 94/01039 describes the transmission of a patient's ECG at a digital radio
`
`frequency from a measuring point (patient) to a nursing centre. The publication
`
`10
`
`describes a new type of sensor for recording the ECG.
`
`Digital mobile stations, such as portable GSM mobile phones, provide entirely new
`
`opportunities to control remotely patients' different kinds of bodily functions. The
`
`technical problem has been that the follow-up of different kinds of bodily functions
`
`15
`
`requires several different types of auxiliary devices to be coupled to a transmitter,
`
`which mostly carry the same electronics but have different kinds of sensors, of
`
`course.
`
`An auxiliary device, to be coupled to a mobile station, has now been invented, the
`
`20
`
`device having a separate sensor element, which is replaced according to the
`
`bodily function measured at a given moment.
`
`Thus, the object of the invention is an auxiliary unit intended to be coupled to a
`
`digital wireless telephone. This auxiliary unit comprises a basic element, which
`
`25
`
`contains the components necessary for data transmission, analyses and storage.
`
`The auxiliary unit also comprises a sensor element, which contains a sensor
`
`suitable for the non-invasive follow-up of a person's bodily functions, as well as
`
`the special electronics required by this sensor.
`
`30
`
`The auxiliary unit, according to the invention, is characterised in that it comprises
`
`a basic element, which contains components necessary for data transmission,
`
`Sierra Wireless America, Inc., Sierra Wireless, Inc. and RPX Corp. Exh. 1128 p. 3
`
`

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`W097/49077
`
`2
`
`PCTIF197/00378
`
`analyses and storage, and a sensor element, which contains a sensor suitable for
`
`non-invasive measurement of a person's bodily functions, as well as special
`
`electronics required by the sensor. The mobile station, according to the invention,
`
`is characterised in that it comprises components necessary for data transmission
`
`5
`
`of a non-invasive measurement, analyses and storage, a sensor element, to be
`
`coupled thereto detachably, which contains a sensor suitable for non-invasive
`
`measurement of a person's bodily functions, as well as special electronics
`
`required by this sensor.
`
`10
`
`The invention will be discussed below in detail by referring to the enclosed
`
`drawings, of which
`
`Figure 1
`
`illustrates the assembly of equipment according to the invention,
`
`Figure 2
`
`illustrates the implementation of a basic unit as a block diagram,
`
`15
`
`Figure 3
`
`illustrates a sensor unit intended for the recording of the ECG, EEG
`
`and EMG,
`
`Figure 4
`
`illustrates a sensor unit intended for the measuring of a blood
`
`pressure,
`
`and
`
`Figure 5
`
`illustrates a sensor unit intended for the measuring of respiration.
`
`20
`
`Figure 1 illustrates the different elements of the inventions; a mobile station, such
`
`as a mobile station 10, whereto an auxiliary unit 20 according to the invention can
`
`be coupled, which in turn comprises at least two elements, i.e., a basic element
`
`(basic unit) 21 and a sensor element (sensor unit) 22, which can be easily
`
`25
`
`replaced according to the function measured or several of them can be connected
`
`in sequence.
`
`The basic unit 21 and the sensor unit 22 are coupled to the mobile station 10, e.g.,
`
`to a digital GSM mobile phone utilising a data connection 12 included therein. If
`
`30
`
`necessary, several sensor units 22 can be connected to the basic unit 21 in a pile,
`
`Sierra Wireless America, Inc., Sierra Wireless, Inc. and RPX Corp. Exh. 1128 p. 4
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`

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`W097/49077
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`3
`
`PCTIFI97/00378
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`as illustrated in Figure 1, by equipping the sensor units 22 with the same kind of
`
`connection as the basic unit 21.
`
`The function of the basic unit 21 is to launch the measuring of the required bodily
`
`5
`
`functions, to carry out the digitising of the measuring signals, to store the
`
`measuring results in a memory and, if necessary, to transmit these results, by
`
`mobile phone, to a nursing unit in the required form. If necessary, the basic unit 21
`
`directs the user with the help of a display 13 of the phone and receives the user's
`
`commands through a keyboard 14 of the phone. The basic unit also produces the
`
`10
`
`operating voltages required by the sensor units either from the power supply
`
`(battery) of the mobile phone or from a separate power supply unit 11, which can
`
`be coupled to the basic unit.
`
`The sensor units 22 contain the measuring units, the couplings included, relating
`
`15
`
`to each bodily function, as well as the necessary measuring and control
`
`electronics so that the unit could produce, for the basic unit 21, an initial analogue
`
`voltage proportional to the measuring quantity. The sensor units 22 also contain
`
`an internal analogue and digital combination bus 23 by means of which the control
`
`and measuring signals of the units, located farther down in the sensor unit pile,
`
`20
`
`are transmitted to the basic unit. The operating voltages, required by the sensor
`
`units, which are produced, e.g., in the basic unit, are also transmitted through this
`
`bus 23. The sensor units 22 have been implemented so that the basic unit 21 is
`
`automatically capable of recognising which sensor units have been coupled
`
`thereto. Recognition can be carried out on the basis of a signal received from the
`
`25
`
`sensor unit or, e.g., so that a bus connector 23 comprises several connectors,
`
`whereupon a different sensor unit produces a signal for a different connector. An
`
`output connector 23 of the bus is connected to an input connector 26. The
`
`connection of the bus 23 to the mobile phone is established through a basic unit
`
`15 and the phone's data connection 12.
`
`30
`
`Sierra Wireless America, Inc., Sierra Wireless, Inc. and RPX Corp. Exh. 1128 p. 5
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`

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`W097/49077
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`PCTIFI97/00378
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`If necessary, the sensor unit pile and the basic unit can also be used without the
`
`mobile phone 10 which, in this case, can be replaced by a power supply unit 11 to
`
`be connected to the basic unit. This unit can be a battery packet made using a
`
`similar technique than in the mobile phone. Thus, in this case, the power supply
`
`5
`
`unit 11 can also be a battery, coupled to the mobile phone, to be connected to the
`
`battery space of the mobile phone through a connector 16. The basic unit,
`
`according to the present invention, can also be integrated as part of the battery
`
`11, to be coupled to the mobile phone, so that the basic unit's electronics and
`
`battery cells are within the same case. Thus, this kind of integrated auxiliary unit
`
`10
`
`can be used independently or coupled to the mobile phone, whereupon the
`
`battery 11 feeds energy to both the mobile phone 10 and the basic unit 21, as well
`
`as to the sensor units 22 coupled thereto. In this case, data are preferably
`
`transmitted between the mobile phone and the basic unit through the connectors
`
`located within the mobile phone's battery space.
`
`15
`
`The advantage of the structure is that the use of different kinds of sensors does
`
`not require several different kinds of versions of the complicated basic element.
`
`The basic element 21 contains appropriately analog/digital converters, a
`
`microprocessor for controlling the operations, as well as a memory for storing the
`
`20
`
`data. The memory is preferably non-volatile. The microprocessor is responsible for
`
`the measuring protocols, the analysing of the results and the data traffic to the
`
`telephone. The basic element can also contain a subscriber identity module (SIM),
`
`wherein the user's patient information, the nursing unit's identifiers, etc. have been
`
`stored.
`
`25
`
`In addition to the sensor itself,
`
`the sensor element 22 also contains the cables
`
`belonging thereto and, appropriately, also the differential amplifiers and filters for
`
`the signal of the measured bodily function.
`
`30
`
`Below we will discuss, by way of example, the implementation of the basic unit
`
`and different kinds of sensor units by referring to Figures 2 - 5.
`
`Sierra Wireless America, Inc., Sierra Wireless, Inc. and RPX Corp. Exh. 1128 p. 6
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`

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`W097/49077
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`5
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`PCTIFI97/00378
`
`Figure 2 illustrates, in the form of a block diagram, the implementation of the basic
`
`unit presented above. The unit has, as a central component, a microprocessor
`
`210 which controls the operation of an auxiliary unit, according to the invention,
`
`5
`
`and the function of which is to provide for the measuring protocols, the analysing
`
`of the results and the data traffic to the mobile phone. The non-volatile memory is
`
`preferably an EEPROM circuit 211, which contains the microprocessor's program
`
`for carrying out the different operations, as well as possible calibration tables for
`
`the sensors. The memory 211
`
`is also used for longer-term storage of the
`
`10 measuring results. Typically, the capacity of the EEPROM circuit is several dozen
`
`kilobytes. In addition, a RAM circuit 212 is used as a memory, the RAM circuit
`
`being used for operations required by the program, as well as for temporarily
`
`storing the measuring results and the result of the analyses normally while the
`
`microprocessor is performing a program retrieved from the memory 211.
`
`15
`
`A subscriber identity module (SIM) 214, used in GSM telephones, is preferably
`
`coupled to the mobile phone 10. In Figure 2, it has been presented as part of the
`
`basic unit in order to illustrate its utilisation for an auxiliary unit, according to the
`
`invention, whereupon the SIM 214 can contain the patient's identity information,
`
`20
`
`the identifiers of the nursing unit, the limit and emergency values relating to
`
`different bodily functions, etc. In this case, these data are transmitted to the basic
`
`unit through the mobile phone's data connection 12. Alternatively, the basic unit
`
`contains a separate, replaceable intelligent card 214 of its own, which is, e.g., of
`
`the size of a small subscriber identity module and wherein the above-mentioned
`
`25
`
`data are stored.
`
`For connecting the basic unit to the mobile phone, the basic unit has a mobile
`
`phone connection block 214, which provides for the electric adaptation of the
`
`signals and the data between the phone and the basic unit. Hence, the connection
`
`30
`
`block 214 can be implemented in the same way as the data cards known in
`
`connection with the mobile phone, which carry out the adaptation of the data. An
`
`Sierra Wireless America, Inc., Sierra Wireless, Inc. and RPX Corp. Exh. 1128 p. 7
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`

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`W097/49077
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`6
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`PCT1F197/00378
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`operating voltage generating element 215, illustrated in Figure 2, produces from
`
`the output voltage, provided by the mobile phone or the separate power supply
`
`unit 11, the operating voltages required by the sensor units, e.g., according to the
`
`switch made power supply principle. This unit also provides for the sensor
`
`5
`
`elements' power consumption automation. An analog-digital converter block 216
`
`converts the analogue voltages, coming from the sensor units, into a digital form.
`
`The converter 216 is, e.g., a 12-bit converter and its conversion speed is 200 -
`
`500 samples a second. The connection between the bus 23 and the basic units'
`
`other components is implemented by means of an analogue multiplexer 217 which
`
`10
`
`selects, controlled by the microprocessor, the signal of the sensor unit which
`
`should be digitised at a given moment. The connection between and the
`
`combination of the multiplexer 217 and the AD converter 216 is so fast that it is
`
`possible to serve several sensor units 22 simultaneously.
`
`15
`
`In addition to the microprocessor 210, the basic unit may contain a separate
`
`control unit 218, which provides for the control signals of the sensor units that
`
`need to be controlled by the processor during measuring. Alternatively, this
`
`operation can be carried out directly under the control of the microprocessor.
`
`20
`
`The basic unit has a push button 24 as a simple user interface UI. By pressing the
`
`button, the user of the device can inform of the commencement or termination of
`
`measuring. In addition, the unit has a multicoloured signal light 25, which informs
`
`the user whether the equipment is in working order, whether the sensors have
`
`been correctly connected and whether the Signal coming from the sensor unit is
`
`25
`
`appropriate. In addition, by means of the signal light 25, it is also possible to
`
`inform of the measuring session's time of termination. The push button and the
`
`signal light together enable the device to be used without a mobile phone. If a
`
`mobile phone has been coupled to the equipment, it is possible to carry out the
`
`corresponding operations by means of a keyboard 13 and a display 14.
`
`30
`
`Sierra Wireless America, Inc., Sierra Wireless, Inc. and RPX Corp. Exh. 1128 p. 8
`
`

`
`WO 97/49077
`
`7
`
`PCT/FI97/o0378
`
`In
`
`the
`
`following, we will discuss, by way of example,
`
`three different
`
`implementations of a sensor unit suitable for the non-invasive measuring of a
`
`biosignal.
`
`5
`
`Figure 3 illustrates a sensor unit suitable for recording an electrocardiogram
`
`(EGG), an electroencephalogram (EEG) and an electromyogram (EMG). The
`
`recording of these three electrograms is similar, in principle, because all of them
`
`measure small potential differences between electrodes placed on the skin
`
`(typically, in the case of an EGG, hundreds of microvolts, whereas in the case of
`
`10
`
`an EEG or EMG, microvolts or dozens of microvolts). There are differences in the
`
`structure of the skin sensors, in the amplification required by the signals, as well
`
`as in the frequency filtering. Figure 3 illustrates one possible typical connection,
`
`when using three sensors 31 - 33 to produce a single output voltage. The aim is to
`
`produce from the measuring signals, by means of differential amplifiers 34 - 36, as
`
`15
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`reliable a common reference potential as possible, against which one or more
`
`measuring signals are measured. The bus structure between the sensor units and
`
`the basic unit also allows multichannel measuring if necessary. A low-pass filter
`
`37,
`
`included
`
`in
`
`the unit, removes,
`
`from the measuring signals,
`
`the high
`
`(interference) components hindering the analog-digital conversion, after which the
`
`20
`
`Signal is lead from the sensor unit output to the basic unit.
`
`As for the EGG, the software of the basic unit includes the detection of a
`
`characteristic tension pulse (so-called QRS complex) produced by the heart beat
`
`and, through it, the computation of the average pulse density, which is carried out
`
`25
`
`by means of the microprocessor 210.
`
`In addition, some clear functional
`
`disturbances of the cardiac muscle can be deduced from the shape of the pulse in
`
`question, of which the device can inform the user. A momentary heart rate and the
`
`original EGG Signal (sampling speed 200 samples a second, resolution 12 bits)
`
`are stored in the memory 211. A typical measuring period lasts for a few minutes.
`
`30
`
`In long-term registration (e.g., 24 hours), only a momentary heart rate is stored.
`
`Sierra Wireless America, Inc., Sierra Wireless, Inc. and RPX Corp. Exh. 1128 p. 9
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`W097149077
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`PCTIFI97100378
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`Figure 4 illustrates a sensor unit suitable for measuring a blood pressure. In this
`
`sensor structure, a continuous blood pressure is measured from a person's finger
`
`41. The equipment consists of an infrared transmitter-receiver pair 42a, 42b, by
`
`means of which the blood amount in the finger is measured and, through it, the
`
`5
`
`blood pressure in the finger, as well as of a pneumatically operated finger sleeve
`
`43. The aim is to continuously produce in the sleeve 43, by means of an air pump
`
`44, a pressure which precisely compensates for the variation of pressure caused
`
`by the circulation. In this situation, the intensity of the IR radiation penetrating the
`
`finger remains stable. In this case, a control voltage 46 of an adjusting valve 45,
`
`10
`
`included in the system, is directly proportional to the blood pressure. To ensure
`
`that the scope of dynamics of the adjustment would be as wide as possible, in
`
`addition to a signal 47 of the IR detector 42b, the magnitude of the adjustment of
`
`the valve 45 is also established on the basis of a pressure signal 49 of the sleeve.
`
`For this purpose, the equipment also includes a pressure sensor 48 which
`
`15 measures the pressure of the sleeve.
`
`The function of the basic unit's software, relating to blood pressure, is to adjust
`
`before the actual measuring begins the basic pressure of the sleeve so that the
`
`required scope of dynamics is reached. After this, the software should detect the
`
`20 minimum and maximum value (i.e., so-called diastolic and systolic blood pressure)
`
`of the blood pressure pulse relating to each heart beat and compute the actual
`
`pressure values on the basis of the calibration values. The activities of the
`
`softwares (stored in the EEPROM memory 211) are carried out by means of the
`
`microprocessor 210. The pressure values are transmitted from the sensor output
`
`25
`
`to the basic unit as a voltage. If the equipment also contains an ECG unit, it is
`
`possible to combine the two acts of measuring, whereupon detection becomes
`
`easier.
`
`Figure 5 illustrates a sensor unit suitable for measuring respiration. The function of
`
`30
`
`the unit is to measure the flow of a person's inhalation and exhalation. This is
`
`done by blowing into a straight pipe 50 that has a coarse-meshed net 51 installed
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`Sierra Wireless America, Inc., Sierra Wireless, Inc. and RPX Corp. Exh. 1128 p. 10
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`

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`W097149077
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`PCTIFI97/00378
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`at its other end. While the air flows through the net either over-pressure
`
`(exhalation) or under-pressure (inhalation) is produced in relation to the outside air
`
`pressure. This pressure differential is proportional to the flow. The pressure
`
`differential is measured using a capacitive pressure differential sensor 52. The
`
`5
`
`capacitance in question is part of a voltage controlled oscillator (VeO) 53. When
`
`the pressure changes, the capacitance in question also changes, whereupon the
`
`frequency of the oscillator changes. The output signal of the oscillator has been
`
`connected to a frequency-voltage converter 54 from the output of which a voltage
`
`signal, directly proportional to the frequency, is obtained. This control voltage has
`
`10
`
`been connected through a possible frequency changing multiplier 55 to a control
`
`input determining the frequency of the veo. The final result is that the control
`
`voltage automatically settles at such a value that the frequency of the oscillator
`
`remains stable although the capacitance of the pressure differential sensor
`
`changes. A control voltage 56, produced by the converter, which is lead to the
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`15
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`basic unit as the sensor unit's input is, thus, proportional to the pressure
`
`differential and, through it, to the respiratory flow.
`
`Because the measuring of the flow presented above is rather non-linear, the
`
`software of the basic unit must correct the measuring result to genuine flow
`
`20
`
`readings using, e.g., a calibration table. After this, the flow signal is integrated over
`
`time, whereupon the momentary air volume of the lungs is obtained. Both the flow
`
`and volume Signal can be stored for further analyses. In addition, the maximum
`
`inhalation and exhalation flow can be computed on the basis of the flow signal
`
`(so-called PEF and PIF measuring). These corrections,
`
`integrations and
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`25
`
`computations are carried out by means of the microprocessor 210.
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`Other possible quantities describing bodily
`
`functions can be, e.g., body
`
`temperature (with a thermoelement, etc.), oxygen content of the blood (the
`
`absorption of oxidised and inoxidised blood is measured from the auricle using
`
`30
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`two characteristic wavelengths of visible light and their quotient is computed),
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`blood sugar level, heart and breath sounds (using a sensitive microphone).
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`Sierra Wireless America, Inc., Sierra Wireless, Inc. and RPX Corp. Exh. 1128 p. 11
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`The equipment 20 has two measuring modes which can be used for different
`
`kinds of measuring needs:
`
`(a) A biosignal is measured for one minute or longer, and the entire measuring
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`5
`
`series, the possible results of the analyses included, is stored in the basic unit's
`
`non-volatile memory 211. These signals include, e.g., ECG, EEG, EMG, blood
`
`pressure and respiratory flow.
`
`(b) The quantity is measured only for as long as it is necessary to obtain a reliable
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`10
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`value. These include, e.g., momentary blood pressure, PEF/PIF, blood oxygen
`
`concentration, blood sugar concentration, temperature.
`
`In this case,
`
`it is a
`
`question of long-term follow-up (e.g., 24 hours). Only these individual values are
`
`stored in the memory 211 or 212.
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`15
`
`The basic unit, according to the invention, can have, e.g., four different basic
`
`operating modes according to which the data, stored in the memory 211 or 212,
`
`can be processed in four different ways:
`
`(1) After measuring, the user is presented, e.g., on the display 13 of the mobile
`
`20
`
`phone, simple statistical results computed on the basis of the signal, such as the
`
`average pulse density and variability, the average systolic and diastolic blood
`
`pressure or the maximum inhalation/exhalation flow, as well as the possible
`
`notices of exceeded limit values or other abnormalities observed. After this, the
`
`material can be deleted from the memory. If necessary, the patient may contact
`
`25
`
`the phYSician attending him by means of his mobile phone as normal.
`
`(2) The data, collected by means of either the measuring mode (a) or (b), and the
`
`results of the analyses are sent by the user to a health centre or a central hospital,
`
`to the physician attending him, in the form of graphic telefax output which also
`
`30
`
`contains the patient identifiers, etc. Thus, the physician can immediately visually
`
`study the behaviour of the vital function parameters and quickly give feedback to
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`Sierra Wireless America, Inc., Sierra Wireless, Inc. and RPX Corp. Exh. 1128 p. 12
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`the user. The method does not require any special equipment other than telefax
`
`equipment at the receiving end.
`
`(3) All the data are sent, through a mobile phone, to a nursing unit in the form of a
`
`5
`
`digital file. This provides an opportunity
`
`to make more complicated and
`
`fundamental analyses of the measuring signals particularly in connection with
`
`multichannel measurements. The method requires that the receiving end has
`
`appropriate computer hardware, telecommunication connections included. This is
`
`also well suited for a (first aid) physician who uses the equipment as part of the
`
`10
`
`initial treatment diagnostic devices.
`
`(4) The data, collected by means of either the measuring mode (a) or (b), are
`
`transferred to a nursing unit without the user of the equipment sending them. This
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`remote discharge method enables patients in poor health, in particular, to be
`
`15 watched over round-the-clock,
`
`if necessary, provided that the equipment is
`
`equipped with the possibility of starting a measuring session by telephone. Also in
`
`this alternative, it is important that the physician and the patient are able to
`
`communicate orally.
`
`20
`
`Individual measuring results can also be sent through a mobile phone in a short
`
`message which, in the GSM system, is known as a short message service (SMS).
`
`The invention can also be used for the non-invasive measuring of other bodily
`
`functions and for analysing and reporting the measuring results. This is done
`
`25
`
`simply by replacing the sensor element. By miniaturising the sensor mechanics,
`
`the basic unit and the sensor unit can be made sufficiently small and light. The
`
`basic unit can also be integrated as part of a mobile station, whereupon the
`
`sensor units are coupled directly to the mobile station.
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`30
`
`This paper presents the implementation and embodiments of the present invention
`
`with the help of examples. It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the
`
`Sierra Wireless America, Inc., Sierra Wireless, Inc. and RPX Corp. Exh. 1128 p. 13
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`present invention is not restricted to details of the embodiments presented above,
`
`and that the invention can also be implemented in another form without deviating
`
`from the characteristics of the invention. The embodiments presented above
`
`should be considered illustrative, but not restricting. Thus, the possibilities of
`
`5
`
`implementing and using the invention are only restricted by the enclosed claims.
`
`Consequently, the various options of implementing the invention as determined by
`
`the claims, including the equivalent implementations, also belong to the scope of
`
`the invention.
`
`Sierra Wireless America, Inc., Sierra Wireless, Inc. and RPX Corp. Exh. 1128 p. 14
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`W097/49077
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`Claims
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`13
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`PCTIFI97/00378
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`1. An auxiliary unit (20) to be coupled to a mobile station (10), characterised in
`
`that it comprises a basic element (21) containing components necessary for data
`
`5
`
`transmission, analyses and storage, as well as a sensor element (22) containing a
`
`sensor suitable for non-invasive measurement of a person's bodily functions and
`
`special electronics required by this sensor.
`
`2. An auxiliary unit according to claim 1, characterised in that the basic element
`
`10
`
`(21) and the sensor element (22) comprise means (23, 26) for connecting the
`
`sensor element to the basic element detachably.
`
`3. An auxiliary unit according to claim 1, characterised in that the sensor element
`
`comprises means (23) for connecting another sensor element thereto.
`
`15
`
`4. An auxiliary unit according to claim 1, characterised in that it has been
`
`integrated with a battery (11), to be coupled to a mobile station, comprising means
`
`(16) to be connected to a battery space of the mobile station.
`
`20
`
`5. An auxiliary unit according to claim 1, characterised in that the battery (11) has
`
`been arranged to feed energy to the auxiliary unit (20) and the mobile station (10)
`
`to be coupled thereto.
`
`6. An auxiliary unit according to claim 4, characterised in that the basic element
`
`25
`
`(21) comprises means (210, 211, 214) for receiving and storing a signal
`
`proportional to measuring and for producing the measuring data.
`
`7. An auxiliary unit according to claim 6, characterised in that the basic element
`
`(21) comprises means (210,214) for processing the measuring data into a form to
`
`30
`
`be transmitted through the mobile station (10).
`
`Sierra Wireless America, Inc., Sierra Wireless, Inc. and RPX Corp. Exh. 1128 p. 15
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`WO 97/49077
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`PCTIFI97100378
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`8. A mobile station comprising means for transmitting data, characterised in that
`
`it comprises components (21) necessary for non-invasive measuring data
`
`transmission, analyses and storage, as well as a sensor element (22), coupled to
`
`it detachably, which contains a sensor suitable for the non-invasive measuring of a
`
`5
`
`person's bodily functions and the special electronics required by this sensor.
`
`Sierra Wireless America, Inc., Sierra Wireless, Inc. and RPX Corp. Exh. 1128 p. 16
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`

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`WO 97/49077
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`PCTIFI97/00378
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`1/3
`
`Fig 1
`
`Sierra Wireless America, Inc., Sierra Wireless, Inc. and RPX Corp. Exh. 1128 p. 17
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`2/3
`
`23 .......... /
`
`i
`
`21
`............................................................. ..
`213
`
`217 216
`
`22
`
`AID
`
`J..l.p
`
`210
`214
`
`15
`
`ill
`
`215
`
`218
`
`: Power
`: supply
`25
`:
`.
`:·24······································· ············212····················:
`211
`
`Fig 2
`
`Sierra Wireless America, Inc., Sierra Wireless, Inc. and RPX Corp. Exh. 1128 p. 18
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`

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`W097149077
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`PCTIFI97100378
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`31 ~ ' \ - - . - - - l
`32
`
`33
`
`3/3
`
`Fig 3
`
`43
`
`45
`
`37
`
`Output
`
`47
`
`Output
`
`Fig 4
`
`50
`/ .7-' 51
`
`52
`
`53
`
`veo
`
`54
`
`56
`
`t----.--~ Output
`
`Fig 5
`
`Sierra Wireless America, Inc., Sierra Wireless, Inc. and RPX Corp. Exh. 1128 p. 19
`
`

`
`INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT
`
`International application No.
`PCT/FI 97/00378
`
`1
`
`A. CLASSIFICATION OF S