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`US 20(}5UD?5542A1
`
`(19) United States
`(12) Patent AppliC3ti0fl PllbHC3ti0Il
`Goldrcieh
`
`(10) Pub. No.: US 2005/0075542 A1
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Apt‘. 7, 2005
`
`(54) SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATIC
`MONITORING 01*" THE HEALTH OF A USER
`
`Publication CI{|§5ific}|ti0|1
`
`(76)
`
`Inventor: Rami Golclreich, Ila/Xyin (IS)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`gnéh::;'l?;_£;'i:Stl'rlna
`Suite 207
`mm
`Arhngmn’ VA 22202 (US)
`
`(21) AWL NM
`{22) PCT filed:
`
`lw433,623
`Dec 21, 2001
`
`{36} PCT No;
`
`pC'[y1L01_m1137
`
`Related U_S_Applica[ign D313
`
`{nit} Provisional application No. 60,958,042. filed on Dec.
`2?, 2000.
`
`100
`
`\
`
`Int. Cl.’ ..................................................... .. A618 5'00
`(51)
`(52) U.S. CI.
`............................................................ .. 600E300
`
`(57)
`ABSTRAC'l'
`A system and method for autornatically monitoring at least
`=
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`the system according to the present
`invention features at
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`ing the medical information in order to evaluate the health
`of the user. Such an evaluation is preferably performed by
`comparing medical information which has been obtained
`from a plurality of physiological measurements. Optionally
`and more preferably.
`the user is. alerted ii’ the evaluation
`detects a deterioration in at least one physiological function.
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`124
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`COMMUNICATION AND
` SERVICE
`STANDARD FUNCTION
`C ENTER DEVICE
`VISUALIZING UNIT
`
`
`001
`
`Apple Inc.
`APL1043
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`U.S. Patent No. 8,923,941
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`Apple Inc.
`APL1043
`U.S. Patent No. 8,923,941
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`Patent Application Publication Apr. 7, 2005 Sheet 2 of 3
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`US 2005/0075542 A1
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`/102
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`210
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`Patent Application Publication Apr. 7, 2005 Sheet 3 of 3
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`US 2005/0075542 A1
`
`102\
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`

`
`US 2005/0075542 A1
`
`Apr. 7, 2005
`
`SYSTEM AND M ITHOD FOR AUTOMATIC
`MONITORING OF THE HEALTH OF A USER
`
`FII:”.I..I) O1’ Tlll-:‘. INVEN'I'I()N
`
`invention relates to a method and
`[0001] The present
`system for automatically monitoring the health of a user
`with at least one measuring device, and in particular, to such
`a system and method in which the measurements are per-
`formed automatically without the intervention of the user.
`
`DI;'SCRlPTl()N 0|" Till.-I l3/\CKGROUND ART
`
`[0002] Many dilIerent types of diseases are preventable or
`at least treatable if early detection of one or more symptoms
`or aspect of the disease is possible. Such early detection is
`currently performed by requiring the subject
`to receive
`regular examinations by a doctor, such as an annual exami-
`nation for example. However, even annual examinations
`may not be sufficicntly frequent in order to detect early signs
`of disease, yet requiring more frequent examinations could
`result in reduced compliance of the subject and increased
`cost.
`
`[0003] One example of a disease for which more frequent
`monitoring could be useful is cardiac disease. Early detec-
`tion of symptoms ofcardiac disease, such as an increase in
`blood pressure, decrease in overall cardiac function, andlor
`development of a cardiac arrhythmia for example, could
`result in earlier and more elfective treatment.
`
`[0004] As is well known in the background art, monitoring
`a subject for one or more symptoms of heart disease is
`primarily based on the measurement of the vital signs of the
`subject, such as heart beat, the pattern of cardiac function
`such as arrhythmia, heart rate variability, ECG measure-
`ments, blood pressure, and optionally also body temperature
`and respiration parameters, at regular intervals. These mea-
`surement(s) are performed in order to ensure that the blood
`pressure level, heartbeat rate andtor other aspects of cardiac
`function remain within the normal area.
`
`I-Iowever, in the present health care system it is not
`[0005]
`possible for financial and practical reasons for a person
`specialized in treating heart disease to personally monitor
`continuously the health of a subject. Therefore, as previ-
`ously described, the subject must be examined periodically
`by medical personnel. However, periodic examinations may
`not be performed with suflicicnt frequency to detect a health
`problem artdfor deterioration in the function of the body of
`the subject, until such deterioration has already become
`pronounced. A more elfective type of examination would
`therefore allow the subject to perform at least some aspects
`of the examination outside of a medical environment, with-
`out direct assistance from medical personnel, for example at
`home.
`
`In order to perform such an examination at home,
`[0006]
`the subject would need to obtain one or more measurements.
`Currently,
`the subject needs to use a medical instrument,
`such as a manual or an automatic blood pressure inflating
`cuff device. Blood pressure measurements are usually per-
`formed by the home (non-medical) subject once a day. Such
`medical instruments are diflicult and awkward for the sub-
`
`the subject compliance may be
`ject to operate, such that
`reduced. Furthermore, the measurements can currently only
`be performed manually, such that the active intervention of
`
`is required. Thus, such measurements are not
`the user
`typically performed on a regular basis by individuals who
`are not known to be suffering from reduced cardiac function.
`
`[0007] On other hand, regular monitoring of one or more
`vital signs, for example on a daily or weekly schedule,
`without interfering with the normal habits of the subject
`andfor becoming a nuisance to the subject, is clearly helpful
`for monitoring the health condition of the subject and to alert
`the subject
`in case of deterioration in the health of the
`subject. From the health care system point of view, it is a
`method to filter the needed users from the rest of the healthy
`population, so they could receive medical treatment as soon
`as the symptoms are detected; saving hospitalization days by
`implementing preventive medication for those needed users.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0008] The background art does not teach or suggest a
`system or method for automatically monitoring the health of
`the user, without requiring active intervention by the user.
`Furthermore, the background art does not teach or suggest a
`mechanism for automatically monitoring at least one physi-
`ological function of the user. The background art also does
`not teach or suggest such a mechanism, which can be easily
`operated outside of the medical environment. Such a system
`or method would clearly be useful, as it would enable the
`health of the user to be monitored frequently,
`thereby
`enabling earlier detection of a deterioration in the health of
`the user, with the possibility of early treatment.
`
`[0009] The present invention overcomes these deficiencies
`of the background art by providing a system and method for
`automatically monitoring at least one physiological function
`of the user, without active intervention by the user,
`in a
`non-invasive manner. Such monitoring may be used to
`detect a deterioration in the health of the user. Preferably, the
`system according to the present invention features at least
`one physiological sensor for measuring at least one physi-
`ological parameter of the user, a local processing unit for
`extracting medical information by measuring at
`least one
`physiological
`function of the human body according to
`information obtained from the measurements, and a main
`server for processing the medical information in order to
`evaluate the health of the user. Such an evaluation is
`
`information.
`preferably performed by comparing medical
`which has been obtained from a plurality of physiological
`measurements. Optionally and more preferably, the user is
`alerted if the evaluation detects a deterioration in at least one
`
`physiological function.
`
`[0010] According to a preferred embodiment of the
`present invention, the physiological measurements andfor
`the obtained medical information are stored in a database.
`
`Optionally and more preferably, such stored data is provided
`to medical personnel who are treating the user, for example
`for more accurate diagnosis. Also optionally and more
`preferably, medical personnel receive an alert if a deterio-
`ration in one or more physiological functions is detected.
`
`[0011] Examples of physiological functions and medical
`information which may optionally be monitored by the
`present invention include, but are not limited to: heart rate,
`arrhythmia, heart rate variability, ECG, blood pressure, body
`temperature and respiration rate. As used herein, the term
`“physiological parameter” refers to a signal which is
`received from a sensor andfor medical instrument, while the
`
`005
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`US 2005/0075542 A1
`
`Apr. 7, 2005
`
`term "medical information" refers to the information which
`may be extracted or otherwise obtained by analyzing this
`signal andtor a combination of signals.
`
`[0012] One or more physiological sensors for monitoring
`the user according to the present invention may optionally
`be concealed in a device, which is normally used by the user
`as part of daily life. Such a device is preferably operated by
`the user for at least one function which is not related to
`
`monitoring a physiological function of the user. Examples of
`such devices include, but are not
`limited to, a watch.
`bracelet, cellular telephone, regular telephone connected to
`the PSTN (public switched telephone network), furniture
`such as a chair or bed for example, keyboard, computer
`mouse, computer mouse pad, and so forth. Therefore the
`measurements are performed without the requirement for
`direct action or intervention by the user, and hence with little
`or no interference with the user's daily life.
`
`the
`[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of
`present invention, the physiological sensor which performs
`the physiological measurement is preferably connected to a
`local data processing unit through a communication com-
`ponent. The communication component preferably features
`wireless transmission, although alternatively the connection
`may be wired,
`through a cable for example. The local
`processor is itself more preferably connected to a main
`server, optionally through a wireless communication link but
`alternatively through a wired communication link.
`
`[0014] The main server optionally and preferably features
`a database for storing the medical information andfor physi-
`ologica} measurements obtained from the local processor
`andfor the physiological sensor. The main server more
`preferably also features a software module for monitoring
`the user’s health by performing an algorithm to issue an alert
`whenever necessary. The algorithm operates on data stored
`in the database, preferably to create a user medical profile,
`which is optionally and more preferably based on the user’s
`medical history, medical information from external systems
`and on an average readings of physiological parameters,
`most preferably collected over an extended period of time,
`or at least collected repeatedly.
`
`implementation of the
`[0015] According to an optional
`present
`invention.
`the system further features a medical
`service center that can optionally and preferably initiate a
`medical examination in order to obtain "on-line" or “real
`
`time" measurements of physiological parameters regarding
`the user’s current medical status and to obtain an on-line
`report about recent andjor historical measurements. The
`med ical report can also optionally and preferably be initiated
`also by the user. on-line via the Internet or other network for
`example, or oil?-line by any other communication means.
`Periodical reports regarding the user’s measurements results
`are optionally and preferably sent to the user andtor to the
`medical service center.
`
`[0016] The expression "medical service center" refers in
`this connection to anyone who participates in the monitoring
`of the user and who needs to monitor the development of the
`user’s health. Therefore this person does not necessarily
`have to be at medical doctor, but should be qualilied to work
`in a medical service center.
`
`the
`[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of
`present invention, any signiftcantdeviation in measurements
`
`of a physiological parameter andlor medical information of
`the user from an expected standard causes an alert to be
`transmitted, optionally to the user, and alternatively or
`additionally to the medical service center and,/or other
`medical personnel. The expected standard may optionally be
`relative to previous measurements of physiological param-
`eters andfor previously obtained medical information. Alter-
`natively or additionally,
`the expected standard may be
`absolute, such that the measurements are beyond the normal
`expected values, such as very high or very low blood
`pressure, arrhythmia, and so forth. The alert could optionally
`be sent to the medical service center in order to make a
`decision whether the user should contact a medical doctor
`
`for further medical examinations. Alerting the user could
`optionally be made by any kind of communication means
`(such as a voice message by telephone andfor sending a SMS
`or other text message to the cellular telephone, or by e-mail).
`
`[0018] The invention also optionally and preferably
`relates to a portable measuring device with which the
`method according to the invention can be applied. The
`measuring device according to the invention is preferably
`characterized in that the measuring device features a mea-
`suring unit, an optional processing unit and a communica-
`tions device that uses a wired or a wireless data transmission
`link. The measuring unit andfor the optional processing unit
`also preferably features some type of mechanism for sup-
`plying the results via the communications device to a system
`on a main server for data storage and processing, and
`optionally also for generating alerts, such that the data is
`more preferably also available to a medical service center.
`
`[0019] The term “wired cornrnurtications device” refers in
`this connection to any device which is suitable for wired
`communications and by means of which the user can trans-
`mit his measurement results to the data processing, storing
`and alerting systetn on a main server. Such a communica-
`tions device may be for example any wired communication
`infrastructure, such as a PSTN, ISDN, lntemet, LAN, cable
`modems and fiber-optic networks, etc.
`
`[0020] The term “wireless communications device“ refers
`in this connection to any device which is suitable for
`wireless communications and by means of which the user
`can transmit his measurement results to the data processing,
`storing and alerting system on a main server, regardless of
`where the user is at the moment. Such a communications
`device may be for example any radio transmitter, andfor
`mobile phone, Bluetooth device, wireless LAN, pager, etc.
`
`[0021] The term “physiological sensor” refers in this con-
`nection to any sensor, optionally with a processing unit,
`which is suitable for measuring the physiological vital signs
`of the user or any standard medical equipment (such as
`automatic blood pressure device, ECG device and so forth,
`for example), that is capable of delivering output sigrtalfs)
`andfot‘ processed data via a data line or wireless link to the
`system on a main server andfor to a local data processing
`unit. Non-limiting. illustrative examples of such a sensor
`include a piezoeeramic transducer, a piezoelectric trans-
`ducer, a bio-impedance meter, a resistive strain gauge and a
`pressure sensor with fiber-optic components.
`
`[0022] Among the advantages of the present invention are
`optionally and preferably the constant dailyfweekly sched-
`uled transmission of measurement results from the user to
`
`the server, the gathering of measurement results in the user's
`
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`US 2005/0075542 A1
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`Apr. 7, 2005
`
`normal environment and the possibility for the server to
`monitor the recent development of the user’s health without
`a visit to the doctor, in which case the user can visit the
`doctorfhospital only when required and not according to a
`predetermined schedule.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0023] The foregoing and other objects, aspects and
`advantages will be better understood from the following
`detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the inven-
`tion with reference to the drawings, wherein:
`
`[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an exem-
`plary but preferred implementation of the system according
`to the present invention;
`
`[0025] FIG. 2 shows a first exemplary implementation of
`the monitoring device according to the present invention;
`and
`
`[0026] FIG. 3 shows a second exemplary implementation
`of the monitoring device according to the present invention.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFIERREIJ
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0027] The present invention is of a system and method
`for automatically monitoring at
`least one physiological
`function of the user, without active intervention by the user,
`in a non-invasive manner. Such monitoring may be used to
`detect a deterioration in the health of the user. Preferably, the
`system according to the present invention features at least
`one physiological sensor for measuring the physiological
`parameter of the user
`to obtain the measurement of a
`physiological function, a local processing unit for extracting
`medical infortnation from the physiological measurement,
`and a main sewer for processing the medical information in
`order to evaluate the health of the user. Such an evaluation
`
`is preferably performed by comparing medical information
`which has been obtained from a plurality of physiological
`measurements. Optionally and more preferably, the user is
`alerted if the evaluation detects a deterioration in at least one
`physiological ftnction.
`
`[0028] Examples of physiological functions and medical
`information which may optionally be monitored by the
`present invention include, but are not limited to, heart beat.
`arrhythmia, heart rate variability, ECG, blood pressure, body
`temperature and respiration parameters.
`
`[0029] One or more physiological sensors for monitoring
`the user according to the present invention may optionally
`be concealed in a device which is normally used by the user.
`Such a device is preferably operated by the user for at least
`one function which is not related to monitoring a physi-
`ological function of the user. Examples of such devices
`include. but are not limited to, a watch, bracelet, cellular
`telephone, regular telephone connected to the PSTN (public
`switched telephone network), furniture such as a chair or bed
`for example, keyboard, computer mouse, computer mouse
`pad, and so forth. Therefore the measurements are per-
`formed without a direct action or intervention by the user,
`and hence with little or no interference with the user's daily
`life.
`
`the
`[0030] According to a preferred embodiment of
`present invention, the physiological sensor which performs
`
`the physiological measurement is preferably connected to a
`local data processing unit through a communication com-
`ponent. The communication component preferably features
`wireless transmission, although alternatively the connection
`may be wired,
`through a cable for example. The local
`processor is itself more preferably connected to a main
`server, optionally through a wireless connection but alter-
`natively through a wired connection.
`
`[0031] The main server optionally and preferably features
`a database for storing the medical infomtation andfor physi-
`ological measurements obtained from the local processor.
`The main server more preferably also features a software
`module for monitoring the user’s health by performing an
`algorithm to issue an alert whenever necessary. The algo-
`rithm operates on data stored in the database, preferably to
`create a user medical profile, which is optionally and more
`preferably based on the user’s medical history, medical
`information from external systems and on an average read-
`ings of physiological parameters, most preferably collected
`over an extended period of time, or at
`least collected
`repeatedly.
`
`[0032] The principles and operation of a device and
`method according to the present invention may be better
`understood with reference to the drawings and the accom-
`panying description.
`
`[0033] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. I is a block
`diagram ofthe preferred embodiment of the system accord-
`ing to the invention. A system 100 features a measuring
`device 102 for measuring at least one physiological param-
`eter of the user. Measuring device 102 preferably features a
`communication module 104 and at least one physiological
`sensor 106, but more preferably features an array of physi-
`ological sensors as shown. Physiological sensor 106
`at
`least one physiological parameter such as heart beat,
`arrhythmia, heart rate variability, ECG, blood pressure, body
`temperature and respiration parameters for example. Addi-
`tionally or alternatively, physiological sensor 106 may also
`perform some other medically related measurement, such as
`measuring SpO2 (oxygen pressure in the blood)
`for
`example.
`
`into a
`[0034] Measuring device 102 is preferably built
`device which is frequently used by the user in everyday tasks
`such as watch, bracelet, cellular phone, telephone, chair,
`keyboard, cornputer’s mouse, computer’s mouse pad, bed,
`etc. This device may be described as a standard function
`device 108. Therefore, during normal Operation of standard
`function device 108 by the user, direct physical contact is
`maintained with the measuring device 102, preferably with-
`out the requirement for direct intervention or action by the
`user. One or more measurements may optionally be taken by
`measuring device 102 from the user automatically through
`such direct physical contact.
`
`[0035] One optional but preferred example of measuring
`device 102 is a portable device which is preferably worn on
`the wrist of the user. For this example, standard function
`device 108 is preferably a wristwatch. According to pre-
`ferred embodiments of the present
`invention.
`the wrist-
`mounted dcvicc (measuring device 102 with standard func-
`tion device 108) features one or more sensors attached to a
`wristband or other fastening article. The scnsorfs) are pref-
`erably connected to a microprocessor, optionally by a wire
`but alternatively through a wireless connection. The micro-
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`
`processor may optionally also be located within the wrist-
`band, or otherwise attached to the wristband. The scnsor(s)
`preferably suppon automatic collection of at
`least one
`physiological measurement; more preferably, the micropro-
`cessor is able to execute one or more instructions for
`
`extracting clinically useful information about the user from
`such measurement{s).
`
`[0036] The microprocessor more preferably operates a
`software program to process and analyze the data which is
`collected,
`in order to compute medical information. The
`extracted medical infonnation, optionally also with the raw
`data.
`is
`then preferably transferred to the previously
`described communication module. This module then pref-
`erably relays such information to a main server, which more
`preferably is able to provide such information to medical
`personnel, for example as part of a medical service center.
`Therefore, continuous monitoring of
`the physiological
`parameters of the user may optionally and more preferably
`be made, enabling better medical care for the user.
`
`[0037] A general, non-limiting example of suitable fon'nu-
`lae for measuring the heart rate andtor other heart-related
`physiological parameters of a subject who is wearing the
`device according to the present invention may be found in
`the article “Cuff-less Continuous Monitoring of Beat—To—
`Beat Blood Pressure Using Sensor Fusion”, by Boo-Ito
`Yang, Yi Zhang and l-I. I-larry A~;ada—IE.l£E (also available
`through
`httpzflweb.mit.edu,txyilwww;pdfi'
`IEEETrans20(l0.pdf as of Dec. 9, 2001), hereby incorpo-
`rated by reference as if fully set forth herein, where systolic
`and diastolic blood pressure are calculated using the pulse
`pressure shape per heartbeat. The disclosure does not
`describe a device which has the functionality according to
`the present invention, but the disclosed method is generally
`useful
`for determining blood pressure from an external
`measurement of pressure from the pulse through the skin of
`the subject.
`
`[0033] After the measurement has been performed, com-
`munication module 104 preferably transmits the measure-
`ment result to a local data processing unit 110. Communi-
`cation module I04 may optionally be a wired or wireless
`communication such as serial communication port (using
`serial protocols such as RS232, lRda or USB) or "Blue-
`tooth" communication controller. Communication module
`
`104 then preferably transmits the measurement result sup-
`plied by physiological sensor 106, for example in the form
`of a data packets, to local processing unit 110. A similar
`communication module 127 also performs communication
`at
`local processing unit 110, and is of a corresponding,
`compatible type to the type of communication module 104.
`Local data processing unit 110 may also optionally be
`incorporated within standard function device 108 as shown.
`or alternatively may be incorporated in a separate device
`(not shown). Measuring device 102 and local data process-
`ing unit 110 can therefore optionally and preferably be
`combined in a single enclosure, whether as part of standard
`function device 108 or otherwise, thereby creating a stand-
`alone mcdical device, which includes both measuring and
`processing functions.
`
`[0039] The transmitted data is optionally and preferably
`sent, additionally or alternatively, directly to a main server
`112. According to an optional embodiment, one or both of
`communication module 104 (if the measured data of physi-
`
`ological sensor 106 is transmitted directly to main server
`112, as described in greater detail below) or communication
`module 127 may optionally be implemented as a mobile unit
`(such as a cellular telephone) which transmits the measure-
`ment result supplied by physiological sensor 106, optionally
`using the telephone as a cellular modem (i.e. sending data in
`the form of cellular data packets) or alternatively in form of
`a Short Message Service (SMS) message, or any other
`suitable format.
`
`[0040] For the prefened embodiment in which local data
`processing unit 110 receives the data, local data processing
`unit 110 preferably first decodes the message to extract the
`sensor data. Local data processing unit ]_10 then preferably
`executes an algorithm to extract medical information, such
`as heart beat rate, arrhythmia, heart rate variability andior
`divergence of the pattern of heartbeats over a period of time,
`calculating the blood pressure from a blood pulse pressure
`sensor andtor calculating the respiration rate for example, or
`any combination thereof. As previously described, prefer-
`ably an algorithm is taken from the article "Cuff-less Con-
`tinuous Monitoring of Beat-To-Beat Blood Premure Using
`Sensor Fusion”, by Boo-I-lo Yang, Yi Zhang and H. Harry
`Asada—IEEE (also available through http:i’a’web.mit.edut
`zyi,twwwlpdfi"lEEl3'I‘rans20[l0pdf as of Dec. 9, 200]), pre-
`viously incorporated by reference.
`
`local data processing unit 110 optionally and pref-
`[0041]
`erably stores the sensor data and the calculated results in a
`memory 114. More preferably, local data processing unit 110
`stores the data and calculated results at
`least until
`this
`information is to be transmitted to main server 112 through
`a communication module 127.
`
`the data is
`[0042] Onw received by main server 112,
`preferably first added to a database 118. Once a plurality of
`such measurements of physiological parameters artdlor
`medical infonnation has been collected, main server 112
`preferably executes an algorithm to create a medical profile
`120 for the user. Medical profile 120 optionally and more
`preferably also incorporates infomiatiort gathered from
`external medical server and databases. Examples of such
`information include but are not
`limited to the medical
`
`history of the user and medical information from an external
`system 122. External system 122 may optionally be a
`different medical instrument or database, for example hos-
`pital records stored in a database. Additionally or alterna-
`tively, medical prolile 120 preferably includes infonnation
`obtained by combining average readings of physiological
`parameters, and more preferably includes their divergence,
`collected over an extended period of time by measuring
`device 102.
`
`[0043] The operation of the algorithm by main server 112
`preferably enables any alteration, change or deterioration in
`the physiological function of the user to be determined, by
`comparing recent measurements of one or more physiologi-
`cal parameters with infonnation taken from medical profile
`120. Optional but preferred examples of comparisons which
`could be performed include but are not limited to detecting
`any increase in average readings of systolic blood pressure
`over time in comparison to average recent readings of
`systolic blood pressure, andfor any alteration in average
`heart rate, especially outside the normal range. Optionally
`and more preferably, such a determination of an alteration,
`change or deterioration in the condition of the user causes
`
`O08
`
`008
`
`

`
`US 2005/0075542 A1
`
`Apr. 7, 2005
`
`main server 112 to activate an alert module 124. Alert
`module 124 preferably causes an alert message to be sent
`directly to the user andfor to a medical service center 126.
`
`any readings beyond the normal
`[0044] Preferably,
`expected values (such as very high or very low blood
`pressure), which may represent a dangerous medical situa-
`tion for the user also activate alert module 124.
`
`to
`[0045] The alert message could optionally be sent
`medical service center 126 to review the measurements of
`the physiological parameters in order to determine whether
`the user andfor the personnel at medical service center 126
`should contact a medical doctor andfor emergency services.
`
`[0046] The user may optionally be alerted through any
`suitable communication mechanism, such as voice commu-
`nication andlor message by telephone, an SMS message to
`a cellular telephone 130, an alert message to local processing
`unit 110 (in cases where it has a display or any kind of
`audible alert) or an e—mail message. Such an alert message
`preferably includes a request for the user to be examined by
`a medical doctor andfor another type of request for inter-
`vention by trained medical personnel.
`
`[0047] Optionally and preferably, the medical doctor is
`also able to retrieve the medical data stored in main server
`112, more preferably by using a communication and visu-
`alizing unit 132 (such as a personal computer with a screen
`and a dial-up modem for contacting main server 112 and for
`retrieving information therefrom), in order to obtain further
`information for producing a more accurate diagnosis. There-
`fore the doctor (or other medical personnel) who is treating
`the user preferably always has access to the user’s measure-
`ment rest1lLs, regardless. of the current location of the doctor
`andfor the user.
`
`[0048] Personnel at medical service center 126 may
`optionally and preferably check the measurements using a
`visualization module 128 (such as a PC {personal computer)
`or a computer workstation with a screen to view the
`retrieved information as graphs andfor text, for example).
`Medical service center 126 can initiate a medical examina-
`tion in order to obtain on-line physiological data regarding
`the physiological parameters of the user who is in physical
`contact with measuring device 102. Medical service center
`126 can optionally receive such on-line data by first receiv-
`ing an on-line message from the measuring device 102 that
`the user is currently in direct physical contact with measur-
`ing device 102. Next, t