Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to a vital sign monitoring device
and more specifically to a method, system and device for continuous monitoring of vital signs.
RELATED ART
[0002] Vital signs are the measurements of a body’s basic functions such as body temperature,
respiration rate, electrocardiography, pulse oximetry, blood pressure etc. Vital signs are generally
monitored by medical professionals and health care providers to diagnose various medical
problems of an individual.
[0003] Health monitoring devices that are measuring individual vitals are well known in the art.
However, these devices make the overall diagnosis time beyond the expected time as they need
different machines and/or devices to monitor each and every vital. Further, continuous vital
monitoring is not possible with the conventional systems and devices.
[0004] Although there are highly sophisticated machines available in the health sector for
continuous vital monitoring devices, they are too expensive and are complex and bulky in nature
making it difficult to use them for multiple individuals. Also, these machines cause more
discomfort to an individual as they need a number of cables to run through/over the body and a
cuff to be placed on the individual hand for continuous blood pressure monitoring. Even then the
machines must be connected to an external monitor through a wired connection to generate a
detailed report of the vital measurements which are added to the individual health records either
manually or automatically.
[0005] Hence, there is a need for a portable, reliable, efficient and inexpensive vital monitoring
device and system to assist health care providers and medical professionals in continuous
monitoring of vital measurements.
SUMMARY
[0006] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a vital monitoring device (100)
comprising: a sensor unit (104) for determining basic vital signs from a plurality of sensors; a
plurality of electrodes (202A through 202E) integrated within the device (100) for determining
heart rate, blood oxygen levels, blood pressure and ECG; a processor (112) to collect a sensor
data from the sensor unit (104) and process it based on a machine learning algorithm; a
connecting module (106) connecting the plurality of sensors and the processor (112); an external
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10-lead ECG cable connected to the connecting module (106); and a sensor cable provided with a
PPG sensor and a clip connected to the connecting module (106), wherein the plurality of
integrated electrodes (202A through 202E) enables cuff-less blood pressure monitoring while the
external 10-lead ECG cable and the sensor cable enables continuous monitoring of vital
parameters.
[0007] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method (400) for continuous
monitoring of vital data of an individual comprising: connecting (402) a vital monitoring device
with a plurality of sensors onto the individual; performing (406) corrective measures in case of
an error message; starting (408) continuous monitoring of the individual vital data; obtaining
(410) sensor data from the sensor unit; processing and generating (412) a detailed report of the
monitored vital data; transferring reports and alerting (414) concerned personnel in case of
emergency; and storing (416) data at regular intervals with respect to the individual health
records, wherein the vital parameters comprising ECG, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, blood
pressure and body temperature are monitored continuously and updated in the health records to
assist in diagnosing a medical condition.
[0008] Several aspects are described below, with reference to diagrams. It should be understood
that numerous specific details, relationships, and methods are set forth to provide a full
understanding of the present disclosure. One who skilled in the relevant art, however, will readily
recognize that the present disclosure can be practiced without one or more of the specific details,
or with other methods, etc. In other instances, well-known structures or operations are not shown
in detail to avoid obscuring the features of the present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating a vital monitoring device in an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating the plurality of sensors that are integrated and/or
connected to the vital monitoring device of the present disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 2A through 2D are the schematic diagrams illustrating different views of the vital
monitoring device in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 3A and 3B are the schematic illustrations of operating the vital monitoring device for
vital measurements in another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
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[0013] FIG. 3C and 3D are the schematic diagrams illustrating the continuous vital monitoring of
an individual using the vital monitoring device of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the method of continuous monitoring of vital data using
the vital monitoring device of the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the continuous vital monitoring system in which various
aspects of the present disclosure maybe deployed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EXAMPLES
[0016] FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating a vital monitoring device in an embodiment of the
present disclosure. As shown in the FIG. 1A, the vital monitoring device (100) comprises various
components viz., an I/O unit 102, a sensor unit 104, a connecting module 106, a wireless
transceiver 108, a memory 110, a processor 112, a display unit 114 and a power management unit
116.
[0017] The I/O system 102 enables an exchange of information, data or commands to and from
the device 100 with external systems or a user. The I/O unit 102 comprises, but is not limited to, a
keyboard/pad, touch screen, USB ports, wireless ports, smart card interface, mouse and/or other
control devices.
[0018] The sensor unit 104 is configured to determine the status and conditions around the device
101. The sensor unit 104 comprises a plurality of sensors either deployed within the device 100 or
coupled to the device 100 by means of an external connector. The plurality of sensors works in
conjunction with one another or independently of one another to determine the condition around
the device 100. In an embodiment, the sensor unit 104 comprises an ultrasound probe sensor, PPG
sensor, IR sensor, body temperature sensor, ECG sensor and pulse oximetry sensor. In another
embodiment, the sensor unit 104 may also include sensors such as, but is not limited to, sensors
for measuring external temperature, pressure, humidity, motion, saturated oxygen levels, blood
pressure, heart rate and/or other parameters.
[0019] The connecting module 106 is configured to connect the plurality of external sensors
placed on an individual’s body and the device 100 to monitor vital data of the individual. Also, the
connecting module 106 enables the device 100 to transmit data to an external device via a wired
connection. This module 106 further acts as an external means for connecting a main power
source to the power management unit 116 of the device 100. The connecting module 106 works in
conjunction with other components 102 through 116 by forming an electronic circuitry. The
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electronic circuitry is configured to make the device 100 functional by performing various actions
by plurality of electrical and electronic components. The electronic circuitry comprises at least
one of a system on chip integrated circuit, microprocessor, light emitting diode, capacitor, resistor,
transistor, relays, switches, motors, circuit breakers and the like.
[0020] The wireless transceiver 108 is configured to establish communication between the device
100 and external system(s)/device(s) through combination of one or more low power short range
wireless communication channels up to 10 meters and long-range RF communication methods up
to 10 to 20 Km. In one embodiment, the wireless transceiver 108 comprises various functional
components that enable the device 100 to transmit and receive data according to one or more of
communication standards such as, but not limited to, GSM, CDMA, GPRS, Wi-Fi, LAN, LORA
and Bluetooth-LE.
[0021] The memory 110 provides a direct interface with other elements in the device 100 or
through the processor 112. The memory 110 comprises one or more of data memory and program
memory. The memory 110 includes, but is not limited to, different types of Read Only Memory
(ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), external memory disks, removable disks, flash, caches
and data cards, for example. In an embodiment, the memory 110 comprises a set of preprogrammed
instructions as well as standardized or optimal data for risk analysis and generating
emergency alerts. In another embodiment, a machine learning algorithm is deployed in the
memory 110 for assessing vital data of the individual to auto-generate detailed reports and
perform risk analysis to alert a concerned person in case of emergencies.
[0022] The processor 112 is configured to execute instructions to perform various mathematical
and control operations. The processor 112 comprises one or more processors or processor cores
operating in conjunction to execute multiple instructions sequentially or simultaneously. The
processor 112 comprises processors or cores customized to efficiently perform specific tasks, such
as one or more Digital Signal Processing (DSP) cores, Math coprocessors etc. In one embodiment,
the processor 112 is configured to perform operations related to multiple components 102 through
116 by executing a respective set of instructions (programs) stored in, for example, the memory
110. Thus, the processor 112 lends processing power to multiple components 102 through 116 and
operates as part of the respective component.
[0023] The display unit 114 is configured to provide a visual output on the device 100. The
display unit 114 comprises display devices such as, but not limited to, a display screen capable of
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displaying graphical representations, pictures, video and 3D pictures, 3D video, color indicators
for each vital measurement, night vision lights, together with their associated drivers and ancillary
components. In an embodiment, the display unit 114 comprises navigation buttons and provides
vital parameters such as body temperature, ECG graphs, blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen,
and image of ultrasound wherein any abnormal parameters are displayed in red to draw the
attention of the medical professional or health care provider.
[0024] The power management unit 116 powers the other components of the device 100 for a
desired operation. The power management unit 116 may comprise, for example, batteries,
circuitry, integrated circuits and other functional modules to manage and distribute power to
various components 102 through 116 according to power requirements of the respective
components. In an embodiment, the device 100 is either operated on a battery or by connecting to
a direct power source as per requirement. In case of no external power supply, the power
management unit 116 automatically switches the device 100 to a battery mode, in that, the device
100 draws the required power for its operation from the battery in case of emergencies. The
battery may be recharged either manually or automatically once the device is reconnected to the
external power source.
[0025] FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating the plurality of sensors that are integrated and/or
connected to the vital monitoring device of the present disclosure. The sensor unit 104 of the
device 100 comprises a plurality of sensors (104A through 104F) that are either integrated within
the device 100 or placed on the individual’s body which in turn are connected to the device 100
through the connecting module. In an embodiment, a smart cable that interconnects the plurality
of sensors placed on the individual’s body and the connecting module is provided.
[0026] In an embodiment, the plurality of sensors comprises at least one of an ultrasound
probe/patch sensor 104A, a PPG sensor 104B, an infrared sensor 104C, a pulse oximetry sensor
104D, an ECG sensor 104E and a temperature sensor 104F.
[0027] The ultrasound probe/patch sensor 104A comprises a 8x8 array of transducer elements and
associated controlling electronics that are placed in the form of a flexible patch. This patch is fixed
or adhered onto the individual’s chest or abdomen where the measurements are to be made. An
80-lead shielded cable connects the ultrasound patch sensor 104A to the device 100 via the
connecting module.
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[0028] The PPG sensor 104B is provided with a clip that is fixed onto the individual’s forefinger
and is connected to the device 100 via the connecting module using an 8-lead shielded cable for
PPG measurement. It is used to detect the blood volume changes in the microvascular bed of
tissue by illuminating skin and measuring changes in light absorption.
[0029] The infrared sensor 104C is provided as a patch to place on and towards the forehead of
the individual. In an embodiment, the patch of IR sensor is held using an adhesive or by using a
band around the head. This IR sensor patch is connected to the device 100 using a 5-lead shielded
cable. The pulse oximetry sensor 104D maybe externally provided in addition to the PPG sensor
104B for determining blood oxygen levels and pulse. The pulse oximetry sensor 104D is also
connected to the device 100 using an 8-lead shielded cable.
[0030] The ECG sensor 104E comprises 10 lead ECG cable with 10 ECG electrodes or suction
pumps and clips that are attached to the individual’s body in a standard way. The other end of the
10 lead ECG cable is connected to the device 100 by using an adapter which enables the usage of
standard ECG 10-lead cables available in the market.
[0031] The temperature sensor 104F maybe integrated on rear side of the device 100 for easy
detection of body temperature in addition to the IR sensor 104C.
[0032] FIG. 2A through 2D are the schematic diagrams illustrating different views of the vital
monitoring device in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown there, FIG.
2A and 2B represents front perspective views of the device whereas FIG. 2C and 2D represents
rear perspective views of the device in an exemplary embodiment. The vital monitoring device of
the present disclosure comprises a plurality of electrodes (202A through 202E), a display unit 204,
a power ON/OFF button 206 and a plurality of connecting ports (208A and 208B).
[0033] The vital monitoring device of the present disclosure comprises a pair of electrodes on
each side of the device viz., 202A through 202D whereas another single electrode 202E on rear
side of the device. These electrodes (202A through 202E) enable the device to monitor the heart
rate, ECG, blood oxygen levels (SPO2) and blood pressure.
[0034] The display 204 displays the individual body vitals along with time and date of the
reading. In an embodiment, the display 204 may be connected to an external conventional display
which comprises a graphical user interface or a touchscreen that enables the user of the device to
view a variety of graphical and statistical data with an ease. Also, a real-time clock may be
employed in the device for logging the vital data with respect to time and date.
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[0035] The power ON/OFF switch 206 is configured to provide power supply to all the
components of the device wherein the device runs on built-in battery in case of no external power
supply. The device is further provided with the plurality of connecting ports (208A and 208B)
such that the plurality of sensors and cables are connected to the device as per requirement. In an
embodiment, the connecting ports may also be used to connect to the external power supply
and/or to the external devices for data transmission.
[0036] FIG. 3A and 3B are the schematic illustrations of operating the vital monitoring device for
vital measurements in another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3A is a
diagram illustrating a quick test for determining heart rate, blood oxygen levels and blood
pressure using the vital monitoring device of the present disclosure. As shown in 300, the finger
tips are placed on the four electrodes (304A through 304D) on either sides and switched ON the
power button 302. The electrodes determine the heart rate, blood oxygen levels and blood pressure
without any requirement of cuff and displays the readings on the display unit of the device.
[0037] In FIG. 3B, 310 represents another quick test that is performed to determine ECG, heart
rate, blood oxygen levels and blood pressure by placing rear side of the device on a leg such that
the electrode on the rear side of the device touches the leg while holding the electrodes (304A
through 304D) on ether sides of the device with finger tips.
[0038] FIG. 3C and 3D are the schematic diagrams illustrating the continuous vital monitoring of
an individual using the vital monitoring device of the present disclosure. As shown in the FIG. 3C
and FIG. 3D, an external smart cable 320 is provided with the vital monitoring device 324 of the
present disclosure. As depicted there, the smart cable 320 comprises a junction box 326, a
plurality of cables 328 and a HDMI connector 330. The plurality of cables 328 comprises 10-lead
ECG electrodes and a sensor cable with PPG sensor and a clip that may be fixed on an individual
as per standard placement of 12-lead electrodes for ECG. In an embodiment, the junction box 326
of the smart cable 320 is connected to the device 324 through a HDMI connector 330 and is used
for continuous vital monitoring of the individual. Once the device 324 is switched ON, the cable
320 continuously transmits data to the device 324 wherein the data is stored and processed within
the device. In case of emergencies or when immediate medical attention is required, the device
324 alerts the concerned personnel by providing recent vital data of the individual. Thus, the vital
monitoring device of the present disclosure helps in continuous vital monitoring of the individual
with cuff-less blood pressure determination.
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[0039] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the method 400 of continuous monitoring of vital data
using the vital monitoring device of the present disclosure. In step 402, the plurality of sensors are
placed on the individual’s body and are then connected to the vital monitoring device using
multiple cables through the plurality of connecting ports. In an embodiment, the IR sensor is
placed on the forehead of the individual using a forehead band and multiple cables comprising at
least one of 10-lead ECG cable, 8-lead PPG cable, 5-lead IR sensor cable and 80-lead ultrasound
patch sensor cable. In step 404, check for any error messages on the display unit after switching
on the power button of the device. If any error message occurs, go to step 406 or else to 408.
[0040] In step 406, the error message is corrected by performing the required measures. In an
embodiment, the processor in the device shows the corrective measures to be taken for further
connection.
[0041] In step 408, once the error messages are cleared from the device, continuous monitoring
gets activated automatically if the external smart cable is connected to the device and all the
electrodes and the plurality of sensors are placed in their standard positions on the individual’s
body.
[0042] In step 410, the sensor data that is collected by the plurality of sensors from the
individual’s body are obtained by the device through the connected cables which is stored in its
memory for further processing.
[0043] In step 412, the processor of the device performs various mathematical operations and
implements the machine learning algorithm to generate a detailed report on the individual’s vital
data. In an embodiment, the machine learning algorithm correlates the processed data with
optimized trained data and display those abnormal parameters in red colour for easy identification
and immediate actions.
[0044] In step 414, the generated reports on the device are transferred to an external device or
server remotely through a wired or wireless communication channel to a concerned person. In
case of abnormal parameter detection, an alert message and call will be placed to a minimum of 2
to 3 concerned personnel of the individual for immediate action.
[0045] In step 416, the data comprising all the vital parameters and generated reports of the
individual are stored in a database or server with respect to that individual health records so that
they may be fetched again by a third party healthcare provider or other medical professionals who
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are provided access to those reports by the individual. This helps in easy diagnosis of a medical
problem and further course of action in providing appropriate treatment to that individual.
[0046] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the continuous vital monitoring system in which various
aspects of the present disclosure maybe deployed. The vital monitoring device 502 of the present
disclosure fetches data from the plurality of sensors via multiple cables and patches connected to
it. The obtained data is then processed and an AI-based (using machine algorithm deployed in the
device) detailed health report gets generated depicting the vital parameters at regular intervals.
The generated reports maybe displayed on an external display unit 510 or stored into a database
512 for future use. The generated reports with respect to that individual are also stored in a cloud
server 516 by generating a unique ID for each and every individual through a cloud
communication channel 514. This information from the 516 may be accessed by any person who
has permission to access the reports. In an embodiment, the individual may give permission to
anyone for accessing his health records stored in the server 516 as he desires. Also, a medical
professional or health care provide who is treating that individual can access those records from
the server 516 anytime during the course of treatment using the individual’s unique ID. Thus, the
vital monitoring device is compact in nature which is reliable and efficient in continuous
monitoring of vital parameters in addition to offering a cuff-less blood pressure determination
with risk prediction using machine learned algorithms.
[0047] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it should
be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the
breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-discussed
embodiments but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their
equivalents. , Claims:/We Claim,
1. A vital monitoring device (100) comprising:
a sensor unit (104) for determining basic vital signs from a plurality of sensors;
a plurality of electrodes (202A through 202E) integrated within the device (100) for
determining heart rate, blood oxygen levels, blood pressure and ECG;
a processor (112) to collect a sensor data from the sensor unit (104) and process it based on
a machine learning algorithm;
a connecting module (106) connecting the plurality of sensors and the processor (112);
an external 10-lead ECG cable connected to the connecting module (106); and
a sensor cable provided with a PPG sensor and a clip connected to the connecting module
(106),
wherein the plurality of integrated electrodes (202A through 202E) enables cuff-less blood
pressure monitoring while the external 10-lead ECG cable and the sensor cable enables
continuous monitoring of vital parameters.
2. The vital monitoring device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors
comprises at least one of an ultrasound patch sensor (104A), a PPG sensor (104B), an
infrared sensor (104C), a pulse oximetry sensor (104D), an ECG sensor (104E) and a
temperature sensor (104F).
3. The vital monitoring device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the external 10-lead ECG
cable and the sensor cable are connected to the connecting module (106) of the device
through a junction box (326) and a HDMI connector (330) for continuous monitoring of
vital parameters.
4. The vital monitoring device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor alerts
concerned personnel for immediate course of action upon detection of any abnormal vital
parameters from the processed data.
5. The vital monitoring device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processed data from
the device (100) is transferred to an external device and/or a remote server via either a wired
or wireless communication channel.
6. A method (400) for continuous monitoring of vital data of an individual comprising:
connecting (402) a vital monitoring device with a plurality of sensors onto the individual;
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performing (406) corrective measures in case of an error message;
starting (408) continuous monitoring of the individual vital data;
obtaining (410) sensor data from the sensor unit;
processing and generating (412) a detailed report of the monitored vital data;
transferring reports and alerting (414) concerned personnel in case of emergency; and
storing (416) data at regular intervals with respect to the individual health records,
wherein the vital parameters comprising ECG, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, blood
pressure and body temperature are monitored continuously and updated in the health records
to assist in diagnosing a medical condition.
7. The method (400) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the detailed report is generated by
deploying a machine learning algorithm which further performs risk analysis in determining
abnormal vital parameters to alert the concerned personnel.
8. The method (400) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the plurality of sensors comprises at least
one of an ultrasound patch sensor (104A), a PPG sensor (104B), an infrared sensor (104C),
a pulse oximetry sensor (104D), an ECG sensor (104E) and a temperature sensor (104F)
9. A method, system and apparatus providing one or more features as described in the
paragraphs of this specification.