Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a healthcare system for patient comfort and wellness monitoring that is capable of offering a medical bed that adjusts to patient’s comfort needs, such as raising the head or neck to ease coughing or breathing difficulties. The device features to monitor the patient's health in both awake and asleep states, detecting irregular breathing patterns or distress signals, and alerts healthcare staff for timely attention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Improvement in patient beds is essential for enhancing the quality of healthcare delivery and ensuring better patient outcomes. As healthcare facilities face increasing patient volumes and more complex medical conditions, the need for advanced patient beds has become more pronounced. Traditional hospital beds often lack the functionality needed to address the diverse needs of patients, such as those requiring intensive care, mobility assistance, or specialized support for conditions like pressure ulcers. Modern patient beds, equipped with adjustable positions, advanced pressure-relieving systems, and integrated monitoring capabilities, offer significant advantages. They help prevent complications such as bedsores, improve comfort, and allow for more efficient patient care. Additionally, features like easy height adjustments, built-in weight sensors, and movement tracking enable healthcare providers to offer more precise and responsive care. Moreover, improved patient beds are vital for ensuring patient safety, minimizing falls, and providing comfort for both patients and healthcare workers. For long-term patient care and recovery, the ability to adjust beds for optimal positioning aids in respiratory function, circulatory health, and overall well-being. The need for such improvements is further driven by the rising demand for geriatric care and rehabilitation services, where mobility, comfort, and overall care integration are paramount for recovery. Investing in advanced patient beds contributes to better patient satisfaction and more efficient healthcare delivery.

[0003] The improvement of patient beds has seen the introduction of various advanced equipment designed to enhance comfort, mobility, and care. Electric adjustable beds are one such innovation, allowing patients to easily adjust their position for comfort and medical needs, reducing the physical strain on both patients and healthcare providers. These beds often include features like pressure-relieving mattresses to prevent bedsores, integrated monitoring systems to track vital signs, and even built-in lifts for easier patient transfer. Some models also come with zero-gravity settings, which can reduce pressure on the body and improve circulation. However, these innovations come with certain drawbacks. The complexity of electric and automated features increases the likelihood of mechanical failures or malfunctions, which can disrupt care. These beds can be expensive, making them less accessible to smaller healthcare facilities or individuals without insurance coverage. Moreover, while they aim to improve comfort, the increased reliance on technology can sometimes complicate manual intervention or emergency responses. In addition, while pressure-relieving mattresses help prevent ulcers, they may not be effective for all patients, especially those with severe mobility issues or complex conditions. Lastly, the size and weight of these beds can make them difficult to move or store, limiting their use in smaller hospital rooms or home care settings.

[0004] US10111791B2 discloses a bed device includes: an operation section that receives an operation input; a controller that controls a movement of the bed in accordance with the operation input; a detector that detects a position of a patient on the bed; and, a limitation table that stores a limitation area set on the bed in association with a limitation content, wherein when the position of the patient detected by the detector is included in the limitation area, the limitation content is read out from the limitation table so as to control the controller in accordance with the limitation content. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a higher safety bed device which can not only notify the danger based on the bed movement but also limit the movement of the bed in accordance with the status of the patient or the bed device.

[0005] KR101177095B1 discloses a medical bed is provided to change contact part of a patient against a mattress by periodically changing the height of the mattress. A medical bed comprises a main frame, a movable frame, a patient lying unit, a separate lifting unit, a frame lifting unit, and a frame rotating unit. The main frame comprises a lower frame member and an upper frame member. The movable frame changes the pose of a patient by raising or lowering the upper body and lower body of the patient. The patient lying unit is installed in a row in the movable frame through the separate lifting unit. The separate lifting unit individually raises the patient lying unit. The frame lifting unit comprises a rotating unit and an operation member. The frame rotating unit comprises a first cylinder and a second cylinder.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed in order to provide a medical bed, however the devices mentioned in the prior arts have limitations pertaining to monitor the patient's health identifying irregular breathing patterns or signs of distress, and alerting healthcare personnel for appropriate action.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that designed to provide a medical bed that ensures patient comfort by adjusting the head or neck to relieve coughing or breathing issues. The device continuously analyzes the patient’s health, detecting any irregular breathing patterns or signs of distress, and sends alerts to healthcare providers for appropriate care, along with capabilities of monitoring pediatric patients’ breathing or voice patterns while sleeping to detect signs of respiratory distress, triggering immediate notifications to medical staff for prompt medical care.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing a medical bed facilitating patient’s comfort in accordance to requirement in adjusting patient’s position in event of coughing etc, by raising head or neck to alleviate coughing or breathing difficulties.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of analyzing patient’s health condition during both waking and sleeping states by detecting irregular breathing patterns or signs of distress, and accordingly informs a healthcare staff for appropriate checkup and care.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of analyzing voice or breathing patterns of pediatric patients during sleep to detect abnormal breathing that indicate respiratory distress, and accordingly notifies to medical staff for prompt medical care.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a healthcare system for patient comfort and wellness monitoring, that is capable of providing medical bed that adjusts as per requirement to enhance patient comfort, particularly by raising the head or neck to alleviate coughing or breathing troubles.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a healthcare system for patient comfort and wellness monitoring comprises of a platform installed inside an enclosure of a healthcare facility, the platform supported by multiple vertical rods, each located at four corners of the platform, positioned at equal distances from each other to provide balance and support to the platform, the platform includes features such as side rails, a headboard, and a footboard for enhanced comfort of a patient accommodated over the platform, a touch interactive display panel mounted on front wall of the healthcare facility, accessed by a concerned healthcare staff to provide information regarding health condition of the patient, a pair of slow coaxial rotation mechanism are installed on an upper side of the platform, enabling smooth and precise up-and-down motion to adjust patient’s position, utilizing medical data to avoid discomfort or strain during adjustments, a microphone provided with headboard of the platform for receiving voice commands of the user regarding getting down from the platform.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed invention comprises of a telescopic shelf mechanism housed inside a cuboidal body is installed underside the platform to assist patients in getting down from the platform, the mechanism being activated by voice commands and extending in a step-like manner for ease and safety, a machine learning module integrated with the processing unit to analyze patient’s health condition during both waking and sleeping states by detecting irregular breathing patterns or signs of distress, and the processing unit sends corresponding alerts to a computing unit accessed by the healthcare staff, providing timely alerts regarding condition of the patient.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed invention further comprises of an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on inside enclosure to detect facial movements or gestures, and the processing unit combines this data with voice analysis module to interpret patient’s intended voice command, and sends a relative commands to a control unit operatively connected with electrical appliances pre-installed inside the enclosure for regulating operation of the appliance, assuring patient’s request has been fulfilled, a temperature sensor installed on the platform to monitor environmental temperature changes, the processing unit sends alerts or suggestions to medical staff when extreme temperatures are detected, particularly for patients with temperature-sensitive conditions.

[0017] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a healthcare system for patient comfort and wellness monitoring.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0020] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0021] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0022] The present invention relates to a healthcare system for patient comfort and wellness monitoring that is capable of offering a medical bed that adjusts to ensure patient comfort, such as raising the head or neck to help ease coughing or breathing difficulties and further capable of monitoring the patient's health, identifying irregular breathing patterns or signs of distress, and alerting healthcare personnel for appropriate action.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a healthcare system for patient comfort and wellness monitoring is illustrated, comprises of a platform 101 supported by multiple vertical rods 102 located at four corners of the platform 101 installed inside an enclosure 103 of a healthcare facility, the platform 101 includes features such as side rails, a headboard, and a footboard, a touch interactive display panel 104 mounted on front wall of the enclosure 103, a microphone 105 provided with headboard of the platform 101, a telescopic shelf mechanism 106 housed inside a cuboidal body installed underside the platform 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 107 installed on inside enclosure 103, and a pair of slow coaxial rotation mechanism 108 installed on an upper side of the platform 101.

[0024] The proposed invention includes a platform 101 preferably in rectangular shape incorporating various components associated with the device, developed to be positioned on a ground surface of an enclosure 103 of a healthcare facility. The platform 101 supported by multiple vertical rods 102, each located at four corners of the platform 101, positioned at equal distances from each other to provide balance and support to the platform 101. The structure of the platform 101 features such as side rails, a headboard, and a footboard for enhanced comfort of a patient accommodated over the platform 101. The platform 101 is made up of any material selected from but not limited to metal or alloy that ensures rigidity of the platform 101 for longevity of the device.

[0025] A concerned healthcare staff is required to access and presses a switch button arranged on the platform 101 to activate the device for associated processes of the device. The switch button when pressed by the healthcare staff, opens up an electrical circuit and allows currents to flow for powering an associated microcontroller of the device for operating of all the linked components for performing their respective functions upon actuation.

[0026] The microcontroller, mentioned herein, is preferably an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller used herein controls the overall functionality of the components linked to it. The Arduino microcontroller is an open-source programming platform 101.

[0027] After the activation of the device, the concerned healthcare staff accesses a touch interactive display panel 104 installed over front wall of the healthcare facility to provide information regarding health condition of the patient. When the healthcare facility touches the surface of the touch interactive display panel 104 to enter the input details, then an internal circuitry of the touch interactive display panel 104 senses the touches of the displayed option and synchronically, the internal circuitry converts the physical touch into the form of electric signal. The microcontroller processes the received signal from the display panel 104 in order to process the signal and determine the facility selection and store the facility response to a linked database for further associated functions related to the facility input.

[0028] The upper side of the platform 101 is configured with a pair of slow coaxial rotation mechanism 108. In accordance to the health condition of the patient, the healthcare professional actuates a pair of slow coaxial rotation mechanism 108 which are installed on an upper side of the platform 101, such that enables smooth and precise up-and-down motion to adjust patient’s position,

[0029] The slow coaxial rotation mechanism 108 for tilting the inclination of the platform 101 works by using a motorized coaxial shaft that rotates the platform 101 along its central axis. The shaft, typically connected to a geared motor, transfer rotational motion through a system of gears or pulleys that are coaxially aligned with the platform 101. As the motor rotates the shaft at a slow speed, it causes the platform 101 to tilt gradually. The rotational force is transmitted along the central axis, ensuring smooth and controlled movement. The platform 101 is often equipped with bearings or supports that enable it to pivot smoothly around the axis. The tilting mechanism is adjusted by fine-tuning the motor’s speed or torque, allowing for precise control over the tilt angle. This slow rotation ensures the platform 101 is tilted at a comfortable, controlled pace, making it ideal for applications where gradual inclination is required, such as in medical condition of the patient. The processing unit utilizes medical data to avoid discomfort or strain during adjustments of the platform 101

[0030] After the activation of the device, the patient is enabled to provide voice command via a microphone 105 mounted on the headboard regarding getting down from the platform 101. The microphone 105 turns the sound energy emitted by the patient into electrical energy. The sound waves created by the patient carry energy towards the microphone 105. Inside the microphone 105, a diaphragm, made of plastic, is present and moves back and forth when the sound wave hits the diaphragm. The coil attached to the diaphragm also moves in same way. The magnetic field produced by the permanent magnet cuts through the coil. As the coil moves, the electric current flows. The electric current from coil flows to an amplifier which convert the sound into electrical signal. The microcontroller linked to the microphone 105 recognize the voice and perform the operations according to the command given by the patient in getting down from the platform 101.

[0031] The platform 101 is configured with a telescopic shelf mechanism 106 such that housed inside a cuboidal body which is installed underside the platform 101. Upon patient input, the microcontroller actuates the telescopic shelf mechanism 106, such that assists the patient in getting down from the platform 101. The telescopic shelf mechanism 106 operates using a series of sliding rails that allow the shelf to extend and retract smoothly. Typically, the mechanism consists of multiple nested rails, with each layer sliding out from the previous one, providing adjustable depth. The shelf extends in a step-like manner for ease and safety of the patient in getting down of the platform 101.

[0032] The healthcare staff accesses a user interface which is installed in a computing unit linked with the processing unit wirelessly by means of a communication module. The user interface providing timely alerts the healthcare staff regarding condition of the patient such as the irregular breathing patterns or signs of distress of the patient. The communication module includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module.

[0033] The microcontroller generates a command to activate an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 107 integrated on inside enclosure 103 for capturing multiple images of the surroundings of the platform 101 particularly focusing the patient. The imaging unit 107 determines facial movements or gestures of the patients. The imaging unit 107 incorporates a processor that is encrypted with an artificial intelligence protocol. The artificial intelligence protocol operates by following a set of predefined instructions to process data and perform tasks autonomously. Initially, data is collected and input into a database, which then employs protocol to analyze and interpret the captured images. The processor of the imaging unit 107 via the artificial intelligence protocol processes the captured images and sent the signal to the microcontroller.

[0034] In case the patient or user is unable to speak properly due to some impair ability like paralysis, the processing unit combines the collected data of the imaging unit 107 with voice analysis module to interpret patient’s intended voice command, and sends a relative command to a control unit operatively connected with electrical appliances which are pre-installed inside the enclosure 103 for regulating operation of the appliance, assuring patient’s request has been fulfilled. The data gathered in the above case is scrutinized again and again through one or more machine learning protocol in order to learn based on the output of the system and patient’s response.

[0035] The environmental temperature condition of the enclosure 103 and body temperature of the patient is kept monitored by a temperature sensor installed on the platform 101. The temperature sensor used herein, is composed of two type of metal wire joint together when the sensor experiences a heat then a voltage is generated in the two terminal of the temperature sensor that is proportional to the temperature and the signal is sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller calibrates the voltage in terms of temperature from the received signal of the temperature sensor in order to monitor the temperature of surroundings of the platform 101 and body temperature of the patient. In relation to the monitored temperature, the processing unit sends alerts or suggestions to medical staff when extreme temperatures are detected, particularly for patients with temperature-sensitive conditions.

[0036] The processing unit is integrated with a machine learning module to analyze patient’s health condition during both waking and sleeping states. The processing unit actuates the microphone 105 to detect and record irregular breathing patterns or signs of distress. The processing unit compares the patients breathing patterns in sync with the patient’s body temperature to assess medical condition of the user. The processing unit compares the recorded breathing rate of the patient in relation to corresponding temperature of the patient with a threshold range pre-fed in the database.

[0037] The processing unit executes preliminary measures in accordance to pre-fed medical conditions of the patient such as regulating temperature of the enclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, patient having pneumonia condition which gets worsen in colder temperature. In relation to this, patient’s breathing rates changes drastically. The increase in temperature condition improves the pneumonia condition from worsen state. In case the processing unit evaluates any mismatch of patient’s body temperature and breathing rate with the threshold range, the processing unit alerts the medical staff.

[0038] Additionally, specific sounds such as coughing, and based on patient’s position or condition are detected and analyzed by the processing unit via the microphone 105. The microphone 105 is integrated with a noise cancellation unit to filter out background noise and capture the patient's voice with clarity, ensuring accurate voice recognition. The processing unit actuates the slow coaxial rotation mechanism 108 as per need to adjust the platform 101 by raising head or neck to alleviate coughing or breathing difficulties.

[0039] In case the processing unit via the imaging unit 107 evaluates the coughing or breathing difficulties exceeds a threshold range, the processing unit actuates the slow coaxial rotation mechanism 108 to adjust the head or neck of the patient to provide comfort. In an exemplary embodiment, in case the coughing of the patient is not in frequent manner or in excessing coughing condition, the processing unit doesn’t adjust the patient’s head or neck. While in case of excessive coughing, the patient is comforted from the coughing condition by alleviating the head or neck position by adjusting the platform 101 via the slow coaxial rotation mechanism 108.

[0040] In case of pediatric patients, the processing unit analyzes voice or breathing patterns of pediatric patients during sleep in order to detect abnormal breathing that indicate respiratory distress, and accordingly sends notifications to medical staff when abnormal patterns are detected.

[0041] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0042] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the proposed invention includes the platform 101 inside the enclosure 103 is supported by four vertical rods 102, offering balance and stability, and is equipped with side rails, the headboard, and the footboard for patient comfort. The touch interactive display panel 104 provides healthcare staff with real-time health data, while the pair of coaxial rotation mechanisms 108 enable precise adjustments to the patient's position. Voice commands, captured by the microphone 105 on the headboard, activate the telescopic shelf mechanism 106 underneath the platform 101, assisting patients in safely getting down. Machine learning algorithms monitor the patient's health by analyzing breathing patterns and detecting distress, triggering alerts to medical staff. The imaging unit 107, paired with facial gesture recognition, interprets patient commands and controls environmental appliances accordingly. The temperature sensor ensures that any temperature fluctuations are detected and alerts staff, especially for temperature-sensitive patients. Additionally, noise cancellation unit of the microphone 105 ensure clear voice command recognition, while specialized algorithms monitor pediatric patients’ breathing to detect and notify healthcare providers of any respiratory distress.

[0043] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , C , C , C , Claims:1) A healthcare system for patient comfort and wellness monitoring, comprising:

i) a platform 101 installed inside an enclosure 103 of a healthcare facility, said platform 101 supported by multiple vertical rods 102, each located at four corners of said platform 101, positioned at equal distances from each other to provide balance and support to said platform 101, wherein said platform 101 includes features such as side rails, a headboard, and a footboard for enhanced comfort of a patient accommodated over said platform 101;

ii) a touch interactive display panel 104 mounted on front wall of said healthcare facility, accessed by a concerned healthcare staff to provide information regarding health condition of said patient, wherein a pair of slow coaxial rotation mechanism 108 are installed on an upper side of said platform 101, enabling smooth and precise up-and-down motion to adjust patient’s position, utilizing medical data to avoid discomfort or strain during adjustments;

iii) a microphone 105 provided with headboard of said platform 101 for receiving voice commands of said patient regarding getting down from said platform 101, wherein a telescopic shelf mechanism 106 housed inside a cuboidal body is installed underside said platform 101 to assist patients in getting down from said platform 101, said mechanism being activated by voice commands and extending in a step-like manner for ease and safety;

iv) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 107 installed on inside enclosure 103 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings, particularly focusing said patient, to detect facial movements or gestures, and said processing unit combines this data with voice analysis module to interpret patient’s intended voice command in case the user is unable to speak properly, and sends a relative command to a control unit operatively connected with electrical appliances pre-installed inside said enclosure 103 for regulating operation of said appliance, assuring patient’s request has been fulfilled;

v) a machine learning module integrated with said processing unit to analyze patient’s health condition during both waking and sleeping states by detecting irregular breathing patterns or signs of distress as detected by said imaging unit 107 and user specified health condition, and said processing unit sends corresponding alerts to a computing unit accessed by said healthcare staff, providing timely alerts regarding condition of said patient; and

vi) a temperature sensor installed on said platform 101 to monitor environmental temperature changes, wherein said processing unit compares the temperature changes with the health condition and breathing pattern of said user and sends alerts or suggestions to medical staff when extreme temperatures are detected, particularly for patients with temperature-sensitive conditions.

2) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microphone 105 detects and analyzes specific sounds such as coughing, and based on patient’s position or condition, said processing unit adjusts said platform 101 by raising head or neck to alleviate coughing or breathing difficulties.

3) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microphone 105 is integrated with a noise cancellation unit to filter out background noise and capture the patient's voice with clarity, ensuring accurate voice recognition.

4) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said processing unit analyzes voice or breathing patterns of pediatric patients during sleep to detect abnormal breathing that indicate respiratory distress, and sends notifications to medical staff when abnormal patterns are detected.