Claims:CLAIMS:
I / We Claim:
1. A body vitals monitoring smart mobility assistance walker, comprising:
a heart rate sensor;
a blood pressure sensor;
a non-contact sensing unit configured to capture video frames of user, apply image processing algorithm and colour magnification algorithm to the video frames and thereby measure heart rate and blood pressure parameters of the user;
a controller configured to compare said measured heart rate and blood pressure parameters from said non-contact sensing unit to that of detected heart rate and blood pressure parameters from said heart rate sensor and said blood pressure sensor and further provide an output signal;
a verification unit configured to transmit said heart rate and blood pressure parameters if said output signal indicates that the measured heart rate and blood pressure parameters match with the detected heart rate and blood pressure parameters or else transmits an alert signal if said measured heart rate and blood pressure parameters do not match with said detected heart rate and blood pressure parameters after certain number of repetitions; and
a communication unit configured to transmit said heart rate and blood pressure parameters from said verification unit or said alert signal to a caretaker,
whereby said smart mobility assistance walker provides accurate vitals of the user and alerts the caretaker.
2. The body vitals monitoring smart mobility assistance walker as recited in claim 1, wherein said blood pressure sensor is a piezoresistive blood pressure sensor.
3. The body vitals monitoring smart mobility assistance walker as recited in claim 1, wherein said non-contact sensing unit includes an Internet protocol camera that captures said video frames to measure said heart rate and blood pressure parameters.
4. The body vitals monitoring smart mobility assistance walker as recited in claim 1, wherein said non-contact sensing unit further utilizes peak detection algorithm or Fourier transform to obtain heart rate and blood pressure parameters.
5. The body vitals monitoring smart mobility assistance walker as recited in claim 1, wherein said communication unit utilizes either a mobile communication module such as GSM or a wireless communication module such as internet or Wi-Fi.
6. The body vitals monitoring smart mobility assistance walker as recited in claim 1, wherein said communication unit further comprises a mobile communication module and a wireless communication module to transmit said heart rate and blood pressure parameters or said alert signal to the caretaker.
7. The body vitals monitoring smart mobility assistance walker as recited in claim 1, wherein said certain number of repetitions of said measured heart rate and blood pressure parameters that do not match with said detected heart rate and blood pressure parameters are done either consecutively or at regular or irregular intervals.
8. A method to monitor body vitals using a smart mobility assistance walker, comprising:
detecting heart rate and blood pressure parameters of a user using a heart rate sensor and a blood pressure sensor;
measuring heart rate and blood pressure parameters of the user using a non-contact sensing unit;
comparing said measured heart rate and blood pressure parameters from a non-contact sensing unit to that of said detected heart rate and blood pressure parameters from said heart rate sensor and said blood pressure sensor;
transmitting said heart rate and blood pressure parameters if said measured heart rate and blood pressure parameters match with said detected heart rate and blood pressure parameters, and
transmitting an alert signal to the caretaker if said measured heart rate and blood pressure parameters do not match with detected heart rate and blood pressure parameters after certain number of repetitions. , Description:DESCRIPTION:
Field of the invention:
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the technical field of enhanced mobility aid devices, and in specific relates to a body vitals monitoring smart mobility assistance walker that accurately monitors the health parameters of elderly or blind people and alerts the caretaker.
Background of the invention:
[0002] Physical disability is a limitation on a person's physical functioning, mobility, dexterity or stamina. A physical disability can be temporary, short–term or long term. Some conditions may go into remission, while others may come and go with no particular pattern, or there may be gradual deterioration. A person may be born with a physical disability or acquire it later in life through accident, injury, illness or side effects of medical treatment. Physical disabilities often require mobility aids to assist the person to go to places.

[0003] Mobility aids are designed to help people with problems moving around to enjoy greater freedom and independence. Typically, people who have disabilities or injuries, or older adults who are at increased risk of falling, choose to use mobility aids. These devices provide several benefits to users, including more independence, reduced pain, and increased confidence and self-esteem. Various mobility devices are available to meet people’s needs ranging from canes and crutches to wheelchairs and stairlifts thereof.

[0004] In this modern world, technological inventions closely integrated on our day-to-day life. Healthcare is one such important area where technology transforms many products with great support. Particularly, old age people need cost-effective solutions to satisfy their needs. Walking. Thus, walkers need to be developed by integrating health care monitoring of vital parameters. There are many situations where it is difficult to monitor the old age people from time to time because of many reasons and such situations may lead to a dangerous impact on their lives or even become fatal.

[0005] Some patients in nursing care have limited mobility with a risk of injury from falling. It is common to use a sensor with such patients to sense when they move unassisted from a bed or chair and notify the nurses or caretakers that immediate attention is needed to assist the patient. Many existing patient motion sensors when activated produce loud, disturbing, audible alarms to alert corresponding caretakers and the patient in need of care. These audible alarms disturb, annoy and often confuse patients.

[0006] In existing technology, a smart mobility aid device with sensors to collect, monitor, analyse and represent data including activity tracking, biometrics and safety and emergency features is known. The activity tracking includes the number of steps, miles, and activity speed, user pressure on a device, activity types and analysis. The device monitors user biometric data such as blood work, blood pressure, blood sugar, heart rate, oxygen level/rate, ECG, EMG, muscle strain, humidity, and body temperature. Additional features such as an emergency button, fall detection, warnings, and user pattern analysis changes are also incorporated. The mobility aid device is connected to other smart electronic devices. The mobility aid device gives the user or/and caregiver live feedback about user health metrics and status using a data representation method. However, the cost of the sensors to monitor biometrics and other activity tracking makes the mobility aid devices costly.

[0007] Elderly people or people in need of walking assistance require cost-effective walkers. Further, inaccurate health data or alerts triggered by inaccurate sensor data may lead to false alarms which are not desirable. However, false alarms may frighten the elderly or user of the walker and lead to waste of time for the caretaker. Further, caretakers should be able to schedule other administrative or daily works apart from taking care of the elderly or patient. Incorporating low-cost sensors is also not acceptable since it may provide inaccurate data of biometrics which may lead to false alarms.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a low-cost smart multi-featured mobility assistance walker that accurately monitors the health parameters of the user and alerts the caretaker. A smart walker is needed that is capable to automatically identify errors in health monitoring sensors. Such an assistance walker should possess the capability to alert a caretaker about the health parameters and provide emergency alerts for alerting the caretaker whenever necessary. There is a need for an assistance walker that communicates with the caretaker and enables customization of medicine intake alerts of the user based on personal regimen. A mobility assistance walker with an emergency button that enables a user to raise an emergency and alerts caretaker is the need of the hour.
Objectives of the invention:
[0009] The primary objective of the invention is to provide a body vitals monitoring smart mobility assistance walker that accurately monitors the health parameters of elderly or blind people and alerts the caretaker.

[00010] Another objective of the invention is to compare the health parameters of the user obtained from sensor with those obtained using IP camera for better accuracy and to detect and notify errors of sensors.

[00011] The other objective of the invention is to provide a body vitals monitoring smart mobility assistance walker that notifies the caretaker if the difference in readings of non-contact sensing based IP camera and the sensors continue for more than 4 times.

[00012] Further objective of the invention is to capture video of the user through the IP camera, obtain region of interest, apply independent component analysis and utilize either peak detection algorithm or Fourier transform to obtain non-contact heart rate and other body vitals.

[00013] The other objective of the invention is to provide an IP camera that also monitors the facial expressions of the person to identify drowsiness, fainting or syncope thereof and alerts the caretaker.

[00014] Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a controller that alerts a caretaker about the health parameters and emergency alerts for alerting the caretaker whenever necessary.

[00015] Further objective of the invention is to provide a smart mobility assistance walker that utilizes either a mobile or web application to communicate with the caretaker.

[00016] The other objective of the invention is to provide a mobility assistance walker with a health-parameters are sent to the caretaker until acknowledgement is received.

[00017] The other objective of the invention is to provide a multi-featured mobility assistance walker incorporated with various features such as obstacle detection, IP camera monitoring, heart rate, blood pressure and temperature monitoring, medicine intake alerts, and rechargeable heating pads thereof.
Summary of the invention:
[00018] The present disclosure proposes a body vitals monitoring smart mobility assistance walker. The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[00019] In order to overcome the above deficiencies of the prior art, the present disclosure is to solve the technical problem to provide a body vitals monitoring smart mobility assistance walker that accurately monitors the health parameters of elderly or blind people and alerts the caretaker.

[00020] According to an aspect, the invention provides a body vitals monitoring smart mobility assistance walker. The smart mobility assistance walker comprises a heart rate sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a non-contact sensing unit, a controller, a verification unit and a communication unit. The smart mobility assistance walker provides accurate vitals of the user and alerts the caretaker.

[00021] The blood pressure sensor and the heart rate sensor are configured to detect blood pressure and heart rate of the user. The blood pressure sensor is a piezoresistive blood pressure sensor. The non-contact sensing unit is configured to capture video frames of the user, apply image processing algorithm and colour magnification algorithm to the video frames. The non-contact sensing unit thereby measures heart rate and blood pressure parameters of the user. In specific, the non-contact sensing unit includes an Internet protocol camera that captures the video frames to measure the heart rate and blood pressure parameters. The non-contact sensing unit further utilizes peak detection algorithm or Fourier transform to obtain heart rate and blood pressure parameters.

[00022] The controller is configured to compare the measured heart rate and blood pressure parameters from the non-contact sensing unit to that of detected heart rate and blood pressure parameters from heart rate sensor and blood pressure sensor and further provides an output signal. The verification unit is configured to transmit the heart rate and blood pressure parameters if the output signal indicates that the measured heart rate and blood pressure parameters match with the detected heart rate and blood pressure parameters.

[00023] The verification unit transmits an alert signal if the measured heart rate and blood pressure parameters do not match with the detected heart rate and blood pressure parameters after a certain number of repetitions. In specific, the certain number of repetitions of measured heart rate and blood pressure parameters that do not match with detected heart rate and blood pressure parameters are done either consecutively or at regular or irregular intervals.

[00024] The communication unit is configured to transmit the heart rate and blood pressure parameters from the verification unit or the alert signal to a caretaker. in specific, the communication unit further comprises a mobile communication module and a wireless communication module to transmit said heart rate and blood pressure parameters or said alert signal to the caretaker.

[00025] According to another aspect, the invention provides a method to monitor body vitals using a smart mobility assistance walker. The method includes the steps comprising of detecting heart rate and blood pressure parameters of a user using a heart rate sensor and a blood pressure sensor. Then, heart rate and blood pressure parameters of the user are measured using a non-contact sensing unit. Next, the measured heart rate and blood pressure parameters from a non-contact sensing unit are compared to that of the detected heart rate and blood pressure parameters from the heart rate sensor and the blood pressure sensor.

[00026] Later, the heart rate and blood pressure parameters are transmitted to the caretaker if measured heart rate and blood pressure parameters match with the detected heart rate and blood pressure parameters. Finally, an alert signal is transmitted to the caretaker if the measured heart rate and blood pressure parameters do not match with detected heart rate and blood pressure parameters after a certain number of repetitions.

[00027] Further, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from a study of the following portion of the specification, the claims, and the attached drawings.
Detailed description of drawings:
[00028] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention, and, together with the description, explain the principles of the invention.

[00029] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary body vitals monitoring smart mobility assistance walker in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[00030] FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary block diagram of the body vitals monitoring smart mobility assistance walker in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[00031] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary method 200 to monitor body vitals using a smart mobility assistance walker in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
Detailed invention disclosure:
[00032] Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps.

[00033] The present disclosure has been made with a view towards solving the problem with the prior art described above, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a body vitals monitoring smart mobility assistance walker that accurately monitors the health parameters of elderly or blind people and alerts the caretaker.

[00034] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B refer to different exemplary illustrations of a body vitals monitoring smart mobility assistance walker 100. The smart mobility assistance walker 100 comprises a heart rate sensor 101, a blood pressure sensor 105, a non-contact sensing unit 102, a controller (not shown), a verification unit (not shown) and a communication unit 107. The smart mobility assistance walker 100 provides accurate vitals of the user and alerts the caretaker.

[00035] The blood pressure sensor 105 and the heart rate sensor 101 are configured to detect blood pressure and heart rate of the user. The blood pressure sensor 105 is a piezoresistive blood pressure sensor. The blood pressure sensor 105 and the heart rate sensor 101 are positioned on the walker 100 and aid to detect blood pressure and heart rate while the user is on the walker.

[00036] The heart rate sensor works on the principle of light modulation by blood flow through the finger. This sensor has an LED and a light detector. When the heart pumps the blood, the blood flows through every part of the body, blood vessels, the finger becomes slightly opaquer so that less light focused on the detector. These variations are converted to an electrical pulse. The signal gets amplified and given to the user. This sensor measures the heart rate in Beats Per Minute (BPM).

[00037] The blood pressure sensor works on the base of air weight. Blood Pressure Sensor consists of four components, the first one is the piezoresistive sensor, the Second one is ADC (Analogue to Digital Converter), third is Control Unit with E2PROM and fourth is 12C Serial Interface. Our surrounding air has a certain weight and this weight has specific pressure. This pressure is sensed by the sensor when the air pressure is changed then the resistance of the piezoresistive sensor is changed. This analog value is converted into a digital value and the sensor also measures the body temperature of the user.

[00038] The non-contact sensing unit 102 is configured to capture video frames of the user, apply image processing algorithm and colour magnification algorithm to the video frames. The non-contact sensing unit 102 thereby measures heart rate and blood pressure parameters of the user. In specific, the non-contact sensing unit 102 includes an Internet protocol (IP) camera that captures the video frames to measure the heart rate and blood pressure parameters. The non-contact sensing unit 102 further utilizes a peak detection algorithm or Fourier transform to obtain heart rate and blood pressure parameters. The non-contact sensing unit.

[00039] The non-contact sensing unit 102 utilizes the video captured through the IP camera. Then obtain the Region of Interest is obtained i.e., face. Later, ICA (Independent Component Analysis) is applied to obtain the noise-free signals. Finally, two algorithms are utilized to detect the heart rate. Either of the algorithms can be utilized where one is peak detection algorithm and the other by applying Fourier Transform to obtain the respective power spectrum. The non-contact sensing unit 102 also monitors the mental conditions of the user using image processing techniques with the best accuracy.

[00040] The non-contact sensing unit 102 works with an IP Address (Internet Protocol) to connect with the computer or mobile and locate the device. Whatever video is recorded it is sent to the mobile or web application for monitoring the person. In the case of drowsiness or syncope that application automatically alerts the caretaker to take immediate action.

[00041] The controller is configured to compare the measured heart rate and blood pressure parameters from the non-contact sensing unit 102 to that of detected heart rate and blood pressure parameters from the heart rate sensor 101 and blood pressure sensor 105 and further provides an output signal. The controller and the verification unit process the input data and using custom-designed IoT module. The verification unit is configured to transmit the heart rate and blood pressure parameters if the output signal indicates that the measured heart rate and blood pressure parameters match with the detected heart rate and blood pressure parameters.

[00042] The verification unit transmits an alert signal if the measured heart rate and blood pressure parameters do not match with the detected heart rate and blood pressure parameters after a certain number of repetitions. In specific, the certain number of repetitions of measured heart rate and blood pressure parameters that do not match with detected heart rate and blood pressure parameters are done either consecutively or at regular or irregular intervals.

[00043] The communication unit 107 is configured to transmit the heart rate and blood pressure parameters from the verification unit or the alert signal to a caretaker 104. In specific, the communication unit 107 further comprises a mobile communication module 109 and a wireless communication module 108 to transmit said heart rate and blood pressure parameters or said alert signal to the caretaker. The communication module is fitted with a low power wide area network enabled connectivity platform to improve the battery life efficiency of sensors. It supports long-range connectivity and seamless integration with 5G New Radio and Wi-Fi 6 platforms.

[00044] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2 refers to a method 200 to monitor body vitals using a smart mobility assistance walker. The method includes the steps comprising of detecting heart rate and blood pressure parameters of a user using a heart rate sensor and a blood pressure sensor at step 201. Then at step 202, heart rate and blood pressure parameters of the user are measured using a non-contact sensing unit.

[00045] Next at step 203, the measured heart rate and blood pressure parameters from a non-contact sensing unit are compared to that of the detected heart rate and blood pressure parameters from the heart rate sensor and the blood pressure sensor. Later at step 204, the heart rate and blood pressure parameters are transmitted to the caretaker if measured heart rate and blood pressure parameters match with the detected heart rate and blood pressure parameters. Finally, at step 205, an alert signal is transmitted to the caretaker if the measured heart rate and blood pressure parameters do not match with detected heart rate and blood pressure parameters after a certain number of repetitions.

[00046] Numerous advantages of the present disclosure may be apparent from the discussion above. In accordance with the present disclosure, a body vitals monitoring smart mobility assistance walker is disclosed that accurately monitors the health parameters of elderly or blind people and alerts the caretaker. the mobility assistance walker compares the health parameters of the user obtained from sensors with those obtained using IP camera for better accuracy and to detect and notify errors of sensors.

[00047] The body vitals monitoring smart mobility assistance walker notifies the caretaker if the difference in readings of non-contact sensing-based IP camera and the sensors continue for more than 4 times. The walker captures video of the user through the IP camera, obtains region of interest, applies independent component analysis and utilizes either peak detection algorithm or Fourier transform to obtain non-contact heart rate and other body vitals.

[00048] The IP camera also monitors the facial expressions of the person to identify drowsiness, fainting or syncope thereof and alerts the caretaker. the controller of the walker alerts the caretaker about the health parameters and provides emergency alerts for alerting the caretaker whenever necessary. The smart mobility assistance walker utilizes either a mobile or web application to communicate with the caretaker. further, the health-parameters are sent to the caretaker until an acknowledgement from the caretaker is received. The mobility assistance walker incorporated with various features such as obstacle detection, IP camera monitoring, heart rate, blood pressure and temperature monitoring, medicine intake alerts, and rechargeable heating pads thereof.

[00049] The walker is further equipped with an ultrasonic sensor that aids to alert the user when in proximity to obstacles and aids to avoid the obstacles. The walker is also equipped with a plurality of heating pads that relieve the knee pain in the user that are wearable even while walking. Further, the walker is associated with a mobile application or web application that aids to remind the user medication time to intake medicine. The medicine intake alerts can be customized based on the medicine regimen using a mobile or web application.

[00050] The walker may provide calming sounds or music to calm down the user when high heart rate or blood pressure is detected until the caretaker arrives. The walker may also provide an alerting sound after detecting higher heart rate or blood pressure and when the caretaker or emergency services may take time to arrive at the user location.

[00051] It will readily be apparent that numerous modifications and alterations can be made to the processes described in the foregoing examples without departing from the principles underlying the invention, and all such modifications and alterations are intended to be embraced by this application.