FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10, rule 13)
A Title of the invention: HEALTH MONITORING AND REPORTING
2. Applicant(s)
NAME NATIONALITY ADDRESS
TATA CONSULTANCY Nirmal Building, 9th Floor, Nariman Point,
SERVICES LIMITED INDIAN Mumbai, Maharashtra 400021, India
3. Preamble to the description
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it
is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates, in general, to monitoring health and, particularly
but not exclusively, to systems and methods for monitoring and reporting of health data by sending encoded messages.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Individuals often visit clinics or hospitals for a variety of health related purposes.
Such visits are typically for the purpose of health tests, treatments, scans, health check-ups, etc., depending upon the need. Hospitals or clinics are commonly equipped with a variety of medical instruments/equipments that are used for conducting health tests, scans and check-ups. At the hospitals or clinics, medical professionals, like doctors and physicians, are present who look into health related data obtained from the medical instruments, analyze the data and provide medical assistance to the individuals.
[0003] In contrast, self-diagnosis health monitoring devices are available using which
individuals themselves can monitor their health. Such health monitoring devices are portable and easy to use. The self-diagnosis health monitoring devices include typical Blood Pressure Monitors, Blood Glucose Monitor, Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitors. With such health monitoring devices, the individuals need not always visit clinics or hospitals for health tests and check-ups. The individuals sitting at home can take measurements using a self-diagnosis health monitoring device and, based on the measured data and the severity of the measurements, may suitably visit a doctor.
[0004] Some health monitoring devices are portable, mobile, and wearable by a user,
which can be used to monitor health related data, such as ECG waveforms, of an individual while the individual is on the move. Such health monitors for cardiac monitoring are typically known as ECG monitors.
SUMMARY
[0005] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to monitoring and reporting
of health data and these concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] System(s) and method(s) for monitoring and reporting of health data by sending
encoded messages are described herein. In one implementation, the system includes health data monitoring (HDM) device, which is configured to acquire health data of a user from at least one medical device. The HDM device is communicatively coupled with the medical device. The HDM device is also configured to analyze the health data for an abnormal event, and generate an encoded message having the health data corresponding to the abnormal event, based on the analysis. The HDM device is further configured to transmit the encoded message, in a form of a sound wave signal, to a communication device for notifying the communication device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The detailed description is provided with reference to the accompanying figures. In
the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the
reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference
like features and components.
[0008] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a health monitoring and reporting system
implementing a health data monitoring (HDM) device, according to an implementation of the
present subject matter.
[0009] Figure 2 illustrates the HDM device and a communication device, according to an
implementation of the present subject matter.
[00010] Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of a plug and play type HDM device, according
to an implementation of the present subject matter.
[00011] Figure 4 illustrates a method for monitoring of health data, according to an
implementation of the present subject matter.
[00012) Figure 5 illustrates a method for reporting of health data, according to an
implementation of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00013] The present subject matter relates to systems and methods for monitoring and reporting of health data of individuals by sending encoded messages, such that timely medical assistance can be provided to those individuals. The health data may be understood as the data related to health of an individual as measured by any medical device.

[00014] Conventionally, health monitoring devices are known which communicate with medical devices to obtained health data, of a patient, measured by the medical devices. Such monitoring devices may communicate, for example, via a wired communication link or a wireless communication link, in particular, WiFi, Bluetooth™ and IR (infrared) link. The health data obtained by the monitoring devices are sent to the patient's doctor, who analyzes the data and take a necessary action. The data is sent to the doctor typically through an IP (internet protocol) based network or a telecommunication based network. In some health monitoring devices, the health data is obtained and sent to the doctor on periodic basis to alert him. The periodic sending of the health data, over an IP or a telecommunication based network, typically involves a substantial cost. Even if the data is normal, and do not have any abnormality in it, the data is communicated to the doctor. This involves unnecessary costs and may unnecessarily require doctor's precious time to analyze before taking any corrective action. [00015] Some conventional health monitoring devices are configured to periodically obtain the health data from medical devices or medical sensors, and process the data to detect for any abnormal activity. Based on the analysis, the monitoring device determines severity of abnormality in the data, and subsequently, based on the severity, communicates the data to the doctor to alert him, such that necessary action can be taken by the doctor.
J00016] Further, a wireless ECG monitoring system is known which has a wireless ECG monitor and a mobile phone. The ECG monitor is worn by a patient, which, in real-time, monitors, analyzes, and records the ECG waveform of the patient. Upon detection of an abnormal event, like arrhythmia, in the ECG waveform, the monitor sends an alert and the ECG data to the mobile phone via Bluetooth™. The mobile phone then calls a monitoring center, and relays the alert and the ECG data to the monitoring center. At the monitoring center the relayed cardiac information is reviewed by a physician and the necessary action is taken. The ECG monitor is also configured with a motion detector, such as an accelerometer, or a piezoelectric strip, to sense the motional activities of the patient, and analyze the ECG data in conjunction with the motional activities of the patient.
(00017] In the conventional devices and systems described above, the communication
between the medical devices/medical sensors and the health monitoring devices, and/or the health monitoring device and the mobile phones typically takes place via a WiFi, Bluetooth™ and/or an IR link. Such modes of communication involve a substantially complex hardware and

software implementations at each end of communication, which may require a large hardware, high level of technical skills and may involve high manufacturing costs.
[00018] Systems and methods for monitoring and reporting of health data of an individual,
by sending encoded messages, are described herein. The encoded message is sent to a device carried by the individual and, based on the encoded message, an alert signal is sent to a physician, such that timely medical assistance can be provided to that individual. The systems and methods described herein provides for efficient and cost effective way of sending health related notifications to the individual and/or alerting the physician for the purpose of monitoring and reporting of the health data.
[00019] In accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter, a health monitoring and reporting (HMR) system comprises a health data monitoring (HDM) device and a communication device. In the HMR system, health data of an individual is acquired by the HDM device from at least one medical device which is communicatively coupled to the HDM device. The medical device may be understood as any medical instrument(s) or any medical equipment(s) or any medical sensor(s) that measures health related data of the individual, and the health data, for the purposes of the description herein, may be understood as the data measured by at least one medical device. Further, the individual, whose health data is acquired, for the purposes of the description herein, may be understood as a person who may be ailing in health or may have health concerns, and may need to monitor his health or undergo health tests or check¬ups on a regular basis or as and when desired. For the ease of description, this individual, whose health data is measured by at least one medical device, may hereinafter interchangeably be referred to as a user.
[00020] After acquiring the health data of the user, from the at least one medical device, the health data is analyzed for an abnormal event in the data and a severity level of abnormality in the data is determined by the HDM device. The abnormal event may be understood as an undesirable or unwanted activity or event which may be projected in the health data to indicate a health related issue in the user. Based on the severity level of abnormality, an encoded message is generated and transmitted by the HDM device to the communication device for notifying the communication device. The HDM device, according to the present subject matter, is configured to communicate over a sound based communication link to the communication device, and the encoded message is transmitted in a form of a sound wave signal. The encoded message, which

is communicated by the HDM device to the communication device, may be understood as a health related encoded message. In an implementation, the encoded message may include the health data corresponding to the abnormal event. The encoded message may be encoded with the data related to the analysis done by the HDM device or the severity level of abnormality in the health data or both as determined by the HDM device. In an implementation, the encoded message may also include an alert parameter, which indicates a severity level of alert for further actions to be taken at the communication device.
[00021] After the receipt of the sound wave signal, encoded with a message having health related data, by the communication device, the message is decoded by the communication device. The communication device, of the present subject matter, may be a mobile phone, a smart phone, a PDA, a laptop, or the like, capable of receiving signals of a frequency of sound. The message may be decoded by the communication device, to obtain the alert parameter, the data related to the analysis of health data and/or the severity of abnormality in the health data. Based on the decoded information, an alert signal is communicated by the communication device to a physician. In an implementation, the alert signal may be communicated to a central base station, which may process the alert signal and subsequently send an alert to the physician by calling, or sending an SMS or an email, to his mobile phone.
[00022] The communication device may be present in the vicinity of the HDM device. In an implementation, the communication device may belong to any individual. This individual may include any one of the user, whose health is being monitored by the medical device, a person related to the user, a person in the vicinity of the user, a person in the vicinity of the communication device, a medical professional, for example a nurse, associated with a health organization.
[00023] In an implementation, in addition to the health data of the user, mobility activity data of the user may be acquired by the HDM device, and the analysis of the health data done by the HDM device may be in conjunction with the mobility activity data. The mobility activity data may be understood to be the data associated with movements of the user. This may include movements like walking, running, playing, climbing up or down a staircase. The analysis of the health data in conjunction with mobility activity data enables determining of a correct severity of abnormality in the health data, after duly accounting for the natural variations in the health data

caused by such movements. This may prevent the sending of false notifications to the communication device and, subsequently, false alerts to the physician.
[00024] The HMR system, of the present subject matter, enables prognosis of a health issue in an individual even if a physician or medical assistance is distance away from the individual. Further, the HMR system, of the present subject matter, relies on sound based data communication to communicate data from HDM device to the communication device, which advantageously involves simple and minimum hardware. The sound based data communication is efficient as it is easy to encode and decode the data, and involves substantially low processing and substantially low processing power. The sound based signals also do not suffer from interference problems and are not blocked by metallic materials, as in the case of typical IR and radio frequency signals.
[00025J Further, with the sound based data communication between the HDM device and the communication device, the HDM device can be configured to transmit the encoded message to a conventional communication device, such as an existing mobile phone, smart phone, PDA, laptop, implemented as the communication device of the present subject matter, albeit with a few variations understood by a person skilled in the art, as the mentioned existing communication devices include a microphone capable of receiving sound wave signals. Furthermore, the HDM device, of the present subject matter, is small in size, portable, easy to use and configurable to acquire health data from any compatible medical device. According to one implementation, the HDM device may be mobile and wearable by the user, such that health of the user may be monitored and reported in real-time while the user is on the move.
[00026] While aspects of the described systems and methods for monitoring and reporting of health data can be implemented in any number of different computing systems, environments, and/or configurations, the implementations are described in the context of the following system(s).
|00027] It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the words 'during', 'while', 'when', and 'upon' as used herein are not exact terms that mean as action takes place instantly upon an initiating action but that there may be some small but reasonable delay, such as propagation delay, between the initial action and the reaction that is initiated by the initial action. Additionally, the word 'coupled' is used throughout for clarity of the description and can include either a direct coupling or an indirect coupling.

|00028] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a health monitoring and reporting (HMR) system
100, according to an implementation of the present subject matter, for monitoring and reporting of health data of a user 102. As mentioned earlier, the user 102 may be understood as an individual who may monitor his health, or undergo a health test, scan or check-up for the purpose of monitoring his health or diagnosis of a health related issue. The HMR system 100 includes a health data monitoring (HDM) device 104 which is configured to acquire health data from at least one medical device 106. The medical device 106 includes one or more medical instruments or sensors, such as Blood Glucose Monitor, Blood Pressure Monitor, Pulse Oximeter, Defibrillator, Deep Vein Thrombosis, Intracranial Pressure Monitor, X-Ray machine, MRI scanner, ECG monitor, Fitness Monitoring Machine, and the like. The medical device 106, depending upon its type, measures the health data of the user 102. For example, if the medical device 106 is Blood Pressure Monitor, the health data includes at least the data related to blood pressure levels of the user; if the medical device 106 is ECG monitor, the health data includes an ECG waveform of heart beats of the user; and if the medical device 106 is an MRI scanner, the health data may include an image scan measured by the MRI scanner.
[00029] The HDM device 104 is communicatively coupled to the medical device 106 for
acquiring the health data. In an implementation, the health data may be communicated in analog or digital form, via a wired communication link, such as a data cable, or via a wireless communication link, such as Bluetooth™, IR and WiFi. In an implementation, the HDM device 104 is plugged to the medical device 106 for acquiring the health data. In said implementation, the HDM device 104 and the medical device 106 are equipped with compatible I/O interfaces, such as a Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (UART) interface and Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, at each end.
[00030] After acquiring the health data, the HDM device 104 analyzes the health data for an
abnormal event and determined the severity level of abnormality in the health data. For the purpose of analysis, the HDM device 104 is implemented with a programmable decision support system (DSS) which enables the comparison of the health data with the prescribed comparable health parameters, pre-stored in the HDM device 104. The severity level of abnormality in the health data is determined based on the comparison done using the DSS.
[00031] Based on the analysis and the severity level of abnormality, the HDM device 104
generates an encoded message and transmits the encoded message to a communication device

108, present in the vicinity of the HDM device 104, over a sound based communication link. In an implementation, the HDM device 104 transmits the encoded message in a form of a sound wave signal. The sound wave signal may have a frequency in a range from a predefined audible frequency to a predefined ultrasound frequency. The predefined audible frequency may be about 15000 Hz, and the predefined ultrasound frequency may be about 28000 Hz. The encoded message is encoded with data corresponding to the abnormal event. The encoded message may be encoded with at least one of the data obtained from the analysis of the health data, the severity level of abnormality in the health data, and an alert parameter.
[00032] In an implementation, the HDM device 104 and the communication device 108 are equipped with sound based I/O interfaces (not shown in figure 1), at each end, for the purpose of such communication. The HDM device 104 may comprise a speaker (not shown) for the transmission of the encoded message, and the communication device 108 may comprise a microphone (not shown) for the reception of the encoded message.
[00033] Although the communication device 108 depicted in Figure 1 is a mobile phone, the
communication device 108 may include a smart phone, a PDA, a laptop, or the like, capable of
receiving signals of a frequency of sound. The communication device 108, for the reception of
the encoded message, is in the vicinity of the HDM device 104. In an implementation, the
communication device 108 may belong to any individual. This individual may include any one
of the user 102, whose health is being monitored by the medical device 106, a person related to
the user 102, a person in the vicinity of the user 102, a person in the vicinity of the
communication device 108, a medical professional associated with a health organization.
[00034] The communication device 108, after receiving the encoded message in the form of
the sound wave signal, processes the encoded message to decode the alert parameter, the data
obtained from the analysis at the HDM device 104 and/or the severity level of abnormality, as
present in the encoded message. Based on the information decoded from the received encoded
message, the communication device 108 may send an alert signal to a physician 110 or a central
base station 112 which may alert the physician 110, such that the physician 110 can provide
medical assistance in time. In an implementation, the alert signal may be sent in a form of an
SMS, an email, a call or any other form of conventional notification means.
[00035] The communication device 108 sends the alert signal to the physician 110 or to the
central base station 112 over a network 114 through one or more communication links. The

communication links between the communication device 108 and the physician 110/central base station 112 are enabled through a desired form of communication, for example, via dial-up modem connections, cable links, and digital subscriber lines (DSL), wireless or satellite links, or any other suitable form of communication. The network 114 may be understood as a network, including personal computers, laptops, various servers and other computing devices. [00036] Further, the network 114 may be a wireless network, a wired network, or a combination thereof. The network 114 can also be an individual network or a collection of many such individual networks, interconnected with each other and functioning as a single large network, e.g., the Internet or an intranet. The network 114 can be implemented as one of the different types of networks, such as intranet, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), the internet, and such. The network 114 may either be a dedicated network or a shared network, which represents an association of the different types of networks that use a variety of protocols, for example, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), etc., to communicate with each other. Further, the network 114 may include network devices, such as network switches, hubs, routers, and Host Bus Adapters (HBAs), for providing a link between the communication device 108 and the central base station 112. The network devices within the network 114 may interact with the communication device 108 and the physician 110/central base station 112 through the communication links.
|00037] Figure 2 illustrates the HDM device 104 and the communication device 108,
according to an implementation of the present subject matter. In accordance with the foregoing description, the HDM device 104 and the communication device 108 communicate with each other over the sound based communication link.
|00038] The HDM device 104 and the communication device 108 include one or more processor(s) 202-1, 202-2, interface(s) 204-1, 204-2, and memory 206-1, 206-2 coupled to the processor(s) 202-1, 202-2. The processor(s) 202-1, 202-2 are collectively referred to as processors 202, the interface(s) 204-1, 204-2 are collectively referred to as interfaces 204, and the memory 206-2, 206-2 are collectively referred to as memory 206. Each of the processors 202 can be a single processor unit or a number of units, all of which could include multiple computing units. Each of the processors 202 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing

units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processors 202 are configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions and data stored in the memory 206. |00039] The interfaces 204 may include a variety of software and hardware interfaces, for example, interfaces for peripheral device(s), such as a keyboard, a mouse, an external memory, and a printer. The interfaces 204 may include one or more ports to allow communication between the HDM device 104 and the communication device 108. The interfaces 204 may further enable the HDM device 104 to communicate with other devices, such as external computing devices and external databases.
[00040J The memory 206 may include any computer-readable medium known in the art
including, for example, volatile memory such as static random access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes.
[00041] The memory 206-1, 206-2 of the HDM device 104 and the communication device
108, respectively, includes modules 208-1, 208-2, collectively referred to as modules 208, and data 210-1, 210-2, collectively referred to as data 210. The modules 208 include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like, which perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The modules 208 further include modules that supplement applications on the HDM device 104 and the communication device 108, for example, modules of an operating system. The data 210, amongst other things, serves as a repository for storing data that may be processed, received, or generated by one or more of the modules 208.
|()0042] In an implementation, the modules 208-1 of the HDM device 104 include a data
analysis module 212, a transmission module 214 and other module(s) 216. In an implementation, the data 210-1 of the HDM device 104 include acquired health data 218, analysis data 220 and other data 222. The other module(s) 216 may include programs or coded incrustations that supplement and function, for example, programs in the operating system of the HDM device 104, and the other data 222 comprises data corresponding to one or more of the other module(s) 216.

|00043] Similarly, in an implementation, the modules 208-2 of the communication device
108 include a data processing module 224, a mode selection module 226, communication module 228 and other module(s) 230. In an implementation, the data 210-2 of the communication device 108 include encoded data 232, processed data 234, mode data 236 and other data 238. The other module(s) 230 may include programs or coded incrustations that supplement and function, for example, programs in the operating system of the communication device 108, and the other data 238 comprises data corresponding to one or more of the other module(s) 230.
|00044j In an implementation, the data analysis module 212 is configured to acquire the
health data from the medical device 106 communicatively coupled to the HDM device 104. The
health data may be in analog or digital form and may include one or more health related
parameters depending on the type of the medical device 106. The health data may be acquired
through an I/O interface, including UART, USB, Bluetooth ™, IR and WiFi interface, as a part
of the interface(s) 204-1 of the HDM device 104. The HDM device 104 may also include one or
more driver modules (not shown) corresponding to the type of I/O interface. It is understood that
the medical device 106 is also implemented with an I/O interface and modules (not described), as
will be understood to a person skilled in the art, corresponding to the one(s) at the HDM device
104 for enabling the communication of the health data from the medical device 106.
[00045] In an implementation, the data analysis module 212 may acquire the health data on
periodic basis or as desired. In operation, the HDM device 104 is coupled to the medical device 106, and the data analysis module 212 acquires the health data measured by the medical device 106 and stores the health data in the acquired health data 218. It is to be understood that the acquired health data 218 is shown within the data 210-1 for the purpose of clarity. However, such acquired health data 218 may also be placed in an external repository associated with the HDM device 104.
[00046] The data analysis module 212, after acquiring the health data, analyzes the health
data for an abnormal event therein. In an implementation, the data analysis module 212 may be implemented as a conventional DSS for the purpose of analyzing the health data. For the analysis, the data analysis module 212 may process the acquired health data to infer health related issues that may be present therein. The data obtained from such an analysis may be stored in the analysis data 220. Further, for the analysis, the data analysis module 212 may compare

parameters in the acquired health data with the corresponding prescribed limits for normal health. The prescribed limits may be stored in the other data 222 of the HDM device 104 or, for the purpose of comparison, the data analysis module 212 may communicate with an external data repository (not shown) having the prescribed limits. Any difference between the parameters in the acquired health data and the prescribed limits may indicate abnormality in the health of the user 102. Based on the magnitude of difference, if any, the data analysis module 212 may determine a severity level of abnormality. In an implementation, the severity level of abnormality may be determined in terms of predefined levels, for example 1 to 10. For example, severity level is 1 for the magnitude of difference between a parameter in the acquired the health and the corresponding prescribed limit of 10 units; the severity level is 2 for the magnitude of difference in 20; and so on. The severity level of abnormality may be stored by the data analysis module 212 in the analysis data 220. It is to be understood that the analysis data 220 is shown within the data 210-1 for the purpose of clarity. However, such analysis data 220 may also be placed in an external repository associated with the HDM device 104.
|00047] In an implementation, the data analysis module 212 is configured to acquire
mobility activity data of the user 102 to sense his motional activities. The mobility activity data may be acquired from a motion detector, such as an accelerometer or a piezoelectric strip, via one of the I/O interfaces of the HDM device 104 mentioned earlier. The motion detector is coupled to the user 102 when the mobility activity data is acquired. The data analysis module 212 may involve the mobility activity data while analyzing the health data, and accordingly generate the severity level of abnormality. In an implementation, the motion detector is implemented in the HDM device 104 and the data analysis module 212 communicates with the motion detector to acquire the mobility activity data of the user 102.
|00048j The data analysis module 212, based on the analysis of the health data, generates an
encoded message in the form of a sound wave based signal. The encoded message is encoded with at least one of the data obtained from the analysis and the severity level of abnormality. In addition, the encoded message may be encoded with an alert parameter which may indicate a severity level of alert for further necessary actions, as described later, to be taken at the communication device 108. In an implementation, the alert parameter may be based on the severity level of abnormality and may be defined in terms of predefined levels, for example, high, medium and low.

[00049] In an implementation, the HDM device 104 may be equipped with one or more
conventional hardware and software modules, albeit with a few variations as will be understood
by a person skilled in the art, that are utilized for encoding of data in the form of the sound wave
based signal. Such hardware and software modules are invoked by the data analysis module 212
for the purpose of generating the encoded message, according to the present subject matter.
[00050] In an implementation, after the encoded message is generated by the data analysis
module 212, the transmission module 214 transmits the encoded message to the communication
device 108 over the sound based communication link for notifying of health related information
to an individual associated with the communication device 108. The individual associated with
the communication device 108 may include any one of the user 102, whose health is being
monitored by the medical device 106, a person related to the user 102, a person in the vicinity of
the user 102, a person in the vicinity of the communication device 108, a medical professional
associated with a health organization. Also, as mentioned, the encoded message is transmitted in
the form of a sound wave signal. The sound wave signal may be of a frequency in a range from a
predefined audible frequency to a predefined ultrasound frequency. The predefined audible
frequency may be about 15000 Hz, and the predefined ultrasound frequency may be about 28000
Hz. The HDM device 104 may be implemented with a conventional speaker, as a part of the
interface(s) 204-1, and a conventional sound driver, as a part of other module(s) 216, which may
be invoked by the transmission module 214 for the transmission of the encoded message.
[00051] In an implementation, at the communication device 108, the data processing module
224 receives the sound wave signal transmitted by the HDM device 104. The sound wave signal is encoded with the health related encoded message. The data processing module 224 stores the received encoded message in the encoded data 232. The communication device 108 may be implemented with a conventional microphone, as a part of the interface(s) 204-2, and a conventional sound driver, as a part of other module(s) 230, which may be invoked by the data processing module 224 for the reception of the sound wave signal.
[00052] The data processing module 224, after receiving the sound wave signal, processes
the sound wave signal to decode the message having health related data present therein. The message may be decoded to obtain the alert parameter, the data related to the analysis done by the HDM device 104 and/or the severity level of abnormality encoded in the encoded message. The data processing module 224 stores the decoded data in the processed data 234. In an

implementation, the communication device 108 may be equipped with one or more conventional hardware and software modules, albeit with a few variations as will be understood by a person skilled in the art, that are utilized for decoding of the health related encoded message in the sound wave signal. Such hardware and software modules are invoked by the data processing module 224 for the decoding.
[00053] Based on the information decoded by the data processing module 224, the communication module 228 generates and communicates an alert signal to a physician 110 or the central base station 112 for the purpose of alerting, such that necessary medical assistance can be provided to the user 102. For example, if the alert parameter is decoded to be high, an appropriate alert signal is generated and communicated automatically to the physician 110; and if the alert parameter is decoded to be low, no alert signal is generated and communicated to the physician 110. The alert signal may be sent in the form of an SMS, an email or a call to the physician 110 or the central base station 112, as mentioned earlier. The central base station 112 may either merely direct the alert signal to the physician 110 or may process the alert signal and suitably notify the physician 110.
[00054] In an implementation, the communication device 108, of the present subject matter,
may be configured to work in two predefined operating modes, namely, an automatic mode and a manual mode. In the automatic mode, the communication module 228 automatically generates and communicates the alert signal based on the information decoded by the data processing module 224. Contrary to this, in the manual mode, the communication module 228 generates and communicates the alert signal based on a user decision. In the manual mode, the communication module 228 is configured to initially generate an alert indication in the communication device 108 to notify the individual associated with the communication device 108, based on the information decoded by the data processing module 224. The alert indication, for example, may flash the alert parameter as decoded from the encoded message. The individual associated with the communication device 108 may address the alert indication and may accordingly initiate to communicate the alert signal to the physician 110 or the central base station 112. [00055] The mode selection module 226 may set one of the predefined operating modes in the communication device 108, as selected by the individual associated with the communication device 108. In operation, the mode selection module 226 receives a request from the individual associated with the communication device 108 for selectively set one of the operating modes,

and set the operating mode based on the request. The information related to the operating mode, selected by the individual associated with the communication device 108 is stored in the mode data 236.
[00056] Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of a plug and play type HDM device 104,
according to an implementation of the present subject matter. In said implementation, the HDM device 104 is implemented with a controller 302, a power management unit 304 and a transmission unit 306. The power management unit 304 is configured to manage power requirements of the controller 302 and the transmission unit 306. The controller 302 is coupled to at least one I/O interface 308, a storage unit 310 and the transmission unit 306. In an implementation, the I/O interface 308 may be one of the UART, USB, Bluetooth™, IR and WiFi interface, though which the HDM device 104 is coupled (or plugged) with a medical device 106, as mentioned earlier, for receiving the health data from the medical device 106. As mentioned earlier, it is understood that the medical devices 106 are implemented with I/O interface(s) and module(s) corresponding to the one(s) at the HDM device 104 for enabling the communication between the HDM device 104 and the medical devices 106.
[00057] In an implementation, the controller 302 is configured to analyze the health data
acquired from the medical device 106, as described earlier, and generate the encoded message in the form of a sound wave signal, in accordance with the present subject matter. The controller 302 stores the data obtained from the analysis and the encoded message in the storage unit 310. [00058] In an implementation, the transmission unit 306 is implemented with an audio amplifier 312 and a speaker 314. The audio amplifier 312 drives the speaker 314 for transmitting the sound wave signal of the present subject matter. In addition, in an implementation, with the audio amplifier 312, gain that controls the intensity of the sound wave signal transmitted from the HDM device 104 may be configurable. In said implementation, the HDM device 104 may be provided with a plurality of gain levels that can be selected to vary the gain of the sound wave signal depending on a range of reception of the sound wave signal by the communication device 108.
[00059] Further, in an implementation, the HDM device 104 may be provided with a light
indication (not shown), for example, a light emitting diode based indication, for indicating whether the HDM device 104 is ON or OFF for operation, while it is coupled with the medical device 106.

[00060] Figure 4 illustrates a method 400 for monitoring of health data, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, while Figure 5 illustrates a method 500 for reporting of health data, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The methods 400 and 500 may be described in the general context of computer executable instructions. Generally, computer executable instructions can include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, and functions that perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types. The methods 400 and 500 may also be practiced in a distributed computing environment where functions are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, computer executable instructions may be located in both local and remote computer storage media, including memory storage devices.
[00061] The order in which the methods 400 and 500 are described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the methods 400 and 500, or an alternative method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the method without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the methods 400 and 500 can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.
[00062] Referring to Figure 4, although the method 400 for monitoring of the health data
may be implemented in a variety of health monitoring and reporting systems, in an embodiment described in Figure 4, the method 400 is explained in context of the aforementioned HDM device 104 for the ease of explanation. Referring to Figure 5, although the method 500 for reporting of the health data may be implemented in a variety of health monitoring and reporting systems, in an embodiment described in Figure 5, the method 500 is explained in context of the aforementioned communication device 108 for the ease of explanation.
[00063] At block 402, health data of a user 102 from at least one medical device 106 is acquired. The health data may depend on the type of medical device 106 that is measuring health related parameters of the user 102. In an implementation, the HDM device 104 is communicatively coupled to a medical device 106 for acquiring the health data. The health data may be acquired on periodic basis or as may be desired.
[00064] In an implementation, mobility activity data of the user 102 from a motion sensor is also acquired. The motion sensor, as mentioned earlier, may be an accelerometer or a

piezoelectric strip coupled to the user 102. In an implementation, the HDM device 104 is
communicatively coupled to a motion sensor for acquiring the mobility activity data.
[00065] After acquiring the health data of the user 102, the health data is analyzed at block
404, for an abnormal event present therein. In an implementation, the HDM device 104 may analyze the health data in conjunction with the mobility activity data. As mentioned earlier, the abnormal event in the health data may be understood to indicate a health related issue in the user 102. For the purpose of analysis, the HDM device 104 may compare the health related parameters in the health data with the corresponding prescribed limits and, accordingly, determine the severity level of abnormality, if any, in the health data.
[00066] After analyzing the health data, an encoded message is generated at block 406, based on the analysis. In an implementation, the HDM device 104 generates the encoded message in the form of a sound wave based signal. The HDM device 104 may be equipped with one or more conventional hardware and software modules that are utilized for encoding of data in the form of the sound wave based signal. The HDM device 104 may encode the health data, the data obtained after the analysis of the health data, the severity level of abnormality and/or an alert parameter in the encoded message. The alert parameter may be dependent on the severity level of abnormality in the health data.
[00067] At block 408, the encoded message is transmitted in a form of a sound wave signal
to a communication device 108. For this, in an implementation, the HDM device 104 may be equipped with a speaker, sound driver(s) and other modules known in the art, for transmitting the encoded message. As mentioned earlier, the frequency of sound wave signal may be from about 15000 Hz to about 28000 Hz.
[00068] Referring to Figure 5 that illustrates the method 500 for reporting of health data, at block 502, a request is received for setting a predefined operating mode in a communication device 108. In an implementation, the request may be received from an individual associated with the communication device 108. This individual may include any one of the user 102, whose health is being monitored by the medical device 106, a person related to the user 102, a person in the vicinity of the user 102, a person in the vicinity of the communication device 108, a medical professional associated with a health organization. In an implementation, the communication device 108 may be configured to operate in two predefined operating modes, and the individual associated with the communication device 108 may have an option to switch between the two

predefined operating modes. The predefined operating modes may comprise an automatic mode and a manual mode, as mentioned earlier. At block 504, based on the request from the individual, the predefined operating mode is set in the communication device 108.
[00069] At block 506, a sound wave signal encoded with a message having health related data is received. In an implementation, the communication device 108 receives the sound wave signal, having the health related encoded message, transmitted by the HDM device 104. The communication device 108 may be equipped with a microphone, sound driver(s) and other modules known in the art, for receiving the sound wave signal.
[00070] After receiving the sound wave signal, the health related encoded message present
therein is decoded at block 508. In an implementation, the communication device 108 may decode the encoded message to obtain the alert parameter, the data from the analysis of the health data and the severity level of abnormality. The communication device 108 may be equipped with one or more conventional hardware and software modules that are utilized for decoding of the health related encoded message in the sound wave signal.
[00071] After the decoding, an alert signal is communicated to a physician 110 or a central
base station 112, at block 510, for alerting the physician 110. In an implementation, the communication device 108 generates and communicates the alert signal based on the information decoded from the encoded message. If the communication device 108 is set in the automatic mode, the alert signal is generated and communicated automatically to the physician 110 or the central base station 112, based on the information decoded from the encoded message. And if the communication device 108 is set in the manual mode, the alert signal is generated and communicated to the physician 110 or the central base station 112 as decided by the individual associated with the communication device 108, based on the information decoded from the encoded message.
[00072] The present subject matter provides for an advantageous way to monitor and report
health data of an individual. The concept of utilizing sound based data communication in the
HMR system 100 of the present subject matter is efficient, requires low processing power,
requires less hardware, is compatible with existing systems and devices and, thus, is
advantageous over conventionally known systems for monitoring of health of an individual.
[00073] Although embodiments for monitoring and reporting of the health data have been
described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that

the invention is not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed and explained in the context of a few embodiments for monitoring and reporting of the health data.

I/We claim:
1. A health data monitoring (HDM) device (104) comprising:
a processor (202-1); and
a memory (206-1) coupled to the processor (202-1), the memory (206-1) comprising: a data analysis module (212) configured to:
acquire health data of a user (102) from at least one medical device (106), wherein the HDM device (104) is communicatively coupled with the medical device (106);
analyze the health data for an abnormal event; and
generate an encoded message having the health data corresponding to the
abnormal event, based on the analysis; and
a transmission module (214) configured to transmit the encoded message to a
communication device (108) for notifying the communication device (108), wherein
the encoded message is transmitted to the communication device (108) in a form of a
sound wave signal.
2. The HDM device (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sound wave signal has a frequency in a range from a predefined audible frequency to a predefined ultrasound frequency.
3. The HDM device (104) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the predefined audible frequency is about 15000 Hz, and wherein the predefined ultrasound frequency is about 28000 Hz.
4. The HDM device (104) as claimed in claim 1 further comprises a speaker for the transmitting the encoded message.
5. The HDM device (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the medical device (106) is at least one of Blood Glucose Monitor, Blood Pressure Monitor, Pulse Oximeter, Defibrillator, Deep Vein Thrombosis, Intracranial Pressure Monitor, X-Ray machine, MRI scanner, ECG monitor, and Fitness Monitoring Machine.
6. The HDM device (104) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the data analysis module (212) is further configured to acquire mobility activity data associated with the user (102), and wherein the analysis of the health data is based on the mobility activity data.
7. A communication device (108) comprising:

a processor (202-2); and
a memory (206-2) coupled to the processor (202-2), the memory (206-2) comprising: a data processing module (224) configured to:
receive a sound wave signal encoded with a message having health related data; and
decode the message; and a communication module (228) configured to communicate an alert signal, based on the decoding, to at least one of a physician (110) and a central base station (112).
8. The communication device (108) as claimed in claim 7 further comprises a mode selection
module (226) configured to set a predefined operating mode in the communication device (108)
based on a selection by an individual associated with the communication device (108), wherein
the predefined operating mode is one of:
an automatic mode, wherein the automatic mode enables the communication of the alert signal automatically to at least one of the physician (110) and the central base station (112); and
a manual mode, wherein the manual mode enables the communication of the alert signal to at least one of the physician (110) and the central base station (112) based on a decision of the individual associated with the communication device (108).
9. The communication device (108) as claimed in claim 7 further comprises a microphone for the receiving the sound wave signal.
10. A method for monitoring health comprising:
acquiring health data of a user (102) from at least one medical device (106) communicatively coupled with a health data monitoring device (104);
analyzing the health data for an abnormal event;
generating an encoded message, having the health data, based on the analysis; and
transmitting the encoded message to a communication device (108) for notifying the communication device (108), wherein the encoded message is transmitted to the communication device (108) in a form of a sound wave signal.
11. The method as claimed in claim 10 further comprises:

acquiring mobility activity data associated with the user (102), wherein the analyzing the health data is in conjunction with the mobility activity data.
12. A method comprising:
receiving a sound wave signal encoded with a message having health related data; decoding the message; and
communicating an alert signal, based on the decoding, for alerting at least one of a physician (110) and a central base station (112).
13. The method as claimed in claim 12 further comprises:
receiving a request for setting a predefined operating mode in a communication device (108); and
setting, based on the request, at least one of:
an automatic mode, wherein the automatic mode enables the communication of the alert signal automatically to at least one of the physician (110) and the central base station (112); and
a manual mode, wherein the manual mode enables the communication of the alert signal to at least one of the physician (110) and the central base station (112) based on a decision of an individual associated with the communication device (108).
14. A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions that when executed
perform acts comprising:
acquiring health data from at least one medical device communicatively coupled with a health data monitoring device;
analyzing the health data for an abnormal event;
generating an encoded message, having the health data, based on the analysis; and
transmitting the encoded message to a communication device for notifying the communication device, wherein the encoded message is transmitted to the communication device in a form of a sound wave signal.
15. A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions that when executed
perform acts comprising:
receiving a sound wave signal encoded with a message having health related data; decoding the message; and

communicating an alert signal, based on the decoding, for alerting at least one of a physician and a central base station.