A) TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a health care monitoring system and particularly to a home based health care monitoring system. The present invention more particularly relates to a programmable communication interface for home based health care monitoring system to communicate the monitored the physiological parameters of one or all the members of a family individually and groups of people present in work places, hospitals, Corporate Institutions, Housing Complexes, Schools, Colleges, societies, communities, places where people congregate and in case of Mass disaster and constantly to keep a health record of one or all the members of the family.

B) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Medical health care delivery is undergoing a sea change with the advent of information technology. It is seen that the computer is an omnipresent electronic device which has redefined frontiers, narrowed physical distances and allowed persons to reach over and communicate to their near and loved ones across the oceans. The home health care service providers have pioneered the delivery of preventive health, wellness and beauty concept at the doorstep of the individuals and groups of people as indicated above. The health care service providers closely monitor the health of the individual and groups of people as indicated above by installing the monitors in the above premises to constantly and periodically monitor the health of the individuals and groups of people to provide an early, quick, efficient and effective medical relief to the individuals. The system provides the comfort of monitoring the individuals and groups of people as indicated above at the home itself.

[0003] The health care system is developed and evolved to have a better disease management control. For e.g. a diabetic usually does not monitor the glucose level periodically and regularly in the present busy and bustling world where time lines and fast pace of life puts the visit to the doctor on the back burner. When the periodical treatment or consultation or monitoring is not carried out by the diabetics, the unchecked and non monitored diabetic may be sometimes have to face the ravages of the body and their heart, kidneys, peripheral nerves and so on may be damaged. In an endeavour to ensure the compliance of medications to keep in check and also monitor the development of disease in persons who have a genetic predisposition for diabetics, a constant monitoring system is required to conduct a periodical health check once a month to allay his or her fears.

[0004] None of the currently available monitoring system provided at the premises of a patient is programmed to monitor the physiological parameters of the family members, groups of people as indicated above to maintain a health record and to detect the abnormality in the monitored parameters to provide the required medical attendance at the early stage cheaply and efficiently. Moreover none of the monitoring systems is able to transmit the data which is monitored by a health care professional remotely and suitable measures are taken to intervene.

[0005] Hence there is a need to provide a communicative and programmable interface device for home based health care monitoring system to measure the physiological parameters of one or all the family members individually and groups of people periodically, regularly and constantly to maintain a health record and to detect an abnormality at the earliest stage to provide suitable and appropriate medical care and also to mitigate a medical emergency.

[0006] Also there is a need to provide a communicative and programmable interface device for home based health care monitoring system to measure the physiological parameters of the groups of people present in work places, hospitals, Corporate Institutions, Housing Complexes, Schools, Colleges, societies, communities, places where people congregate and in case of Mass disaster and constantly to keep a health record of one or all individually.

[0007] The above mentioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems are addressed herein and which will be understood by reading and studying the following specification.

C) OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The primary object of the present invention is to develop a programmable and communicative interface device for home health care monitoring system that is provided at the premises of individual and coupled to the physiological monitors to measure the physiological parameters of one or all the family members to maintain a health record.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to develop a programmable and communicative interface device for home health care monitoring system that is provided at the premises of individual and coupled to the physiological monitors to measure the physiological parameters of the groups of people present in work places, hospitals, Corporate Institutions, Housing Complexes, Schools, Colleges, societies, communities, places where people congregate and in case of Mass disaster and constantly to keep a health record of one or all individually.

[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a programmable and communicative interface device for home health care monitoring system provided at the premises of individual and coupled to the physiological monitors to measure the physiological parameters of one or all the family members, groups of people as indicated above to detect an abnormality in the measured physiological parameter to prompt the individual to take a suitable and appropriate medical care.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a programmable and communicative interface for home health care monitoring system provided at the premises of individual and coupled to the physiological monitors to measure the physiological parameters of one or all the family members, groups of people as indicated above to detect and communicate an abnormality in measured parameter to suitable health care personnel to provide required medical attendance quickly and efficiently.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a programmable and communicative interface for home health care monitoring system provided at the premises of individual and coupled to the physiological monitors to measure the physiological parameters of one or all the family members, groups of people as indicated above to detect and communicate an abnormality in measured parameter to suitable health care personnel to prevent a medical emergency.

[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a programmable and communicative interface for home health care monitoring system provided at the premises of individual and coupled to the physiological monitors to measure the physiological parameters of one or all the family members, groups of people as indicated above to report the medical history of a family member to a care taking personnel.

[0014] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a programmable and communicative interface for home health care monitoring system provided at the premises of individual and coupled to the physiological monitors to measure the physiological parameters of one or all the family members, groups of people as indicated above to detect and report the abnormality of a measured physiological parameter of a family member to a care taking personnel to prompt him to take suitable action to provide required medical care to the individual.

[0015] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a
programmable and communicative interface for home health care monitoring system provided at the premises of individual and coupled to the physiological monitors to measure the physiological parameters of one or all the family members, groups of people as indicated above and to communicate the health condition to the individuals.

[0016] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a programmable and communicative interface for home health care monitoring system provided at the premises of individual and coupled to the physiological monitors to measure the physiological parameters of one or all the family members to compare the measured data with threshold values to communicate the satisfactory health condition to the individuals, when the measured values are within the threshold values.

[0017] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a programmable and communicative interface for home health care monitoring system provided at the premises of individual and coupled to the physiological monitors to measure the physiological parameters of the groups of people present in work places, hospitals, Corporate Institutions, Housing Complexes, Schools, Colleges, societies, communities, places where people congregate and in case of Mass disaster, to compare the measured data with threshold values to communicate the satisfactory health condition to the individuals, when the measured values are within the threshold values.

[0018] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

D) SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The various embodiments of the present invention provides a communicable and programmable interface for home health care monitoring system to monitor and communicate the measured physiological parameters of one or all family members and the groups of people constantly, regularly and continuously. The groups of people includes people present in work places, hospitals, Corporate Institutions, Housing Complexes, Schools, Colleges, societies, communities, places where people congregate in case of emergency or mass disaster or during evacuation.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an interface device loaded with software is installed at the premises of an individual and coupled to a physiological monitor which measures a given physiological parameter. The interface may be coupled to the home personal computer or dedicated system or the software may be loaded to the home personal computer. The software is executed to report the measured monitored physiological parameter value to the individual, to health care personnel, or to a medical physician or to care taker personnel through internet or a communication network, landlines, cell phone and other communication devices including satellite.

[0021] The monitor includes any one from the group comprising Glucometer,
blood pressure apparatus giving the blood pressure and pulse, Weighing scale for measuring the weight, Standard 12 lead ECG approved for clinical use, Spiro meter for measuring the lung function, Pulse oxymeter for monitoring regularly your pulse and oxygen saturation, a three lead ECG, opthomological Slit lamp, microscopes, automated devices for biochemistry and haematology and diabetics monitoring, Vital signs monitoring device, Audio meter for hearing testing, Digital x-ray unit, Digital Mammography unit, Digital ultrasonography unit, Tread Mill Test/ Stress Test, Surface Electromyography unit, Bone densitometry device, Scanners for transmitting paper report electronically and Video Camera for picture based communication.

[0022] Each measured physiological parameter is communicated to the individual or to health care personnel or to care taker personnel for review and suitable recording, intervention and treatment. The system also helps to maintain the medical record of the individual electronically. The measured values are compared with a threshold value to detect an abnormal health condition. The detected abnormal value is communicated to the individual to take proper medical treatment or to a physician to provide suitable medical treatment or to care taker personnel to provide or to arrange for suitable medical care to the individual. The system is programmed to monitor the physiological parameters of one or all the family members and groups of people as indicated above. The system is programmed to provide a login and registration process for each individual.

[0023] According to another embodiment of the invention, the physiological parameter measuring monitors are coupled to a home personal computer loaded with programmable and communication software. The measured physiological parameters of one or all the family members or groups of people as indicated above, are transmitted to the personal computer or dedicated system and stored. When the personal computer or dedicated system is connected to internet or to any other communication network, the stored data are transmitted to health care provider or to a physician or to care taker personnel. The acquired data is identified with the registration number of the individual and stored in a corresponding medical record. The acquired physiological parameter data are automatically compared with the stored data. When the currently acquired data is in conformity with the stored data or within a preset threshold range, a message is sent to the user indicating that the health condition is fine and one need not worry about the health condition. On the other hand, when an abnormal health condition is detected, a message regarding the abnormal health condition is sent to health care provider or to physician or to care taker personnel to provide suitable and appropriate medical treatment. In addition to the normal communication channels, SMS messages and email alerts regarding the health condition may also be sent-to the individuals and care taker personnel. A message is sent to the relative of the person anywhere in the world to inform that their near and dear ones is just been monitored and is fine thereby providing a comfortable feeling.

[0024] Moreover the system enables to transfer the acquired medical data
images between the doctors or to any other medical specialist to have a medical opinion or consultation. The images of the test reports may be scanned and uploaded to your medical record to maintain a medical record always.

E) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The other objects, features and advantages will occur to those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings in which:

[0026] FIG.1 shows a functional block diagram of the home based health care monitoring system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG.2 shows a block diagram of the home based health care monitoring system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 3 shows a flow chart illustrating operations of the home based health care monitoring system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Although the specific features of the present invention are shown in some drawings and not in others. This is done for convenience only as each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance with the present invention.

F) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] In the following detailed description, a reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which the specific embodiments that may be practiced is shown by way of illustration. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and it is to be understood that the logical, mechanical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0031] The various embodiments of the present invention provides a communicable and programmable interface for home health care monitoring system to monitor and communicate the measured physiological parameters of one or all family members and the groups of people constantly, regularly and continuously. The groups of people includes people present in work places, hospitals, Corporate Institutions, Housing Complexes, Schools, Colleges, societies, communities, places where people congregate in case of emergency or mass disaster or during evacuation.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an interface
device loaded with software is installed at the premises of an individual and coupled to a physiological monitor which measures a given physiological parameter. The interface may be coupled to the home personal computer or dedicated system or the software may be loaded to the home personal computer. The software is executed to report the measured monitored physiological parameter value to the individual, to health care personnel, or to a medical physician or to care taker personnel through internet or a communication network, landlines, cell phone and other communication devices including satellite.

[0033] The monitor includes any one from the group comprising Glucometer, blood pressure apparatus giving the blood pressure and pulse, Weighing scale for measuring the weight, Standard 12 lead ECG approved for clinical use, Spiro meter for measuring the lung function, Pulse oxymeter for monitoring regularly your pulse and oxygen saturation, a three lead ECG, opthomological Slit lamp, microscopes, automated devices for biochemistry and haematology and diabetics monitoring, Vital signs monitoring device,

Audio meter for hearing testing, Digital x-ray unit, Digital Mammography unit, Digital ultrasonography unit, Tread Mill Test/ Stress Test, Surface Electromyography unit, Bone densitometry device, Scanners for transmitting paper report electronically and Video Camera for picture based communication.

[0034] Each measured physiological parameter is communicated to the individual or to health care personnel or to care taker personnel for review and suitable recording, intervention and treatment. The system also helps to maintain the medical record of the individual electronically. The measured values are compared with a threshold value to detect an abnormal health condition. The detected abnormal value is communicated to the individual to take proper medical treatment or to a physician to provide suitable medical treatment or to care taker personnel to provide or to arrange for suitable medical care to the individual. The system is programmed to monitor the physiological parameters of one or all the family members and groups of people as indicated above. The system is programmed to provide a login and registration process for each individual.

[0035] According to another embodiment of the invention, the physiological parameter measuring monitors are coupled to a home personal computer loaded with programmable and communication software. The measured physiological parameters of one or all the family members or groups of people as indicated above, are transmitted to the personal computer or dedicated system and stored. When the personal computer or dedicated system is connected to internet or to any other communication network, the stored data are transmitted to health care provider or to a physician or to care taker personnel. The acquired data is identified with the registration number of the individual and stored in a corresponding medical record. The acquired physiological parameter data are automatically compared with the stored data. When the currently acquired data is in conformity with the stored data or within a preset threshold range, a message is sent to the user indicating that the health condition is fine and one need not worry about the health condition. On the other hand, when an abnormal health condition is detected, a message regarding the abnormal health condition is sent to health care provider or to physician or to care taker personnel to provide suitable and appropriate medical treatment. In addition to the normal communication channels, SMS messages and email alerts regarding the health condition may also be sent to the individuals and care taker personnel. A message is sent to the relative of the person anywhere in the world to inform that their near and dear ones is just been monitored and is fine thereby providing a comfortable feeling.

[0036] Moreover the system enables to transfer the acquired medical data images between the doctors or to any other medical specialist to have a medical opinion or consultation. The images of the test reports may be scanned and uploaded to your medical record to maintain a medical record always.

[0037] FIG.1 shows a block diagram of the home based health care monitoring system according to one embodiment of the present invention. With reference to FIG.1, the physiological parameters measuring monitors Blood pressure monitoring device 102, Blood glucose monitoring devices 103, other patient monitoring devices 104 and accessory devices 101 are connected to the individuals to be monitored. The other monitoring devices 104 include Weighing scale for measuring the weight, Standard 12 lead ECG approved for clinical use, Spiro meter for measuring the lung function, Pulse oxymeter for monitoring regularly your pulse and oxygen saturation, a three lead ECG, opthomological Slit lamp, microscopes, automated devices for biochemistry and haematology and diabetics monitoring, Vital signs monitoring device, Audio meter for hearing testing, Digital x-ray unit, Digital Mammography unit, Digital ultrasonography unit, Tread Mill Test/ Stress Test, Surface Electromyography unit, Bone densitometry device, etc. The accessory devices 101 include scanners for transmitting paper report electronically and Video Camera for picture based communication.

[0038] The physiological parameter measuring monitors 102-104 are coupled to a home personal computer or any interface device 105 loaded with programmable and communication software. The measured physiological parameters are transmitted to the interface device 105 and stored. When the personal computer or interface device 105 is connected to internet 106 or to any other communication network, the stored data are transmitted to patient record repository 107. The acquired data is identified with the registration number of the individual and stored in a corresponding medical record. The acquired physiological parameter data are automatically compared with the stored data. When the currently acquired data is in conformity with the stored data or within a preset threshold range, an alert message is sent to the user indicating that the health condition is fine and one need not worry about the health condition. On the other hand, when an abnormal health condition is detected, a message regarding the abnormal health condition is sent to home health advisor 108 to provide suitable and appropriate medical treatment.

A message is sent to the relative 109 of the person anywhere in the world to inform that their near and dear ones is just been monitored and is fine thereby providing a comfortable feeling. In addition to the normal communication channels, SMS messages and email alerts regarding the health condition may also be sent to the individuals and care taker personnel.

[0039] FIG.2 shows a block diagram of the home based health care monitoring system according to one embodiment of the present invention. With reference to FIG.2, when an abnormal health condition is detected, a message regarding the abnormal health condition is sent to the health care centres 201 to provide suitable and appropriate medical treatment. Based on the detected abnormal values, an appropriate medical treatment is communicated to the individual to take proper medical treatment or to a physician to provide suitable medical treatment or to care taker personnel to provide or to arrange for suitable medical care to the individual. The treatments prescribed by the health care centres 201 are stored in the patient record repository 107 and the synchronous medical records from repository 107 are communicated to the subscribers 105 through internet 106. The treatments prescribed may also be sent to the individuals and care taker personnel through communication channels, SMS messages and email alerts.

[0040] FIG. 3 shows a flow chart illustrating the home based health care monitoring system, according to one embodiment of the present invention. With reference to FIG.3, the home based health care monitoring system is provided to monitor physiological parameters (301) of the individuals and to communicate the measured data to health care and cure centre (302). The physiological parameter measuring monitors are coupled to home personal computer or interface device loaded with programmable and communication software. The software loaded in the interface device is executed to report the measured physiological parameter value to the individual, to health care personnel, or to a medical physician or to care taker personnel through internet or a communication network, landlines, cell phone and other communication devices including satellite. Each measured physiological parameter is communicated to the individual or to health care personnel or to care taker personnel for review and recording of the received data (303). The measured physiological parameters are sent to patient record repository for storage of received data in individual medical records (304). The treatments prescribed by the health care centres are stored in the patient record repository and the synchronous medical records from repository are communicated to the subscribers through internet. The measured values are compared with a threshold value to detect an abnormal health condition. The detected abnormal value is communicated to the health care centres. The health care centres communicate results of review to individuals (305) through internet to take proper medical treatment or to a physician to provide suitable medical treatment or to care taker personnel to provide or to arrange for suitable medical care to the individual. The system is programmed to monitor the physiological parameters of one or all the family members and groups of people as indicated above. Moreover the system enables to transfer the acquired medical data images between the doctors or to any other medical specialist to have a medical opinion or consultation. The images of the test reports may be scanned and uploaded to your medical record to maintain a medical record always.

G) ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0041] Thus the various embodiments of the present invention provide a
programmable and communicative interface which is coupled to a personal computer or dedicated system and to a monitor measuring a physiological parameter to monitor, store and communicate the measured parameter to individual, health care personnel, physician and to a care taker personnel or relative. The system also helps to maintain the medical record of the individual. A software may also be loaded to the personal computer or dedicated system at the home of the individual to acquire and communicate the measured physiological parameter of one or all the family members or groups of people as indicated above to provide effective medical care to the individuals under treatment or to the individual suffering from chronic illness like diabetics, obesity etc.

[0042] Although the invention is described with various specific embodiments, it will be obvious for a person skilled in the art to practice the invention with modifications. However, all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the claims.

[0043] It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the present invention described herein and all the statements of the scope of the invention which as a matter of language might be said to fall there between.

CLAIMS

What is claimed is:

1. A home health care monitoring system comprising;
At least one physiological parameter measurement monitor connected to an individual under monitoring;

A communicable and programmable interface connected to the physiological parameter measurement monitor; and

A personal computer connected to the communicable and programmable interface;

Wherein the interface device is loaded with software to report the measured physiological parameter data received from the physiological parameter monitor to a remote health care and cure center through a communication means for review, recording, intervention and treatment.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the interface is loaded with software to report the measured physiological parameter data received from the physiological parameter monitor to a remote health care personnel for review, recording, intervention and treatment.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the interface is loaded with software to report the measured physiological parameter data received from the physiological parameter monitor to a care taker personnel to prompt him to take suitable action to provide required medical care to the individual.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the interface is programmed to store and maintain the medical record of each individual electronically.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the interface is programmed to monitor the physiological parameters of one or all the family members and groups of people.

6. The system according claim 5, wherein the groups of people includes people present in work places, hospitals, Corporate Institutions, Housing Complexes, Schools, Colleges, societies, communities, places where people congregate in case of emergency or mass disaster or during evacuation.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the physiological parameter measurement monitor includes any one monitor from the group including Glucometer, Blood pressure apparatus giving the blood pressure and pulse,

Weighing scale for measuring the weight, Standard 12 lead ECG approved for clinical use, Spiro meter for measuring the lung function, Pulse oxymeter for monitoring regularly your pulse and oxygen saturation, a three lead ECG, an Opthomological Slit lamp, microscopes, automated devices for monitoring biochemistry and haematology and diabetics, Vital signs monitoring device,

Audio meter for hearing testing, Digital x-ray unit, Digital Mammography unit, Digital ultrasonography unit, Tread Mill Test/ Stress Test, Surface Electromyography unit and Bone densitometry device.

8. The system according claim 1 further comprises scanners for transmitting paper report electronically.

9. The system according claim 1 further comprises Video Camera for picture
based communication.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein a communication means is a communication network.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein a communication means is an internet.

12. The system according to claim 1, wherein the communication means is a landline communication device.

13. The system according to claim 1, wherein the communication means is a mobile phone device.

14. The system according to claim 1, wherein the communication means is a satellite communication device.

15. The system according to claim 1, wherein the interface is programmed to send SMS messages and email alerts regarding the health condition to the individuals and care taker personnel.