DESC:BACKGROUND
[0001] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section are not prior art to this application and are not admitted to being prior art by inclusion in this section.

Field of the invention:
[0002] The subject matter in general relates to a system for tracking health of a user. More particularly, but not exclusively, the subject matter relates to a wearable device for tracking and monitoring the health and emergency needs of the user, from a remote location. This will further assist in taking proactive care of the user.

Discussion of the related art:
[0003] The increased medical needs to patients has brought significant changes in the way the health care services are provided. Patients in general, and elderly persons in particular require personalised attention and care to monitor their health and other needs. So, a personal attendant is always required to take care of their medical and other emergency needs. However, it may at times be difficult for the attendants or guardians to accompany the patients round the clock.

[0004] With such scenarios, the concept of telemedicine has gained attention, to provide better health care from a distant place, by utilizing Tele-communication and Information Technology. It provides better health care services to the people in remote areas with limited health care facilities.

[0005] However, the conventional telemedicine systems face several challenges due to improper communication between the patient living in the remote location and the attendant/medical expert located at distant place. This may sometimes result in increased risk of medical errors. Moreover, with the absence of personal attendant around, the instant assistance to the patients in emergency situations may not be possible with conventional telemedicine systems. The conventional system also fails to effectively track and monitor the health and other needs of the patient continuously and/or at regular intervals, depending on the specific conditions of the patient.

[0006] In light of the foregoing discussion, there is a need for an improved system for remote patient monitoring to capture and respond to the health and emergency needs of the patient at regular intervals, without the involvement of a medical expert.

SUMMARY
[0007] In one aspect, a system is provided for capturing health and other needs of a user, which comprises a wearable device and a remote data processing system. The wearable device comprises a fall detection sensor to detect the physical position and occurrence of a fall of the user, a heart rate monitoring sensor to calculate the heart rate and blood pressure of the user, a pulse oximeter to monitor the blood oxygen saturation levels and a temperature sensor to detect the body temperature and a panic module to communicate the emergency condition of the user. The system further comprises a step count module to count the steps walked in a predetermined time interval and a module to track the physical activity of the user. The device also comprises a GPS module to identify the location of the user and a geo-fencing module to detect if the device enters or exits a predefined geographical boundary. The remote data processing system is configured to receive information from the wireless communication module of the wearable device, with-out the need of a mobile phone or other means for tele-communication. The system processes and utilized the information to provide required support and care to the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DIAGRAMS
[0008] Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 comprising a wearable device 102 connected to a remote data processing system 106, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the wearable device 102 of the system 100, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of the wearable device 102 of the system 100, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates the ideal placement of the device 102, wearable to wrist 402 in the form of a watch, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of the wearable device 102 comprising a fall detection module 502, a heart rate monitoring module 504, a pulse oximeter 506 and a temperature sensing module 508;

[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view of the wearable device 102 with a panic module 602, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric view of the wearable device 102 with a step count module 702 and a physical activity tracking module 704, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric view of the wearable device 102 with an inbuilt battery 802 and an external power supply unit 804, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0017] FIG. 9 illustrates an isometric view of the wearable device 102 with a display screen 902 to display information obtained from different modules and sensors.

[0018] FIG. 10 illustrates the arrangement of a locking mechanism 1002 to the strap of the wearable device 102;

[0019] FIG. 11 illustrates the alternate placement position of the device 102, wearable to arm 1102 of the user, in accordance with an embodiment; and

[0020] FIG. 12 illustrates the alternate placement position of the device 102, wearable to ankle 1202 of the user, in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the detailed description. The drawings show illustrations in accordance with example embodiments. These example embodiments are described in enough details to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present subject matter. However, it may be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practised without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments. The embodiments can be combined, other embodiments can be utilized or structural and logical changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken as a limiting sense.

[0022] In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one. In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a non-exclusive “or”, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B”, “B but not A”, and “A and B”, unless otherwise indicated.

[0023] It should be understood, that the capabilities of the invention described in the present disclosure and elements shown in the figures may be implemented in various forms of hardware, firmware, software, recordable medium or combinations thereof.

OVERVIEW
[0024] The present invention deals with a system 100 for tracking and monitoring the medical and other emergency needs of a user. The system 100 comprises a wearable device 102 connected to a remote data processing system 106 through a communication network 104. The device 102 comprises a fall detection module 212 to detect and measure the physical position and occurrence of fall of the user, a heart rate monitoring module 214 to calculate the heart rate and blood pressure of the user, a pulse oximeter module 216 to monitor the blood oxygen saturation levels and a temperature sensing module 218 to detect the body temperature of the user. The wearable device 102 also comprises an emergency SOS/ panic module 220 to inform the emergency condition of the user or the attendant in a remote location. The system 100 further comprises a step count module 222 to detect and count the number of steps walked by the user and a module 224 to track the physical activity too. Further, the device 102 comprises a GPS module 226 to identify the location of the user and a geo-fencing module 228 to detect if the device 102 enters or exits a predefined geographical boundary. The device 102 comprises a digital display 902 that displays the results and information obtained from different modules and sensors, besides acting as a user interface. The device 102 is preconfigured to generate an alert if the user did not wear it for a predetermined time. It is further preconfigured to generate an alert for medication reminders at predetermined time intervals and an alert to inform the low battery level. The system 100 is configured to generate alerts not just at the device 102, but also at the remote data processing system 106. An in-built battery 802 is arranged to provide the necessary power to different modules and sensors of the wearable device 102. In addition to the in-built battery 802, the device 102 may be connected with an external power supply unit 804 to provide the necessary power to the device 102. The device 102 comprises a microphone and speaker to interact and communicate with the attendant from a distant location. The device 102 is connected to the remote data processing system 106, to pro-actively monitor the user and ensure in providing proper care and support.

CONSTRUCTION & WORKING OF WEARABLE DEVICE
[0025] The present invention discloses a system 100 for tracking and monitoring the medical and other emergency needs of a user. Referring to FIG. 1, the system 100 comprises a wearable device 100 (also referred as device, herein after) connected to a remote data processing system 106 (also referred as data processing system, herein after) through a communication network 104.

[0026] Now referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary block diagram of the device 102 is disclosed, in accordance with an embodiment. The device 102 may include a processing module 202, a memory module 204, an input module 206, an output module 208, a display module 210, a fall detection module 212, a heart rate monitoring module 214, a pulse oximeter module 216, a temperature sensing module 218, a panic module 220, a step count module 222, a physical activity tracking module 224, a GPS module 226, a geo-fencing module 228 and a communication module 230 comprising one or more of a Wi-Fi module 232 and a GSM module 234.

[0027] In an embodiment, the device 102 may be designed and fashioned into a wearable accessory that can be worn on wrists, hands, fingers, ankles, legs, feet or any other portion of the user’s body.

[0028] The device 102 may be designed in the form of a watch, ring, wrist-band, bracelet, pendant or any such ornamental accessory. The device 102 may be made of plastic, metal, glass or any other suitable material.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 3, the wearable device 102 primarily comprises a case 302 and a strap 304. The case 302 comprises different modules and sensors for performing the required functions of the device 102, whereas the strap 304 helps in fixing the case 302 to the user. In a preferred embodiment, the device 102 is wearable to wrist 402 in the form of a watch, as disclosed in FIG. 4.

[0030] The processing module 202 is implemented in the form of one or more processors and may be implemented as appropriate in hardware, computer-executable instructions, firmware, or combinations thereof. Computer-executable instruction or firmware implementations of the processing module 202 may include computer-executable or machine-executable instructions written in any suitable programming language to perform the various functions described.

[0031] The memory module 204 may include a permanent memory such as a hard disk drive, may be configured to store data, and executable program instructions that are implemented by the processor. The memory module 204 may be implemented in the form of a primary and a secondary memory. The memory module 204 may store additional data and program instructions that are loadable and executable on the processor, as well as data generated during the execution of these programs. Further, the memory module 204 may be volatile memory, such as random-access memory and/or a disk drive, or non-volatile memory. The memory module 204 may comprise of removable memory such as a Compact Flash card, Memory Stick, Smart Media, Multimedia Card, Secure Digital memory, or any other memory storage that exists currently or may exist in the future.

[0032] The input module 206 may provide an interface for input devices. Input devices are peripheral devices that helps to communicate with a processing unit. In an embodiment, the input devices may include one or more of keypad, touch screen, mouse, microphone and stylus among other input devices which provides data and control signals to the wearable device 102.

[0033] The output module 208 may provide an interface for output devices. Purpose of the output device is to translate responses from various modules and sensors into a readable form which can be easily understandable by the user. In an embodiment, the output devices used in the system 100 include one or more of display screen, speakers, printer and haptic feedback devices, among other.

[0034] Alternatively, or in addition, the communication module 230 may be used by the device 102 to communicate with the remote data processing system 106 via the communication network 104. The communication module 230, as an example, may be a GPS module 226, or other modules that enable telecommunication. The communication module 230 may include a modem, a network interface card (such as Ethernet card), a communication port, or a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) slot, among others. The communication module 230 may include devices supporting both wired and wireless protocols. Data in the form of electronic, electromagnetic, optical, among other signals may be transferred via the communication module 230. A Wi-Fi 232 or a GSM module 234 may also be used by the device 102 to communicate with the server via the communication network.

[0035] The wearable device 102 contains a display module 210 that also acts as a user interface with the user. The output can be displayed on display type known in the art, for example, Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD), Light Emitting Diode Displays (LED), Cathode Ray Tube Displays (CRT), Orthogonal Liquid Crystal Displays (OLCD), Organic Light Emitting Diode Displays (OLED) or any other type of display currently existing or which may exist in the future.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 5, the wearable device 102 comprises a fall detection sensor 502 to detect and measure the physical body position and occurrence of fall of the user. The fall detection sensor 502 helps in giving a caution about the physical position and condition of the user. In an embodiment, the fall detection sensor 502 may be one or more of gyroscope, accelerometer, or combinations thereof.

[0037] The device 102 also comprises a heart rate monitoring sensor 504 to detect and track the heart rate and blood pressure of the user. The heart rate monitoring sensor 504 measures heart rate using an optical LED light source and an LED light sensor in the form of number of heart beats per minute. The light shines through skin and the variations in light reflections are interpreted as heartbeats. Thus the heart rate monitoring sensor 504 measures the amount of light that reflects back from the skin to measure the heart rate.

[0038] Blood pressure (BP) represents pressure of the blood against inner walls of the blood vessels due to blood circulation. Pressure sensitive transistors in the form of capacitors are used for measuring blood pressure waves. The remote data processing system 106 is configured to receive the generated information from the heart rate monitoring sensor 504 and generate an alert if the reading levels of the user fluctuates beyond a preconfigured range.

[0039] The device 102 comprises an in-built pulse oximeter 506 to monitor and measure the blood oxygen saturation levels. Peripheral capillary oxygen saturation is a measure of oxygenated haemoglobin in the blood and is essential to maintain an adequate amount of oxygen in the blood to ensure proper functioning of cells and tissues. The oxygen levels in the blood decreases due to cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary diseases, anaemia, sleep apnoea etc. Hence, it is important to monitor the blood oxygen saturation levels continuously for persons facing respiratory and heart-related disorders.

[0040] The said pulse oximeter module 506 is preconfigured to measure oxygen saturation levels at predetermined time intervals, which is displayed on the digital display 902 and generate an alert if the oxygen saturation levels of the user fluctuates beyond a preconfigured range. The remote data processing system 106 is also configured to receive information from the pulse oximeter module 506.

[0041] The device 102 further comprises a temperature sensor 508 to detect and monitor the body temperature of the user as and when necessary. The information obtained from the temperature sensor 508 is displayed on the digital display 902. The remote data processing system 106 is also configured to receive the information generated from the temperature sensor 508. The system 100 is preconfigured to generate an alert if the body temperature of the user fluctuates beyond a preconfigured range.

[0042] A temperature sensor 508 having the characteristics of small size, high accuracy, low power consuming, wide operating temperature range, suitable for mobile devices and wearables and that provides data in a direct digital format is selected. In an embodiment, the temperature sensing module 508 is selected from the group comprising of pyroelectric detectors, resistive temperature detectors, thermistors and combinations thereof.

[0043] Further, referring to FIG. 6, the wearable further comprises a panic module 602 (emergency SOS) to inform the emergency condition of the user to the attendant or medical supervisor present at a distant location. The panic module 602 is preconfigured to send text messages, telephonic calls, video calls and combinations thereof to specified contacts of the user. This will alert the attendants and medical supervisors to take proactive and precautionary care by understanding the emergency requirements of the user.

[0044] Now, referring to FIG. 7, the wearable device 102 is designed to contain a module to detect the step count 702 of the user, wherein the data processing system 106 is configured to receive information from the said module. In an embodiment, the step count module 702 is selected from the group comprising of gyroscope, accelerometer and combinations thereof.

[0045] The device 102 further comprise a module to monitor and track the physical activity 704 of the user, which helps in early detection of musculoskeletal or cognitive diseases, fall and balance assessment besides measuring the number of calories spent by the user in a predetermined time interval. It has been reported that an individual’s walking patterns are strongly associated with their health condition.

[0046] In an embodiment, the fall detection sensor 502, the heart rate sensor 504, the pulse oximeter 506, temperature sensor 508, step count sensor 702 and the physical activity monitoring sensor 704 are positioned in the wearable device 102, in such a way that they remain in contact with the body of the user, to continuously detect and monitor their respective activities.

[0047] The device 102 may further comprise a GPS module 226 to detect the location of the device 102 and the user. The display 902 of the device 102 may be used to switch on the GPS module 226. As an example, the data processing system 106 may be an application installed in the device 102 of the user. The user may be able to locate the exact location of the device 102 using the application.

[0048] The wearable device 102 may also comprise a geo-fencing module 228, wherein the system 100 generates an alert, both at the device 102 and at the data processing system 106, if the device 102 enters or exits a predefined geographical boundary. This will assist in tracking and taking care of infants, elderly, or patients with physical or mental disability.

[0049] In an embodiment, the device 102 is configured to generate an alert if the device 102 detects abnormalities beyond the preferred and preconfigured levels of blood oxygen saturation levels, heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature etc.

[0050] The device 102 may also be configured to generate an alert to remind the user on medication at predetermined time intervals.

[0051] The device 102 is further configured to generate an alert if the battery level is below the predetermined minimum level. The device 102 is also configured to generate an alert if the user do not wear the device 102 for a predetermined minimal amount of time.

[0052] In another embodiment, the device 102 is also configured to generate an alert at the remote data processing system 106 for the above said activities. In an embodiment, the alert may be one or more of alarm, vibration, blinker, among others.

[0053] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the device 102 comprises an in-built battery 802, wherein the in-built battery 802 provides necessary power for the functioning of the device 102. In an embodiment, the in-built battery 802 may be replaceable or may be rechargeable, wherein the in-built battery 802 is recharged using an external power supply unit 804. In an embodiment, the external power supply unit 804 may be selected from the group comprising of unregulated, linear regulated, switching, ripple-regulated types and combinations thereof.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 9, the display module 902 may comprise a digital display, and be used to receive an input from the user. The digital display 902 may display the results obtained from different modules such as fall detection sensing module 502, heart rate monitoring module 504, pulse oximeter module 506, temperature sensing module 508, step count sensing module 702, physical activity tracking module 704, communication module 230 and other modules of the device 102, if any. The amount of charge available in an inbuilt battery 802 is also displayed.

[0055] The display 902 may also be used in combination with technologies such as touch screen, tapping or double tapping of display. The device 102 may contain a touch screen large enough to incorporate all or a portion of the user interface for the device 102. Contrast and brightness capability can also be added and adjusted on to the display 902.

[0056] The data obtained from the different modules or sensors of the device 102 may be communicated to the remote data processing system 106. The remote data processing system 106 is configured to receive information from the wireless communication module of the device 102, process the received information and display information based on the processing. The remote data processing system 106 may be either a mobile device, laptop, computer, tablet, server, mobile app among others. The user operating the remote data processing system 106 may monitor the information obtained as need be.

[0057] In an embodiment, instructions and input to various modules of the device 102 may be communicated from the data processing system 106 to the device 102. The functioning of the device 102 may also be controlled using the data processing system 106. In an embodiment, the communication module 230 is selected from the group comprising of Wi-Fi 232, GSM 234 and combinations thereof.

[0058] The device 102 further comprises a microphone and a speaker to interact and communicate with the attendant or medical supervisor from a distant location.

[0059] The device 102 is designed with a suitable material to make it water and heat resistant. Moreover, the strap 304 of the device 102 is designed in a user friendly way to affix the device 102 to the user. In an embodiment, the strap 304 may be made of leather, rubber, cloth, plastic, metal or any other suitable material. In another embodiment, the clasp of the strap 304 may be either deployant or buckle type. In yet another embodiment, the size of the strap 304 may be re-adjustable as per the size and position of wearing.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 10, the strap 304 may also have a locking mechanism 1002 to lock the device 102 over the user’s body. This will avoid dementia patients to remove the device 102, as they are highly prone to forgetfulness and wandering.

[0061] The device 102 may be worn on wrists, hands, fingers, ankles, legs, feet or any other portion of the user’s body. FIG. 11 illustrates the alternate placement position of the device 102, wearable to arm 1102 of the user, in accordance with an embodiment, whereas, FIG. 12 illustrates the alternate placement position, wearable to ankle 1202 of the user, in accordance with another embodiment.

[0062] The device 102 assists in monitoring the health condition of the user from a distant place, wherein, various health and other emergency needs of the user can be monitored. The device 102 helps in increased attention of the health and physical activity of the user. Hence, it is observed that the proposed invention promotes the concept of virtual doctor and remote patient monitoring.

[0063] It shall be noted that the processes described above are described as sequence of steps; this was done solely for the sake of illustration. Accordingly, it is contemplated that some steps may be added, some steps may be omitted, the order of the steps may be re-arranged, or some steps may be performed simultaneously.

[0064] Although embodiments have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the system and method described herein. Accordingly, the specification is to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[0065] Many alterations and modifications of the present invention will no doubt become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art after having read the foregoing description. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. It is to be understood that the description above includes many specifications; these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the personally preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given. ,CLAIMS:CLAIMS

We claim,

1. A system (100) for remote monitoring and emergency response for a user, the system (100) comprising a wearable device (102) and a remote data processing system (106), wherein,
the wearable device (102) comprises:
a fall detection module (502) to detect and measure the physical position and occurrence of fall of the user;
a heart rate monitoring module (504) to measure the heart rate and blood pressure of the user;
a pulse oximeter module (506) to monitor the blood oxygen saturation levels;
a temperature sensing module (508) to detect the body temperature of the user;
a panic module (602) to communicate the emergency condition of the user; and
a wireless communication module (230) for communicating information obtained from different modules of the wearable device (102); and
the data processing system (106) configured to receive information through the wireless communication module (230) of the wearable device (102).

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the panic module (602) is preconfigured to send at least one of text messages, telephonic calls and video calls to pre-specified contacts of the user.

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wearable device (102) comprises a step count module (702) to detect and count steps walked by the user in a predetermined time interval.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wearable device (102) comprises a physical activity tracking module (704) to monitor and track the physical activity of the user, thereby measuring the number of calories spent by the user in a predetermined time interval.

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wearable device (102) further comprises a GPS module (226) to identify location of the user, wherein the data processing system (106) is configured to receive information from the GPS module (226).

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wearable device (102) further comprises a geo-fencing module (228), wherein the system (100) generates an alert, both at the device (102) and at the data processing system (106), if the device (102) enters or exits a predefined geographical boundary.

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) is configured to generate an alert, at the wearable device (102) and at the data processing system (106), if the user do not wear it for a predetermined time.

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) is configured to generate an alert, at the wearable device (102) and at the data processing system (106), if the wearable device (102) detects abnormalities beyond the preconfigured levels of blood oxygen saturation levels, heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature.

9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) is configured to generate an alert, at the wearable device (102) and at the data processing system (106), to remind the user on medication at predetermined time intervals.

10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wearable device (102) comprises an in-built battery (802), wherein the in-built battery (802) provides the necessary power to different modules and sensors of the wearable device (102).

11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wearable device (102) comprises an external power supply unit (804) to recharge the in-built battery (802).

12. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wearable device (102) comprises a digital display (902), wherein the digital display (902) is configured to display information based on information obtained from one or more of the fall-detection module (502), heart rate monitoring module (504), pulse oximeter (506), temperature sensing module (508), step count module (602), physical activity tracking module (604), GPS module (226), geo-fensing module (228) and wireless communication module (230).

13. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the data processing system (106) is configured to receive, exchange and communicate instructions to the wearable device (102), wherein the wearable device (102) is configured as per the instructions received from the data processing system (106).