Interactive physiological monitoring system

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD [Detailed description of the invention]

【0001】

(Technical field) The present invention relates to a monitoring system that allows a person to view the monitored parameters and provide feedback on a digital interactive television when monitoring a person's diet, physical activity level, and physiological parameters. [0002]

(Background of invention) There is a high demand for health monitoring systems. With conventional physiological monitors, the instantaneous values of physiological parameters such as heart rate can be visually recognized. However, it can be said that it is very useful to study physiological parameters over a certain period of time using a device with enhanced audiovisual display ability. [0003]

(Outline of the invention) The person has a portable electronic device that can monitor his physiological parameters. The device is equipped with a portable computer, personal digital assistant, radiotelephone, body-mounted physiological monitor, or personalized device. For convenience, this device will be referred to as a monitor module. However, the present invention is not limited in choosing this name, including the person's physical activity level, weight, calorie intake, blood glucose level, metabolic process, calorie consumption, and other physiological parameters. It can be used to monitor various parameters related to the person. Monitor modules are capable of transmitting and receiving data, for example by wireless, IR, optics, or other electromagnetic radiation, or through physical connections such as wiring, memory module replacement, or a combination of these methods. A preferred embodiment is aimed at a monitor module for transmitting and possibly receiving data via a wireless system such as a Bluetooth system. In this preferred embodiment, the monitor module has a memory as a data storage function. [0004]

The monitor module receives data from one or more sensors. These sensors include an accelerometer for measuring physical activity, various medical sensors carried by the person, other medical instruments, a weight measuring device (weight scale), and the like. These data are received (desirably) stored by the monitor module. The monitor module has the ability to display information and a means for manually inputting data. In a preferred embodiment, the monitor module is designed to be convenient and lightweight for human carrying, which limits display and data entry capabilities. The sensor may be built into the monitor module, such as an accelerometer for measuring physical activity. In addition, the sensor may be placed in the immediate vicinity of the monitor module, for example, the blood glucose sensor may be embedded in the body and powered by radiation (eg, light wave, radio wave) emitted by the monitor module, for example. .. The advantage of this system configuration is that the sensor only needs to be able to send data to the monitor module, which is usually only a few feet away. This range is within the range of the lowest power Bluetooth transmitters currently on the market by Ericsson and other licensees of the technology. Therefore, this sensor has lower power requirements than would be required to communicate with a computer farther away, for example. Other data communication methods (eg IR, wiring connections) can also be used between the monitor module and the sensor. [0005]

Sensors carried by individuals include the following actions, events or parameters: body temperature, blood component (eg sugar, alcohol, cholesterol) concentration, blood pressure, respiration (eg oxygen, carbon dioxide, volatile organic components, alcohol): Ingredients, physical activity, heartbeat, pregnancy contraction, infant growth, brain waves, sleep aspiration, other physiological parameters, physical location, environmental factors (eg, external temperature, radiation exposure, harmful) Such as those that react to material exposure, and / or other devices designed to react to the desired parameters. The sensor can also be installed on other familiar people, such as babies. Data from such sensors is continuously and / or intermittently monitored. The time interval may be fixed or changed as the situation changes. The monitor module can also be used to collect data from other interactive devices, such as sending metabolic rate data to the monitor module with a calorimeter (eg, one equipped with an oxygen sensor and a respiratory flow meter). You can also do it. The monitor module can also collect data from any device that provides physiology, diet, or lifestyle information, such as from medical equipment, exercise machines, vending machines, bar code readers, etc. it can. [0006]

In some preferred embodiments, a person sits in front of or interacts with a device that is capable of displaying. Possible examples of this type of device include televisions, computers, internet content display devices, satellite receivers, personal day attendants, personal computers, satellites or cable boxes, and other entertainment devices. In this preferred embodiment, the device is a digital interactive television. An interactive television (interactive TV) is a combination of a plurality of devices, for example, a television connected to an external communication device, or a television having a set-top box having data communication capability, even if it is an integrated device. You may. The interactive television may incorporate the functionality of a computer. Interactive televisions are connected to computer networks such as the Internet using, for example, wiring such as optical fibers, cables, wireless communication, or other electrical or electromagnetic methods. Hereinafter, the term "interactive television" will be used in the present disclosure, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other devices may be used. The monitor module can also communicate directly with the Internet via a wireless link, which should be useful in emergencies, for example. [0007]

The data collected by the monitor module is transmitted to the interactive TV using wireless communication, IR, fiber optics, or other electromagnetic or electrical methods. In a preferred embodiment, Bluetooth protocol radio dialogue is used for transmission. Data transfer between the monitor module and the interactive TV is human-activated (eg, pressing a button on the monitor module) and / or auto-processing (eg, the monitor module automatically sends the signal detected by the interactive TV). And vice versa). The interactive TV may have a separate remote control used to control the data transfer, or a monitor module (or another portable electronic device, such as a PDA) may be used as the remote control for the interactive TV. You may be working. [0008]

The data collected from various sensors to the monitor module is transmitted to the interactive TV. In one preferred embodiment, the interactive TV is connected to a computer network, such as the Internet. Data can be viewed by a person and / or an authorized person from an interactive TV to a remote single or multiple computer via the Internet, data analysis, review by a doctor, analysis by an expert system, display on a remote device. It is sent for the purpose of displaying on a web page that can be done. Interactive TVs can provide some or all of the computer power for data analysis. Data may be encrypted to protect personal privacy. [0009]

Interactive TV is used to give feedback to that person. Interactive TV is derived from, for example, messages such as support, encouragement, interest, suggestions for one's actions, views on orders for products or services, measurement parameters (collected by a monitor module) or measured parameters. Graphical display of parameters, medical advice, referrals to doctor services, weight loss advice, dietary advice, display of suggested trends in data, future predictions, warnings, collected by the monitor module in collaboration with other data sources It provides a display of information extracted from the data, etc. The information is in some way supported by the interactive television, or a device connected to (ie, communicating with) the interactive television, eg, a device whose display form is graphical, text, audio, three-dimensional, or video. Presented by. [0010]

Yet additional information can be collected from the person and / or from other devices to augment or purify the feedback. For example, by voice or gesture using TV remote control (eg via the options menu), or by using a personal digital assistant (PDA) if it is not being used as a monitor module, additional information can be provided. Can be provided. [0011]

Feedback can also be provided from websites on the Internet that display information related to the person. Dialogs of an interactive nature between an individual and an interactive TV may include a simple text menu with selectable options, or may be voiced in the form of a simulated or videographed person asking a question. It may be an advanced scheme that uses recognition software to process the response. Physicians, dietary counselors, other licensed individuals, or computer expert systems can monitor the data collected by accessing websites or databases. [0012]

A personal physiological monitoring system includes at least one sensor device installed on the person's body that can transmit data, a data storage device installed on the person's body that can receive and collect data, and data. It may be configured to include a receivable display device, collect physiological data by a sensor device, store the transmitted data in a data storage device, and then transmit the data to the display device for display. .. A personal physiologic monitoring system further comprises an electronic device having a display means and a memory card interface and at least one physiologic monitor having a memory card interface, and by moving the memory card, the physiologic monitor has a display means. It may be configured to transfer data to an electronic device. The system may further include a memory card having wireless communication means such as Bluetooth communication capability. [0013]

An embodiment of yet another system for performing physiological monitoring of an individual comprises a monitor module having a wireless transmitter, such as a Bluetooth transmitter, that monitors the person's physiological parameters. The system comprises an interactive television system that receives signals from remote control devices such as IR or other wireless transmissions and uses the received signals to modify the visual presentation on the interactive television display. For example, it is configured to be able to change the channel, provide numerical data corresponding to the presentation menu, select from the presentation menu using the navigation keys, and the like. The system is further equipped with a portable arithmetic unit, which can receive the physiological data transmitted by the monitor module and store the physiological data in the memory, and further interactively. It can function as a remote control device for the TV and transmit the stored physiological data to the digital interactive TV to provide signals for remote control and dialogue with the interactive TV. [0014]

One example of a system to help an individual monitor physiological parameters is a monitor with a processor, memory, a data transmitter, and a converter that provides physiological data that correlates with the physiological parameters. An interactive television system with a module and a display, a receiver designed to receive physiological data, and a communication link to the communication network, a remote computer system with a communication link to the communication network, and a receiver. To process the physiological data received by and provide a visual display of the physiological data on the display device, and to send the physiological data to the remote computer system through the communication network and receive feedback data from the remote computer system. To generate feedback based on interactive television-side software application programs and physiological data received by remote computer systems that are designed to provide a visual display of that feedback on the display device. It is equipped with a data application program on the remote computer system side. The remote control device is capable of transmitting response data to an interactive television based on the visual display of feedback on the display device. [0015]

The method of observing the time dependence of physiological parameters is to measure the value of the physiological parameter and store the value in the memory of the monitor module, and carry a monitor module equipped with a data transmitter. And see the stage of transferring data from the monitor module to an interactive TV with a communication link to the display, data receiver, and remote computer system, and the time dependence of physiological parameters on the display of the interactive TV. It has stages and. Data is transferred from the monitor module to the interactive television using wireless transmission of data from the data transmitter of the memory module to the data receiver of the interactive television. At the stage of transferring data from the monitor module to the interactive TV, data is transmitted from the monitor module to the portable arithmetic unit, data is transmitted from the portable arithmetic unit to the interactive television, or from the monitor module to the remote control device. It also includes the transmission of data and the transmission of data from remote control to an interactive television. [0016]

US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 201,902 filed May 4, 2000, US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 209,921 filed June 7, 2000, and US Patent Application No. 09 / 669,125 filed September 25, 2000. , And No. 09 / 821,417 of the same file filed on March 29, 2001, is incorporated herein by reference. [0017]

(Detailed description of preferred embodiments) Physiological monitoring system In FIG. 1, device 10 provides a display device 12, a data input mechanism 14, and a memory module interface 16 (such as a slot) for containing a memory module 18 (such as a memory card, memory stick, disk, or other memory element). It is a portable electronic device that has. Data can be read from and / or written to the memory module 18 when the memory module 18 is in the interface 16. The device 20 is a monitor module having a memory module interface 22. When device 20 records a person's physiological parameters in a memory module located within interface 22, this data is transferred from monitor module 20 to a portable electronic device by moving the memory module from interface 22 to interface 16 in device 10. Can be moved to 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the memory module interfaces with device 10. The device 50 is an electronic device with audiovisual presentation means (display device 52, speaker 54) such as a television. The device 40 is a set-top communication device such as a satellite box, a cave box, a wireless box, and a web TV box. As is self-evident, the physical position of 40 to 50 is not important and may be combined with the underset box. Further, the devices 40 and 50 may be combined to form an integrated device having functionality in which a TV and an additional communication means or a calculation means are also combined. The communication device 40 has a memory card reader 42 capable of inserting a memory card such as 18 and reading data from the memory card or writing data to the memory card. The device 40 is connected to the remote computer system (server system) 60 using a communication link or a network such as the Internet, as indicated by the double-headed arrow in FIG. [0018]

Device 10 is a portable computer, personal digital assistance PDA, radiotelephone, or other portable electronic device. Device 10 is a PDA or Health Buddy (commercially available from Health Hero, CA). The memory module 18 may be a non-volatile memory module, a smart card, a flash card, a memory stick, or a similar product manufactured by Sony, SanDisk, or the like. The data entry mechanism may be one or more buttons, a keyboard, a stylus, a tracking device, a voice recognition system, a touchpad, a rolling dial, and the like. [0019]

It is desirable that the monitoring device or the monitor module 20 be carried (supported) by an individual. In another embodiment, the individual interacts with the monitor module at intervals. Physiological processes or parameters are monitored by a monitor module, which includes respiratory components (eg, oxygen consumption for metabolic rate calculation, carbon dioxide exhalation, presence or absence of organic matter in the respiration), respiration rate (eg, respiratory rate). For example, infant monitoring, sleep aspiration monitoring, blood analysis (eg, oxygen, carbon dioxide, sugar, ketones, aldehydes, cholesterol, lipids, erythrocyte count, leukocyte count, etc.), blood pressure, skin conductivity, lung function, etc. Includes respiratory flow, heart rate (eg, electrocardiogram, digital acoustic recording, etc.), pulse, brain activity and processes, physical activity level, body temperature, etc. Other physiological parameters that can be monitored are described in US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 228,680 (filed August 29, 2000), which is pending at the same time, and is incorporated herein by reference. The monitoring device may be an activity sensor such as an accelerometer or a pedometer®. The physical position of the person can be monitored using a satellite-based positioning system, and environmental factors such as temperature, radiation exposure, and chemical exposure can also be monitored. [0020]

The monitor module 20 is more or less continuously carried by the person himself / herself. For example, if the monitor module is a physical activity sensor, it is attached to the person's body using straps, clips, adhesive pads, or other mechanisms. The monitor module 20 may be such as a physiological monitoring device for temporary use by a person, such as a medical device or other device that the person does not need to carry throughout the day. Physiological monitoring systems may use multiple monitor modules such as 20. [0021] [0021]

Memory cards provide a convenient way to move large amounts of data from physiological surveillance systems to computers, interactive TVs, and set-top boxes, and then the data is sent to remote computer systems, for example to be displayed as web pages. Will be done. The transferred data includes one or more time-dependent physiological parameters, spectral data from an analyzer, and physiological processes (eg, from measurements of voice, electrical, etc.) as digitized waveform files (eg, from measurements of audio, electrical, etc.). Recording of heartbeat) and image data (ultrasonic, optical, IR, etc.) can be mentioned. Although the memory card is small, it has a large data storage capacity. Memory cards improve because they are useful for recording large sequences of physiological parameters throughout the day and then transferring them to a computer system for analysis or to a device equipped with display means for examination. It is an important part of the physiologic system. [0022]

Weight management system The following example shows the case where the system according to the present invention is used for a weight management program. FIG. 2 shows a portable electronic device 70, such as the device 20 of FIG. 1, but is preferably a portable computer or PDA used in the system. Device 72 is an indirect calorimeter for measuring a person's metabolic rate, either the Gas Exchange Monitor (GEM) recently developed by James R Malt MD et al., Or US Pat. Nos. 6,135,107, 5,836,300, and the same. Other indirect calorimeters such as those described in Nos. 5,179,958, 5,178,155, 5,038,792 and 4,917,108, the above patents incorporated herein by reference. The monitor module 74 is a physical activity sensor with a body-mounted accelerometer. In another embodiment, the monitor module 74 comprises one or more physiological monitors, such as those previously mentioned in connection with the monitor module 20 of FIG. System 76 is an interactive television system such as the combination of devices 40 and 50 described in connection with FIG. In another embodiment, system 76 may be a computer system. It is desirable that the server 80 is a remote computer system and the communication network 78 is the Internet. [0023]

Double-headed arrows represent communication links between system elements, such as wireless communication, IR, wiring, optical links, memory module movement, manual read / data entry, ultrasonic links, or other electrical, electromagnetic, or other. The radiation method is used. The system preferably uses Bluetooth protocol wireless communication, IR, or memory cards to move data between elements. [0024]

The monitored person carries a PDA70 and a monitor module 74. The monitored person uses a gas exchange monitor (GEM) 72, an indirect calorimeter invented by James R Malt, to measure resting metabolism, for example, weekly. Metabolic data is transferred to PDA70. The monitor module 74 uses the Bluetooth radio protocol to send physical activity data to the PDA70. The PDA70 can be used, for example, by using a diet log software program such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,704,350 and 4,891,756 granted to Williams, or other menu-based input systems, barcode scanners, etc. It is also used to record calorie intake. The above patent is incorporated herein by reference. The monitor can also send data to a remote computer, for example using a wireless internet connection. [0025]

The PDA can also be used to send data to the interactive television 76, and the PDA 70 and the interactive television 76 can also communicate with the remote computer system (server system) 80 via a communication network 78 such as the Internet. .. [0026]

The doctor or computer expert system can send a motivational video message to the person using the remote computer system 80 or other device connected to the network 80, which message is received by the interactive TV76. be able to. The person may view the message on the interactive TV76 or download the video message to a memory card for viewing on a PDA or other device at any time. [0027]

Weight loss method The monitored person carries a monitor module capable of transmitting and receiving Bluetooth data to his / her body. When you weigh, the weight data is sent from the scale to the monitor module. The accelerometer monitors the person's physical activity level and sends the data to the monitor module. The person monitors calorie intake and records the data in another device such as a monitor module or personal digital assistant (PDA). [0028]

At some point in the day, he sits in front of an interactive television. The monitor module sends data to the interactive TV and initializes the dialog. The person's weight and activity level are transmitted from the monitor module to the interactive TV. The calorie intake of the person is also transmitted to the interactive TV. [0029]

If you are gaining weight, Interactive TV suggests dietary or lifestyle modifications. If weight gain is due to calorie intake exceeding the person's activity level, increase activity and / or refrain from calorie intake in response to the person. Are proposed in a rational combination. The effect of resting metabolic rate and physical activity on metabolic rate, an important parameter often overlooked in weight loss measures, is measured using an indirect calorimeter at the start of a weight loss program. Measurements of these parameters are repeated as needed, depending on the duration of the weight loss program. Knowing the metabolic rate, activity level, and calorie intake will improve the accuracy of feedback because the measurement data will reveal the cause of weight gain. If more activity is required, a series of exercises is proposed. Optionally, it may include a video of the exercise displayed on the interactive TV. [0030]

If the person maintains or loses weight, Interactive TV responds with a message of encouragement. A graphic message is displayed upon request to move toward the weight loss goal. Other trends, such as activity and diet, are also presented in this way, if requested by the person. It is desirable that the interactive TV is a device frequently used for audiovisual entertainment. Many people spend several hours a day sitting in front of such a device, which is convenient for incorporating into a weight loss program. [0031]

As part of the weight loss program, you may carry a personal digital assistant that acts as a monitor module. When the monitored person inputs the food he or she eats into the PDA, the PDA calculates the calorie value. The PDA also receives activity data from the person's accelerometer and weight information from the scale, preferably by wireless or IT transmission. PDAs are used to send information to interactive TVs, but the transmission is preferably by wireless or IR transmission. This information includes dietary information entered by the person as well as data received from the sensors carried. Feedback is provided by interactive TV. [0032]

The business model for weight loss or medical surveillance programs is as follows. The company will provide the monitored person with a monitor module and necessary sensors. It is desirable for the person to use his / her own television as a display device, but the company provides a communication device for communicating with a PDA or the Internet. The company sets up a highly personalized website for that individual, which acts as an access point for data. The company provides the person with expert advice and feedback. The person pays the company for the goods and services provided. [0033]

Medical surveillance scheme for humans FIG. 3 shows a blood glucose level monitor module 104 mounted close to the skin of a person 100. The monitor module 104 has a low power data transmission capability and uses Bluetooth wireless communication means to store and analyze data 102, that is, the display device 102a, the data input mechanism 102b, and the IR transmitter / receiver 102c in this example. It can be sent to a portable arithmetic unit equipped with it. The sensor 102 is supported around the human body (ie, the waist) using the strap 104c. Sensor 104 can also monitor a person's physical activity using a built-in accelerometer. The sensor 104 is shown to have a memory module interface 104a, a display device 104b, and a strap 104c. Blood glucose is measured, for example, as a function of time using the interstitial fluid analysis method and system discussed in US Patent Application No. 60 / 257,138 (filed December 20, 2000), which is pending at the same time. The data is stored in the monitor module. The above patent application is incorporated herein by reference. The person records the time of eating and the nature of what he ate in a convenient way. At any time of the day, if the blood glucose level exceeds a given safety limit, the monitor module or portable computer may use a voice generator to make a beeping sound or vibrate to the person. Issue a warning. At a convenient time, the person sits in front of the interactive TV and sends the blood glucose data stored in the monitor module to the interactive TV for review of the monitored data. [0034]

FIG. 4 shows a person sitting on a chair 110 with the monitor sensor 104 mounted on the strap 104c around the waist. The person operates the remote controller 106 to control the interactive television 108. The portable computer 102 of FIG. 3 may be used as a remote controller or a separate device may be used. The interactive television is connected to a communication network 112 such as the Internet. The interactive television 108 can be used to display previous blood glucose levels and, if interested, to display blood glucose levels in real time. The person is instructed by the interactive television to enter the dietary information for the day. The interactive TV can then graph the blood glucose fluctuations (and / or other physiological parameters) of the day and correlate the graph with the diet consumed. Then, it is possible to give dietary advice to the person and prevent the blood glucose level from entering an unhealthy area in the future. The information is transmitted through the communication network 112 to a remote computer such as the server system 114, which can be accessed by the person or any authorized person, such as a physician using the physician's computer 116. It has become like. The monitored person operates the remote controller 106 and interacts with the television while using the data input mechanism on the remote controller side. [0035]

The system according to the present invention is useful when monitoring patients in hospitals and when monitoring people in post-illness sanatoriums. For example, a doctor can approach the patient and transfer the physiological data to an interactive television behind the patient's bed for viewing. Patients may be involved in self-monitoring, or remote computer systems may provide monitoring software that alerts healthcare professionals when measurement parameters are out of range. Physicians or other healthcare professionals access monitor data and provide feedback using convenient communication channels. [0036]

Remote controller The remote controller is used to change the channel and volume of an interactive TV via a setup box with a remote control sensor such as an IR receiver or wireless receiver. The remote control sensor may be a conventional IR sensor that receives and analyzes the transmission from the remote controller. The data monitored by the physiological sensor is transmitted to the remote controller using a low power radio transmitter. The data is then stored in the remote controller's memory and transmitted by the remote controller to the interactive television. [0037]

Monitor module The monitor module should be carried inconspicuously. For example, the monitor module may be supported by a clip or adhesive layer, or a wristwatch, as described in US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 225,454 (filed August 15, 2000) for simultaneous continuation. It may be a strap-mounted device such as, or it may be a belt-mounted device supported in, for example, a small round or disc-shaped back accessory. The above patent application is incorporated herein by reference. Within the housing of the monitor module, one or more providing electrical signals correlated with physiological parameters such as accelerometers, such as blood analysis systems using near IR spectroscopy, interstitial fluid analysis systems, etc. A transducer is provided. [0038]

FIG. 5 outlines a possible example of a monitor module, which is a transducer 122, processor 124 that provides electrical signals correlated with physiological parameters such as physical activity, body temperature, and blood component concentration. , Clock 132, Transducer 130, Memory Module Port 128, and Memory 126. Transducers are thermistors, accelerometers, blood component (specimen) sensors, or other devices that provide signals that are correlated with physiological parameters, physical function, or subject status. Animals and non-living subjects (such as computer operating conditions) can also be monitored. It is also possible to monitor signals that are correlated with ambient or environmental conditions. [0039]

Data transfer to interactive TV A monitor module capable of wireless transmission can transmit data directly to an interactive television. The monitor module has buttooth, IEEE 802.11 or IR transmission capability. The elements of the system described herein can form a local wireless network using, for example, Bluetooth or the IEEE 802.11 protocol. [0040]

The monitor module may be in the form of a memory stick as described in detail in US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 225,454, which was filed simultaneously on the 8th and 15th day of 2000. In this case, the monitor module is portable, such as an interactive television or another device communicating with the interactive television, such as a cell phone, pager, or device linked to a communication network to which the interactive television is linked. It can be inserted into the memory module interface of an electronic device (such as a PDA or remote controller). [0041]

The monitor module may have a memory module interface, such as a slot, or it may be provided with a removable memory module that can be used to transfer data to the interactive television as discussed in the previous paragraph. .. For example, a memory stick containing monitor values for physiological parameters may be inserted into a compatible television remote controller. The remote control can then be used to send data to the interactive television, for example using an IR link. A PDA or other portable electronic device can be used to send data to an interactive TV for analysis of monitor data, or it can be used to act as a remote controller. [0042]

FIG. 6 outlines a possible interactive television embodiment, which includes a display device 150, speakers 152, a processor 154, a memory 156, and a signal receiver (data from a remote computer or equivalent device). 158, a communication link to a communication network 162 that provides access to content providers 164 (program sources, other entertainment, health planning, etc.), and health analysis software, physiological and It has a remote computer 166, which provides access to health databases, software-generated feedback, and more. [0043]

A person watching an interactive TV can start sending data to an interactive TV, remote controller, portable computer, or other device by pressing a button attached to the housing of the monitor module. The monitor module is interfaced (plugged in) or connected to the remote controller via a cable or other link, allowing the remote controller to receive the monitored physiological data. [0044]

The remote controller adds or modifies other data, such as dietary logs, while interacting with the interactive TV, for example by responding to questions generated by a remote computer system or local algorithm. Can be transferred to an interactive TV. The IR or other radio signal (radio or ultrasound) is transmitted by the remote controller to the signal receiver on the interactive TV side. [0045]

FIG. 7 shows an overview of the improved remote controller as a whole, coded 170, which is the memory 174, wireless transmitter 176, memory module slot 178, IR transmitter (or transceiver). It is equipped with 180, a data input mechanism 182 (keypad, voice recognition system, stylus input, touchpad, roller, etc.) and a processor 172. [0046]

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of the method according to the present invention. The monitored person wears (200) a monitor module or other physiological monitoring system. The monitor measures physiological parameters (202). The measured physiological parameter data is stored in memory (204). The monitored person interacts with the television (206) by approaching or sitting in front of the interactive television. Physiological parameter data is transmitted (208) to interactive TV. The data received by the interactive TV is processed and displayed graphically, for example in chart form (210). Physiological parameter data is sent to a remote computer system that has software to analyze the data and is subject to, for example, deviations from safety limits, mean values, appropriate behavior modifications, medication requirements, adequacy of seeing a doctor, etc. Provide feedback to observers. [0047]

For step 208, the monitored person may interface the remote controller to the monitor, for example, using a connector or cable. Then you can use the remote control to send the data to the TV. The monitor sends the signal directly to the television's adapted signal receiver. The remote controller has a wireless connection to a communication network and sends data to a remote computer system for analysis so that feedback is presented on the television display. The data transfer speed required to the remote computer system may be much slower than the speed required to display entertainment content, feedback, etc. on the TV, so pager frequencies, FM subbands, wireless telephone connections, and traditional cables. Physiological data can be transmitted to a remote computer system, such as by using a telephone line. For example, the pager can be modified to include a physical activity monitor or other physiological sensor, or can be transmitted to a remote computer system using the pager's radio frequency. The transmitted data is analyzed by a remote computer system, which is then used to generate feedback and analysis that can be viewed on an interactive TV display at a convenient time. Portable arithmetic units such as palm PDAs with IR transmission modules, pagers, radiotelephones, monitor modules, or other convenient devices can also be used as TV remote controls. You can also use your PDA to interact with your TV and answer on-screen feedback or questions. The response data can be sent to a television or via a communication network to a remote computer system that produces feedback. [0048]

Monitoring of heart disease patients The following examples describe the case where the system of the present invention is used to monitor the cardiac activity of a heart disease patient. The subject wears a physiological sensor, which records other useful parameters such as electrocardiogram, digital acoustic recording of heart rate, and body temperature. This data is written to a memory card inserted in the physiological monitor. At the end of the day, the patient removes the memory card from the sensor and inserts it into a set-top box on the TV. The recorded data is downloaded from the memory card to the set-top box and communicated to a remote computer over an internet connection for storage in a data structure or perhaps for viewing by a doctor. [0049]

If heart disease data from a patient indicates a serious condition, the physiologic monitor transfers the data (patient identification, urgency, patient location) to a remote computer, preferably using a communication network such as the Internet. Send. Physiological monitors can also transmit data to portable computers, such as personal digital assistants (PDAs) carried by patients, preferably using the Bluetooth wireless protocol. The PDA uses its labeling or other means to direct the patient on the recommended course of behavior. Cardiac data may also show a disturbing tendency for parameters to move towards the limits of tolerance. The PDA uses an expert system to recommend certain behaviors (or no behaviors) to the patient based on the characteristics of the tendency. Physiological monitors and / or PDAs alert the patient by alarms (eg, beeping), flashing lights, or other means. [0050]

During treatment or recovery, the patient's physician sends instructions, video mail (v-mail), etc. to the patient via a communication network (eg, the Internet, hospital intranet, community intranet, or cable or wireless network). .. This information is downloaded to the memory card using the memory card slot of the set-top box (or other device such as a personal computer connected to the communication network) so that it can be viewed at any convenient time thereafter. Transferred to a PDA or other device. [0051]

Infant temperature monitoring The monitor module can be placed on the baby's skin and send temperature data to a set-top box connected to the TV. Then, the baby's body temperature can be visually monitored using the display device of the television. In this embodiment, the monitor module is a housing that is accessible to the baby's skin, for example by inserting it into the ear, a temperature transducer such as a thermista that provides temperature-correlated electrical signals, and an analog pair. An electronic circuit or memory device (which may be any convenient medium, in the monitor module housing, which is equipped with a digital converter and processor to generate temperature data from the transducer signal and store it in a memory device. It has a transmitter (or transceiver) that may be a fixed or removable module) and a Brutus transceiver module. [0052]

Memory card with wireless transceiver The following example illustrates the use of a memory card with an embedded Bluetooth wireless transmitter. Physiological sensors or monitors such as those described earlier in this application have a memory card slot (or reader) for writing to and usually reading data from the memory card. .. The memory card has an embedded Bluetooth radio transmitter. Physiological monitors measure parameters related to the person carrying it and write the data to a memory card. Memory cards are removed after a period of time to review and / or analyze data, and usually to send data to remote computer systems over communication networks such as the Internet, such as PDAs, computers, It is inserted into a memory card reader of another electronic device such as a wireless telephone or an interactive television. The device may include a wireless internet connection, typically made using a wireless application protocol (WAP) system. [0053]

When the memory card is inserted into the physiologic monitor, the monitor uses the Bluetooth protocol to gain the ability to send data to other devices with Bluetooth capability. Therefore, the collected data can be transmitted to another device such as a computer in real time. The monitor can also receive data using the Bluetooth protocol, thus receiving instructions from other devices, perhaps to increase the sampling frequency of physiological measurements. This enables devices that cannot wirelessly communicate with other devices by other methods to perform wireless communication. [0054]

Set-top box Interactive TV systems feature set-top boxes that can receive physiological data from monitor modules, remote controllers, wireless phones, pagers, or other devices and communicate with remote computer systems using communication networks. There is. However, the functionality of this set-top box can be incorporated into an integrated device. [0055]

Yet another embodiment of the present invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art. The content of the invention is described in the claims.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

[Figure 1]

A system including a monitor module, a portable arithmetic unit, and an interactive television system according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 2]

A system including a monitor module, a portable arithmetic unit, an interactive television system, and a remote computer system connected to a communication network according to the present invention is shown. [Fig. 3]

Indicates a person carrying a monitor module. [Fig. 4]

A person interacting with an interactive television system according to a system embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Fig. 5]

An outline of a viable embodiment of the monitor module is shown. [Fig. 6]

An overview of a viable embodiment of an interactive television is given. [Fig. 7]

An outline of a viable embodiment of the improved remote control is shown. [Fig. 8]

A flowchart illustrating the method according to the present invention is shown.