Wireless infant health monitor

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

0001The present application is a 35 U.S.C. §371 U.S. National of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US13/56511 filed Aug. 23, 2013, entitled “Wireless Infant Health Monitor,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/798,642 entitled “Wireless Infant Health Monitor”, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/693,267 entitled “SmartOx”, filed on Aug. 25, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/722,795 entitled “Owlet Baby Monitor”, filed on Nov. 6, 2012. The entire content of each of the aforementioned applications is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

00021. The Field of the Invention

0003The present invention relates generally to infant monitoring equipment.

00042. Background and Relevant Art

0005Every year thousands of babies die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (“SIDS”). Because the specific causes of SIDS may be difficult to determine, many parents exert tremendous effort and worry checking on the health of their baby. To aid parents in this effort, various products for monitoring a baby's health, particularly while the baby is sleeping, exist.

0006For example, many parents use an intercom system that allows them to listen to their baby. In particular, a parent may be alerted to an issue if a long period time of passes without them hearing any noise over the intercom. One will understand, however, that this may not provide a parent with enough notice to intervene before a health issue becomes serious or fatal to the baby.

0007According, there are a number of problems in the art that can be addressed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0008Implementations of the present invention overcome one or more of the foregoing or other problems in the art with systems, methods, and apparatus that wirelessly monitor the health of a baby. In particular, at least one implementation of the present invention monitors a child's blood oxygen level and indicates an alert when an abnormal trend is identified.

0009Implementations of the present invention include a system for wirelessly monitoring the health of an infant. The system can comprise a sensing module removably disposed within a wearable article. At least a portion of the sensing module can be in contact with an infant's foot. The sensing module can include a processing unit configured to receive and process health readings received by the sensing module. A wireless transmitter can also be in communication with the processing unit. The wireless transmitter can be configured to transmit the processed health readings to a receiving station. The receiving station can indicate an alarm if the processed health readings indicate a health trend that falls outside of a particular threshold.

0010Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. The features and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0011In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated, in the appended drawings. It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale, and that elements of similar structure or function are generally represented by like reference numerals for illustrative purposes throughout the figures. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

0012<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates a schematic diagram of a system for monitoring the health of an infant in accordance with an implementation of the present invention;

0013<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref> illustrates a wearable article in accordance with an implementation of the present invention;

0014<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2B</figref> illustrates another view of the wearable article of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref>;

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2C</figref> illustrates the wearable article of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref> disposed on an infant's foot;

0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2D</figref> illustrates yet another view of the wearable article of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref>;

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3A</figref> illustrates a sensor module in accordance with an implementation of the present invention;

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3B</figref> illustrates another view of the sensor module of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3A</figref>;

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3C</figref> illustrate an implementation of a pulse oximeter of the present invention;

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3D</figref> illustrate another implementation of a pulse oximeter of the present invention;

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3E</figref> illustrates yet another implementation of a pulse oximeter of the present invention;

0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> depicts an implementation of a sensing module circuit board of the present invention;

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates an implementation of a receiving station and an implementation of an accompanying receiving station cover;

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> depicts a circuit board and display associated with an implementation of a receiving station;

0025<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> depicts a smart phone displaying an interface that is associated with the present invention;

0026<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> depicts a logical tree associated with an implementations of the present invention; and

0027<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> illustrates a schematic diagram of another implementation of a system for monitoring the health of an infant.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

0028Implementations of the present invention extend to systems, methods, and apparatus that wirelessly monitor the health of a baby. In particular, at least one implementation of the present invention monitors a child's blood oxygen level and indicates an alert when an abnormal trend is identified.

0029For example, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates a schematic diagram of a system for monitoring the health of an infant in accordance with an implementation of the present invention. In particular, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> depicts a sensing module disposed within a sock (shown by element <b>100</b>) that is in communication with a receiving station <b>110</b>. The receiving station <b>110</b> is in turn can be in communication with an internet gateway <b>120</b> (e.g., a cable modem, a router, a DSL modem, an Ethernet port, etc.). The internet gateway <b>120</b> is shown communicating with a computerized device in this implementation a smart phone <b>130</b>. The smart phone <b>130</b> can display data that was originally gathered by the sensing unit (shown in element <b>100</b>).

0030In at least one implementation, the sensing module <b>210</b> comprises a pulse oximeter <b>220</b> (shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3B</figref>) in communication with a processing unit <b>250</b> (shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>). The pulse oximeter <b>220</b> can be positioned such that a sensing portion of the pulse oximeter <b>220</b> is in sufficient contact with an infant's foot as to receive a pulse oximetry reading. The pulse oximeter <b>220</b> can then provide raw data pulse oximetry data to the processing unit <b>250</b>.

0031<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> depicts the sensing module disposed within a wearable article, in particular, a sock <b>200</b>. In at least one implementation, the sock <b>200</b> consists of a “foot-wrap” or “sock” that wraps around the infant's foot and/or ankle. The sock <b>200</b> can include the necessary electronics to generate a pulse oximeter reading, for example from the infant's foot/ankle. The raw electrical signals can then be processed by the processing unit <b>250</b> on the sock to generate a heart rate value and an SpO2 or Oxygen value as well as other related data.

0032Once the processing unit <b>250</b> receives the raw pulse oximetry data, in at least one implementation, the processing unit <b>250</b> processes the raw data. In particular, the processing unit <b>250</b> can reformat the data from a raw form to a compressed form. The processing unit <b>250</b> can then provide the compressed data to the wireless transmitter <b>260</b> (shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>) that is also located within the sock.

0033The wireless transmitter <b>260</b> and the processing unit <b>250</b> can be located on a common circuit board. In some cases, processing the data at the processing unit before transmitting the data with the wireless transmitter <b>260</b> can result in significant battery savings, as compared to transmitting the raw data. Additionally, processing the data with the processing unit <b>250</b> before transmitting the data can improve the data integrity and lower the error rate associated with the data.

0034Once the data has been processed and transmitted, a receiving station <b>110</b> can receive and further analyze the data. In particular, the receiving station <b>110</b> can process the data to identify negative health trends within the pulse oximetry data. For example, the receiving station <b>110</b> can identify that the reported oxygen level of the infant is below a particular threshold. Additionally, in at least one implementation, the receiving station <b>110</b> can also identify if the sensing module <b>210</b> is running low on battery, if the transmitted signal strength is low, or other functions that relate to the operation of the present invention.

0035If the receiving station <b>110</b> detects a potential negative trend in the pulse oximetry data or if the receiving station <b>110</b> detects a problem within the system (e.g., low battery, poor signal strength, etc.) the receiving station <b>110</b> can provide an indication of the problem. For example, in at least one implementation, the receiving station <b>110</b> can sound an alarm, display a notification on a visual indicator located on the receiving station <b>110</b>, or otherwise send a message.

0036Further, in at least one implementation, the receiving station <b>110</b> can display the interpretations of the various data that it is receiving. For example, the receiving station <b>110</b> can show a graph tracking the oxygen level of an infant over time. Similarly, the receiving station <b>110</b> can display information relating to the heart rate of the infant. Additionally, the receiving station <b>110</b> can display historical information relating to the received data. For example, the receiving station <b>110</b> can display an average oxygen level for the past hour. In general, the receiving station <b>110</b> can utilize the received information to display a variety of useful data that would fall within the present invention.

0037In at least one implementation, after the receiving station <b>110</b> has received and further analyze the data, the receiving station <b>110</b> can transmit the data to an internet gateway <b>120</b>, such as a wireless router. For example, the receiving station <b>110</b> can transmit to an internet gateway <b>120</b> over a Wi-Fi bridge. Once the data has been received by the internet gateway <b>120</b>, the data can be transmitted over the internet to a remote computing device <b>130</b> or web portal. In at least one implementation, the remote computing device <b>130</b> can be located within the same local network as the internet gateway <b>120</b> such that the data is only transmitted locally and is not transmitted over the internet. Similarly, in at least one implementation, the wireless transmitter <b>260</b> and the processing unit <b>250</b> can transmit information directly to the remote computing device <b>130</b> (e.g., a smart phone).

0038In particular, in at least one implementation, the data can be transmitted to a smart phone <b>130</b>. In the case that a negative trend is identified, the smart phone can sound an alert. Additionally, in at least one implementation, the remote computing device <b>130</b> can access a historical record of health recordings. For example, a parent of an infant can access a historical record of the infant's oxygen level and provide the record to the infant's doctor. The accessed historical record can be stored by the remote computing device, the receiving station, or some other web based storage cache.

0039Similarly, the internet gateway <b>120</b> can transmit the data to a web portal. For example, the data can be transmitted to an associated webpage that is password protected. A user of the present invention can then access the data through the associated webpage.

0040One will understand, that the embodiments described above are only exemplary and that a system of the present invention can comprise a fewer number or a greater number of components. For example, in at least one implementation, the present invention may only include the sock <b>200</b> and sensing module <b>210</b> and the receiving station <b>110</b>. In this implementation, the receiving station <b>110</b> could alert a user to any information of interest, including negative health trends.

0041Similarly, in another implementation, the present invention can comprise only the sock <b>200</b> and sensing module <b>210</b> and an internet gateway <b>120</b>. In this implementation, the sock <b>200</b> and sensing module <b>210</b> can communicate to the internet gateway <b>120</b> through a wireless protocol. The internet gateway <b>120</b> can then transmit information to a remote computing device <b>130</b> of interest.

0042Additionally, in at least one implementation, the present invention can comprise only the sock <b>200</b> and sensing module <b>210</b>. For example, in this implementation, the sensing module <b>210</b> can comprise an alarm, such that when a negative health trend is detected, the sensing module <b>210</b> alerts a parent. Further, as mentioned above, the present invention can comprise only the sock <b>200</b> and sensing module <b>210</b> and a remote computing device <b>130</b>.

0043<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> illustrates a wearable article (e.g., a sock <b>200</b>) and sensing module <b>210</b> that is configured to be disposed within the wearable article. In particular, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> depicts an implementation of the present invention that comprises a sock <b>200</b> that is adapted to contain the sensing module <b>210</b>. In at least one implementation, the sock <b>200</b> can comprise a unique double-layer strapping mechanism and stretchable material that wraps around the infant's foot, creating a tight wrap, which will keep ambient light from interfering with signals generated by LEDs contained within the pulse oximeter sensor <b>220</b>. For example, in at least one implementation, the pulse oximeter sensor <b>220</b> is under the outer strap <b>230</b> and against the skin.

0044In at least one implementation, the sock <b>200</b> is configured for the sensing module <b>210</b> to be removed from the sock <b>200</b>. For example, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2C and 2D</figref> shows the sensing module <b>200</b> disposed within a pocket <b>240</b> within the sock <b>200</b>. One will understand that the ability to remove the sensing module <b>210</b> from the sock <b>200</b> provides several benefits. For example, a sock <b>200</b> can easily be laundered by simply removing the sensing module <b>210</b> and washing the sock. Additionally, the same sensing module <b>210</b> can be used in socks <b>200</b> of different size, by simply removing the sensing module <b>210</b> from a sock <b>200</b> of a first size and inserting it into a sock <b>200</b> of a second size.

0045Additionally, in at least one implementation the sensing module <b>210</b> can be housed in a water-resistant material. In particular, the housing can be comprised of silicone or plastic. The housing may include a re-sealable opening for access to an external cable for charging and serial communication. In another implementation, the electronics can be charged via an induction charging set-up.

0046<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2C and 2D</figref> illustrates an implementation of the wearable article from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2A and 2B</figref> being disposed upon an infant's foot. In particular, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2C</figref> depicts the sensing module <b>210</b> disposed within the sock <b>200</b> such that the sensing module <b>210</b> is primarily located around the ankle of an infant. Placing the sensing module <b>210</b> around the ankle of the infant may have the benefits of providing greater security to the sensing module <b>210</b>. For example, placing the sensing module <b>210</b> around the infant's ankle may make it more difficult for the infant to kick the sensing module <b>210</b> off. Additionally, placing the sensing module <b>210</b> around the infant's ankle may also provide more room for the sensing module <b>210</b> than if the module was placed around the child's foot. However, one will understand that in at least one implementation, the sensing module <b>210</b> can be placed such that the module is not on the infant's ankle.

0047As depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2C</figref>, the upper part of the sock can secure around the infant's ankle. The lower part of the sock can secure around the infants foot. In at least one implementation, the straps on the sock can be secured by Velcro. Properly applying the straps of the present invention can create a strapping system that minimizes the infant's ability to kick the sock off.

0048In at least one implementation, the sock can also comprise a pouch <b>240</b> configured to receive the sensing module <b>210</b>. The pouch <b>240</b> can comprise a zipper that allows the pouch to securely open and close. Additionally, in at least one implementation, the pouch can comprise buttons, Velcro, snaps, or any other apparatus or useful combination of apparatuses to close the pouch.

0049The sensing module <b>210</b>, which is receivable into the pouch <b>240</b>, can comprise an outer layer of Velcro or other alignment feature. In particular, the Velcro or alignment feature can be attached to the pulse oximeter sensor <b>220</b> (shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3A and 3B</figref>). This may allow the pulse oximeter sensor <b>220</b> to be securely fastened to outer strap <b>230</b>, such that the pulse oximeter sensor <b>220</b> is secure and in close contact with the skin of the infant's foot.

0050Additionally, in at least one implementation, the pulse oximeter sensor <b>220</b> can be encased within a silicone-housed strap that contains the emitting and receiving electronics of the pulse oximetry system. These sensors can include a combination of LED lights and photoreceptors. In some cases, multiple sensors can allow the pulse oximeter sensor <b>220</b> to continue to obtain strong pulse oximetry signals despite changes in foot size.

0051For example, a processing unit within the sensing module <b>210</b> may execute an algorithm that finds the best possible combination of LED emitters and photoreceptors, which allows for the best possible pulse oximetry readings. Additionally, the sensing module <b>210</b> can execute an algorithm that optimizes the power usage of the LED emitters and photoreceptors. For example, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3C-3E</figref> depict a multisensor mechanism for optimum spO2 and pulse readings.

0052In some situations, the optimal location and combination of LED emitters and photoreceptors can change for example, as a baby's foot grows the location of the sensor on the baby's foot can change. To help improve the quality of a sensor reading, in addition to using various combinations of LED emitters and photoreceptors, the sock <b>200</b> can also include design features in the strap that allow it to flex and move relative to the electronics housing so that a user can place the strap at the optimum placing on the foot for the reading to occur.

0053The pulse oximeter sensor <b>220</b> that wraps around the infants foot may be comprised of a flexible PC board with attached LED lights and photoreceptors (<b>300</b>, <b>310</b>, <b>320</b>, <b>330</b>). This flexible PC board can be housed in a silicone or other flexible polymer. This housing can include a transparent portion and an opaque portion. Additionally, the pulse oximeter sensor <b>220</b> can also include a thermometer to monitor skin temperature, which can affect pulse oximetry readings. The thermometer can also be used to monitor and detect additional health trends within an infant.

0054As mentioned above, the pulse oximeter sensor <b>220</b> can comprise a variety of different LED and photoreceptor combinations (<b>300</b>, <b>310</b>, <b>320</b>, <b>330</b>). As a non-limiting example, the pulse oximeter sensor <b>220</b> can comprise one photoreceptor or photodiode and one set of LED's (each at a unique optical frequency), or one photoreceptor or photodiode and two sets of LED's, two photoreceptors or photodiodes and one sets of LED's, or some other combination of multiple LED's and photoreceptors.

0055For example, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3C</figref> illustrates a depiction of an implementation of a pulse oximeter sensor <b>220</b>. In pulse oximetry, generally, two lights sources having different wavelengths are passed through an individual. A photoreceptor measures the transmitted wavelengths using known methods and determines a blood oxygen level and a pulse. The depicted sensor <b>220</b> comprises a plurality of sensor units <b>300</b>, <b>310</b>, <b>320</b>, <b>330</b>. In at least one implementation, sensor units <b>300</b> and <b>310</b> can comprises photoreceptors and sensor units <b>320</b> and <b>330</b> can comprises LEDs. Specifically, sensor units <b>320</b> and <b>330</b> can comprise LED units capable of transmitting light at two different wavelengths, for example, red and infrared.

0056<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3D</figref> illustrates a depiction of a cross section of a small foot <b>350</b> enclosed within the pulse oximeter sensor <b>220</b>. As depicted, sensor units <b>300</b>, <b>310</b>, <b>320</b>, and <b>330</b> are in contact with the surface of the foot at different points around the circumference of the foot. In at least one implementation of the present invention, the sensing module <b>210</b> can determine a combination of sensing units <b>300</b>, <b>310</b>, <b>320</b>, <b>330</b> that provides a readable signal at an efficient power level. For example, in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3C</figref> sensing unit <b>300</b> and sensing unit <b>330</b> may have the strongest communication path <b>360</b> with each other and thus may generate the strongest signal.

0057In contrast, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3E</figref> illustrates a depiction of a cross section of a larger foot <b>370</b>. In this case, because the foot is larger, the sensing units <b>300</b>, <b>310</b>, <b>320</b>, <b>330</b> do not have the same alignment as in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3C</figref>. In particular, sensing unit <b>300</b> and sensing unit <b>320</b> may have the strongest communication path <b>360</b>, such that the sensing module <b>210</b> uses these units <b>300</b>, <b>320</b> for gathering pulse oximetry data.

0058Additionally, in at least one implementation, the active LED can be varied to prevent too much heat from developing near the skin of an infant. In particular, it may be possible for an LED to get hot enough that long exposure to the LED causes discomfort or even injury. Thus, in at least one implementation, the active LED can be varied such that no single LED is on long enough to generate excessive heat.

0059While the above described implementations, relied upon two photoreceptors <b>300</b>, <b>310</b> and two LED units <b>320</b>, <b>330</b> the present invention can also be practiced with a variety of different sensor unit configurations. For example, in at least one implementation, more than four sensor units can be utilized to provide even greater granularity in sensor unit selection. Further, in at least one implementation, there can be more photoreceptors than LED units, or in contrast, more LED units than photoreceptors. Additionally, in at least one implementation, the sensing module <b>210</b> can determine that the strongest communication path <b>360</b> is not necessarily between LEDs that are opposing each other. In particular, in at least one implementation, the sensing module <b>210</b> can determine that adjacent LEDs form the strongest communication path <b>360</b>.

0060Additionally, in at least one implementation, multiple photoreceptors can be used to read from a single LED, or in contrast, a single photoreceptor can be used to read from multiple active LEDs. For example, the sensing module <b>210</b> can determine that activating three LEDs and receiving at two photoreceptors provides the necessary communication strength for a good reading, while using power most efficiently. Similarly, the sensing module <b>210</b> can determine that using a single photoreceptor reading from two LEDs provides the best reading for the lowest amount of power usage. Accordingly, in at least one implementation, the sensing module <b>210</b> can determine the ideal LED and photoreceptor configuration by starting at a low (or lowest) power configuration (e.g., one photoreceptor reading one LED) and progressing to a high (or highest) power configuration (e.g., all photoreceptors reading all LEDs) to determine what configuration provides sufficient signal strength for the least amount of power. In at least one implementation, efficient power usage is defined to mean using a configuration of LEDs that consumes the least amount of power while still providing a readable signal. Additionally, in at least one implementation, a readable signal is defined to mean a signal that the processing unit is able to interpret into health data.

0061In addition, the above-described implementations are not limited to being practiced by the sensing module <b>210</b>. For example, in at least one implementation, the receiving station or a remote computing device can determine the strongest pathway <b>360</b> between two sensor units.

0062The ability to selectively identify the strongest communication pathway <b>360</b> between sensor units can improve the reliability of pulse oximetry data. In particular, if the pulse oximetry sensor <b>220</b> moves after being put on an infant's foot, a different strongest communication pathway <b>360</b> can be identified to maintain the data quality. Additionally, in at least one implementation, the ability to selectively identify a strongest communication pathway <b>360</b> can permit the pulse oximetry sensor <b>200</b> to be used on a wide range of foot sizes.

0063<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> depicts an implementation of a portion of a processing unit <b>250</b>. In particular, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> depicts a processing unit <b>250</b> portion of a sensing module <b>210</b>. The processing unit <b>250</b> can comprise means for processing pulse oximetry data on-site. Specifically, the processing unit can includes all necessary means for processing and filtering the raw pulse oximeter data and relaying that data to a receiving station or other types of wireless transceivers. For example, the processing unit can convert the raw data into a format that can be broadcast over a particular wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth, RF 915, etc.). One will understand, however, that various transmission formats are known in the art and any number and combination of known transmission formats can be used and remain within the scope of the present invention.

0064Additionally, the processing unit <b>250</b> can receive a raw data signal from the pulse oximeter sensor <b>210</b> and filter out both the AC and DC component of the electrical signals sent from the photoreceptor. In at least one implementation, the processing unit can also filter out unwanted noise from movement and external sources. As the processing unit processes and filters the received raw data the processing unit can determine at least a blood oxygen level and a pulse.

0065In addition to the processing unit <b>250</b>, in at least one implementation, the sensing module <b>210</b> can include at least one power source, such as a battery, that can power the sensing module <b>210</b>. The battery can be removable and/or rechargeable. In at least one implementation, the sensing module <b>210</b> can also include a visual indicator that indicates when the battery is low on power and need replacing.

0066The sensing module <b>210</b> can also include at least one accelerometer <b>262</b> that can detect movement that could possibly disrupt the pulse oximeter readings. For example, the normal movements of an infant may negatively impact the readings that are received by the pulse oximeter sensor. Detecting the movement can enable the processing unit <b>250</b> to compensate for the movement, or in some cases, recognize a potential false alarm. This can allow for tagging unusual readings that are caused by movement to distinguish them from unusual readings due to abnormal heart rates and other factors. For example, an infant's movements might shake the sensing module <b>210</b> loose causing the sensing module to report no pulse and low oxygen levels. However, instead of issuing an alarm, the accelerometer <b>262</b> can detect movement and notify the sensing module <b>210</b> that the no pulse and low oxygen levels are likely a false alarm.

0067Additionally, the accelerometer <b>262</b> can be used to determine a sleeping position of the infant. It is believed that infants are most at risk for SIDs when they sleep with their face down. Accordingly, the accelerometer <b>262</b> may be used to determine whether the infant's foot, and in turn body, is facing upwards or downwards. In determining the infant's position the sensing module <b>210</b> may allow readings from the accelerometer <b>262</b> to settle and persist for a particular amount of time to avoid false alarms. In at least one implementation, the infant's position can be used in determining when to sound an alarm and what alarm to sound. For example, an alarm may sound if an infant remains face down for a particular period of time. Similarly, the position of the infant may be used to determine whether to elevate an alarm, or to determine whether to signal a false alarm or an emergency alarm.

0068Additionally, a vibrator or alarm <b>264</b> can be disposed within the sensing module <b>210</b>. The alarm or vibrator <b>264</b> can be used to alert a parent when a negative health trend is detected. Also, the vibrator or alarm <b>264</b> can be used to stimulate breathing within the baby when a negative trend is detected. In at least one implementation, the vibrator or alarm <b>264</b> on the sensing module <b>210</b> only activates if an alarm on the receiving station <b>110</b> is not available.

0069The sensing module <b>210</b> can also include at least one physical communications port <b>266</b>. The at least one communications port <b>266</b> can be used for recharging the battery within the sensing module, communicating data to the sensing module, updating software within the sensing module, or some other known function. Additionally, in at least one implementation, the sensing module <b>210</b> can physically connect to the receiving station for recharging and communication purposes.

0070In at least one implementation, the sensing module <b>210</b> within the sock <b>200</b> can be activated by the receiving station <b>110</b> by means of “wake-on radio”. Alternatively, the sensing module <b>210</b> can be activated by detecting the levels of light being received by the photo-diodes to turn on the LED's when the sock is properly oriented on an infant's foot.

0071<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates an implementation of a receiving station <b>110</b> and an implementation of an accompanying receiving station cover <b>500</b>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> depicts a receiving station <b>110</b> comprising a plastic enclosure with an angled display for aesthetic appeal and functionality. The enclosure can be designed to fit comfortably on a nightstand or counter. An angled display may make it easy to see such that with a quick glance a parent can see the oxygen and heart rate values and/or other important notifications.

0072<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> depicts another figure of an implementation of a receiving station <b>110</b>. The buttons <b>610</b> on the enclosure of the receiving station may be of the type shown in the drawing and the picture. The receiving station <b>110</b> can receive the wireless transmission signal from a sensing module <b>210</b>, or from multiple sensing modules <b>210</b> disposed within multiple socks attached to different infants. The receiving station <b>110</b> can then display the data on an LCD display <b>620</b>, including information to distinguish between the potentially multiple sensing modules <b>210</b>.

0073In at least one implementation, a user can configure the receiving station's <b>110</b> response to a particular alarm or to alarms in general. For example, a user can silence a current alert being indicated by the receiving station <b>110</b>. Similarly, in at least one implementation, a user can configure the receiving station <b>110</b> to only indicate an alarm if certain conditions are met. Further, a user can configure the receiving station <b>110</b> to only communicate with certain means (e.g., audible alarm, vibration, visual indicator, etc.) and/or to only communicate through certain channels (e.g., only to remote devices, only to local devices, etc.).

0074Additionally, in at least one implementation, the receiving station <b>110</b> can relay the data through a Wi-Fi/wireless bridge to the home or other wireless routers, which then relay the data to a server or to another device on the network. The receiving station <b>110</b> can also comprise various LED lights for added clarity to the caregiver. In addition, an ambient light sensor may also signal the receiving station <b>110</b> to automatically dim its screen while in a dark room.

0075The receiving station <b>110</b> can also include a means of locally storing the health data for later analysis, upload, and/or product verification. Further, in at least one implementation, the receiving station <b>110</b> can also connect to other sensors such as a microphone, video camera, thermometer, or movement sensor/pad. Additionally, the receiving station <b>110</b> can comprise the necessary transmission components to communicate with the sensing module <b>210</b> (e.g., an RF 915 MHz receiver, Bluetooth) and the internet gateway (e.g., via a Wi-Fi bridge).

0076In addition, the receiving station <b>110</b> can comprise software configured to manage the data received from the sensing module <b>210</b>. In particular, the software can provide instructions to alert parents if there is possible danger to their child. Since false alarms cause anxiety and unnecessary fear, however, in at least one implementation, the software can include a delayed alarm system. Many infants naturally hold their breath for short periods of time, causing the blood oxygen concentration to drop. Since this can be a normal occurrence, the receiving station <b>110</b> software cannot only evaluate the current oxygen level but also any upward and downward trends of the oxygen and heart rate values.

0077For example, in at least one implementation, the software can identify an abnormal downward trend in the health data, and based on the trend sound an alarm. In contrast, in at least one implementation, the software can identify a normal downward trend in the health data and delay the alarm for a threshold time to determine if the health data will return to normal levels. One will understand that identifying trends within the health data can help limit false alarms due to natural events.

0078<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> depicts a smart phone <b>130</b> displaying an interface that is associated with the present invention. In particular, at least one implementation of the present invention, can communicate with the smart phone <b>130</b>. Specifically, health data can be communicated with the smart phone <b>130</b> through an internet web page or through an application dedicated to communication with the present invention.

0079In at least one implementation, the webpage or the dedicated application can receive data from the internet gateway <b>120</b>. The data can be received either through a connection to the internet or through a direct connection over the internal network. The webpage or dedicated software can display, record, and save the oxygen and heart rate values.

0080This feature can allow the parent/caregiver to see the values in real-time but also to be proactive in the parent's approach to health care. For example, the saved data can allow a caregiver to notice trends in oxygen levels that could prove a useful method for detecting health issues, such as sleep apnea and asthma. These trends can be identified in the form of graphs or history charts that display historical health data. Additionally, the data can also be a means for determining the amount and quality of sleep that the baby is getting. In particular, the software may comprise a share feature that can enable a parent to easily share the health data with another, such as a doctor.

0081Additionally, upon receiving an alert generated by the receiving station <b>110</b>, or upon receiving health data that demonstrates a negative trend, the smart phone <b>130</b> can also indicate an alert. For example, the smart phone <b>130</b> can sound an audible alarm, vibrate, or generate a visual alert. One will appreciate, that there area multitude of methods for smart phones <b>130</b> to alert a user, many of which can be used within the present invention.

0082<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> depicts a logical flow chart associated with implementations of the present invention. In particular, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> depicts a logical tree chart that describes an implementation of the logic that can be applied to an abnormal reading of health data by software at the sensing module <b>210</b>, the receiving station <b>110</b>, the remote computing device <b>130</b>, or any other computing device associated with the present invention. In general, an abnormal reading can consist of low oxygen levels or oxygen levels above realistic values such as 100 and above. Additionally, abnormal readings also can represent a heart rate that is too high or too low. Further, abnormal readings can also consist of an absence of a pulse oximeter reading or a bad pulse waveform. One will understand, however, that these are just potential reasons that an abnormal reading can occur, and are not meant as an exhaustive list of the abnormalities that the present invention can identify and compensate for.

0083Returning to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, in block “a” an abnormal reading is detected. In at least one implementation, upon detecting an abnormal pulse oximetry reading, the software can determine if an accelerometer <b>262</b> that is in contact with the infant is detecting motion. If movement is detected (block b-1), the abnormal reading can be moved to a lower priority, because a moving child is less likely to have a dangerously low oxygen level and movement may be a primary cause of abnormal readings. In response to detecting motion, the software can generate a visual indication that an abnormal reading is being received, but that motion is being detected. For example, the software can generate a message on a remote computing device <b>130</b>, or the software can display a visual indication on the receiving station.

0084In the case that abnormal readings continue, even if the software detects motion, the software can enter an alarm delay mode (block d-1). In particular, the software can allow for a threshold amount of time for the health readings to return to a normal level. The amount of the threshold can depend upon the detected oxygen level and the upward or downward trend. If after the threshold amount of time passes, the alarm is still producing abnormal readings (block e-1) then the software can raise the priority of the abnormal readings and signal an alarm. For example, the software can send an indication for an audible alarm (block f-1) on the remote computing device or the receiving station. This alarm can be a different alarm than the alarm used for a verified health concern. In particular, this alarm can be used to signify that the infant may need attention, but is not likely in danger of a detected health issue.

0085Returning now to box “a” in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>. If the software detects abnormal readings and no movement is detected, the software can determine the strength of the pulse oximeter signal. For example, the software can determine that the signal from the pulse oximeter sensor is weak (block c-2), that the actual pulse oximeter readings are unreadable, or that the pulse oximeter readings are questionable because of outside influences. If the software determines that the signal is weak then the software can indicate that an alarm be sounded (block d-2). In at least one implementation, however, this alarm is different from the alarm that is sounded if a health concern is detected. Specifically, this alarm can be reserved for situation where an infant may need attention, but it is not a health emergency.

0086In contrast, the software can determine that the signal from the pulse oximeter sensor is a readable signal (block c-3), or in other words, that the waveform and that SpO2 levels are clearly determined and the wireless signal is good. In this case, the software can indicate that a visual alert should be displayed. Similar to the visual alert described above, this alert can be displayed, for example, within a message on a remote computing device or within the display of the receiving station.

0087Also similar to above, the software can wait a threshold amount of time to determine if the health data returns to normal (block d-3). If the threshold time passes and the health readings do not return to a normal range (block e-3), the software can indicate that an emergency alarm be indicated (block f-3). In at least one implementation, this alarm is the highest priority alarm. Specifically, this alarm may be the loudest alarm and comprise a distinct sound.

0088In at least one implementation, this alarm may comprise an escalation process (block g-3). In particular, if the software does not detect a response to the alarm, the software can alert third parties, such as emergency responders or other designated individuals or devices. In at least one implementation of the present invention, a user can customize the priority and alarm that is associated with each of the above situation. For example, a user can specify that no alarm or indication be presented when abnormal readings are accompanied with the detection of motion.

0089<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> illustrates a schematic diagram of another implementation of a system for monitoring the health of an infant. In particular, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> depicts a sensing module <b>900</b> in communication with a variety of other infant monitoring devices for example, an audio monitor <b>910</b>, a movement sensing pad <b>960</b> (including a wireless transmitter <b>920</b>), a motion detector <b>930</b>, and a video monitor <b>950</b>.

0090In at least one implementation of the present invention, an infant monitoring system can include one or more of these devices in combination. For example, the sensing module <b>900</b> may detect an abnormal health reading. In response to the reading, the sensing module can communicate with the video monitor <b>950</b> and cause that a video stream or image of the infant be transmitted to a remote computing device <b>130</b>. In this way, a parent can receive a notification that an abnormal health reading has occurred, while at the same time receiving an image of the infant to help the parent determine whether the notification is an emergency.

0091Similarly, an implementation of the present invention can incorporate data from the motion sensing pad <b>960</b>, the motion detector <b>930</b>, the audio monitor <b>910</b>, or the video monitor <b>950</b> to further investigate abnormal readings. For example, in at least one implementation, in response to receiving an abnormal reading from the sensing module <b>900</b>, the audio monitor <b>910</b> can be utilized to determine if the infant is making any sounds. Similarly, motion detection devices <b>960</b>, <b>930</b>, <b>900</b> can be used as described above to further identify the appropriate alarm in response to abnormal readings from the sensing module <b>900</b>.

0092Accordingly, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-9</figref> provide a number of components, schematics, and mechanisms for wirelessly monitoring the health of an infant. In particular, in at least one implementation, a wireless sensor communicates health data from an infant to a remote computing device. The remote computing device <b>130</b> can then be used to monitor the infant's health or to alert an individual to a negative trend in the infant's health. Additionally, in at least one implementation, false alarms can be detected, and in some cases prevented, by analyzing trends in the received health data. One will understand the benefits included within an invention directed towards the above-described system.

0093The embodiments of the present invention may comprise a special purpose or general-purpose computer including various computer hardware components, as discussed in greater detail below. Embodiments within the scope of the present invention also include computer-readable media for carrying or having computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer.

0094By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer properly views the connection as a computer-readable medium. Thus, any such connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

0095Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions. Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

0096The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.