WO2017125798A1

WO2017125798A1 - Health monitoring device and system relating thereto

Info

Publication number: WO2017125798A1
Application number: PCT/IB2016/054405
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jagannathan GOPALAKRISHNAN
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-01-18
Filing date: 2016-07-23
Publication date: 2017-07-27
Anticipated expiration: 2018-07-18

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a health monitoring device configured to non-invasively monitor and report vital health parameters of a user, wherein the device can include a near infrared (IR) LED configured to emit light to penetrate skin and blood of the user; a photodiode configured to detect the light and convert into one or more voltage readings; a microcontroller configured to convert the one or more voltage readings into at least one glucose level value based on statistical regression analysis; and a communication module configured to communicate the determined glucose level value of the user to a first computing device.

Description

HEALTH MONITORING DEVICE AND SYSTEM RELATING THERETO

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of medical devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a health monitoring device and system relating thereto.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Although human life has become more sophisticated, it is getting badly affected by present day's lifestyle, eating habits, pollution, environmental changes, and other such factors, which are bringing major health issues. One way in which control over a healthy life can be maintained is by proper and regular monitoring of individual's health, and by taking preventive actions.

[0004] In past few decades, technology has grown to a limitless extent with rapid development seen in the field of medical instruments, health-monitoring devices, and treatment that has resulted in improved medical facilities. As one can appreciate, monitoring of a person's health continuously is important in order to check and keep an eye on various vital health parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar/glucose level, hemoglobin, respiration rate, body temperature, etc.. Abnormal levels of any of these health parameters for a person can be direct indication of his/her illness. To enable easy and convenient monitoring of these health parameters, health monitoring devices are being developed that are user friendly and don't need anyspecific expertise to operate. Continuous monitoring of vital health signs/parameters are measurements of the body's most basic functions. Few exemplary vital signs that need routine monitoring include:

[0005] Heart Rate: Pulse rate is measurement of the heart rate, or the number of times the heart beats per minute. Since the heart pushes blood through arteries, the arteries expand and contract with the flow of the blood.

[0006] Sp02: It stands for Peripheral capillary oxygen saturation, and is an estimation of oxygen saturation level, which refers to concentration of oxygen in blood.

[0007] Hemoglobin (Hb): It is a major substance in red blood cells, and its level indicates the blood's ability to carry oxygen throughout the body. Hemoglobin can be used to help physician's diagnosis and monitor Anaemia (a low hemoglobin level) and Polycythemia Vera (a highhemoglobin level). Hemoglobin levels are also used to determine if a person need blood transfusion.

[0008] Respiration Rate: It is the number of times a person takes to breath per minute. It is usually measured when a person is at rest and simply involves counting the number of breaths for one minute by counting how many times the chest rises.

[0009] Body Temperature: It is a measure of body's ability to generate and get rid of heat. Our body temperature can be measured in many locations of our body. The aim is to instantly detect if a child or an adult is having fever and ensure precautionary measures.

[0010] Pedometer: It provides the counts of each step thata person takes by detecting motion of the person, which is established by incorporating dedicated accelerometer MEMS transducers, signal conditioning, and data conversion.

[0011] Blood Glucose: Blood glucose (blood sugar) is an essential measure of health, wherein blood sugar concentration or blood glucose level is the amount of glucose present in the blood of a human being. Glucose is a sugar that the body uses as a source of energy. Unless a person has diabetes, one's body regulates the amount of glucose in the blood, whereas people with diabetes may need special diets and medications to control blood glucose. The challenge however is to manage Glucose levels at optimum level since high glucose or low glucose levels are symptoms of bad health. Glucose levels fluctuate at different points of time.

[0012] With latest development and modernization, Invasive and Non-continuous health monitoring systemsare available. However, medications based on these systemsare more subjective and hence are not conclusive. Various health monitoring devices and systems have been described in the prior arts. A Chinese patent CN204765600 discloses a wristwatch based health monitoring system that includes a health data acquisition module, data processing module, GPS satellite positioning module and wireless communication module, data acquisition module, GPS satellite positioning module incorporated in a wristwatch to read health data and transfer the health data to a wireless monitoring devices.

[0013] Another Chinese patent CN201270540 relates to health monitoring of watch mobile phone that can ready blood pressure and pulse data. The watch mobile phone is provided with switch buttons and USB expansion slots to read and transfer the blood pressure and pulse data.

[0014] A US patent US20030231551 relates to a health indicating wristwatch that includes a module housing having a wristband and is capable of being worn on a wrist, a liquid crystal display portion disposed on a top surface of the module housing for exhibiting a digital readout, a microcontroller enclosed in the module, a solar cell charging circuit and rechargeable battery enclosed in the module connected to solar cells mounted on the module housing and exposed to light for energizing the microcontroller, a chronometer enclosed in the module, sensing means enclosed in and on the module for measuring the wearer's body functions of body temperature, pulse and blood pressure and a push-in program activating knob located on a side of the module for selecting a function for display on the liquid crystal display.

[0015] As one can observe, even with latest development and modernization, only invasive and non-continuous health monitoring systemsare available. Furthermore, results from such techniques are subjective and hence are not conclusive. There are no such prior arts for providing a wearable device with continuous health monitoring technology.

[0016] Therefore, there is a need for a health monitoring device that is non-invasive and enables/ensures continuous monitoring, high accuracy, low cost, easeof operation while taking sampling and testing, high portability, continuous measurement, and safety of use.

[0017] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

[0018] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term "about". Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. [0019] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0020] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. "such as") provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0021] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0022] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide a non-invasive and continuous healthmonitoring device.

[0023] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a health monitoring device that can be wearable,and enables continuous health monitoring.

[0024] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide ahealth monitoring device with health risk alert and medication advising system.

[0025] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a health monitoring device that enables provision of health risk alerts to be issued along with presentation of accurate medication advise based on analysis done by the device. [0026] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a health monitoring device that can enable a user to send emergency alerts messages on one or more registered numbers.

[0027] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of the invention herein below along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

SUMMARY

[0028] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a multifunctional health monitoring device for monitoring and tracking various health parameters of a human body for analysing health conditions. The health monitoring device performs continuous and non-invasive measuring and monitoring ofvarious health parameters, including but not limited to, human body temperature, blood glucose level, heart beat or pulse monitoring, and blood pressure (for both diastolic and systolic). In an aspect, the health monitoring device has been configured to analyse all vital health parameters to assist and advice a user associated with the device regarding his/her overall health condition or status.

[0029] In an aspect, the proposed health monitoring device can include one or more health monitoring sensors configured to monitor one or more health parameters of a user;a microprocessor configured to receive signals from the one or more sensors, analyse the received signals, and determine an abnormal health condition; and a communication module configured to transfer any or a combination of the signals and the determined abnormal health condition.

[0030] In an aspect, the one or more health monitoring sensors can include, but are not limited to, a temperature sensor, a near infrared (NIR) and photodiode of 1550nm based blood glucose analysis sensor, an integrated sensor using NIR, LED for detecting Pulse oximetry based Heart Rate, Oxygen Saturation ie. SP02%, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and a photo-pelthysmo graph (PPG) sensors, and any combination thereof.

[0031] In an aspect, the one or more health parameters can include, but are not limited to, human body temperature, blood glucose level, heartbeat, pulse and blood pressure.

[0032] In an aspect, the proposed device can further include a display for displaying reading associated with the one or more health parameters;a tracking unit configured to provide location information of the user; and a panic button configured to enable the user to report an emergency condition. [0033] In an aspect, thehealth monitoring device can be a wearable device that can include one or more infrared LED and photodiode sensor(s), microcontrollers, LCD display unit, a panic button, a microcontroller unit (MCU)that has a built-in GSM, Bluetooth, and Microcontroller, a SIM card or chip holder, and a power supplying unit (can be a rechargeable Lithium ion battery).

[0034] In an aspect, the health monitoring device can include a temperature sensor, a photodiode based blood glucose analysis sensor, a blood pressure sensor, and a pulse oximetry sensor. The temperature sensor can be configured to sense, read, measure and monitor body temperature, whereas photodiode based glucose analysis sensor can be configured to sense blood glucose level in blood of human body by conducting diagnosisbased on infrared LED and photodiode sensors. Blood pressure sensor, on the other hand, can be configured to sense, read, measure and monitor blood pressure at appropriate time based on ECG signals, bothdiastolic blood pressure and systolic blood pressure sensor, whereas pulse oximetry sensor can be configured to sense regular pulse of human body.In an aspect, heart beat indicating sensor can be configured to sense the heart beat rate of the human at various situations by reading the rhythm of pulses.

[0035] The proposed device can further include a pedometer sensor that can have an in-built accelerometer which can count the number of steps a person has walked, speed of walking, and calories burnt, analysis of which can help in ensuring health fitness, and make health plans based on the readings.

[0036] In an aspect, health monitoring device of the present invention can further include an electrocardiogram sensor (ECG) and a photoplethysmo sensor(PPG). In an exemplary implementation, blood pressure can be estimated based on pulse wave transit time (PWTT) by attaching the proposed device on a user's chest. In another aspect, disclosed noninvasive methods can be classified into two categories of intermittent and continuous measurement, wherein intermittent measurement can be based on cuff method thatuses auscultation and/or oscillometry, and whereas method for continuous blood pressure measurement includes Volume-clamp based, tonometry-based, and Pulse Transit Time (PTT) based methods.

[0037] In an exemplary implementation, PTT or pulse wave velocity (PWV) can be configured as an indirect parameter to measure blood pressure (BP) continuously and non- invasively. PWV can be calculated using a ratio between height and PTT, modelling the relation between BP and PWV with a correction constant that yields accurate results for estimating systolic BP. [0038] In another aspect, health monitoring device of the present disclosure can include atracking modulethat can be a GPS based device to locate current location of user. In an exemplary implementation, the health monitoring device can include an alarm button that, on being pressed, can send an alarm signal to one or more preconfigured contacts. In an exemplary implementation, while sending an alarm signal, location of the user can be tagged with the alarm signal. Other location based servicescan be enabled using the tracking module in order to provide safety and security on pressingof the alarm button (which can generate a buzzer sound)for triggeringa message to registered users (as saved in the device and can also integrated with a communicating device),including but not limited to, doctors, relatives, friends, ambulance service, police.

[0039] In an aspect, the proposed device can be in the form of a wearable device that can be used as a safety device for women and children control room, etc in situation of emergency or in case of any mis-happening.

[0040] In another aspect, the proposed health monitoring device can include aSIM card holder in which a SIM card can be inserted to facilitate the health monitoring device to operate as mobile device enabled to communicate with other communicable devices at far end. In an implementation, the health monitoring device can have Bluetooth connectivityto connect with various mobile applications or computing devices wirelessly based on authentication means to transfer data whenever needed.

[0041] In an embodiment, the proposed health monitoring device can include microcontrollersthat can be programmed to receive data from various health monitoring sensors for sensing and monitoring readings of blood pressure, temperature, blood glucose level, heart beat etc and analyse them based on some algorithms. The measured values with respect to all vital health factors/parameters can be finally calculated, analysed and can be shown to the user in a user understandable format via the LCD display present on the health monitoring device. The health monitoring device can be configured to provide easy and smooth integration of health monitoring device with other devices in situation of emergency to generate alertsfor generating dynamic reports and medical history of user's health condition for purpose of medical assistance or treatment to be provided. The device can connect and transfer universally by any mode of communication wired or wireless, and to all systems of medical or non-medical field.

[0042] Yet inanother aspect,the health monitoring device has been configured to identify alcohol drinking habits of a driver or any person driving any motor vehicle beyond the permissible limits. [0043] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system overview by showing functional modules of the proposed health monitoring device in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 2 illustrates an implementation overview for process of blood pressure estimation in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIGs. 3A to 31 illustrateexemplary circuit diagrams of a main card of a health monitoring device that includes various sensors for sensing and measuring different vital health parameters in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary circuit diagrams of ECG unit for blood pressure monitoring in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary circuit of 3V3 voltage regulator that can be used in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 4C illustrates an exemplary circuit of Bluetooth connectivity unit that can be used in health monitoring device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. [0052] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.

[0053] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0054] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. "such as") provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0055] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

[0056] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a multifunctional health monitoring device for monitoring and tracking various health parameters of a human body for analysing health conditions. The health monitoring device performs continuous and non-invasive measuring and monitoring of various health parameters, including but not limited to, human body temperature, blood glucose level, heart beat or pulse monitoring, and blood pressure (for both diastolic and systolic). In an aspect, the health monitoring device has been configured to analyse all vital health parameters to assist and advice a user associated with the device regarding his/her overall health condition or status.

[0057] In an aspect, the proposed health monitoring device can include one or more health monitoring sensors configured to monitor one or more health parameters of a user; a microprocessor configured to receive signals from the one or more sensors, analyse the received signals, and determine an abnormal health condition; and a communication module configured to transfer any or a combination of the signals and the determined abnormal health condition.

[0058] In an aspect, the one or more health monitoring sensors can include, but are not limited to, temperature sensor, a photodiode based blood glucose analysis sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a pulse oximetry sensor, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and a photoplethysmo sensor (PPG), and any combination thereof.

[0059] In an aspect, the one or more health parameters can include, but are not limited to, human body temperature, blood glucose level, heartbeat, and pulse and blood pressure.

[0060] In an aspect, the proposed device can further include a display for displaying reading associated with the one or more health parameters; a tracking unit configured to provide location information of the user; and a panic button configured to enable the user to report an emergency condition. The panic button can further help connect patients with with doctors who can attend to emergencies based on the trigger issued by the button. Based on such communication of health information to doctors in real-time, the doctors can prescribe right medicine since the readings results are structured into meaningful analysis. Using the proposed device, patients can also get instant health tips based on the readings from experts, which can help in a better living.

[0061] In an aspect, the health monitoring device can be a wearable device that can include one or more infrared LED and photodiode sensor(s), microcontrollers, LCD display unit, a panic button, a tracking device, a SIM card or chip holder, Bluetooth, and a power supplying unit (can be a rechargeable Lithium ion battery).

[0062] In an aspect, the health monitoring device can include a temperature sensor, a photodiode and NIR based blood glucose analysis sensor, a blood pressure sensor, and a pulse oximetry sensor. The temperature sensor can be configured to sense, read, measure and monitor body temperature, whereas NIR and photodiode based glucose analysis sensor can be configured to sense blood glucose level in blood of human body by conducting diagnosis based on infrared LED and photodiode sensors.

[0063] In an aspect, the proposed health monitoring device can be configured for continuous and non-invasive health monitoring based at least in part on blood glucose monitoring, wherein Glucose levels, in the instant invention, can be detected based on NEAR INFRARED (NIR) using IRLED and Photodiodes at higher Peak Wavelength. In an aspect, the proposed mechanism of detecting glucose levels can include amplification of lights using the INA122 instrumentation amplifier(s) and OPA358, which is a high speed Operational Amplifier, along with necessary resisters and capacitors. 1550NM Infrared Light Emitting Diode (IRLED) can then be allowed to emit light, penetrating the Skin and blood, post which 1550NM INGAAS PHOTODIODE detects the light and converts into Voltage readings and captured by the Microcontroller. Post the capturing of the readings, using Regression Statistical Analysis, ADC readings can be converted into Glucose, measured in Milligrams per Deca Litre, wherein the Microcontroller controls the reading of the IRLED light at set intervals, and calculates the Glucose level.

[0064] In an aspect, data can be stored in a repository/database/memory, and can be accessed by one or more computing devices that are locally or remotely connected. In an exemplary implementatino, the time capture of Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Insulin and Tablets, can help in identifying the impact of the events on the Glucose level, and can also help the doctor(s) to prescribe adequate dosage to bring the glucose level in control. In yet another aspect, Hypoglycaemia, which is a low Glucose level, can be detected, wherein one or more appropriate alerts can also be set for the user(s) and/or for doctor(s), for instance for emergency help. In an aspect, health improvement tips based on Glucose readings can also be presented to one or more stakeholders.

[0065] Blood pressure sensor, on the other hand, can be configured to sense, read, measure and monitor blood pressure at appropriate time based on algorithm of ECG signals, both diastolic blood pressure and systolic blood pressure sensor, whereas pulse oximetry sensor can be configured to sense regular pulse of human body. In an aspect, heart beat indicating sensor can be configured to sense the heart beat rate of the human at various situations by reading the rhythm of pulses.

[0066] In an aspect, health monitoring device of the present invention can further include electrocardiogram (ECG) and photoplethysmo sensor (PPG). In an exemplary implementation, blood pressure can be estimated based on pulse wave transit time (PWTT) by attaching the proposed device on a user's chest. In another aspect, disclosed non-invasive methods can be classified into two categories of intermittent and continuous measurement, wherein intermittent measurement, based on cuff method, can use auscultation and/or oscillometry, whereas method for continuous blood pressure measurement includes Volume - clamp based, tonometry-based, and Pulse Transit Time (PTT) based methods.

[0067] In an exemplary implementation, PTT or pulse wave velocity (PWV) can be configured as an indirect parameter to measure blood pressure (BP) continuously and non- invasively. PWV can be calculated using a ratio between height and PTT, modelling the relation between BP and PWV with a correction constant that yields accurate results for estimating systolic BP. [0068] In another aspect, health monitoring device of the present disclosure can include a tracking module that can be a GPS based device to locate current location of user. In an exemplary implementation, the health monitoring device can include an alarm button that, on being pressed, can send an alarm signal to one or more preconfigured contacts. In an exemplary implementation, while sending an alarm signal, location of the user can be tagged with the alarm signal. Other location based services can be enabled using the tracking module in order to provide safety and security on pressing of the alarm button (which can generate a buzzer sound) for triggering a message to registered users (as saved in the device and can also integrated with a communicating device), including but not limited to, doctors, relatives, friends, ambulance service, police.

[0069] In an aspect, the proposed device can be in the form of a wearable device that can be used as a safety device for women and children control room, etc in situation of emergency or in case of any mis-happening.

[0070] In another aspect, the proposed health monitoring device can include a SIM card holder in which a SIM card can be inserted to facilitate the health monitoring device to operate as mobile device enabled to communicate with other communicable devices at far end. In an implementation, the health monitoring device can have Bluetooth connectivity to connect with various mobile applications or computing devices wirelessly based on authentication means to transfer data whenever needed.

[0071] In an embodiment, the proposed health monitoring device can include microcontrollers that can be programmed to receive data from various health monitoring sensors for sensing and monitoring readings of blood pressure, temperature, blood glucose level, heart beat etc and analyse them based on some algorithms. The measured values with respect to all vital health factors/parameters can be finally calculated, analysed and can be shown to the user in a user understandable format via the LCD display present on the health monitoring device. The health monitoring device can be configured to provide easy and smooth integration of health monitoring device with other devices in situation of emergency to generate alerts for generating dynamic reports and medical history of user's health condition for purpose of medical assistance or treatment to be provided. The device can connect and transfer universally by any mode of communication wired or wireless, and to all systems of medical or non-medical field.

[0072] Yet in another aspect, the health monitoring device has been configured to identify alcohol drinking habits of a driver or any person driving any motor vehicle beyond the permissible limits. [0073] In an exemplary embodiment, health monitoring device of the present disclosure can be a wearable device that can be designed to be worn on any external part of the human body for ease of use and convenience. In an embodiment,the proposed health monitoring device can interchangeably be referred to as a device hereinafter.

[0074] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a health monitoring device configured to monitor and report vital health parameters of a user, wherein the device can include a photoplethysmo sensor (PPG) configured to sense a plurality of PPG signals of the user; an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor configured to measure a plurality of ECG signals of the user; wherein one or more of the plurality of PPG signals and the plurality of ECG signals are processed, through a microcontroller, to compute pulse wave transit time (PWTT), based on which blood pressure (BP) of the user is determined; an a communication module configured to communicate the determined blood pressure of the user to a first computing device.

[0075] In an aspect, the peaks of the one or more of the plurality of PPG signals and the plurality of ECG signals can be used to determine the blood pressure of the user. The plurality of ECG signals of the user can be measured by means of a belt worn over by the user on his/her chest, and wherein the measured plurality of ECG signals are transmitted in real-time to the health monitoring device. The measured plurality of ECG signals can be transmitted in real-time to the health monitoring device by means of a Bluetooth connection.

[0076] In another aspect, the health monitoring device can be a wearable device such as any or a combination of a watch or wrist band.

[0077] In another aspect, the proposed device can further include any or a combination of a temperature sensor, a photodiode based blood glucose analysis sensor, a blood pressure sensor, and a pulse oximetry sensor.

[0078] The first computing device can be any or a combination of a server, cloud, a second health monitoring device, a mobile/smart phone, a laptop, a desktop PC, a tablet PC, and a PDA.

[0079] In another aspect, the blood pressure can be measured intermittently or continuously, wherein the intermittent measurement can be based on Cuff method using auscultation and oscillometry, and wherein the continuous measurement can be based on any or a combination of volume-clamp based, tonometry based measurement based, and Pulse Wave Transit Time (PWTT) based method. In an aspect, the Pulse Wave Transit Time (PWTT) based method can incorporate instantaneous heart rate (HR) as a parameter while measuring the blood pressure such that the HR is added to a linear relationship between PWTT and Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV), and wherein the PWV can be calculated using ratio between height and PWTT to enable development of modelling relation between BP and PWV with a correction constant to yield accurate results for estimating systolic BP. In an aspect, the determined BP can be any or a combination of Systolic BP and Diastolic BP.

[0080] In another aspect, the health monitoring device can include a display for displaying reading associated with the determined blood pressure; a tracking unit configured to provide location information of the user; and a panic button configured to enable the user to report an emergency condition. The health monitoring device can further include a SIM card holder to enable insertion of a SIM to further enable communication with the first computing device.

[0081] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system overview by showing functional modules of the proposed health monitoring device in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, module diagram 100 includes a sensory data receive module 102 configured to receive sensory data/signal, at a microcontroller, from one or more health monitoring sensors that can monitor one or more health parameters of a user; a data analysis module 104 configured to analyse received data/sensory signal, and determine an abnormal health condition based on certain pre-programmed instruction; and a communication module 106 configured to transfer any or combination of the signals and the determined abnormal health condition to a third party/remote/cloud/server device. In an exemplary implementation, the one or more health monitoring sensors can be configured to perform continuous and noninvasive measurement of the one or more health parameters. The system can include a power supply module 108 to power different components of the system using battery power or solar power.

[0082] In an exemplary implementation, the one or more health monitoring sensors can be any or combination of temperature sensor, a photodiode based blood glucose analysis sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a pulse oximetry sensor, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and a photoplethysmo sensor (PPG).

[0083] In an exemplary implementation, communication module 106 can include a short range wireless communication module, and long range wireless communication module, wherein short range wireless communication, for example, can include Bluetooth based communication. In an exemplary implementation, sensory data receive module 102 can be configured to read sensory data (also referred interchangeably as sensory signal) from an electro cardio graph (ECG) module 110, and a photopelthysmograph (PPG) module 112, wherein the system can include one or more analog-to-digital (A/D) converter modules to convert sensory data of analog format into corresponding digital formalin an exemplary implementation, ECG module 110 can collect ECG signal(s) via a heart rate safety belt worn on chest of a user, whereas PPG module 112 can collect PPG signal(s) from one finger of the user. In an exemplary implementation, the device can be controlled through low power microcontrollers.

[0084] FIG. 2 illustrates an implementation overview for process of blood pressure estimation in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in flow diagram 200, health monitoring device of the present disclosure can detect peak as shown at block 202 from ECG signals and peak of PPG as shown at block 204 from PPG signal. In an exemplary implementation, a heart rate (HR) belt can be worn at chest to collect ECG signals, wherein based on the peaks detected from ECG signal(s) and PPG signal(s), PTT and HR can be calculated as shown at block 206. Based on the calculated PTT and HR, the device can estimate BP as shown at block 208. The health monitoring device and the heart monitoring safety belt can communicate with each other via Bluetooth. On continuous collection and transmission of ECG and PPG signals, estimation of PTT and BP can be done, wherein PTT can be calculated based on processing of ECG and/or PPG signals collected by the proposed device.

[0085] In an embodiment, health monitoring device of the present invention can include electrocardiogram (ECG) and photopelthysmograph (PPG) sensors. In addition, blood pressure can be estimated based on pulse wave transit time (PWTT) by attaching device on chest of a user. Current non-invasive methods can be classified into two categories viz intermittent measurement and continuous measurement, wherein intermittent measurement can be based on cuff method that uses auscultation and oscillometry. Continuous blood pressure measurement methods can include volume-clamp based, tonometry based measurement based, and Pulse Transit Time (PTT) based methods. The PTT or pulse wave velocity (PWV) can be the most useful and convenient indirect methods to measure blood pressure (BP) continuously and non-invasively. Considering blood pressure (BP) to be highly correlated with instantaneous heart rate (HR), HR can be added to the linear relation in PTT and PWV work. PWV can be calculated using ratio between height and PTT, wherein modelling relation between BP and PWV with a correction constant can yield accurate results for estimating systolic BP.

[0086] In an exemplary embodiment, heart monitoring safety belt can be worn by the patient, and ECG signals can be monitored in addition to the pulse oximetry. Systolic and Diastolic readings can be computed based on ECG and PPG signals. In an exemplary implementation, medications can be more accurate depending on real time data of one or more health monitoring sensors.

[0087] In an exemplary embodiment, blood pressure can be monitoredcontinuously and without Cuff and Air Values. In an aspect, photoplethysmo sensor(FFG) Max30102 or Max30100 can be configured to sense the Heart Rate based on Pulse Oximetry of the user to give the Heart Rate based on Wrist reading. Electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor AD 8232 can be configured to measure a plurality of ECG signals based on which the user derives QRS Peak using an algorithm. Analog Signal can be converted into Digital Signal using I2C communication, wherein the readings can be transmitted to the Main terminal using the Bluetooth. In an aspect, one or more of the plurality of PPG signals and the plurality of ECG signals can be processed, through a microcontroller, to compute pulse wave transit time (PWTT), based on which blood pressure (BP) of the user can be determined. In another aspect, in order to ensure accuracy of Blood Pressure, derived readings of the past 10 Systolic and Diastolic results can be included to arrive at the new BPM readings. In another aspect, in order to improve upon the accuracy, two PPG signals, one from the Wrist, and the other from the Finger, can be compared with the ECG/EKG signal. In an aspect, the proposed device enables Blood Pressure for both Systolic as well as Diastolic to be calculated, and the output be sent to a user interface/device (configured for instance as a software) at set/periodic/configurable intervals using the GSM and Simcard.

[0088] The proposed health monitoring device can enable Heart Rate Monitoring using Pulse Oximetry that is derived based on readings from MAX30102/MAX30100. As mentioned above, the device can be integrated with an IRLED sensor and have an in-built Amplifier, and proximity Sensor that converts into the Heart Rate, measured in Beats per Minute, (BPM).

[0089] In an aspect, the health monitoring device can further include SP02 for measuring Oxygen Saturation in Blood, which can be calculated as a percentage using the Pulse Oximetry Max30102/Max30100 sensor. The user can be given an alert using the set norms if the SP02 is lower than expected norms.

[0090] The health monitoring device can further include a Temperature Sensor configured to sense body temperature (measured in degrees Centrigrade or in Fahrenheit). Any deviation in Body temperature beyond 98.6 Deg, will set trigger to the registered members. The device can further include a Pedometer (such as MMA9551), which is an intelligent Motion sensor that identifies distance walked and calories burnt, wherien the device allows calculation of fitness habits and intelligently estimates the needs based on the other Health parameters like Blood Glucose, Blood Pressure etc.

[0091] The device can further include an Alcohol Sensor (such as TGS 822), which is a Sensor that can detect Alcohol, and is statiscally defined to arrive at the Breath Alcohol Level. In implementation, the legally permissible level can be compared to identify excess Alcohol level. The Alcohol level can also be identified with Blood glucose, Heart Beat, Blood Pressure and other vital parameters.

[0092] In an aspect, the device can further include a Safety Tracking mechanism such as a panic Button that can be pressedin order to transmit a predefined alert by SMS, Mail to the predefined people, who will be able to track exact location using the Co-ordinates. The device can further trigger panic to the nearest Police Station, Hospitals, Ambulance and other support systems.

[0093] Health monitoring device can additionally include a built-in buzzer that ensures, as a safety measure, sound signals to be issued in case of any emergency. The device can further include an OLED display so as to present/display all readings at set/defined/pre- configured intervals to the user.

[0094] In an aspect, data collected/gathered/calculated/measured/obtained by the instant device can be safely transferred and updated to a secured server/cloud or say to a secured Virtual Platform that can be accessed by one or more authorized users/doctors/stakeholders. The access can be allowed in any computing device, including but not limited to, a personal computer, laptop, mobile phone, smart phone, tablet PC, among other like devices.

[0095] FIGs. 3A to 3E illustrateexemplary circuit diagrams of a main card of a health monitoring devicethat includes various sensors for sensing and measuring different vital health parameters in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3A,the proposed health monitoring device can include a microcontroller Ul 302 that can be programmed to sense and receive data from different sensors that sense different health parameters, for example blood pressure, temperature, blood glucose level, heart beat etc. and analyse them based on pre-programmed instructions. Values measured with respect to vital health factors/parameters can be received, analysed and presented to user or remote to another remote device. In an exemplary implementation, microcontroller Ul 302 can be configured to provide easy and smooth integration of the health monitoring device with other remote devices. The microcontroller Ulcan be configured to generate alerts based on present reading and historical data. The microcontroller Ul 302 can be configured to enable universal data communication with any suitable device over short range wireless communication, or long range wireless communication or through wired interface. The microcontroller Ul 302 can be coupled to a crystal oscillator Yl 304, for example XTAL-SMD, for intermittent measurement based on the cuff method that uses oscillometry as non-invasive method for continuous BP measurement. In an exemplary implementation, the microcontroller 302,at different pins, can receive inputs for panic from a panic signal processing circuit 306, input for switch_l through switch circuit 308, and master clean pin external reset (MCLR) through MCLR circuit 310. The microcontroller 302 can have other pins configured for receiving other sensory data and for providing output to different circuits or modules. For example, the microcontroller can provide a buzzer Sig to activate a buzzer coupled with the health monitoring device. In an exemplary implementation, the health monitoring device can have an inseparable assembly U5 for temperature sensor as shown in FIG. 3B that can sense body temperature and provide sensed data to the microcontroller 302. The circuit of health monitoring device can include a temperature sensor, for example TMP112, that can sense body temperature.

[0096] Circuit of the proposed health monitoring device can include another inseparable assembly U9 of a trans-impedance amplifier 314 (for example OPA358), and U4 amplifier 316 (for example INA122) as shown in FIG. 3C. The health monitoring device can further include one or more infrared LED and photodiode sensor(s), LCD display unit, a panic button, a tracking module, a SIM card, or chip holder, a Bluetooth chip, and a power supply unit.

[0097] In an exemplary implementation, the health monitoring device can include an optical sensor 318 (for example SFH7050) as shown in FIG. 3D, an infrared LED ( for example SMC1550) and a photodiode ( for example G13176-003P) for blood glucose level analysis.

[0098] The health monitoring device can also include a pedometer 320(for example MMA9555L) as shown in FIG. 3E for providing counts of each step taken by a person by detecting motion of user. In an exemplary implementation, the steps count can be established by incorporating dedicated accelerometer MEMS transducers. In an exemplary implementation, the health monitoring device can include a heart rate detector 322 (HR) as shown in FIG. 3F. In an exemplary implementation, the heath monitoring device can include an oxygen concentration detector (MAX30102FFD+T )for detecting percentage of oxygen in blood (SP02), which can be further correlated with BP reading. The health monitoring device can use I2C level shifter 324 ( for example PCA9306DCTR) as shown in FIG. 3G wherein required to get more accurate signals. [0099] In an exemplary implementation, the health monitoring device can include a communication module 326, for example a M66FAR01A01 chip as shown in FIG. 3H, to enable communication of the health monitoring device with mobile applications or other computing devices wirelessly to transfer data and command whenever needed. The health monitoring device can be configured to send data to any remote device or server using communication module 326. The health monitoring device can use Bluetooth in order to enable communication with various mobile applications. The health monitoring device can also include a GPS chip to enable tracking of user.

[00100] In an exemplary implementation, the health monitoring device can include a SIM card holder 330, for example micro SIM CH03-FB, that can contain a SIM card to facilitate the health monitoring device to be operated as mobile device.

[00101] FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary circuit diagrams of ECG unit for blood pressure monitoring in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4A, circuit of health monitoring device can include an ECG monitoring sensor 402 for reading electrocardiogram (ECG) and photopelthysmo graph (PPG). In an exemplary implementation, blood pressure can be estimated based on pulse wave transit time (PWTT) only by attaching that ECG monitoring sensor on chest of a user. In an embodiment, the PWTT (also referred to as PTT) or pulse wave velocity (PWV) can be the most useful and convenient indirect parameter to measure blood pressure (BP) continuously and non- invasively. The circuit can be configured to provide ECG signals that can be collected via the heart rate safety belt worn on chest by a user. The circuit can be configured to use PTT or pulse wave velocity (PWV) for convenient and indirect parameter to measure blood pressure (BP) continuously and non-invasively.

[00102] FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary circuit of 3V3 voltage regulator that can be used in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the circuit of health monitoring device can include a 3 V3 voltage regulator 404 as shown in FIG. 4B to regulating voltage to different components of the health monitoring device. In an exemplary the health monitoring device can also include a phone jack stereo that can be used to connect an earphone with device for voice assistance.

[00103] FIG. 4C illustrates an exemplary circuit of Bluetooth connectivity unit that can be used in health monitoring device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an exemplary implementation, the device can include a Bluetooth chip 406 that can be used by the health monitoring device to communicate with HR belt and to send data to the server and other devices. Circuit of the health monitoring device can include a battery charge controller (for example,MCP7833) to monitor the charging up and discharging of a battery to indicate the amount of battery life left and if recharging has to be done. The health monitoring device can also include an USB connector (USB_CCN) for charging the battery present in the device.

[00104] In an exemplary implementation, the health monitoring device can also include an alcohol sensor (TGS822) to identify alcohol drinking habits of a drivers or any person driving any motor vehicle and to warn wearer of the device if a permissible limit of alcohol is crossed. In an exemplary implementation, the health monitoring device can further include an OLED display unit (OLED QG-2864KLBEG04) that can display measured values with respect to all vital health factors/parameters in a user understandable format.

[00105] In an embodiment, a buzzer (for example BUZZER-HCS0503B) can be configured with the health monitoring device that is played on pressing of an alarm button (can generate buzzer sound). On pressing of the alarm button, buzzer sound is played and an alert message can be sent to registered users (as saved in the device and can also integrated with a communicating device) such as doctors, relatives, friends, ambulance service, police control room etc. in situation of emergency or any miss happening. In an aspect, the health monitoring device can be in form of a wearable device that can be used as a safety device for women and children.

[00106] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[00107] The present disclosure provides a non-invasive and continuous healthmonitoring device.

[00108] The present disclosure provides a health monitoring device that can be a wearable device for enabling continuous health monitoring.

[00109] The present disclosure provides a health monitoring device with health risk alert and medication advising system.

[00110] The present disclosure provides a health monitoring device with health risk alert and accurate medication advising based on the analysis done by the device. [00111] The present disclosure provides a health monitoring device that can enable a user to send emergency alerts message on one or more registered numbers.

[00112] The present disclosure provides a health monitoring device with alarm or panic button for use in emergency situation and triggering an alert message on the registered numbers saved in device memory.

Claims

CLAIMS I Claim,

1. A health monitoring device configured to non-invasively monitor and report vital health parameters of a user, said device comprising:

a near infrared (IR) LED configured to emit light to penetrate skin and blood of the user;

a photodiode configured to detect the light and convert into one or more voltage readings;

a microcontroller configured to convert the one or more voltage readings into at least one glucose level value based on statistical regression analysis; and

a communication module configured to communicate the determined glucose level value of the user to a first computing device.

2. The health monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the emitted light is amplified before being emitted from the IR LED.

3. The health monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the IR LED is a 1550NM IR LED.

4. The health monitoring device of claim 1, wherein theone or more voltage readings are first converted into digital values using an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) before being converted into the at least one glucose level.

5. The health monitoring device of claim 1, wherein themicrocontroller controls the reading of IR LED light at defined or configurable intervals.

6. The health monitoring device of claim 1, wherein thehealth monitoring device is a wearable device.

7. The health monitoring device of claim 6, wherein thewearable device is any or a combination of a watch or wrist band.

8. The health monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the first computing device is any or a combination of a server, cloud, a second health monitoring device, a mobile/smart phone, a laptop, a desktop PC, a tablet PC, and a PDA.

9. The health monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the device further comprises any or a combination of a temperature sensor, an alcohol sensor, a pedometer, a blood pressure sensor, and a pulse oximetry sensor.

10. The health monitoring device of claim 9, wherein the alcohol sensor captures breath alcohol level and informs at least a second user of the health risk of the user along with informing road safety risk of driving after consuming alcohol beyond permissible level.

11. The health monitoring device of claim 9, wherein the Pedometer tracks any or a combination of actual distance walked, amount of calorie burnt, vis-a-vis target set by the user with an aim of monitoring health fitness.

12. The health monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the health monitoring device further comprises a display for displaying reading associated with the glucose level value; a tracking unit configured to provide location information of the user; anda panic button configured to enable the user to report an emergency condition.

13. The health monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the health monitoring device further comprises a SIM card holder to enable insertion of a SIM to further enable communication with the first computing device.

14. The health monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the device further comprises a a photoplethysmo sensor(PPG) configured to sense a plurality of PPG signals of the user;

an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor configured to measure a plurality of ECG signals of the user; wherein one or more of the plurality of PPG signals and the plurality of ECG signals are processed, through a microcontroller, to compute pulse wave transit time (PWTT), based on which blood pressure (BP) of the user is determined.

15. The health monitoring device of claim 14, wherein peaks of the one or more of the plurality of PPG signals and the plurality of ECG signals are used to determine the blood pressure of the user.

16. The health monitoring device of claim 14, wherein the plurality of ECG signals of the user are measured by means of a belt worn over by the user on his/her chest, and wherein the measured plurality of ECG signals are transmitted in real-time to the health monitoring device.

17. The health monitoring device of claim 14, wherein the measured plurality of ECG signals are transmitted in real-time to the health monitoring device by means of a Bluetooth connection.

18. The health monitoring device of claim 14, wherein the blood pressure is measured intermittentlyor continuously, and wherein intermittent measurement is based on Cuff method using auscultation and oscillometry, and wherein continuous measurement is based on any or a combination of volume-clamp based, tonometry based measurement based, and Pulse Wave Transit Time (PWTT) based method.

19. The health monitoring device of claim 18, wherein the Pulse Wave Transit Time (PWTT) based methodincorporates instantaneous heart rate (HR) as a parameter while measuring the blood pressure such that the HR is added to a linear relationship between PWTT and Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV), and wherein the PWV is calculated using ratio between height and PWTT to enable development of modelling relation between BP and PWV with a correction constant to yield accurate results for estimating systolic BP.

20. The health monitoring device of claim 14, wherein the determined BP is any or a combination of Systolic BP and Diastolic BP.