GB2487426A

GB2487426A - Wristwatch physiological monitoring device for infant

Info

Publication number: GB2487426A
Application number: GB1101141.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Shaun Mcgovern
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-01-22
Filing date: 2011-01-22
Publication date: 2012-07-25
Also published as: GB201101141D0

Abstract

A wearable physiological monitoring device includes a strap 1, a clasp 2, sensors 3 (ECG electrodes, movement, temperature etc), a display 5, a loudspeaker 6 and a microphone. The speaker may be used to raise an alarm, to play a pre-recorded voice message (e.g. CPR instructions) or to play music. Wireless communications are provided. The device is worn on the wrist of a baby as a sudden infant death (SIDS) monitor. The device provides means for a carer to be alerted to an infant's loss of breathing, and provides audible instructions to deal with this event.

Description

PULSE MONITOR

Field of the Invention

The present invenUon relates to a pulse monitor; more particularly a monitor of an infant's heart rate and related alert system.

Background

Much attention through the years has been focussed on sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), more colloquially known as cot death. This is where for as yet not adequately defined reasons an infant, whilst apparently sleeping, stops breathing.

Many early parents live in fear of this and buy a variety of products that may have an effect on preventing this occurrence, such as special mattresses or clothing.

Prior Art

In an attempt to alert the parent to any problems, many parents will place a listening device in an infant's or baby's room, with a loudspeaker placed remotely in a room in which the parent is in. Like this the parent may listen for any unexpected or undesirable noises. However given ambient levels of noise in the parent's room are likely to be higher, the parent is most likely to only hearing an infant crying, not any irregularities in breathing, still less heart rate.

In recognition of this problem past attempts or devices to offer solutions have included: United States patent application US 20 100 217 158 (CONTE et al) discloses a health sensing device for placement on a user, the device comprising: a sensor configured to sense a sleep position of an infant and generate a sensor signal in response to the sleep position when an indicating sleep position is detected; and a transmitter configured to receive the sensor signal and generate a transmission responsive to the sensor signal.

United States patent application US 20 100 033 303 (LATRILLE et al) discloses a system comprising: a plurality of wearable bands, the wearable bands each including one or more accelerometers, an identification indicia, and a communications device; and a mobile device adapted to communicate with one or more of the plurality of wearable bands and to determine an activity of a wearer of the plurality of wearable bands based on information transmitted by the wearable bands.

United States patent application US 2009 322 513 (HWANG et al) discloses a transparent and automated personal medical emergency alert system consists of: (1) a wearable monitoring device contains data processing and controlling as well as radio frequency transceiver/antenna circuitries which are integrated with sensors within a single or multiple enclosures to measure, on a periodic basis, a person's physiological parameters, such as pulse rate, heart rate, EKG, blood pressure, blood oxygen level, breathing rate and/or body temperature. It will compare the measurements against the threshold levels stored or pre-programmed in its memory to determine whether abnormality or severe abnormality has occurred and will wirelessly transmit via radio frequency (RF) signals corresponding to medical emergency alert, abnormal readings or normal measurements along with its unique identification code. Each monitoring device (consequently each person wearing this device) will be assigned a unique identification code, and it will not process or react to any incoming RF signals without its unique identification code as part of signals.

This wearable monitoring mean is also integrated with an impact sensor for detecting a severe fall as well as a microphone to detect loud scream to issue an emergency alert for assistance. Also included in this wearable monitoring mean is a simple keypad for manually issuing emergency alert, temporarily suspending measurements and for manually entering ranges of blood glucose measurement (high, normal or low) after being prompted (by built-in vibration and/or audio component) periodically to conduct the measurement with a blood glucose meter.

In addition wristbands featuring biometric monitors are well known, particularly in the

field of sports training.

Advantageously therefore in contrast the present invention provides a portable infant carried wristband device that may alert a carer to any problems with heart rate, and additionally provide valuable advice to the carer.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a biometric monitor including: a strap, a clasp, at least one sensor, a display, and a loudspeaker for playing locally stored recordings.

Ideally this monitor is provided in the format of a wristwatch, such that it may be worn by an infant or other wearer. Ideally therefore the appropriate sizings must be envisaged with the display being a typical wristwatch face of a relevant diameter that will not pass around an infant's wrist. Ideally said face will be worn to the forearm in use on the infant.

Accordingly the sensor is preferably located on the reverse of the face, such as to ensure that the monitor is able to monitor the wearer's pulse by the sensor being situate on an artery such as the ulnar or radial pulse.

This sensor is ideally comprised of two plates which measure electrical potential across a gap.

The sensor thereby provides the monitor with a regular reading of the wearer's pulse.

In the event that this reading varies from predefined norms the monitor displays an alert on the display and/or sounds an alert signal on the loudspeaker. This alert signal is typically highly audible and may in some embodiments include gas release.

Further embodiments may include wireless transmission capabilities such as Bluetooth (Trade Mark) or other digital connection means such as a universal serial bus (USB) port. A microphone or other recording device is provided in the alternative or in the addition.

In addition or in the alternative visual alerts may be provided such as flashing light effects. Further items are shown on the display in preferred embodiments, such as a battery charge level indicator and in general operation an indication of pulse rate and/or item flashing in time to the wearer's heartbeat.

Being powered by batteries the monitor does not pose a danger to the infant by being connected to the mains electricity supply. Conversely the disadvantage of low power in the battery is ideally minimised for instance by provision of audible alerts of low battery status.

When a carer hears or sees alert signal(s) he or she proceeds to the infant. The monitor is typically equipped with at least one control input, button or switch which is used by the carer to activate a sequence of prerecorded instructions.

The monitor display after an alert signal is issued will show an instruction to press the control button, for example twice in succession, in order to access the audible instructions. It is envisaged that during the audible instructions, visual figures, prompts or instructions will be shown on the display contemporaneously.

These instructions may include instructions on how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the wearer, with versions of these recordings being appropriate to the sizing of the monitor, i.e. infant CPR techniques to be recounted on small size monitors.

The monitor control input may allow for further control over the monitor, such as additional controls such as to prompt repeat of a previously displayed or broadcast alert or instruction.

Yet further embodiments may allow recordable messages, for example whereby a parent may record a message to the monitor in order that when the monitor records or measures a change in pulse it may alert a carer, for instance a babysitter.

In some embodiments the parent may programme the monitor to play or relay a telephone number or further instructions when the infant's pulse quickens, for example when it indicates that the infant is awake. In addition the monitor may play soothing words or music upon such a prompt.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a rear isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the monitor; Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the preferred embodiment of the monitor; Figure 3 shows a side view of the preferred embodiment; and Figure 4 shows a reverse side view.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiment of the Invention Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the monitor having two sensors (3) and a cam lock clasp 2 on the strap 1. This strap is preferably formed of silicon rubber as is the housing of the display and battery (4). This makes the monitor comfortable on an infant's wrist. Typically the silicon is provided with a matt finish such as to minimise the likelihood of the monitor moving or turning about the infant's wrist.

The sensors 3 have a metallic finish or are formed in metal, so as to ensure good contact with the infant's skin. The housing 4 includes a microprocessor (not shown) which is continuously monitoring the infant's electrocardiography (ECG, or EKG) and calculating the heart rate, and other parameters by an interpretation of the electrical activity of the heart captured with the sensors or skin electrodes (3) detecting and amplifying tiny electrical changes on the skin that are caused when the heart muscle acts or depolarises during each heart beat.

Some embodiments of the monitor may include accelerometers. These embodiments may monitor movement of the infant as well as the EKG.

Further embodiments may use the sensors 3 or other means to measure the infant's or environmental temperature or other vital or biometric signs. These data may then be used by the microprocessor to either play a recording on the loudspeaker (6) or show a message on the display 5. Yet further embodiments may include a timer facility or microphone.

The buckle 2 may be adjusted to ensure that the strap I is the correct length for a large variety of users and in addition a loop of plastic 20 is provided to prevent excess strap I causing problems or danger to the infant (not shown).

Controls 40 and 41 are provided. Control 40 is ideally slid to turn the monitor on or adjust the volume. Control 41 may be used as a prompt for the audible instructions or message, for example when the display 5 suggests the carer presses the button 41 for further instructions. Control 41 may additionally be used to activate a panic alarm.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A biometric monitor including: a strap, a clasp, at least one sensor, a display, and a loudspeaker for playing locally stored recordings.
2. A biometric monitor according to claim wherein the monitor is provided in a wristwatch format.
3. A biometric monitor according to claims 1 or 2 wherein the monitor is provided with a microphone.
4. A monitor according to any preceding claim wherein a digital connection means is provided.