Method and Device for Patient Monitoring Using Dynamic Multi-Function Device

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an improved method, system and product to provide wireless ECG patient monitoring. Although embodiments make specific reference to monitoring electrocardiogram signal with an adherent patch, the system methods, and device herein may be applicable to any application in which physiological monitoring is used. The present invention also presents a reliable means for docking the interface while minimizing signal interference and user error. In addition, a novel means for transmitting and receiving a patient's ECG measurements is introduced which includes the use of an epidermal communication network (ECN) and an ECG enabled module for ECN communications and interface. Although embodiments make specific reference to the use of the ECN for ECG measurements, the system methods, and protocol herein may be applicable to any wearable device and/or other smart device which is ECN enabled.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A system comprising: a memory;
 a transceiver, the transceiver configured to:   receive data signals from a communication device, said communication device comprising a leadless monitoring device;   a processor, the processor configured to:   determine if the communication device is enabled to operate on an epidermal communication network (ECN);   treat the data signals received for communication over the ECN;   and process the data signals using an analog-front-end located in the system;   and a docking component for interfacing the communication device to operate on the ECN, wherein interfacing the communication device on the system includes placement of the communication device on the system via direct attachment and/or via at least one of a DART, USB, and SPI; and   wherein the data signals received travel on the ECN and take the form of a parasitic coupling, wherein a path of the parasitic coupling is between a signal-out and a signal-in and occurs through the skin of a user, and said parasitic coupling is stronger than that of a coupling that occurs through the air between a ground of a transit module and the ground of a receive module.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the wherein the leadless monitoring device includes an ECG measurement system for measuring the bio-potential electrical activity of the heart of a user, wherein the leadless monitoring device includes a plurality of contact electrodes and inductive coil for inductive charging. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of contact electrodes are assigned to a clock role by a System Management Bus Protocol, and where charging of the communication device occurs after a hand-shake authentication with a host system. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the leadless monitoring device further includes an LCD display for data retrieval and health monitoring, and wherein the leadless monitoring device includes a scroll wheel, the scroll wheel is used to secure access to user information and as a mechanism for scrolling through menu options. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the leadless monitoring device can be affixed to the user via one or more of an adhesive onto a skin of the user, a garment, the system, and other electronic component. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the system allows communication between the communication device and a wireless communication device for recording an electrocardiogram of the user. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the epidermal communication network includes transmission and reception of data signals across the epidermis of a body, wherein the epidermal communication network provides a medium for transferring the user information from the communication device to one or more secondary devices, wherein the one or more secondary devices include one or more of an: epidermal communication network enabled wearable device, a wired external device with an epidermal communication network enabled interface, a wireless external device with an epidermal communication network enabled interface, a smart module docketed on an epidermal communication network enabled interface, and/or an ingestible sensor, wherein the patient information includes vital records, demographic information, personal information, credentials, and/or bank information, wherein the personal information is encrypted and necessitates the use of a fingerprint scanner to access. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the received data signals are processed by an analog front-end. 
     
     
         9 . A method comprising: receiving, by a transceiver, data signals from a communication device, said communication device comprising a leadless monitoring device; determining, by a processor, if the communication device is enabled to operate on an epidermal communication network (ECN); treating, by the processor, the data signals received for communication over the ECN; and processing, by the processor, the information from the data signals using an analog-front-end located in the system;
 employing a docking component for interfacing the communication device to operate on the ECN, wherein interfacing the communication device on the system includes placement of the communication device on the system via direct attachment and/or via at least one of a UART, USB, and SPI; and   receiving the data signals that travel on the ECN in the form of a parasitic coupling, wherein a path of the parasitic coupling is between a signal-out and a signal-in and occurs through the skin of a user, said parasitic coupling being stronger than that of a coupling that occurs through the air between a ground of a transit module and the ground of a receive module.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising a docking component for interfacing the communication device to operate on the ECN, wherein docking the communication device on the system includes placement of the communication device on the system via direct attachment and/or via at least one of a UART, USB, and SPI, and wherein the system operates as an interface to enable communication with the communication device. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the leadless monitoring device includes an ECG measurement system for measuring the bio-potential electrical activity of the heart of a user, wherein the leadless monitoring device includes a plurality of contact electrodes and inductive coil for inductive charging. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the leadless monitoring device further includes an LCD display for data retrieval and health monitoring, and wherein the leadless monitoring device includes a scroll wheel, the scroll wheel is used to secure access to user information and as a mechanism for scrolling through menu options. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the system allows communication between the communication device and a wireless communication device for recording an electrocardiogram of the user.