WO2005016144A1 - A device for monitoring a user - Google Patents

A device for monitoring a user Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2005016144A1
WO2005016144A1 PCT/AU2004/001105 AU2004001105W WO2005016144A1 WO 2005016144 A1 WO2005016144 A1 WO 2005016144A1 AU 2004001105 W AU2004001105 W AU 2004001105W WO 2005016144 A1 WO2005016144 A1 WO 2005016144A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
user
controller
sensor
alarm system
base station
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2004/001105
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Francesco La Tela
Original Assignee
Powmri Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2003904443A external-priority patent/AU2003904443A0/en
Application filed by Powmri Limited filed Critical Powmri Limited
Publication of WO2005016144A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005016144A1/en

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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/68Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
    • A61B5/6801Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be attached to or worn on the body surface
    • A61B5/6802Sensor mounted on worn items
    • A61B5/6804Garments; Clothes
    • A61B5/6807Footwear
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/103Detecting, measuring or recording devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
    • A61B5/11Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor, mobility of a limb
    • A61B5/1116Determining posture transitions

Definitions

  • TITLE A DEVICE FOR MONITORING A USER FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • the present invention relates to monitoring devices and in particular to monitoring devices for individuals.
  • the invention has been developed primarily for monitoring individuals who are assessed as unsafe to mobilise without assistance in facilities such as nursing homes, hospitals and the like, and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field.
  • a device for monitoring a user said device including a sensor disposable on said user, said sensor being responsive to a force intermediate said user and a surface.
  • the sensor is a pressure sensor and in a preferred embodiment is a force sensitive resistor.
  • the sensor is disposable on a foot of the user. More preferably, the sensor is disposable on a sole of the foot. Even more preferably, the sensor is disposed on a heel of the foot.
  • the monitoring device includes a controller being responsive to the sensor for generating an alert signal and an alarm system that is responsive to the alert signal.
  • the alarm system includes an audible alarm and more preferably, the alarm system includes a visible alarm, hi some embodiments, the alarm system is a medical staff call system.
  • the controller and the alarm system are in wireless communication.
  • the wireless communication is via a wireless medium which is any one or a combination of the following: radio frequency; optical wavelength; magnetic induction loops; ultrasonic waves and the like. More preferably, the optical wavelength is in an infrared spectrum.
  • the monitoring device includes a reset means in communication with the controller to reset the alarm system.
  • the reset means cannot be actuated by the user. More preferably, the controller and the reset means are in wireless communication.
  • the alarm system includes an audio message.
  • the audio message is pre-defined, h other embodiments a voice synthesiser is disposed on the user so as to deliver the audio message.
  • the device includes audio signal reception means in communication with the alarm system for allowing an authorised user to transmit a live audio signal to the controller.
  • the monitoring device includes a power source electrically connected to the sensor.
  • the power source is any one of the following: batteries, including low profile batteries, disposable batteries and rechargeable batteries; induction coil accumulators; solar cells; and the like.
  • the sensor is disposed on attachment means to secure the sensor to the user.
  • the attachment means is resiliently securable to the user and even more preferably, the attachment means is an ankle brace.
  • the controller is an electrical circuit including the force sensitive resistor.
  • the controller has a passive state in which the alert signal is not generated and an active state in which the alert signal is generated. More preferably, a change in a resistance of the force sensitive resistor causes the controller to transition from the passive state to the active state.
  • the controller includes a potentiometer and transition from the passive state to the active state is dependent upon a relationship between a resistance of the force sensitive resistor and a setting of the potentiometer. In some embodiments, adjustment of the setting of the potentiometer effectively adjusts a trigger point at which the controller transitions from the passive state to the active state.
  • actuation of the reset means causes the controller to transition from the active state to the passive state.
  • a system for monitoring a plurality of users said system including: a plurality of devices as described above, said plurality of devices being respectively disposable on said plurality of users; and a base station in wireless communication with said plurality of devices, said base station providing, or being operatively associated with, said alarm system.
  • the base station provides, or is operatively associated with, logging means for logging the generation of said alert signal over time.
  • the base station is implemented on a computing platform, for example a personal computer.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device for monitoring a user according to the invention
  • Figure 2 is a circuit diagram of a controller as used in the device shown in Figure
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram depicting a system according to the second aspect of the invention
  • Figure 4 is a schematic diagram depicting a system according to another aspect of the invention.
  • PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Referring to the drawings, a preferred device 1 for monitoring a user 2 is illustrated in figure 1 disposed on the foot 4 of the user.
  • This preferred embodiment 1 is a basic stand-alone unit.
  • the device 1 includes a sensor 5 which is responsive to a force intermediate the user 2 and a surface 6, for example the ground.
  • the sensor 5 functions as a pressure sensor and in the illustrated preferred embodiment is in the form of a force sensitive resistor 7 which converts the weight of the patient (or a fraction of it) into a proportional change in resistance.
  • the sensor 7 is approximately 2cm square and is paper thin. As shown in figure 1, the sensor 5 is disposed adjacent the heel 3, although in other embodiments the sensor is disposed elsewhere, for example adjacent the sole 8 ofthe foot 4.
  • a controller 9 is responsive to the sensor 5 to generate an alert signal which is provided by an alarm system 10 having an audible alarm 12 in the form of a audio piezoelectric element with driver circuit incorporated.
  • the alarm system 10 also includes a light emitting diode 28 to provide a visual alarm.
  • the controller 9 and alarm system 10 are implemented in the circuitry shown in figure 2. The components of the controller 9 are labelled as shown the in the following table:
  • the controller 9 and the alarm system 10 are electrically connected to each other with conductors 15 and 16.
  • the controller 9 unit is cube shaped, having side wall lengths of approximately 2 cm. However in yet other embodiments, the controller is manufactured to be small enough to be incorporated into the material of an ankle brace.
  • a reset means 11 is in communication with the controller 9 to reset the alarm system 10.
  • the reset means 11 is an on/off switch which forms part of the circuit shown in figure 2 and is electrically connected via conductors 13 and 14 to the controller circuitry 9.
  • the reset means 11 of the preferred embodiment is adapted such that it cannot be actuated by the user, or at least so as to discourage actuation by the user.
  • the controller 9 is powered by a power source, in the form of a 9N battery 24, which is electrically connected to the reset means 11 by conductor 14.
  • a power source in the form of a 9N battery 24, which is electrically connected to the reset means 11 by conductor 14.
  • Other embodiments of the invention include different power sources and it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the power can be supplied from sources such as: batteries, including low profile batteries, disposable batteries and rechargeable batteries; induction coil accumulators; solar cells; and the like.
  • the sensor 5 and controller 9 are disposed on an attachment means in the form of a width adjustable wrap-around ankle brace 27, which is secured to the foot 4 of the user 2.
  • the ankle brace 27 is fastened to the user 2 by fastening means such as hook and loop fasteners, for example velcro applied to the underside of flap 25 and to the outer surface of the inner ankle-hugging layer 26.
  • Alternative embodiments include fastening means which are less readily removable by the user 2.
  • the sensor 5 is disposed on the ankle brace 27 in a position adapted, in use, to position the sensor adjacent the user's heel 3.
  • the controller 9 is disposed adjacent the ankle 17 of the user 1.
  • the controller 9 has a passive state in which the alert signal is not generated and an active state in which the alert signal is generated.
  • the force sensitive resistor 7 is in series with a potentiometer 18 to form a voltage divider.
  • the potentiometer 18 varies a trigger voltage level.
  • the force sensitive resistor 7 presents a high impedance which is effectively open circuit.
  • the NPN transistor 19 is held low by the potentiometer 18. h this state the transistor 19 is off and so the gate of the silicon controlled rectifier 20 is held low by the resistor 21. In other words, the controller 9 is in the passive state.
  • the resistance given by the force sensitive resistor 7 alters with a substantially linear force versus resistance characteristic.
  • the application of an appropriate level of force to the force sensitive resistor 7 causes its ohmic resistance to drop, which, in turn, ties the base of the NPN transistor 19 high.
  • the NPN transistor switches to the on state bringing with it the gate of the silicon controlled rectifier 20.
  • the circuit shown in figure 2 takes advantage of the voltage drop across the light emitting diode 28 in order to activate the audio piezoelectric element 23 without additional components. This assists to minimise circuit complexity and size. Adjusting the potentiometer 18 varies the sensitivity of the trigger point resulting in a variation of the amount of force required to trigger the alarm system 10. This allows the sensitivity of the device 1 to be adjusted.
  • transition from the passive state to the active state is dependent upon a relationship between the resistance of the force sensitive resistor 7 and the setting of the potentiometer 18.
  • transition from the active state to the passive state is achieved via actuation of the reset means 11 by an authorised user, for example a medical staff member.
  • the device 1 will generally be cleaned, prior to being fitted to the user 2, using alcohol wipes or otherwise washed appropriately to ensure no contamination occurs.
  • the ankle brace 27 is then fitted to the user 2.
  • the force sensitive resistor 5 is positioned under the heal 3 of the user. If the user 2 attempts to stand, the alarm system 10 sounds to warn staff that the user is about to stand up.
  • FIG. 3 A preferred system 40 for monitoring a plurality of users is illustrated in figure 3. This system 40 is suited for the monitoring of a large number of users as compared to the stand-alone device 1 discussed above. Hence, this system is appropriate for use in institutions, for example nursing homes and the like, wherein a limited number of staff are required to monitor a substantial number of users.
  • the system 40 includes a plurality of devices 41 similar to those described above, although with extended functionality provided by the inclusion of either a transmitter, or more preferably a transceiver. In the manner described above, the devices
  • a base station 42 is capable of establishing wireless communication with the plurality of devices 41.
  • the wireless communication is provided by transmitters 43 respectively provided upon each of the devices 41 and a receiver operatively associated with the base station 42. This allows for one-way wireless communication from one or more of the devices 41 to the base station 42.
  • transceivers 43 at both the base station 42 and each of the devices 41, thereby allowing for two-way wireless communication there between.
  • the base station 42 can selectively transmit to one or more selected devices 41.
  • the wireless communication between the base station 42 and the devices 41 is by means of radio waves.
  • other forms of wireless communication maybe utilised, for example those using mediums such as: optical wavelength; infrared spectrum; magnetic induction loops; ultrasonic waves and the like.
  • the base station 42 Upon receipt of this transmission, the base station 42 activates the alarm system 10.
  • the base station 42 is implemented on a computing platform, for example a personal computer such as an IBM personal computer.
  • Various peripheral devices associated with the personal computer for example a visual display device such as a monitor 44 and/ or audible output means such as speakers (not illustrated) are utilised as the alarm system.
  • the monitor 44 is used to display messages and/or graphics which function as visual alarms.
  • the monitor 44 also displays information associated with the status of the system 40.
  • the speakers are used to output audible alarms.
  • the personal computer 42 is operatively associated with an external purpose built alarm system which interfaces with the personal computer via communication ports (not illustrated) disposed in the computer 42.
  • the purpose-built alarm system is preferably in the form of a medical staff call system.
  • the alarm system is in communication with a personal pager carried by medical staff.
  • the alarm system transmits relevant information to the pager when an alarm is activated.
  • Such information includes patient name, room number and time of alarm activation, amongst others.
  • the audible alarms of yet other embodiments are adapted for provision of a pre- defined audio message to the user 2 once the alarm signal has been generated by the controller 9.
  • Such embodiments include storage means disposed on each of the devices 41 such as audio tape, digital memory, etc for storage of the predefined audio message.
  • the alert signal is transmitted to the base station 42 to gain the attention of the medical staff and the predefined message is played by a speaker provided on the relevant device 41.
  • An exemplary predefined message is "Please sit down and wait for assistance.” Additional flexibility is provided by another embodiment which utilises a voice synthesiser to deliver an audio message.
  • the voice synthesiser is disposed on the device in one embodiment and is provided by the personal computer 42 in another embodiment. It is driven by the controller 9 and or by signals received from the base station 42. This embodiment is not limited to delivery of a predefined range of audio messages, but rather may synthesise whatever message is deemed appropriate for the relevant circumstances.
  • the base station Upon receipt by the base station 42 of an alert signal from a particular device 41, the base station polls a data base which has information linking each of the devices 41 to the name of the user on whom the device 41 is disposed. For example, the base station receives an alert signal identifying device no. 17. The database is then polled to determine that device no. 17 is disposed on Mr John Smith. The base station then polls the database to determine that the medical staff member assigned to care of Mr John Smith is Ms Sarah Jones. Accordingly, the base station then composes an appropriate message, such as "Mr Smith, please sit down. Sarah will come to your assistance shortly." A signal encoding this message is then transmitted from the base station to device no. 17 and the message is played through a speaker provided on device no. 17.
  • an audio transmission device is in communication with the device 41 for allowing an authorised user to transmit a live audio signal to the speaker on the device 41.
  • An alert signal is generated by, say, device no. 17 and this is transmitted to the base station 42.
  • the base station polls its database to determine the device no. 17 is disposed on Mr John Smith and that Ms Sarah Jones is the allocated care giver.
  • This information is displayed on the monitor 44 and the speakers of the personal computer 42 make an audible alarm to attract the attention of a medical staff member who then speaks into a microphone attached to the personal computer 42.
  • This is coded into a signal which is transmitted to device no. 17 and the live audio message spoken by the medical staff member is played on the speaker of device no. 17.
  • the medical staff member speaks into a personnel staff pager and that signal is transmitted to and played on the speaker of the relevant device. If the medical staff decide to authorise the user to attempt to stand, they can either command the personal computer 42 to temporarily ignore any alert signal that may be generated by the relevant device 41, or they can detach the relevant device from that user. In some embodiments, the medical staff can remotely deactivate or pause the relevant device.
  • the base station 42 provides, or is operatively associated with, logging means for logging information associated with the individual states of the various devices 41 over time. Data produced by such a logging means for one of the devices 41 is set out below, by way of example only: Device No.
  • data is produced by the logging means it is stored in a data storage device, for example any one or more of a hard drive, floppy drive, random access memory, tape drive or the like.
  • the data is printed in hard copy as it is produced to provide a paper record of the logged data.
  • the information stored in the logging means provides a record from which medical staff may determine which of the users are most likely to make unauthorised attempts to stand.
  • the controller 9 of each of the devices 41 is in wireless communication with reset means provided by the base station 42. This allows a medical staff member to remotely reset a device if needed, for example if a false alarm is generated, hi some embodiments, a medical staff member can remotely pause or deactivate a chosen device.
  • the option to pause or deactivate a chosen device is provided by software on the base station 42 or by a personal computer in communication with the base station.
  • the software provides medical staff members with status reports on each of the devices being used. The reports show information such as device status, device location and the time of the last alarm generated. If a staff member elects to deactivate or pause a particular device, that device is selected using the software and the relevant option, such as pause device, is chosen. This information is then sent to the device by transceivers 43 and the device changes its status accordingly.
  • the device for monitoring a user is in communication with other complementary sensors disposed on other parts of the body, such as the other foot.
  • the device obtains and analyses data from the other complementary sensors in order to reduce the likelihood of the alarm being triggered both false positively and false negatively. This includes the detection of a 'pre standing' posture stance as an advanced warning signal that the patient is preparing to stand up.
  • These complementary sensors include, among others: piezoelectric gyroscopes, silicon wafer gyroscopes, accelerometers, level detectors, mercury switches, pendulum switches, optical and fiber optical sensors, capacitive sensors, inductive sensors, proximity sensors, EEG, ECG and blood pressure monitoring sensors. It will be understood however that there are many types of sensors that may be used as complementary sensors and those mentioned are only some examples.
  • the sole of the ankle brace 27 includes a non-slip or other anti-slip surface coating, such as rubber, to assist in preventing the user from slipping. This reduces the likelihood of injuries sustained due to a fall.
  • a plurality of devices each includes a transmitter and receiver so as to allow each device to communicate directly with each other device. Such an embodiment is shown in Figure 4. In this way the devices create an independent wireless network allowing devices to relay warning or other signals and information to and from the base station 42. For example, say a device 45 is too far from the transceiver 43 and is not able to transmit a sufficiently powerful signal to the base station, due perhaps to a fault condition or a low battery.
  • each device includes intelligence in the form of a central processing unit or microcontroller incorporating digital memory and software, algorithms. This allows more extensive expandability and functionality while preventing obsolescence as software is able to be upgraded to incorporate new features.

Abstract

A device (1) for monitoring a user (2) includes a sensor (5) disposed on the user (2). The sensor (5) is responsive to a force intermediate the user and a surface (6). The sensor (5) is in the form of a force sensitive, resistor and is disposed on a foot (4) of the user (2). The device (1) includes a controller (9) that is responsive to the sensor (5) for generating an alert signal and an alarm system (10) that is responsive to the alert signal.

Description

TITLE: A DEVICE FOR MONITORING A USER FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to monitoring devices and in particular to monitoring devices for individuals. The invention has been developed primarily for monitoring individuals who are assessed as unsafe to mobilise without assistance in facilities such as nursing homes, hospitals and the like, and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field. Due to economic practicalities and the costs of personal medical care in institutions such as hospitals, nursing homes and the like, care-givers, such as nurses and other medical staff, often are responsible for many patients at any one time. As a result, the activities and whereabouts of all the patients cannot be continually monitored. This is particularly awkward for patients who are susceptible to falls. As a result, there is increased risk of injury to the patients and an increased risk of liability for the institution. It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative. It is an object of the present invention in its preferred form to provide a device, which is worn by a user and can alert medical case staff if the user attempts to stand up. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided' a device for monitoring a user, said device including a sensor disposable on said user, said sensor being responsive to a force intermediate said user and a surface. Preferably, the sensor is a pressure sensor and in a preferred embodiment is a force sensitive resistor. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor is disposable on a foot of the user. More preferably, the sensor is disposable on a sole of the foot. Even more preferably, the sensor is disposed on a heel of the foot. In some embodiments, the monitoring device includes a controller being responsive to the sensor for generating an alert signal and an alarm system that is responsive to the alert signal. Preferably, the alarm system includes an audible alarm and more preferably, the alarm system includes a visible alarm, hi some embodiments, the alarm system is a medical staff call system. In yet other embodiments, the controller and the alarm system are in wireless communication. Preferably, the wireless communication is via a wireless medium which is any one or a combination of the following: radio frequency; optical wavelength; magnetic induction loops; ultrasonic waves and the like. More preferably, the optical wavelength is in an infrared spectrum. In some embodiments, the monitoring device includes a reset means in communication with the controller to reset the alarm system. Preferably, the reset means cannot be actuated by the user. More preferably, the controller and the reset means are in wireless communication. In some embodiments, the alarm system includes an audio message. Preferably, the audio message is pre-defined, h other embodiments a voice synthesiser is disposed on the user so as to deliver the audio message. Preferably, the device includes audio signal reception means in communication with the alarm system for allowing an authorised user to transmit a live audio signal to the controller. In a preferred embodiment the monitoring device includes a power source electrically connected to the sensor. Preferably, the power source is any one of the following: batteries, including low profile batteries, disposable batteries and rechargeable batteries; induction coil accumulators; solar cells; and the like. In yet other embodiments, the sensor is disposed on attachment means to secure the sensor to the user. Preferably, the attachment means is resiliently securable to the user and even more preferably, the attachment means is an ankle brace. The device has been designed be comfortable to wear so as not to distress the user. In some embodiments, the controller is an electrical circuit including the force sensitive resistor. Preferably, the controller has a passive state in which the alert signal is not generated and an active state in which the alert signal is generated. More preferably, a change in a resistance of the force sensitive resistor causes the controller to transition from the passive state to the active state. In a preferred embodiment, the controller includes a potentiometer and transition from the passive state to the active state is dependent upon a relationship between a resistance of the force sensitive resistor and a setting of the potentiometer. In some embodiments, adjustment of the setting of the potentiometer effectively adjusts a trigger point at which the controller transitions from the passive state to the active state. Preferably, actuation of the reset means causes the controller to transition from the active state to the passive state. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a system for monitoring a plurality of users, said system including: a plurality of devices as described above, said plurality of devices being respectively disposable on said plurality of users; and a base station in wireless communication with said plurality of devices, said base station providing, or being operatively associated with, said alarm system. Preferably the base station provides, or is operatively associated with, logging means for logging the generation of said alert signal over time. In some preferred embodiments the base station is implemented on a computing platform, for example a personal computer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device for monitoring a user according to the invention; Figure 2 is a circuit diagram of a controller as used in the device shown in Figure
i; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram depicting a system according to the second aspect of the invention; and Figure 4 is a schematic diagram depicting a system according to another aspect of the invention. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Referring to the drawings, a preferred device 1 for monitoring a user 2 is illustrated in figure 1 disposed on the foot 4 of the user. This preferred embodiment 1 is a basic stand-alone unit. The device 1 includes a sensor 5 which is responsive to a force intermediate the user 2 and a surface 6, for example the ground. The sensor 5 functions as a pressure sensor and in the illustrated preferred embodiment is in the form of a force sensitive resistor 7 which converts the weight of the patient (or a fraction of it) into a proportional change in resistance. The sensor 7 is approximately 2cm square and is paper thin. As shown in figure 1, the sensor 5 is disposed adjacent the heel 3, although in other embodiments the sensor is disposed elsewhere, for example adjacent the sole 8 ofthe foot 4. A controller 9 is responsive to the sensor 5 to generate an alert signal which is provided by an alarm system 10 having an audible alarm 12 in the form of a audio piezoelectric element with driver circuit incorporated. The alarm system 10 also includes a light emitting diode 28 to provide a visual alarm. The controller 9 and alarm system 10 are implemented in the circuitry shown in figure 2. The components of the controller 9 are labelled as shown the in the following table:
Figure imgf000007_0001
The controller 9 and the alarm system 10 are electrically connected to each other with conductors 15 and 16. The controller 9 unit is cube shaped, having side wall lengths of approximately 2 cm. However in yet other embodiments, the controller is manufactured to be small enough to be incorporated into the material of an ankle brace. A reset means 11 is in communication with the controller 9 to reset the alarm system 10. In the embodiment illustrated in figures 1 and 2 the reset means 11 is an on/off switch which forms part of the circuit shown in figure 2 and is electrically connected via conductors 13 and 14 to the controller circuitry 9. The reset means 11 of the preferred embodiment is adapted such that it cannot be actuated by the user, or at least so as to discourage actuation by the user. One manner in which this is achieved is by recessing the reset means 11 into the device 1 such that a small point, such as the tip of a pen or the like, must be inserted into the recess to actuate the reset means 11. As shown in figure 2, the controller 9 is powered by a power source, in the form of a 9N battery 24, which is electrically connected to the reset means 11 by conductor 14. Other embodiments of the invention include different power sources and it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the power can be supplied from sources such as: batteries, including low profile batteries, disposable batteries and rechargeable batteries; induction coil accumulators; solar cells; and the like. The sensor 5 and controller 9 are disposed on an attachment means in the form of a width adjustable wrap-around ankle brace 27, which is secured to the foot 4 of the user 2. The ankle brace 27 is fastened to the user 2 by fastening means such as hook and loop fasteners, for example velcro applied to the underside of flap 25 and to the outer surface of the inner ankle-hugging layer 26. Alternative embodiments include fastening means which are less readily removable by the user 2. As shown in figure 1, the sensor 5 is disposed on the ankle brace 27 in a position adapted, in use, to position the sensor adjacent the user's heel 3. The controller 9 is disposed adjacent the ankle 17 of the user 1. The controller 9 has a passive state in which the alert signal is not generated and an active state in which the alert signal is generated. As shown in figure 2, the force sensitive resistor 7 is in series with a potentiometer 18 to form a voltage divider. The potentiometer 18 varies a trigger voltage level. When the user 2 is not standing there is no pressure between the force sensitive resistor 7 and the ground 6. Hence, the force sensitive resistor 7 presents a high impedance which is effectively open circuit. On the application of a voltage source 24, and assuming no or negligible force is acting on the force sensitive resistor 7, the NPN transistor 19 is held low by the potentiometer 18. h this state the transistor 19 is off and so the gate of the silicon controlled rectifier 20 is held low by the resistor 21. In other words, the controller 9 is in the passive state. However, if some, or all of, the weight of a user is directed through the user's heel 3 so as to sandwich the force sensitive resistor 7 between the heel 3 and the ground 6, then the resistance given by the force sensitive resistor 7 alters with a substantially linear force versus resistance characteristic. The application of an appropriate level of force to the force sensitive resistor 7 causes its ohmic resistance to drop, which, in turn, ties the base of the NPN transistor 19 high. The NPN transistor switches to the on state bringing with it the gate of the silicon controlled rectifier 20. This latches the silicon controlled rectifier 20 high so as to generate the alert signal, which is fed to the alarm system 10, thereby powering the light emitting diode 28 and causing the piezoelectric element 12 to generate an audible alarm, i other words, the controller 9 transitions into the active state. The circuit shown in figure 2 takes advantage of the voltage drop across the light emitting diode 28 in order to activate the audio piezoelectric element 23 without additional components. This assists to minimise circuit complexity and size. Adjusting the potentiometer 18 varies the sensitivity of the trigger point resulting in a variation of the amount of force required to trigger the alarm system 10. This allows the sensitivity of the device 1 to be adjusted. In other words, the transition from the passive state to the active state is dependent upon a relationship between the resistance of the force sensitive resistor 7 and the setting of the potentiometer 18. On the other hand, transition from the active state to the passive state is achieved via actuation of the reset means 11 by an authorised user, for example a medical staff member. In use, the device 1 will generally be cleaned, prior to being fitted to the user 2, using alcohol wipes or otherwise washed appropriately to ensure no contamination occurs. The ankle brace 27 is then fitted to the user 2. The force sensitive resistor 5 is positioned under the heal 3 of the user. If the user 2 attempts to stand, the alarm system 10 sounds to warn staff that the user is about to stand up. Once the staff have corrected the situation a member of staff can reset the device 1 by actuating the reset means 11. A preferred system 40 for monitoring a plurality of users is illustrated in figure 3. This system 40 is suited for the monitoring of a large number of users as compared to the stand-alone device 1 discussed above. Hence, this system is appropriate for use in institutions, for example nursing homes and the like, wherein a limited number of staff are required to monitor a substantial number of users. The system 40 includes a plurality of devices 41 similar to those described above, although with extended functionality provided by the inclusion of either a transmitter, or more preferably a transceiver. In the manner described above, the devices
41 are respectively disposable on the plurality of users by means of ankle braces 27. A base station 42 is capable of establishing wireless communication with the plurality of devices 41. In a less complex embodiment the wireless communication is provided by transmitters 43 respectively provided upon each of the devices 41 and a receiver operatively associated with the base station 42. This allows for one-way wireless communication from one or more of the devices 41 to the base station 42.
-Another more complex embodiment utilises transceivers 43 at both the base station 42 and each of the devices 41, thereby allowing for two-way wireless communication there between. In such an embodiment the base station 42 can selectively transmit to one or more selected devices 41. In the preferred embodiment the wireless communication between the base station 42 and the devices 41 is by means of radio waves. However it will be appreciated that other forms of wireless communication maybe utilised, for example those using mediums such as: optical wavelength; infrared spectrum; magnetic induction loops; ultrasonic waves and the like. When any one of the devices 41 transitions into the active state an alert signal is generated by the controller 9 of the relevant device 41 and this alert signal is transmitted to the base station 42 along with information identifying which of the devices 41 has transitioned into the active state. Upon receipt of this transmission, the base station 42 activates the alarm system 10. In the illustrated embodiment the base station 42 is implemented on a computing platform, for example a personal computer such as an IBM personal computer. Various peripheral devices associated with the personal computer, for example a visual display device such as a monitor 44 and/ or audible output means such as speakers (not illustrated) are utilised as the alarm system. More particularly, the monitor 44 is used to display messages and/or graphics which function as visual alarms. The monitor 44 also displays information associated with the status of the system 40. Similarly, the speakers are used to output audible alarms. In another embodiment the personal computer 42 is operatively associated with an external purpose built alarm system which interfaces with the personal computer via communication ports (not illustrated) disposed in the computer 42. The purpose-built alarm system is preferably in the form of a medical staff call system. In some embodiments, the alarm system is in communication with a personal pager carried by medical staff. The alarm system transmits relevant information to the pager when an alarm is activated. Such information includes patient name, room number and time of alarm activation, amongst others. The audible alarms of yet other embodiments are adapted for provision of a pre- defined audio message to the user 2 once the alarm signal has been generated by the controller 9. Such embodiments include storage means disposed on each of the devices 41 such as audio tape, digital memory, etc for storage of the predefined audio message. Once one of the devices 41 transitions into the active state, the alert signal is transmitted to the base station 42 to gain the attention of the medical staff and the predefined message is played by a speaker provided on the relevant device 41. An exemplary predefined message is "Please sit down and wait for assistance." Additional flexibility is provided by another embodiment which utilises a voice synthesiser to deliver an audio message. The voice synthesiser is disposed on the device in one embodiment and is provided by the personal computer 42 in another embodiment. It is driven by the controller 9 and or by signals received from the base station 42. This embodiment is not limited to delivery of a predefined range of audio messages, but rather may synthesise whatever message is deemed appropriate for the relevant circumstances. Upon receipt by the base station 42 of an alert signal from a particular device 41, the base station polls a data base which has information linking each of the devices 41 to the name of the user on whom the device 41 is disposed. For example, the base station receives an alert signal identifying device no. 17. The database is then polled to determine that device no. 17 is disposed on Mr John Smith. The base station then polls the database to determine that the medical staff member assigned to care of Mr John Smith is Ms Sarah Jones. Accordingly, the base station then composes an appropriate message, such as "Mr Smith, please sit down. Sarah will come to your assistance shortly." A signal encoding this message is then transmitted from the base station to device no. 17 and the message is played through a speaker provided on device no. 17. In another embodiment an audio transmission device is in communication with the device 41 for allowing an authorised user to transmit a live audio signal to the speaker on the device 41. An example of the operation of such an embodiment is as follows. An alert signal is generated by, say, device no. 17 and this is transmitted to the base station 42. The base station polls its database to determine the device no. 17 is disposed on Mr John Smith and that Ms Sarah Jones is the allocated care giver. This information is displayed on the monitor 44 and the speakers of the personal computer 42 make an audible alarm to attract the attention of a medical staff member who then speaks into a microphone attached to the personal computer 42. This is coded into a signal which is transmitted to device no. 17 and the live audio message spoken by the medical staff member is played on the speaker of device no. 17. In some embodiments, the medical staff member speaks into a personnel staff pager and that signal is transmitted to and played on the speaker of the relevant device. If the medical staff decide to authorise the user to attempt to stand, they can either command the personal computer 42 to temporarily ignore any alert signal that may be generated by the relevant device 41, or they can detach the relevant device from that user. In some embodiments, the medical staff can remotely deactivate or pause the relevant device. Preferably the base station 42 provides, or is operatively associated with, logging means for logging information associated with the individual states of the various devices 41 over time. Data produced by such a logging means for one of the devices 41 is set out below, by way of example only: Device No. 17 Date: 14 August, 2003 User: John Smith 09:42 - Device turned on - in the passive state; 11:32 — Transition to the Active State; 11:41 - Transition to the Passive State; 16:09 - Transition to the Active State; 16:16 - Transition to the Passive State; 20 : 54 - Device turned off. In this example the user to which device number 17 is attached, John Smith, made two unauthorised attempts to stand causing the device to transition into the active state on two occasions. In both cases the device was shortly thereafter re-set into the passive state by a medical staff member once Mr John Smith had been located and returned to a resting position. As data is produced by the logging means it is stored in a data storage device, for example any one or more of a hard drive, floppy drive, random access memory, tape drive or the like. In another embodiment the data is printed in hard copy as it is produced to provide a paper record of the logged data. Over time, the information stored in the logging means provides a record from which medical staff may determine which of the users are most likely to make unauthorised attempts to stand. In the embodiment illustrated in figure 3 the controller 9 of each of the devices 41 is in wireless communication with reset means provided by the base station 42. This allows a medical staff member to remotely reset a device if needed, for example if a false alarm is generated, hi some embodiments, a medical staff member can remotely pause or deactivate a chosen device. In such an embodiment, the option to pause or deactivate a chosen device is provided by software on the base station 42 or by a personal computer in communication with the base station. In conjunction with data obtained from the base station, the software provides medical staff members with status reports on each of the devices being used. The reports show information such as device status, device location and the time of the last alarm generated. If a staff member elects to deactivate or pause a particular device, that device is selected using the software and the relevant option, such as pause device, is chosen. This information is then sent to the device by transceivers 43 and the device changes its status accordingly. In some embodiments, the device for monitoring a user is in communication with other complementary sensors disposed on other parts of the body, such as the other foot. In such an embodiment, the device obtains and analyses data from the other complementary sensors in order to reduce the likelihood of the alarm being triggered both false positively and false negatively. This includes the detection of a 'pre standing' posture stance as an advanced warning signal that the patient is preparing to stand up. These complementary sensors include, among others: piezoelectric gyroscopes, silicon wafer gyroscopes, accelerometers, level detectors, mercury switches, pendulum switches, optical and fiber optical sensors, capacitive sensors, inductive sensors, proximity sensors, EEG, ECG and blood pressure monitoring sensors. It will be understood however that there are many types of sensors that may be used as complementary sensors and those mentioned are only some examples. In some embodiments, the sole of the ankle brace 27 includes a non-slip or other anti-slip surface coating, such as rubber, to assist in preventing the user from slipping. This reduces the likelihood of injuries sustained due to a fall. In some embodiments, a plurality of devices each includes a transmitter and receiver so as to allow each device to communicate directly with each other device. Such an embodiment is shown in Figure 4. In this way the devices create an independent wireless network allowing devices to relay warning or other signals and information to and from the base station 42. For example, say a device 45 is too far from the transceiver 43 and is not able to transmit a sufficiently powerful signal to the base station, due perhaps to a fault condition or a low battery. However, if the signal is strong enough to be transmitted to a second device, say device 46 in closer proximity to the transceiver 43, the signal is relayed to the base station 42 via the second device. Thus should a warning condition eventuate the signal will be relayed to the base station in so called "bucket brigade" fashion. In some embodiments each device includes intelligence in the form of a central processing unit or microcontroller incorporating digital memory and software, algorithms. This allows more extensive expandability and functionality while preventing obsolescence as software is able to be upgraded to incorporate new features. Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

I . A device for monitoring a user, said device including a sensor disposable on said user, said sensor being responsive to a force intermediate said user and a surface.
2. A device according to claim 1 wherein said sensor is a pressure sensor.
3. A device according to claim 2 wherein said pressure sensor is a force sensitive resistor.
4. A device according to claim 3 wherein said sensor is disposable on a foot of said user.
5. A device according to claim 4 wherein said sensor is disposable on a sole of said foot.
6. A device according to claim 5 wherein said sensor is disposed on a heel of said foot.
7. A device according to claim 3 including a controller being responsive to said sensor for generating an alert signal and an alarm system that is responsive to said alert signal.
8. A device according to claim 7 wherein said alarm system includes an audible alarm.
9. A device according to claim 7 wherein said alarm system includes a visible alarm.
10. A device according to claim 7 wherein said alarm system is a medical staff call system.
II. A device according to claim 7 wherein said controller and said alarm system are in wireless communication.
12. A device according to claim 11 wherein said wireless communication is via a wireless medium which is any one or a combination of the following: radio frequency; optical wavelength; magnetic induction loops; ultrasonic waves and the like.
13. A device according to claim 12 wherein said optical wavelength is in an infrared spectrum.
14. A device according to claim 7 including a reset means in commumcation with said controller to reset said alarm system.
15. A device according to claim 14 wherein said reset means cannot be actuated by said user.
16. A device according to claim 15 wherein said controller and said reset means are in wireless communication.
17. A device according to claim 7 wherein said alarm system includes an audio message.
18. A device according to claim 17 wherein said audio message is pre-defined.
19. A device according to claim 17 wherein a voice synthesiser is disposed on said user so as to deliver said audio message.
20. A device according to claim 7 including an audio signal reception means in communication with said alarm system for allowing an authorised user to transmit a live audio signal to said controller.
21. A device according to claim 1 including a power source electrically connected to said sensor.
22. A device according to claim 21 wherein said power source is any one of the following: batteries, including low profile batteries, disposable batteries and rechargeable batteries; induction coil accumulators; solar cells; and the like.
23. A device according to claim 1 wherein said sensor is disposed on attachment means to secure said sensor to said user.
24. A device according to claim 23 where said attachment means is resiliently securable to said user.
25. A device according to claim 24 wherein said attachment means is an ankle brace.
26. A device according to claim 14 wherein said controller is an electrical circuit including said force sensitive resistor.
27. A device according to claim 26 wherein said controller has a passive state in which said alert signal is not generated and an active state in which the alert signal is generated.
28. A device according to claim 27 wherein a change in a resistance of said force sensitive resistor causes said controller to transition from said passive state to said active state.
29. A device according to claim 28 wherein said controller includes a potentiometer and transition from said passive state to said active state is dependent upon a relationship between a resistance of said force sensitive resistor and a setting of the potentiometer.
30. A device according to claim 29 wherein adjustment of said setting of said potentiometer effectively adjusts a trigger point at which said controller transitions from said passive state to said active state.
31. A device according to claim 30 wherein actuation of said reset means causes said controller to transition from said active state to said passive state.
32. A system for monitoring a plurality of users, said system including: a plurality of devices according to claim 1, said plurality of devices being respectively disposable on said plurality of users; and a base station in wireless communication with said plurality of devices, said base station providing, or being operatively associated with, said alarm system.
33. A device according to claim 32 wherein said base station provides, or is operatively associated with, logging means for logging the generation of said alert signal over time.
34. A device according to claim 33 wherein said base station is implemented on a computing platform.
PCT/AU2004/001105 2003-08-18 2004-08-18 A device for monitoring a user WO2005016144A1 (en)

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WO2010017769A1 (en) * 2008-08-14 2010-02-18 The Chinese University Of Hong Kong Method and device for preventing ankle sprain injuries
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JP2016220813A (en) * 2015-05-28 2016-12-28 国立大学法人東北大学 Measuring apparatus

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