Communications: electrical – Condition responsive indicating system – Specific condition
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-27
2001-04-10
Lee, Benjamin C. (Department: 2736)
Communications: electrical
Condition responsive indicating system
Specific condition
C340S670000, C600S323000, C600S479000, C600S481000, C600S483000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06215403
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a wireless monitoring system and more particularly to a suffocation prevention system, temperature monitor system and indoor communication systems.
2. Description of the Related Art
Every year thousands of babies die of premature crib death, also known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. While some of them inherited some problems such as heart irregularities or respiratory distress, other deaths are caused by accidents such as suffocation from blankets or pillows and lack of attention to certain readily observable conditions such as body temperature due to illness. In almost all cases, early detection can save the infants from death. Even though the probability of such tragedies happening is relatively small, most parents and caretakers are eager to acquire a device that will help them to further minimize the chance of suffocation if the device is inexpensive and easy to use. For example, the sales of carbon monoxide detectors can best illustrate the motive.
Therefore, a need exists for providing a system for early warning to allow quick response to signs of suffocation in infants or other people who are unable to help themselves. Such a system could save thousands of lives every year. A further need exists for early detection of progressing illness which may relieve parents or caretakers some of the stress and effort in monitoring people under their care.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a detection device capable of being coupled to a person for remotely monitoring heart and respiratory functions includes a processor, a photo cell coupled to the processor for determining blood oxygen content of the person and a temperature sensor coupled to the processor for determining a temperature of the person. The processor compares the determined blood oxygen content and the temperature to desired values. A transmitter is included for transmitting a warning signal if one of the determined blood oxygen content and the temperature are other than the desired values.
A system for remotely monitoring heart and respiratory functions includes a detection device capable of being coupled to a person including a processor, a photo cell coupled to the processor for determining blood oxygen content of the person, a temperature sensor coupled to the processor for determining a temperature of the person. The processor compares the determined blood oxygen content and the temperature to desired values. A transmitter is included for transmitting a warning signal if one of the determined blood oxygen content and the temperature are other than the desired values. A receiver capable of being remotely coupled to the transmitter to receive the warning signal is also included.
Another system for remotely monitoring heart and respiratory functions includes a plurality of detection devices each capable of being coupled to a different person, the detection devices including, a processor, a photo cell coupled to the processor for determining blood oxygen content of the person and a temperature sensor coupled to the processor for determining a temperature of the person. The processor compares the determined blood oxygen content and the temperature to desired values. A transmitter is included for transmitting a warning signal if one of the determined blood oxygen content and the temperature are other than the desired values, the warning signal having uniquely identifying characteristics to identify each different person being monitored. A receiver is also included capable of being remotely coupled to the transmitters to receive the warning signals with uniquely identifying characteristics, the receiver capable of taking appropriate actions based on each person identified by the warning signals.
In alternate embodiments, the detection device preferably includes a power source for powering the detection device. The power source preferably includes a battery. The transmitter(s) may transmit radio frequency signals. The desired levels may include a predetermined blood oxygen content level and a predetermined temperature range. The desired levels may also include previous blood oxygen content readings and previous temperature readings. The receiver may include a warning system for alerting users of the warning signal. The warning system may include one of a flashing light, a speaker, a beeper and a telephone. The warning signals may include RFID signals. The receiver may include a server having a database for storing information about people wearing the detection devices. The information about people wearing the detection devices includes appropriate actions to be taken upon receiving the warning signals.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.
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Chan Hoi Yeung
Kwok Thomas Yu-Kiu
Tong Fred Tze-Keung
F. Chau & Associates LLP
International Business Machines - Corporation
Lee Benjamin C.
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