PATENTS
1) 20090174560 Systems, Apparatuses And Methods For Monitoring Physical Conditions Of A Vehicle Driver
Abstract
Embodiments of the present technology provide apparatuses, systems and methods for monitoring physical conditions of a vehicle driver.
Background
Generally, the technical field involves systems, apparatuses and methods for monitoring physical conditions of a vehicle driver.
There are over 6 million auto accidents in the United States in every year. The financial cost of these crashes is more than 230 Billion dollars. Almost 3 million people are injured and about 40,000 people are killed every year. That means about 115 people die every day in vehicle crashes in the United States. This equates to one death every 13 minutes.
There are a number of causes of automobile accidents. Many accidents today are caused by sudden change in health conditions, drowsiness or lack of consciousness from the driver while driving. For example, drivers with heart or other health conditions could suffer a heart attack or similar emergency situation rendering them unconscious or otherwise unable to drive. This is also true of older drivers whose health may be more volatile than younger drivers. In another example, individuals driving long distances or late hours may become drowsy and nod off during driving creating a potentially life threatening situation.
Invention Summary
Certain embodiments of the present technology provide systems, apparatuses and methods for monitoring physical conditions of a vehicle driver.
Certain embodiments of the present system for monitoring physical conditions of a vehicle driver comprise a vehicle control having embedded touch sensors wherein said touch sensors detect parameters dealing with a vehicle driver's physical condition; a receiver wherein said receiver monitors said detected parameters from said touch sensors for a presence of an alert event related to said vehicle driver's physical condition; a transmitter wherein said transmitter receives said presence of alert events from said receiver and transmits said presence of alert events; and a response device wherein said response device receives said presence of alert events and provides a response to said alert events.
Certain embodiments of the present method for monitoring physical conditions of a vehicle driver comprise detecting parameters dealing with a vehicle driver's physical condition using touch sensors embedded in a vehicle control; monitoring said detected parameters for a presence of alert events in said detected parameters based on said vehicle driver's physical condition; transmitting said presence of alert events to a response device; and triggering a response event using said response device.
These and other features of the present invention are discussed or apparent in the following detailed description.
2) 20090128344 Systems, Apparatuses And Methods For Monitoring Physical Conditions Of A Bed Occupant
Abstract
Embodiments of the presently described technology provide apparatuses, systems and methods for monitoring physical conditions of a bed occupant.
Background
Generally, the technical field involves systems, apparatuses and methods for monitoring physical conditions of a bed occupant. Specifically, it involves systems, apparatuses and methods for monitoring the temperature and/or carbon dioxide respiration level of a bed occupant.
There are a number of individuals who require close monitoring and attention such as infants, children, elderly, disabled and physically or mentally ill individuals. Typically a caregiver attempts to closely watch the individual's physical conditions in order to become aware of potential problems and respond appropriately. The caregiver's duties typically extend into evening hours when the caregiver is also trying to obtain needed rest.
For example, infants need particularly close monitoring. Typically, a parent closely monitors his or her infant to detect any problems and respond accordingly. A parent tries to closely watch and listen to the infant to detect signs of distress. Closely monitoring an infant during sleep is also important since an infant can enter a dangerous physical condition during sleep. However, monitoring during the infant's sleep can be particularly difficult since the parent may also be attempting to sleep or complete other household tasks that are difficult to complete when the infant is awake.
Monitoring of an infant can become particularly difficult when the infant is ill. For example, a parent may need to monitor an infant with a fever more closely than usual. The parent may need to regularly check the infant's temperature to male sure it doesn't reach a dangerously high level. This can be particularly difficult at night when it may require waking the infant frequently to check his or her temperature.
Another reason for closely monitoring infants is to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). SIDS or "crib death" is the leading cause of death among infants who are 1 month to 1 year old. SIDS claims the lives of about 2,500 infants each year in the United States alone. Very little is known about the possible causes of SIDS and little is known about its prevention. One theory is that the infants turn during sleep and inhale the carbon dioxide that they have previously exhaled. When this "rebreathing" occurs for a prolonged time the infant can suffocate and die.
Invention Summary
Certain embodiments of the presently described technology provide systems, apparatuses and methods for monitoring physical conditions of a bed occupant. Specifically, it involves systems, apparatuses and methods for monitoring the temperature and/or carbon dioxide respiration level of a bed occupant.
Certain embodiments of the presently described system for monitoring physical conditions of a bed occupant comprise bedding with sensors embedded within said bedding, wherein said sensors detect parameters dealing with a bed occupant's physical condition; a receiver, wherein said receiver monitors said detected parameters from said sensors for a presence of alert events related to the bed occupant's physical condition; a transmitter, wherein said transmitter receives said presence of alert events from said receiver and transmits said presence of alert events; and an alerting device, wherein said alerting device receives said presence of alert events and alerts a caregiver of said presence of alert events.
Certain embodiments of the presently described system for monitoring physical conditions of a bed occupant comprise bedding with sensors embedded within said bedding, wherein said sensors detect parameters dealing with a bed occupant's physical condition; a receiver, wherein said receiver monitors said detected parameters from said sensors and obtains specified parameter values at specified intervals from said sensors; a transmitter, wherein said transmitter receives said specified parameter values from said receiver and transmits said specified parameter values; and an alerting device, wherein said alerting device receives said specified parameter values from said transmitter and alerts a caregiver of said specified parameter values at said specified intervals.
Certain embodiments of the presently described method of monitoring physical conditions of a bed occupant comprise detecting parameters dealing with a bed occupant's physical condition using sensors embedded in bedding; monitoring said detected parameters for a presence of alert events in said detected parameters based on the bed occupant's physical condition; transmitting said presence of alert events to an alerting device; and alerting a caregiver of said presence of alert events using said alerting device.
Certain embodiments of the presently described method of monitoring physical conditions of a bed occupant comprise detecting parameters dealing with a bed occupant's physical condition using sensors embedded in bedding; monitoring said detected parameters to obtain specified parameter values at specified intervals based on said bed occupant's physical condition; transmitting said specified parameter values to an alerting device; and alerting a caregiver of said specified parameter values at said specified intervals using said alerting device.
These and other features of the presently described invention are discussed or apparent in the following detailed description.