Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of measurement of vital signs of a subject. It particularly relates measurement of vital signs selected from temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, dissolved blood oxygen, and electrocardiogram

Background and Prior Art

Measurement of vital signs is an important part of patient care, whether at home or at hospitals. Vital signs that are measured and monitored include temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate, dissolved blood oxygen and electrocardiogram. It is particularly important to have patient data recorded correctly whilst avoiding human errors in writing/recording. In particular, in hospital settings, it is important that vital signs of individual patients are recorded and monitored separately from each other whilst avoiding mixup that is possible due to human error, such as recording of vital signs of one patient under record of another patient, or recording incorrect numbers. The healthcare workers are busy and under pressure and there are chances of human errors that can have negative impact on recovery of a patient. Furthermore, it is important to carry out vital sign measurements in a way that maintains hygiene and reduces spread of infections. In particular it is necessary to avoid contacting parts of vital sign measurement probes to multiple patients. For example, use of a thermometer that is contacted with multiple patients poses a risk of spread of infections.

US20080058614A1 (Sotera Wireless Inc., published in 2008) provides system for measuring vital signs from multiple patients, typically in an in-hospital setting. The system features a body-worn vital sign monitor that includes: i) a sensor configured as a patch that measures electrical and optical signals from a patient; ii) a controller featuring a microprocessor that receives and processes the electrical and optical signals to determine the patient's vital sign information, including blood pressure; and iii) a first short-range wireless component that wirelessly transmits a packet comprising the vital sign information to an external receiver. A portable, wireless computer (e.g., a PDA, cellular telephone, or a laptop computer) communicates with the body-worn module. The wireless computer includes: i) a second short-range wireless component that receives the vital sign information and displays it; and ii) a long-range wireless transmitter that transmits the vital sign information over a wireless network. The system also includes an Internet-based system that receives the vital sign information from the wireless network, and avails this to medical professionals through an in-hospital information system. This reference does not teach that body worn monitor (probe unit) and the wireless monitor (main unit) are detachably attachable.

US2019090741 (NohonKohden Corp, 2019) describes a vital signs sensor includes an identifier storage device that stores an identifier of a subject, and a signal processing device that acquires a vital sign from the subject, and that wirelessly transmits the vital sign and the identifier that is stored in the identifier storage device, with correlating the vital sign with the identifier, wherein the identifier storage device has a structure where the identifier storage device is attachable to and detachable from the signal processing device. However the vital sign acquiring section (20) is not detachably attachable to the signal processing section (21).

US10213159B2 (Sotera Wireless Inc, 2019) provides a body-worn vital sign monitor that measures a patient's vital signs (e.g. blood pressure, Sp02, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature) while simultaneously characterizing their activity state (e.g. resting, walking, convulsing, falling) and posture (upright, supine). The monitor processes this information to minimize corruption of the vital signs and associated alarms/alerts by motion-related artifacts. It also features a graphical user interface (GUI) rendered on a touchpanel display that facilitates a number of features to simplify and improve patient monitoring and safety in both the hospital and home.

US6416471B1 (CLEARPATH PARTNERS LLC, 2002) describes a system and method for monitoring vital signs and capturing data from a patient remotely using radiotelemetry techniques. The system is characterized by a cordless, disposable sensor band with sensors form measuring full waveform ECG, full waveform respiration, skin temperature, and motion, and transmission circuitry for the detection and transmission of vital signs data of the patient. A small signal transfer unit that can either be worn by the patient, e.g., on his or her belt, or positioned nearby receives data from the sensor band, which it then forwards by e.g., radio transmission to a base station that can be located up to 60 meters away. The base station receives data transmissions from the signal transfer unit and is designed to connect to conventional phone lines for transferring the collected data to a remote monitoring station. The base station may also capture additional clinical data, such as blood pressure data, and to perform data checks. Patient safety is enhanced by the ability of the base station to compare clinical data, e.g., ECG, against given profiles and to mark events when appropriate or when the base station is programmed to do so. Such events are indicated to the physician and could be indicated to the patient by reverse transmission to the signal transfer unit. A remote monitoring station allows the presentation and review of data (including events) forwarded by the sensor band. ECG analysis software and a user-friendly graphical user interface are provided to remotely analyze the transmitted data and to permit system maintenance and upkeep. The system of the invention has useful application to the collection of patient clinical data during drug trials and medical testing for regulatory approvals as well as management of patients with chronic diseases.

US20060155589A1 (Welch Allynlnc, 2006) describes a portable vital signs measurement instrument, systems and methods that provide a variety of measurement capabilities, including blood pressure, temperature, pulse oximetry, and other indications of patient status. The instrument, systems and methods include the ability to communicate wirelessly, for example using Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.1 IB), with a server, so that information can be entered easily, securely and reliably into a medical database system accessible by way of the server. The systems and methods provide for the instrument to initiate a communication session by attempting to discover a server access point in its vicinity.

Measurement of vital signs whilst ensuring hygiene is a significant problem. In particular, it is a key problem to ensure that the same sensor is not used on multiple patients. Another problem is to measure vital sign patient data of multiple patients whilst avoiding the manual errors in correctly recording and reporting in hospital settings such as incorrect manual recording of the vital signs, or erroneously reporting vital signs of one patient as vital signs of another patient.

The present invention is aimed at preventing or at least ameliorating one or more of the above problems.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly there is provided a vital sign measurement device including a main unit (1), a probe unit (2), a vital sign sensor (9) and a battery (10) and;

(i) the main unit (1) includes a microcontroller (3), a remote transceiver element (4) capable of transmitting and receiving data, a connecting port (5), and a memory unit (6), and;

the microcontroller (3) is operatively connected to and capable of controlling operation of the transceiver element (4) and the memory unit (6), and; the microcontroller (3) is electronically connected to connecting port (5);

(ii) the probe unit (2) includes a digital probe identifier (7), and a connector element (8) electronically connected to each other, and; (iii) the connecting port (5) and connector element (8) are detachably connectible, and;

(iv) the vital sign sensor (9) is:

(a) included in the main unit (1) and operatively connected to and controllable by the microcontroller (3), or;

(b) included in the probe unit (2), and is capable of being operatively connected to and controllable by the micro controller (3) when the connecting port (5) and the connector element (8) are connected, and;

(v) the battery (10) is either external and connectible to main unit (1) or included in main unit (1), and the battery (10) capable of powering the main unit (1) and the probe unit (2).

Brief Description of Drawings

Figure 1 Vital sign measurement device, various configurations depicted in Figures 1A, IB, 1C and ID.

Figure 1A Vital sign measurement device with main unit (1) and probe unit (2) in detached position, and vital sign sensor (9) included in the main unit (1).

Figure IB Vital sign measurement device with main unit (1) and probe unit (2) in attached position, and vital sign sensor (9) included in the main unit (1).

Figure 1C Vital sign measurement device with main unit (1) and probe unit (2) in detached position, and vital sign sensor (9) included in the probe unit (2).

Figure ID Vital sign measurement device with main unit (1) and probe unit (2) in attached position, and vital sign sensor (9) included in the probe unit (2).

Figure 2 Vital sign measurement device for measurement of specific vital signs, various embodiments depicted in Figures 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D.

Figure 2A Vital sign measurement device for measuring body temperature.

Figure 2B Vital sign measurement device for measuring pulse rate.

Figure 2C Vital sign measurement device for measuring respiratory rate.

Figure 2D Vital sign measurement device for measuring dissolved blood oxygen. Figure 3 Vital sign measurement device for measuring electrocardiogram. Figure 4 Vital sign measurement device for measuring blood pressure.

Figure 5 Vital sign measurement System.

Detailed Description

There is provided a vital sign measurement device including a main unit (1), a probe unit (2), a vital sign sensor (9) and a battery (10) and;

(i) the main unit (1) includes a microcontroller (3), a remote transceiver element (4) capable of transmitting and receiving data, a connecting port (5), and a memory unit (6), and; the microcontroller (3) is operatively connected to and capable of controlling operation of the transceiver element (4) and the memory unit (6), and; the microcontroller (3) is electronically connected to connecting port (5);

(ii) the probe unit (2) includes a digital probe identifier (7), and a connector element (8) electronically connected to each other, and;

(iii) the connecting port (5) and connector element (8) are detachably connectible, and;

(iv) the vital sign sensor (9) is:

(a) included in the main unit (1) and operatively connected to and controllable by the microcontroller (3), or;

(b) included in the probe unit (2), and is capable of being operatively connected to and controllable by the micro controller (3) when the connecting port (5) and the connector element (8) are connected, and;

(v) the battery (10) is either external and connectible to main unit (1) or included in main unit (1), and the battery (lO)capable of powering the main unit (1) and the probe unit (2).

According to a preferred aspect of the vital sign measurement device, when the connecting port (5) and the connector element (8) are connected, the micro controller (3) is electronically connected to the digital probe identifier (7) and to the vital sign sensor (9) such that the microcontroller (3) is capable of directing the memory unit (6) to store a set of vital sign patient data (101), where the vital sign patient data (101) includes:

(i) the value of digital probe identity number (11) stored in the digital probe identifier (7) read by the microcontroller (3), and;

(ii) the values of measured vital sign (12) read by the microcontroller (3) from the vital sign sensor (9), and;

(iii) a date and time stamp (13) from the microcontroller (3).

According a further preferred aspect of the vital sign measurement device, the vital sign is selected from body temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate, dissolved blood oxygen, electrocardiogram or blood pressure, and;

(i) where the vital sign is body temperature, the probe unit (2) includes a vital sign sensor (9) that is a temperature sensor (91), or;

(ii) where the vital sign is pulse rate, the probe unit (2) includes a vital sign sensor (9) that is a pulse rate sensor (92), or;

(iii) where the vital sign is respiratory rate, the probe unit (2) includes a vital sign sensor (9) that is a respiratory rate sensor (93), or;

(iv) where the vital sign is dissolved blood oxygen, the probe unit (2) includes a vital sign sensor (9) that is a dissolved blood oxygen sensor (94), or;

(v) where the vital sign is electrocardiogram,

(a) the main unit (1) includes a vital sign sensor (9) that is a preamplifier (95) for sensing electrocardiogram, electrically connected to the connecting port (5), and;

(b) the probe unit (2) includes a set of electrodes (951) electrically connected to the connector element (8), and;

(c) when the connecting port (5) and the connector

element (8) are connected, the preamplifier (95) is electrically connected with the set of electrodes (951), or;

(vi) where the vital sign is blood pressure,

(a) the main unit (1) includes vital sign sensor (9) that is a pressure sensor (96) and an air compressor unit (961) that is connected to and capable of being controlled by the microcontroller (3), and the pressure sensor (96) and air compressor unit (961) are each in fluid communication with the connecting port (5), and; (b) the probe unit (2) includes pressure tube (962) with one end connected to and in fluid communication with an inflatable cuff (963), and the other end connected to and in fluid communication with the connector port (8), and;

(c) when the connecting port (5) and the connector element (8) are connected, the inflatable cuff (963) can be inflated or deflated by the microcontroller (3) using the air compressor unit (961) via the pressure tube (962), and the piezoelectric sensor (961) is in fluid communication with the pressure tube (962) to sense the pressure.

Preferably, the temperature sensor (91) is a thermistor-based sensor.

Preferably, the pulse rate sensor (92) is a light based sensor.

Preferably, the respiratory rate sensor (93) is an accelerometer-based sensor.

Preferably the dissolved blood oxygen sensor (94) is a light based sensor. Sensors that are commonly known as Sp02 sensor, can be used as the dissolved blood oxygen sensor

It is further preferred that the main unit (1) comprises an alarm (14) connected electronically to the microcontroller (3) and to the battery (10), and the alarm (14) is capable of being triggered by the microcontroller (3) on receipt of a predetermined signal received using the remote transceiver element (4), and when triggered, the alarm (14) is capable of creating an audible warning or provide a visual indicia.

According to a further preferred aspect of the vital sign measurement device,

(i) the probe unit (2) is disposable, or;

(ii) the probe unit (2) is capable of being disinfected.

It will be appreciated that the probe unit (2) includes at least one part that needs to be in contact with body of a person whose vital sign patient data (101) is measured, as the probe unit (2) is disposable or is capable of being disinfected, the disposal of the probe unit (2) or disinfection of the probe unit (2) allows for hygienic use of the device.

Preferably the probe unit (2) is disposable and can be used multiple times prior to disposing. It will be appreciated that the probe unit (2) that is disposable, can be disposed after using for one patient for one or multiple times, and once disposed, will not be in contact with any other patient, thus allowing maintenance of high standard of hygiene. According to an alternate aspect, the probe (2) is capable of being disinfected after one or multiple uses, and it will be appreciated that the probe unit (2) that is capable of being disinfected, can be disinfected after using for one patient for one or multiple times, and can be reused after disinfection, thus allowing maintenance of high standard of hygiene. It will be appreciated that the probe unit (2) that is disposable or capable of being disinfected, provides a particular advantage in hospitals, where a probe unit (2) may be assigned to a patient on admission to the hospital, used for one or multiple times to gather the vital sign patient data (101), and one the patient is discharged, the probe unit (2) can be either disposed or disinfected for use on another patient.

When the vital sign is temperature, the probe unit (2) is preferably disposable

When the vital sign is pulse rate, the probe unit (2) is preferably disposable.

When the vital sign is respiratory rate, the probe unit (2) is preferably disposable.

When the vital sign is dissolved blood oxygen, the probe unit (2) is disposable.

When the vital sign is electrocardiogram, the probe unit (2) is preferably capable of being disinfected.

When the vital sign is blood pressure, the probe unit (2) is preferably capable of being disinfected.

According to a further preferred aspect of the vital sign measurement device, the main unit (1) includes a GPS location sensor and the vital sign patient data (101) includes MAC identity of the micro controller and GPS coordinates of the GPS location sensor.

According to a different aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vital sign measurement system including the vital sign measurement device, and a remote preconfigured and secure computer server (15) wherein the microcontroller (3) is capable of directing the remote transceiver element (4) to transmit the set of vital sign patient data (101) to the remote server (15).

According to a preferred aspect of the vital sign measurement system, the remote server (15) has a database to store vital sign patient data (101) and a software (16) that allows input of a patient identifier number (17) and allows output of a Vital sign report (18), with the vital sign report (18) includes patient identifier number (17) and the vital sign patient data (101) such that the vital sign patient data (101) is uniquely linked to the patient identifier number (17). It will be appreciate that the vital sign measurement system allows for minimizing the error linking the vital sign patient data (101) uniquely to a patient identifier number (7) thus ensuring that the vital sign patient data (101) is always assigned to uniquely linked patient identifier number (17) such that healthcare personnel including doctors and nurses are able to view the vital sign patient data (101) in real time or with minimal lapse of time, as the vital sign patient data (101) is being measured remotely on a patient using the vital sign measurement device remotely and link it to a patient having the patient identifier (17) whilst minimizing the manual errors of reporting or erroneous communication of data. It will be also appreciated that the healthcare personnel who use the device to measure the vital sign patient data (101) are freed from the need to manually recording, storing and reporting the vital sign patient data (101), thus saving valuable time as well as allowing for error free generation of the vital sign report (18).

It is preferred that the vital sign measurement system has the software (16) that allows instruction to input a number to be stored as a deactivated identity number (19), and when the server (15) receives the vital sign patient data (101), the software instructs to check if the digital probe identity number (11) equals the deactivated identity number (19), and if these numbers are equal, software (16) creates an error message alerting that digital probe identity number (11) is invalid, such that a server operator is warned that the vital sign patient data (101) is being received using the probe unit (2) having a digital probe identity number (11) that is not valid. It will be appreciated that an operator of the server (15) can independently receive information that a particular probe unit (2) having a particular digital probe identity number (11) is either being disposed or being sent for disinfection, and in this event, the particular digital probe identity number is input a number as deactivated identity number (19), such that when an attempt is made to use the probe unit (2) again, the software instructs to check if the digital probe identity number (11) equals the deactivated identity number (19), and if these numbers are equal, software (16) creates an error message alerting that digital probe identity number (11) is invalid such that a server operator is warned that the vital sign patient data (101) is being received using the probe unit (2) having a digital probe identity number (11) that is not valid. In this way the server operator is alerted that the probe unit (2) that should have been disposed or disinfected is being used, and stop recording of the vital sign patient data (101) thereby avoiding errors and/or alerting about unhygienic use of the probe unit (2).

According to a further preferred aspect of the vital measurement system, if the digital probe identity number (11) equals the deactivated identity number (19), the software (16) instructs the remote server (15) to transmit the predetermined signal to the remote transceiver element (4) triggering the alarm (14) creating an audible warning or provide a visual indicia such that a probe user is alerted that the vital sign patient data (101) is being measured with the probe unit (2) having a digital probe identity number (11) that is not valid. It will be appreciated that the probe user, typically a healthcare professional such as doctor or a nurse or a caregiver, is alerted in case the probe user tries to use the probe unit (2) having a probe identity number (11) that equals the deactivated identity number (19), indicating that the probe unit (2) is being used unhygienically and should be either disposed or sent for disinfection.

According to a further preferred aspect of the vital sign measurement system, the software (16) allows input instruction to delete or remove a number stored as a deactivated identity number (19). It will be appreciated that an operator of the server (15) can independently receive information that a particular probe unit (2) having a particular digital probe identity number (11) has been disinfected and ready for reuse, and upon receipt of such information, the particular deactivated identity number (19) which equals the particular digital probe identity number (11), the operator of the server (15) can delete the particular deactivated identity number (19), thereby allowing the vital sign patient data (101) to be received again post disinfection of the probe unit (2).

Figure 1

Referring to Figure 1, various alternative configurations of the vital sign measurement device are depicted in Figures 1A, IB, 1C, and ID.

Figure 1A: Referring to Figure 1A, the vital sign measurement device includes a main unit (1) and a probe unit (2), a vital sign sensor (9) and a battery (10) and;

(i) the main unit (1) includes a microcontroller (3), a remote transceiver element (4) capable of transmitting and receiving data, a connecting port (5), and a memory unit (6), and; the microcontroller (3) is operatively connected to and capable of controlling operation of the transceiver element (4) and the memory unit (6), and; the microcontroller (3) is electronically connected to connecting port (5);

(ii) the probe unit (2) includes a digital probe identifier (7), and a connector element (8) electronically connected to each other, and;

(iii) the connecting port (5) and connector element (8) are detachably connectible, and; (iv) the vital sign sensor (9) is included in the main unit (1) and operatively connected to and controllable by the microcontroller (3), and;

(v) the battery (10) is included in main unit (1), and the battery (10) is capable of powering the main unit (1) and the probe unit (2).

Figure IB

Referring to Figure IB, the vital sign measurement device includes a main unit (1) and a probe unit (2), a vital sign sensor (9) and a battery (10) and;

(i) the main unit (1) includes a microcontroller (3), a remote transceiver element (4) capable of transmitting and receiving data, a connecting port (5), and a memory unit (6), and the microcontroller (3) is operatively connected to and capable of controlling operation of the transceiver element (4) and the memory unit (6), and the microcontroller (3) is electronically connected to connecting port (5);

(ii) the probe unit (2) includes a digital probe identifier (7), and a connector element (8) electronically connected to each other, and;

(iii) the connecting port (5) and connector element (8) are detachably connectible, and;

(iv) the vital sign sensor (9) is included in the main unit (1) and operatively connected to and controllable by the microcontroller (3), and;

(v) the battery (10) is included in main unit and the battery (10) is capable of powering the main unit (1) and the probe unit (2), and

(vi) the main unit (1) and probe unit (2) are connected by attaching the connecting port (5) and the connector element (8) such that the digital probe identifier (7) can be read by the microcontroller (3).

Figure 1C

Referring to Figure 1C, the vital sign measurement device includes a main unit (1) and a probe unit (2), a vital sign sensor (9) and a battery (10) and;

(i) the main unit (1) includes a microcontroller (3), a remote transceiver element (4) capable of transmitting and receiving data, a connecting port (5), and a memory unit (6), and the microcontroller (3) is operatively connected to and capable of controlling operation of the transceiver element (4) and the memory unit (6), and the microcontroller (3) is electronically connected to connecting port (5);

(ii) the probe unit (2) includes a digital probe identifier (7), and a connector element (8) electronically connected to each other, and;

(iii) the connecting port (5) and connector element (8) are detachably connectible, and;

(iv) the vital sign sensor (9) is included in the probe unit (2), and is capable of being operatively connected to and controllable by the micro controller (3) when the connecting port (5) and the connector element (8) are connected, and;

(v) the battery (10) is included in main unit (1), and the battery (10) is capable of powering the main unit (1) and the probe unit (2).

Figure ID

Referring to Figure ID, the vital sign measurement device includes a main unit (1) and a probe unit (2), a vital sign sensor (9) and a battery (10) and;

(i) the main unit (1) includes a microcontroller (3), a remote transceiver element (4) capable of transmitting and receiving data, a connecting port (5), and a memory unit (6), and the microcontroller (3) is operatively connected to and capable of controlling operation of the transceiver element (4) and the memory unit (6), and the microcontroller (3) is electronically connected to connecting port (5);

(ii) the probe unit (2) includes a digital probe identifier (7), and a connector element (8) electronically connected to each other, and;

(iii) the connecting port (5) and connector element (8) are detachably connectible, and;

(iv) the vital sign sensor (9) is included in the probe unit (2), and is capable of being operatively connected to and controllable by the micro controller (3) when the connecting port (5) and the connector element (8) are connected, and;

(v) the battery (10) is included in main unit (1), and the battery (10) is capable of powering the main unit (1) and the probe unit (2), and;

(vi) the main unit (1) and probe unit (2) are connected by attaching the connecting port (5) and the connector element (8) such that the digital probe identifier (7) can be read by the microcontroller (3), and the data collected by the vital sign sensor (9) can be read by the microcontroller (3).

Figure 2

Referring to Figure 2, the vital sign measurement device is depicted for measurement of specific vital signs. The vital sign is selected from body temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate, dissolved blood oxygen, electrocardiogram or blood pressure. Figures 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D depict vital sign measurement device for measurement of body temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate and dissolved oxygen, respectively. The configuration of the vital measurement device is similar to that depicted in Figure ID.

Figure 2A

Referring to Figure 2A, there is depicted the vital sign measurement device, where the vital sign is body temperature, and the probe unit (2) includes a vital sign sensor (9) that is a temperature sensor (91).

Figure 2B

Referring to Figure 2B, there is depicted the vital sign measurement device, where the vital sign is pulse rate, and the probe unit (2) includes a vital sign sensor (9) that is a pulse rate sensor (92).

Figure 2C

Referring to Figure 2C, there is depicted the vital sign measurement device, where the vital sign is respiratory rate, and the probe unit (2) includes a vital sign sensor (9) that is a respiratory rate sensor (93).

Figure 2D

Referring to Figure 2D, there is depicted the vital sign measurement device, where the vital sign is dissolved blood oxygen, the probe unit (2) includes a vital sign sensor (9) that is a dissolved blood oxygen sensor (94), and;

Figure 3

Referring to Figure 3, which depicts a vital sign measurement device for measuring a vital sign that is electrocardiogram. The device includes a main unit (1) and a probe unit (2), a vital sign sensor (9) that is a preamplifier for sensing electrocardiogram (95) and a battery

(10) and;

(i) the main unit (1) includes a microcontroller (3), a remote transceiver element (4) capable of transmitting and receiving data, a connecting port (5), and a memory unit (6), and the microcontroller (3) is operatively connected to and capable of controlling operation of the transceiver element (4) and the memory unit (6), and the microcontroller (3) is electronically connected to connecting port (5);

(11) the probe unit (2) includes a digital probe identifier (7), and a connector element (8) electronically connected to each other, and;

(iii) the connecting port (5) and connector element (8) are detachably connectible, and;

(iv) the preamplifier for sensing electrocardiogram (95) is included in the main unit (1) and operatively connected to and controllable by the microcontroller (3), and;

(v) the battery (10) is included in main unit and the battery (10) is capable of powering the main unit (1) and the probe unit (2), and;

(vi) the main unit (1) and probe unit (2) are connected by attaching the connecting port (5) and the connector element (8) such that the digital probe identifier (7) can be read by the microcontroller (3), and;

(a) preamplifier (95) for sensing electrocardiogram is electrically connected to the connecting port (5), and;

(b) the probe unit (2) includes a set of electrodes (951) electrically connected to the connector element (8), and;

(c) when the connecting port (5) and the connector element (8) are connected, the preamplifier (95) is electrically connected with the set of electrodes (951).

Figure 4

Referring to Figure 4, which depicts a vital sign measurement device where the vital sign is blood pressure.

The device includes a main unit (1) and a probe unit (2), a vital sign sensor (9) that is a blood pressure sensor (96) and a battery (10) and; (i) the main unit (1) includes a microcontroller (3), a remote transceiver element (4) capable of transmitting and receiving data, a connecting port (5), and a memory unit (6), and the microcontroller (3) is operatively connected to and capable of controlling operation of the transceiver element (4) and the memory unit (6), and the microcontroller (3) is electronically connected to connecting port (5);

(ii) the probe unit (2) includes a digital probe identifier (7), and a connector element (8) electronically connected to each other, and;

(iii) the connecting port (5) and connector element (8) are detachably connectible, and;

(iv) the preamplifier for sensing electrocardiogram (95) is included in the main unit (1) and operatively connected to and controllable by the microcontroller (3), and;

(v) the battery (10) is included in main unit and the battery (10) is capable of powering the main unit (1) and the probe unit (2), and

(vi) the main unit (1) and probe unit (2) are connected by attaching the connecting port (5) and the connector element (8) such that the digital probe identifier (7) can be read by the microcontroller (3), and;

(a) the main unit (1) includes vital a pressure sensor (96) and an air compressor unit (961) that is connected to and capable of being controlled by the microcontroller (3), and the pressure sensor (96) and air compressor unit (961) are each in fluid communication with the connecting port (5), and;

(b) the probe unit (2) includes pressure tube (962) with one end connected to and in fluid communication with an inflatable cuff (963), and the other end connected to and in fluid communication with the connector port (8), and;

(c) when the connecting port (5) and the connector element (8) are connected, the inflatable cuff (963) can be inflated or deflated by the microcontroller (3) using the air compressor unit (961) via the pressure tube (962), and the piezoelectric sensor (961) is in fluid communication with the pressure tube (962) to sense the pressure. Figure 5

Referring to Figure 5, that depicts a vital sign measurement system. The vital sign measurement system, including the vital sign measurement device including the main unit (1) and the probe unit(2), and a remote preconfigured and secure computer server (15) wherein the microcontroller (3) is capable of directing the remote transceiver element (4) to transmit the set of vital sign patient data (101) to the remote server (15). The vital sign patient data (101) includes:

(i) the value of digital probe identity number (11) stored in the digital probe identifier (7) read by the microcontroller (3), and;

(ii) the values of measured vital sign (12) read by the microcontroller (3) from the vital sign sensor (9), and;

(iii) a date and time stamp (13) from the microcontroller (3).

The remote server (15) has a database to store vital sign patient data (101) and a software (16) that allows input of a patient identifier number (17) and allows output of a Vital sign report (18), with the vital sign report (18) includes patient identifier number (17) and the vital sign patient data (101) such that the vital sign patient data (101) is uniquely linked to the patient identifier number (17). It will be appreciated that the vital sign measurement system allows for minimizing the error linking the vital sign patient data (101) uniquely to a patient identifier number (7) thus ensuring that the vital sign patient data (101) is always assigned to uniquely linked patient identifier number (17) such that healthcare personnel including doctors and nurses are able to view the vital sign patient data (101) in real time or with minimal lapse of time, as the vital sign patient data (101) is being measured remotely on a patient using the vital sign measurement device remotely and link it to a patient having the patient identifier (17) whilst minimizing the manual errors of reporting or erroneous communication of data. It will be also appreciated that the healthcare personnel who use the device to measure the vital sign patient data (101) are freed from the need to manually recording, storing and reporting the vital sign patient data (101), thus saving valuable time as well as allowing for error free generation of the vital sign report (18). BELOW MATERIAL NOT PART OF SPECIFICATIONS

KEY TO THE NUMBERING OF THE PARTS (For reference in drafting and in Figures)

Main unit (1)

Probe unit (2)

Microcontroller (3)

Remote transceiver element (4)

Connecting port (5)

Memory unit (6)

Digital probe identifier (7)

Connector element (8)

Vital sign sensor (9)

Temperature sensor (91)

Pulse rate sensor (92)

Respiratory rate sensor (93)

Dissolved blood oxygen sensor (94)

Preamplifier (95)

Set of electrodes (951)

Pressure sensor (96)

Air compressor unit (961)

Pressure tube (962)

Inflatable cuff (963)

Battery (10)

Vital sign patient data (101)

Value of digital probe identity number (11)

Values of measured vital sign (12)

Date and time stamp (13)

Alarm (14)

Remote preconfigured and secure computer server (15)

Software (16)

Patient Identifier number (17)

Vital sign report (18)

Deactivated identity number (19)