Vital sign detection device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vital sign detection device (100) having a vital sign detection unit (102) configured to remotely detect vital sign data indicative of a vital sign of a subject (101) located in proximity to the vital sign detection device. The vital sign detection device further comprises: a detection unit (104) configured to detect the presence of a portable device (103) associated with the user (101); a distance determination unit (106) configured to determine a distance amount (d) indicating a distance between the portable device and the object; and a data association unit (108) configured to associate vital sign data of the subject with a user of the portable device upon determining that the distance amount matches the predetermined distance criterion. Accordingly, the vital sign detection device is suitable for use in a space accessed by a plurality of subjects.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a vital sign detection device, a lighting device, a lighting arrangement, a method of associating vital sign data with a user of a portable device and with a computer program. Background Art

[0002] US2019 / 0117091 A1 proposes a technology in a monitoring device for remotely monitoring at least one vital sign of a living object. The technology includes: capturing one or more sensor signals describing corresponding characteristics of the object's body from a distance; deriving at least a first biometric signal describing a second predefined vital sign of the object based on the one or more sensor signals for transmission to a server device; detecting the presence of another monitoring device, the other monitoring device operates to derive a first biometric signal describing a first predefined vital sign of the same object for transmission to a server device; and in response to detecting the other device, controlling the derivation of the first biometric signal in the detected other monitoring device.

[0003] US2019 / 117091 A1 discloses a technology in a monitoring device for remotely monitoring at least one vital sign of a living object, the technology comprising: capturing one or more sensor signals describing corresponding characteristics of the object's body from a distance; deriving at least a first biometric signal describing a second predefined vital sign of the object based on the one or more sensor signals for transmission to a server device; detecting the presence of another monitoring device, the other monitoring device operating to derive a first biometric signal describing a first predefined vital sign of the same object for transmission to a server device; and in response to detecting the other device, controlling the derivation of the first biometric signal in the detected other monitoring device. Summary of the invention

[0004] Current technology (such as, for example, radar sensing) enables the acquisition or detection of personal vital sign data within a specific distance range by a remote device (i.e., a vital sign detection device). However, if multiple objects (simultaneously or sequentially) use the space, the personal vital sign data is not univocally associated with the objects.

[0005] Therefore, it would be beneficial to enable the use of a vital sign detection device in an environment with multiple subjects.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a vital sign detection device is disclosed. The vital sign detection device comprises a vital sign detection unit configured to remotely detect vital sign data indicative of a vital sign of an object located near the vital sign detection device. In the framework of the present disclosure, remote is to be understood as "from a distance; without physical contact". The vital sign detection device of the first aspect of the present invention further comprises:

[0007] - a detection unit configured to detect the presence of a portable device associated with a user;

[0008] - a distance determination unit configured to determine a distance quantity indicative of a distance between the portable device and the object; and

[0009] - a data association unit configured to associate the vital sign data of the subject with a user of the portable device upon determining that the distance amount matches a predetermined distance criterion, such that the detected vital sign data is linked or otherwise associated with the user of the portable device.

[0010] Thus, a vital sign detection device using a predetermined distance matching criterion is advantageously configured to associate detected vital signs with a user of a portable device that is also detected by the vital sign detection device. The portable device is in turn associated with the user. Thus, vital sign data is associated with the user via detection by a portable device (i.e., a portable device that is capable of being detected by the vital sign detection device in any particular manner) and enables differentiation between vital sign data detected from different subjects.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the vital sign detection device of the first aspect of the present invention will be disclosed.

[0012] In one embodiment, the distance matches the distance criterion, or satisfies the distance criterion, when the distance amount is below a predetermined threshold amount. In another embodiment, the distance criterion is additionally or alternatively satisfied when the portable device is located at a predetermined position relative to the vital sign detection device (e.g., at a docking station or charging station).

[0013] In one embodiment, the portable device is a communication device, such as but not limited to a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a smart watch, a wearable device, a camera, etc., which is configured to provide communication signals according to a suitable wireless communication protocol, and which is associated with a specific user or has an activated user profile, and which is configured to share data indicative of the user or user profile with the vital signs detection device.

[0014] In another embodiment, the vital sign detection device is configured to check whether a portable device is detected within the remote sensing range of the vital sign detection device by detecting an RF signal provided by a nearby portable device. In another embodiment, the detection unit is alternatively or additionally configured to detect the portable device by determining whether the portable device is docked at a specific location. In yet another invention, the detection unit is configured to detect the presence of the portable device using ascertained or received image data.

[0015] In a particular embodiment, the vital signs that can be detected by the vital sign detection unit include one or more of heartbeat, breathing, rapid eye movement, head movement, trunk movement, and limb movement. Preferably, the detected vital signs indicate sleep quality. The detectable vital signs preferably include micro-movements of the subject's body. The micro-movements may be related to body movements caused by heartbeat and / or breathing. Vital sign data such as heart rate or breathing pattern can be derived from the movements. When the subject is asleep, other body movements may indicate the subject's sleep quality and / or duration.

[0016] In one embodiment, the vital sign detection unit comprises a radio frequency sensor and / or an optical sensor. Preferably, the radio frequency sensor is a radar sensor, in particular a radar sensor configured to detect micro-movements of an object (e.g., at a distance or range from a few centimeters to a few meters (e.g., from 30 cm to 300 cm)). Vital sign sensing (e.g., breathing or heartbeat) can be performed with millimeter accuracy, and this accuracy is expected to increase in the future. Preferably, the radar sensor is a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar, in which phase information is used to determine the distance or range. Alternatively, the radar sensor can be implemented as a pulse radar, a UWB radar, or any general time-of-flight radar sensor. The operating principle of the time-of-flight sensor is the same for electromagnetic (radar, laser, etc.) and active acoustic sensing. Time of flight is the main operating mode of most radar, laser, and active acoustic devices. This technology uses the time between transmitting a pulse and receiving an echo. Measuring time to provide range or distance information. Typically, a radiation source is fed to a transmitting antenna, which is tuned to the characteristics of the target and preferably matched to the impedance of the medium to maximize coupling and efficiency. The signal is preferably radiated by a directional antenna to increase the energy on the target. The signal impinges on the target of interest, which causes a change in impedance, which in turn causes reradiation or scattering, which can be isotropic, directional or random. A small portion of the signal power is received at the receiver and converted into an electrical signal suitable for amplification and detection. In another embodiment, the radio frequency sensor may additionally or alternatively include a WiFi sensing unit, which is configured to perform WiFi sensing of vital signs. WiFi sensing (also known as WLAN sensing) uses WiFi signals to detect events or changes in the environment, such as events or changes caused by movement. It is also used for gesture recognition and biometric measurements, such as breathing and heartbeat. Typically, WiFi sensing is based on a combination of WiFi and radar sensing technologies, which operate in conjunction to enable signal communication and sensing using the same WiFi transceiver hardware and RF spectrum. Typically, movement or micro-movement is detected by analyzing frequency interference in WiFi signals, and WiFi signals are typically provided by means of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). In another embodiment, an optical sensor, such as a camera or camera array, is additionally or alternatively used to detect movement or micro-movement associated with vital signs based on motion detected in captured camera images.

[0017] In another embodiment, the vital sign detection unit actively detects vital signs of the subject and generates vital sign data indicative thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the vital sign detection unit is in signal communication with other vital sign detectors and receives vital sign data from the vital sign detectors.

[0018] In another embodiment that may include any of the above-mentioned technical features, the detection unit is also configured to detect the state of the portable device. In this particular embodiment, the vital sign detection unit is also configured to detect the vital sign data of the object depending on the detection state of the portable device. For example, in one embodiment, the detection unit is configured to detect whether the portable device is docked in a docking station (e.g., for charging), or detect its orientation (when the portable device is laid flat) or its movement or lack of movement (when the portable device is stationary). In addition, the detection unit can advantageously be configured to find out whether the portable device is currently in a quiet mode, a do not disturb mode, a sleep mode, a focus mode, etc. In one embodiment, the state of the portable device is configured to trigger the detection of the vital sign data of the object and to associate the object with the user of the portable device according to a distance matching criterion.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the detection unit is also configured to detect the state of the user of the portable device. In this particular embodiment, the vital signs detection unit is additionally or alternatively configured to detect vital signal data depending on the detected user state. For example, the detection unit is configured to ascertain the state of the user of the portable device by analyzing the current light settings in the room. The activation of a desk lamp may indicate that the user is starting a production task, and the deactivation of a bedroom lamp may indicate that the user is going to sleep. The data provided by the portable device may also indicate the state of the user, i.e., whether the user is active, sitting or lying down. In one embodiment, the state of the user of the portable device is configured to trigger the detection of the vital signs data of the object and to associate the object with the user of the portable device according to a distance matching criterion.

[0020] For example, in one embodiment, detection of vital signs, preferably vital signs associated with sleep quality, is triggered only when the state of the portable device indicates - according to predetermined parameters - that the user has fallen asleep. In a room where more than one subject sleeps, vital signs are associated with respective subjects based on the distance between the subject and the portable device (e.g., a mobile phone or a smartwatch).

[0021] In a preferred embodiment that may include any of the above technical features, the distance determination unit is configured to determine a first relative position of the portable device, a second relative position of the object, and use the determined first relative position and second relative position to determine the distance between the portable device and the object. In particular, the distance determination unit is configured to determine the distance using a positioning technology based on a radio frequency (RF) signal. Positioning technology based on RF signals and related systems rely on the transmission and reception of radio frequency signals for target position determination. A specific system may utilize one or more signal parameters, including but not limited to time of arrival (TOA), time difference of arrival (TDOA), received signal strength (RSS), received power distribution, angle of arrival (AOA), or received signal phase. In order to achieve effective signal transmission and / or reception, careful signal design must be performed. The choice of signaling method will greatly affect the performance of the positioning system. When designing a signal, several issues need to be considered, including positioning accuracy, power consumption, frequency bandwidth, interference, cost, and policy compliance.

[0022] In another embodiment, the vital signs detection device further comprises a data merging unit, which is configured to merge the additional vital signs data detected or otherwise acquired by the portable device with the vital signs data detected in the user profile when the association between the object and the user has been established. In a specific development, the data merging unit comprises a data receiving unit for receiving the additional vital signs data from the portable device. In another embodiment, the data merging unit comprises a data providing unit for providing the vital signs data to the portable device for combining the two vital signs data in the portable device. In another embodiment, the data merging unit is configured to provide the vital signs data and / or the additional vital signs data to a cloud-based service. This is particularly advantageous for users with portable devices (such as mobile phones, smart watches or wearable devices) that are also configured to ascertain vital signs or activity data. The vital signs data provided by the portable device may be the same as the type of vital signs data detected by the vital signs detection device, or may be different from the type of vital signs data detected by the vital signs detection device. The vital sign data provided by the portable device and detected by the vital sign detection device may be integrated or combined into a user profile, i.e., an activity profile associated with the user of the portable device. Conversely, in another embodiment, the vital sign receiving device is configured to provide the vital sign data or data indicative thereof to the portable device after an association has been established between the subject and the user of the portable device, for integrating or combining the two sources of vital sign data (e.g., activity data) into a single user profile.

[0023] In another embodiment, the vital sign detection device further comprises a data providing unit configured to provide connection data indicating a successful association between the object and a user of the portable device to the portable device. The connection data can advantageously be used to inform the user that an association has been established. Furthermore, the user can confirm or reject such an association. Furthermore, the data providing unit can additionally or alternatively be configured to provide the connection data to another device (such as a lighting device) to provide a visual indication (e.g., flashing, glowing, etc.) that an association has been established and / or that vital sign data is being detected.

[0024] In a specific embodiment, the vital sign detection device further comprises a docking station for charging the portable device. In particular, in this embodiment, the detection unit is connected to the docking station and is further configured to detect the presence of the portable device when the portable device is docked at the docking station.

[0025] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a lighting device is disclosed. The lighting device of the second aspect comprises the vital sign detection device according to the first aspect of the present invention, and thus shares the advantages thereof.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the lighting device is, for example, a table lamp, a bedroom lamp or a bedside lamp, a wake-up lamp, a ward lamp, a fluorescent lamp for the elderly, a shower lamp. Alternatively, the vital sign detection device can be integrated into any other device of the lighting arrangement (particularly a wirelessly controllable lighting arrangement), such as a sensor (presence sensor, light sensor, motion sensor, etc.) or a switch. In any case, the antenna of the device should preferably be pointed at a typical object or user position, such as a table, a bed, a shower, etc.

[0027] In a particular embodiment, the lighting device further comprises a docking station for charging the portable device. In particular, in this embodiment, the detection unit is connected to the docking station and is further configured to detect the presence of the portable device when the portable device is docked at the docking station.

[0028] A third aspect of the present invention is formed by a lighting arrangement (particularly a wirelessly controllable lighting arrangement). The lighting arrangement includes a vital sign detection device according to the first aspect of the present invention, which can be integrated in the lighting device to form a lighting device according to the second aspect of the present invention. The lighting arrangement of the third aspect also includes one or more lighting devices. Based on one or more of the vital sign data, the state of the portable device and the state of the user, the operating state of one or more lighting devices is controllable. For example, in one embodiment, vital sign data indicating a sleep mode is used to control the lighting device in the wake-up phase. In addition, in one embodiment, the lighting device (particularly a lighting device including a vital sign detection device) is controlled to provide a visual indication indicating the current vital sign sensing state. For example, after docking the portable device, the lighting device can be instructed to flash or emit light to indicate that the vital sign sensing phase is starting or is about to start. Additionally, the portable device can be instructed to show a notification or confirmation message to indicate that the portable device and therefore the user have been associated with the vital sign detection device.

[0029] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a method for associating vital sign data with a user of a portable device is disclosed. The method comprises:

[0030] - obtaining vital sign data indicative of the subject's vital signs;

[0031] - Detecting the presence of a portable device associated with a user;

[0032] - determining the distance between the portable device and the object; and

[0033] - upon determining that the distance between the portable device and the object matches a predetermined distance criterion, associating the object with a user of the portable device.

[0034] Therefore, the method of the fourth aspect shares the advantages of the vital sign detection device of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0035] In one embodiment, the method further comprises controlling operation of the lighting device in dependence on the detected vital sign data.

[0036] An additional fifth aspect of the invention is formed by a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a vital sign detection device, cause the vital sign detection device to perform the method of the fourth aspect of the invention.

[0037] It shall be understood that the vital sign detection device of claim 1, the lighting device of claim 10, the lighting arrangement of claim 11, the method of claim 13, and the computer program of claim 15 have similar and / or identical preferred embodiments, in particular as defined in the dependent claims.

[0038] It shall be understood that a preferred embodiment of the invention can also be any combination of the dependent claims or the above-described embodiments with the respective independent claim.

[0039] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] In the following drawings:

[0041] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of an exemplary vital sign detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0042] Figure 2 A schematic block diagram showing an exemplary lighting arrangement according to another embodiment of the present invention, the exemplary lighting arrangement comprising a lighting device having a vital sign detection device; and

[0043] Figure 3 A flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of associating vital sign data with a user of a portable device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Technologies such as radar-based sensing or optical sensing enable remote (i.e., from a distance, without physical contact) detection of personal vital sign data by a remote device referred to as a vital sign detection device by detecting, for example, micro-movements within a specific distance range. However, if multiple objects (simultaneously or sequentially) use the same space, the personal vital sign data should be associated with the corresponding object.

[0045] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of an exemplary vital sign detection device 100 is shown. The vital sign detection device 100 includes a vital sign detection unit 102, which is configured to remotely detect vital sign data VS1 indicating a vital sign VS of an object 101 located near the vital sign detection device 100 (e.g., in the same room). Detectable vital signs include, but are not limited to, breathing, heartbeat, other micro-movements such as rapid eye movement, and movement of the subject's head, torso, and / or limbs. Vital sign data refers to data indicating the vital signs, and includes, for example, heart rate, respiratory rate, sleep stage, and sleep quality and / or duration.

[0046] Micro-movements may be related to body movements caused by heartbeat and / or breathing. Vital sign data may be derivatives of those heartbeat patterns or breathing patterns, such as heart rate or breathing rate. Additional vital signs include vital signs associated with sleep movements (such as REM or body movements performed when the subject is asleep), which provide indications of the user's sleep duration and sleep quality. In a similar manner, the concentration level (e.g., when the subject is sitting at a table) can be derived from body movement. FMCW radar sensors 110 are preferably used to detect vital signs. Additionally or alternatively, visual or optical sensors 112 (such as cameras or camera arrays) can be used to detect vital signs, for example, based on movements or micro-movements detected in captured camera images. The vital sign detection device 100 is exemplarily shown as a static device. However, portable devices are also possible. In any case, the vital sign detection unit 102 should be directed to a typical object position, that is, a position in the surrounding space or room where the subject is expected to stay for a long time, such as a table, bed, shower, flush toilet, etc.

[0047] Figure 1 The vital sign detection device also includes a detection unit 104, which is configured to detect the presence of a portable device 103 associated with the user 101. Exemplary portable devices include smart phones, smart watches, tables, cameras, or any other device that is dedicated to the user or includes a user profile. Dedicated use may include personal or professional use by the user. The distance determination unit 106 is configured to determine a distance quantity d indicating the distance between the portable device 103 and the object 101. In addition, the data association unit 108 is configured to determine that the distance quantity d indicating the distance between the portable device 103 and the object 101 matches a predetermined distance criterion (e.g., is below a predetermined threshold quantity d). th ), the vital sign data VS1 of the object 101 is associated with the user of the portable device 103. In the case where the relative position of the portable device matches the position where the vital sign has been detected within a predetermined distance range, the detected vital sign data will be associated with the user of the portable device 103.

[0048] Preferably, the detection unit 104 is also configured to detect the state of the portable device and / or the state of the user of the portable device. The vital sign detection unit 102 is then further configured to detect the vital sign data VS1 of the object 101 depending on the detected state of the portable device 103 and / or the detected state of the user. For example, it can be detected that the object or user is sitting or lying down, or that the portable device has changed its orientation and / or has become stationary. It can also be detected that the portable device is being put down (horizontally), placed in / on a charger or charging base. In addition, the state of the user can be derived based on external parameters (such as the current light setting of the room). For example, a desk lamp may be activated (which indicates that the user has started a production task) or a bedroom light may be turned off (which indicates that the user is going to sleep).

[0049] In an exemplary vital sign detection device such as Figure 1 In the device 100), the distance determination unit 106 is configured to determine the relative position of the portable device or a first relative distance d1 or range between the vital sign detection device 100 and the portable device 103. This is preferably done using a positioning technique based on RF signals as is readily known by a person skilled in the art. In addition, the distance determination unit is also configured to detect a relative position (range) or a second relative distance d2 at which a vital sign related movement or micro-movement is detected. Knowledge of the relative position or the first and second relative distances d1 and d2 enables determination of a distance quantity d indicating the distance between the object 101 and the portable device 103.

[0050] Also optionally, the vital sign detection device 100 further comprises a data receiving unit 114, which is configured to receive additional vital sign data VS2 from the portable device 103. Preferably, when an association between the object and the user has been established, the additional vital sign data VS1 is combined with the detected vital sign data VS1 in the user profile. This is particularly advantageous in the case where the portable device has a vital sign tracking unit or an activity tracking unit for ascertaining or tracking vital signs or activity profiles. The portable device (e.g., a phone, a wearable device) is also configured to detect vital sign data, and the data can be combined with the data detected by the vital sign detection device. Alternatively, a switch is made from the portable device to the vital sign detection device 100, particularly once the portable device is placed in a specific state, such as when a watch is taken off, or the phone is put down or docked at a charger. It is also possible that a predefined relative user position (e.g., a bed or table position) and / or a portable device state (e.g., static) is machine-learned or user-configured for a docked personal device (e.g., at a bedside table). When reaching this position and / or state, the vital sign detection device 100 can be configured to start the detection of vital sign data. In this case, the portable device can be placed at a first relative position or distance d1, and the vital sign VS can be detected at a nearby second relative position or distance d2.

[0051] In addition, the additional vital sign data VS2 (e.g., heart rate, breathing rate, movement) collected by the portable device can be used to assist or calibrate the interpretation of the vital sign data VS1 detected by the vital sign detection device 100, for example, to better determine the sleep stage. In particular, the additional data (e.g., additional vital sign data or activity data) provided by the portable device (e.g., a smart watch) is used to provide long-term information to the vital sign detection device 100. For example, the additional data provided by the portable device data is preferably used as a reference indicating the normal heart rate or heart rate profile of the user, and the vital sign data sensed by the vital sign detection device 100 can be interpreted based on the reference data, for example, for classifying the sleep stage of the user.

[0052] Also optionally, the vital sign detection device 100 further comprises a data providing unit 116 configured to provide the portable device 103 with connection data CD indicating a successful association between the object 101 and the user of the portable device 103. The connection data may be used to instruct the portable device to show a visual, audible or tactile notification to indicate that the portable device has begun to associate with the object or has been detected by the vital sign detection device 100. The notification may include a request for the user to accept or reject the association.

[0053] More advanced vital sign detection devices (bundled devices) can be further configured to collect additional health data, such as measuring body temperature, or measuring the user's skin color for given lighting conditions / settings.

[0054] Figure 2 A schematic block diagram of an exemplary lighting arrangement 250 is shown, which includes a vital sign detection device (such as but not necessarily Figure 1 A lighting device 200 of a vital sign detection device 100).

[0055] The lighting arrangement 250 is an exemplary wireless controllable lighting arrangement, which includes a bridge or controller 252 for signal communication with multiple devices, including a first lighting device 200, a second lighting device 254, and a switch 256 for controlling the operation (on / off, lighting settings) of the lighting devices 200, 252 of the lighting arrangement. The lighting device 200 includes a lighting unit 204. The vital sign detection device 100 is integrated into the lighting device 200, which is represented here as a bedside lamp. The lighting device advantageously includes a docking station 202 suitable for docking one or more portable devices or charging one or more portable devices. The docking station may include a connector and / or an inductive charger. The detection unit of the vital sign detection device 100 is connected to the docking station 202 and is also configured to detect the presence of the portable device 103 when the portable device is docked at the docking station 202. Preferably, once the portable device has been detected, the detection of vital sign data begins. In this case, the portable device is in a different relative position compared to the user, so the vital sign detection device is preferably configured to detect the subject (ie his or her vital signs) at a predetermined expected position.

[0056] In such Figure 2 In an example of an example where the vital signs detection device 100 is integrated into the lighting device 200, the lighting device 200 can additionally be controlled to provide an indication of its current sensing state. For example, after docking the portable device, the lighting unit 204 can be directed to briefly flash or emit light to indicate that the vital signs detection device is about to begin vital signs sensing. However, in other examples where the vital signs detection device is not integrated into the lighting device, the arrangement (and in particular the controller 252) can be configured to provide instructions to the lighting device to operate the lighting unit as described above.

[0057] In particular, the operating state of one or more lighting devices 200 , 254 of the lighting arrangement 250 is controllable based on one or more of the vital sign data VS1 , VS2 , the state of the portable device 103 and the state of the user.

[0058] Figure 3A flow chart of an exemplary method 300 for associating vital sign data with a user of a portable device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The method 300 includes, in step 302, acquiring vital sign data indicating a vital sign of a subject. The method also includes, in step 304, detecting the presence of a portable device associated with the user. In addition, the method includes, in step 306, determining a distance quantity d indicating a distance between the portable device and the subject. Upon determining that the distance quantity d between the portable device and the subject matches a predetermined distance criterion (e.g., is below a predetermined threshold quantity dth), the method includes, in step 308, associating the subject with a user of the portable device such that the detected vital sign data is assigned to the user.

[0059] Optionally, as indicated by the dashed box, the method 300 may include, in step 310 , controlling the operation of the lighting device in dependence on the detected vital sign data.

[0060] In other exemplary methods according to the present invention, the order of the steps is relative to Figure 3 The order shown in is variable. For example, the method includes the following steps in a corresponding order:

[0061] a) Detection of portable devices near vital sign detection equipment;

[0062] b) estimating the relative position (range) of the portable device;

[0063] c) acquiring vital sign data, for example based on micro-movements detected by a suitable vital sign detection unit;

[0064] d) determine the relative position (range) where vital signs are detected;

[0065] e) associating the detected vital sign data with a user of the portable device when a predetermined distance match criteria is met; and

[0066] f) Optionally, controlling lighting devices based on vital sign data.

[0067] Any other sequence of steps that results in an association between the object and the user of the portable device falls within the scope of the present invention.

[0068] In summary, the present invention relates to a vital sign detection device having a vital sign detection unit, which is configured to remotely detect vital sign data indicative of vital signs of an object located in the vicinity of the vital sign detection device. The vital sign detection device also includes: a detection unit configured to detect the presence of a portable device associated with a user; a distance determination unit configured to determine a distance amount indicative of a distance between the portable device and the object; and a data association unit configured to associate the vital sign data of the object with the user of the portable device when it is determined that the distance amount matches a predetermined distance criterion. Therefore, the vital sign detection device is suitable for use in a space accessed by multiple objects.

[0069] Some other examples of the present invention may include a monitoring device (100) having a monitoring unit (102) configured to remotely detect / monitor monitoring data indicating characteristics of an object (101) located near the monitoring device, the monitoring device also comprising: a detection unit (104) configured to detect the presence of a portable device (103) associated with a user (101); a distance determination unit (106) configured to determine a distance quantity (d) indicating a distance between the portable device and the object; and a data association unit (108) configured to associate the monitoring data of the object with a user of the portable device when it is determined that the distance quantity matches a predetermined distance criterion.

[0070] In this example, the portable device (103) may be associated with a user for exclusive use, or include a user profile. The characteristics may include: health-related characteristics, such as fall detection, vital sign detection, breathing detection, sleep monitoring, etc.; and / or user's activities, such as exercise, cooking, etc. Other health-related measures and / or activities are not excluded.

[0071] It should be understood that the above examples may also be combined with any other embodiments of the present invention.

[0072] Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0073] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0074] A single unit or device may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0075] The processes performed by one or several units or devices (such as processing of detection signals for measuring vital signs, authentication, control of vital sign monitoring systems, etc.) can be performed by any other number of units or devices. These processes (especially the control of vital sign monitoring systems according to the control method implemented) can be implemented as program code means of a computer program and / or as dedicated hardware.

[0076] The computer program may be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium, provided together with or as a part of other hardware; but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet, or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems.

[0077] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A vital sign detection device (100) having a vital sign detection unit (102), the vital sign detection unit (102) being configured to remotely detect vital sign data indicative of a vital sign of an object (101) located near the vital sign detection device, the vital sign detection device further comprising: - a detection unit (104) configured to detect the presence of a portable device (103) associated with a user (101), wherein the portable device (103) is associated with the user for exclusive use or comprises a user profile; - a distance determination unit (106) configured to determine a distance quantity (d) indicative of a distance between the portable device and the object; and - a data association unit (108) configured to associate the vital sign data of the subject with a user of the portable device upon determining that the distance measure matches a predetermined distance criterion.

2. The vital sign detection device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the detectable vital signs include one or more of heartbeat, breathing, rapid eye movement, head movement, torso movement and limb movement.

3. The vital sign detection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vital sign detection unit (102) comprises a radio frequency sensor (110) and / or an optical sensor (112).

4. The vital sign detection device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection unit is further configured to detect a state of the portable device, and wherein the vital sign detection unit is further configured to detect vital sign data of the object depending on the detected state of the portable device.

5. The vital sign detection device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection unit is further configured to detect a state of a user of the portable device, and wherein the vital sign detection unit is further configured to detect vital signal data depending on the detected state of the user.

6. A vital sign detection device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance determination unit (106) is configured to determine a first relative position (d1) of the portable device, a second relative position of the object, and use the determined first relative position and second relative position to determine the distance between the portable device and the object.

7. The vital sign detection device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance determination unit (106) is configured to determine the distance (d) using a positioning technique based on radio frequency signals.

8. The vital sign detection device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a data merging unit (114), which is configured to merge the additional vital sign data acquired by the portable device with the vital sign data detected in the user profile when an association between the object and the user has been established.

9. The vital sign detection device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a data providing unit (116), wherein the data providing unit (116) is configured to provide connection data (CD) to the portable device (103), wherein the connection data (CD) indicates a successful association between the object (101) and a user of the portable device (103).

10. The vital sign detection device (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a docking station (202) for charging a portable device, and wherein the detection unit (104) is connected to the docking station and is further configured to detect the presence of the portable device (103) when the portable device is docked at the docking station (202).

11. A lighting device (200) comprising the vital sign detection device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

12. A lighting arrangement (250) comprising a vital sign detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and one or more lighting devices (200, 254), and wherein the operating state of the one or more lighting devices is controllable based on one or more of vital sign data, a state of a portable device and a state of a user.

13. A method (300) of associating vital sign data with a user of a portable device, the method comprising: - acquiring (302) vital sign data indicative of vital signs of the subject; - detecting (304) the presence of a portable device associated with a user, wherein the portable device (103) is associated with the user for exclusive use or comprises a user profile; - determining (306) a distance quantity indicative of a distance between the portable device and the object; and - upon determining that the distance matches a predetermined distance criterion, associating the object with a user of the portable device (308).

14. The method (300) of claim 13, further comprising - Controlling the operation of the lighting device in dependence on the detected vital sign data (310).

15. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a vital sign detection device, cause the vital sign detection device to perform the method according to claim 13 or 14.

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