Mobile medical container for automated collection of diagnostic data and provision of treatment data

Abstract

Mobile medical container (10) for automated recording of diagnostic data and provision of treatment data comprehensive - a treatment room (1) that is accessible to a patient, transportable by means of transport devices (8) and enclosed by container walls (7), - one treatment unit (11), - at least one sensor (12) for automated acquisition of diagnostic data, which is arranged in the treatment unit (11) and / or in the container walls (7), - a data processing system (16) arranged inside or outside the mobile medical container (10a, 10b) and configured to process diagnostic data provided by the at least one sensor (12) with a computer program executable by the data processing system (16) and / or with the aid of a physician (20) located outside the mobile medical container (10a, 10b) in order to provide treatment data, wherein the computer program comprises a neural network trained by diagnostic data provided by the at least one sensor (12), and wherein the computer program additionally comprises a threshold regarding the uncertainty of the result calculated by the neural network, and - a transmitting unit (61) and a receiving unit (62) which are designed such that medical containers (10a, 10b) share the diagnostic data provided by the sensors 12 and the treatment data obtained with each other, so that the neural networks of the respective medical containers 10ab, 10b are trained on the shared data sets. - a data playback system (13) designed to provide the treatment data supplied by the data processing system (16) to the patient - and at least one power supply module (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a mobile medical container for the automated acquisition of diagnostic data and provision of treatment data.

[0002] Nowadays, situations frequently arise where medical care is provided outside of doctors' offices, hospitals, or home visits. This is often the case, for example, at events where large numbers of people gather, such as trade fairs, festivals, or music festivals, or in disaster areas where conventional medical facilities are too far away, overloaded, or even damaged.

[0003] In such cases, it is common practice to use mobile medical containers. These can be set up wherever they are needed. With the equipment provided in the medical container, patients can then be examined and treated according to their condition without having to travel long distances or wait for extended periods.

[0004] However, conventional medical containers have the disadvantage that (medical) personnel are always required to care for patients. Patients are generally unable to use the provided medical equipment on their own. Therefore, personnel must always be present to conduct examinations and provide the necessary care.

[0005] CN 000114093519 A discloses machine learning methods for predicting oxygen therapy, and in particular, devices, systems, and methods for training one or more neural networks—at least partially based on medical imaging data and clinical metadata—or for inference using one or more such trained neural networks. In at least one embodiment, this includes one or more circuits for training one or more neural networks to predict treatment for a patient suspected of having or confirmed to have COVID-19—at least partially based on medical imaging data and clinical metadata.

[0006] WO 2018 / 236627 A1 discloses systems and methods for examining patients and generating diagnostic medical data to provide automated diagnoses and treatment recommendations for patients and physicians. Various embodiments of the present invention provide patients with diagnostic tools and audio / video instructions to reliably and accurately perform clinically precise diagnostic measurements of important vital signs.

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a mobile medical container for the automated acquisition of diagnostic data and the provision of treatment data, which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and, in particular, uses the diagnostic data acquired by sensors to train a neural network in order to provide patient-adapted treatment data. This object is achieved by a mobile medical container for the automated acquisition of diagnostic data and the provision of treatment data according to the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the respective claims.

[0008] The invention comprises a mobile medical container for the automated acquisition of diagnostic data and the provision of treatment data. This container includes a treatment room enclosed by container walls and accessible to a patient, a treatment unit, at least one sensor for the automated acquisition of diagnostic data, a data processing system, and a data playback system. The data processing system is arranged inside or outside the mobile medical container and is configured to process diagnostic data provided by the at least one sensor using a computer program executable by the data processing system and / or with the assistance of a physician located outside the mobile medical container, in order to provide treatment data. The data playback system is configured to provide the treatment data provided by the data processing system to the patient.The sensors are designed to automatically measure and examine the patient without complicated operation. The patient then receives the therapy determined by the computer program or the external physician via the display system. Therefore, no personnel are required on-site for the patient examination.

[0009] Advantageously, the data processing system includes a storage unit for providing a database. This database contains, on the one hand, a certain baseline of medical diagnoses and therapies, and on the other hand, the diagnostic data and therapies previously recorded by the sensors. Furthermore, the computer program is designed to generate treatment data by processing the diagnostic data provided by at least one sensor and data from the database. Thus, the patient's medical history can be considered alongside the sensor data when making a diagnosis, and on the other hand, the diagnostic data recorded by the sensors can be compared with previous cases to determine the therapy more reliably.

[0010] According to the invention, the computer program comprises a neural network that is trained using diagnostic data provided by at least one sensor. The existing medical diagnoses and therapies serve as the training dataset, which is expanded in real time by the diagnostic data acquired by the sensors. Using the neural network, the computer program can independently classify the patient's diagnostic data and, ideally, determine treatment data without consulting an external physician. Thus, consulting a physician is limited to individual cases, for example, when the neural network's results are too uncertain.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, the at least one sensor is arranged in the treatment unit and / or in the container walls. If the treatment unit is, for example, a treatment chair, sensors can be arranged in the armrests and headrest, which can rest against the patient's head or be grasped by the patient's hand. It is also conceivable to arrange sensors on the ceiling or the floor.

[0012] According to a technically preferred aspect, at least one sensor is a piezoelectric, capacitive, inductive, optical (camera), or acoustic (microphone) sensor. These sensors are primarily for recording patient diagnostic data. Examples include sensors for measuring blood pressure, blood sugar, or pulse. The patient's weight can also be measured using scales in the aforementioned treatment chair. A camera can be used to scan wounds, and a microphone can be used to listen to the patient. In addition to the sensors for recording diagnostic data, it is conceivable to include sensors for monitoring the medical container itself. These could monitor, for example, room temperature, humidity, or air quality to ensure the patient's comfort and safety during use of the medical container.

[0013] Preferably, the data display system includes at least one screen and / or at least one speaker. The screen can graphically display diagnostic data and the resulting treatment data, making them understandable to the patient. The speakers allow the computer program or a physician to further explain the therapy results. If a physician is involved, a video consultation between doctor and patient can also be conducted via the speakers and screen, in combination with a microphone and camera. It is also conceivable to display messages to the patient on the screen or to announce them via the speakers, such as a request to touch a sensor or to take a seat in a treatment chair.

[0014] According to the invention, the medical container comprises a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. This allows a first mobile medical container to send data to and receive data from a second mobile medical container. Thus, the diagnostic and treatment data stored in the database can be exchanged between the individual medical containers. In this way, the associated neural networks of all interconnected medical containers learn from each other and can generate more reliable treatment data.

[0015] According to a preferred design, the transmitting and receiving units are configured to send and receive radio waves. This enables communication according to common standards such as WLAN, WMAN, WWAN, or WPAN. It is also conceivable to include communication via traditional connections such as DSL, fiber optic, power lines, or similar.

[0016] One advantageous feature of the medical container is its integrated disinfection system for disinfecting the treatment room. This allows surfaces to be cleaned after each patient's use, for example, by spraying a disinfectant. Patient wounds can also be disinfected in this way.

[0017] Technically advantageous, the medical container includes a door and a control unit for opening and closing the door. The control unit incorporates a card reader for reading a patient card. This patient card can be the standard German health insurance card. Using the card reader, patient data can be read, allowing diagnostic data to be assigned to a specific patient. Only after the patient has been identified is the door of the medical container opened, allowing the patient to enter the treatment room and be examined.

[0018] Advantageously, the medical container also includes a ventilation system. This system facilitates air exchange in the treatment room, which can be achieved with outside air or specially supplied air. It incorporates an air filtration system that continuously filters incoming air or air already present in the treatment room.

[0019] According to the invention, the medical container also includes at least one power supply module. This enables the medical container to be used even in locations where an external power supply is not possible. The power supply module can be photovoltaic modules, a generator, or a battery.

[0020] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to an example shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0021] They show: Fig. 1 a mobile medical container according to the invention from the outside Fig. 2 the treatment room located inside the medical container according to the invention Fig. 3 Communication pathways of two medical containers according to the invention

[0022] In Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary mobile medical container 10 according to the invention for the automated acquisition of diagnostic data and the provision of treatment data. The container is formed by the container walls 7, a floor, and a ceiling. To facilitate the transport of the medical container, transport devices 8 are attached to the outside. In the illustrated embodiment, this includes guide rails 8 under the container floor, which are suitable for receiving forklift tines, and eyelets 8 on the ceiling, which allow attachment to a crane via ropes.

[0023] The controllable door 2 is located on the wall of container 7. Next to it is the associated control element 3, including the card reader 31 for reading a patient card. The control element 3 can also include finger vein recognition. Door 2 is only unlocked from the outside after the patient has been identified by the control element. Exiting the medical container 10 through door 2 from the inside is always possible.

[0024] Furthermore, a transmitter unit 61 and a receiver unit 62 are located on the outside of the medical container 10, which are in Fig. Section 3 will be described in more detail. In the example shown, the power supply module 4 is located on the ceiling wall. It can be designed as a photovoltaic module, generator, or battery. The ventilation system 5 is also located on the ceiling. It ensures the exchange of air between the interior and the outside air. An integrated air filter system cleans the air in treatment room 1 and removes, for example, exhaust fumes or other harmful components from outside air before it is supplied to treatment room 1.

[0025] Fig. Figure 2 shows the treatment room 1 inside the mobile medical container 10. This room is completely enclosed by the container walls 7. It contains a treatment unit 11, in this configuration a treatment chair, several sensors 12, a data processing system 16, and a data playback system 13. The multifunctional treatment chair acts as the treatment unit 11, providing a seat for the patient during the examination. The sensors 12 for the automated acquisition of diagnostic data are located on this treatment unit 11 and on the container walls 7. These include piezoelectric, capacitive, inductive, optical, and acoustic sensors.In this example, the treatment unit includes sensors 12 such as a scale, a pulse sensor in the armrest and back cushion of the treatment chair, a blood pressure sensor, a blood glucose sensor in the hand warmers, and a microphone at head height. The treatment unit also includes 7 sensors 12 such as an odor sensor or a camera, which can also be configured as a wound scanner. An emergency button 14 is also located on the treatment unit 11, allowing the patient to establish a direct connection to a doctor 20 in case of acute illness. Furthermore, it is conceivable to provide the patient with additional input options by providing a keyboard, a camera for sign language recognition, or a drawing board.

[0026] In addition to the sensors 12 for the automated acquisition of diagnostic data, sensors 12 are arranged in the treatment room 1 which monitor room temperature, humidity, contamination or similar within the treatment room 1.

[0027] The data processing system 16 is located within treatment room 1. However, a configuration in which the data processing system 16 interacts externally, for example via a cloud connection with the medical container 10, is also possible. This data processing system 16 comprises a computer program that processes the diagnostic data provided by the sensors 12 and derives treatment data from it. A neural network assists in classifying the diagnostic data. The neural network is trained on data stored in a database, which contains basic diagnostic and treatment data as a training dataset. The database is further expanded with additional diagnostic data provided by the sensors 12 and the resulting treatment data, allowing the neural network to continuously learn. In this way, the computer program can independently process diagnostic data into treatment data.To avoid errors, the computer program also includes a threshold value regarding the uncertainty of the result calculated by the neural network. If the result is too uncertain, an external physician 20 is consulted to monitor or take over the collection of the treatment data. The communication channel to the physician 20 is in . Fig. 3 indicated.

[0028] The data display system 13 provides the patient with the collected treatment data. It includes a screen and a speaker. The treatment data is displayed graphically on the screen and explained via the speaker. When consulting a physician 20, the data display system 13, along with sensors 12 such as the camera and microphone, also enables a video consultation between the physician 20 and the patient. In addition to the treatment data, messages for the patient, such as a request to touch a sensor 12, can also be played back. Output can be in the form of text, sign language, photos, videos, graphics, or audio signals.

[0029] Treatment room 1 also includes a disinfection system 15. This system enables disinfection after the use of sensors 12 or other surfaces of the treatment unit 11 or in treatment room 1 by a patient. Disinfection can be carried out by spraying a disinfectant onto the surfaces, by irradiation with UV light, or similar methods. It is conceivable that the disinfection system 15 includes further disinfection stations suitable for disinfecting wounds on the patient.

[0030] In Fig. Figure 3 schematically illustrates how a mobile medical container 10a communicates with another mobile medical container 10b or an external physician 20. The communication is facilitated by the [details omitted]. Fig.The transmitter unit 61 and receiver unit 62 described in section 1 enable this. They are configured such that a first medical container 10a can send data to a second medical container 10b, which can then receive the data. Likewise, the second medical container 10b can send data in the opposite direction, which can then be received by the first medical container 10a. Thus, the medical containers 10ab and 10b can share their data with each other, in particular the diagnostic data provided by the sensors 12 and the treatment data determined, or even their location, so that the neural networks of the respective medical containers 10ab and 10b are trained on the shared datasets. The transmitter unit 61 and the receiver unit 62 enable communication not only with a single other medical container 10b but also communication between a large number of medical containers 10.It is also conceivable to provide a cloud that aggregates and monitors the data of all medical containers 10 and with which communication takes place via the transmitting unit 61 and the receiving unit 62. Additionally, this enables bidirectional communication with the external physician 20.

[0031] All communication takes place via the transmitting unit 61 and the receiving unit 62 according to common standards such as WLAN, WMAN, WWAN, WPAN, Bluetooth, ZigBee, NFC, Wibree, optical directional radio and LiFi in the infrared or optical frequency range. Furthermore, the transmitting unit 61 and the receiving unit 62 can also be configured to enable communication via connections such as DSL, fiber optic or power cables.

Claims

[1] Mobile medical container (10) for automated recording of diagnostic data and provision of treatment data comprehensive - a treatment room (1) that is accessible to a patient, transportable by means of transport devices (8) and enclosed by container walls (7), - one treatment unit (11), - at least one sensor (12) for automated acquisition of diagnostic data, which is arranged in the treatment unit (11) and / or in the container walls (7), - a data processing system (16) arranged inside or outside the mobile medical container (10a, 10b) and configured to process diagnostic data provided by the at least one sensor (12) with a computer program executable by the data processing system (16) and / or with the aid of a physician (20) located outside the mobile medical container (10a, 10b) in order to provide treatment data, wherein the computer program comprises a neural network trained by diagnostic data provided by the at least one sensor (12), and wherein the computer program additionally comprises a threshold regarding the uncertainty of the result calculated by the neural network, and - a transmitting unit (61) and a receiving unit (62) which are designed such that medical containers (10a, 10b) share the diagnostic data provided by the sensors 12 and the treatment data obtained with each other, so that the neural networks of the respective medical containers 10ab, 10b are trained on the shared data sets. - a data playback system (13) designed to provide the treatment data supplied by the data processing system (16) to the patient - and at least one power supply module (4). [2] Mobile medical container (10) according to claim 1, wherein the data processing system (16) comprises a storage unit for providing a database, and wherein the computer program is configured to provide the treatment data by processing the diagnostic data provided by the at least one sensor (12) and data from the database. [3] Mobile medical container (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sensor (12) is a piezoelectric, a capacitive, an inductive, an optical or an acoustic sensor. [4] Mobile medical container (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the data playback system (13) comprises at least one screen and / or at least one loudspeaker. [5] Mobile medical container (10) Claim 9, wherein the transmitting unit (61) and the receiving unit (62) are configured to transmit and receive radio waves (63). [6] Mobile medical container (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a disinfection system (15) for disinfecting the treatment room (1). [7] Mobile medical container (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a door (2) and a control element (3) for opening and closing the door (2), wherein the control element (3) comprises a card reading element (31) for reading a patient card. [8] Mobile medical container (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a ventilation system (5).

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