Private booth for medical teleconsultation and secure booth privatization process.

The private booth for medical teleconsultation addresses the need for healthcare assistant presence by integrating user detection and UV cleaning, enabling secure and comprehensive teleconsultations without on-site personnel.

FR3149335B1Active Publication Date: 2026-02-06EXO SANTE
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
FR2023005340
Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-05-30
Publication Date
2026-02-06
Estimated Expiration
2043-05-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing teleconsultation terminals require the presence of a healthcare assistant for safety, occupying valuable pharmacy space and imposing significant responsibility on pharmacists, and are limited to non-urgent or generic health advice.

Method used

A private booth for medical teleconsultation equipped with user detection, door locking, and ultraviolet cleaning systems, along with a remote management system to ensure secure and autonomous operation, allowing advanced teleconsultations without on-site personnel.

Benefits of technology

Facilitates secure and reliable teleconsultations by ensuring user presence and booth hygiene, reducing the need for on-site healthcare professionals and enabling more comprehensive medical consultations.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 00000012_0000
    Figure 00000012_0000
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

A private booth for medical teleconsultations and a method for secure booth privatization. The invention relates mainly to a private booth (1) for conducting medical teleconsultations, comprising a frame (2) and an access door (3), locking means (4) for the door (3) operable between a locked and an unlocked state, a medical teleconsultation terminal (5) configured to be connected to a remote computer network, means for detecting a user (6) inside the booth (1), control means (8) connected to the locking means (4) for the door (3) and to the user detection means (6), and which are configured to generate a level of correlation between data from the detection means (6, 7) on the one hand and the locking means (4) on the other hand and, if the level of correlation is less than a determined threshold, to generate an alert signal and send it via the remote network.Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig 1.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Title of the invention: Private booth for medical teleconsultation and method for secure booth privatization. technical field

[0001] The invention falls within the field of private cabins installed in places open to the public.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to secure access to the cabin and its maintenance between two accesses. PRIOR ART AND DISADVANTAGES OF PRIOR ART

[0003] Faced with the shortage of healthcare professionals affecting most countries, remote consultations—or teleconsultations—from the patient's home have become commonplace. They allow anyone with a computer device such as a tablet or personal computer to consult a doctor remotely.

[0004] These teleconsultations, however, remain limited to non-urgent situations, or even to generic health advice.

[0005] To ensure more advanced and reliable teleconsultations, there are teleconsultation terminals - or telemedicine terminals - equipped with means of communication with the doctor but also with means of measuring biological parameters of the patient user, such as blood pressure or body temperature.

[0006] Although reliable, these teleconsultation terminals often require the presence of at least one healthcare assistant for safety reasons.

[0007] In practice, teleconsultation kiosks are generally installed in locations that allow for rapid intervention by such a healthcare professional in case of emergency, typically pharmacies. The space available for the pharmacy is therefore reduced. Furthermore, a significant responsibility falls upon the pharmacists and healthcare professionals present. OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The invention thus aims to provide a private booth for medical teleconsultation which resolves the disadvantages mentioned above. Description of the invention

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a private booth for conducting a medical teleconsultation, comprising a frame and an access door, door locking means operable between a locked state and an unlocked state, a medical teleconsultation terminal configured to be connected to a remote computer network, and means for detecting a user inside the booth. control means linked to the door locking means and the user detection means, and which are configured to generate a level of correlation between data from the detection means and the locking means, and, if the level of correlation is less than a determined threshold, to generate an alert signal and send it via the remote network.

[0010] The cabin of the invention may also include the following optional features considered individually or according to all possible technical combinations: - The cabin includes means for cleaning the interior of the cabin controlled by the control means. - The cleaning means include ultraviolet irradiation means connected to electrical supply means controlled by the control means. - The cabin includes voice communication equipment configured to be connected to the remote network. - The detection means include at least one sensor for the presence of a user inside said cabin. - The presence sensor is mounted on an adjustable bracket, which bracket is movable on a wall of the cabin frame. - The cabin includes at least two presence sensors oriented in two different directions so as to monitor the entire interior space of the cabin.

[0011] The invention also relates to a method for the secure privatization of a cabin as described above, which method comprises at least the successive steps of: • Activation by a user of the locking means towards their unlocked configuration, followed by the opening of the door; • Closing of the door and locking of the locking means by the control means after a first determined time; • Activation of the user detection devices inside the cabin; • If the detection means detect the presence of the user in the cabin, the control means assign an occupied state to the cabin; • If the detection means detect an absence of the user in the cabin, the control means conclude that there is an anomaly, assign an abnormal state to the cabin, then generate and send an alert via the remote computer network.

[0012] The process of the invention may also include the following optional features considered individually or according to all possible technical combinations: - With the cabin in its occupied state, the process includes at least the following successive additional steps: • Opening the door; • Closing of the door and locking of the locking means by the control means after a second determined time; • Activation of the user detection devices inside the cabin; • If the detection means confirm the absence of the user inside the cabin, the control means assign the cabin the empty state; • If the detection means detect the presence of the user inside the cabin, the control means conclude that there is an anomaly, assign the cabin the abnormal state, then generate and send an alert via the remote computer network. - The cabin includes ultraviolet irradiation means connected to power supply means controlled by the control means, which process includes, following the step of closing the door and locking the locking means and if the detection means confirm the absence of the user inside the cabin, a cleaning step by ultraviolet irradiation for a third determined time. PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

[0013] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the description given below, by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the attached figure:

[0014] [Fig.1] Fig.1 represents a schematic view of the privatizable cabin of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] It is first specified that the figure essentially represents one embodiment of the object of the invention but that there may be other embodiments which meet the definition of the invention.

[0016] The present invention relates to a private booth for conducting a secure medical teleconsultation.

[0017] With reference to [Fig. 1], the cabin 1 comprises a chassis 2, typically a system The modular construction includes an access door 3 and automatic locking means 4 for this access door 3. The locking means 4 comprise an electric strike 13 controlled by an electrically powered relay 14, which relay is electrically connected to a human-machine interface 15, in particular a keypad. The strike 13 can be actuated between an unlocked state, in which the door 3 can be moved between an open and a closed state, and a locked state, in which the door 3 is closed and cannot be moved to its open state. The open state of the door 3 is defined as the door being in a state that allows a patient—or user—to enter the cabin 1, as opposed to the closed state of the door 3, which prevents access to the cabin.Door 3 further includes opening means arranged inside cabin 1 - in particular a panic bar - which allows the user inside the cabin to open door 3, even if the locking means 4 are locked, for example in the event of a power outage.

[0018] Finally, the door 3 includes means for detecting the open or closed state of the door 3 relative to the chassis 2 of the cabin 1.

[0019] The private booth 1 also includes control means 8 connected via an internet router 17 to a main remote computer network. These computer control means 8 include, for example, an electronic card comprising a processor and at least one memory space in which at least one software program for controlling the various elements of the booth 1 is installed. The keypad 15 and the electrical relay 14 controlling the door strike 13 are connected to these control means 8 of the booth 1.

[0020] Cabin 1 further includes a medical teleconsultation terminal 5 which is connected via a second remote computer network to a medical appointment management platform. This second computer network is separate from the main computer network, so as to maintain the confidentiality, where applicable, of the identity of the healthcare practitioners. In some embodiments, a gateway may exist between the main computer network and the second computer network.

[0021] Cabin 1 also includes means for detecting 6 of a user inside cabin 1.

[0022] Particularly advantageously, the detection means 1 comprise at least two detection sensors 7a, 7b, for example infrared or sound sensors, connected to the control means 8 of the cabin 1, and which are arranged so as to leave no blind spot in the detection area inside the cabin 1.

[0023] To further improve the coverage area of ​​sensors 7a, 7b, these are mounted on adjustable and orientable supports on the walls of chassis 2 of cabin 1, including the ceiling and floor walls.

[0024] Cabin 1 also includes voice communication means 12 - for example an intercom installed in cabin 1 and comprising at least a loudspeaker and a microphone - connected to the router 17. These voice communication means have the advantage of remaining functional even in the event of a power failure.

[0025] Finally, the booth 1 includes cleaning means 9 for the interior of the booth 1, ideally ultraviolet irradiation means 10 connected to a socket 11 connected to the control means 8. These irradiation means 9 are intended to eliminate germs, bacteria, and viruses inside the booth 1 between two teleconsultations. Furthermore, these ultraviolet irradiation means 10 are positioned so as to maximize the surface area and volume of irradiation within the booth 1.

[0026] The control means 8 of the cabin 1 are configured to generate a level of correlation between the data returned by the presence sensors 7a, 7b, the data returned by the locking means 4 and where applicable the data returned by the cleaning means 9. These control means 8 are further configured to generate an alert signal and send it via the remote network if the generated level of correlation is less than a determined threshold.

[0027] In particular, the level of correlation will be below the determined threshold – which will lead to the generation of an alert – in the following cases: • The detection means 6 detect the presence of a user in the cabin 1 and the control means 8 detect a non-zero power at the connected socket 11 of the ultraviolet irradiation means 10; • The control means 8 detect a non-zero power at the connected socket 11 of the ultraviolet irradiation means 10 and detect that the locking means 4 are in an unlocked state and / or that the door 3 is open; • The detection means 6 detect the presence of a user in the cabin and the control means 8 detect that the locking means 4 are in an unlocked state and / or that the door 3 is open.

[0028] In other cases, the level of correlation will be greater than the determined threshold.

[0029] The invention also relates to a remote booking interface, which allows Users can book a consultation slot with a healthcare practitioner in booth 1. This booking interface is linked to the medical appointment management platform of each teleconsultation kiosk 5 in each deployed booth 1. Advantageously, this interface is also capable of sending appointment reminders, for example, by email.

[0030] The invention also relates to a remote management system for cabin 1, and preferably of a plurality of private cabins 1, each including a medical teleconsultation terminal 5. This management system is connected to the control means 8 via the router 17 of each cabin 1, to the medical appointment management platform of each medical teleconsultation terminal 5 and to the remote booking interface.

[0031] The management system is specifically configured to retrieve all data generated by cabin 1, i.e. data from detection sensors 7a, 7b, locking means 4, intercom 12, cleaning means 9, as well as alerts generated by control means 8 of cabin 1. The management system also retrieves information relating to medical appointments, and is capable of relaying user security alerts when necessary.

[0032] The invention also relates to a method of secure privatization of cabin 1 to carry out a teleconsultation.

[0033] In a first step, the user connects via a computer device—for example, a microcomputer or tablet—to the online booking interface and reserves a time slot both with a healthcare practitioner and for the use of a booth 1 according to the invention for a medical teleconsultation. Alternatively, only a time slot for the booth can be booked via the platform, and the booking of a consultation with a healthcare practitioner is carried out through a separate process, via a specific medical booking platform. Once the booking is confirmed, the user receives an appointment confirmation as well as a code to be used to unlock the locking mechanism of the booth 1.Furthermore, the information relating to this reservation - that is to say at least the identifier of the reserved cabin 1, where applicable the name of the practitioner, the contact details of the user and the time slot, the code to unlock the locking means 4 of the reserved cabin 1 - are sent to the management system of the teleconsultation cabin(s) 1.

[0034] On the day and at the time of the appointment, cabin 1 being empty and accessible, In a second step of the process, the user approaches the reserved cabin 1 and enters their code on the keypad 15. If the code is correct, the control means 8 of cabin 1 unlock the locking means 4: the relay 14 is activated and the strike plate 13 is released. The user opens the door 3 and enters cabin 1. Alternatively, the opening of door 3 is automatic and controlled by the control means 8 of cabin 1. If the strike plate 13 is released and door 3 opens before the code is entered, or if door 3 does not open despite the correct code being entered, the control means 8 conclude that there is a malfunction and generate a maintenance alert for cabin 1, which is transmitted to the management system.

[0035] During a third step, after a first determined time, for example 15 In seconds, the control means 8 control the closing of door 3 and actuate the locking means 4 to their locked position. Alternatively, if the closing of door 3 is manual, and this door 3 has not been closed by the user after the elapsed of the first determined time, the control means 8 conclude that there is a malfunction and generate a maintenance alert transmitted to the management means.

[0036] In a fourth step, the control means 8 actuate the user's detection sensors 7a, 7b.

[0037] If sensors 7a, 7b do not detect any noise and / or movement after a predetermined second time, then the control means 8 conclude that there is an anomaly related to the patient's behavior, assign an abnormal state to cabin 1, and then generate and send an alert related to the patient's behavior to the management system. In this specific case, the management system can establish a connection via the internet router 17 of cabin 1 with the control means 8 to emit an audio signal that will be broadcast through the intercom speaker 12. If there is no response from the patient, emergency services are dispatched to the scene.

[0038] If the sensors 7a, 7b detect at least one movement and / or at least one noise in the cabin 1, the control means 8 assign to the cabin the state occupied by a user, who then carries out his teleconsultation.

[0039] During an optional fifth step, at the end of the teleconsultation, the teleconsultation terminal 5 informs the control means 8, via the medical appointment management platform, that the appointment is over.

[0040] The control means 8 operate the opening of door 3. Alternatively, and preferably, door 3 is opened manually by the user. In all cases, if door 3 does not open after a predetermined third time, the control means 8 conclude that there is a malfunction and generate a maintenance alert transmitted to the management means.

[0041] Once the door 3 is open, the control means 8 control, after a fourth determined time, the closing of the door 3 and the locking of the locking means 4.

[0042] During a sixth step, the control means actuate the user's detection sensors 7a, 7b.

[0043] If sensors 7a, 7b detect at least one noise and / or movement in cabin 1, then the control means 8 conclude that there is an anomaly related to the patient's behavior, assign an abnormal state to cabin 1, and then generate and send an alert related to the patient's behavior to the management system. In this specific case, the management system can establish a link via the internet router 17 of cabin 1 with the control means 8 to emit an audio signal that will be broadcast from the top- Intercom speaker 12. With no response from the patient, emergency services are dispatched to the scene.

[0044] If sensors 7a, 7b do not detect movement and / or noise in cabin 1, control means 8 assign cabin 1 the state empty and inaccessible to a user.

[0045] Finally, in a last step, the control means 8 activate the ultraviolet irradiation means 10 for a predetermined fifth time, and assign the cabin 1 the cleaning state. At the end of this fifth time, the control means 8 cut off the power supply to the irradiation means 10 and assign the cabin 1 the empty state, accessible to a user. This information is sent to the management means.

[0046] If during the cleaning period, the control means 8 do not detect power at the connected socket 11 of the irradiation means 9, and / or if the control means 8 detect an unlocking of the locking means 4 and / or an opening of the door 3 and / or an irradiation time different from the planned irradiation time, then the control means 8 control the shutdown of the power supply to the irradiation means 10 and conclude that there is a malfunction of the cabin 1 and generate a maintenance alert transmitted to the management means.

[0047] If, during the cleaning period, sensors 7a and 7b detect a user inside cabin 1, then control means 8 shut off the power supply to the irradiation equipment 10, conclude that there is an anomaly related to the patient's behavior, and assign cabin 1 an abnormal state. The control means generate and send an alert related to the patient's behavior to the management system. In this specific case, the management system can establish a connection via the internet router 17 of cabin 1 with the control means 8 to transmit an audio signal that will be broadcast on the intercom speaker 12. If there is no response from the patient, emergency services are dispatched to the scene.

[0048] The cabin 1 of the invention and the management system for a plurality of these cabins 1 make it possible to facilitate teleconsultations, making them more secure without requiring health and / or security personnel on site during the teleconsultations.

Claims

Demands

1. A private booth (1) for conducting a medical teleconsultation, comprising a frame (2) and an access door (3), locking means (4) for the door (3) operable between a locked state and an unlocked state, a medical teleconsultation terminal (5) configured to be connected to a remote computer network, means for detecting a user (6) inside the booth (1), control means (8) connected to the locking means (4) for the door (3) and to the user detection means (6), and which are configured to generate a level of correlation between data from the detection means (6, 7) and the locking means (4), and, if the level of correlation is less than a determined threshold, to generate an alert signal and send it via the remote network.

2. Cabin (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it includes means for cleaning the interior of the cabin controlled by the control means (8).

3. Cabin (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the cleaning means (9) comprise ultraviolet irradiation means (10) connected to power supply means (11) controlled by the control means (8).

4. Cabin (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises voice communication means (12) configured to be connected to the remote network.

5. Cabin (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection means (6) comprise at least one presence sensor (7a, 7b) of a user inside said cabin (1).

6. Cabin (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the presence sensor (7a, 7b) is mounted on an adjustable support, which support is movablely mounted on a wall of the frame (2) of the cabin (1).

7. Cabin according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that it comprises at least two presence sensors (7a, 7b) oriented in two different directions so as to monitor the entire interior space of the cabin (1).

8. A method for the secure privatization of a cabin (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the cabin (1) being empty and the door

9. access (3) locked, which procedure includes at least the successive steps of: • Activation by a user of the locking means (4) towards their unlocked configuration, followed by the opening of the door (3); • Closing of the door (3) and locking of the locking means (4) by the control means after a first determined time; • Activation of the user detection means (6) inside the cabin (1); • If the detection means (6) detect the presence of the user in the cabin (1), the control means (8) assign the cabin (1) an occupied state; • If the detection means (6) detect an absence of the user in the cabin (1), the control means (8) conclude that there is an anomaly, assign an abnormal state to the cabin (1), then generate and send an alert via the remote computer network; A method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, with the cabin (1) in its occupied state, the method comprises the following successive additional steps: • Opening the door (3); • Closing the door (3) and locking the means of condemnation (4) by the means of control (8) after a second determined time; • Activation of the user detection means (6) inside the cabin (1); • If the detection means (6) confirm the absence of the user inside the cabin (1), the control means (8) assign the cabin (1) the empty state; • If the detection means (6) detect the presence of the user inside the cabin (1), the control means (8) conclude that there is an anomaly, assign the abnormal state to the cabin (1), then generate and send an alert via the remote computer network.

10. A method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the cabin (1) comprises ultraviolet irradiation means (10) connected to power supply means (11) controlled by the control means (8), which method comprises, following the step of closing the door (3) and locking the locking means (4), and if the detection means (6) confirm the absence of the user inside the cabin (1), a cleaning step by ultraviolet irradiation during a third determined time.