Using data from body worn sensor to modify monitored physiological data

Abstract

To provide methods and systems for monitoring changes in physiological data, such as electrocardiogram data, respiration data, and blood pressure data, as a consequence of a change in position or movement of a subject under observation.SOLUTION: Embodiments of the present specification provide systems for detecting and processing motion data by utilizing an available physiological monitoring system, with minimal additions of cost and equipment. A connecting wire is used to add a motion sensor to an existing physiological monitoring device. The connecting wire provides a channel for powering the motion sensing device as well as communication of data to and from the motion sensing device. Preferably, the motion sensor is embedded into the wire.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 866,621, filed June 26, 2019, and entitled “Using Data From a Body Worn Sensor to Modify Monitored Physiological Data.”

[0002] This specification relates generally to monitoring health-related parameters, and more particularly to methods and systems for using sensors, such as motion sensors, attached to a human body to provide activity and relative position information about the human to correct, adjust, or modify biometric information. Additionally, this specification relates to using a single-wire communication system that integrates a motion sensor with at least one other sensor. [Background technology]

[0003] Most monitoring devices measure irregular heartbeats or irregular or abnormal vital activity. Ambulatory electrocardiographs (AECGs) are worn 24 / 7 for a period of a week or more to monitor electrocardiogram (ECG) data. Similarly, blood pressure (BP) monitoring devices are used to manage high blood pressure and monitor the heart. Such monitoring devices generate single or various levels of emergency alarms in response to detecting an abnormal condition. However, due to changes in the patient's position or movement of the patient, the sensor often detects what appears to be abnormal vital activity, even though the patient is actually healthy and the patient's health condition does not warrant an alarm. This is especially true for mobile patients. For example, a person using a BP monitoring device may be exercising when the detected BP level indicates an abnormality. Similarly, an AECG monitoring device may falsely sound an alarm when the wearer's heartbeat appears abnormal while the wearer is exercising. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Even though exercise may distort biomonitoring, patients with low acuity are expected to act quickly to recover themselves. Therefore, it may be required to be able to monitor the patient's movements over a period of time. Some monitors combine information about different types of biodata to determine whether the wearer (patient) of the monitor(s) is experiencing an abnormal health condition. For example, several models of BP monitors from various manufacturers have been developed, which are equipped with the ability to detect irregular heartbeat detection. However, these monitors tend to provide false positives when actually healthy people are exercising. Besides exercise, false positives may be generated by external events such as physical stress, e.g., lifting objects, fatigue, changes in the environment, etc. Sometimes, even changes in posture during sleep may generate false positives.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to combine movement detection information, such as via a motion sensor, to effectively monitor vital data and reduce or eliminate false positives generated by physiological monitoring devices. There is a need to correlate patient motion and / or location information with other vital data to increase the reliability and accuracy of vital data monitoring and improve diagnosis, where such data may be monitored continuously, periodically, or in real-time. Current vital monitoring systems, such as AECG, are unable to effectively integrate motion location information. Monitoring systems have failed to effectively combine motion detectors with a range of existing components without introducing circuit level changes or other system related changes. Therefore, there is a need for a simple method and system that seamlessly integrates with existing monitoring systems to add motion detection capabilities. There is also a need to combine motion detection information with vital monitoring information to provide correlated data to a user.

[0006] Many existing communication methods allow an electronic device to communicate with one or several other devices over multiple wires. There is a need for a communication method that combines motion sensor data with other destination devices to minimize the cost and equipment required for such combination. However, in some designs, it is most practical to minimize the number of wires required for communication. Devices are known that use a single wire bus for bidirectional communication. A single wire connection for bidirectional communication can connect two or more devices to each other. A master device is known to connect to one or more slave devices and communicate data and provide power from the master device to the slave devices. There is a need for a system that allows efficient, low-cost, and reliable communication between motion detection devices and other biometric monitoring devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools, and methods that are exemplary and explanatory only and not limiting in scope.

[0008] The present specification discloses a biological lead wire configured to monitor a human's movements and biological parameters (physiological parameters) of the human, the biological lead wire comprising: a connection wire having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a connection plug attached to the first end, the connection plug configured to electrically connect the biological lead wire to a biological monitoring system; a receptacle provided at the second end, the receptacle configured to be attached to a human; a motion detector integrated in the receptacle, the motion detector configured to acquire position and movement information of the human and transmit the position and movement information through the connection wire; and a biological sensor integrated in the receptacle, the biological sensor configured to acquire biological data of the human and transmit the biological data through the connection wire, the biological data comprising at least one of electrocardiogram (ECG) data, respiration data, transcutaneous arterial oxygen saturation (SPO2) data, and blood pressure data.

[0009] The connecting wires may be further configured to transmit power to the motion detector and to transmit data to and receive data from the motion detector.

[0010] The biosensor may have an electrode configured to detect an electrical signal generated by the human's cardiac activity. The electrode may be partially exposed outside the receptacle. The electrode may transmit the electrical signal generated by the human's cardiac activity via the connecting wire. The electrode is adjacent to the motion detector, the motion detector having a printed circuit board integrally comprising a power converter, a processor, a comparator, and at least one of three components, which may be a three-axis accelerometer, a combination of a three-axis accelerometer and a gyroscope, or a combination of a three-axis accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer.

[0011] The present specification also provides an electrocardiogram monitoring system configured to monitor human movement and electrical signals generated by the human's heart, comprising a monitoring device receiving data indicative of the electrical signals and data indicative of the human's movement, the monitoring device having at least two ports; and a first electrocardiograph lead wire having a first end having a connector configured to connect with one of the at least two ports and a second end having a receptacle, the receptacle configured to be attached to the human, the receptacle having electrodes but no motion detector. and a second electrocardiograph lead wire having a first end having a connector configured to connect with one of the at least two ports and a second end having a receptacle, the receptacle configured to be attached to the human, the receptacle having an electrode and a motion detector, the motion detector configured to obtain position and movement information of the human and to transmit the position and movement information through the second electrocardiograph lead wire.

[0012] The second electrocardiograph lead wire may be further configured to carry power to a motion detector and to transmit and receive data to and from the motion detector.

[0013] In the first electrocardiograph lead wire, the electrode may be partially exposed outside the receptacle and configured to detect the electrical signal, and the electrode may be in electrical communication with the first electrocardiograph lead wire, and in the second electrocardiograph lead wire, the electrode may be partially exposed outside the receptacle and configured to detect the electrical signal, and the electrode may be in electrical communication with the first electrocardiograph lead wire.

[0014] In the second electrocardiograph lead wire, the electrode is adjacent to the motion detector, the motion detector having a printed circuit board integrally comprising a power converter, a processor, a comparator, and at least one of three components, which may be a three-axis accelerometer, a combination of a three-axis accelerometer and a gyroscope, or a combination of a three-axis accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer.

[0015] The lead wire may further comprise a third port. The lead wire may further comprise a third electrocardiograph lead wire having a first end with a connector configured to connect with one of the at least two ports and the third port, and a second end with a receptacle, the receptacle configured to be attached to the human, the receptacle having electrodes but not a motion detector. The lead wire may further comprise a fourth port. The lead wire may further comprise a fourth electrocardiograph lead wire having a first end with a connector configured to connect with one of the at least two ports and the third port, and a second end with a receptacle, the receptacle configured to be attached to the human, the receptacle having electrodes but not a motion detector. The at least two ports, the third port, and the fourth port may be structurally identical and configured to receive the same type of connector.

[0016] The present specification further discloses a respiratory monitoring system configured to monitor a human's movements and an electrical signal generated by the human's breathing, the respiratory monitoring system comprising: a monitoring device receiving data indicative of the electrical signal and data indicative of the human's movements, the monitoring device having at least two ports; a first wire having a first end having a connector configured to connect with one of the at least two ports and a second end having a receptacle, the receptacle configured to be attached to the human, the receptacle having a respiratory sensor but no motion detector; and a second wire having a first end having a connector configured to connect with one of the at least two ports and a receptacle, the receptacle configured to be attached to the human, the receptacle having a respiratory sensor and a motion detector, the motion detector configured to obtain position and movement information of the human and transmit the position and movement information over the second wire.

[0017] The second wire may be further configured to carry power to the motion detector and to transmit data to and receive data from the motion detector.

[0018] The present specification further discloses an oxygen saturation monitoring system configured to monitor the movement of a human and an electrical signal generated by the oxygen saturation of the human, the oxygen saturation monitoring system comprising: a monitoring device receiving data indicative of the electrical signal and data indicative of the movement of the human, the monitoring device having at least two ports; a first wire having a first end having a connector configured to be connected to one of the at least two ports and a second end having a receptacle, the receptacle configured to be attached to the human, the receptacle having a blood oxygen saturation sensor but no motion detector; and a second wire having a first end having a connector configured to be connected to one of the at least two ports and a receptacle, the receptacle configured to be attached to the human, the receptacle having a blood oxygen saturation sensor and a motion detector, the motion detector configured to obtain position and movement information of the human and transmit the position and movement information over the second wire.

[0019] The second wire may be further configured to carry power to the motion detector and to transmit data to and receive data from the motion detector.

[0020] Also disclosed herein is a method for monitoring human movement and electrical signals generated by cardiac activity of the human, comprising the steps of obtaining a monitoring device configured to receive data indicative of the electrical signals and data indicative of the human movement, the monitoring device having at least two ports; connecting a first electrocardiograph lead wire to one of the at least two ports, the first electrocardiograph lead wire having a first end having a connector configured to be connected to one of the at least two ports and a second end having a receptacle, the receptacle configured to be attached to the human, the receptacle having electrodes but no motion detector; attaching electrodes of the first electrocardiograph lead wire to the human; and connecting a second electrocardiograph lead wire to one of the at least two ports, the first electrocardiograph lead wire having a first end having a connector configured to be connected to one of the at least two ports and a second end having a receptacle, the receptacle configured to be attached to the human, the receptacle having electrodes but no motion detector. a second electrocardiograph lead wire having a first end with a connector configured to connect with one of the at least two ports and a second end having a receptacle configured to be attached to the human, the receptacle having electrodes and a motion detector configured to obtain position and movement information of the human and to transmit the position and movement information through the second electrocardiograph lead wire; attaching electrodes of the second electrocardiograph lead wire to the human; activating a monitoring device; and recording data indicative of the electrical signals and data indicative of the human's movement.

[0021] The second wire may be configured to carry power to the motion detector and to transmit and receive data to and from the motion detector.

[0022] In the second electrocardiograph lead wire, the electrode is adjacent to the motion detector, the motion detector having a printed circuit board integrally comprising a power converter, a processor, a comparator, and at least one of three components, which may be a three-axis accelerometer, a combination of a three-axis accelerometer and a gyroscope, or a combination of a three-axis accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer.

[0023] The method may further include the steps of connecting a third electrocardiograph lead wire to one of the at least two ports and a third port, the third electrocardiograph lead wire having a first end having a connector configured to be connected to one of the at least two ports and the third port, and a second end having a receptacle, the receptacle configured to be attached to the human, the receptacle having electrodes but no motion detector, and attaching the third electrocardiograph lead wire to the human. The method may further include connecting a fourth electrocardiograph lead wire to one of the at least two ports, the third port, and a fourth port, the fourth electrocardiograph lead wire having a first end with a connector configured to connect to one of the at least two ports, the third port, and the fourth port, and a second end with a receptacle, the receptacle configured to be attached to the human, the receptacle having electrodes but no motion detector, and attaching the fourth electrocardiograph lead wire to the human. The at least two ports, the third port, and the fourth port may be structurally identical and configured to receive the same type of connector.

[0024] The present specification discloses a biometric monitoring system for monitoring a wearer of the system, comprising at least one connecting wire, each connecting wire having a plug at a first end thereof and a receptacle at a second end thereof, the first end being opposite the second end of the connecting wire, and a motion sensor system disposed near the receptacle, the motion sensor system detecting position and movement information of the wearer and transmitting the information through the connecting wire, the connecting wire comprising a channel for supplying power to the motion sensor system and bidirectional data communication with the motion sensor system.

[0025] The plug may have an interface for connecting to a power source.

[0026] The plug may have an interface for connecting to a data storage device.

[0027] The receptacle may be a snap connector receptacle that attaches to the body of the wearer.

[0028] The receptacle may be attached to the wearer's body in a manner similar to an electrocardiogram (ECG) lead snap. The plug may interface with a biomonitoring device, which may be an ECG night vision device.

[0029] The motion sensor system may include at least one motion sensor for detecting the position and movement information, and a processor for receiving and processing the detected information. The motion sensor may include at least one of a three-axis accelerometer, a combination of a three-axis accelerometer and a gyroscope, and a combination of a three-axis accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer. The motion sensor may include a tilt detector. The motion sensor may be configured to provide motion indications in all directions. The motion sensor may be configured to provide angle indications in two axes.

[0030] The motion sensor may transmit data to and receive data from at least one other physiological monitoring device, which may be an ECG monitor, a respiratory monitor, a blood pressure (BP) monitor, or a combination of two or more of an ECG monitor, a respiratory monitor, and a blood pressure (BP) monitor.

[0031] The present specification discloses a biometric monitoring system for monitoring a wearer of the system, comprising at least one connecting wire, each connecting wire having a plug at a first end thereof and a receptacle at a second end thereof, the first end being opposite the second end of the connecting wire, and a motion sensor system disposed near the receptacle, the motion sensor system detecting position and movement information of the wearer and transmitting the information through the connecting wire, the connecting wire comprising a channel for supplying power to the motion sensor system and bidirectional data communication with the motion sensor system.

[0032] The plug may have an interface for connecting to a power source.The plug may have an interface for connecting to a data storage device.

[0033] The receptacle may be a snap connector receptacle that is attached to the wearer's body, similar to an electrocardiogram (ECG) lead snap.

[0034] The plug may be interfaced to a bio-monitoring device, which may be an ECG monitoring device.

[0035] The motion sensor system may include at least one motion sensor for detecting the position and movement information, and a processor for receiving and processing the detected information. The motion sensor may include at least one of a three-axis accelerometer, a combination of a three-axis accelerometer and a gyroscope, and a combination of a three-axis accelerometer, a gyroscope and a magnetometer. The motion sensor may include a tilt detector. The motion sensor may be configured to provide motion indications in all directions.

[0036] The motion sensor may be configured to provide angular readings about two axes.

[0037] The motion sensor may transmit data to and receive data from at least one other physiological monitoring device, which may be an ECG monitor, a respiratory monitor, a blood pressure (BP) monitor, or a combination of two or more of an ECG monitor, a respiratory monitor, and a blood pressure (BP) monitor.

[0038] The present specification discloses a biometric monitoring system for monitoring a wearer of the system, the biometric monitoring system comprising at least one connecting wire, each connecting wire having a plug at a first end thereof, the plug configured to interface with a receptacle on the biometric monitoring device, a housing at a second end of the connecting wire, the first end being located opposite the second end, and a motion sensor system disposed within the housing, the motion sensor system detecting position and movement information of the wearer and transmitting the information through the connecting wires, the motion sensor system having a power converter for converting power from a power source, the connecting wire transmitting power from a power source of the biometric monitoring system to the motion sensor system and providing a channel for communicating position and movement information from the motion sensor system.

[0039] The receptacle of the biometric monitoring system may be one of a plurality of receptacles, the shape of which may be different from or the same as the rest of the plurality of receptacles.

[0040] These and other embodiments herein are more thoroughly described in the figures and detailed description set forth below.

[0041] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages herein will become better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 illustrates a connecting wire with a motion sensor in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B illustrates an adapter connectable to the connecting wire of FIG. 1A in some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1 illustrates another embodiment of a biometric monitoring device having an independent connector for interfacing with a motion detection system in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 1D] 1 is a flow chart illustrating an example process for monitoring both human motion and electrical signals generated by the human heart, according to some embodiments herein. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an orthogonal projection view of the receptacle (container) shown in FIG. 1 in some embodiments herein. [Figure 3A] 3 illustrates a first portion of a PCB configured to hold components of the motion sensor system shown in FIG. 2 in accordance with some embodiments herein. [Figure 3B] 3 illustrates a second portion of a PCB configured to hold components of the motion sensor system shown in FIG. 2 opposite the first portion in some embodiments herein. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates components of two devices sharing power and communication over a single wire in accordance with some embodiments herein. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a simulated circuit that communicates through a single wire in some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of data transfer from a first device to a second device using the simulation circuit of FIG. 5 in some embodiments of the present specification. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of data transfer from a second device to a first device using the simulation circuit of FIG. 5 in some embodiments of the present specification. [Figure 7A] 13 is a photograph of a plug portion of a wire according to some embodiments herein. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a diagrammatic view of the plug portion of the wire shown in FIG. 7A with a cross-sectional view of the wire housing. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram of the plug portion of the wire shown in FIG. 7A with dimensions of the wire components. [Figure 8A] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a wire receptacle (container) in some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a side view of the wire receptacle portion shown in FIG. 8A. [Figure 8C] FIG. 8B is a side cross-sectional view of the receptacle portion of the wire shown in FIG. 8A. [Figure 8D] FIG. 8B is a bottom view of the wire receptacle portion shown in FIG. 8A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides methods and systems for seamlessly integrating a motion detection system into existing biomedical monitoring devices. The motion detection system monitors changes in the position and / or movement of a wearer of the biomedical monitoring system. The monitored changes can be correlated with other biomedical monitoring data to identify biologic abnormalities and aid in improved diagnosis. A single-wire communication system allows for interfacing and connection of the position and / or movement sensing devices with existing or conventional biomedical monitoring devices.

[0044] An embodiment herein provides a monitoring sensor system that can be embedded in a connecting wire having the shape and structure of an ECG lead wire. The connecting wire is compatible with a monitoring device, such as an ECG monitor. The connecting wire is connected to a biomonitoring device as well as and in addition to other ECG lead wires that measure cardiac signals. The connecting wire provides power to a motion sensor system integrated into the distal portion of the ECG lead wire and supports bidirectional communication between the motion sensor system and the monitoring device. In another embodiment, the connecting wire with the motion sensor system is compatible with other biomonitoring devices in addition to the ECG monitor. In an embodiment, the motion sensor information is combined with information from one or more biosensors to identify abnormalities and improve diagnosis.

[0045] This specification describes a number of embodiments. The following disclosure is provided to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention. The words used in this specification should not be construed as generally disclaiming a particular embodiment, nor should they be used to limit the scope of the claims beyond the meaning of the predicate of the claims. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and other applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, the terms and expressions used are used to describe the representative embodiments, and should not be understood as imposing limitations. The present invention is consistent with the broadest scope, including numerous examples and modifications, and is equivalent and consistent with the principles and features disclosed. For the sake of clarity, details of technical items known in the technical field of the present invention are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

[0046] In the present description and claims, the use of the words "having," "including," "comprising," etc. does not necessarily limit the composition of the list with which the word may be associated. Unless expressly stated otherwise, any feature or component associated with a particular embodiment may be used or implemented in other embodiments.

[0047] An embodiment herein provides a connection wire that can be connected to a biomonitoring device, such as an ECG monitor. In this specification, an ECG monitor is also referred to as an ECG device, ECG monitor, etc. An embodiment of the connection wire is described below with reference to Figs. 4, 5, 6A, and 6B. In one embodiment, the ECG device is a system that detects and analyzes ECG signals by recording the electrical activity of the heart. The monitoring is performed over a period of time using electrodes that are placed on the skin of a subject / human, such as a patient or other individual. In an embodiment, a human is the observed patient or other living being monitored by the system herein. A typical ECG device interfaces with electrodes through connecting lead wires (ECG lead wires). At one end (close to the body), the lead wire has an attachment mechanism that connects with the electrodes that are placed on the skin of the subject. The other end (distal) of the lead wire has a plug that interfaces with the ECG device. The electrophysiological depolarization and repolarization patterns of the myocardium are measured and visualized in the form of a voltage vs. time graph (electrocardiogram). The electrocardiogram can be viewed on a screen attached to the ECG machine and / or can be printed out on paper.

[0048] Portable ECG devices use a small monitoring device worn by the subject. The monitoring device transmits monitored data to a remote monitoring station using wireless communication. The ECG device itself records, analyzes, and communicates the ECG data. The hardware components of the device allow for sensing and storage, while software elements allow for processing of the data.

[0049] Hemodynamic monitoring is sometimes performed along with cardiac monitoring. Hemodynamic monitoring is usually performed using hydraulic circuits to monitor blood flow characteristics. Some monitors combine respiratory monitoring with EGC monitoring and / or hemodynamic or blood pressure (BP) monitoring. Respiratory monitors provide respiratory data such as respiratory rate, amplitude, and other characteristics. Most of these and other monitors receive data about the subject and tend to receive noise that may be caused by the motion of the subject. Motion data, when combined with other biometric monitoring data, provides important diagnostic information about the subject.

[0050] The embodiments herein may be configured to interface with an ECG device, a respiratory monitor, a BP monitor, other biomedical monitors, or a combination of two or more of these devices. For example, the embodiments may be used with a patient wearing a non-invasive BP (NIBP) cuff or a transcutaneous arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) sensor. Motion information derived from the embodiments herein may be used to provide context for the collected NIBP or SpO2 data, such as whether the patient was upright or active at the time the data was read. Although the systems of the embodiments herein are described in the context of an ECG device, the systems herein are not dependent on an ECG component to operate. Note that the ECG device herein may be a system similarly equipped with ECG electrodes, such as a system that can be attached to a monitor device via a combiner (Yoke) cable or the like in the same manner as ECG lead wires, or a system that can be attached directly to the monitor device. Embodiments herein provide a low-cost, portable option to additionally monitor data related to a subject's position and movement (movement, motion) via a single wire for data and power, and provide for combining motion data with other biometric data to enhance medical diagnostics in addition to determining health and fitness levels.

[0051] FIG. 1A illustrates a connecting wire 102. In some embodiments herein, the connecting wire 102 includes a motion detection system. The wire 102 has two opposing ends, a connector / plug 104 at a first end and a receptacle 106 at a second end. In one embodiment, the plug 104 is similar to an ECG lead wire plug and is therefore compatible with conventional ECG monitoring devices. The plug 104 is further capable of interfacing with a device 110. In one embodiment, the device 110 is an ECG device and the plug 104 interfaces with the device 110 in a manner similar to how an ECG lead wire 108 interfaces with the device 110. Thus, the present invention relates to a lead wire having a connector at one end. Here, the connector is structurally similar to a connection port of a conventional ECG monitoring device, a connection port of a conventional respiratory monitoring device, a connection port of a conventional SpO2 monitoring device, or a connection port of a conventional BP monitoring device, and thus corresponds to (is compatible with) such a connection port of a conventional ECG monitoring device, a connection port of a conventional respiratory monitoring device, a connection port of a conventional SpO2 monitoring device, or a connection port of a conventional BP monitoring device, although none of these conventional ECG monitoring devices, respiratory monitoring devices, SpO2 monitoring devices, or BP monitoring devices has a motion sensor therein.

[0052] The electrical bio-monitoring system of FIG. 1A in the embodiment of the present specification is configured to monitor human motion and monitor electrical signals generated from the human heart. The ECG monitoring device 110 receives data indicative of electrical signals from one or more ECG lead wires, including but not limited to lead wires 108 and motion sensor lead wires 102. Furthermore, the motion sensor lead wires 102 provide data indicative of human motion. The device 110 has a number of ports 120, at least one of which is used to connect the motion sensor lead wires 102. The receptacle 106 is located at a second end of the motion sensor lead wires 102 and is attached to a patient. The receptacle 106 has electrodes and a motion detector. The motion detector obtains position and motion information of the patient and transmits the information to the motion sensor lead wires 102. The remaining port or ports 120 of the device 110 connect to one or more lead wires 108 that do not include a motion detector.

[0053] In one embodiment, the receptacle 106 is configured similarly to a snap-attach receptacle for the ECG lead wires 108. A snap connector, also known as a scissor clip, is attached to the body of a subject, which may be a patient or other living being wearing a monitoring system, and is monitored by various embodiments herein. The receptacle 106 may use an ECG adhesive snap as a means for attachment to the patient's body. In an embodiment, the location and positioning of the receptacle 106 on the patient's body is independent of the placement of the ECG electrodes. In some embodiments, optimal locations for placing the receptacle 106 are suggested to the patient, resulting in better detection of respiratory activity (used to validate respiratory data and to indicate respiratory distress or stress).

[0054] In one embodiment, an ECG adhesive pad is used to attach the receptacle 106 to the subject. In various embodiments, the receptacle 106 is configured similarly to any ECG electrode connector, such as, but not limited to, a wire dumbbell connector, a locking slot connector, a keyhole connector, and the like. In an embodiment, at least one motion sensor system is embedded proximate to the receptacle 106, preferably within the housing of the receptacle 106. In one embodiment, a housing at the second end of the wire 102 contains a motion sensor located within the receptacle 106. The connecting wire 102 is configured to solely transmit motion detection data from the receptacle 106 to the plug 104, which is recorded and / or processed by separate circuitry within the device 110. The connecting wire 102 provides power to the motion sensing device in the receptacle 106 and provides a single path for allowing bidirectional communication between the motion sensing system and the device 110. In an embodiment, data collected via the motion sensor system is correlated with data from an ECG monitor and / or other biometric monitoring devices, such as respiration data and blood pressure (BP) data.

[0055] In one embodiment, a single adapter cable can connect multiple motion sensor systems to a biomonitoring system such as device 110 (FIG. 1). The plug portion of the adapter is configured to connect to a particular device 110 and may include any safety features or unique / special features required to connect the plug 104 to the wires 102. Multiple receptacles are electrically connected to the device 110 via the adapter cable, plug 104, and wires 102. FIG. 1B illustrates an adapter cable 112 connecting multiple wires to the device 110 of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments herein. The plug 104 is connected to a connector 112a of the adapter 112 while another connector portion 112b of the adapter 112 is available for another wire, such as another motion sensor system. FIG. 1C illustrates another embodiment of device 110a. Device 110a has a separate connector 116 that connects to plug 104. The connector 116 may be provided in addition to a conventional connector to interface with biomonitoring device 110a. The connector 106 may interface with an adapter 112 to connect multiple sensors. Thus, the connector has a first connector portion 112 and a wire extending from the connector portion 112 that branches into two or more extremities. The first connector portion 112 is configured to connect to a connection for a conventional ECG monitor, a connection for a conventional respiratory monitor, or a connection for a conventional BP monitor. Each of the two or more extremities leads to a port (e.g., 112a, 112b) configured to receive a connection for an ECG lead wire, a cable for a respiratory sensor, or a cable for a blood pressure cuff. Although FIG. 1A shows a two-pronged connection, the number of branches can be increased to any integer number, such as 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 100.

[0056] FIG. 1D is a flow chart illustrating an example process for monitoring both human motion and electrical signals generated by a human heart, according to some embodiments herein. The human is a subject or organism monitored by the systems herein. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1D, in step 152, a human, such as a physician or a caregiver for the human, obtains a monitoring device, such as device 110, configured to receive data indicative of electrical signals and data indicative of human motion. The monitoring device 110 has two or more ports. The two or more ports are used to connect to an ECG lead wire that does not have a motion detector in its receptacle, such as lead wire 108, and to connect to a wire 102 that has a motion detector in its receptacle. Each of the two or more ports of device 110 are structurally identical and configured to receive a connector of the same shape. In step 154, a first ECG lead wire, such as wire 108, is connected to the first port. In an embodiment, wire 108 does not have a motion detector. The first port may be any one of the two or more ports of the device 110. A first end of the wire 108 has a connector configured to connect to a port of the device 110. A second end of the wire 108 has a receptacle configured to be attached to a human body, the receptacle having electrodes but no motion detector. In step 156, a first ECG lead wire is attached to a suitable location on the human body. In step 158, a second ECG lead wire, such as the wire 102, is connected to a second port of the two or more ports 120 of the device 110. The second ECG lead wire has a first end with a connector, such as the plug 104, configured to correspond to a port of the device 110. A second end of the wire 102 has a receptacle, such as the receptacle 106, the receptacle having electrodes and a motion detector and configured to be attached to a human body.The motion detector is configured to obtain position and movement (motion, location) information of the person when activated and transmit the position and movement information to the monitoring device 110 via the second ECG lead wire (wire 102). Once the device 110 is activated, the wire 102 transfers power to the motion detector and transmits and receives data to the motion detector. In step 160, an electrode of the second ECG lead wire is attached to the person in a manner similar to other ECG lead wires such as lead wire 108. In some embodiments, a third ECG lead wire is attached to a third port of the two or more ports 120 of the device 110. The third ECG lead wire is similar to the first ECG wire 108 and does not have a motion sensor. A receptacle of the third wire is attached to the person similar to the first wire 108. In some embodiments, a fourth ECG lead wire is attached to yet another port of the two or more ports 120 of the device 110. The fourth ECG lead wire is similar to the first and third ECG wires 108 and does not have a motion sensor. Similar to the first wire 108, the receptacle of the fourth wire is attached to the human. In step 162, the monitoring device 110 is powered up. The device 110 is powered up with power available to operate the device 110. Note that the device 110 may be powered up by selecting one or more options for powering up the device 110 via a user interface such as a button. In step 164, the device 110 records data indicative of the electrical signals and data indicative of the human's motion.

[0057] Conventional biomonitoring devices record and analyze data related to the biometric parameters for which the device is intended. Integrating position and / or movement related data with real-time biometric data is effective in determining changes in a subject's physiology. Biometric data is monitored as a result of changes in the subject's posture or movement.

[0058] FIG. 2 illustrates an orthogonal view of the receptacle 200 shown in FIG. 1 in some embodiments herein. The receptacle 200 includes a housing 206. The housing 206 encloses components of an integrated motion sensor system 204. Similar to the ECG electrode connector, a lead connector 208 is disposed within a portion of the housing 206 at the distal end of a connecting wire 202 and interfaces with the electrode connector to attach the receptacle 200 to a subject's body. The motion sensor system 204 may be disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) and may include multiple components, including elements for detecting and processing data related to position and movement. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an ECG electrode having a housing, an electrode embedded in and exposed from the housing, and a motion detector integrated into the housing and adjacent to the electrode.

[0059] FIG. 3A illustrates a first part 300a of a PCB, as used herein, configured to hold components of the motion sensor system 204 of FIG. 2. FIG. 3B illustrates a second part 300b of a PCB, as used herein, configured to hold components of the motion sensor system 204 of FIG. 2, on the opposite side of the first part 300a. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the PCBs (300a, 300b) are housed within a receptacle housing for lead connection wires, where the lead connection wires connect the motion sensor system to a monitoring device that stores and processes the motion sensor data, either alone or in combination with other biometric monitoring data. In an embodiment, the PCBs (300a, 300b) are sized to fit within the receptacle housing. In one embodiment, the PCBs (300a, 300b) are 0.5 inches long and 0.3 inches wide and have electrical and electronic components on both sides. In some embodiments, electrical pads 302 on the PCBs (300a, 300b) are configured for soldering ground and power / communication wires to the PCBs (300a, 300b).

[0060] A connecting wire is soldered to one of the electrical pads to enable communication between the components of the PCB (300a, 300b), the power source, and the vital sign monitoring device. Power from the power source is transferred through the connecting wire and provided to the power converter 304. The power converter 304 provides power to the components of the PCB (300a, 300b) by stepping down the power on the cable to the recommended chip voltage and configured to remove power fluctuations caused by signal transmission. The processor 306 is configured to process the sensor data and facilitate bidirectional communication with the vital sign monitoring device. The motion sensor 308 detects data regarding position and movement (movement, movement) and provides the data to the processor 306. In some embodiments, the motion sensor 308 is a multi-axis accelerometer. In one embodiment, the motion sensor 308 is a three-axis accelerometer. In other embodiments, the motion sensor 308 may include a 6-axis sensor (a 3-axis accelerometer and a 3-axis gyroscope) or a 9-axis sensor (a 3-axis accelerometer, a 3-axis gyroscope, and a 3-axis magnetometer). These sensors are used to provide 3-axis position and orientation information that can be used to determine the patient's orientation, for example, whether the patient is facing down a hallway as he or she crosses the hallway. If a value of 1G on the accelerometer indicates a straight down direction (due to gravity), the accelerometer may be used to determine the patient's inclination. A rapid change in acceleration indicated by the accelerometer may indicate an object moving (motion), while a slower change in acceleration may indicate a change in inclination (e.g., rising or rolling). The motion sensor 308 detects at least one of the position, inclination, and movement of the object.

[0061] The embodiments herein are adapted to interface with different types of bio-monitoring devices, such as respiratory monitors, BP monitors, and devices that monitor multiple bio-parameters, each of which preferably resides within a conventional bio-sensor housing located on the patient's body.

[0062] The embodiments herein may be used to monitor exercise data of a subject. Activity levels may be quantified to provide a useful indication of the exercise performed by the subject. For example, the number of steps may be monitored. The embodiments herein may be used to indicate the type and duration of one or more activities performed by the subject. For example, biometric data may be combined with posture information to determine whether the subject is sitting, standing, awake, or asleep during the duration of the subject's health. Similarly, the embodiments may be used to determine levels of rest (inactivity). For example, a bedridden subject may be monitored during a period (possibly multiple periods) of rest and an alarm may be generated indicating that the subject needs to move to avoid bed sores or if the subject has died. The embodiments may also be used to detect a fall of a subject. The embodiments may also be used to detect when an unwarranted, accidental, or unhealthy movement is made by a subject. For example, movement by a subject in bed may be detected when the subject would not be expected to leave on their own. The embodiments are capable of detecting rapid motions (movements, movements) such as seizures (strokes), tremors, epileptic events, shaking, rapid breathing due to discomfort, coughing, vomiting, turning in bed, etc. Note that the examples of rapid motions shown here are by way of example only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0063] Embodiments herein combine respiration detection data with motion sensor data to monitor chest movement and detect apnea. Additionally, measuring respiratory characteristics may be inhibited during healthy exercise regimens. Similarly, when combining BP measurement data, monitoring attempts may be stopped, delayed, and retried at a later time when a subject is identified as being overly active.

[0064] Embodiments herein facilitate minimizing false alarms of ECG ST segment due to changes in position, and also facilitate minimizing false alarms of ECG rhythms such as v-tach (ventricular tachycardia), v-run (ventricular run), or other ECG parameters due to changes in position or motion. In embodiments herein, the ECG, respiration, and BP data may be combined with motion sensor data to detect and communicate appropriate alarms when a subject is in danger, for example, when heart rate slows and pulse amplitude decreases.

[0065] 4 shows a block diagram 400 of two devices connected using a single wire 402 for power and data communication, according to some embodiments herein. In an embodiment, device 406 corresponds to device 110 (FIG. 1A) used to perform biometric monitoring, and device 408 corresponds to an integrated motion sensor system 204 (FIG. 2) located in receptacle 106 (FIG. 1A). In an embodiment, the first device 406 and the second device 408 constitute a master device and a slave device, respectively. Device 406 provides power to device 408, and both of these devices communicate with each other via wire 402. In some embodiments, multiple slave devices are connected to the first device 406.

[0066] In one embodiment, during normal operation, the first transistor 410 of the first device 406 is non-conductive, providing power from the power source through the power supply module 412, the second transistor 416, the first resistor 414 to the wire 402, and thus to any connected devices, such as the device 408. The first device 406 and the second device 408 each have a transistor 416 and a transistor 418 that are non-conductive. The transistor 418 in the second device 408 is normally non-conductive. Thus, power provided from the device 406 to the device 408 through the wire 402 passes through a diode 420 located within the device 408 between the transistor 418 and the power supply module 422 to the power supply module 422. Within the device 408, a comparator 424 receives the power provided through the wire 402. Comparator 424 compares the input power line with a reference voltage and outputs a “low” to a receiving pin provided to processor 426 of device 408 .

[0067] In one embodiment, to transmit a bit signal from the first / master device 406 to the second / slave device 408, the first transistor 410 is switched to a conductive state, which switches the transistor 416 to a non-conductive state. The side of the first resistor 414 connected to the wire 402 goes "low" via the conductive transistor 410. On the other side of the wire 402, in the second device 408, a comparator 424 detects that the input supply has gone "low" and switches a receive pin of the processor 426 to a "high". In some embodiments, "low" and "high" indicate voltage levels that can be interpreted as binary data in a digital circuit. In some embodiments, the "high" and "low" states are interchangeable, i.e., what is described herein as "low" can be "high" and what is described herein as "high" can be "low". In some embodiments, a transition of the receive pin from "low" to "high" indicates a binary "1". The diode 420 prevents the voltage across the power supply module 422 of the second device 408 from dropping too quickly. The capacitor 428 is provided between ground and the line connecting the diode 420 and the power supply module 422. The capacitor 428 provides a small amount of power when the power provided to the device 408 through the power supply module 422 starts to drain current from the node 422. The combination of the diode 420 and the capacitor 428 minimizes the voltage drop in the power supply from the power supply module 422 momentarily.

[0068] Once the second module has been given a sufficient amount of time to see that the input from the wire is "low," the first device 406 will return the first transistor 410 to a non-conducting state, which will cause the transistor 416 to transition to a conducting state and allow the normal amount of current to flow through the wire 402. When the first transistor 410 changes to a conducting state and then back to a non-conducting state in a relatively short period of time, the second device 408 will register this change, but the power to the second device 408 will remain constant. The amount of time it takes for the transistor 410 to change its state from on to off may be determined by the amount of current consumed by the device(s) 408, the amount of current leakage back through the diode 420, and the capacitance of the capacitor 428.

[0069] In order for the second device 408 to transmit a bit of data to the first device 406, the transistor 416 and therefore the transistor 418 are switched to a conductive state by the processor 426. The input from the wire 402 through the resistor 430 is momentarily switched back to "low", where the resistor 430 is located between the output of the wire 402 and the resistor 418 of the device 408. The comparator 432 of the first device 406 detects that the power output through the resistor 414 has dropped to "low", which causes the receive pin of the processor 434 of the first device 406 to change to "high". After a sufficient time has passed, the processor 426 of the second device 408 switches the conduction of the transistor 418 off. This causes the input to the second device 408 on the wire 402 to suddenly rise back up to the supply level, since it is no longer grounded. Comparator 432 detects the output voltage returning to "high" and sets the receive pin of processor 434 of first device 406 "low."

[0070] In an embodiment, resistor 414 of device 406 protects the regulator (power supply) of first device 406 from overcurrent during the occurrence of intermittent shorts seen on the power line during transfers by second device 408. During these transfers, transistors 416, 410 are in a conductive state so that a momentary short on wire 402 is detected by power module 412 causing system 400 to enter an overcurrent condition.

[0071] Because communication over wire 402 is asynchronous, a device (device 406 or device 408) may initiate communication on wire 402 at any time. It is therefore important that each of devices 406, 408 be able to detect possible data collisions. A data collision occurs when both devices 406, 408 are sending data at the same time. When a device is about to send data, it transitions to a transmitting state. In this transmitting state, it should only detect a change in the state of the receive pin when the transmit pin of the device's processor changes. If the receive pin changes when the transmit pin does not change, the processor (434, 426) concludes that it has detected a collision, and the higher level protocols of processors 434 and 426 are informed of such a collision. Depending on the higher level protocol, any corrective action (usually a retry after waiting (backoff) a random amount of time) may be initiated.

[0072] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a simulation circuit 500 according to some embodiments herein. In one embodiment, the left side of the device 500 is for device 506, which corresponds to device 406 shown in FIG. 4. Similarly, the right side of the device 500 is for device 508, which corresponds to device 408 shown in FIG. 4. Wire 502 (402) connects device 506 (406) to device 508 (408). Components in FIG. 5 correspond to various components in FIG. 4 and are similarly numbered. For example, transistors 510, 516 correspond to transistors 410, 416 of first device 406 / 506. In another embodiment, there may be multiple devices similar to device 508 connected to device 506 via wire 502. In an embodiment, the number of devices similar to device 508 connected to device 506 via wire 502 is limited to the power provided by device 506 and consumed by the multiple devices 508. Furthermore, the number of devices 508 is limited by the protocol's ability to individually handle more than a certain number of devices. In one embodiment, up to eight devices 508 may be connected to device 506.

[0073] Returning to FIG. 4, the voltage supply simulation "HostProc" connected to Vgate simulates interaction with the processor 434, without simulating any other parts of the processor 434. Similarly, the voltage supply simulation "DevProc" simulates interaction with the processor 426, without simulating any other parts of the processor. In FIG. 5, the resistance "WIreR_1" 540 and the capacitance "WireC_1" 542 simulate the parasitic resistance and capacitance of the wire 502. Finally, the components C9-C13 associated with the component U5 in the power supply 512 of the first device 506 are optional. In some embodiments, a voltage divider and an op-amp constitute the comparator elements 524, 532. The comparator elements 524 and 532 are provided in the devices 508 and 506, respectively, in the circuit 500. However, there is no limitation on the circuit elements, and other circuits may be used, such as a circuit with an internal reference.

[0074] FIG. 6A illustrates a data transmission from the first device 406 / 506 to the second device 408 / 508 of FIGS. 4 and 5 according to an embodiment of the present specification. Concurrent reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 strengthens the explanation of the graph. The figure illustrates the transmission of the value "0xffff" (two sets of 8-bit "1"s). The bottom graph 602 illustrates the input provided to the transmit transistor (the transmit pin of the transmit transistor 410 of FIG. 4). The middle graph 604 illustrates the input to the comparator 424 / 524 op-amp in the second device 408 / 508, and the line 606 drawn across the graph 604 is a reference voltage. In one embodiment, the reference voltage is between 2.19V and 2.3V. The top graph 608 illustrates the output of the comparator 424 / 524, which is the same as the input transmitted in practical applications. In an exemplary embodiment, the transmission is simulated at a rate of 100KHz.

[0075] FIG. 6B illustrates the transmission of data from the second device 408 / 508 to the first device 406 / 508 in response to the data transmission of FIG. 6A in some embodiments herein. In a first graph 632, an upper trace 632 illustrates the input supply line to the regulator 422 of the second device 408 / 508. Some dips are seen in trace 632, which are caused by intermittent dips in the power input. However, as shown in a lower trace 636 of graph 632, the output of the supply remains constant at 3.3V because the input is above the dropout limit of the regulator. In some embodiments, a regulator with a low dropout is selected to prevent the voltage of a slave device, such as the second device 408 / 508, from dropping into the dropout range of the regulator. Alternatively, in some embodiments, a power resistor, such as resistor 414, is adjusted. A second graph 630 illustrates the current through resistor 414. A bottom trace 628 of the graph 630 shows the output of the comparator 432 of the first device 406 / 506, which corresponds to the inputs of both the device 406 / 506 and the device 408 / 508. A fourth trace 622 shows the op-amp input 624 of the first device 406 / 506, and a line 626 shows the reference input voltage. A graph 618 shows the output 620 of the comparator 424. A trace 614 of the graph 616 shows the signal input and the reference input, respectively, to the comparator 424. A trace 610 of the bottom graph 612 is the input to the transistor 418 of the second device 408 / 508.

[0076] Additionally, it is desirable to minimize the pulse width of the transmitted bits and ensure sufficient recovery time between multiple transfers. Thus, the pulse width of each bit is controlled. The bandwidth (baud rate) at which the transmission is driven is one factor in controlling the pulse width of each bit. Regardless of the baud rate, if the actual transfer rate is low, there is less droop in the applied voltage. As the transfer rate increases and approaches the full bandwidth (baud rate) of the channel, the voltage droop becomes worse. In some embodiments, these signals are in the kHz range and the bottom of the pulses are minimized. In some embodiments, the pulse width depends on the speed of each processor (434, 426) and the current draw of each device 408. The capacitance of the capacitor 428, the leakage of the diode 420, and the dropout voltage of the regulator 422 also affect the pulse width. Pulses with the same high and low widths from 1 kHz to 100 kHz can be adjusted without requiring larger, more expensive components.

[0077] 7A, 7B, and 7C are images of a first end 700 of a wire connecting a first master device 406 (FIG. 4) and a second slave device 408 (FIG. 4) according to some embodiments herein. The first end 700 is a plug portion of the wire that connects to a biomonitoring device, such as device 110 of FIG. 1. FIG. 7A shows a photograph of the plug portion 700 according to some embodiments herein. FIG. 7B shows a diagram of the plug portion 700 including a cross-sectional view of the housing of the plug portion 700. FIG. 7C shows a diagram of the plug portion 700 and illustrates the dimensions of the components of the plug portion 700. As shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C, the plug portion has a pin 702. The pin 702 is placed into a corresponding female port of the biomonitoring device and provides an electrical connection between the wire and the biomonitoring system. The tip of the pin 702 extends a length of approximately 3.9 mm and is approximately 2.35 mm in diameter. The tip of the pin 702 emerges from a strip of approximately 0.8 mm. The strip connects the tip of the pin 702 to the other end of the pin 702. The other end of the pin 702 extends a length of approximately 6.7 mm and is approximately 2.46 mm in diameter. At the other end, the pin 702 is connected to a protective housing 704. The housing 704 encloses a switch along with the electrical components of the wire. Now, when the pin 700 is plugged into a biomonitoring device, the wire provides power and data transfer to and from the biomonitoring device. The overall length of the plug portion 700 is approximately 25.9 mm. In an embodiment, the pin portion 700 is plugged into a special pin or incorporated into a yoke on the biomonitoring device.

[0078] 8A-8D are different views of a wire 800 according to an embodiment of the present specification. The wire 800 has a plug portion 802 at one end and a receptacle (container) 804 at the other end. FIG. 8A is a top view of the receptacle portion 804 of the wire 800. FIG. 8B is a side view of the receptacle portion 804 of the wire 800. FIG. 8C is a side cross-sectional view of the receptacle portion 804 of the wire 800. FIG. 8D is a bottom view of the receptacle portion 804 of the wire 800. In some embodiments, the wire 800 has a coaxial cable to avoid crosstalk. In different embodiments, the length of the wire 800 varies depending on various applications. For ECG applications, the length of the wire 800 is the same as the ECG lead wires. Similarly, for ECG applications, the wire 800 has the same bend radius as the ECG lead wires. In an embodiment, the wire 800 is connected and disconnected using the plug portion 802 with the same force and manner as ECG wires are plugged and disconnected. The receptacle portion 804 corresponds to the receptacle 200 of FIG. 2. The receptacle portion 804 has a housing 806 that encloses the components of the integrated motion sensor system. Similar to the ECG electrode connector, a lead connector is provided at one end of the connecting wire 800 and within a portion of the housing 806 for attaching the receptacle portion 804 to the patient's body. Here, the lead connector interfaces with the electrode connector. As described above, the motion sensor system may have multiple components on a printed circuit board (PCB), including elements for sensing and processing data regarding position and movement. The receptacle portion 804 may comprise a connector that is well known and used for attachment to the location of the subject.

[0079] The above examples are merely illustrative of the application of the system of the present invention. Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been described, the present invention may be in other specific forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the examples and embodiments herein are illustrative and not limiting, and the invention may be modified within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A biomedical lead wire configured for monitoring movement of a human and a biomedical parameter of the human, comprising: a connecting wire having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a connection plug attached to the first end, the connection plug configured to electrically connect the biomedical lead wire to a biomedical monitoring system; a receptacle at the second end, the receptacle configured for attachment to a human; a motion detector integrated in the receptacle, the motion detector configured to acquire position and movement information of a person and transmit the position and movement information through a connecting wire; a biosensor integrated in said receptacle, configured to acquire biometric data of said human and transmit said biometric data through said connecting wire, said biometric data comprising at least one of electrocardiogram (ECG) data, respiration data, transcutaneous arterial oxygen saturation (SPO2) data, and blood pressure data; A biological lead wire comprising:

2. 10. The biomedical lead wire of claim 1, wherein the connecting wire is further configured to transmit power to the motion detector and transmit data to and receive data from the motion detector.

3. 10. The biomedical lead wire of claim 1, wherein the biosensor comprises electrodes configured to detect electrical signals generated by activity of the human heart.

4. The biological lead wire according to claim 3 , wherein the electrode is partially exposed outside the receptacle.

5. 4. The biological lead wire of claim 3, wherein the electrodes transmit the electrical signals generated by activity of the human heart through the connecting wire.

6. the electrode is adjacent to the motion detector; The motion detector includes a printed circuit board having integral therewith a power converter, a processor, a comparator, and at least one of the three components:

4. The biomedical lead wire of claim 3, wherein the three configurations are a three-axis accelerometer, a combination of a three-axis accelerometer and a gyroscope, and a combination of a three-axis accelerometer, a gyroscope and a magnetometer.

7. 1. An electrocardiogram monitoring system configured to monitor movement of a human and electrical signals generated by a heart of the human, comprising: a monitoring device for receiving data indicative of the electrical signal and data indicative of the human movement, the monitoring device having at least two ports; a first electrocardiograph lead wire having a first end having a connector configured to connect with one of the at least two ports and a second end having a receptacle, the receptacle configured to be attached to the human, the receptacle having electrodes but no motion detector; a second electrocardiograph lead wire having a first end having a connector configured to connect with one of the at least two ports and a second end having a receptacle, the receptacle configured to be attached to the human, the receptacle having an electrode and a motion detector, the motion detector configured to obtain position and movement information of the human and to transmit the position and movement information over the second electrocardiograph lead wire; 1. An electrocardiogram monitoring system comprising:

8. 8. The electrocardiogram monitoring system of claim 7, wherein the second electrocardiograph lead wire is further configured to carry power to a motion detector and to transmit data to and receive data from the motion detector.

9. the first electrocardiograph lead wire, the electrode being partially exposed outside the receptacle and configured to detect the electrical signal, the electrode being in electrical communication with the first electrocardiograph lead wire; 8. The electrocardiogram monitoring system of claim 7, wherein the second electrocardiograph lead wire has an electrode partially exposed outside the receptacle and configured to detect the electrical signal, the electrode being in electrical communication with the first electrocardiograph lead wire.

10. In the second electrocardiograph lead wire, the electrode is adjacent to the motion detector, the motion detector having a printed circuit board integrally including a power converter, a processor, a comparator, and at least one of the following three components:

8. The electrocardiogram monitoring system of claim 7, wherein the three configurations are a three-axis accelerometer, a combination of a three-axis accelerometer and a gyroscope, and a combination of a three-axis accelerometer, a gyroscope and a magnetometer.

11. 8. The electrocardiogram monitoring system of claim 7, further comprising a third port.

12. 12. The electrocardiogram monitoring system of claim 11, further comprising a third electrocardiograph lead wire having a first end having a connector configured to connect with one of the at least two ports and the third port, and a second end having a receptacle, the receptacle configured to be attached to the human, the receptacle having an electrode but no motion detector.

13. 13. The electrocardiogram monitoring system of claim 12, further comprising a fourth port.

14. 14. The electrocardiogram monitoring system of claim 13, further comprising a fourth electrocardiograph lead wire having a first end having a connector configured to connect with one of the at least two ports, the third port, and the fourth port, and a second end having a receptacle, the receptacle configured to be attached to the human, the receptacle having an electrode but no motion detector.

15. 15. The electrocardiogram monitoring system of claim 14, wherein the at least two ports, the third port, and the fourth port are structurally identical and configured to receive identically shaped connectors.

16. 1. A method for monitoring human movement and electrical signals generated by cardiac activity of said human, comprising: obtaining a monitoring device configured to receive data indicative of the electrical signal and data indicative of the human movement, the monitoring device having at least two ports; connecting a first electrocardiograph lead wire to one of the at least two ports, the first electrocardiograph lead wire having a first end with a connector configured to connect with one of the at least two ports and a second end with a receptacle, the receptacle configured to be attached to the human, the receptacle having an electrode but no motion detector; attaching an electrode of said first electrocardiograph lead wire to said human; connecting a second electrocardiograph lead wire to one of the at least two ports, the second electrocardiograph lead wire having a first end with a connector configured to connect with one of the at least two ports and a second end with a receptacle, the receptacle configured to be attached to the human, the receptacle having an electrode and a motion detector, the motion detector configured to obtain position and movement information of the human and to transmit the position and movement information through the second electrocardiograph lead wire; attaching an electrode of the second electrocardiograph lead wire to a human; activating a monitoring device; recording data indicative of the electrical signals and data indicative of the human's movements; The method includes:

17. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the second electrocardiograph lead wire is configured to carry power to a motion detector and to transmit and receive data to the motion detector.

18. In the second electrocardiograph lead wire, the electrode is adjacent to the motion detector, the motion detector having a printed circuit board integrally including a power converter, a processor, a comparator, and at least one of the following three components:

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the three configurations are a three-axis accelerometer, a combination of a three-axis accelerometer and a gyroscope, and a combination of a three-axis accelerometer, a gyroscope and a magnetometer.

19. connecting a third electrocardiograph lead wire to one of the at least two ports and a third port, the third electrocardiograph lead wire having a first end with a connector configured to be connected to one of the at least two ports and the third port, and a second end with a receptacle, the receptacle configured to be attached to the human, the receptacle having an electrode but no motion detector; attaching said electrode of said third electrocardiograph lead wire to said human; 20. The method of claim 16 further comprising:

20. connecting a fourth electrocardiograph lead wire to one of the at least two ports, the third port, and the fourth port, the fourth electrocardiograph lead wire having a first end with a connector configured to be connected to one of the at least two ports, the third port, and the fourth port, and a second end with a receptacle, the receptacle configured to be attached to the human, the receptacle having an electrode but no motion detector; attaching the fourth electrocardiograph lead wire to the human; 20. The method of claim 19 further comprising:

21. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the at least two ports, the third port, and the fourth port are structurally identical and configured to receive identically shaped connectors.

Images