Vital Signs Detection Device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vital sign detection device (100) having a vital sign detection unit (102) configured to remotely detect vital sign data indicative of the vital signs of a subject (101) located in the vicinity of the vital sign detection device. The vital sign detection device further includes a detection unit (104) configured to detect the presence of a portable device (103) associated with the user (101), a distance determination unit (106) configured to determine a distance measure (d) indicative of the distance between the portable device and the subject, and a data association unit (108) configured to associate the subject's vital sign data with the user of the portable device if it determines that the distance measure meets a predetermined distance criterion. Thus, the vital sign detection device is suitable for use in spaces visited by multiple subjects.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vital signs detection device, a lighting device, a lighting configuration, a method for associating vital signs data with a user of a portable device, and a computer program. [Background technology]

[0002] US 2019 / 0117091 A1 presents a technique in a monitoring device for remote monitoring of at least one vital sign of a living subject, the technique including capturing one or more sensor signals indicative of respective characteristics of the subject's body from a remote location, deriving at least one first biometric signal indicative of a second predefined vital sign of the subject based on the one or more sensor signals for transmission to a server device, detecting the presence of another monitoring device operating to derive a first biometric signal indicative of the first predefined vital sign of the same subject for transmission to a server device, and controlling the derivation of the first biometric signal at the detected another monitoring device in response to detection of the another device.

[0003] US 2019 / 0117091 A1 discloses a technique in a monitoring device for remote monitoring of at least one vital sign of a living subject, the technique including capturing one or more sensor signals indicative of respective characteristics of the subject's body from a remote location; deriving a first biometric signal indicative of at least a second predefined vital sign of the subject based on the one or more sensor signals for transmission to a server device; detecting the presence of another monitoring device operative to derive a first biometric signal indicative of the first predefined vital sign of the same subject for transmission to a server device; and controlling, in response to detection of the other device, derivation of the first biometric signal at the detected other monitoring device. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Current technologies, such as radar sensing, allow for the acquisition or detection of personal vital sign data by remote devices, i.e., vital sign detection devices, within a certain distance range. However, when multiple subjects use a space (simultaneously or subsequently), the personal vital sign data is not univocally associated with the subjects.

[0005] Therefore, it would be beneficial to enable the use of vital signs detection devices in a multi-subject environment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a vital sign detection device is disclosed. The vital sign detection device includes a vital sign detection unit configured to remotely detect vital sign data indicative of a vital sign of a subject located in the vicinity of the vital sign detection device. Within the framework of the present disclosure, remotely should be understood as "from a distance; without physical contact." The vital sign detection device according to the first aspect of the present invention further comprises: - a detection unit configured to detect the presence of a portable device associated with a user; a distance determination unit configured to determine a distance quantity indicative of a distance between the portable device and an object; - a data association unit configured to associate the vital sign data of the subject with a user of the portable device upon determining that the distance amount meets a predetermined distance criterion, such that the detected vital sign data is linked or otherwise associated with the user of the portable device; Includes:

[0007] The vital sign detection device is thereby advantageously configured to associate the detected vital sign with a user of a portable device detected by the vital sign detection device using a predetermined distance matching criterion. By extension, the portable device is associated with the user. In this manner, vital sign data is associated with a user through detection of the portable device (i.e., a portable device that can be detected in any particular manner by the vital sign detection device), allowing differentiation between vital sign data detected from different subjects.

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the vital signs detection device according to the first aspect of the present invention will be described.

[0009] In one embodiment, the distance meets or the distance criterion is satisfied if the distance amount is below a predetermined threshold amount, hi another embodiment, the distance criterion is additionally or alternatively satisfied when the portable device is located at a predetermined location relative to the vital signs detection device, such as a docking station or a charging station.

[0010] In one embodiment, the portable device is a communications device, such as, but not limited to, a mobile phone, tablet, smart watch, wearable device, camera, etc., configured to provide communications signals according to an appropriate wireless communications protocol and that is associated with a particular user or has an active user profile and configured to share data indicative of the user or user profile with the vital signs detection device.

[0011] In another embodiment, the vital signs detection device is configured to check whether a portable device is detected within a remote sensing range of the vital signs detection device by detecting an RF signal provided by a nearby portable device. In another embodiment, the detection unit is alternatively or additionally configured to detect the portable device by determining whether the portable device is docked at a particular location. In yet another invention, the detection unit is configured to detect the presence of the portable device using ascertained or received image data.

[0012] In certain embodiments, vital signs that can be detected by the vital sign detection unit include one or more of heartbeat, breathing, rapid-eye-movement, head movement, torso movement, and limb movement. Preferably, the detected vital signs indicate sleep quality. The detectable vital signs preferably include micro-movements of the subject's body. Micro-movements may relate to body movements caused by heartbeat and / or breathing. Vital sign data such as heart rate or breathing patterns can be derived from said movements. Other body movements when the subject is sleeping can indicate the subject's sleep quality and / or sleep duration.

[0013] In one embodiment, the vital sign detection unit includes a radio frequency sensor and / or an optical sensor. Preferably, the radio frequency sensor is a radar sensor, particularly a radar sensor configured to detect minute movements of a subject, for example, at a distance or range of a few centimeters to a few meters (e.g., 30 cm to 300 cm). Vital sign sensing, such as respiration or heart rate, can be performed with millimeter accuracy, and accuracy is expected to improve in the future. Preferably, the radar sensor is a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar, in which phase information is used to determine distance or range. Alternatively, the radar sensor may be implemented as a pulse radar, an UWB radar, or any common time-of-flight radar sensor. The operating principle of a time-of-flight sensor is the same for electromagnetic (radar, laser, etc.) and active acoustic sensing. Time-of-flight is the fundamental operating mode of most radar, laser, and active acoustic devices. This technique utilizes the time between transmitting a pulse and receiving an echo. The time is measured to provide range or distance information. Typically, a source of radiation is fed into a transmitting antenna tuned to the target's characteristics and preferably matched to the medium's impedance to maximize coupling and efficiency. The signal is preferably radiated by a directional antenna to increase the energy on the target. When the signal impinges on the target of interest, it results in a change in impedance, which in turn causes re-radiation or scattering, which may be isotropic, directional, or random. A small portion of the signal power is received by a receiver and converted into an electrical signal suitable for amplification and detection. In another embodiment, the radio frequency sensor may additionally or alternatively include a WiFi sensing unit configured to perform WiFi sensing of vital signs.WiFi sensing (also called WLAN sensing) uses WiFi signals to detect events or changes in the environment, such as those caused by motion. It is also used for gesture recognition and biometric measurements such as respiration and heart rate. WiFi sensing typically relies on a combination of WiFi and radar sensing technologies working together to enable the use of the same WiFi transceiver hardware and RF spectrum for signal communication and sensing. Typically, motion or micromotion is detected by analyzing frequency disturbances in the WiFi signal, typically provided by orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM). In another embodiment, optical sensors, such as cameras or camera arrays, are additionally or alternatively used to detect motion or micromotion related to vital signs based on motion detected in captured camera images.

[0014] In another embodiment, the vital sign detection unit actively detects the subject's vital signs and generates vital sign data indicative thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the vital sign detection unit is in signal communication with and receives vital sign data from other vital sign detectors.

[0015] In another embodiment that may include any of the technical features described above, the detection unit is further configured to detect a state of the portable device. In this particular embodiment, the vital sign detection unit is further configured to detect vital sign data of the subject depending on the detected state of the portable device. For example, in one embodiment, the detection unit is configured to detect whether the portable device is docked in a docking station, e.g., for charging, or its orientation (whether the portable device is lying flat), or its movement or lack of movement (whether the portable device is stationary). Furthermore, the detection unit can advantageously be configured to check whether the portable device is currently in quiet mode, do-not-disturb mode, sleep mode, concentration mode, etc. In one embodiment, the state of the portable device is configured to trigger detection of vital sign data of the subject and association of the subject with a user of the portable device according to distance matching criteria.

[0016] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the detection unit is further configured to detect a state of a user of the portable device. In this particular embodiment, the vital sign detection unit is additionally or alternatively configured to detect vital sign data depending on the detected state of the user. For example, the detection unit is configured to ascertain the state of the user of the portable device by analyzing the current light settings in the room. Activation of a desk lamp may indicate that the user is starting a productive task, and deactivation of a bedroom light may indicate that the user is going to sleep. Data provided by the portable device may also indicate the state of the user, i.e., whether the user is active, sitting, or lying down. In one embodiment, the state of the user of the portable device is configured to trigger detection of vital sign data of a target and association of the target with the user of the portable device according to distance matching criteria.

[0017] For example, in one embodiment, detection of vital signs, preferably vital signs related to sleep quality, is triggered only when the state of the portable device indicates (according to predetermined parameters) that the user has fallen asleep. In a room where two or more subjects sleep, a vital sign is associated with each subject based on the distance between the subject and the portable device (e.g., a mobile phone or smartwatch).

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, which may include any of the technical features described above, the distance determination unit is configured to determine a first relative position of the portable device and a second relative position of the target, and to determine a distance between the portable device and the target using the determined first and second relative positions. Specifically, the distance determination unit is configured to determine the distance using a radio frequency (RF) signal-based positioning technique. RF signal-based positioning techniques and related systems rely on the transmission and reception of radio frequency signals for target location determination. Particular systems may utilize one or more signal parameters, including, but not limited to, time-of-arrival (TOA), time-difference-of-arrival (TDOA), received signal strength (RSS), received power profile, angle-of-arrival (AOA), or received signal phase. Careful signal design must be performed to achieve efficient signal transmission and / or reception. The choice of signaling method significantly affects the performance of a positioning system. When designing a signal, many factors must be taken into consideration, including positioning accuracy, power consumption, frequency bandwidth, interference, cost, and policy compliance.

[0019] In another embodiment, the vital sign detection device further includes a data merging unit configured to combine the detected vital sign with additional vital sign data detected or otherwise acquired by the portable device into a user profile if an association between the subject and the user is established. In a particular deployment, the data merging unit includes a data receiving unit for receiving the additional vital sign data from the portable device. In another embodiment, the data merging unit includes a data providing unit for providing the vital sign data to the portable device for combining both vital sign data at the portable device. In another embodiment, the data merging unit is configured to provide the vital sign data and / or the additional vital sign data to a cloud-based service. This is particularly advantageous for users with portable devices that are also configured to view vital sign or activity data, such as mobile phones, smart watches, or wearable devices. The vital sign data provided by the portable device may or may not be of the same type as the vital sign data detected by the vital sign detection device. The vital sign data provided by the portable device and the vital sign data detected by the vital sign detection device may be integrated or combined into a user profile, i.e., an activity profile, associated with the user of the portable device. Conversely, in another embodiment, the vital sign receiving device is configured to provide the vital sign data or data indicative of the vital sign data to the portable device once an association between the subject and the user of the portable device is established, for integration or combination of both sources of vital sign data (e.g., activity data) into a single user profile.

[0020] In another embodiment, the vital signs detection device further includes a data providing unit configured to provide to the portable device connection data indicative of a successful association between the subject and a user of the portable device. The connection data can advantageously be used to inform the user that an association has been established, and the user may also approve or reject such association. The data providing unit may also be configured to provide the connection data to another device, such as a lighting device, in order to provide a visual indication (e.g., blinking, glowing, etc.) that an association has been established and / or that vital signs data is being detected.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the vital signs detection device further includes a docking station for charging the portable device. Specifically, in this embodiment, the detection unit is connected to the docking station and configured to detect the presence of the portable device when the portable device is docked in the docking station.

[0022] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a lighting device is disclosed. The lighting device of the second aspect includes the vital signs detection device according to the first aspect of the present invention and thus shares its advantages. In a preferred embodiment, the lighting device is, for example, a desk lamp, a bedroom or bedside lamp, an alarm light, a hospital room lamp, a daylight lamp for the elderly, or a shower cabin lamp. Alternatively, the vital signs detection device can be integrated into any other device of a lighting arrangement, especially a wirelessly controllable lighting arrangement, such as a sensor (presence, light, motion, etc.) or a switch. In any case, the antenna of the device should preferably be aimed at a typical object or user position, such as a desk, bed, shower cabin, etc.

[0023] In certain embodiments, the lighting device further includes a docking station for charging the portable device. Among other things, in this embodiment, the detection unit is connected to the docking station and configured to detect the presence of the portable device when the portable device is docked in the docking station.

[0024] A third aspect of the present invention is formed by a lighting arrangement, particularly a wirelessly controllable lighting arrangement. The lighting arrangement includes a vital sign detection device according to the first aspect of the present invention, which may be incorporated into a lighting device to form a lighting device according to the second aspect of the present invention. The lighting arrangement of the third aspect also includes one or more lighting devices. The operational state of the one or more lighting devices is controllable based on one or more of vital sign data, a state of the portable device, and a state of the user. For example, vital sign data indicative of a sleep pattern is used in one embodiment to control the lighting device in a wake-up phase. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the lighting device, particularly a lighting device including a vital sign detection device, is controlled to provide a visual indication of a current vital sign sensing state. For example, after docking the portable device, the lighting device can be instructed to blink or glow to indicate that a vital sign sensing phase has begun or will soon begin. Additionally, the portable device may be instructed to display a notification or confirmation message indicating that the portable device, and therefore the user, has associated with the vital sign detection device.

[0025] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a method for associating vital signs data with a user of a portable device is disclosed, the method comprising: - acquiring vital signs data indicative of a vital sign of the subject; - detecting the presence of a portable device associated with a user; - determining a distance between the portable device and the object; - associating the object with a user of the portable device upon determining that the distance between the portable device and the object meets a predetermined distance criterion; Includes:

[0026] Thus, the method of the fourth aspect shares the advantages of the vital signs detection device of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0027] In one embodiment, the method also includes controlling operation of the lighting device dependent on the detected vital signs data.

[0028] A further fifth aspect of the present invention is formed by a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a vital signs detection device, cause the vital signs detection device to carry out the method of the fourth aspect of the present invention.

[0029] It is to be understood that the vital signs detection device of claim 1, the lighting device of claim 11, the lighting arrangement of claim 12, the method of claim 13 and the computer program of claim 15 have similar and / or identical preferred embodiments, in particular those as set out in the dependent claims.

[0030] It shall also be understood that a preferred embodiment of the invention can be any combination of the dependent claims or the above embodiments with the respective independent claim.

[0031] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an exemplary vital signs detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an exemplary lighting configuration including a lighting device having a vital signs detection device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary method for associating vital sign data with a user of a portable device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Technologies such as radar-based sensing or optical sensing enable remote (i.e., from a distance, without physical contact) detection of personal vital sign data by a remote device, called a vital sign detection device, by detecting, for example, minute movements within a certain distance range. However, when multiple subjects use the same space (simultaneously or subsequently), the personal vital sign data should be associated with the corresponding subjects.

[0034] 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an exemplary vital sign detection device 100. The vital sign detection device 100 includes a vital sign detection unit 102 configured to remotely detect vital sign data VS1 indicative of a vital sign VS of a subject 101 located in the vicinity of (e.g., in the same room as) the vital sign detection device 100. Detectable vital signs include, but are not limited to, breathing, heartbeat, other minute movements such as rapid eye movements, and movements of the subject's head, torso, and / or limbs. Vital sign data refers to data indicative of said vital signs, and includes, for example, heart rate, respiratory rate, sleep phase, sleep quality, and / or sleep duration.

[0035] Micromotion may relate to bodily movements caused by heartbeat and / or breathing. Vital sign data may be derivatives of these heartbeat or breathing patterns, such as heart rate or breathing rate. Additional vital signs include those related to sleep behaviors, such as REM or body movements performed while the subject is asleep, which provide an indication of the user's sleep duration and quality. Similarly, concentration levels (e.g., if the subject is sitting at a desk) can be derived from body movements. Vital signs are preferably detected using an FMCW radar sensor 110. Additionally or alternatively, a visual or optical sensor 112, such as a camera or camera array, can be used to detect vital signs, for example, based on detected movements or micromotions in captured camera images. The vital sign detection device 100 is illustratively shown as a stationary device. However, a portable device is also possible. In any case, the vital sign detection unit 102 should be aimed at a typical subject's location, i.e., a location in the surrounding space or room where the subject is expected to remain for a long time, such as a desk, bed, shower cabin, toilet, etc.

[0036] 1 further includes a detection unit 104 configured to detect the presence of a portable device 103 associated with the user 101. Exemplary portable devices include a smartphone, a smartwatch, a tablet, a camera, or any other device associated with a user for dedicated use or that includes a user profile. Dedicated use may include the user's personal or professional use. The distance determination unit 106 is configured to determine a distance measure d indicative of a distance between the portable device 103 and the object 101. Furthermore, the data association unit 108 is configured to determine whether the distance measure d indicative of the distance between the portable device 103 and the object 101 meets a predetermined distance criterion, e.g., a predetermined threshold measure d thIf it determines that the vital sign data VS1 of the subject 101 is below 0, the portable device 103 is configured to associate the vital sign data VS1 of the subject 101 with the user of the portable device 103. If the relative position of the portable device matches, within a predetermined distance range, the relative position at which the vital sign was detected, the detected vital sign data is associated with the user of the portable device 103.

[0037] Preferably, the detection unit 104 is further configured to detect the state of the portable device and / or the state of the user of the portable device. In this case, the vital sign detection unit 102 is further configured to detect vital sign data VS1 of the subject 101 depending on the detected state of the portable device 103 and / or the detected state of the user. For example, it may be detected that the subject or user is sitting or lying down, or that the portable device has changed its orientation and / or is stationary. It may also be detected that the portable device is placed (horizontally) or in / on a charger or charging dock. Furthermore, the user's state may be derived based on external parameters, such as the current light settings in the room. For example, the desk lamp may be activated (indicating that the user is starting a productive task), or the bedroom light may be turned off (indicating that the user is going to sleep).

[0038] In an exemplary vital signs detection device, such as device 100 of FIG. 1 , the distance determination unit 106 is configured to determine a relative position of the portable device or a first relative distance d1 or range between the vital signs detection device 100 and the portable device 103. This is preferably done using RF signal-based positioning techniques, as will be readily known to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the distance determination unit is also configured to detect a relative position (range) or a second relative distance d2 at which movement or minute movement related to the vital signs is detected. Knowledge of these relative positions or the first and second relative distances d1, d2 allows for the determination of a distance quantity d indicative of the distance between the object 101 and the portable device 103.

[0039] Also optionally, the vital sign detection device 100 further includes a data receiving unit 114 configured to receive additional vital sign data VS2 from the portable device 103. Preferably, the additional vital sign data VS2 is combined with the detected vital sign data VS1 into a user profile when an association between the subject and the user is established. This is particularly advantageous when the portable device has a vital sign tracking unit or an activity tracking unit for ascertaining or tracking vital signs or an activity profile. The portable device (e.g., a phone, a wearable) may also be configured to detect vital sign data, and this data may be combined with the data detected by the vital sign detection device. Alternatively, a handover from the portable device to the vital sign detection device 100 occurs, among other things, when the portable device enters a certain state, for example, when the watch is taken off or the phone is put down or docked in a charger. It is also possible that a predefined relative user position (e.g., bed or desk position) and / or portable device state (e.g., stationary) can be machine-learned or user-configured for a docked personal device (e.g., on a bedside table). Upon reaching this position and / or state, the vital sign detection device 100 may be configured to begin detecting vital sign data. In this case, the portable device may be located at a first relative position or distance d1, and vital signs VS may be detected at a nearby second relative position or distance d2.

[0040] Furthermore, additional vital sign data VS2 (e.g., heart rate, respiration rate, movement) collected by the portable device may be used to assist or calibrate the interpretation of the vital sign data VS1 detected by vital sign detection device 100, for example, to better determine sleep stages. In particular, the additional data (e.g., additional vital sign data or activity data) provided by the portable device (e.g., smart watch) is used to provide long-term information to vital sign detection device 100. For example, the additional data provided by the portable device data is preferably used as a reference indicative of the user's normal heart rate or heart rate profile, and the vital sign data sensed by vital sign detection device 100 can be interpreted based on this reference data, for example, to classify the user's sleep stage.

[0041] Also optionally, the vital signs detection device 100 further comprises a data providing unit 116 configured to provide to the portable device 103 connection data CD indicating a successful association between the subject 101 and a user of the portable device 103. The connection data may be used to instruct the portable device to present a visual, acoustic or tactile notification indicating that the portable device has been associated with the subject or detected by the vital signs detection device 100. The notification may include a request for the user to accept or reject the association.

[0042] Additionally, more advanced vital signs detection devices (bundles) may be configured to collect additional health data, such as measuring body temperature or measuring the user's skin tone for given lighting conditions / settings.

[0043] FIG. 2 shows a schematic block diagram of an exemplary lighting arrangement 250 including a lighting device 200 having a vital signs detection device, such as, but not necessarily, the vital signs detection device 100 of FIG.

[0044] The lighting arrangement 250 is illustratively a wirelessly controllable lighting arrangement including a bridge or controller 252 in signal communication with multiple devices including a first lighting device 200, a second lighting device 254, and a switch 256 for controlling the operation (on / off, light settings) of the lighting devices 200, 254 of the lighting arrangement. The lighting device 200 includes a lighting unit 204. The vital signs detection device 100 is integrated into the lighting device 200, depicted here as a bedside lamp. The lighting device advantageously includes a docking station 202 suitable for docking or charging one or more portable devices. The docking station may include a connector and / or an inductive charger. The detection unit of the vital signs detection device 100 is connected to the docking station 202 and configured to detect the presence of the portable device 103 when the portable device is docked in the docking station 202. Preferably, detection of vital signs data is initiated once the portable device is detected. In this case, the portable device is in a different relative position compared to the user and therefore the vital signs detection device is preferably configured to detect the vital signs of the subject, i.e. the user, at a predetermined expected position.

[0045] 2, where the vital signs detection device 100 is integrated into the lighting device 200, the lighting device 200 may further be controlled to provide an indication regarding its current sensing state. For example, after docking the portable device, the lighting unit 204 may be instructed to briefly blink or glow to indicate that the vital signs detection device is about to begin vital signs sensing. However, in other examples where the vital signs detection device is not integrated into the lighting device, the arrangement, and in particular the controller 252, may be configured to provide instructions to the lighting device to operate the lighting unit as described above.

[0046] In particular, the operational state of one or more lighting devices 200, 254 of the lighting arrangement 250 is controllable based on one or more of the vital signs data VS1, VS2, the state of the portable device 103, and the state of the user.

[0047] 3 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method 300 for associating vital sign data with a user of a portable device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The method 300 includes, at step 302, acquiring vital sign data indicative of a subject's vital signs. The method also includes, at step 304, detecting the presence of a portable device associated with the user. Further, the method includes, at step 306, determining a distance measure d indicative of a distance between the portable device and the subject. When the distance measure d between the portable device and the subject meets a predetermined distance criterion, e.g., a predetermined threshold measure d, the method determines whether the distance measure d is greater than or equal to d. th If it is determined that the subject is below 0.5, the method includes, at step 308, associating the subject with a user of the portable device such that the detected vital signs data is assigned to the user.

[0048] Optionally, as indicated by the dashed box, the method 300 may include, at step 310, controlling operation of the lighting device in dependence on the detected vital signs data.

[0049] In other exemplary methods according to the present invention, the order of the steps is changed relative to the order shown in Figure 3. For example, the method may include the following steps in the corresponding order: a) Detect portable devices near the vital signs detection device; b) Estimate the relative position (range) of the portable device; c) obtaining vital signs data, for example based on minute movements detected by a suitable vital signs detection unit; d) Determine the relative location (range) at which vital signs are detected; e) associating the detected vital signs data with the user of the portable device if predetermined distance match criteria are met; and f) Optionally, controlling lighting devices based on vital signs data.

[0050] Any other sequence of steps that results in an association between an object and a user of a portable device is within the scope of the present invention.

[0051] In summary, the present invention relates to a vital sign detection device having a vital sign detection unit configured to remotely detect vital sign data indicative of the vital signs of a subject located in the vicinity of the vital sign detection device. The vital sign detection device further includes a detection unit configured to detect the presence of a portable device associated with a user, a distance determination unit configured to determine a distance measure indicative of the distance between the portable device and the subject, and a data association unit configured to associate the subject's vital sign data with the user of the portable device upon determining that the distance measure meets a predetermined distance criterion. Thus, the vital sign detection device is suitable for use in spaces visited by multiple subjects.

[0052] Some other examples of the present invention may include a monitoring device (100) having a monitoring unit (102) configured to remotely detect / monitor monitoring data indicative of characteristics of an object (101) located in the vicinity of the monitoring device, the monitoring device further including a detection unit (104) configured to detect the presence of a portable device (103) associated with a user (101), a distance determination unit (106) configured to determine a distance measure (d) indicative of a distance between the portable device and the object, and a data association unit (108) configured to associate the object's monitoring data with a user of the portable device upon determining that the distance measure meets a predetermined distance criterion.

[0053] In this example, the portable device (103) may be associated with a user for dedicated use or may include a user profile. The characteristics may include health-related characteristics such as fall detection, vital sign detection, respiration detection, sleep monitoring, etc., and / or user activities such as exercise, cooking, etc. Other health-related measurements and / or activities are not excluded.

[0054] It should be understood that the above examples can also be combined with any other embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood by those skilled in the art from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, and can be effected in practicing the claimed invention.

[0056] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0057] A single unit or device may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0058] The procedures performed by one or more units or devices, such as processing of detected signals for measuring vital signs, authentication, control of the vital signs monitoring system, etc., can be performed by any other number of units or devices. These procedures, in particular the control of the vital signs monitoring system by the control methods performed, can be implemented as program code means of a computer program and / or as dedicated hardware.

[0059] The computer program may be stored / distributed in a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium, supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems.

[0060] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. 1. A vital sign detection device comprising: a vital sign detection unit configured to remotely detect vital sign data indicative of a vital sign of a subject located in a vicinity of the vital sign detection device, the vital sign detection device further comprising: a detection unit configured to detect the presence of a portable device associated with a user, said portable device being associated with said user for dedicated use or including a user profile; a distance determination unit configured to determine a distance quantity indicative of a distance between the portable device and the object; a data association unit configured to associate vital sign data of the subject with a user of the portable device upon determining that the distance amount meets a predetermined distance criterion; 1. A vital signs detection device, including:

2. The vital signs detection device of claim 1 , wherein the detectable vital signs include one or more of heart rate, respiration, rapid eye movement, head movement, torso movement, and limb movement.

3. The vital signs detection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vital signs detection unit includes a radio frequency sensor and / or an optical sensor.

4. 4. The vital sign detection device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is configured to detect a state of the portable device, and the vital sign detection unit is configured to detect vital sign data of the subject depending on the detected state of the portable device.

5. 5. The vital sign detection device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is configured to detect a state of a user of the portable device, and the vital sign detection unit is configured to detect vital sign data depending on the detected state of the user.

6. 6. The vital signs detection device of claim 1, wherein the distance determination unit is configured to determine a first relative position of the portable device and a second relative position of the object, and to determine a distance between the portable device and the object using the determined first relative position and second relative position.

7. 7. The vital signs detection device according to claim 1, wherein the distance determination unit is configured to determine the distance using a positioning technique based on radio frequency signals.

8. 8. The vital sign detection device of claim 1, further comprising a data merging unit configured to combine the detected vital sign data with additional vital sign data acquired by the portable device into a user profile if an association between the subject and the user is established.

9. 9. The vital signs detection device of claim 1, further comprising a data providing unit configured to provide the portable device with connection data indicative of a successful association between the subject and a user of the portable device.

10. 10. The vital signs detection device of claim 1, further comprising a docking station for charging the portable device, the detection unit being connected to the docking station and configured to detect the presence of the portable device when the portable device is docked to the docking station.

11. A lighting device comprising a vital signs detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. 11. A lighting arrangement comprising the vital signs detection device according to claim 1 and one or more lighting devices, wherein operational states of the one or more lighting devices are controllable based on one or more of the vital signs data, a state of the portable device, and a state of the user.

13. 1. A method of associating vital signs data with a user of a portable device, the method comprising: acquiring vital sign data indicative of a vital sign of a subject; Detecting the presence of a portable device associated with a user, the portable device being associated with the user for dedicated use or including a user profile; determining a distance metric indicative of a distance between the portable device and the object; associating the object with a user of the portable device upon determining that the distance meets a predetermined distance criterion; A method comprising:

14. The method comprises: controlling operation of a lighting device in dependence on the detected vital signs data; 14. The method of claim 13, comprising:

15. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a vital signs detection device, cause the vital signs detection device to carry out the method of claim 13 or 14.

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