Vehicle Medical Device Interface System

Abstract

A vehicle and method for operating a system operatively connected to a personal medical device having a sensor are provided. The vehicle includes an indicator device having at least one of an audio device or a visual indicator device. A medical device display interface is communicatively coupled to the personal medical device. A controller is operatively coupled to the medical device display interface and the indicator device. The controller is operable to receive a first signal from the medical device display interface and activate the indicator device in response to the first signal including data related to an undesirable condition.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 951,467, filed September 23, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to vehicle monitoring and control systems, and more particularly to vehicle interfaces that cooperate with medical sensors or devices to alert the driver or control the vehicle in the event of an undesirable medical event.

[0003] Modern vehicles have numerous systems that assist the vehicle driver in the operation of the vehicle. In the case of autonomous vehicles, control of the vehicle is performed by the vehicle itself with little or no direct action by the driver. For people with severe medical conditions or disabilities, vehicles can be modified to accommodate the vehicle driver's condition. However, these modifications are costly and are typically performed only in specific cases.

[0004] For most people with chronic medical conditions, no formal driving restrictions are imposed, and therefore, it is inevitable that a person with such a chronic medical condition who is actively operating a vehicle may experience undesirable conditions, such as hypoglycemia, heartbeat irregularities, low blood pressure, or other effects of various medical conditions. In many of these instances, the vehicle operator may already have a medical device that continuously monitors parameters of such conditions. However, these readings cannot benefit the active vehicle operator for several logistical reasons. First, while these devices have the capability to provide a continuous visual readout, due to power considerations, the readout display generally goes blank after a few seconds of operation to extend the device's operating battery life. Second, even if the medical device display did not go blank, the vehicle operator typically does not have operational and practical access to this data in a timely and continuous manner while actively operating the vehicle.

[0005] Most medical devices are worn on the body or on a belt, often worn under one or more layers of clothing and / or outer jacket, placed in a purse or other enclosure, etc. This means that, as a practical matter, the vehicle operator cannot easily see the progression of the visual readout, which essentially precludes the ability to take anticipatory responsive action to such a condition, such as ingesting carbohydrates (in the case of a diabetic) or taking additional medication to timely correct the onset of the condition.

[0006] Body-worn, continuous monitoring medical devices continually update their relevant information, but the value of the information is limited if the driver cannot immediately benefit from such information in actual real time. Currently, without directly viewing the device's display in real time while driving a vehicle, vehicle drivers often become aware of abnormal medical conditions only after such conditions have already progressed to the point of triggering a physical injury and / or one or more audible alarms. Even if an audible alarm is issued, the person is often only alerted to the existence of one or more emergency conditions, without the benefit of knowing exactly which condition is triggering the alarm. Even if the vehicle driver already has the medical device's display exposed and nearby, the physical process involved in trying to view what the display is showing while driving can be quite cumbersome.

[0007] Recognizing that most body-worn medical devices typically have a blank display screen until they are manually “woke up,” in practical terms for someone actively driving a vehicle, this means that several steps must be taken to view the device's information read from the medical device screen. First, the device must be moved into a readable position by physically repositioning it. Depending on the location of the medical device, such a device may need to be physically removed from a belt holster or the like, or, if worn on the wrist, the arm holding the device may need to be moved to a position in front of the driver, a shirt sleeve, coat, or other clothing rolled up to expose the device, and then one or more buttons pressed with the other hand to activate / wake up the screen display, and then time taken to take one's eyes off the road to actually view the information. It should be appreciated that any of these actions result in undesirable vehicle driving habits. Furthermore, additional effort, such as additional key presses, is likely required to acknowledge the alert and / or to take a responsive action, such as pausing insulin delivery or commanding an insulin pump to bolus an additional insulin dose while driving the vehicle.

[0008] Furthermore, as mentioned above, while many devices have built-in audible alarms, they are inherently limited in terms of alarm output volume, and therefore, given many typical driving conditions, these alarms can easily be masked by clothing, road noise, the vehicle driver or passengers listening to the vehicle's entertainment system at high volume, an open window or convertible top, or any combination of these conditions. Furthermore, because many localities have traffic laws prohibiting the use of any portable devices, most vehicles are now equipped with built-in "hands-free" functionality. Ironically, when a driver is making a phone call using a hands-free system (which typically outputs at a high volume level to overcome ambient noise interference), the driver may unintentionally mask medical device alarms as well, since such hands-free output levels typically operate at sound levels much higher than those of medical device alarms. Finally, the onset of many chronic conditions while driving can result in decreased attention and awareness on the part of the driver, increasingly so as these conditions progressively worsen, increasing the chance of undesirable driving events caused by the vehicle driver's impaired performance.

[0009] While existing vehicle control systems are suitable for their intended purposes, there remains a need for improvement, particularly in providing a vehicle medical device interface with the features described herein. Summary of the Invention

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle is provided having a system operably connected to a personal medical device having a sensor. The vehicle includes an indicator device having at least one of an audio device or a visual indicator device. A medical device display interface is communicatively coupled to the personal medical device. A controller is operably coupled to the medical device display interface and the indicator device. The controller is operable to receive a first signal from the medical device display interface and activate the indicator device in response to the first signal including data related to an undesirable condition.

[0011] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the system may include that activating the indicator device also causes activation of at least one of a sound from an audio device or displaying a message on a visual indicator.

[0012] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the system may include a controller further operable to control at least one of a speed or a direction of the vehicle in response to the first signal.

[0013] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the system may include a controller further operable to dispense the medication in response to the first signal.

[0014] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the system may include a controller further operable to receive a second signal in response to an action by the vehicle operator.

[0015] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the system may include actions including at least one of speaking a command, activating an actuator, or touching a graphical user interface on a visual indicator.

[0016] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the system may include a controller that is further operable to activate the communication circuitry when the operation is not performed within a predetermined time.

[0017] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the system may include a controller configured to receive a third signal from the communication circuitry and control the direction and speed of the vehicle to move the vehicle to the medical facility.

[0018] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the system may include an indicator device, a medical device display interface, and a controller connected by a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus.

[0019] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the system may include a personal medical device connected to the medical device display interface by one of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector, an Onboard Diagnostics (OBD) port, or a wireless connection.

[0020] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the system may include the first signal being a plurality of first signals that are received continuously, periodically, or periodically updated.

[0021] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the system may include a controller that is further operable to display data from the plurality of first signals on a visual indicator as each of the first signals is received.

[0022] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the system may include a controller that is further operable to display data from the plurality of first signals on a visual indicator when a change in the data exceeds a threshold value.

[0023] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the system may include an indicator device operably coupled to the vehicle's infotainment system.

[0024] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the system may include an audio device including a speaker integrated into the vehicle.

[0025] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the system may include a visual indicator including a display screen integrated into the vehicle's dashboard.

[0026] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the system may include a sensor located on the vehicle driver.

[0027] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the system may include a sensor comprising a plurality of sensors, at least one of the plurality of sensors being located on a person other than the vehicle driver.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of operating a vehicle. The method includes monitoring a medical condition of a vehicle driver using a medical device having a sensor. A first signal is transmitted from the medical device to a medical device display interface, the first signal being indicative of a medical parameter of the vehicle driver measured by the sensor. A controller monitors the first signal received via the medical device display interface and activates an indicator device in response to the medical parameter exceeding a threshold, the indicator device being integrated into the vehicle.

[0029] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the method may include wherein activating the indicator device includes activating at least one of a sound from an audio device or displaying a message on a visual indicator.

[0030] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the method may include receiving an input signal from the vehicle operator after the indicator device is activated, and dispensing medication using the medical device in response to receiving the input signal.

[0031] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the method may include the input signal being received via a microphone in the vehicle.

[0032] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the method may include activating communication circuitry within the vehicle if no input signal is received from the vehicle operator within a predetermined time after the indicator device is activated.

[0033] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the method may include receiving a second signal from medical personnel via the communication circuitry and controlling a direction and speed of the vehicle to move the vehicle to the medical facility.

[0034] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the method may include receiving, at the controller, a location of the vehicle from a vehicle telematic device, and activating the communication circuitry includes transmitting the location of the vehicle.

[0035] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the method may include causing the vehicle to make one of a change in speed and a change in direction if no input signal is received within a predetermined time after the indicator device is activated.

[0036] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the method may include activating an indicator device when the rate of change of the medical parameter exceeds a threshold value.

[0037] In addition to or in the alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the method may include activating an indicator device when a difference in the parameter between the first time and the second time exceeds a second threshold.

[0038] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments of the method may include the first signal being transmitted periodically, aperiodically, or continuously.

[0039] These and other advantages and features will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0040] The subject matter which is regarded as the present disclosure is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1]1 illustrates an exemplary side view of a vehicle having a medical device display interface according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 illustrates an exemplary data flow diagram for the medical device display interface of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 shows an example flow diagram of a method for operating the medical device display interface of FIG. 1.

[0041] The detailed description explains embodiments of the present disclosure, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] The Vehicle Medical Device Display Interface (VMDDI) of the present disclosure provides interfacing and integration between medical devices, regardless of their location within the vehicle, and audio and visual data delivery to the vehicle operator. In some embodiments, by utilizing either a dedicated standalone display or a display device already integrated into the vehicle, this allows medical conditions to be readily presented continuously in real time (or near real time) as well as continuously monitored by the vehicle operator in a safe and timely manner. This results in increased awareness of monitored medical abnormalities before such conditions worsen and, potentially, cause the vehicle to lose control of the vehicle.

[0043] In an embodiment, VMDDI enables the driven vehicle itself to actively monitor and respond to the health and condition of its driver in addition to the vehicle's "normal" mechanical parameter monitoring (oil pressure, tire pressure, etc.), thus potentially leading the vehicle itself to also take responsive driver-directed medical-related action.

[0044] In embodiments, the VMDDI monitors the driver's medical condition and enables the vehicle driver to take responsive medical device action using controls located on the vehicle's steering wheel, dashboard, and / or by voice response command (e.g., using the vehicle's voice-activated control system). Additionally, in other embodiments, the VMDDI may also enable an automatic response / action on the part of the vehicle driver if no acknowledgment or action is taken in response on the part of the vehicle driver, for example, in situations of vehicle inactivity for a period of time and an occupied driver's seat. In these embodiments, the VMDDI can automatically and responsively take action, such as suspending or increasing medication (i.e., insulin) infusion, as well as report the driver's medical condition to first responders or a telematics company for medical dispatch in the event of a crash or if the driver is deemed unconscious. Additionally, in other embodiments, VMDDI may be incorporated into an Autonomous Vehicle (AV), which, in addition to reporting such medical conditions, may be remotely commanded by medical personnel or other personnel to drive to a medical facility rather than wait for a response by emergency first responders.

[0045] For purposes of clarity of terminology used herein, it should be noted that the term "continuous" monitoring may be interpreted to mean a regular, continuous series of sequential periodic readings or signals. Furthermore, in some embodiments, monitoring may be performed continuously, periodically, or aperiodically to generate multiple signals.

[0046] As recent government regulations (e.g., the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other agencies) mandate the transition of proprietary protocols for medical devices from proprietary standards to "open" operating standards, this now enables a level of medical device link interoperability never before seen, thus enabling not only medical data transfer between devices, but also actual operational control between devices.

[0047] In some embodiments, such increasingly open standards for medical data access capabilities allow the VMDDI to access certain medical data directly from medical sensing devices, for example, accessing a driver's blood glucose levels directly from an active glucose sensor and / or via an interconnected insulin pump, etc., thus allowing the VMDDI to monitor either "raw" sensor data (directly from the sensor) or from medical devices that have already collected and "processed" and analyzed such data, allowing for a more centralized level of data and / or alerts.

[0048] The operable connection between the medical device and the VMDDI may take several forms, either through a wired or wireless communication medium, and within each type of communication medium, there may be multiple additional embodiment paths. For a "wired" connection, a simple USB-to-USB cable is used between the medical device and a USB jack that may already be present in the vehicle. Such a data connection allows the medical device to output data directly to an interface with the vehicle's USB hub, which is operably connected to the vehicle's Controller Area Network (CAN bus). Other types of wired connections may include connection to an on-board diagnostics (ODB) port.

[0049] In some embodiments, the VMDDI is also operatively equipped with commonly used wireless bidirectional capabilities such as Bluetooth™, ZigBee™, or other protocols. In some embodiments, such wireless connectivity may take the form of a dedicated VMDDI wireless adapter connected to the vehicle's USB port or OBD port, or by utilizing existing wireless connectivity that may already be present in the vehicle and operatively connected to the vehicle's CAN bus.

[0050] This communications connectivity allows for real-time medical condition updates from the medical device, utilizing not only existing systems and features of the vehicle, such as, for example, the vehicle's audio amplifier and sound system for audible voice warnings, but also the windshield as a display device, either through a "heads-up" display or by using an active display element (such as a transparent OLED) embedded within a dedicated portion of the windshield, by using the vehicle's existing dashboard display, or by using a separate, dedicated "standalone" visual display capable of real-time presentation of changing medical conditions, whether, for example, routine and / or emergency in nature. Alternatively, controls such as push buttons (either discrete physical or touch screen) may also be incorporated into the stand-alone display, for example, for one-handed review of information.

[0051] Because an impending emergency medical condition is of the highest priority to the vehicle operator, in an undesirable medical data situation, the VMDDI takes precedence over any lower priority audio and / or visual data that may have been displayed or presented. As an example, information such as entertainment-related materials may be preferentially replaced by the VMDDI with medical information from the device output during the impending undesirable medical condition or event for the relevant period of time. In embodiments, the modality used to communicate the medical condition update may be based on the severity level or urgency level of the medical condition. In further embodiments, the intensity level of the modality used may change dynamically, affecting parameters such as the warning sound level, color, or brightness of the communicated information, etc.

[0052] In the case of a direct operational connection with a medical sensor, appropriate alarm trigger parameters are defined in the VMDDI, along with the desired device serial number, user identification information, and other information that enables the VMDDI to monitor the particular sensor or device desired. Advantageously, in one embodiment of the VMDDI, even if an operational data communication link is not established between the VMDDI and a medical system in the vehicle, the VMDDI can utilize components within the vehicle to acquire sounds, such as, for example, specific alarm tones, vibration sounds and patterns, audio frequencies, or specific prosody indicative of a particular alarm. Furthermore, the system may be configured or "trained" to identify specific audible signatures within the acquired sound data and then enable the VMDDI to trigger a predetermined response, auditory and / or visual, upon determining that the identified sound has the audio frequency, prosody, or other audio characteristic.

[0053] In embodiments, the VMDDI can report medical information to the driver in one of four operational display modes. First, when the VMDDI is off, this means that no display or audio alerts are presented. Second, the VMDDI can operate in a continuous mode, which means that a continuous display of data is provided to the vehicle driver and dynamically updated in a timely manner. Third, the VMDDI can operate in a mode that monitors for changes in defined medical conditions. Fourth, the VMDDI can operate in an alert-only mode. In other embodiments, additional modes may be provided in which, in addition to visual displays, other indicators, such as audio warnings and updates (e.g., the system provides a voice message of "hypoglycemia"), can also be used to alert the vehicle driver.

[0054] In a third mode of monitoring for changes in medical condition, for example, if one or more of the monitored medical parameters indicates a high, low, or otherwise undesirable threshold data reading on the VMDDI, the data is displayed only while there is a significant change in medical condition. In this mode, in addition to any empirical parameter readings that may be displayed, additional informative graphics, for example, in the form of upward, downward, or other directional arrows, may also be displayed. These arrows may be further modified by displaying different arrow lengths, number of simultaneous arrows, etc., to further indicate the trend or rate of change in condition, as well as by incorporating graphics with different display colors (e.g., "red" for rapidly changing conditions) to better attract the driver's attention in the event of an emergency medical situation, and by "flashing" the displayed information to further define the urgency of the impending medical condition.

[0055] In a fourth mode, the VMDDI operates to indicate alarm conditions. In this mode, visual and audible alarms are provided to indicate urgent medical conditions, such as abnormal heart rate conditions. Such "global" information may alternate with other information modes, as appropriate.

[0056] As discussed herein, bidirectional connectivity between the VMDDI, the medical device, the vehicle's dashboard (e.g., infotainment system), and / or the vehicle's interactive voice commands may be used to activate, confirm, or enable the medical device to take action (e.g., suspend insulin delivery) in response to input or commands from the vehicle driver.

[0057] If the medical condition meets pre-set criteria, such as detecting a cardiac rhythm indicative of a heart attack, VMDDI over the CAN bus notifies the vehicle's installed telematics system and / or other on-board systems of the medical event in a manner similar to the automatic collision warning features found in prior art vehicles. With VMDDI, in addition to the telematics system reporting the vehicle's location, medical information, such as the driver's low / high "blood sugar" or abnormal heart rhythm, is also transmitted to the telematics operator for use and relay to arriving medical responders.

[0058] In embodiments, in cases where the VMDDI detects an obvious undesirable situation, such as a medical condition that may result in immediate impairment of the driver's ability to control the vehicle (i.e., the driver becoming unconscious), in vehicles equipped with driver assistance systems (as well as autonomous vehicles), the system can optionally slow down the vehicle and / or change direction to move the vehicle to a desired location (e.g., to the shoulder of the road). The driver assistance system can also, for example, slow down and stop the vehicle, activate emergency flashers, unlock doors, or a combination thereof. Such actions can also be relayed to a telematics operator along with the location of the stopped vehicle.

[0059] In embodiments of vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance capabilities less than fully autonomous, such driver assistance systems may continuously check to ensure the driver is paying sufficient attention to the road (e.g., actively looking at surrounding road conditions and the location of other vehicles) before shutting down the assistance system for non-compliance. In some embodiments where a severe medical impairment is present while driving under a driver assistance system, it is desirable for the driver to focus on monitoring and responding to their developing medical condition, which may exceed the preset "driver attention" grace period or time threshold of the most desirable assistance system. In such embodiments, VMDDI over the CAN bus can indicate to the vehicle an impending undesirable medical condition, enabling the driver assistance function to provide an extended active assistance time before shutting down the driver assistance system while under active medical alert.

[0060] It should be appreciated that with ongoing medical approvals allowing younger patients to use wearable medical devices, the VMDDI has the ability to monitor and display medical parameters to the vehicle driver from persons other than the vehicle driver themselves. In various VMDDI embodiments, passengers, such as infants, children, or adults who may be in the back seat and wearing (or have implanted) medical devices, are also operably connected to the VMDDI, providing the vehicle driver with a safe, ongoing, real-time, enhanced medical status of the vehicle's medically monitored occupants. This is an improvement over current methods in which the vehicle driver must stop the vehicle and manually check one or more passengers' medical devices, especially when passengers seated in the back seat area benefit from continuous monitoring rather than just a "snapshot" medical check. It should further be appreciated that the VMDDI can simultaneously monitor multiple vehicle occupants, as long as each person wishes to be monitored and registers their device with the VMDDI.

[0061] Referring now to FIG. 1 , an embodiment of a vehicle 100 is shown. The vehicle 100 may be, for example, an automobile having multiple wheels 102 that enable the vehicle 100 to roll under energy provided by, for example, an engine or motor. Each of the wheels may have a braking system 104 that enables the vehicle to slow or stop, such as when a vehicle driver 106 presses the brake pedal or when a driver assistance system identifies that the vehicle should slow down. The vehicle 100 includes one or more seats 108. As discussed herein, the seats 108 may include one or more sensors 110 that enable one or more vehicle control systems 112 to determine whether a vehicle driver is seated in the seat 108. In some embodiments, there may be additional sensors 111, such as those operably coupled to a passenger seat 109. In some embodiments, the sensors 110 may further provide data to the control system 112 regarding whether the driver has moved (e.g., shifted position). In some embodiments, the vehicle 100 may include controls such as a steering wheel 114, brake and accelerator pedals, and a transmission or "gear shift" mechanism that allows the vehicle driver 106 to control / drive the vehicle.

[0062] Vehicle 100 may include various subsystems that assist in the operation of the vehicle. These systems may include an engine control unit 116, communications circuitry 118, a telematics system 120, an infotainment system, an audio system, a video display system 122, etc. It should be understood that video display system 122 may be incorporated into the vehicle instrument panel or the vehicle infotainment system. In an embodiment, vehicle 100 may include a windshield 124 that includes a means for displaying information (e.g., a head-up display or an embedded active display element (e.g., a transparent OLED, e.g., “TOLED”). The vehicle may further include ports or communication connections, such as a universal serial bus (USB) 126, an on-board diagnostic port (ODP) 128, WiFi, and / or a Bluetooth™ connection. In an embodiment, vehicle 100 may include a CAN bus 130 that allows different subsystems, sensors, and devices (e.g., microphone, speaker) to communicate with control system 112. While FIG. 1 shows a single block of controller 112, it should be understood that this is for illustrative purposes and that the scope of the claims should not be limited in this regard. The functionality of control system 112 or a controller described herein may be distributed among multiple computing devices. In some embodiments, control system 112 may be connected to a distributed computing network or a “cloud” based computer network.

[0063] As discussed herein, vehicle 100 further includes a VMDDI module 132. While VMDDI module 132 is shown as a separate component, it should be understood that this is for illustrative purposes only and that the functionality of VMDDI module 132 may be incorporated into another subsystem, such as controller 112 or an infotainment system. In an embodiment, a port and communication connection, such as USB port 126, is connected to VMDDI module 132 via CAN bus 130. In some embodiments, VMDDI module 132 is added to the vehicle by coupling the module to one of ports 126, 128 or via a wireless connection (e.g., WiFi or Bluetooth).

[0064] In an embodiment, the vehicle driver 106 has a wearable medical device 134 having one or more medical sensors 136 that measure parameters related to a medical condition, such as, but not limited to, blood glucose levels, blood pressure, heart rate, etc. The medical device 134 may further include one or more systems that dispense medication to the vehicle driver 106. As used herein, a medication may be a substance, such as insulin, that may regulate or alleviate a monitored medical condition. As discussed herein, the medical device 134 is communicatively coupled to the VMDDI module 132 and / or the medical sensors 136. In an embodiment, the medical device 134 establishes a communication connection with the VMDDI module 132 when the vehicle is started or when the vehicle driver 106 enters the vehicle 100.

[0065] In an embodiment, the VMDDI module 132 may be operatively connected to other medical devices and sensors, such as medical devices 135 and sensors 137 of passengers in the rear seat 109. It should be appreciated that the VMDDI module 132 may be configured to monitor sensor and device data from multiple persons within the vehicle 100 and provide personalized indications and alert signals to the vehicle operator. This provides the advantage of allowing the vehicle operator to monitor the status of passengers continuously, periodically, or aperiodically.

[0066] 2, a data flow 200 from the medical device 134 through the VMDDI module 132 to the subsystems of the vehicle 100 is shown. In this embodiment, the medical device 134 receives data from the medical sensor 136. In an embodiment, the medical sensor 136 is directly coupled to the VMDDI module 132. The data from the medical sensor 136 is transmitted to the VMDDI module 132. In an embodiment, the dedicated display 123 may be a touch screen. Under normal operation (i.e., no undesirable medical condition), depending on the operating mode (e.g., continuous, change of state, or alarm), the VMDDI module 132 may then transmit a signal with the data to the dedicated display 123 or via the CAN bus 130 to another indicator device, such as the instrument panel 122, windshield 124 display, or audio system 138.

[0067] Additionally, the VMDDI module 132 may also receive a signal, such as when the vehicle driver acknowledges an alert on the dedicated display 123. The VMDDI module 132 may also receive a signal with data from the CAN bus 130, such as from an interactive voice response unit 140 that receives voice input from the vehicle driver, such as via a microphone built into the interior of the vehicle 100. Input may also come from a software application on the instrument panel 144, the telematics system 120, the driver assistance system 142, or the infotainment system 122.

[0068] 3, an embodiment of a method 300 for operating the vehicle 100 and the VMDDI module 132 is shown. The method 300 begins at block 302, where a medical condition is monitored, such as with a medical sensor 136 and / or a medical device 134. The method 300 then proceeds to block 304, where a signal indicative of a medical parameter is transmitted to the VMDDI module 132. The VMDDI module 132 then evaluates the parameter in query block 306 to determine whether one or more thresholds have been exceeded. For example, if blood glucose is being monitored, the VMDDI module 132 determines whether the parameter is above or below a predetermined threshold. If the threshold has not been exceeded, the method 300 loops back to block 302 and continues measuring the parameter.

[0069] When the parameter is at a level that exceeds the threshold, the method 300 proceeds to block 308, where an indicator device is activated. The indicator device may include the dedicated display 123, the infotainment system 122, the instrument panel 144, the windshield 124 display, and the audio system 138. The method 300 then proceeds to query block 310, where the VMDDI module 132 waits a predetermined time to determine whether input is received. The input may be an audible input, such as via the interactive voice response unit 140 or a touch screen on the dedicated display 123 or the instrument panel 144. If query block 310 returns a positive answer, meaning the vehicle operator has provided a confirming input, such as via the interactive voice response unit 140, the method 300 proceeds to block 312, where a first type of action is performed. The first type of action may depend on the input received from the vehicle operator. For example, if the vehicle operator wants to acknowledge the alert but takes no action, the VMDDI module 132 may silence the alert for a predetermined period of time. The vehicle operator may also command other actions, such as dispensing medication, contacting a specific medical professional (e.g., the driver's physician), contacting emergency medical responders, or contacting a predetermined contact (e.g., a spouse or partner).

[0070] If query block 310 returns a negative answer, meaning there was no response from the vehicle driver, method 300 proceeds to block 314, where a second type of action is performed. In some embodiments, the second type of action, VMDDI module 132, can take more proactive steps to prevent undesirable events from occurring if the vehicle driver is impaired by a medical condition. In embodiments, method 300 can use additional information sensors in vehicle 100, such as seat sensor 110 or a sensor that detects steering wheel movement. Depending on measurements by these systems, VMDDI module 132 can take different actions. In embodiments, if the sensors indicate movement, such as the driver actively moving the steering wheel or moving in the seat, VMDDI module 132 can wait a predetermined amount of time (e.g., depending on the urgency level of the medical condition) and again activate the indicator device (block 308) before taking further steps.

[0071] In an embodiment, if the medical condition indicates a high level of urgency, i.e., if the probability that the vehicle driver's driving function may be impaired due to the medical condition exceeds a threshold, the VMDDI module 132 may perform one or more actions to prevent an undesirable event from occurring in the vehicle or to transport the vehicle driver to a medical facility for further evaluation. In an embodiment, the second type of action in block 314 may include performing multiple steps, including contacting emergency medical personnel, changing the speed and / or direction of the vehicle, or activating a response by one or more medical devices. In an embodiment, the second type of action may include activating the driver assistance system 142 in the vehicle 100 to move the vehicle 100 to the shoulder or side of the road and activating the vehicle's hazard lights, while simultaneously contacting emergency medical services or first responder services. In another embodiment, if the vehicle 100 includes autonomous driving capabilities, the VMDDI module 132 may include identifying the nearest medical facility (e.g., a hospital) and controlling the speed and direction of the vehicle 100 to transport the vehicle driver to the medical facility.

[0072] While embodiments herein may refer to particular medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, it should be understood that this is for illustrative purposes only and that the claims should not be so limited. In other embodiments, other medical devices, sensors, and medical conditions may be monitored and appropriate action taken for those conditions. For example, medical conditions may include, but are not limited to, dizziness, cerebrovascular disease, stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, motor neuron disease, aneurysm, blackouts / syncope, pulmonary disease / oxygen use, high or low blood pressure, angina, irregular heartbeat, seizures, and epilepsy.

[0073] Although the term vehicle may be used herein in the context of an "automotive" vehicle, it should be understood that this is for illustrative purposes only and the claims should not be so limited. As used herein, the term "vehicle" may be any transportation system, such as, but not limited to, an automobile, motorcycle, truck, van, bus, construction equipment, train, airplane, and boat.

[0074] The term "about" is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of a particular quantity based on equipment available at the time of filing this application. For example, "about" can include a range of ±8%, or 5%, or 2% of a given value.

[0075] Additionally, the term "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. The terms "at least one" and "one or more" are understood to include any integer greater than or equal to one, i.e., 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. The term "plurality" is understood to include any integer greater than or equal to two, i.e., 2, 3, 4, 5, etc. The term "connected" can include indirect and direct "connections." It should also be noted that terms such as "first," "second," "third," "upper," and "lower" may be used herein to modify various elements. These modifiers do not imply a spatial, sequential, or hierarchical order to the modified elements unless specifically stated.

[0076] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0077] While the present disclosure has been provided in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the present disclosure is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the present disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, while various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it should be understood that example embodiments may include only some of the exemplary aspects that have been described. Accordingly, the present disclosure should not be deemed limited by the foregoing description, but is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A vehicle having a system operatively connected to a personal medical device having a sensor, the system comprising: an indicator device having at least one of an audio device or a visual indicator device; a medical device display interface communicatively coupled to the personal medical device; a controller operably coupled to the medical device display interface and the indicator device, the controller operable to receive a first signal from the medical device display interface and to activate the indicator device in response to the first signal including data regarding an undesirable condition.

2. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the activating the indicator device includes activating at least one of a sound from the audio device or displaying a message on the visual indicator.

3. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further operable to control at least one of a speed or a direction of the vehicle in response to the first signal.

4. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further operable to dispense a medication in response to the first signal.

5. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further operable to receive a second signal in response to an action by a vehicle operator.

6. The vehicle of claim 5 , wherein the action includes at least one of speaking a command, activating an actuator, or touching a graphical user interface on the visual indicator.

7. 6. The vehicle of claim 5, wherein the controller is further operable to activate communication circuitry when the action is not performed within a predetermined time.

8. The vehicle of claim 7 , wherein the controller is configured to receive a third signal from the communication circuit and control a direction and speed of the vehicle to move the vehicle to a medical facility.

9. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the indicator device, the medical device display interface, and the controller are connected by a controller area network (CAN) bus.

10. 10. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the personal medical device is connected to the medical device display interface by one of a universal serial bus (USB) connector, an on-board diagnostic (OBD) port, or a wireless connection.

11. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the first signal comprises a plurality of first signals received continuously, periodically, or periodically updated.

12. 12. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein the controller is further operable to display the data from the plurality of first signals on the visual indicator as each of the plurality of first signals is received.

13. The vehicle of claim 11 , wherein the controller is further operable to display the data from the plurality of first signals on the visual indicator when a change in the data exceeds a threshold.

14. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the indicator device is operably coupled to a vehicle infotainment system.

15. The vehicle of claim 14 , wherein the audio device includes a speaker integrated into the vehicle.

16. 16. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein the visual indicator comprises a display screen integrated into a dashboard of the vehicle.

17. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the sensor is located on a vehicle operator.

18. 20. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein the sensor comprises a plurality of sensors, and at least one of the plurality of sensors is located on a person other than the vehicle operator.

19. 1. A method of operating a vehicle, comprising: monitoring a medical condition of a vehicle driver using a medical device having a sensor; transmitting a first signal from the medical device to a medical device display interface, the first signal indicative of a medical parameter of the vehicle driver measured by the sensor; and using a controller to monitor the first signal received via the medical device display interface and activate an indicator device in response to the medical parameter exceeding a threshold, the indicator device being associated with the vehicle.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the activating the indicator device includes activating at least one of a sound from an audio device or displaying a message on a visual indicator.

21. receiving an input signal from the vehicle operator after the indicator device is activated; 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: in response to receiving the input signal, dispensing a medication using the medical device.

22. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the input signal is received via a microphone within the vehicle.

23. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising activating communication circuitry within the vehicle if no input signal is received from the vehicle operator within a predetermined time after the indicator device is activated.

24. receiving a second signal from medical personnel via the communication circuit; 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising controlling the direction and speed of the vehicle to move the vehicle to a medical facility.

25. further comprising receiving, at the controller, a location of the vehicle from a vehicle telematics device; 20. The method of claim 19, wherein activating the communication circuitry includes transmitting the location of the vehicle.

26. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising causing the vehicle to perform one of a speed change and a direction change if no input signal is received within a predetermined time after the indicator device is activated.

27. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the activating of the indicator device is performed when a rate of change of the medical parameter exceeds the threshold.

28. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the activating of the indicator device is performed when a difference in the medical parameter between a first time and a second time exceeds a second threshold.

29. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the first signal is transmitted periodically, aperiodically, or continuously.

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