Method and system for transmitting medical information according to prioritization criteria

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to remote physiological monitoring. More specifically, provided herein are methods and systems for prioritizing the transmission of physiological data collected from a patient when the sensor and / or a system having the sensor does not have a consistent wireless connection. In particular, a mobile physiological data telemetry system for prioritizing the transmission of physiological monitoring data is provided, the mobile physiological data telemetry system having a physiological sensor, a communication interface, a set of prioritization rules for the patient, and a processor configured to identify one or more portions of the physiological data and prioritize the portions according to the prioritization rules for the patient.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This patent application claims priority to European Patent Application No. 22212003.2, filed December 7, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to methods and systems for remotely monitoring a subject, and more particularly to a mobile physiological data telemetry system and method that prioritizes the transmission of physiological data. [Background technology]

[0003] The availability of different wireless communication networks has enabled the development of remote physiological monitoring, a field that relates to the remote sensing of a person's vital signs. Remote physiological monitoring has applications in sports and physical therapy programs, as well as in other settings, such as monitoring individuals in hazardous environments. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, gaps in network coverage connecting remote physiological monitoring devices to back-end receivers pose significant challenges in reporting accurate vital sign measurements in a timely and clinically efficient manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for prioritizing transmission of physiological monitoring data is provided, the method comprising: providing a mobile physiological data telemetry system having a physiological sensor configured to receive physiological data from a patient and further having a communication interface configured to connect to a communication network, the mobile physiological data telemetry system having a set of prioritization rules for the patient; receiving physiological data from the patient from the physiological sensor; determining that the mobile physiological data telemetry system has identified a first portion of received physiological data for transmission over the communication interface; determining that the mobile physiological data telemetry system has identified a second portion of the received physiological data for transmission via the communication interface; and when the mobile physiological data telemetry system is not connected to the communications network, using the set of prioritization rules to prioritize transmission of a first portion of the received physiological data before a second portion of the received physiological data, or vice versa; transmitting the first and second portions of the received physiological data in a prioritized order when the mobile physiological data telemetry system is connected to the communications network. It has.

[0006] In one aspect, the mobile physiological data telemetry system is a wireless physiological sensor device attached to the patient.

[0007] In one aspect, the mobile physiological data system includes a smartphone, the smartphone having a wireless communication interface.

[0008] In one aspect, determining that the first portion of the received physiological data and the second portion of the received physiological data have been identified for transmission is based on a parameter of the received physiological data.

[0009] In one aspect, prioritizing using a set of prioritization rules is based on parameters of the received physiological data.

[0010] In one aspect, the method further comprises receiving, by the mobile physiological data telemetry system, a set of prioritization rules for the patient.

[0011] In one aspect, the set of prioritization rules is specific to a particular patient.

[0012] In one aspect, the method further includes determining, using a set of prioritization rules, that a third portion of the received physiological data has been identified for transmission via the communication interface, wherein the prioritizing step includes prioritizing transmission of the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion in a predetermined order of priority, and wherein the transmitting step includes transmitting the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion in a predetermined order of priority.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a mobile physiological data telemetry system for prioritizing transmission of physiological monitoring data. The mobile physiological data telemetry system comprises: a physiological sensor configured to receive physiological data from a patient; a communication interface configured to connect to a communication network; a set of prioritization rules for patients; (i) receiving physiological data from a patient from a physiological sensor; (ii) determining that the mobile physiological data telemetry system has identified a first portion of the received physiological data for transmission over the communications interface; (iii) determining that the mobile physiological data telemetry system has identified a second portion of the received physiological data for transmission over the communications interface; (iv) when the mobile physiological data telemetry system is not connected to a communications network, using a set of prioritization rules to prioritize transmission of a first portion of the received physiological data over a second portion of the received physiological data, or vice versa; and (v) transmitting the first and second portions of the received physiological data in a prioritized order via the communication interface when the mobile physiological data telemetry system is connected to the communication network. a processor configured to: It has.

[0014] In one aspect, a mobile physiological data telemetry system includes a wireless physiological sensor device attached to a patient.

[0015] In one aspect, a mobile physiological data telemetry system includes a smartphone having a wireless communication interface.

[0016] In one aspect, determining that the first portion of the received physiological data and the second portion of the received physiological data have been identified for transmission is based on a parameter of the received physiological data.

[0017] In one aspect, prioritizing using a set of prioritization rules is based on parameters of the received physiological data.

[0018] In one aspect, the set of prioritization rules is specific to a particular patient.

[0019] In one aspect, the processor is further configured to determine, using a set of prioritization rules, that a third portion of the received physiological data has been identified for transmission via the communication interface, where prioritizing comprises prioritizing transmission of the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion in a predetermined order of priority based on the set of prioritization rules, and transmitting comprises transmitting the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion in the predetermined order of priority.

[0020] These and other aspects of various embodiments will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] In the drawings, like reference numbers generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of various embodiments. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for prioritizing transmission of physiological monitoring data according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary mobile physiological data telemetry system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a schematic block diagram illustrating a controller used in a mobile physiological data telemetry system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a block diagram illustrating a portion of the controller of FIG. 3A. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the chronological collection of physiological data according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an actual use of a mobile physiological data telemetry system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The present disclosure relates to a mobile physiological data monitoring system in the field of remote physiological monitoring, which involves collecting physiological data in an ambulatory environment. More specifically, the disclosed system provides a direct internet device that includes electronics for wirelessly communicating physiological data to a backend server and is configured to prioritize and / or selectively transmit physiological data based on customizable prioritization criteria.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a mobile cardiac ambulatory telemetry (MCOT) system, which is a field of remote physiological monitoring that involves collecting electrocardiogram (ECG) data in an ambulatory environment. More specifically, the MCOT system of the present disclosure provides a direct internet device that includes electronics for wirelessly communicating ECG data to a back-end server and is configured to prioritize and / or selectively transmit ECG data based on customizable prioritization criteria. In addition to or instead of ECG data, the mobile physiological data monitoring system uses one or more physiological sensors within the mobile system to acquire other types of physiological data, including, but not limited to, PPG data (including many different aspects of PPG data), respiration rate, temperature, apnea, movement, and many other types of physiological data.

[0024] 1 , a method 100 for prioritizing transmission of physiological monitoring data according to an aspect of the present disclosure is provided. In some embodiments, method 100 includes providing a mobile physiological data telemetry system at step 110, receiving physiological data from a subject from a physiological sensor of the mobile physiological data telemetry system at step 120, determining that a first portion of the received physiological data has been identified for transmission via a communication interface at step 130, determining that a second portion of the received physiological data has been identified for transmission via a communication interface at step 140, prioritizing the intended transmission of the first portion earlier than the second portion of the received physiological data, or vice versa, based on a prioritization rule at step 150, when the mobile physiological data telemetry system is not connected to a communication network, and transmitting the first and second portions of the received physiological data in prioritized order at step 160, when the mobile physiological data telemetry system is reconnected to the communication network.

[0025] 1 provides a method 100 for prioritizing transmission of ECG monitoring data according to an aspect of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, method 100 includes providing a mobile cardiac telemetry system at step 110, receiving electrocardiogram (ECG) data from a subject from an ECG sensor of the mobile cardiac telemetry system at step 120, determining that a first portion of the received ECG data has been identified for transmission over a communication interface at step 130, determining that a second portion of the received ECG data has been identified for transmission over the communication interface at step 140, prioritizing the intended transmission of the first portion earlier than the second portion of the received ECG data, or vice versa, based on a prioritization rule at step 150, when the mobile cardiac telemetry system is not connected to a communication network, and transmitting the first and second portions of the received ECG data in prioritized order at step 160, when the mobile cardiac telemetry system is reconnected to the communication network.

[0026] More specifically, in step 110, method 100 includes providing a mobile cardiac telemetry system having an ECG sensor configured to receive ECG data from a subject, a communication interface configured to connect the mobile cardiac telemetry system to a communication network, and a set of prioritization rules for the subject. For example, referring to FIG. 2 , an exemplary mobile physiological data telemetry system 200 according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. In this embodiment, the physiological data telemetry system is a mobile cardiac telemetry system, although the mobile physiological data telemetry system may be one of many other types of physiological data systems, as described herein or contemplated even if not described. As shown, mobile cardiac telemetry system 200 includes an ECG sensor 202, a communication interface 204, a set of prioritization rules 206, and one or more processors 208. In an embodiment, the ECG sensor 202 is configured to receive ECG data from a subject, the communication interface 204 is configured to connect the system 200 to a communication network, and the one or more processors 208 are configured to perform one or more steps of the methods described herein.

[0027] In embodiments, system 200 is a wireless ECG sensor device that is attached to the subject's body and is entirely mobile with the subject. In some embodiments, system 200 comprises a portable electronic device having a communication interface 204, including, but not limited to, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a smartphone, a wearable computing and communication device, etc.

[0028] In particular embodiments, system 200 may include a controller 210 having one or more of communication interface 204, prioritization rules 206, and / or one or more processors 208. Referring to Figures 3A and 3B, a block diagram of controller 210 forming a part of system 200 is illustrated. Controller 210 is operatively connected to one or more other components of system 200, including, but not limited to, ECG sensor 202 and / or a mobile electronic device (not shown). Controller 210 is configured to operate ECG sensor 202, communication interface 204, and / or implement prioritization rules 206 as described herein.

[0029] 3A, the controller 210 can include one or more processors 208, a machine-readable memory 304, and an interface bus 306, all of which can be interconnected and / or in communication through a system bus 308 that includes conductive circuit paths through which instructions (e.g., machine-readable signals) can pass to accomplish communication, tasks, storage, etc. The controller 210 can be connected to a power source 310, which can include an internal power source and / or an external power source.

[0030] The one or more processors 208 may include high-speed data processors sufficient to execute the program components described herein and / or various specialized processing units known in the art. In some examples, the one or more processors 208 may be a single processor, multiple processors, or multiple processor cores on a single die.

[0031] In some examples, the interface bus 306 may include a communication interface 304 configured to connect the system 200 to a communication network 314, an input / output (“I / O”) interface 316 configured to connect to and communicate with one or more peripheral devices 301, and / or a memory interface 318 configured to receive, communicate with, and / or connect to multiple machine-readable memory devices (e.g., memory 304).

[0032] The I / O interface 316 may operatively connect the controller 210 and / or the system 200 with one or more peripheral devices 301. In some examples, the peripheral devices 301 may include, but are not limited to, a display monitor, a joystick, a keyboard, a microphone, a computer mouse, a touch screen (e.g., capacitive, resistive, etc.), a trackball, a trackpad, a stylus, an audio device, a camera, a printer, and / or a video device, etc.

[0033] The communication interface 312 can operatively connect the controller 210 and / or the system 200 to a communication network 314, which can include a direct interconnection, the Internet, a local area network (“LAN”), a metropolitan area network (“MAN”), a wide area network (“WAN”), a wired or Ethernet connection, a wireless connection, and similar types of communication networks including combinations thereof. In further embodiments, the communication network 314 can include other communication means such as, for example, Bluetooth, a cellular data network (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, etc.). In some examples, the controller 210 and / or the system 200 communicates with one or more remote / cloud-based servers 320, cloud-based services 322, and / or remote devices (e.g., device 504 shown in FIG. 5 ) via the communication network 314 and the communication interface 204.

[0034] The memory 304 may be variously embodied in one or more forms of machine-accessible and machine-readable memory. In some examples, the memory 304 includes a storage device 324 having one or more types of memory. For example, the storage device 324 may include, but is not limited to, a non-transitory storage medium.

[0035] Generally, memory 304 is configured to store data / information 326 and instructions 328 that, when executed by one or more processors 208, cause controller 210 and / or system 200 to perform one or more tasks.

[0036] In particular examples, the memory 304 includes a mobile cardiac telemetry package 330 having a collection of program components, database components, and / or data. Depending on the particular implementation, the mobile cardiac telemetry package 330 may include software components, hardware components, and / or some combination of both hardware and software components.

[0037] Mobile cardiac telemetry package 330 may include instructions 328 with, but is not limited to, one or more software packages that are incorporated into, loaded from, loaded into, or otherwise operably available to controller 210 and / or system 200. In other words, mobile cardiac telemetry package 330 and / or one or more software packages are incorporated into, loaded from, loaded into, or otherwise operably available to mobile cardiac telemetry system 200.

[0038] In some examples, the mobile cardiac telemetry package 330 and / or one or more individual software packages are stored on the local storage device 324. In other examples, the mobile cardiac telemetry package 330 and / or one or more individual software packages are loaded onto and / or updated from the remote server 320 via the communication network 314.

[0039] In certain embodiments, mobile cardiac telemetry package 330 may include, but is not limited to, instructions 328 having a sensor component 334, a data component 336, and / or a communication component 338. These components may be incorporated into system 200, loaded from system 200, loaded into system 200, or otherwise operably available to / from system 200.

[0040] The sensor component 334 may be a stored program component executed by at least one processor, such as, for example, the one or more processors 208 of the system 200. In particular, the sensor component 334 is configured to receive or otherwise acquire ECG sensor data 340 as described herein. In an embodiment, the sensor component 334 is configured to store one or more portions of the received ECG sensor data 340 in the memory 304. For example, one or more portions of the received ECG sensor data 340 are stored in the memory 304 while the system 200 is unable to connect to the communication network 314, when the system 200 is operating at low power, and / or when it is not desirable to immediately transmit the ECG sensor data 340.

[0041] Data component 336 may be a stored program component executed by at least one processor, such as, for example, one or more processors 208 of system 200. In particular, data component 336 is configured to identify one or more subsets of ECG sensor data 340, as described herein. For example, data component 336 may be configured to use any predetermined program or rule to determine that at least a first portion of received ECG data 340 has been identified for transmission via communication interface 204. In some embodiments, data component 336 may be configured to use any predetermined program or rule to determine that at least a second portion of received ECG data 340 has been identified for transmission via communication interface 204.

[0042] 4, a time series representation 400 over a period 402 of collecting ECG sensor data 340 is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 200 may collect one or more subsets 406, 408, 410 of the ECG data 340 as described herein. As shown, the system 200 may collect the ECG data 340 only at specific times or upon detecting a specific condition. From each of the subsets 406, 408, 410 of the ECG data 340, the system 200 may determine that one or more portions 404A, 404B, 404C, 404D of the ECG data 340 should be transmitted for analysis and / or reporting. As shown, each of the one or more portions 404A, 404B, 404C, 404D of the ECG data 340 corresponds to a time period (e.g., subsets 406, 408, 410) over which the ECG data 340 was collected. In particular, it should be understood that the one or more portions 404A, 404B, 404C, 404D of the ECG data 340 span a time period that is shorter than the collection of all instances of the ECG data 340.

[0043] According to one embodiment, system 200 may be pre-programmed with rules, triggers, thresholds, or other indicators that enable the system to determine when to transmit, share, or communicate ECG sensor data for analysis and / or reporting. Rules, triggers, thresholds, or other indicators may be pre-programmed into the system as defaults, provided to the system by a clinician or other person, and / or designed for a particular person and / or setting. Many other variables are possible. According to one embodiment, in addition to prioritization rules, system 200 may be programmed with notification criteria or rules that enable the system to determine which ECG sensor data to transmit, and / or not transmit, share, or communicate for analysis and / or reporting. These notification criteria or rules may be pre-programmed into the system as defaults, provided to the system by a clinician or other person, and / or designed for a particular person and / or setting.

[0044] In certain embodiments, the system 200 (e.g., the data component 336) can determine a priority list for transmitting one or more portions 404A, 404B, 404C, 404D of the ECG data 340. For example, instead of transmitting one or more portions 404A, 404B, 404C, 404D of the ECG data 340 in chronological order (oldest to newest, or newest to oldest), it may be determined to prioritize the transmission of one or more portions 404A, 404B, 404C, 404D of the ECG data 340 in a non-chronological order based on a set of prioritization rules 342. These prioritization rules or criteria 342 may be pre-programmed into the system as defaults, provided to the system by a clinician or other person, and / or designed for a particular person and / or setting. According to one embodiment, the prioritization rules 342 may be the same as or based on notification criteria or rules, although many other criteria may be utilized.

[0045] In embodiments, the priority of one or more subsets of ECG sensor data 340 is based on when system 200 is connected or disconnected from communication network 314, when system 200 has insufficient power, or when data transmission activity is undesirable. For example, when the battery level falls below a predetermined battery level threshold, the prioritization rules may indicate that the system should prioritize and / or transmit one or more subsets of ECG sensor data 340 with high notification and / or prioritization scores (e.g., above a predetermined notification and / or prioritization threshold). Later, when the battery is fully or partially recharged, the remaining subsets of ECG sensor data 340 with low notification and / or prioritization scores (e.g., below a predetermined notification and / or prioritization threshold) may be transmitted.

[0046] The communication component 338 may be a stored program component executed by at least one processor, such as, for example, one or more processors 208 of the system 200. In particular, the communication component 338 is configured to transmit one or more subsets of the ECG sensor data 340 via the communication interface 204 / 304 and / or the communication network 314 based on prioritization rules 342.

[0047] 5 , one or more subsets of ECG sensor data 340 received from subject or patient 501 are transmitted, for example, via communication network 314, to remote server 320, clinical service center 502, and / or remote device 504. In an embodiment, the one or more subsets of ECG sensor data 340 received at remote server 320 may be stored in memory at remote server 320. In a further embodiment, the one or more subsets of transmitted ECG sensor data 340 are received at clinical service center 502 and analyzed by software and / or an ECG technician at clinical service center 502. In yet a further embodiment, the one or more subsets of transmitted ECG sensor data 340 may be accessed and / or reviewed by a medical professional (e.g., a doctor, clinician, nurse, etc.) via remote device 504.

[0048] In embodiments, communication component 338 may also be configured to receive prioritization rules 342 via communication interface 204 and communication network 314. For example, a medical professional (e.g., a doctor, clinician, nurse, etc.) may provide prioritization criteria 342, for example, via remote device 504, which are then stored on a remote server, for example, remote server 320. The prioritization criteria may be stored on the remote server, and the criteria may be downloaded from the remote server or uploaded by the device.

[0049] In embodiments, the prioritization criteria 342 provided by the medical professional may be determined based on a general profile of the patient wearing the ECG sensor device 200. For example, this general profile may include details about the patient's medical history, diagnoses, medical history, etc. In certain embodiments, the prioritization rules 342 are patient-specific.

[0050] According to the present disclosure, the prioritization rules 342 can include multiple different criteria. For example, in some embodiments, the prioritization criteria 342 can include a parameter such as heart rate. In particular embodiments, the prioritization criteria 342 can include detecting a condition that persists for a predetermined period of time. For example, in some embodiments, the prioritization criteria 342 can include determining whether the patient's heart rate exceeds a predetermined threshold for a predetermined period of time. Based on the detection of the condition, the prioritization criteria 342 determines a priority for the detected event, which in turn determines the order in which the ECG data 340 is transmitted.

[0051] The controller 210 may also include an operating system component 332, which is stored in the memory 304. The operating system component 332 may be an executable program that facilitates the operation of the controller 210. Typically, the operating system component 332 may facilitate access of I / O interfaces, communication interfaces, and memory interfaces to communicate with other components of the system 200.

[0052] Returning to FIG. 1, the method 100 may include, at step 120, receiving ECG data 340 from the patient or subject from the ECG sensor 202. 4, the ECG data 340 may be received from the patient or subject via the ECG sensor 202 during a particular period of time. In other embodiments, the ECG sensor data 340 may be collected continuously.

[0053] At step 130, method 100 includes determining to identify a first portion of received ECG data 340 for transmission via communication interface 204. In an embodiment, one or more processors 208 of system 200 are configured to determine that the first portion of received ECG data 340 has been identified for transmission. As described herein, the first portion of received ECG data 340 may be, for example, at least one of portions 404A, 404B, 404C, 404D of ECG data 340.

[0054] At step 140, method 100 includes determining that a second portion of received ECG data 340 has been identified for transmission via communication interface 204. In an embodiment, one or more processors 208 of system 200 are configured to determine that a second portion of received ECG data 340 has been identified for transmission. As described herein, the second portion of received ECG data 340 may be, for example, at least one of portions 404A, 404B, 404C, 404D of ECG data 340, but is different from the first portion of received ECG data 340.

[0055] Although steps 130 and 140 describe determining that a first and second portion of ECG data 340 have been identified for transmission via the communications interface 204, any number of portions of ECG data 340 may be identified for transmission via the communications interface. For example, the method may include additional steps 140 such as identifying a third portion of the received ECG data for transmission via the communications interface and identifying a fourth portion of the received ECG data for transmission via the communications interface.

[0056] At step 150, method 100 includes prioritizing the transmission of at least one of the first and second portions of the received ECG data 340. As described herein, prioritizing the ECG data 340 may include determining the order in which each portion 404A, 404B, 404C, 404D of the received ECG data 340 should be transmitted. In embodiments, one or more processors 208 of system 200 are configured to prioritize the transmission of at least one of the first and second portions of the received ECG data 340. In particular embodiments, when system 200 is unable to connect to communication network 314 or is unable to transmit ECG data 340, one or more portions 404A, 404B, 404C, 404D of the received ECG data 340 are prioritized. For example, in some embodiments, system 200 has a low-power operating mode in which it must conserve power, which results in the inability to transmit large amounts of ECG data 340.

[0057] In some embodiments, one or more processors 208 of system 200 are configured to prioritize the transmission of any number of portions of the received ECG data, including, but not limited to, a first portion and a second portion, a third portion, a fourth portion, etc.

[0058] At step 160, method 100 includes transmitting one or more portions 404A, 404B, 404C, 404D of the received ECG data 340 in a prioritized order. In some embodiments, one or more processors 208 of system 200 are configured to transmit one or more portions 404A, 404B, 404C, 404D of the received ECG data 340 in a prioritized order when the system is reconnected to a communications network. As described herein, one or more portions 404A, 404B, 404C, 404D of the received ECG data 340 are transmitted to a clinical service center 402 where an ECG technician can review and / or analyze one or more portions 404A, 404B, 404C, 404D of the received ECG data 340 for particular parameters or conditions. In an embodiment, once one or more portions 404A, 404B, 404C, 404D of the received ECG data 340 have been verified, a medical professional may be notified according to patient-specific notification criteria.

[0059] In some embodiments, each cardiac event represented in one or more portions 404A, 404B, 404C, 404D of the received ECG data 340 is added to the report. That is, in some embodiments, the method 100 may include generating a report based on one or more portions 404A, 404B, 404C, 404D of the received ECG data 340 that identify one or more cardiac events for the patient. In further embodiments, the method 100 may include receiving, in the system 200, a set of prioritization rules 342 for the patient 501. In some embodiments, a medical professional may set the set of prioritization rules 342 when prescribing use of the monitoring system 200, and the system 200 may receive the set of prioritization rules 342 before acquiring ECG data 340 from the patient 501 via the ECG sensor 202.

[0060] According to one embodiment, after transmitting the ECG portion with the highest priority, system 200 can communicate a message with a subset of information about one or more additional ECG portions that have been prioritized for transmission but have not yet been transmitted. The subset of information can include one or more characteristics about the ECG portion (e.g., a timestamp and / or a clinical parameter, such as the type of arrhythmia (atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter)). This information can be useful to an ECG technician when processing the ECG portion with the highest priority to be transmitted first. Thus, the prioritization rules can include thresholds, programming, or other information that instruct system 200 regarding which subset of information should be transmitted for the prioritized ECG portions, which subset of information about which prioritized ECG portions should be transmitted, and other transmission details.

[0061] According to one embodiment, in method step 160, after the system determines that it has reconnected to the communications network, the system may contact the cloud or receive additional recent data about the patient before transmitting one or more portions 404A, 404B, 404C, 404D of the received ECG data 340 in prioritized order. In particular, when the prioritization rules indicate data that the system has not collected (e.g., symptom information such as "the patient is dizzy"), this data is transmitted to the system. This additional data may modify the prioritization rules and thus change the order in which the ECG strips are transmitted by changing the order of one or more portions 404A, 404B, 404C, 404D. Thus, the system may receive this additional data, which may be a clinician's modification of the prioritization rules, and may then return to step 150, reprioritize the transmission of the ECG data portions, and transmit these reprioritized ECG data portions in step 160.

[0062] In particular, according to other embodiments, the methods and systems described or contemplated herein can be utilized for prioritizing and communicating other types of data, including, but not limited to, many different types of physiological data. This can include patient sensor data, e.g., PPG data, and many other types of data. Thus, according to one embodiment, a remote, mobile, or transmitting system can include a physiological data sensor configured to receive physiological data from a subject, a communication interface configured to connect the physiological data system to a communication network, and a set of prioritization rules for the system and / or the subject. For example, with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 2 , a physiological data system 200 can include a physiological sensor 202, a communication interface 204, a set of prioritization rules 206, and one or more processors 208. In an embodiment, the physiological sensor 202 is configured to receive physiological data from the subject, the communication interface 204 is configured to connect the system 200 to a communication network, and the one or more processors 208 are configured to perform one or more steps of the methods described herein.Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 1 , a method 100 for prioritizing transmission of physiological data includes providing a physiological data system in step 110; receiving physiological data from a subject from a physiological sensor of the system in step 120; determining that a first portion of the received physiological data has been identified for transmission via a communication interface in step 130; determining that a second portion of the received physiological data has been identified for transmission via the communication interface in step 140; prioritizing the intended transmission of the first portion earlier than the second portion of the received physiological data, or vice versa, based on a prioritization rule when the physiological data system is not connected to a communication network in step 150; and transmitting the first and second portions of the received physiological data in prioritized order when the physiological data system is reconnected to the communication network in step 160.

[0063] According to such embodiments, a remote, mobile, or otherwise transmitting PPG system may include a PPG sensor configured to receive PPG data (heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, blood pressure, etc.) from a subject, a communication interface configured to connect the PPG system to a communication network, and a set of prioritization rules for the subject. For example, with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 2, a PPG system 200 may include a PPG sensor 202, a communication interface 204, a set of prioritization rules 206, and one or more processors 208. In an embodiment, the PPG sensor 202 is configured to receive PPG data from the subject, the communication interface 204 is configured to connect the system 200 to a communication network, and the one or more processors 208 are configured to perform one or more steps of the methods described herein. Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 1, a method 100 for prioritizing the transmission of PPG data includes, in step 110, providing a PPG system; in step 120, receiving PPG data from a subject from a PPG sensor of the PPG system; in step 130, determining that a first portion of the received PPG data has been identified for transmission via a communication interface; in step 140, determining that a second portion of the received PPG data has been identified for transmission via the communication interface; in step 150, when the PPG system is not connected to a communication network, prioritizing the intended transmission of the first portion earlier than the second portion of the received PPG data, or vice versa, based on a prioritization rule; and in step 160, when the PPG system is reconnected to the communication network, transmitting the first and second portions of the received PPG data in prioritized order.

[0064] It should be understood that all combinations of the concepts described above, and additional concepts discussed in more detail below, are considered to be part of the inventive subject matter disclosed in the specification (provided that such concepts are not mutually inconsistent). In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are considered to be part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. Terminology explicitly used in this specification that appears in any disclosure incorporated by reference shall have a meaning that is most consistent with the specific concepts disclosed herein.

[0065] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to go beyond dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0066] The indefinite articles "a" and "an," as used in the specification and claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean "at least one."

[0067] The term "and / or" as used in the specification and claims should be understood to mean "either or both" of the connected elements, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with "and / or" should be construed in the same manner, i.e., "one or more" of the connected elements. Elements other than those specifically identified by the "and / or" clause may optionally be present, whether with or without regard to those specifically identified elements.

[0068] As used in the specification and claims, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and / or" as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or" or "and / or" should be interpreted as inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one of the plurality or list elements, but may include more than one, and optionally, additional items not in the list. Only terms with specific indications, e.g., "only one of" or "exactly one of," or, when used in the claims, "consisting of," refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of the plurality or list elements. In general, the term "or" as used herein, when accompanied by exclusive language, such as "either," "one of," "only one of," or "exactly one of," should be interpreted merely as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e., one or the other, but not both).

[0069] As used in the specification and claims, the term "at least one," in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements of the list, but not necessarily including at least one of every element specifically listed in the list of elements, and not excluding any combination of elements in said list of elements. This definition also allows that elements other than those specifically identified in the list of elements to which the term "at least one" refers can optionally be present, whether or not they are associated with the specifically identified elements.

[0070] Terms such as first, second, and third are used herein to describe various elements or components, but it will be understood that these elements or components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element or component from another. Thus, a first element or component described below can be called a second element or component without departing from the teachings of the inventive concept.

[0071] Unless otherwise specified, when an element or component is said to be "connected," "coupled," or "adjacent" to another element or component, it is understood that the element or component is directly connected or coupled to the other element or component, or that there are intervening elements or components. That is, these and similar terms include the case where one or more intermediate elements or components are used to connect the two elements or components. However, when an element or component is said to be "directly connected" to another element or component, this only includes the case where the two elements or components are connected to each other without any intermediate or intervening elements or components.

[0072] In the claims and the specification, all transitional phrases such as "having," "including," "carrying," "having," "including," "including," "holding," "consisting of," and the like, are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., meaning inclusive of, but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.

[0073] It should also be understood that, unless expressly indicated to the contrary, in any method claimed herein that includes more than one step or action, the order of the steps or actions of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or actions of the method are recited.

[0074] The above-described examples of the described subject matter can be implemented in any of numerous ways. For example, some aspects are implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof. When any aspect is implemented at least partially in software, the software code can be executed on any suitable processor or collection of processors, whether provided on a single device or computer, or distributed among multiple devices / computers.

[0075] The present disclosure may be implemented as a system, method, and / or computer program product at any possible level of technical detail. The computer program product may include computer-readable storage medium(s) having computer-readable program instructions for causing a processor to perform aspects of the present disclosure.

[0076] A computer-readable storage medium may be a tangible device that can hold and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. A computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of computer-readable storage media includes portable computer diskettes, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) or flash memory, static RAM (SRAM), CD-ROMs, DVDs, Memory Sticks, floppy disks, mechanically encoded devices such as punch cards or ridge structures in grooves in which instructions are recorded, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. As used herein, computer-readable storage media should not be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as, for example, radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission medium (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted over a wire.

[0077] The computer-readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded from a computer-readable storage medium to each computer / processing device, or downloaded to an external computer or external storage device via a network, such as the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, and / or a wireless network. The network can include copper transmission cables, optical fiber transmissions, wireless transmissions, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and / or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computer / processing device receives the computer-readable program instructions from the network and transfers the computer-readable program instructions to a computer-readable storage medium in the respective computer / processing device for storage.

[0078] The computer-readable program instructions for carrying out the operations of the present disclosure can be either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including assembler instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state setting data, configuration data for an integrated circuit, or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Smalltalk or C++, and procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The computer-readable program instructions can execute entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer via any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or can be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some examples, an electronic circuit having, for example, a programmable logic circuit, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a programmable logic array (PLA) can execute computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions and personalizing the electronic circuit to perform aspects of the present disclosure.

[0079] Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to examples of the present disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.

[0080] The computer-readable program instructions may be supplied to a processor of a special-purpose computer or other programmable data processing device to generate machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable processing device, create means for performing the functions / acts specified in the blocks of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams. These computer-readable program instructions may also be stored on a computer-readable storage medium that can instruct a computer, programmable data processing device, and / or other device to function in a particular manner, such that the computer-readable storage medium having the instructions stored thereon has an article of manufacture having instructions that implement aspects of the functions / acts specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams or blocks.

[0081] The computer-readable program instructions may be loaded into a computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device, and a series of operational steps performed on the computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device may produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions executing on the computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device perform the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams or blocks.

[0082] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various examples of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, having one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions depicted in the blocks may occur out of the order depicted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may be executed in the reverse order, depending on the functionality involved. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagrams and / or flowchart diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart diagrams, are implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified functions or operations or executes a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0083] Other implementations are within the scope of the following claims and other claims to which the applicant may be entitled.

[0084] While several inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those skilled in the art will readily devise various means and / or structures for performing the functions and / or obtaining the results and / or one or more advantages described herein, and each such variation and / or modification is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary, and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend on the specific application using the teachings of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. Accordingly, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are presented by way of example only, and that within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, inventive embodiments other than those specifically described and claimed may be practiced. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods is also included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure, provided that such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent.

Claims

1. 1. A method for prioritizing transmission of physiological data, the method comprising: providing a mobile physiological data telemetry system having a sensor configured to receive physiological data from a patient and further having a communication interface configured to connect to a communication network, the mobile physiological data telemetry system having a set of prioritization rules for the patient; receiving physiological data from the patient from the sensor; determining that the mobile physiological data telemetry system has identified a first portion of the received physiological data for transmission over the communication interface; determining that the mobile physiological data telemetry system has identified a second portion of the received physiological data for transmission over the communication interface; using the set of prioritization rules to prioritize transmission of the first portion of the received physiological data earlier than a second portion of the received physiological data, or vice versa, when the mobile physiological data telemetry system is not connected to the communications network; transmitting the first and second portions of the received physiological data in a prioritized order when the mobile physiological data telemetry system is connected to the communications network; A method comprising:

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the mobile physiological data telemetry system is a wireless physiological sensor device attached to the patient.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the mobile physiological data telemetry system comprises a smartphone, the smartphone having a wireless communication interface.

4. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein determining that the first portion of the received physiological data and the second portion of the received physiological data have been identified for transmission is based on a parameter of the received physiological data.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the prioritizing using the set of prioritization rules is based on parameters of the received physiological data.

6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of the mobile physiological data telemetry system receiving the set of prioritization rules for the patient.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the set of prioritization rules is specific to a particular patient.

8. determining, using the set of prioritization rules, that a third portion of the received physiological data has been identified for transmission via the communication interface; the prioritizing step includes prioritizing transmission of the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion in a predetermined order of priority; The method of claim 1 , wherein the transmitting step comprises transmitting the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion in the predetermined order of priority.

9. 1. A mobile physiological data telemetry system for prioritizing transmission of physiological monitoring data, the mobile physiological data telemetry system comprising: a sensor configured to receive physiological data from a patient; a wireless communication interface configured to connect to a communication network; a set of prioritization rules for said patients; Processor and wherein the processor (i) receiving physiological data from the patient from the sensor; (ii) determining that the mobile physiological data telemetry system has identified a first portion of the received physiological data for transmission via the communication interface; (iii) determining that the mobile physiological data telemetry system has identified a second portion of the received physiological data for transmission via the communication interface; (iv) when the mobile physiological data telemetry system is not connected to the communications network, using the set of prioritization rules to prioritize transmission of the first portion of the received physiological data over a second portion of the received physiological data, or vice versa; (v) transmitting the first and second portions of the received physiological data in a prioritized order when the mobile physiological data telemetry system is connected to the communication network.

1. A mobile physiological data telemetry system configured to:

10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the mobile physiological data telemetry system is a wireless physiological sensor device attached to the patient.

11. The system of claim 9 , further comprising a smartphone, the smartphone having a wireless communication interface.

12. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein determining to identify for transmission the first portion of the received physiological data and the second portion of the received physiological data using the set of prioritization rules is based on parameters of the received physiological data.

13. The system of claim 9 , wherein prioritizing using the set of prioritization rules is based on parameters of the received physiological data.

14. The system of claim 9 , wherein the set of prioritization rules is specific to a particular patient.

15. the processor is further configured to determine, using the set of prioritization rules, that a third portion of the received physiological data has been identified for transmission via the communication interface; the prioritizing includes prioritizing transmission of the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion in a predetermined order of priority based on the set of prioritization rules; the transmitting includes transmitting the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion in the predetermined order of priority. The system of claim 9.

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