A method for providing a fetal monitoring service and a server for performing that method.

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for providing a fetal monitoring service, including a step of acquiring raw data in a time series manner from a monitoring device, the raw data including movement data related to the fetus and the pregnant woman, and acoustic data related to the fetus and surrounding stimuli, a step of removing noise from the raw data using the time series information, and matching it with already stored user information to generate valid data, a step of determining the health status of the fetus using the valid data, generating result data, and a step of providing the result data to a user terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a fetal monitoring service providing method and a server for executing the method.

Background Art

[0002] As society progresses toward an aging population, public interest in health has increased significantly, and with the development of electronic communication technologies, the demand for technologies capable of constantly monitoring health status using mobile devices, personal computers, wearable devices and the like is growing. Currently, various health management services using mobile devices and the like that are specialized for the health management of patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension have been developed and provided.

[0003] Meanwhile, the low birth rate and aging society have led to a rise in the average childbearing age, which makes health promotion for pregnant women and fetuses increasingly important. In particular, high-risk pregnancies have a high possibility of risks to the health of pregnant women and fetuses, so continuous monitoring and healthcare during pregnancy are required. Healthcare for pregnant women and fetuses is continuous and is even more useful when it can be carried out in daily life, but there are limits to pregnant women's self-management, and there is currently a lack of services specialized for monitoring the health status of pregnant women and fetuses using mobile devices, wearable devices and the like.

[0004] Fetal movement is one of the important factors for grasping the health status of a fetus, and many technological developments have been carried out to measure it. Currently, as clinically measurable methods for the position, posture and movement of a fetus, there are measurement methods using ultrasound, MRI and the like, but both have the problems of high cost and being only operable for a short period of time. A kick-counting measurement method in which a pregnant woman directly senses and records fetal movements daily is also conceivable, but the fetal movements sensed by the pregnant woman are highly subjective, and there is a problem that it is difficult to quickly detect changes such as reduced movement.

[0005] Therefore, traditionally, pregnant women had to regularly visit the hospital to receive ultrasound examinations and consultations to understand the condition of their fetus. However, the amount of information gathered through short observations during hospital visits is insufficient to monitor various changes in the fetus, thus limiting the provision of appropriate services. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and / or limitations, and to provide a method for providing a fetal monitoring service that non-invasively and continuously monitors the health status of a fetus without interfering with the daily life of a pregnant woman, and a server for performing this method.

[0007] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a means of taking appropriate measures, such as exercise programs, for pregnant women through a monitoring service, thereby providing effective healthcare services without increasing the frequency of hospital visits.

[0008] However, these challenges are illustrative and do not limit the scope of the present invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for providing a fetal monitoring service, which includes the steps of: acquiring raw data from a monitoring device in a time series, including position, posture and movement data relating to the fetus and pregnant woman, and acoustic data relating to the fetus and surrounding stimuli; using the time series information to remove noise from the raw data and matching it with already stored user information to generate valid data; using the valid data to determine the health status of the fetus and generate result data; and providing the result data to a user terminal.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the acoustic data may include first acoustic data relating to the fetus and second acoustic data relating to ambient sounds excluding the fetus.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of determining the health status of the fetus and generating result data may involve linking the motion data, the first acoustic data, and the second acoustic data in a time-series manner to determine the health status of the fetus.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the motion data may include acceleration data sensed from the acceleration sensor of the monitoring device.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the user information may include personal information of the pregnant woman and information about the pregnant woman's condition.

[0014] One embodiment of the present invention provides a computer-readable recording medium that stores a program for performing the method described above.

[0015] One embodiment of the present invention provides a service server comprising a memory for storing at least one program, a monitoring device for measuring the state of a fetus, a communication unit for sending and receiving data with a user terminal and a medical system server, and at least one processor for providing a fetal monitoring service to a user by executing the at least one program, wherein the memory includes instructions for the at least one processor to perform the following steps: acquiring raw data in a time series from the monitoring device, including motion data relating to the fetus and pregnant woman, and acoustic data relating to the fetus and surrounding stimuli; removing noise from the raw data using the time series information and matching it with already stored user information to generate valid data; determining the health status of the fetus using the valid data and generating result data; and providing the result data to the user terminal.

[0016] Other aspects, features, and advantages not described above will become apparent from the following drawings, claims, and detailed description of the invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the above-described means for solving the problems of the present invention, embodiments of the present invention can provide a service that manages and promotes the health of pregnant women and fetuses by providing a service that monitors the state of the fetus, thereby increasing user convenience.

[0018] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention can provide services for monitoring the fetal state and predicting conditions such as torticollis, plagiocephaly, and scoliosis, predicting various types of muscle diseases, motor nerve diseases, and genetic abnormalities such as chromosomal disorders, and predicting conditions such as cerebral palsy, developmental delay, intellectual disability, and autism, thereby enabling early detection of brain and nerve function. In addition, embodiments of the present invention can provide services that provide information necessary for making appropriate decisions regarding cesarean section by predicting delivery risks, thereby promoting the health of both the pregnant woman and the fetus throughout the entire cycle of pregnancy and childbirth.

[0019] Of course, the scope of the present invention is not limited by such effects. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] This diagram schematically illustrates a system for providing a fetal monitoring service according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates how a monitoring device according to one embodiment of the present invention acquires motion data and acoustic data. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram of a monitoring device and a service provider server according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows a method for providing a fetal monitoring service according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5]It is a diagram showing, in a flowchart, a process in which a service providing server according to an embodiment of the present invention generates result data. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0021] Hereinafter, the following embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When the description is made with reference to the drawings, identical or corresponding components are assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0022] Since the present embodiment can be subjected to various modifications, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. The effects and features of the present embodiment, as well as the methods for achieving the same, will become apparent by referring to the content described in detail below in conjunction with the drawings. However, the present embodiment is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and may be implemented in various forms.

[0023] In the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted to clearly illustrate the present invention, and like reference numerals are assigned to like parts throughout the specification.

[0024] In the following embodiments, terms such as first and second are not used in a limiting sense, but for the purpose of distinguishing one component from other components.

[0025] In the following embodiments, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0026] In the following embodiments, terms such as "comprise" or "have" mean that the features or components described in the present specification are present, and do not preliminarily exclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added.

[0027] In the following embodiments, when a part is referred to as being "connected" to another part, this includes not only the case of being "directly connected" but also the case of being "electrically connected" with another element interposed therebetween.

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a system for providing a fetal monitoring service according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Referring to Figure 1, the system for providing the fetal monitoring service of the present invention may include a monitoring device 100, a user terminal 200, a service provider server 300, and a medical system server 400. The monitoring device 100, the user terminal 200, the service provider server 300, and the medical system server 400 are connected to each other via a network 600 and can send and receive data. Figure 1 is an example for illustrating the present invention, and the number of monitoring devices or user terminals and the number of servers are not limited to those shown in Figure 1.

[0030] Users who wish to receive fetal monitoring services can obtain data on the fetal condition via the monitoring device 100. The monitoring device 100 can obtain data on the fetal condition, including at least one sensor module, and store it in the memory included in the monitoring device 100, or transmit it to the service provider server 300 or the medical system server 400.

[0031] The user can position the monitoring device 100 around the fetus to acquire data on the fetal condition. The monitoring device 100 can be positioned on the pregnant woman's abdomen and close to the fetus, and may take the form of a wearable device that can be worn on the abdomen.

[0032] The sensor unit 110 (see Figure 3) included in the monitoring device 100 is positioned close to the user's abdomen and can sense the state of the fetus. As a result, the monitoring device 100 can sense the movement of the fetus and monitor its state, and acquire data on the state of the fetus.

[0033] The sensor unit of the monitoring device 100 can sense the movements of the pregnant woman, i.e., the user, in addition to the movements of the fetus. Therefore, the raw data generated by the monitoring device 100 can include information about the movements of the fetus or the movements of the pregnant woman. The raw data acquired from the monitoring device 100 is transmitted via the network 600 to the service provision server 300, which will be described later, and can be derived as result data regarding the state of the fetus. The raw data transmitted to the service provision server 300 may be real-time data or already stored data.

[0034] The user terminal 200 refers to the device that receives the fetal monitoring service according to this embodiment. The user terminal 200 can be connected to the monitoring device 100, the service provision server 300, and the medical system server 400 via the network 600 to send and receive data.

[0035] The user terminal 200 may be a fixed terminal implemented by a computer device or a mobile terminal. For example, the user terminal 200 can be a mobile device, wearable device, PC, notebook, tablet PC, smartphone, smartwatch, etc., but is not limited to these; any device that can send and receive data with the monitoring device and server and provide services to the user is applicable.

[0036] The user terminal 200 can provide the user with various information received from the monitoring device 100, the service provision server 300, and the medical system server 400. Specifically, the user terminal 200 includes a user interface that includes fetal status information and information for the user, and can provide the user with result data on the fetal health status and provide healthcare services for the fetus and pregnant woman. The method for providing the fetal monitoring service may be implemented by installing it on the user terminal 200 in the form of an application.

[0037] Furthermore, users can input user information and other information via the user terminal 200. Here, user information may include information about pregnant women and may include personal information such as age, height, and contact information, as well as status information such as weight, body temperature, medical history of internal medicine and reproductive system diseases related to pregnancy, past surgeries, and medication use. However, user information is not necessarily obtained from the user terminal 200, but may also be obtained from the medical system server 400 of the medical institution visited by the user.

[0038] The service provision server 300 can be implemented as a computer device or multiple computer devices that communicate with the monitoring device 100, user terminal 200, and medical system server 400 via the network 600 and provide commands, codes, files, content, services, etc.

[0039] For example, the service provider server 300 can provide files for installing an application to a user terminal 200 connected via the network 600. In this case, the user terminal 200 can install the application using the files provided by the server.

[0040] Furthermore, users can connect to the service provider server 300 and receive services and content provided by the service provider server 300, under the control of the operating system (OS) and at least one program (for example, a browser or an installed application) contained in the user terminal 200. As another example, the service provider server 300 may establish a communication session for sending and receiving data and route the sending and receiving of data to and from the user terminal 200 through the established communication session.

[0041] The service provider server 300 performs functions to support the fetal monitoring service. Specifically, the service provider server 300 can store and manage user information and information about other services that are collected and transmitted from the monitoring device 100, the user terminal 200, and the medical system server 400. In addition, the service provider server 300 can calculate useful data about the fetus based on the acquired user information and information about other services, make a judgment about the fetus's health status, generate result data, and provide this to the user terminal 200.

[0042] On the other hand, although the user terminal 200 and the service provider server 300 were described separately, they may be formed as a single device in some cases. For example, the service provider server 300 may be a component within the user terminal 200. Below, we will describe the case where the user terminal 200 and the service provider server 300 are separate devices.

[0043] The medical system server 400 is a hospital-side server that can store and manage user information. User information may include personal information and status information of the pregnant woman, and may further include status information of other fetuses. The user information stored on the medical system server 400 may also be information stored on the medical system server 400 by the pregnant woman's medical staff.

[0044] Medical staff for pregnant women can access user information stored on the service provision server 300 via the medical system server 400. The medical staff can analyze the accessed information to make a diagnosis and store the diagnosis results on the medical system server 400. Pregnant women can then review the diagnosis results via the user terminal 200.

[0045] Medical staff for pregnant women can store not only the diagnosis results but also various other information necessary for the pregnant woman on the medical system server 400, and the pregnant woman can also access this information through the user terminal 200.

[0046] On the other hand, while the monitoring device 100, user terminal 200, service provision server 300, and medical system server 400 can each operate in a one-to-one matching relationship, the system is not limited to this, and a one-to-n relationship is possible. That is, it can be implemented by connecting n user terminals 200 to one monitoring device 100, and by connecting one service provision server 300 to n user terminals 200. The present invention is not limited to this, and a system for providing fetal monitoring services can be configured by connecting the monitoring device 100, user terminal 200, service provision server 300, and medical system server 400 in various combinations.

[0047] A monitoring device 100, a user terminal 200, a fetal monitoring service provider server 300, and a medical system server 400 of a system for providing a fetal monitoring service according to one embodiment of the present invention can be connected to a network 600.

[0048] The connection method of Network 600 is not limited and refers to a comprehensive data communication network that enables each network component shown in Figure 1 to communicate smoothly with one another. The communication method of Network 600 can include not only communication methods that utilize the communication network that Network 600 can include, but also short-range wireless communication between devices.

[0049] For example, network 600 includes local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), value-added networks (VALs), mobile radio communication networks, satellite communication networks, and combinations thereof, and may include wired internet, wireless internet, and mobile wireless communication networks. Wireless communication includes, but is not limited to, wireless LAN (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth®, Bluetooth Low Energy®, ZigBee, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct), UWB (Ultra Wideband), infrared communication (IrDA, Infrared Data Association), and NFC (Near Field Communication).

[0050] Furthermore, the network 600 may include, but is not limited to, any one or more network topologies, including bus networks, star networks, ring networks, mesh networks, star-bus networks, tree networks, and hierarchical networks.

[0051] The system described above for providing fetal monitoring services allows users to continuously monitor their fetus without increasing the frequency of hospital visits, and to receive customized and effective health management services for both the fetus and the pregnant woman.

[0052] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating how a monitoring device according to one embodiment of the present invention acquires motion data and acoustic data, and Figure 3 is a block diagram of the monitoring device and service provider server according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] The monitoring device 100 and service provision server 300 shown in Figures 2 and 3 only show components related to this embodiment in order to avoid obscuring the features of this embodiment. Therefore, it will be understood by those with ordinary skill in the art relating to this embodiment that other general-purpose components may be included in addition to the components shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0054] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the monitoring device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a sensor unit 110, a memory 120, and a communication unit 130.

[0055] The monitoring device 100 is a device that measures fetal movement to sense the state of the fetus. The monitoring device 100 can store raw data sensed via the sensor unit 110 in the memory 120 or transmit it to the service provider server 300 via the communication unit 130. Furthermore, the monitoring device 100 may further include a battery (not shown) for powering the device.

[0056] The monitoring device 100 can be positioned on the user's abdomen, fixed to the user's abdomen, and capable of sensing the state of the fetus and transmitting the information to the server. For example, the monitoring device 100 can be implemented as a wearable device in the form of a belt that wraps around the abdomen and is adjustable in length so that the user can wear it. Alternatively, the monitoring device 100 can be implemented as a pad made of an elastic material, equipped with Velcro® on one side, that wraps around the user's abdomen and is adjustable to fit the user's body size.

[0057] The monitoring device 100, which is designed to enclose the user's abdomen, allows the sensor unit 110 to more accurately sense the state of the fetus by being in close contact with and fixed to the user's abdomen. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the monitoring device 100 may be implemented as a sensor unit 110 including a plurality of sensor pads that can be attached to the user's abdomen and a drive unit connected thereto.

[0058] The sensor unit 110 of the monitoring device can sense the state of the fetus, measure fetal movements, and generate raw data. The sensor unit 110 may include at least one accelerometer 111 and an acoustic sensor 112, each of which can be positioned adjacent to the fetus when the user wears the monitoring device 100.

[0059] The acceleration sensor 111 is a sensor that measures motion and other phenomena using acceleration values, and is placed on the pregnant woman's body to sense the position, posture, or movement of the fetus and the pregnant woman. While it is preferable, the acceleration sensor 111 is placed in the central part of the pregnant woman's abdomen to sense the movement of the fetus and the pregnant woman, it is not limited to this location. Various types of acceleration sensors 111 can be used; for example, depending on the detection method, inertial acceleration sensors, gyro acceleration sensors, silicon semiconductor acceleration sensors, etc., can be applied.

[0060] The acceleration sensor 111 can measure the position, posture, or movement of the fetus and the pregnant woman, and generate motion data D1 that includes positional information, posture information, and movement information of the fetus and the pregnant woman. The motion data D1 may include measurement information on changes in acceleration values ​​caused by fetal trunk movements, limb movements, respiratory movements, and the pregnant woman's respiratory movements, torso movements, etc. As an example, the monitoring device 100 can use the acceleration sensor 111 to measure the amount of change in the position of the fetus's head, body, arms, and legs, and generate motion data D1 related to the fetus based on this.

[0061] Motion data D1 can include measurements related to the pregnant woman's movements in addition to fetal movements. For example, when a user attempts to monitor the fetus using the monitoring device 100, even if the measurement is taken without the user moving, the motion data D1 sensed by the acceleration sensor 111 can include measurements of the pregnant woman's breathing, coughing, muscle contractions, heart rate, etc. This raw data, including motion data D1, is transmitted to the service provision server 300 and can be processed by the processor 320 (described later) to calculate valid data related to the fetal state.

[0062] The acoustic sensor 112 is a sensor that measures low-frequency vibrations induced by movement or sound, and is placed on the pregnant woman's body to detect acoustics related to the movements of the fetus and the pregnant woman, as well as ambient stimuli.

[0063] Multiple acoustic sensors 112 can be placed on the pregnant woman's abdomen at regular intervals. These multiple acoustic sensors 112, working in conjunction with each other, can generate acoustic data D2 based on fetal movement, thereby enabling the detection of even minute fetal movements. The number of acoustic sensors 112 placed on the pregnant woman's abdomen is not limited to those shown in the figure; an appropriate number of acoustic sensors 112 can be used depending on the design.

[0064] The acoustic sensor 112 can capture low-frequency vibrations caused by the movements of the fetus and the pregnant woman, and these low-frequency vibrations can form acoustic data D2 measured in a time series. The acoustic data D2 may include measurement information on low-frequency vibrations induced by fetal trunk movements, limb movements, respiratory movements, and the pregnant woman's respiratory movements, torso movements, etc. The acoustic data D2 may also include information on other physiological acoustics measured in the bodies of the fetus and the pregnant woman, such as digestive organ movements and heart rate movements.

[0065] On the other hand, the acoustic sensor 112 can detect sounds related to ambient stimuli, and sounds related to ambient stimuli can form second acoustic data D22 (see Figure 5) which is distinct from first acoustic data D21 (see Figure 5) related to the fetus. The second acoustic data D22 related to ambient stimuli may be measured by the acoustic sensor 112 placed in the pregnant woman's abdomen and then separated from the first acoustic data D21, or it may be measured by a separate acoustic sensor (not shown) that is distinct from the acoustic sensor 112 and placed externally.

[0066] The acoustic data D2 acquired from the acoustic sensor 112, together with the motion data D1 described above, constitutes raw data, which can be transmitted to the service provider server 300 for processing and calculated as useful data regarding fetal movement.

[0067] The memory 120 of the monitoring device 100 can be electrically connected to the sensor unit 110 and can store the raw data measured from the sensor unit 110.

[0068] The monitoring device 100 can communicate with the user terminal 200 and / or the service provider server 300 via the communication unit 130. The communication unit 130 may include one or more components that enable communication with the user terminal 200 and / or the service provider server 300. For example, the communication unit 130 may include at least one of a short-range communication unit, a mobile communication unit, and a broadcast receiving unit.

[0069] The communication unit 130 can transmit raw data acquired by the monitoring device 100 to the outside and provide the raw data to the service provision server 300. The communication unit 130 can also communicate with the user terminal 200 and receive user input signals transmitted from the user terminal 200. The user can control the operation of the monitoring device 100 using the interface of the user terminal 200. Specifically, the user can turn the power of the monitoring device 100 on / off, reserve the operating time of the monitoring device 100, and adjust the sensitivity of the measurement values ​​measured by the sensor unit 110 using the interface of the application provided to the user terminal 200.

[0070] A service delivery server 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention may correspond to or include at least one processor. This allows the service delivery server 300 to be driven in a form included in a hardware device such as a microprocessor or a general-purpose computer system. Here, a processor may mean a data processing device embedded in hardware that has a physically structured circuit to perform a function represented by code or instructions included in a program. Examples of such data processing devices embedded in hardware include microprocessors, central processing units (CPUs), processor cores, multiprocessors, ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits), and FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0071] The service provision server 300 may be installed on the user terminal 200, or it may be provided as a separate server device. In another embodiment, the service provision server 300 may consist of two server devices. In this case, one server may perform the step of removing noise from the raw data and generating valid data, as described later, while the other server may perform the step of using the valid data to determine the health status of the fetus and generate result data.

[0072] Referring again to Figure 3, the service provision server 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a communication unit 310, a processor 320, a memory 330, and an input / output interface 340.

[0073] The communication unit 310 can receive raw data provided from the monitoring device 100 described above. The communication unit 310 functions as a communication module using wired or wireless communication and can receive raw data transmitted from the monitoring device 100. In this case, the communication unit 310 may include a configuration for communicating with the communication unit 130 of the monitoring device 100 via the network 600 shown in Figure 1.

[0074] The communication unit 310 can communicate with the monitoring device 100 as well as the user terminal 200 or the medical system server 400. The communication unit 310 can receive user information transmitted from the user terminal 200 or the medical system server 400. The communication unit 310 can also provide the user terminal 200 or the medical system server 400 with the result data processed by the processor 320.

[0075] The processor 320 can be configured to process computer program instructions by performing basic arithmetic, logical, and input / output operations. Instructions can be provided to the processor 320 by memory 330 or communication unit 310. For example, the processor 320 can be configured to execute instructions received according to program code stored in a recording device such as memory 330.

[0076] The processor 320 can control the overall operation of the service provision server 300. For example, the processor 320 can control the overall operation of the communication unit 310 and the memory 330 by executing a program stored in the memory 330.

[0077] The processor 320 may include an input unit 321, a decision unit 322, and an output unit 323. The processor 320 can process the raw data received from the monitoring device 100 via the input unit 321, the decision unit 322, and the output unit 323 to generate result data regarding the health status of the fetus.

[0078] The input unit 321 can acquire raw data in a time series, including motion data D1 related to the fetus and pregnant woman generated by the monitoring device 100, and acoustic data D2 related to the fetus and surrounding stimuli. The motion data D1 and acoustic data D2 can be provided to the input unit 321 in a time-series linked manner by the monitoring device 100, but alternatively, the input unit 321 may receive the motion data and acoustic data separately from the monitoring device 100 and perform calculations to link each data in a time series.

[0079] The judgment unit 322 can remove noise unrelated to fetal movement or state from time-series linked raw data and generate valid data by matching it with already stored user information. For example, the raw data may include user movements unrelated to fetal movement. The judgment unit 322 can use time-series information and user information to calculate valid data related to fetal movement or state from time-series linked movement data D1 and acoustic data D2.

[0080] Specifically, the determination unit 322 can track the position and movement of the fetus and calculate valid data regarding the fetal movement. In this process, the determination unit 322 can match the characteristic information of the raw data with already stored user information in order to calculate the valid data.

[0081] The valid data generated by the judgment unit 322 may include information on the position and movement of the fetus's head, the position and movement of its limbs, etc. Furthermore, the valid data may include information on fetal movement in relation to the fetal heartbeat, fetal movement in relation to external sound stimuli, fetal movement in relation to external physical stimuli, etc. The information on fetal movement included in the valid data may include information on the range, frequency, speed, rotation angle, and changes in movement of each part of the fetus's body.

[0082] The output unit 323 can use the valid data to determine the health status of the fetus and generate result data. For example, the output unit 323 can use valid data regarding fetal movement, along with fetal state information, developmental information, and pregnant woman's state information stored in memory, to make a judgment about the health status of the fetus. The output unit 323 can calculate the judgment about the health status of the fetus as result data and transmit it externally.

[0083] For example, the output unit 323 can use information about the movement of the fetal head included in the valid data to determine the position and posture of the fetus centered on the fetal head, and can determine where the fetus is located, for how long, or how frequently it is located within the space spanning the pregnant woman's abdomen and pelvis. In addition, the output unit 323 can determine the main connecting postures and movements of the fetal torso and limbs centered on the fetal head, and can determine the direction in which the fetus's face is rotated.

[0084] As another example, the output unit 323 can use information about the movement of the fetus's limbs included in the valid data to identify the position and curled posture of the fetus's hands, feet, arms, and legs, and can determine the bending angles of the arms and legs, the bending posture of the fingers, and the motor movements of each body part.

[0085] Based on the fetal movements determined as described above, the output unit 323 can determine the fetal health status in accordance with the fetal developmental stage and generate result data including the fetal health status. For example, based on the movement of the entire fetus and the movement of the proximal limbs (trunk, shoulders and buttocks, elbows and knees) and distal limbs (wrists, ankles, and fingers), the output unit 323 can determine the overall amount (too little or too much), speed (slow or fast), or occurrence of tremors, and generate result data regarding the fetal health status.

[0086] On the other hand, the output unit 323 may determine the fetal movements that occur when an external stimulus is applied and generate result data regarding the fetal health status. For example, the output unit 323 can determine changes in fetal movements and generate result data regarding the fetal health status when an external sound stimulus (e.g., the pregnant woman's voice) or an external physical stimulus (e.g., touching the pregnant woman's abdomen with a hand) is applied. Furthermore, the output unit 323 can generate result data regarding the fetal health status by linking the fetal heart rate information monitored by the monitoring device 100 with data on fetal movements.

[0087] As described above, the output unit 323 can determine the health status of the fetus using data including the range, frequency, speed, movement patterns, and changes in posture and movement of each part of the fetus's body, and can generate result data including information on the fetus's health status. In this case, the result data may include data matched with fetal state information, developmental information, and pregnant woman's state information. For example, the result data may include fetal developmental information and information on fetal motor development delays determined based on the overall movement state of the fetus, information on hemiplegia determined based on the movement of one side of the fetus's limbs, and information on brain motor development abnormalities determined based on the occurrence of tremors or excessive movement in parts of the fetus's body.

[0088] Furthermore, the result data can determine if the fetus's position is primarily fixed to the mother's abdomen based on fetal movement, and can include information for determining fetal torticollis and plagiocephaly. Additionally, the result data can determine changes in the fetal trunk and head position and overall kinetic energy relative to the direction of gravity, and can include information for determining fetal torticollis, differences in the degree of toning of both limbs, and sensory integration disorders.

[0089] The resulting data may include health information regarding the current state of the fetus, predictive information regarding the fetus's future health and development, and health information regarding the fetus's state after birth.

[0090] The resulting data may be generated based on data periodically measured by the user using a monitoring device, but is not limited to that; it may also be generated based on arbitrarily measured data.

[0091] Subsequently, the result data can be used for comparative analysis with infant medical information regarding the postnatal health status of the fetus, such as the shape of the fetus's head after birth, the presence or absence of torticollis, motor and cognitive development, and social development. This allows the server providing the fetal monitoring service to derive an algorithm from the result data to predict the postnatal health status of the fetus, and to predict the postnatal health status of the fetus by applying the result data to the algorithm.

[0092] For example, the result data can be used to predict the likelihood of various diseases in the fetus after birth, such as autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, various genetic disorders, and various conditions like torticollis, plagiocephaly, scoliosis, muscle disorders, and motor neuron disorders. Furthermore, the result data can be used to predict the risk of childbirth for pregnant women and can provide information necessary for deciding on a cesarean section. Thus, one embodiment of the present invention can provide a service for the early detection of various diseases and can provide a customized service for promoting the health of the fetus and pregnant woman.

[0093] The data derived from the service provider server 300 can be used as training data for determining the health status of the fetus. The service provider server 300 can improve the accuracy of monitoring the fetus's condition through iterative learning and derive accurate result data regarding the current health status of the fetus. Furthermore, by improving the accuracy of monitoring the fetus's condition through iterative learning, the service provider server 300 can predict with high accuracy the possibility of various diseases that may occur in the fetus and derive result data regarding the future health status. As a result, the fetal monitoring service provision method of the present invention can provide a customized health management service tailored to the health status of the fetus, thereby promoting the health of both the fetus and the pregnant woman.

[0094] Memory 330 may include computer-readable recording media such as RAM (random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), and non-volatile mass storage devices (permanent mass storage devices) such as disk drives. Memory 330 may also store an operating system and at least one program code (for example, code for a browser or the aforementioned application installed and driven on a user terminal 200). Such software components can be loaded from a computer-readable recording medium separate from memory 330 using a drive mechanism. Such separate computer-readable recording media may include computer-readable recording media such as floppy drives, disks, tapes, DVD / CD-ROM drives, and memory cards. In another embodiment, software components may be loaded into memory 330 via the communication unit 310 instead of from a computer-readable recording medium. For example, at least one program may be loaded into memory 330 based on a program (for example, the aforementioned application) installed by a file provided via the network 600 by a developer or a file distribution system distributing application installation files.

[0095] The memory 330 can store at least one program code for controlling the monitoring device 100, the user terminal 200, the service provision server 300, or the medical system server 400. Furthermore, it can store at least one program code for generating result data from the raw data transmitted from the monitoring device 100.

[0096] The memory 330 can store and manage raw data transmitted from the monitoring device 100, valid data generated by the service provision server 300, result data, user information, and the like. If the service provision server 300 is connected to multiple user terminals, the memory 330 can compress and encrypt the data for each user and store and manage it accordingly.

[0097] The input / output interface 340 may be a means for interfacing with input / output devices. For example, an input device may include a keyboard or mouse, and an output device may include a display for displaying an application's communication session. As another example, the input / output interface 340 may be a means for interfacing with a device that integrates input and output functions into one, such as a touchscreen. As a more specific example, the processor 320 of the service provision server 300 may display a service screen or content on a display via the input / output interface 340, which is composed of data provided by the user terminal 200 when processing instructions for a computer program loaded into memory 330.

[0098] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing how to provide a fetal monitoring service according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the process by which a service provider server according to one embodiment of the present invention generates result data.

[0099] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, a fetal monitoring service provision method according to one embodiment of the present invention may include steps S10 of acquiring raw data from a monitoring device in a time series, step S20 of removing noise from the raw data to generate valid data, step S30 of generating result data for the fetal health status using the valid data, and step S40 of providing the result data to a user terminal.

[0100] The following describes in more detail each step of a method for providing a fetal monitoring service according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] First, a method for providing a fetal monitoring service according to one embodiment of the present invention involves acquiring raw data about the fetus and pregnant woman from a monitoring device in a time series (S10).

[0102] The raw data about the fetus and pregnant woman provided by the monitoring device may include motion data and acoustic data generated based on measurements sensed by at least one accelerometer and acoustic sensor of the monitoring device.

[0103] The monitoring device is placed on the pregnant woman's abdomen and can measure the position, posture, or movement of the fetus and the pregnant woman over a set period of time. At this time, the position, posture, or movement of the fetus and the pregnant woman measured by the acceleration sensor can form motion data, and vibrations related to the fetus and surrounding stimuli measured by the acoustic sensor can form acoustic data. The monitoring device can generate raw data by combining the motion data and acoustic data in a time series.

[0104] The monitoring device can transmit the generated raw data to the service provider server via a communication unit included in the monitoring device. For example, the monitoring device can generate and store raw data, then transmit it to the service provider server according to a predetermined schedule, or receive a user request using a user terminal and transmit the raw data to the service provider server. In contrast, the raw data may be data that is measured and transmitted in real time from the monitoring device.

[0105] The service provider server can receive raw data transmitted from the monitoring device via its communication unit and transmit it to the processor's input unit. This allows the processor to acquire raw data from the monitoring device in a time-series manner, including movement data related to the fetus and pregnant woman, and acoustic data related to the fetus and surrounding stimuli.

[0106] Next, the time-series information of the raw data is used to remove noise from the raw data, and valid data is generated by matching it with already stored user information (S20).

[0107] Raw data received via the communication unit of the service provider server can undergo a processing step in the processor to calculate valid values. Since the raw data includes data about the fetus as well as data about external stimuli or user movements unrelated to the fetus's movement or state, a process is needed to remove noise and calculate the data about the fetus.

[0108] The service provider server includes at least one program that can remove noise from the processor, and can remove noise from the raw data to generate valid data.

[0109] Step S21, which removes noise, may be a step of removing noise values ​​unrelated to the fetus from the motion data and acoustic data measured by the monitoring device. In this case, a comparison with already measured data values ​​may be performed to identify the noise, or a learned algorithm may be used to remove the noise.

[0110] Next, valid data is generated using the noise-removed data (S22).

[0111] The valid data may include data relating to the fetus. Specifically, the valid data may be data matched with user information already stored in denoised motion data, first acoustic data, and second acoustic data. In this case, the user information can be matched with encrypted motion data, first acoustic data, and second acoustic data.

[0112] Next, the fetal health status is assessed using valid data, and result data is generated (S30).

[0113] The de-noise-removed valid data can include information about the fetus's state or movements, allowing the service provider server to determine the fetus's health status and generate result data.

[0114] The service provider server can generate result data using noise-removed, time-series linked motion data, first acoustic data, and second acoustic data. At this time, the service provider server can extract feature information from each data and use the feature information extracted during the same time period to determine the state and movement of the fetus, and generate result data using the determined fetal state information.

[0115] In one embodiment, the service provider server can use motion data matched with second acoustic data corresponding to ambient sound to extract characteristic information about ambient noise that occurred at a specific time, and by matching it with fetal movement information from the same time period, it can determine whether the fetus is making normal movements in response to sound stimuli.

[0116] For example, the service provider server can extract the following fetal state information from the valid data.

[0117] Understanding the position of the fetal head axis relative to gravity (left or right side relative to gravity); on which side the fetal head remains longer when the uterine cavity is divided into four sections; how frequently fetal movement occurs within the uterus; how much rotation occurs around the center of the fetal head-trunk axis; where the fetal head is positioned more often compared to the torso (left-right turn, head lowering-arching, tilting to the left or right); the speed, direction, range, and amount (frequency) of movement between the fetal body parts; the bilateral shoulder and hip joints, and major and knee joints of the fetus. Speed ​​and range of movement, direction and amount (frequency) of movement; the most prominent flexion angles, speed and amount of movement of the fetus's wrists and ankles; the state of changes in speed during movement from the fetus's neck to the pelvis, from both shoulder joints to the fingers, and from both hip joints to the ankles, as well as the assessment of amplitude and whether tremor is present; measurement of movement occurrence conditions such as the induction of the Moro reflex by external stimuli; measurement of changes in movement patterns of the left and right upper and lower limbs due to neck movement (rotation, flexion, etc.) and changes in position relative to the direction of gravity (occurrence of neck righting reaction, asymmetric tonic neck reflex, etc.); assessment of changes in fetal movement patterns based on the pregnant woman's condition (sleep, diet, exercise activity, stress, etc.), time of day, temperature, ambient sound stimuli, etc., and general movement (according to Pretchl's classification method);

[0118] Once the status information described above is derived, the service provider server can determine the fetal health status from the status information and generate result data. The result data is data related to fetal monitoring provided to the user via the user terminal, and may be data calculated by at least one program performing calculations on the fetal health status based on the valid data. In addition to this, the result data may also include judgments on the fetal health status entered by the user's medical staff.

[0119] Furthermore, the result data may further include lifestyle guidelines to promote the health of the fetus and the pregnant woman, based on the results of at least one program's assessment of the fetal health status. These lifestyle guidelines may include exercise programs, dietary habits programs, sleep programs, etc., and may be derived from programs stored on the service provider server or provided by medical staff via the medical system server.

[0120] Next, the result data is provided to the user terminal (S40).

[0121] The service provider server can transmit the generated result data to the user terminal or the medical system server. Users can view the result data using their user terminal, and the result data provided to the user may include additional explanatory content to help the user understand it.

[0122] Embodiments of the present invention enable users and their medical staff to easily monitor the condition of the fetus, thereby promoting the health of the pregnant woman and the fetus throughout the entire pregnancy and childbirth cycle without increasing the frequency of hospital visits. Furthermore, the fetal monitoring service provision method of the present invention can provide healthcare services tailored to the user based on the fetal monitoring results, significantly improving user convenience.

[0123] This embodiment can also be realized in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as program modules executed by a computer. Computer-readable media can be any available medium accessible by a computer, and include all volatile and non-volatile media, separable and non-separable media. Furthermore, computer-readable media can include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media include all volatile and non-volatile, separable and non-separable media implemented by any method or technique for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include any information transmission medium, and include other data or other transmission mechanisms, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or modulated data signals.

[0124] Furthermore, in this specification, “component” may be a hardware component such as a processor or circuit, and / or a software component executed by a hardware component such as a processor.

[0125] Thus, the present invention has been described with reference to one embodiment shown in the drawings, but this is merely illustrative, and those with ordinary skill in the art will understand that various modifications and variations of embodiments are possible therefrom. Therefore, the true scope of technical protection of the present invention should be determined by the technical idea of ​​the appended claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0126] 100: Monitoring device 200: User terminal 300: Fetal monitoring service provider server 400: Medical system server

Claims

1. A method for providing a fetal monitoring service performed by a processor, The processor acquires raw data from the monitoring device in a time series, including motion data relating to the fetus and pregnant woman, and acoustic data relating to the fetus and surrounding stimuli. The processor removes noise from the raw data that is unrelated to the movement or state of the fetus, and matches the characteristic information of the noise-removed raw data with user information already stored corresponding to the fetus and the pregnant woman to generate valid data. The processor makes a determination about the health status of the fetus using the valid data and generates result data, and The processor includes the step of providing the result data to the user terminal, A method for providing a fetal monitoring service, wherein the step of generating the result data is that the processor uses the valid data to identify the position and posture of the fetus, centering on a specific body part of the fetus, and determines fetal developmental information based on at least one of the range of movement, frequency, speed, movement pattern, changes in posture, changes in movement, and changes in the position of the fetus's trunk and head relative to the direction of gravity, thereby generating the result data.

2. The method for providing a fetal monitoring service according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic data includes first acoustic data relating to the fetus and second acoustic data relating to ambient sounds excluding the fetus.

3. The step of determining the health status of the fetus and generating result data is: A method for providing a fetal monitoring service according to claim 2, wherein the motion data, the first acoustic data, and the second acoustic data are linked in a time-series manner to determine the health status of the fetus.

4. The method for providing a fetal monitoring service according to claim 1, wherein the motion data includes acceleration data sensed from the acceleration sensor of the monitoring device.

5. The method for providing a fetal monitoring service according to claim 1, wherein the user information includes personal information of the pregnant woman and information on the pregnant woman's condition.

6. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for performing the fetal monitoring service provision method described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. Memory that stores at least one program, A monitoring device for measuring the condition of the fetus, a user terminal, and a communication unit for sending and receiving data with a medical system server, and The system includes at least one processor that provides a fetal monitoring service to a user by executing the aforementioned at least one program, The memory is configured such that at least one processor The monitoring device acquires raw data in a time series, including movement data related to the fetus and pregnant woman, and acoustic data related to the fetus and surrounding stimuli. The steps include: removing noise unrelated to the movement or state of the fetus from the raw data; matching the characteristic information of the noise-free raw data with user information already stored corresponding to the fetus and the pregnant woman to generate valid data; A step of using the valid data to determine the health status of the fetus and generating result data, and The instruction includes a step for performing the step of providing the aforementioned result data to the user terminal, The service provider server, which generates the aforementioned result data, is characterized by using the valid data to identify the position and posture of the fetus, centering on a specific body part of the fetus, and determining fetal developmental information based on at least one of the range of movement, frequency, speed, movement pattern, changes in posture, changes in movement, and changes in the position of the fetus's trunk and head relative to the direction of gravity, thereby generating the aforementioned result data.

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