Base station configuration and management of physiological monitor data

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for remote management of patient physiological monitors. A computing device such as a base station can interactively manage the transmission of data from patient physiological monitors (such as implanted physiological monitors) to servers.

Description

Docket No.: CANA.470PCBASE STATION CONFIGURATION AND MANAGEMENT OF PHYSIOLOGICAL MONITOR DATATECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for managing use of medical devices, and, more particularly, to systems and methods for communicating with motion sensing devices and maintaining data regarding patient activities.BACKGROUND

[0002] Activity trackers, such as pedometers and other step-counting devices, enable measurement of the activity of users. For example, activity trackers may measure the number of steps made by users. Many activity trackers also calculate— or generate data used to calculate— the distance traveled and other information, such as average speed, calorie consumption, etc. Some activity trackers use integrated accelerometers and / or gyroscopes (e.g., micro-electromechanical systems or "MEMS") for data generation or otherwise for activity detection.

[0003] Activity trackers are used in a wide range of applications in the clinical sector (e.g., as instruments for patient monitoring and rehabilitation), and in general in the field of fitness (e.g., as instruments for monitoring a physical activity). For example, activity trackers may be used to provide quantitative metrics that aid in diagnosing patients' medical conditions. As another example, activity trackers may be used to provide quantitative metrics that aid in tracking the recovery of patients after treatment.SUMMARY OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

[0004] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system including: an implantable activity tracker including: an inertial measurement unit configured to generate sensor data regarding activity of a patient; and a first wireless transceiver configured to operate using a first communication protocol; and a base station including: a plurality of wireless transceivers, including a second wireless transceiver configured to operate using a second communication protocol, a third wireless transceiver configured to operate using the first communication protocol; and one or more processors programmed by computer-executable instructions, wherein the base station is configured to: operate in a first communication mode in which the third wireless transceiver is used to obtain the sensor dataDocket No.: CANA.470PC from the implantable activity tracker using the first communication protocol, wherein the second wireless transceiver is deactivated in the first communication mode; and operate in a second communication mode in which the second wireless transceiver is used to establish a connection to a server for transmission of the sensor data to the server, wherein the third wireless transceiver is deactivated in the second communication mode.

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a non-transitory computer readable medium storing program instructions for causing a computing device to perform a process including: obtaining an identification code associated with a base station, wherein the base station is configured to obtain sensor data from a physiological monitor implanted in a patient; communicating the identification code to a server; receiving from the server: a base station connection code to be used to establish a connection with the base station; and a communication key to be used to communicate with the physiological monitor; establishing the connection with the base station using the base station connection code; and sending the communication key to the base station.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a computer- implemented method including: under control of a base station including a plurality of wireless transceivers and one or more processors configured to execute specific computerexecutable instructions, operating in a first communication mode in which a first wireless transceiver of the plurality of wireless transceivers is used to obtain a sensor data from a physiological monitor using a first communication protocol, wherein a second wireless transceiver of the plurality of wireless transceivers is deactivated in the first communication mode; and operating in a second communication mode in which the second wireless transceiver is used to establish a connection to a server for transmission of the sensor data to the server, wherein the first wireless transceiver is deactivated in the second communication mode.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Embodiments of various inventive features will now be described with reference to the following drawings. Throughout the drawings, reference numbers may be re-used to indicate correspondence between referenced elements. The drawings are provided to illustrate example embodiments described herein and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.Docket No.: CANA.470PC

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates example data flows and interactions between various systems and devices for management of activity tracking data according to some embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 2A illustrates example components of a base station and a physiological monitor according to some embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 2B illustrates example components of a patient device and a base station according to some embodiments.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an illustrative routine for configuring a base station to manage activity tracking data according to some embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of illustrative operations a base station may perform to establish a connection with a physiological monitor according to some embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an illustrative routine for managing transfer of activity tracking data according to some embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates the interleaving of communications by a base station having multiple wireless transceivers according to some embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The present disclosure relates generally to use of base stations for communicating with medical devices. More specifically, aspects of the present disclosure relate to configuring and using base stations to setup and maintain physiological monitoring devices (also referred to as "physiological monitors' for brevity), and to manage data generated by physiological monitoring devices.

[0016] Generally described, physiological monitors include any device configured to generate data about a physiological characteristic or occurrence associated with a patient. Physiological monitors may be implanted into, worn by, or otherwise placed in direct or indirect contact with a patient. For example, worn physiological monitors include glucose monitors, pulse oximetry monitors, electrocardiogram (ECG) devices, and patient activity trackers. Implantable physiological monitors include subcutaneous devices, such as those for ECG, heart sounds (valvular function), breath sounds (fluid balance), pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate, and activity.

[0017] I implantable physiological monitors also include orthopedic devices, such as knee implants, hip implants, shoulder implants, and spinal implants. For example, anDocket No.: CANA.470PC activity tracker may be embedded in a tibial extension that is implanted during a total knee arthroscopy ("TKA") procedure. An activity tracker may be embedded in other body parts, such as a vertebra, shoulder, or hip. An activity tracker may have one or more motion sensors, such as accelerometers and / or gyroscopes that generate sensor data regarding motion of a patient or a particular body part of a patient. The activity tracker may be configured to track motion at various motion detection sampling rates, at various timing intervals, in response to various events, etc.

[0018] The small size of the activity tracker and its permanent or semipermanent implantation within a patient's body present several issues. Due to the small digital storage unit of the activity tracker with a corresponding limited capacity, it can be important to ensure efficient use and effective management of data storage to avoid losing sensor data generated by the motion sensors. In addition, due to the relatively low power wireless communication antenna of the activity tracker and its location within the patient's body, communication with the activity tracker can be particularly sensitive to interference. Moreover, due to the personal medical information generated about the patient, it can be important to enforce secure communication with the activity tracker (e.g., by only authorized devices and entities), secure transmission and installation of executable instructions (e.g., firmware), and secure maintenance of data received from the activity tracker.

[0019] Some aspects of the present disclosure address some or all of the issues noted above, among others, through use of a base station for remote management of patient physiological monitors and data generated by the patient physiological monitors. More specifically, a base station may be a computing device or appliance, such as a desktop or tabletop device. The base station may include multiple wireless transceivers to communicate with a patient physiological monitor and other devices, such as a personal computing device of a patient, a local router, a remote server, or the like. Advantageously, the base setation may interleave use of the transceivers depending upon the particular operation being performed or the device with which the base station is communicating.

[0020] The base station may serve as an intermediary between the physiological monitor and other devices and systems to which sensor data generated by the physiological monitor is sent. For example, one of the destinations of the sensor data may be a remote server (e.g., a cloud-based server accessible over the internet from which health care professionals can review and evaluate the sensor data). Because of the small size and powerDocket No.: CANA.470PC constraints on the physiological monitor, the physiological monitor may use a relatively low power, short-range wireless transceiver such as a medical implant communication system (MICS) antenna to transmit sensor data. Such short-range wireless transceivers may not be able access the internet directly. Thus, the base station may obtain sensor data from the physiological monitor, and may pass the sensor data on to the remote server or other destination computing system.

[0021] In some embodiments, the base station may have a short-range wireless transceiver, such as a MICS antenna, configured to communicate with the physiological monitor. The base station may also have one or more comparatively longer-range wireless transceivers, such as a Wi-Fi antenna, a Bluetooth® antenna, a mobile network antenna (e.g., a 5G mobile network antenna), other antennas, or any combination thereof, configured to communicate with a personal device of a patient, a remote server, etc. When communicating with the physiological monitor, the base station may deactivate the longer-range wireless transceiver(s) to avoid interference with the communications being performed using the short-range wireless transceiver.

[0022] In some embodiments, the base station may have multiple short-range wireless transceivers configured to communicate with the physiological monitor. For example, the base station may have two MICS antennas. When establishing a connection with the physiological monitor, a single short-range wireless transceiver may be active at a time, and may be used to attempt to establish a connection using a number of different communication channels. If the connection is not established over any of the communication channels, the base station may switch to using the other short-range wireless transceiver.

[0023] Additional aspects of the present disclosure relate to management of connection failures or incomplete data transmissions from the base station to the remote server. The base station may initially attempt to connect with the remote server over the internet, such as through a local area network (LAN) or other on-premise network at the patient's location. For example, the base station may use a Wi-Fi transceiver to connect to the remote server over a Wi-Fi router at the patient's home. If the connection is successful, the base station may transmit sensor data, received from the physiological monitor to the remote server for processing. Advantageously, if the connection is not successful or the transmission is otherwise not completed, the base station may switch to using a different wireless transceiver that uses a different communication protocol and communicates with aDocket No.: CANA.470PC patient device rather than the remote server directly. For example, the base station may use a Bluetooth® or other mid-range wireless transceiverto establish a connection with a patient device, such as a mobile phone executing application software. The base station may send the sensor data (or remaining portion thereof, if a prior trans mission was not fully completed) to the patient device. The application software executing on the patient device may forward the sensor data— interactively or at a later time— to the remote server. In some embodiments, the application software may make use of a different communication protocol, such as a mobile communication protocol (e.g., 5G) to transmit the data, rather than relying on the communication protocol used unsuccessfully by the base station to communicate the sensor data to the server.

[0024] Further aspects of the present disclosure relate to secure configuration of the base station to communicate with the physiological monitor and remote server. When a patient sets up a base station, the patient may use a patient device (e.g., a mobile phone with application software) to establish communications with the base setation, and configure the base station to communicate with the physiological monitor and the server. In some embodiments, the patient device may scan a base station identification code that is displayed on the base setation (e.g.. a barcode or QR code on a label affixed to the base station or printed in reference material for the base station). In some embodiments, the patient may enter the base station identification code manually into the patient device. The application software executing on the patient device may send the code to the remote server or another remote system. The remote server or other remote system may authenticate and authorize the patient (e.g., using account data received from the patient device), verify the identification code, link it to the patient's account, and provide a communication code back to the patient device. The communication code may be a pairing code or other code that the patient device uses to establish communications with the base station. The remote server may also provide a communication key, such as an encryption key uniquely associated with the physiological monitor, that the base station is to use to securely communicate with the physiological monitor. The patient device may then use the pairing code to establish wireless communication with the base station, and send the encryption key to the base station. Advantageously, the configuration process ensures only authorized base stations are used, and such base stations securely communicate sensor data from the physiological monitor to the remote server.Docket No.: CANA.470PC

[0025] Various aspects of the disclosure will now be described with regard to certain examples and embodiments, which are intended to illustrate but not limit the disclosure. Although aspects of some embodiments described in the disclosure will focus, for the purpose of illustration, on particular examples of physiological monitors, sensors, base station antenna configurations, patient devices, and communication protocols, the examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting, required, or exhaustive. In some embodiments, the techniques described herein may be applied to additional or alternative physiological monitors, sensors, base station antenna configurations, patient devices, communication protocols, and the like. In addition, any feature, process, device, or component of any embodiment described and / or illustrated in this specification can be used by itself, or with or instead of any other feature, process, device, or component of any other embodiment described and / or illustrated in this specification.Example Execution Environment

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates interactions and data flows between various systems and devices to configure and use a base station and manage sensor data generated by a physiological monitor. The systems and devices may include: a physiological monitor 104 to generate sensor data representing the motion of a patient; a base station 102 to manage sensor data generated by the physiological monitor 104; a user device 106 to setup the base station and provide an alternative path for transmission of sensor data; and a remote server such as an activity analysis system 108 to process sensor data. The systems and devices shown in FIG. 1 are illustrative only, and are not intended to be limiting, required, or exhaustive. In some embodiments, additional, fewer, and / or alternative systems or devices may be used.

[0027] The physiological monitor 104 may be any of a variety of physiological monitors having a motion senor, such as an inertial measurement unit, configured to generate sensor data regarding detected motion. An inertial measurement unit (also referred to as an "IMU") may be or include a sensor array with various accelerometers and / or gyroscopes (e.g., an accelerometer for each of an x, y, and z axis, and a gyroscope for each of an x, y, and z axis). The physiological monitor may be configured to be permanently or semi-permanently implanted into a patient's body. For example, a physiological monitor 104 may be (or be part of) a tibial extension, a spinal implant, a shoulder implant, a hip implant, a breast implant, or another type of implant. In some embodiments, the physiological monitor may be a patient-Docket No.: CANA.470PC worn device, such as a device that is worn on a leg or arm. Example activity trackers are described in PCT Application No. PCT / US2022 / 035829, titled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING AND ANALYZING KINEMATIC DATA FROM INTELLIGENT KINEMATIC DEVICES" and filed on June 30, 2022, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0028] The base station 102 may be any of a variety of computing devices or appliances having a set of wireless transceivers. In some embodiments, the base station 102 may be a desktop or tabletop device designed to be connected to a local network 112 in an on-premise environment 110, such as the patient's home or another location frequented by the patient.

[0029] The user device 106 may be any of a wide variety of computing devices, including personal computing devices, terminal computing devices, laptop computing devices, tablet computing devices, mobile devices (e.g., smart phones), wearable computing devices (e.g., smart watches), and various other electronic devices. The user device 106 may provide processing and network communication capabilities to facilitate the configuration of the base station 102 and relay of sensor data to the activity analysis system 108.

[0030] The activity analysis system 108 may receive sensor data, perform analyses thereon (e.g., machine learning based activity detection, health condition prediction, etc.). Example structures and process for analyzing sensor data are disclosed in PCT Application No. PCT / US2022 / 035829, titled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING AND ANALYZING KINEMATIC DATA FROM INTELLIGENT KINEMATIC DEVICES" and filed on June 30, 2022, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0031] The activity analysis system 108 may be implemented using any of a variety of computing devices, such as server computing devices, desktop computing devices, personal computing devices, mainframe computing devices, midrange computing devices, host computing devices, or some combination thereof. In some embodiments, the features and services provided by the activity analysis system 108 may be implemented as web services consumable via one or more communication networks. In further embodiments, the activity analysis system 108 is provided by one or more virtual machines implemented in a hosted computing environment. The hosted computing environment may include one or more rapidly provisioned and released computing resources, such as computing devices, networking devices, and / or storage devices. A hosted computing environment may also be referred to as a "cloud" computing environment.Docket No.: CANA.470PC

[0032] In some embodiments, the base station 102 is configured to determine, based on a predetermined or dynamically determined schedule, or in response to occurrence of an event (e.g., a command received from a user device 106), to operate in a first communication mode to obtain sensor data from the physiological monitor 104. For example, the schedule may be set such that the volume of sensor data stored in the physiological monitor 104 is unlikely to reach a maximum threshold, beyond which the physiological monitor 104 may not be able to store further sensor data and would therefore overwrite previously stored sensor data, discard new sensor data, or stop generating new sensor data. In the first communication mode, the base station 102 may have only a single short-range wireless transceiver active at a particular time, while the longer-range wireless transceivers each remain inactive.

[0033] In some embodiments, the base station 102 is configured to determine, based on a predetermined or dynamically determined schedule, or in response to occurrence of an event (e.g., a command received from a user device 106), to operate in a second communication mode to transmit the sensor data to a remote server. In the second communication mode, the base station 102 may have only a single long-range wireless transceiver active at a particular time, while the short-range wireless transceivers each remain inactive.

[0034] FIG. 2A illustrates example components of a base station 102. In some embodiments, as shown, the base station 102 may include: one or more computer processors 202, such as physical central processing units (CPUs); one or more short-range wireless transceivers 204, such as MICS antennas; one or more longer-range wireless transceivers 206, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth® antennas; and one or more computer-readable memories 210, such as random-access memory (RAM), flash memory, and / or other non-transitory computer- readable media.

[0035] The computer-readable memory 210 may include specific instructions (e.g., computer program instructions) that one or more computer processors 202 execute in order to implement one or more embodiments. The computer-readable memory 210 can store an operating system 212 that provides computer program instructions for use by the computer processor(s) 202 in the general administration and operation of the base station 102.Docket No.: CANA.470PC

[0036] In some embodiments, the computer-readable memory 210 can further include computer program instructions and other information for implementing aspects of the present disclosure. For example, the computer-readable memory 210 may include communication management instructions 214 for interleaving use of the various wireless transceivers, managing communication of sensor data, and the like. As another example, the computer-readable memory 210 may include sensor data 200 received from a physiological monitor.

[0037] FIG. 2A also illustrates various components of an example physiological monitor 104. In some embodiments as shown, the physiological monitor 104 may include: one or more computer processors 222, such as physical central processing units (CPUs); one or more short-range wireless transceivers 224, such as MICS antennas or other wireless communication antennas; one or more inertial measurement units 226, such as a sensor array with various accelerometers and / or gyroscopes (e.g., an accelerometer for each of an x, y, and z direction, and a gyroscope for each of an x, y, and z direction); and one or more computer-readable memories 230, such as random access memory (RAM), flash memory, and / or other non-transitory computer-readable media.

[0038] The computer-readable memory 230 may include specific instructions (e.g., computer program instructions) that one or more computer processors 222 execute in order to implement one or more embodiments. The computer-readable memory 230 can store an operating system 232 that provides computer program instructions for use by the computer processor(s) 222 in the general administration and operation of the physiological monitor 104.

[0039] In some embodiments, the computer-readable memory 230 can further include computer program instructions and other information for implementing aspects of the present disclosure. For example, the computer-readable memory 230 may include tracking instructions 234 for managing use of the IMU 226 to generate sensor data 200. As shown, the physiological monitor 104 may send sensor data 200 to the base station 102. The physiological monitor 104 may receive updates from the base station 102, such as firmware 276 (e.g., updates to the operating system 232, tracking instructions 234, etc.).

[0040] FIG. 2B illustrates example components of a user device 106. In some embodiments, as shown, the user device 106 may include: one or more computer processors 242, such as physical central processing units (CPUs); an input-output device interface 244;Docket No.: CANA.470PC one or more wireless transceivers 246, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, or mobile network antennas, or other longer-range wireless transceivers; and one or more computer-readable memories 250, such as random-access memory (RAM), flash memory, and / or other non- transitory computer-readable media.

[0041] The computer-readable memory 250 may include specific instructions (e.g., computer program instructions) that one or more computer processors 242 execute in order to implement one or more embodiments. The computer-readable memory 250 can store an operating system 252 that provides computer program instructions for use by the computer processor(s) 242 in the general administration and operation of the user device 106.

[0042] In some embodiments, the computer-readable memory 250 can further include computer program instructions and other information for implementing aspects of the present disclosure. For example, the computer-readable memory 250 may include an application 254 to manage base station setup and other processes. As another example, the computer-readable memory 250 may include sensor data 200 received from a physiological monitor via a base station.Base Station Configuration

[0043] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an illustrative routine 300 that may be executed by a computing device, such as a user device 106, to configure a base station for secure communication with a physiological monitor 104. Advantageously, the routine 300 may in some embodiments be used without prior linking of the base station 102 to the physiological monitor 104 or patient's account. Portions of the routine 300 will be described with respect to the example data flows illustrated in FIG. 2B.

[0044] The routine 300 begins at block 302. The routine 300 may begin in response to an event, such as when an application 254 begins execution on a user device 106, when a patient (or other user) activates a function to configure a base station 102, or in response to some other event. When the routine 300 is initiated (or prior thereto), a set of executable program instructions stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable media (e.g., hard drive, flash memory, removable media, etc.) may be loaded into memory (e.g., random access memory or "RAM") of the user device 106. In some embodiments, the routine 300 or portions thereof may be implemented on multiple processors or computing devices, serially or in parallel.Docket No.: CANA.470PC

[0045] At block 304, the user device 106 or other device or system executing the routine 300 can obtain a base station identification code 270 for the base station 102 to be configured. The base station identification code 270 may uniquely identify a particular base station 102 to be configured. For example, the base station identification code 270 may be a number or alphanumeric string that has been assigned to the base station 102 by the manufacturer. The user may enter the base station identification code 270 into the application 254. For example, the application 254 may present a user interface on the user device 106, into which the user may enter the base station identification code 270.

[0046] In some embodiments, the base station identification code 270 may be encoded, and a visual representation of the encoded base station identification code 270 may be displayed on the base station 102. For example, the base station identification code 270 may be displayed as a bar code or quick response (QR) code tag affixed to the base station 102, or the bar code or QR code may be displayed on a display of the base station 102. The application 254 may prompt the user to capture an image of the encoded base station identification code 270 using a camera or other optical sensor of the user device 106, and the received code may be stored for use in subsequent portions of the routine 300.

[0047] At block 306, the user device 106 or other device or system executing the routine 300 can communicate the base station identification code 270 to a remote server, such as the activity analysis system 108. The user device 106 may also communicate account data, such as an account identifier, associated with the patient into whom the physiological monitor has been implanted. For example, the user device 106 may include (or separately communicate, such as during a login / authentication procedure) a username or other account identifier, a password or other security code, or the like.

[0048] In response to communication of the account data and the base station identification code 270, the activity analysis system 108 (or other remote server or system) can authenticate the patient's account and ensure that the account is authorized to configure a base station 102. Moreover, the activity analysis system 108 can identify the physiological monitor 104 that has been implanted into the patient. For example, the activity analysis system 108 may maintain mappings of patient account identifiers to physiological monitor identifiers. Such mappings may be determined at or around the time of implantation. The activity analysis system 108 may update the mapping (or create a separate mapping) toDocket No.: CANA.470PC associate the base station identification code 270 with the patient account identifier, or directly with the physiological monitor identifier for the patient.

[0049] At block 308, the user device 106 or other device or system executing the routine 300 may obtain a physiological monitor communication key 274 from the activity analysis system 108 (or other remote server or system). In some embodiments, the activity analysis system 108 may use the mapping of physiological monitor to patient account / base station (e.g., determined as described above) to determine the physiological monitor communication key 274 uniquely associated with or otherwise assigned for use with the physiological monitor implanted into the patient. For example, the physiological monitor communication key 274 may be a cryptographic key associated with the physiological monitor, and the base station 102 is to use the cryptographic key to establish a connection to the physiological monitor 104 and / or perform cryptographic operations (encryption / decryption) on data communicated to and / or from the physiological monitor. In some embodiments, the physiological monitor communication key 274 is a pairing code that is to be used by the base station 102 to establish a pairing (e.g., a MICS communication pairing) with the physiological monitor 104.

[0050] At block 310, the user device 106 or other device or system executing the routine 300 may obtain a base station connection code 272 from the activity analysis system 108 (or other remote server or system). In some embodiments, the activity analysis system 108 may use a predetermined mapping of the base station identification code 270 to the base station connection code 272. The base station connection code 272 may be a pairing code that is to be used by the user device 106 to establish a pairing (e.g., a Bluetooth® communication pairing) with the base station 102. In some embodiments, the base station connection code 272 may be a cryptographic key that is associated with the base station 102, and that the user device 106 is to use to establish a connection to the base station 102 and / or perform cryptographic operations on data communicated to and / or from the base station 102.

[0051] At block 312, the user device 106 or other device or system executing the routine 300 may establish a connection to the base station 102 using the base station connection code 272. The user device 106 may establish the connection using a wireless transceiver 246, such as a Bluetooth® transceiver, in communication with a wireless transceiver of the base station 102. The user device 106 may present— and the base stationDocket No.: CANA.470PC102 may verify— the base station connection code IT. as part of establishing the connection. In some embodiments, as part of establishing the connection (e.g., prior to, concurrently with, or subsequent to), the user device 106 may establish a persistent pairing with the base station 102. For example, the user device 106 may provide the base station connection code TIT to the base station 102 as part of a Bluetooth® or other wireless communication pairing process in which the participating devices retain connection data sufficient to establish future connections— for a limited time, until the occurrence of an event, or indefinitely— without going through the pairing process again.

[0052] At block 314, the user device 106 or other device or system executing the routine 300 may send the physiological monitor communication key 274 to the base station 102 over the connection established above. The base station 102 may store the physiological monitor communication key 274 for use in subsequent communications with the physiological monitor.Establishing Connections and Transferring Sensor Data

[0053] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of illustrative operations a base station 102 may perform to establish a connection with a physiological monitor 104. The base station 102 may have multiple short-range wireless transceivers 204 that are configured to operate using a same communication protocol as a short-range wireless transceiver 224 of the physiological monitor 104. For example, the base station 102 may have two short-range transceivers: short-range wireless transceiver 204A and short-range wireless transceiver 204B. Each of these transceivers may be configured to communicate using the same protocol as short-range wireless transceiver 224 of the physiological monitor 104 (e.g., the MICS protocol). Advantageously, the short-range wireless transceivers 204A, 204B may be placed in different physical locations within the base station 102, such that they are spaced apart from each other. For example, one wireless transceiver 204A may be placed at or near one edge or corner of the base station 102, while another wireless transceiver 204B may be placed at or near a different edge or corner of the base station 102. In this configuration, the wireless transceivers may be able to collectively provide an expanded area of wireless signal coverage, in comparison with a single wireless transceiver or if both wireless transceivers were located adjacent to each other.

[0054] In the illustrated example, wireless transceiver 204A is located in one corner of the substantially rectangular housing of the base station 102, while wirelessDocket No.: CANA.470PC transceiver 204B is located in an opposite corner of the housing. Thus, if the physiological monitor 104 is placed in a particular location with respect to the base station 102 (e.g., the patient's body part into which the physiological monitor 104 is implanted is located at one end of the patient's bed at night, and the base station 102 is on a nightstand or under the bed), then one of the wireless transceivers 204A or 204B may be in a better position than the other to communicate with the physiological monitor 104. When the physiological monitor 104 is in a different location with respect to the base station 102, a different wireless transceiver 204A or 204B may be in a better position to communicate with the physiological monitor 104.

[0055] To reduce interference between the wireless transceivers and improve the ability of individual wireless transceivers to establish a connection with the physiological monitor 104, the base station 102 may alternate use of the transceivers, thereby interleaving signals sent by the base station 102. For example, while one wireless transceiver is being used, the other wireless transceiver may be disabled, thereby avoiding interference between the transceivers.

[0056] The interactions illustrated in FIG. 4 begin at [A], where the base station 102 uses wireless transceiver 204A to attempt to establish a connection to the physiological monitor 104. While the base station 102 attempts to establish the connection using wireless transceiver 204A, the other wireless transceiver 204B may remain inactive. For example, the base station 102 may disable or deactivate the wireless transceiver 204B by stopping or otherwise not providing power to the wireless transceiver 204B. As another example, the base station 102 may not instruct the wireless transceiver 204B to generate any signal, or the base station 102 may instruct the wireless transceiver 204B to cease generation of signals.

[0057] The various wireless transceivers of the devices (wireless transceiver 204A and 204B of the base station 102, and wireless transceiver 224 of the physiological monitor 104) may be configured to communicate over multiple communication channels. When the base station 102 uses one transceiver- wireless transceiver 204A in this example - the base station may attempt to establish communication with the physiological monitor over each of the communication channels. For example, if there are six (6) MICS communication channels, the wireless transceiver 204A may attempt to establish a connection to the physiological monitor 104 over each of the channels, one after the other, until each channel has been used.Docket No.: CANA.470PC

[0058] If no connection is established using wireless transceiver 204A, the base station 102 may change to using wireless transceiver 204B at [B]. Changing to a different wireless transceiver may involve deactivating the current transceiver, and activating the next transceiver. For example, the base station 102 may disable or deactivate wireless transceiver 204A (e.g., by stopping or otherwise not providing power to the wireless transceiver 204B, by instructing the wireless transceiver 204B to cease generation of signals, etc.). If the next wireless transceiver 204B is disabled, the base station 102 may enable it (e.g., by providing power to the wireless transceiver 204A).

[0059] At [C], the base station 102 uses wireless transceiver 204B to attempt to establish a connection to the physiological monitor 104. While the base station 102 attempts to establish the connection using wireless transceiver 204B, the other wireless transceiver 204A may remain inactive. If the current wireless transceiver 204B is configured to communicate over multiple communication channels, the wireless transceiver 204B may attempt to establish a connection to the physiological monitor 104 over each of the channels, one after the other, until each channel has been used as described above.

[0060] If no connection is established using wireless transceiver 204B, the base station 102 may change to using a different wireless transceiver. If only two wireless transceivers configured to communicate with the physiological monitor 104 are present, the base station may return to using wireless transceiver 204A at [A]. If more than two such wireless transceivers are present, the base station 102 may iterate through each wireless transceiver as described with respect to wireless transceiver 204A and 204B, ultimately returning to wireless transceiver 204A if no connection is established.

[0061] In some embodiments, the base station 102 may stop attempting to establish communications with the base station 102 after a failure event has been triggered. For example, the failure event may be defined in terms of a maximum time period during which the base station 102 is to attempt to establish the connection to the physiological monitor 104. As another example, the failure event may be defined in terms of a maximum quantity of attempts per transceiver, or a maximum quantity of attempts overall.

[0062] If a connection to the physiological monitor is established, the base station 102 may transfer data to and / or from the physiological monitor 104. For example, if the physiological monitor 104 has sensor data 200 that has not yet been sent to the base station 102, the base station 102 may obtain the sensor data 200 from the physiological monitor 104.Docket No.: CANA.470PCAs another example, if the base station 102 has received a firmware 276 update for the physiological monitor 104 (e.g., from the user device 106), the base station 102 may install the firmware 276 on the physiological monitor 104.

[0063] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an illustrative routine 500 for managing the transfer of sensor data 200, received by the base station 102 from the physiological monitor 104, to the activity analysis system 108 (or another remote server or system). Advantageously, the base station 102 may use multiple wireless transceivers, communication protocols, communication paths, or any combination thereof to relay sensor data 200 to the activity analysis system 108. Portions of the routine 500 will be described with respect to the example connection scenarios illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0064] The routine 500 begins at block 502. The routine 500 may begin in response to an event, such as when the base station 102 receives a batch of sensor data 200 from a physiological monitor, at a predetermined or dynamically determined time, or in response to some other event. When the routine 500 is initiated (or prior thereto), a set of executable program instructions stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable media (e.g., hard drive, flash memory, removable media, etc.) may be loaded into memory (e.g., random access memory or "RAM") of the base station 102. In some embodiments, the routine 500 or portions thereof may be implemented on multiple processors, serially or in parallel.

[0065] At block 504, the base station 102 may attempt to establish a connection to the remote server to which the sensor data 200 is to be sent (e.g., activity analysis system 108). The base station may attempt to establish the connection using one of a plurality of wireless transceivers present in the base station 102, and using one of a plurality of potential communication protocols.

[0066] In some embodiments, the base station 102 may have multiple longer- range wireless transceivers configured to communicate with networks or directly with devices. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the base station 102 may include a wireless transceiver 206A configured to communicate over a local network 112 using a Wi-Fi protocol, and a wireless transceiver 206B configured to communicate directly with nearby devices using a Bluetooth® protocol. The local network 112 may have access to a network that is off- premise 120, such as the internet 124, as shown in FIG. 1. The base station 102 may thereforeDocket No.: CANA.470PC use the longer-range wireless transceiver 206A to establish a connection to the activity analysis system 108 via local network 112 and the internet 124.

[0067] At decision block 506, the base station 102 can determine whether the connection is established successfully. If so, the routine 500 can proceed to block 508; otherwise, routine 500 may proceed to block 512 to attempt to establish a connection using a different wireless transceiver, communication protocol, communication path, or combination thereof.

[0068] At block 508, the connection has been established successfully and the base station 102 may send the sensor data 200 to the remote server using the protocol and transceiver over which the connection has been successfully established. Returning to the example above the base station may use transceiver 204A to send sensor data 200 to the activity analysis system 108 over a local network 112— which is a Wi-Fi network— and the internet 124.

[0069] At decision block 510, the base station 102 can determine whether all sensor data 200 has been transmitted successfully. If so, the routine 500 may terminate at block 520. Otherwise, if some or all of the sensor data 200 remains to be transmitted and the connection to the activity analysis system 108 has been terminated or the remaining sensor data 200 cannot otherwise be sent at the present time, the routine 500 may proceed to block 512.

[0070] At block 512, the base station 102 may attempt to establish a connection to the user device 106 so that the user device 106 can send the sensor data 200 to the remote server (e.g., activity analysis system 108). The base station 102 may attempt to establish the connection using a different one of the plurality of wireless transceivers present in the base station 102, and / or using a different one of a plurality of potential communication protocols, than the transceiver and protocol used above. For example, the base station 102 may use the longer-range wireless transceiver 206B to establish a connection directly to the user device 106 using a different protocol (e.g., Bluetooth®).

[0071] At decision block 514, the base station 102 may determine whether the connection is established successfully. If so, the routine 500 can proceed to block 516; otherwise, routine 500 may return to block 504 to attempt to establish a connection using a different wireless transceiver, communication protocol, communication path, or combination thereof.Docket No.: CANA.470PC

[0072] At block 516, the connection has been established successfully and the base station 102 may send the sensor data 200 to the remote server using the protocol and transceiver over which the connection has been successfully established. In the present example, the base station 102 may use transceiver 204B to send sensor data 200 to the user device 106. The user device 106 may then (synchronously, or asynchronously at a later time) send the sensor data 200 to the activity analysis system 108. For example, the user device 106 may send the sensor data 200 over a local network 112— which is a Wi-Fi network— and the internet 124. As another example, the user device 106 may send the sensor data 200 over a mobile network 122— such as a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) or 5 G network— and the internet 124.

[0073] At decision block 518, the base station 102 can determine whether all sensor data 200 has been transmitted successfully. If so, the routine 500 may terminate at block 520. Otherwise, if some or all of the sensor data 200 remains to be transmitted and the connection to the user device 106 has been terminated or the remaining sensor data 200 cannot otherwise be sent at the present time, the routine 500 may return to block 504.

[0074] FIG. 6 illustrates an on-premise environment 110 including various computing devices with wireless transceivers, and the interleaving (or selective activation) of wireless transceivers of the base station 102 depending upon the device with which the base station is communicating (or attempting to communicate). As shown, the on-premise environment 110 may include a base station 102, a physiological monitor 104, a user device 106, and a LAN router 700. The base station 102 may communicate with the other devices using various wireless transceivers installed, or coupled to, the base station 102.

[0075] As discussed in greater detail above, the base station 102 may include multiple short-range wireless transceivers 204A and 204B and multiple longer-range wireless transceivers 206A and 206B. The short-range wireless transceivers 204A and 204B may be configured to communicate with the physiological monitor 104 using a first communication protocol (e.g., MICS). The longer-range wireless transceivers 206A and 206B may be configured to communicate with other devices, such as the user device 106, LAN router 700, etc., using the same or different communication protocols. For example, one longer-range wireless transceiver 206A may be configured to communicate using a second communication protocol (e.g., Wi-Fi), while a different wireless transceiver 206B may be configured to communicate using a third communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth®).Docket No.: CANA.470PC

[0076] When the base station 102 is using one wireless transceiver to communicate with a particular device, the base station 102 may disable or deactivate the other wireless transceivers to reduce interference. Advantageously, such interleaving can improve the quality of the connection and strength of signal, while reducing overall power consumption and time to connect. As described in greater detail above with respect to FIG. 4, the base station 102 can switch between using short-range wireless transceiver 204A and short-range wireless transceiver 204B. When one of the short-range wireless transceivers 204A or 204B is active, the other is inactive (e.g., disabled, powered off, instructed not to transmit a signal, or otherwise deactivated). In addition, the longer-range wireless transceivers 206A and 206B may be inactive (disabled, powered off, instructed not to transmit a signal, or otherwise deactivated). Thus, in some embodiments only a single wireless transceiver of the plurality of wireless transceivers installed in or coupled to the base station 102 is active when communicating with a device or otherwise performing certain operations.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 6, the base station 102 can also or alternatively switch between using longer-range wireless transceiver 206A and longer-range wireless transceiver 206B. For example, the base station 102 may activate longer-range wireless transceiver 206A to communicate with LAN router 700, which has wireless transceiver 702, using a particular protocol (e.g., when attempting to transmit sensor data 200 to a remote server). The base station 102 may activate longer-range wireless transceiver 206B to communicate with the user device 106, which has wireless transceivers 246A, 246B, and 246C, using a different protocol (e.g., when attempting to transmit sensor data to a remote server through the user device 106). The various wireless transceivers of user device 106 may also be configured use different protocols. For example, wireless transceiver 246A may be configured to communicate using Wi-Fi (e.g., with LAN router 700), wireless transceiver 246B may be configured to communicate using Bluetooth® (e.g., with base station 102), and wireless transceiver 246C may be configured to communicate using a mobile telephony protocol (e.g., with mobile network 122), such as Long-Term Evolution (LTE), 5G, or the like.

[0078] When one of the base station's longer-range wireless transceivers 206A or 206B is active, the other is inactive (e.g., disabled, powered off, instructed not to transmit a signal, or otherwise deactivated). In addition, the short-range wireless transceivers 204A and 204B may be inactive (disabled, powered off, instructed not to transmit a signal, or otherwise deactivated).Docket No.: CANA.470PC

[0079] In some embodiments, the base station 102 may maintain each of the longer-range wireless transceivers in an active state, instead of interleaving use of them. For example, wireless transceivers 206A and 206B may both be active such that the base station 102 is connected to a device using wireless transceiver 206A and a second communication protocol (e.g., Wi-Fi) while still advertising using wireless transceiver 206B and a third communication protocol (e.g. Bluetooth®).Example Embodiments

[0080] Some example embodiments are recited in the following clauses in the form of methods, systems, and non-transitory computer-readable media, without limitation.

[0081] Clause 1. A system comprising: a physiological monitoring device configured to generate sensor data regarding a physiological characteristic or occurrence associated with a patient, and a first wireless transceiver configured to operate using a first communication protocol; and a base station comprising: a plurality of wireless transceivers, including a second wireless transceiver configured to operate using a second communication protocol, and a third wireless transceiver configured to operate using the first communication protocol, wherein the base station is configured to: operate in a first communication mode in which the third wireless transceiver is used to obtain the sensor data from the physiological monitoring device using the first communication protocol, wherein the second wireless transceiver is deactivated in the first communication mode; and operate in a second communication mode in which the second wireless transceiver is used to establish a connection to a server for transmission of the sensor data to the server, wherein the third wireless transceiver is deactivated in the second communication mode

[0082] Clause 2. The system of any one or more of clauses 1, 8-14, 19 and 22-23, wherein the physiological monitoring device is an implantable physiological monitoring device.

[0083] Clause 3. The system of clause 2, wherein the implantable physiological monitoring device is an implantable activity tracker comprising an inertial measurement unit configured to generate the sensor data.

[0084] Clause 4. The system of clause 3, wherein the implantable activity tracker comprises or is part of: a tibial extension, a spinal implant, a hip implant, or a shoulder implant.Docket No.: CANA.470PC

[0085] Clause 5. The system of clause 2, wherein the physiological monitoring device is an implantable subcutaneous physiological monitor, and wherein the sensor data represents at least one of: electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, heart sounds, breath sounds, pulmonary artery pressure, heart rate, or respiratory rate.

[0086] Clause 6. The system of any one or more of clauses 1, 8-14, 19 and 22-23, wherein the physiological monitoring device is a wearable physiological monitoring device.

[0087] Clause 7. The system of clause 6, wherein the wearable physiological monitoring device comprises: a glucose monitor, a pulse oximetry monitor, an electrocardiogram (ECG) device, or an activity tracker.

[0088] Clause 8. The system of any one or more of clauses 1-7 and 9-23, wherein the base station is further configured to: determine, based on a schedule, to operate in the first communication mode to obtain the sensor data from the physiological monitoring device; deactivate the second wireless transceiver; activate the third wireless transceiver; and establish a connection to the physiological monitoring device.

[0089] Clause 9. The system of any one or more of clauses 1-8 and 10-23, wherein the base station is further configured to: determine, based on a schedule, to operate in the second communication mode to transmit the sensor data to the server; deactivate the third wireless transceiver; activate the second wireless transceiver; and establish the connection to the server.

[0090] Clause 10. The system of any one or more of clauses 1-9 and 11-23, wherein to establish the connection with the server, the base station is configured to communicate via an on-premise wireless network and the internet.

[0091] Clause 11. The system of any one or more of clauses 1-10 and 12-23, wherein to establish the connection with the server, the base station is configured to communicate with a patient device using the second communication protocol, wherein the patient device is configured to communicate with the server using a third communication protocol.

[0092] Clause 12. The system of any one or more of clauses 1-11 and 13-23, wherein the first communication protocol is a medical implant communication system (MICS) protocol.

[0093] Clause 13. The system of any one or more of clauses 1-12 and 14-23, wherein the second communication protocol is a wireless local area network protocol or aDocket No.: CANA.470PC mid-range wireless protocol.

[0094] Clause 14. The system of any one or more of clauses 1-13 and 19-23, wherein the base station comprises a fourth wireless transceiver configured to operate using a third communication protocol different from the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol.

[0095] Clause 15. The system of clause 14, wherein the base station is further configured to alternate between using the third wireless transceiver to attempt to establish the connection to the server, and the fourth wireless transceiver to attempt to establish a connection to a patient device, until the connection to server or the connection to the patient device is established.

[0096] Clause 16. The system of clause 15, wherein the base station is further configured to disable the third wireless transceiver prior to attempting to establish the connection to the patient device.

[0097] Clause 17. The system of clause 15, wherein the base station is further configured to disable the fourth wireless transceiver prior to attempting to establish the connection to the server.

[0098] Clause 18. The system of clause 15, wherein base station is further configured to: transmit a first portion of the sensor data to the server via the first wireless transceiver; determine that a second portion of the sensor data remains to be transmitted to the server; and transmit a second portion of the sensor data to the server via the second wireless transceiver and the patient device.

[0099] Clause 19. The system of any one or more of clauses 1-18 and 22-23, wherein the base station comprises a fourth wireless transceiver configured to operate using the first communication protocol.

[0100] Clause 20. The system of clause 19, wherein the base station is further configured to alternate between using the third wireless transceiver and the fourth wireless transceiver until a connection to the physiological monitoring device is established.

[0101] Clause 21. The system of clause 19, wherein the base station is further configured to: send communications over a plurality of different channels using the third wireless transceiver, wherein the fourth wireless transceiver is deactivated during sending the communications over a plurality of different channels using the third wireless transceiver; and in response to determining that the connection to the physiological monitoring deviceDocket No.: CANA.470PC has not been established using the third wireless transceiver, change to using the fourth wireless transceiver, wherein the third wireless transceiver is deactivated while using the fourth wireless transceiver.

[0102] Clause 22. The system of any one or more of clause 1-21 and 23, wherein the inertial measurement unit includes a plurality of accelerometers.

[0103] Clause 23. The system of any one or more of clauses 1-22, wherein the inertial measurement unit includes a plurality of gyroscopes.

[0104] Clause 24. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing program instructions for causing a computing device to perform a process comprising: obtaining an identification code associated with a base station, wherein the base station is configured to obtain sensor data from a physiological monitor implanted in a patient; communicating the identification code to a server; receiving from the server: a base station connection code to be used to establish a connection with the base station; and a communication key to be used to communicate with the physiological monitor; establishing the connection with the base station using the base station connection code; and sending the communication key to the base station.

[0105] Clause 25. The non-transitory computer readable medium of any one or more of clauses 24 and 31-32, wherein the physiological monitor is an implantable physiological monitoring device.

[0106] Clause 26. The non-transitory computer readable medium of clause 25, wherein the implantable physiological monitoring device is an implantable activity tracker comprising an inertial measurement unit configured to generate the sensor data.

[0107] Clause 27. The non-transitory computer readable medium of clause 26, wherein the implantable activity tracker comprises or is part of: a tibial extension, a spinal implant, a hip implant, or a shoulder implant.

[0108] Clause 28. The non-transitory computer readable medium of clause 25, wherein the physiological monitor is an implantable subcutaneous physiological monitor, and wherein the sensor data represents at least one of: electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, heart sounds, breath sounds, pulmonary artery pressure, heart rate, or respiratory rate.

[0109] Clause 29. The non-transitory computer readable medium of any one or more of clauses 24 and 31-32, wherein the physiological monitor is a wearable physiological monitoring device.Docket No.: CANA.470PC

[0110] Clause 30. The non-transitory computer readable medium of clause 29, wherein the wearable physiological monitoring device comprises: a glucose monitor, a pulse oximetry monitor, an electrocardiogram (ECG) device, or an activity tracker.

[0111] Clause 31. The non-transitory computer readable medium of any one or more of clauses 24-30, wherein obtaining the identification code comprises: causing a camera of the computing device to obtain image data comprising a visual representation of the identification code; and determining the identification code from the image data.

[0112] Clause 32. The non-transitory computer readable medium of any one or more of clauses 24-30, wherein obtaining the identification code comprises: causing presentation, on the computing device, of a user interface prompting for input of the identification code; and receiving the identification code via the user interface.

[0113] Clause 33. A computer-implemented method comprising: under control of a base station comprising a plurality of wireless transceivers and one or more processors configured to execute specific computer-executable instructions, operating in a first communication mode in which a first wireless transceiver of the plurality of wireless transceivers is used to obtain a sensor data from a physiological monitor using a first communication protocol, wherein a second wireless transceiver of the plurality of wireless transceivers is deactivated in the first communication mode; and operating in a second communication mode in which the second wireless transceiver is used to establish a connection to a server for transmission of the sensor data to the server, wherein the first wireless transceiver is deactivated in the second communication mode.

[0114] Clause 34. The computer-implemented method of clause 33, wherein the physiological monitor is an implantable physiological monitoring device.

[0115] Clause 35. The computer-implemented method of clause 34, wherein the implantable physiological monitoring device is an implantable activity tracker comprising an inertial measurement unit configured to generate the sensor data.

[0116] Clause 36. The computer-implemented method of clause 35, wherein the implantable activity tracker comprises or is part of: a tibial extension, a spinal implant, a hip implant, or a shoulder implant.

[0117] Clause 37. The computer-implemented method of clause 34, wherein the physiological monitor is an implantable subcutaneous physiological monitor, and wherein the sensor data represents at least one of: electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, heart sounds, breathDocket No.: CANA.470PC sounds, pulmonary artery pressure, heart rate, or respiratory rate.

[0118] Clause 38. The computer-implemented method of clause 33, wherein the physiological monitor is a wearable physiological monitoring device.

[0119] Clause 39. The computer-implemented method of clause 38, wherein the wearable physiological monitoring device comprises: a glucose monitor, a pulse oximetry monitor, an electrocardiogram (ECG) device, or an activity tracker.

[0120] Clause 40. The computer-implemented method of any one or more of clauses 33-37, wherein obtaining the sensor data from the physiological monitor comprises obtaining the sensor data from an implantable physiological monitor.

[0121] Clause 41. The computer-implemented method of any one or more of clauses 33 and 38-39, wherein obtaining the sensor data from the physiological monitor comprises obtaining the sensor data from a wearable physiological monitor.

[0122] Clause 42. The computer-implemented method of any one or more of clauses 33-41 and 43-51, further comprising: determining, based on a schedule, to operate in the first communication mode to obtain the sensor data from the physiological monitor; deactivating the second wireless transceiver; activating the first wireless transceiver; and establishing a connection to the physiological monitor using the first wireless transceiver.

[0123] Clause 43. The computer-implemented method of any one or more of clauses 33-42 and 46-51, further comprising: determining, based on a schedule, to operate in the second communication mode to transmit the sensor data to the server; deactivating the first wireless transceiver; activating the second wireless transceiver; and establishing the connection to the server.

[0124] Clause 44. The computer-implemented method of clause 43, wherein establishing the connection with the server comprises communicating via an on-premise wireless network and the internet.

[0125] Clause 45. The computer-implemented method of clause 43, wherein establishing the connection with the server comprises communicating with a patient device using a second communication protocol, wherein the patient device is configured to communicate with the server using a third communication protocol.

[0126] Clause 46. The computer-implemented method of any one or more of clauses 33-45 and 50-51, further comprising alternating between using the second wireless transceiver to attempt to establish the connection to the server, and a third wirelessDocket No.: CANA.470PC transceiver of the plurality of wireless transceivers to attempt to establish a connection to a patient device, until the connection to server or the connection to the patient device is established.

[0127] Clause 47. The computer-implemented method of clause 46, further comprising disabling the second wireless transceiver prior to attempting to establish the connection to the patient device.

[0128] Clause 48. The computer-implemented method of clause 46, further comprising disabling the third wireless transceiver prior to attempting to establish the connection to the server.

[0129] Clause 49. The computer-implemented method of clause 46, further comprising: transmitting a first portion of the sensor data to the server via the first wireless transceiver; determining that a second portion of the sensor data remains to be transmitted to the server; and transmitting a second portion of the sensor data to the server via the second wireless transceiver and the patient device.

[0130] Clause 50. The computer-implemented method of any one or more of clauses 33-49, further comprising alternating between using the second wireless transceiver and a third wireless transceiver of the plurality of wireless transceivers until a connection to the physiological monitor is established.

[0131] Clause 51. The computer-implemented method of clause 50, further comprising: sending communications over a plurality of different channels using the second wireless transceiver, wherein the third wireless transceiver is deactivated during sending the communications over a plurality of different channels using the second wireless transceiver; and in response to determining that the connection to the physiological monitor has not been established using the second wireless transceiver, change to using the third wireless transceiver, wherein the second wireless transceiver is deactivated while using the third wireless transceiver.Terminology and Additional Considerations

[0132] All of the methods and tasks described herein may be performed and fully automated by a computer system. The computer system may, in some cases, include multiple distinct computers or computing devices (e.g., physical servers, workstations, storage arrays, cloud computing resources, etc.) that communicate and interoperate over a network to perform the described functions. Each such computing device typically includes a processorDocket No.: CANA.470PC(or multiple processors) that executes program instructions or modules stored in a memory or other non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or device (e.g., solid state storage devices, disk drives, etc.). The various functions disclosed herein may be embodied in such program instructions, or may be implemented in application-specific circuitry (e.g., ASICs or FPGAs) of the computer system. Where the computer system includes multiple computing devices, these devices may, but need not, be co-located. The results of the disclosed methods and tasks may be persistently stored by transforming physical storage devices, such as solid-state memory chips or magnetic disks, into a different state. In some embodiments, the computer system may be a cloud-based computing system whose processing resources are shared by multiple distinct business entities or other users.

[0133] Depending on the embodiment, certain acts, events, or functions of any of the processes or algorithms described herein can be performed in a different sequence, can be added, merged, or left out altogether (e.g., not all described operations or events are necessary for the practice of the algorithm). Moreover, in certain embodiments, operations or events can be performed concurrently, e.g., through multi-threaded processing, interrupt processing, or multiple processors or processor cores or on other parallel architectures, rather than sequentially.

[0134] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, routines, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, or combinations of electronic hardware and computer software. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware, or as software that runs on hardware, depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. The described functionality can be implemented in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the disclosure.

[0135] Moreover, the various illustrative logical blocks and modules described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented or performed by a machine, such as a processor device, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combinationDocket No.: CANA.470PC thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A processor device can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor device can be a controller, microcontroller, or state machine, combinations of the same, or the like. A processor device can include electrical circuitry configured to process computer-executable instructions. In another embodiment, a processor device includes an FPGA or other programmable device that performs logic operations without processing computer-executable instructions. A processor device can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Although described herein primarily with respect to digital technology, a processor device may also include primarily analog components. For example, some or all of the algorithms described herein may be implemented in analog circuitry or mixed analog and digital circuitry. A computing environment can include any type of computer system, including, but not limited to, a computer system based on a microprocessor, a mainframe computer, a digital signal processor, a portable computing device, a device controller, or a computational engine within an appliance, to name a few.

[0136] The elements of a method, process, routine, or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor device, or in a combination of the two. A software module can reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of a non- transitory computer-readable storage medium. An exemplary storage medium can be coupled to the processor device such that the processor device can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium can be integral to the processor device. The processor device and the storage medium can reside in an ASIC. The ASIC can reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, the processor device and the storage medium can reside as discrete components in a user terminal.

[0137] Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, "can," "could," "might," "may," "e.g.," and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and / or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply thatDocket No.: CANA.470PC features, elements and / or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without other input or prompting, whether these features, elements and / or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term "or" is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term "or" means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.

[0138] Disj unctive language such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, Z," unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and / or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.

[0139] Unless otherwise explicitly stated, articles such as "a" or "an" should generally be interpreted to include one or more described items. Accordingly, phrases such as "a device configured to" are intended to include one or more recited devices. Such one or more recited devices can also be collectively configured to carry out the stated recitations. For example, "a processor configured to carry out recitations A, B and C" can include a first processor configured to carry out recitation A working in conjunction with a second processor configured to carry out recitations B and C.

[0140] While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out novel features as applied to various embodiments, it can be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the devices or algorithms illustrated can be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. As can be recognized, certain embodiments described herein can be embodied within a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth herein, as some features can be used or practiced separately from others.

Claims

Docket No.: CANA.470PCCLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system comprising: an implantable activity tracker comprising: an inertial measurement unit configured to generate sensor data regarding activity of a patient; and a first wireless transceiver configured to operate using a first communication protocol; and a base station comprising: a plurality of wireless transceivers, including a second wireless transceiverconfigured to operate using a second communication protocol, and a third wireless transceiver configured to operate using the first communication protocol, wherein the base station is configured to: operate in a first communication mode in which the third wireless transceiver is used to obtain the sensor data from the implantable activity tracker using the first communication protocol, wherein the second wireless transceiver is deactivated in the first communication mode; and operate in a second communication mode in which the second wireless transceiver is used to establish a connection to a server for transmission of the sensor data to the server, wherein the third wireless transceiver is deactivated in the second communication mode.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the base station is further configured to: determine, based on a schedule, to operate in the first communication mode to obtain the sensor data from the implantable activity tracker; deactivate the second wireless transceiver; activate the third wireless transceiver; and establish a connection to the implantable activity tracker.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the base station is further configured to: determine, based on a schedule, to operate in the second communication mode to transmit the sensor data to the server; deactivate the third wireless transceiver;Docket No.: CANA.470PC activate the second wireless transceiver; and establish the connection to the server.

4. The system of claim 1, to establish the connection with the server, the base station is configured to communicate via an on-premise wireless network and the internet.

5. The system of claim 1, to establish the connection with the server, the base station is configured to communicate with a patient device using the second communication protocol, wherein the patient device is configured to communicate with the server using a third communication protocol.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first communication protocol is a medical implant communication system (MICS) protocol.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the second communication protocol is a wireless local area network protocol or a mid-range wireless protocol.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the base station comprises a fourth wireless transceiver configured to operate using a third communication protocol different from the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the base station is further configured to alternate between using the third wireless transceiver to attempt to establish the connection to the server, and the fourth wireless transceiver to attempt to establish a connection to a patient device, until the connection to server or the connection to the patient device is established.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the base station is further configured to disable the third wireless transceiver prior to attempting to establish the connection to the patient device.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the base station is further configured to disable the fourth wireless transceiver prior to attempting to establish the connection to the server.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein base station is further configured to: transmit a first portion of the sensor data to the server via the first wireless transceiver; determine that a second portion of the sensor data remains to be transmitted to the server; and transmit a second portion of the sensor data to the server via the second wireless transceiver and the patient device.Docket No.: CANA.470PC13. The system of claim 1, wherein the base station comprises a fourth wireless transceiver configured to operate using the first communication protocol.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the base station is further configured to alternate between using the third wireless transceiver and the fourth wireless transceiver until a connection to the implantable activity tracker is established.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the base station is further configured to: send communications over a plurality of different channels using the third wireless transceiver, wherein the fourth wireless transceiver is deactivated during sending the communications over a plurality of different channels using the third wireless transceiver; and in response to determining that the connection to the implantable activity tracker has not been established using the third wireless transceiver, change to using the fourth wireless transceiver, wherein the third wireless transceiver is deactivated while using the fourth wireless transceiver.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the inertial measurement unit includes a plurality of accelerometers.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the inertial measurement unit includes a plurality of gyroscopes.

18. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing program instructions for causing a computing device to perform a process comprising: obtaining an identification code associated with a base station, wherein the base station is configured to obtain sensor data from a physiological monitor; communicating the identification code to a server; receiving from the server: a base station connection code to be used to establish a connection with the base station; and a communication key to be used to communicate with the physiological monitor; establishing the connection with the base station using the base station connection code; and sending the communication key to the base station.Docket No.: CANA.470PC19. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein obtaining the identification code comprises: causing a camera of the computing device to obtain image data comprising a visual representation of the identification code; and determining the identification code from the image data.

20. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein obtaining the identification code comprises: causing presentation, on the computing device, of a user interface prompting for input of the identification code; and receiving the identification code via the user interface.

21. A computer-implemented method comprising: under control of a base station comprising a plurality of wireless transceivers and one or more processors configured to execute specific computer-executable instructions, operating in a first communication mode in which a first wireless transceiver of the plurality of wireless transceivers is used to obtain a sensor data from a physiological monitor using a first communication protocol, wherein a second wireless transceiver of the plurality of wireless transceivers is deactivated in the first communication mode; and operating in a second communication mode in which the second wireless transceiver is used to establish a connection to a server for transmission of the sensor data to the server, wherein the first wireless transceiver is deactivated in the second communication mode.

22. The computer-implemented method of claim 21, wherein obtaining the sensor data from the physiological monitor comprises obtaining the sensor data from an implantable physiological monitor.

23. The computer-implemented method of claim 21, wherein obtaining the sensor data from the physiological monitor comprises obtaining the sensor data from a wearable physiological monitor.

24. The computer-implemented method of claim 21, further comprising: determining, based on a schedule, to operate in the first communication mode to obtain the sensor data from the physiological monitor;Docket No.: CANA.470PC deactivating the second wireless transceiver; activating the first wireless transceiver; and establishing a connection to the physiological monitor using the first wireless transceiver.

25. The computer-implemented method of claim 21, further comprising: determining, based on a schedule, to operate in the second communication mode to transmit the sensor data to the server; deactivating the first wireless transceiver; activating the second wireless transceiver; and establishing the connection to the server.

26. The computer-implemented method of claim 25, wherein establishing the connection with the server comprises communicating via an on-premise wireless network and the internet.

27. The computer-implemented method of claim 25, wherein establishing the connection with the server comprises communicating with a patient device using a second communication protocol, wherein the patient device is configured to communicate with the server using a third communication protocol.

28. The computer-implemented method of claim 21, further comprising alternating between using the second wireless transceiver to attempt to establish the connection to the server, and a third wireless transceiver of the plurality of wireless transceivers to attempt to establish a connection to a patient device, until the connection to server or the connection to the patient device is established.

29. The computer-implemented method of claim 28, further comprising disabling the second wireless transceiver prior to attempting to establish the connection to the patient device.

30. The computer-implemented method of claim 28, further comprising disabling the third wireless transceiver prior to attempting to establish the connection to the server.

31. The computer-implemented method of claim 28, further comprising: transmitting a first portion of the sensor data to the server via the first wireless transceiver; determining that a second portion of the sensor data remains to be transmitted to the server; andDocket No.: CANA.470PC transmitting a second portion of the sensor data to the server via the second wireless transceiver and the patient device.

32. The computer-implemented method of claim 21, further comprising alternating between using the second wireless transceiver and a third wireless transceiver of the plurality of wireless transceivers until a connection to the physiological monitor is established.

33. The computer-implemented method of claim 32, further comprising: sending communications over a plurality of different channels using the second wireless transceiver, wherein the third wireless transceiver is deactivated during sending the communications over a plurality of different channels using the second wireless transceiver; and in response to determining that the connection to the physiological monitor has not been established using the second wireless transceiver, change to using the third wireless transceiver, wherein the second wireless transceiver is deactivated while using the third wireless transceiver.

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