Integrated display and camera health monitoring system

Abstract

A health monitoring system includes a monitoring device having a first display and a camera, the camera configured to generate a video signal. A controller is communicatively coupled to the monitoring device, and a second display communicatively coupled to the controller. The first display is configured to display the video signal an unmodified state during a setup phase while simultaneously the controller is configured to prevent the video signal from communicating to the second display. The first display is configured to prevent the video signal from displaying during a monitoring phase while simultaneously the controller is configured to communicate a version of the video signal to the second display. Health monitoring systems and methods for monitoring a subject are also described.

Description

Attorney Docket: 206479-0004-00WOINTEGRATED DISPLAY AND CAMERA HEALTH MONITORING SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 63 / 692,316 filed on September 9, 2024, and U.S. provisional application No. 63 / 712,740 filed on October 28, 2024, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Home health monitoring systems and devices are being used more frequently. Currently, the most often used medical alert devices are limited to wearables. Some of these devices come with such warnings as, “To reduce any risk of strangulation...”. Many of them require older and elderly users to initiate a call action, while others provide autosense capabilities to detect a fall. Even systems with autosense capabilities include cautions such as, “does not detect 100% of falls.” In addition, approximately 30% of older adults find wearables, such as interactive watches, uncomfortable or inconvenient and therefore do not use them. Further, almost all current medical alert systems require some form of contact or interaction with the person being monitored.

[0003] Connected camera systems currently available, by design, send images to remote locations (i.e. the Cloud) for algorithmic processing, storage and / or communication to intended subscribers. Such examples include Wyze cameras, Blink and Ring doorbells, etc. Though some of these connected cameras are used forAttorney Docket: 206479-0004-00WO monitoring older adults, concerns about privacy prevent fuller utilization of cameras in the home.

[0004] When cameras are used in the home, the monitoring system will often assist consumers in camera configuration during installation since it is critical the camera is set up properly prior to monitoring. Many camera systems utilize displays (connected and wireless, including mobile applications) for the user to instruct them during the installation process for properly positioning the camera(s) for effective monitoring. The full video images that are displayed during the camera positioning procedure include the full field of view of what the camera is recording and of the person(s) themselves.Critical to home health monitoring device operation is proper positioning and set up of the camera(s) to ensure the area of interest is in full view. However, conventional passive monitoring camera solutions have the following drawbacks with regard to safety and privacy:

[0005] Images of the contents of the elderly subject’s room are available via remote devices used to monitor the subject. These images may include multiple rooms and provide a good indication of where the individual who is being monitored is located thus causing privacy concerns.

[0006] Video images of the user can be accessed when the video camera is being set up and final adjustments are made to get the best monitoring location(s).

[0007] The camera systems use a well-known camera form factor which can result in the feeling of being watched when the camera is placed inside a private living space.Attorney Docket: 206479-0004-00WO

[0008] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a system that can maintain the security and privacy of the person being monitored during the installation and setup phase of properly positioning cameras to ensure that camera views are sufficient to properly monitor the subject. Embodiments described herein fit this need, preventing video from being viewed by anyone other than the subject being monitored during setup, or a 3rdparty setting up the device, ensuring that cameras are positioned for effective monitoring all while providing a setup experience that is less intrusive and intimidating to the subject being monitored.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In one embodiment, a health monitoring system includes a monitoring device having a first display and a camera, the camera configured to generate a video signal; a controller communicatively coupled to the monitoring device; and a second display communicatively coupled to the controller; where the first display is configured to display the video signal in an unmodified state during a setup phase while simultaneously the controller is configured to prevent the video signal from communicating to the second display; and where the first display is configured to prevent the video signal from displaying during a monitoring phase while simultaneously the controller is configured to communicate a version of the video signal to the second display. In one embodiment, the version of the video signal is a modified video signal.In one embodiment, the modified video signal comprises a graphical representation of a person being monitored. In one embodiment, the modified video signal comprises a filtered representation of a person being monitored. In one embodiment, the modified video signal comprises an at least partially obscured image of a person beingAttorney Docket: 206479-0004-00WO monitored. In one embodiment, the version of the video signal is an unmodified video signal.

[0010] In one embodiment, a health monitoring system includes a monitoring device having a first display and a camera, the camera configured to generate a video signal; a controller communicatively coupled to the monitoring device; and a second display communicatively coupled to the controller; where the first display is configured to display a first version of the video signal during a setup phase, and simultaneously the controller is configured to communicate a modified version of the video signal to the second display. In one embodiment, the first version of the video signal is an unmodified version. In one embodiment, the first version of the video signal is the modified version. In one embodiment, the modified version comprises a graphical representation of a person being monitored. In one embodiment, the modified version comprises a filtered representation of a person being monitored. In one embodiment, the modified version comprises an at least partially obscured image of a person being monitored.

[0011] In one embodiment, a method for monitoring a subject includes the steps of providing a monitoring device comprising a first display and a camera, the camera configured to generate a video signal; displaying the video signal on the first display in an unmodified state during a setup phase while simultaneously preventing the video signal from communicating to a remote second display; and preventing the video signal from displaying on the first display during a monitoring phase while simultaneously communicate a version of the video signal to the remote second display. In one embodiment, the version of the video signal is a modified video signal. In oneAttorney Docket: 206479-0004-00WO embodiment, the modified video signal comprises a graphical representation of a person being monitored. In one embodiment, the modified video signal comprises a filtered representation of a person being monitored. In one embodiment, the modified video signal comprises an at least partially obscured image of a person being monitored. In one embodiment, the version of the video signal is an unmodified video signal.

[0012] In one embodiment, a method for monitoring a subject includes the steps of providing a monitoring device comprising a first display and a camera, the camera configured to generate a video signal; and displaying a first version of the video signal on the first display during a setup phase while simultaneously communicating a modified version of the video signal to the remote second display. In one embodiment, the first version of the video signal is an unmodified version. In one embodiment, the first version of the video signal is the modified version. In one embodiment, the modified version comprises a graphical representation of a person being monitored. In one embodiment, the modified version comprises a filtered representation of a person being monitored. In one embodiment, the modified version comprises an at least partially obscured image of a person being monitored.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The foregoing purposes and features, as well as other purposes and features, will become apparent with reference to the description and accompanying figures below, which are included to provide an understanding of the invention and constitute a part of the specification, in which like numerals represent like elements, and in which:Attorney Docket: 206479-0004-00WO

[0014] Figure 1 is a diagram of a home health monitoring system according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 is an illustration of a design for a home health monitoring device according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 is a component diagram of a home health monitoring device according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating communication during a setup mode vs a monitoring mode according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 is a flow chart of a method for monitoring a subject according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 is a diagram of a system environment according to one embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clearer comprehension of the present invention, while eliminating, for the purpose of clarity, many other elements found in systems and methods of home health monitoring. Those of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that other elements and / or steps are desirable and / or required in implementing the present invention. However, because such elements and steps are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, a discussion of such elements and steps is notAttorney Docket: 206479-0004-00WO provided herein. The disclosure herein is directed to all such variations and modifications to such elements and methods known to those skilled in the art.

[0021] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are described.

[0022] As used herein, each of the following terms has the meaning associated with it in this section.

[0023] The articles “a” and “an” are used herein to refer to one or to more than one ( / .e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, “an element” means one element or more than one element.

[0024] “About” as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of ±20%, ±10%, ±5%, ±1 %, and ±0.1 % from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate.

[0025] Ranges: throughout this disclosure, various aspects of the invention can be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Where appropriate, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subrangesAttorney Docket: 206479-0004-00WO as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1 , 2, 2.7, 3, 4, 5, 5.3, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

[0026] Referring now in detail to the drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like parts or elements throughout the several views, in various embodiments, presented herein is a home health monitoring system and device.

[0027] Embodiments of the invention include a home health monitoring system and device to (1 ) provide privacy protection of full image video access, and (2) utilize an alternate form factor to minimize the feeling of being watched. The home health monitoring device provides viewing of full image video during positioning, then no image display or full image video transfer during normal operation. Embodiments may for example transmit a modified image video during normal operation (i.e. outside of setup mode), utilizing a skeletal representation, avatar or graphical depiction (e.g. a number or alphanumeric symbol) of the subject being monitored to maintain privacy, thus the subject being monitored has confidence that full unmodified video can only ever be viewed by them on-site and within the monitored environment via the device display during a setup mode. Embodiments of the system and device couple an integrated camera and LCD display along with a mechanism for shutting off network ports when full image video is required for positioning so that the subject being monitored is not vulnerable or worried about their full video being hacked into via unauthorized remote connections.Attorney Docket: 206479-0004-00WO

[0028] Embodiments of a home health monitoring system and device utilize a camera or cameras, an integrated display, a processing system with multiple neural networks used to detect health-related conditions, a Cloud component that interprets the outputs of the neural networks, and mobile (client) applications that receives alerts when health-related conditions are detected. Embodiments of the system and device provide a mechanism and apparatus to protect the privacy of the subject being monitored by blocking remote access to the camera’s full image video during health monitoring system positioning and setup. Further, embodiments described herein provide a visible, useful interface (i.e. an LCD display) with an integrated camera to minimize the feeling of being watched in lieu of using a well-known camera form factor. After the home health monitoring system has been properly positioned, the network ports will be enabled and useful information such as the date and time of day will be available on the LCD display.

[0029] With reference now to Fig. 1 , in one embodiment, a health monitoring system 50 included a health monitoring device 12 placed in a monitored environment 10 that can be for example a room, series of rooms, a particular area, or a field of view for the monitoring device 12. The monitoring device 12 can include one or more cameras or sensors 14 for detecting for example when an elderly person is present, not present, awake, asleep, moving, not moving, making sounds, not making sounds, or in a particular positional state such as in an upright or felled position. The monitoring system 50 can include a communications module 16 for communicating the monitoring data with a controller 100 that communicates with a remote monitoring system 18. Functionally, the controller 100 may reside for example in a cloud, a mobile device or atAttorney Docket: 206479-0004-00WO the monitoring device, so long as it is communicatively coupled to the monitoring device 12. Embodiments of the monitoring device 12 include an integrated LCD display 15 which is key in improving the privacy of the elderly and reducing the feeling of being monitored. An example form of the monitoring device 12 in shown in Fig. 2, which provides an unobtrusive design. The monitoring device 12 in one embodiment and with additional reference to Fig. 3 includes a processor (CPU), wireless interfaces, dynamic memory and one or more Al accelerators. The permanent storage, peripherals and learn mode button provide optional feature additions for extensibility.

[0030] With continued reference to Fig. 1 , in one embodiment, a controller 100 and remote monitoring system 18 can communicate with each other and the monitoring device 12 via wired and / or wireless connections and communication modules. The controller 100 can for example be one or a series of computing devices such as a handheld mobile device or computer that communicate with the monitoring device 12 and remote monitoring system 18. Multiple devices can be used, for example by elderly users in the monitored environment 10 and by medical professionals or caretakers in the environment or from a remote location. The monitoring device 12 has an integrated display 15 and the remote monitoring system 18 also has a remote display 20. The remote display 20 displays a GUI of the mobile app 22 residing on the remote monitoring system 18, or can for example display a GUI from a SAAS based service. As described in more detail below the system is configured such that the integrated display 15 and the remote display 20 have different and unique functionality. For example and with additional reference to Fig. 4, during a setup mode, the integrated display 15 can be configured to display full video while the connection 19 to the remoteAttorney Docket: 206479-0004-00WO monitoring system 18 is disabled. During a monitor mode, the integrated display 15 can show a clock while the connection 19 is now enabled and the remote display 20 shows a modified version of the monitored environment 10 (e.g. such as a graphical representation of the subject but not full video to maintain privacy). The system 50 may alternately disable a connection 19’ further downstream between the controller 100 and the remote monitoring system 18 so that certain controller 100 functionality is maintained while otherwise prohibiting the ability for the video feed to reach the remote monitoring system 18 or other networked connections.

[0031] In one embodiment, the integrated LCD display may under normal operation function to communicate the date and / or time of day (i.e. a digital clock). It may also be used to display photos and other interesting content (e.g. outside temperature, Wi-Fi status, device status, etc.) while monitoring one or more subjects. In one embodiment, the display can generate an indication that help is on the way if a fall has occurred. The screen indication may include for example one or more of a screen color change, border change, a changed brightness, a flashing message or some other type of visual indicator. The screen indication may also include a message indicative of an active help response such as a “help is on the way” message delivered in response to a caregiver acknowledging the alert on their mobile app. That message may also be accompanied by additional information such as the caregiver’s identity including a name and headshot, and information updates such as caregiver location tracked by GPS on their mobile device mobile app. Alerts and updates may also for example be in the form of an audio alert such as pre-recorded messages or alerts. The caregiver or another medical professional may also communicate with the monitored person during theAttorney Docket: 206479-0004-00WO response via a microphone and speaker system in the device. Alerts and updates may also be accompanied by a vibratory signal for patients that are hearing impaired.

[0032] In one embodiment, a caregiver is provided temporary access to the monitored person’s living environment for the duration of the emergency via the system and / or the mobile app. Thus for example, a caregiver that is not normally assigned access to the monitored person’s living environment but is in close proximity to quickly respond to the emergency may be provided a temporary door access code or an electronic key to enter the monitored person’s environment during the emergency. The door access code or electronic key may subsequently expire after the monitored person is deemed safe in the system by a caregiver. The door access code may also be in the form of a message for how to access the living environment, such as the location of a hidden physical key on the premises or a particular door on premises that will be unlocked (e.g. a side or back door). In one embodiment, the system may automatically unlock some or all doors and access points in the monitored person’s environment during the course of the emergency. The system may subsequently reactivate locks after the monitored person is deemed safe in the system by a caregiver.

[0033] In one embodiment, during installation of the health monitoring system, the primary uses of the LCD display are to ensure there is:

[0034] Proper visibility of the person being monitored and effective coverage of the living space of the person being monitored by routing the full, real-time video output of the camera to the display.Attorney Docket: 206479-0004-00WO

[0035] An indication that the health monitoring system is in proximity to a Wi-Fi access point to ensure proper wireless connectivity.

[0036] Instructions on how to properly configure and position the health monitoring system, step-by-step setup instructions could also be provided on the display.

[0037] Displays an option to exit installation mode on the LCD display. Touchscreen is disabled once the health monitoring system exits installation mode.

[0038] During the process of ensuring the health monitoring system is properly located, all network / wireless ports are disabled to protect from any potential hacking to gain access to these video images. The video being processed by the camera during health monitoring system positioning is only sent to the integrated LCD display.

[0039] Health Monitor Camera Positioning

[0040] A key step in using the home health monitor system is to properly position the device with an integrated camera in a living space such that subsequent monitoring can be done properly. Since the device is used in a plethora of different settings, proper positioning of the device with an integrated camera is very important.

[0041] To ensure the device is properly positioned, full image video needs to be displayed via the LCD along with optional instructions to guide the user. The person who is to be monitored may also be viewed during camera setup steps.

[0042] In certain embodiments, the controller will decide whether the wireless ports are enabled during normal monitoring or wireless port set up and configuration. TheAttorney Docket: 206479-0004-00WO controller will also control when full image video being recorded or not, and what signals are being sent to the LCD display and network ports.

[0043] Privacy Protection During Camera Set up

[0044] As discussed herein, during the steps where home health monitor device positioning and set up is done, the system in one embodiment will disable all the network ports before displaying full screen video on the LCD display. This step assures that no one hacks into the system and gain access to the video via the network ports. The system may provide guidance via the LCD display to the user during placement and set up of the camera. After the home health monitor device is properly positioned, it shuts off the camera’s full image video and the network ports are enabled.

[0045] The following is a list of steps taken during camera positioning and setup according to one embodiment:

[0046] (1 ) The user positions the home health monitor device in a location where monitoring will occur.

[0047] (2) The user enters home health monitor device positioning mode via direct interaction with the health monitor device (e.g. via a touchscreen on the device).

[0048] (3) The home health monitor device turns off wireless ports.

[0049] (4) The home health monitor device sends full video images to the LCD display for viewing. These full video images are only displayed on the LCD display.Attorney Docket: 206479-0004-00WOSince all wireless ports are disabled, it is not possible to hack into the system and gain access to these video images.

[0050] (5) During this process, prompts may be displayed on the LCD to the user to guide final positioning. The individual who is to be monitored may be in view as well as their location during this process.

[0051] (6) The user exits home health monitor device positioning mode via interaction with the health monitor device.

[0052] (7) The home health monitor device turns off full video image mode. The LCD will optionally confirm that Home Health Monitor positioning and set up are complete

[0053] (8) The system then turns on all wireless ports and displays its home screen ready for the next activity. The system may also automatically complete this step after a pre-configured amount of time or inactivity.

[0054] Accordingly, in one embodiment and as shown in Fig. 5, a method for monitoring a subject 80 includes the steps of providing a health monitoring device communicatively connected to a network 82, entering a setup mode that disables the connection to the network and displays on the health monitoring device a full video signal captured by a camera connected to the health monitoring device 84, entering a monitoring mode that enables the connection to the network and terminates display of the full video signal on the health monitoring device 86. The first display is configured to display the video signal in an unmodified state during a setup phase. The device display may remain off during a monitoring phase, or may for example display a clock,Attorney Docket: 206479-0004-00WO date, time, picture, or some image other than the area being monitored. The remote display may for example display a modified video of the area being monitored (e.g. representing the subject being monitored as a skeletal representation, avatar, graphical depiction (e.g. a number or alphanumeric symbol), or with blurring or some other filter to provide a degree of privacy and anonymity to the person being monitored) or may display an unmodified video at the discretion of the user. The system may also allow for the user to enable network connections during setup with modified video only, so that for example they can receive feedback from a remote monitor on camera positioning without sacrificing all privacy and anonymity. This may include for example the display on the device showing the same modified video so that the user has confidence in viewing the same modified video as the remote viewer that their privacy and anonymity is preserved.

[0055] In some aspects of the health monitoring system, software executing the instructions provided herein may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, wherein the software performs some or all of the steps of the embodiments when executed on a processor.

[0056] Aspects of the health monitoring system relate to algorithms executed in computer software. Though certain embodiments may be described as written in particular programming languages, or executed on particular operating systems or computing platforms, it is understood that the health monitoring system is not limited to any particular computing language, platform, or combination thereof. Software executing the algorithms described herein may be written in any programming language known in the art, compiled or interpreted, including but not limited to C, C++, C#,Attorney Docket: 206479-0004-00WOObjective-C, Java, JavaScript, MATLAB, Python, PHP, Perl, Ruby, VB.NET or Visual Basic. It is further understood that elements of the health monitoring system may be executed on any acceptable computing platform, including but not limited to a server, a cloud instance, a workstation, a thin client, a mobile device, an embedded microcontroller, a television, or any other suitable computing device known in the art.

[0057] Parts of the health monitoring system are described as software running on a computing device. Though software described herein may be disclosed as operating on one particular computing device (e.g. a dedicated server or a workstation), it is understood in the art that software is intrinsically portable and that most software running on a dedicated server may also be run, for the purposes of the present invention, on any of a wide range of devices including desktop or mobile devices, laptops, tablets, smartphones, watches, wearable electronics or other wireless digital / cellular phones, televisions, cloud instances, embedded microcontrollers, thin client devices, or any other suitable computing device known in the art.

[0058] Similarly, parts of the health monitoring system are described as communicating over a variety of wireless or wired computer networks. For the purposes of embodiments of this invention, the words “network”, “networked”, and “networking” are understood to encompass wired Ethernet, fiber optic connections, wireless connections including any of the various 802.11 standards, cellular WAN infrastructures such as 3G, 4G / LTE, or 5G networks, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or Zigbee communication links, or any other method by which one electronic device is capable of communicating with another. In some embodiments, elements of the networked portionAttorney Docket: 206479-0004-00WO of the health monitoring system may be implemented over a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

[0059] Fig. 6 and the following discussion are intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment in which the health monitoring system may be implemented according to one embodiment. While the health monitoring system is described above in the general context of program modules that execute in conjunction with an application program that runs on an operating system on a computing device, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may also be implemented in combination with other program modules.

[0060] Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, data structures, and other types of structures that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be practiced with other computer system configurations, including handheld devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. The health monitoring system may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0061] Fig. 6 depicts an illustrative computer architecture for a computer 100 for practicing the various embodiments of the invention or for example operating as the controller 100. The computer architecture shows a conventional personal computer,Attorney Docket: 206479-0004-00WO including a central processing unit 150 (“CPU”), a system memory 105, including a random-access memory 110 (“RAM”) and a read-only memory (“ROM”) 115, and a system bus 135 that couples the system memory 105 to the CPU 150. A basic input / output system containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within the computer, such as during startup, is stored in the ROM 115. The computer 100 further includes a storage device 120 for storing an operating system 125, application / program 130, and data.

[0062] The storage device 120 is connected to the CPU 150 through a storage controller (not shown) connected to the bus 135. The storage device 120 and its associated computer-readable media, provide non-volatile storage for the computer 100. Although the description of computer-readable media contained herein refers to a storage device, such as flash memory, a hard disk or CD-ROM drive, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by the computer 100.

[0063] By way of example, and not to be limiting, computer-readable media may comprise computer storage media. Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other solid state memory technology, CD-ROM, DVD, or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any otherAttorney Docket: 206479-0004-00WO medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by the computer.

[0064] The monitoring device 12 and remote monitoring system 14 of previous embodiments may communicate with one or more controllers such as a computer 100 through a network 140. According to various embodiments of the health monitoring system, the computer 100 may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to remote computers through a network 140, such as TCP / IP network such as the Internet or an intranet. The computer 100 may connect to the network 140 through a network interface unit 145 connected to the bus 135. It should be appreciated that the network interface unit 145 may also be utilized to connect to other types of networks and remote computer systems. Connections between devices and modules can be wired or wireless connections with examples of connection types and modalities explained in further detail below.

[0065] The computer 100 may also include an input / output controller 155 for receiving and processing input from a number of input / output devices 160, including a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen, a camera, a microphone, a controller, a joystick, or other type of input device. Similarly, the input / output controller 155 may provide output to a display screen, a printer, a speaker, or other type of output device. The computer 100 can connect to the input / output device 160 via a wired connection including, but not limited to, fiber optic, ethernet, or copper wire or wireless means including, but not limited to, Wi-FI, Bluetooth, Near-Field Communication (NFC), infrared, or other suitable wired or wireless connections.Attorney Docket: 206479-0004-00WO

[0066] As mentioned briefly above, a number of program modules and data files may be stored in the storage device 120 and RAM 110 of the computer 100, including an operating system 125 suitable for controlling the operation of a networked computer. The storage device 120 and RAM 110 may also store one or more applications / programs 130. In particular, the storage device 120 and RAM 110 may store an application / program 130 for providing a variety of functionalities to a user.

[0067] The computer 100 in some embodiments can include a variety of sensors 165 for monitoring the environment surrounding and the environment internal to the computer 100. These sensors 165 can include physiological sensors, sensors on household appliances and mechanical systems, a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor, a photosensitive sensor, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, thermometer, a proximity sensor, an accelerometer, a microphone, biometric sensor, barometer, humidity sensor, radiation sensor, or any other suitable sensor.

[0068] The disclosures of each and every patent, patent application, and publication cited herein are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. While this invention has been disclosed with reference to specific embodiments, it is apparent that other embodiments and variations of this invention may be devised by others skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

Attorney Docket: 206479-0004-00WOCLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 . A health monitoring system comprising: a monitoring device comprising a first display and a camera, the camera configured to generate a video signal; a controller communicatively coupled to the monitoring device; and a second display communicatively coupled to the controller; wherein the first display is configured to display the video signal in an unmodified state during a setup phase while simultaneously the controller is configured to prevent the video signal from communicating to the second display; and wherein the first display is configured to prevent the video signal from displaying during a monitoring phase while simultaneously the controller is configured to communicate a version of the video signal to the second display.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the version of the video signal is a modified video signal.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the modified video signal comprises a graphical representation of a person being monitored.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the modified video signal comprises a filtered representation of a person being monitored.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein the modified video signal comprises an at least partially obscured image of a person being monitored.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the version of the video signal is an unmodified video signal.Attorney Docket: 206479-0004-00WO7. A health monitoring system comprising: a monitoring device comprising a first display and a camera, the camera configured to generate a video signal; a controller communicatively coupled to the monitoring device; and a second display communicatively coupled to the controller; wherein the first display is configured to display a first version of the video signal during a setup phase, and simultaneously the controller is configured to communicate a modified version of the video signal to the second display.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the first version of the video signal is an unmodified version.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the first version of the video signal is the modified version.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the modified version comprises a graphical representation of a person being monitored.11 . The system of claim 9, wherein the modified version comprises a filtered representation of a person being monitored.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the modified version comprises an at least partially obscured image of a person being monitored.

13. A method for monitoring a subject comprising: providing a monitoring device comprising a first display and a camera, the camera configured to generate a video signal; displaying the video signal on the first display in an unmodified state during a setup phase while simultaneously preventing the video signal from communicating to a remote second display; andAttorney Docket: 206479-0004-00WO preventing the video signal from displaying on the first display during a monitoring phase while simultaneously communicating a version of the video signal to the remote second display.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the version of the video signal is a modified video signal.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the modified video signal comprises a graphical representation of a person being monitored.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the modified video signal comprises a filtered representation of a person being monitored.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the modified video signal comprises an at least partially obscured image of a person being monitored.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein the version of the video signal is an unmodified video signal.

19. A method for monitoring a subject comprising: providing a monitoring device comprising a first display and a camera, the camera configured to generate a video signal; and displaying a first version of the video signal on the first display during a setup phase while simultaneously communicating a modified version of the video signal to the remote second display.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the first version of the video signal is an unmodified version.21 . The method of claim 19, wherein the first version of the video signal is the modified version.Attorney Docket: 206479-0004-00WO22. The method of claim 21 , wherein the modified version comprises a graphical representation of a person being monitored.

23. The method of claim 21 , wherein the modified version comprises a filtered representation of a person being monitored.

24. The method of claim 21 , wherein the modified version comprises an at least partially obscured image of a person being monitored.

Images