Telematic and interactive medical assistance system between patients and health services

Abstract

Telematic and interactive medical assistance system between patients and healthcare services, comprising at least a communication device comprising at least a video camera, at least an electrically actuated movement device capable of allowing the rotation of said communication device along at least one of its main axes and capable of allowing the translation of said communication device along at least one of its main axes, at least a communication station comprising at least a computer capable of allowing the connection of said computer with said communication device, at least a software for managing telecommunications between healthcare services and patients, capable of allowing the telematic interaction between said communication device and said communication station, also allowing the management of the positioning of said communication device through said movement device.

Description

[0001] LEIBO. / 42e2025

[0002] “Telematic and interactive medical assistance system between patients and health services”

[0003] Description

[0004] Field of the invention

[0005] The invention relates to the field of healthcare and patient care through a telematic service designed to connect patients and any caregivers with specialized medical personnel.

[0006] Prior art

[0007] In the medical field, the need to provide patient care and support efficiently and effectively has always been a priority. However, challenges related to geographic distance, the availability of specialized medical personnel, and the accessibility of health services have often hindered the achievement of this goal. Traditionally, patients have been forced to physically travel to healthcare facilities to receive necessary care, often facing long commutes and prolonged wait times. This situation has posed particular difficulties for patients with limited mobility, those living in remote areas, or those requiring constant monitoring of their health conditions.

[0008] In an attempt to address these issues, several solutions have been developed over the years to improve the accessibility and quality of medical care. One of the main strategies adopted was the implementation of telemedicine, or the use of telecommunications technologies to provide healthcare services remotely. Telemedicine has helped overcome geographic barriers, allowing patients to receive medical consultations and remote monitoring of their health conditions without necessarily having to visit a healthcare facility.

[0009] However, despite the progress made in this field, currently available telemedicine solutions still have several limitations and a wide scope for future development. For example, in many cases, these systems rely on simple and not always optimal audio-video interactions, which do not allow medical staff to have a complete and detailed view of the patient's condition. Additionally, patients often have to manage the setup and use of communication devices on their own, which may be complex and daunting for some individuals, especially those less tech-savvy. LEIBO. / 42e2025

[0010] The key aspect to focus on is the ability to telematically assist a patient and any caregiver, supporting the patient, through two-way audio / video communication in specific operations, such as dressings, administration of specific medications, or the like. In such delicate operations, it is essential for medical personnel connected remotely to have access to the best possible viewing angle, allowing them to follow all the operations in detail and provide the correct instructions. The use of a video camera suitable for telemedicine operations is already known in the literature, as reported for example in patent CN214171898U which describes a video camera with an adjustable fixed support suitable for framing a patient to be assisted remotely. However, the aforementioned patent does not allow any type of remote movement of the chamber itself, thus complicating operations for both the patient and the medical staff. In fact, medical staff find themselves having to ask the patient to remain within the field of view during all operations, while the patient finds himself having to pay attention, in addition to the operations he / she is performing, to maintain a certain position. The end result achieved to date is a stressful experience for the patient and ineffective for medical staff, who may miss important details regarding the progression of the patient's disease.

[0011] The object of the present patent is to describe a system comprising a communication device provided with a video camera, integral with an electrically actuated movement device capable of allowing remotely connected medical personnel to independently move said video camera, thus being able to better follow the operations without requiring the patient to pay particular attention to his / her position or to the correct positioning of the device.

[0012] Another problem encountered with current telemedicine solutions is the lack of integration with diagnostic and vital signs monitoring tools. In fact, patients often have to use separate devices to measure parameters such as body temperature, blood pressure, or oxygen saturation, and then manually communicate the data to medical staff during telemedicine sessions. This lack of integration may lead to errors in data collection and transmission, as well as making the process more time-consuming and resource-intensive.

[0013] Furthermore, currently available telemedicine solutions often do not include a centralized system for managing and scheduling teleconsultation sessions. This may lead to difficulties in LEIBO. / 42e2025 organizing and coordinating medical care activities, with the risk of overlaps or delays in telemedicine sessions. The lack of an integrated management system may also make it more difficult to share information among different members of the medical care team, hindering continuity of care.

[0014] Another limitation of current telemedicine solutions is poor integration with healthcare data management systems. Often, in fact, the information collected during telemedicine sessions is not automatically integrated into patients’ electronic health records, making it difficult for medical staff to have a complete overview of the patient’s clinical history and health status. This lack of integration may lead to suboptimal therapeutic decisions and reduced efficiency in managing care pathways.

[0015] Finally, currently available telemedicine solutions often do not fully exploit the potential offered by data analysis and artificial intelligence technologies. Collecting and processing patient health data could help identify clinical patterns and trends, supporting medical staffs decision-making process and enabling them to anticipate potential complications or deterioration in health conditions. However, current telemedicine systems do not integrate advanced data analysis algorithms, thus limiting the possibilities for predictive and personalized medicine.

[0016] In summary, despite the progress made in the field of telemedicine, currently available solutions still have several limitations which hinder their full effectiveness and diffusion. These include the poor quality of audio-video interactions, the complexity of using communication devices by patients, the lack of integration with diagnostic and monitoring tools, the absence of a centralized system for managing and organizing telemedicine sessions, limited integration with healthcare data management systems, and the limited use of data analysis and artificial intelligence technologies.

[0017] To overcome these limitations and ensure more efficient, accessible, and high-quality medical care, it is necessary to develop innovative solutions that integrate the most advanced telecommunications, sensor, data management, and artificial intelligence technologies in a structured, harmonious, and optimized way. Only through a multidisciplinary and integrated LEIBO. / 42e2025 approach will it be possible to create a telemedicine system capable of effectively responding to the needs of patients and healthcare professionals, improving the quality of care and accessibility of healthcare services.

[0018] The introduction of effective tools such as data collection on cloud platforms and their processing through machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms, as described in the present patent, represents a further innovation aimed at effectively solving the aforementioned drawbacks, significantly improving the field of telemedicine and its potential further developments.

[0019] Description of the invention

[0020] The present patent application for industrial invention is intended to describe and claim a system provided with at least a new and alternative solution to the solutions known to date and to meet one or more needs perceived in the art and in particular deducible from the above. To achieve this goal, the inventors have developed a telematic and interactive medical assistance system between patients and health services which allows for effective, real-time telecommunication between patients, caregivers, and specialized medical personnel, facilitating medication, diagnostics, and frequent remote assistance.

[0021] The telematic and interactive medical assistance system between patients and healthcare services includes at least a communication device which integrates a photo-video camera, a microphone, a wireless and 4G / 5G internet connection module, an audio playback module, including a speaker, and a graphic interface. The graphic interface of said communication device is designed to be intuitive and easy to use even by non-expert users, allowing easy interaction with the system. The graphic interface of said communication device is in fact used by the patient or by any caregiver present at the patient's home.

[0022] The system further includes an electrically actuated movement device which is configured to allow rotation of the communication device along at least one of its principal axes. This movement device is also capable of allowing the communication device to be translated along at least one of its main axes. Said rotational and translational movements are made possible by mechanisms, included in said movement device, capable of guaranteeing said LEIBO. / 42e2025 communication device at least a degree of rotational freedom and / or at least a degree of translational freedom. The motion of the said communication device according to its previously mentioned degrees of freedom is controlled through electric actuators. The combination of these movements allows the video camera of the communication device to be positioned in the desired position, in order to optimally view the operations performed on the patient and maintain said position stable for the entire duration of the operations.

[0023] Said telematic medical assistance system also includes a communication station, typically located at the health service, which includes at least a computer configured to connect to the communication device via the Internet. This station is provided with at least a monitor, capable of reproducing the images captured by the communication device with fidelity and clarity. The station also includes at least a high-quality audio playback module and at least a microphone, which together ensure clear, two-way audio communication between medical staff and the patient or caregiver.

[0024] A key element of the system is the software which manages telecommunication between the healthcare service and the patient and any caregiver. This software is designed to enable reliable telematic interaction between the communication device and the communication station. The software manages not only real-time audio and video transmission, but also remote control of the movement device, allowing medical staff to monitor and adjust the position of the communication device in real time as needed, in order to obtain the desired framing to give instructions on the specific operation that the patient is performing independently or with the assistance of a caregiver. Other settings which may be controlled by medical personnel while using the system are turning on the flash of the video camera and adjusting the zoom thereof.

[0025] Said interactive, telematic medical assistance system is configured to allow effective communication between the patient and any caregivers located at the patient's home and the specialized medical personnel assigned by the health service, present at the communication station. This communication is especially useful during dressing, inspection, diagnostics, daily care and all similar procedures. A key aspect of the system is its ability to allow the patient LEIBO. / 42e2025 and caregiver to operate with both hands free at all times during each operation. This is made possible by remote control of the communication device by medical staff, who may adjust the position and functions of the device as needed, without requiring manual intervention by the patient or caregiver. Furthermore, telematic assistance from specialized medical personnel also has a significant impact on the psychological aspect of the patient’s experience. For example, instructions received during a particular dressing application or even just confirmation from medical staff that the procedure is being followed correctly may be an important support for both the patient and any caregiver.

[0026] In a variant of the present invention, said communication device is a smartphone, comprising at least a video camera, a microphone, an Internet connection module, an audio playback module and a graphic interface. The smartphone, centrally controlled and with a proprietary app installed, is preferably configured to make high-quality audio and video recordings, essential for effective communication between the patient and medical staff. The Internet connection module is capable of using both Wi-Fi technology and cellular networks, such as 4G or 5G, thus ensuring a stable connection in different environmental conditions. The graphic interface of the smartphone is preferably designed to be intuitive and easy to use even by nonexpert users, allowing easy interaction with the system for both the patient and any caregiver present at the patient's home.

[0027] In a variant of the present invention, said movement device comprises at least a device called a gimbal, capable of allowing the rotation of the communication device along its three main axes.

[0028] Said gimbal is configured to allow for smooth and precise rotation of the smartphone, thus allowing the camera to be positioned in the optimal position to view the operations performed on the patient. The gimbal is preferably connected to the smartphone via Bluetooth technology, effectively becoming an extension of the communication device. This wireless connection allows for more effective and flexible remote control of the movement device.

[0029] The translation movements of said movement device may, for example, be performed by means of a motorized wheeled trolley capable of allowing the translation of said movement LEIBO. / 42e2025 device on the plane. The translational motion along the vertical axis may, for example, be achieved by means of an electrically actuated piston capable of varying the height of said movement device.

[0030] In a variant of the present invention, said management software preferably interacts with the smartphone through a dedicated proprietary application, configured to manage the functions of the smartphone and the movement of the gimbal. This application is preferably designed to optimize the use of smartphone resources, ensuring high-quality audio and video transmission while simultaneously managing gimbal control. The application is also configured to interface with the main management software, thus allowing complete remote control of the system by medical staff at the communication station.

[0031] In a variant of the invention, said application is preferably configured to manage the connection via Bluetooth technology to at least a diagnostic tool. Such diagnostic instrument may include, by way of non-limiting example, a thermometer for detecting body temperature, a sphygmomanometer for detecting blood pressure, a pulse oximeter for detecting blood oxygenation, a glucometer for detecting blood sugar levels, and a heart rate monitor for detecting heart rate and extrapolating useful data on sleep quality. The application is preferably capable of receiving, processing and transmitting the data collected by said diagnostic tool, thus allowing complete and real-time monitoring of the patient’s condition.

[0032] In a variant of the present invention, said application preferably comprises a specific interface configured to allow the patient and / or caregiver to manage the supply of medical materials necessary in the specific case. This interface is preferably designed to be intuitive and easy to use, allowing for quick selection and request of the necessary materials. The application is also configured to send these requests directly to the healthcare service or a designated supplier, thus streamlining the procurement process.

[0033] In a variant of the present invention, the management software is preferably configured to organize and plan, according to the indications of the health service, each telematic appointment for a specific patient. The software is also capable of indicating when an in- person visit or further diagnostic tests are necessary. This feature allows for efficient LEIBO. / 42e2025 management of the appointment schedule, optimizing the use of healthcare resources while ensuring constant monitoring of the patient’s condition. Among the advantages of this variant is also a simplification on behalf of the patient in managing appointments and diagnostic tests that the patient must undergo.

[0034] A variant of the present invention comprises a system for collecting and saving data on a cloud platform, configured to allow the collection of data useful for subsequent processing. This data may include, but is not limited to, healing images of dressings collected through the smartphone camera or data collected through connected diagnostic tools. Said platform is designed to collect and catalog all data relating to a patient, such as pathology, personal data, diagnostic tests performed, and more.

[0035] The management software is preferably configured to allow healthcare personnel access to all data previously collected in the cloud platform relating to each specific patient. This feature allows medical staff to track the status and evolution of each patient's situation over time, thus facilitating treatment planning and progress monitoring. The software is preferably provided with data visualization and analysis tools which allow for quick understanding of trends and changes in patient conditions.

[0036] A variant of the present invention comprises at least a data processing system based on machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms. Said algorithms are configured to perform a predictive analysis of the course of various patient pathologies. The processing system is preferably able to identify patterns and trends in the collected data, thus providing medical personnel with reference information for treatment planning and prevention of possible complications, while also providing useful data to be discussed in the scientific literature relating to various pathologies. Said algorithms are also configured to learn and improve over time, progressively increasing the accuracy and reliability of their predictions.

[0037] A variant of the present invention comprises at least a graduated instrument, comprising at least a length measurement scale and at least a color scale, capable of being placed in the same field of view of said communication device, said graduated instrument is capable of allowing, during the evaluation of the images captured by said video camera, a faithful verification of LEIBO. / 42e2025 the size and color of the details framed. For example, the graduated instrument may be placed in the vicinity of the patient being filmed by the video camera during wound dressing operations, thus allowing the extent and color of the wound to be assessed and its medical progress to be assessed.

[0038] The advantages offered by the present invention are clear in the light of the above description and will be even clearer from the accompanying figures and the related detailed description.

[0039] Description of the figures

[0040] The invention will be described hereinafter in at least a preferred embodiment by way of nonlimiting example with the aid of the accompanying figures, in which:

[0041] - FIGURE 1 shows a diagram of the operation of said telematic and interactive medical assistance system between patients and health services, highlighting said movement device

[0042] 107 and a communication device 101, comprising a video camera 102, a microphone 103, an internet connection module 104, an audio playback module 105 and a graphic interface 106 on a display, suitable for connecting via an internet connection to a communication station 108 comprising at least a computer 109, at least a monitor 110, at least an audio playback module 105 and at least a microphone 103;

[0043] - FIGURE 2 illustrates a diagram of the operation of said telematic and interactive medical assistance system between patients and health services comprising a communication station

[0044] 108 simultaneously connected to three communication devices 101 including the related movement devices 107;

[0045] - FIGURE 3 shows a detailed view of said communication device 101 and said movement device 107 suitable for allowing rotation of said communication device along at least two of its main axes and adapted to allow translation of said communication device along at least one of its main axes;

[0046] - FIGURE 4 illustrates the operating diagram of a system for collecting and saving data collected in a cloud platform connected to a communication station 108 and to two communication devices 101 including two movement devices 107.

[0047] - FIGURE 5 shows a detailed connection diagram of said telematic medical assistance system, LEIBO. / 42e2025 highlighting the interaction via Bluetooth technology of said communication device 101 and said movement device 107 with three diagnostic instruments, also highlighting the interaction via Internet connection of said communication device 101 with said communication station 108 and with said system for collecting and saving the collected data in a cloud platform.

[0048] Detailed description of the invention

[0049] The present invention will now be described purely by way of non-limiting or binding example with the aid of the figures, which illustrate some embodiments related to the present inventive concept.

[0050] With reference to FIG. 1, it shows a diagram of the operation of the said telematic and interactive medical assistance system between patients and health services. In particular, FIG. 1 shows a communication device 101, comprising at least a video camera 102, a microphone 103, an internet connection module 104, an audio playback module 105 and a graphical interface 106. Said communication device 101 comprises at least an electrically actuated movement device 107, capable of moving said communication device 101, through rotation and translation of the same with respect to at least one of its main axes.

[0051] Said telematic medical assistance system also comprises at least a communication station, comprising at least a computer 109, at least a monitor 110, at least an audio playback module 105 and at least a microphone 103.

[0052] Said communication device 101 is suitable for being placed at the home of a patient requiring medical assistance. Depending on the specific case, the patient may be assisted by a caregiver or by non-specialized healthcare personnel.

[0053] Said communication station 108 is designed to be placed at a pre-established healthcare facility, such as a hospital, where specialized medical personnel are present.

[0054] Proprietary telecommunication management software is capable of creating two-way audio communication between said communication device 101 and said communication station 108, or between the patient, possibly assisted by a caregiver, and healthcare services. Said electrically actuated movement device 107 is designed to allow the movement of said LEIBO. / 42e2025 communication device 101 remotely, so that the specialized medical personnel, located at said communication station 108, may choose, for said video camera 102, the best shot in order to follow the various operations such as, for example, the execution of a dressing. At the same time, said patient and / or said caregiver will be able to operate using both hands and without worrying about the positioning of the communication device 101, and maintaining effective visual and verbal communication with said specialized medical personnel.

[0055] In a variant of the present invention, said communication device 101 is a smartphone, comprising at least a video camera 102, a microphone 103, an Internet connection module 104, an audio playback module 105 and a graphic interface 106.

[0056] In a variant of the present invention, said movement device 107 comprises at least a gimbal capable of allowing the rotation, through electrically actuated motors, of said communication device 101 and the stabilization thereof. Said gimbal is preferably connected to said smartphone via a Bluetooth connection.

[0057] Said smartphone may include an application designed to manage interaction with said management software. In particular, said application is designed to guarantee access to the smartphone functions necessary to establish audiovisual telematic communication with said communication station 108. Furthermore, said application ensures the interaction of said smartphone with said gimbal and the remote control of the same, commanded by said communication station 108.

[0058] A variant of the present invention includes in said application the functions necessary to manage external diagnostic tools, connected to said smartphone, for example, using Bluetooth technology. Said diagnostic instruments may be, by way of non-limiting example, a thermometer for detecting body temperature, a sphygmomanometer for detecting blood pressure, a pulse oximeter for detecting blood oxygenation, a glucometer for detecting blood sugar levels, a heart rate monitor for detecting heart rate and extrapolating useful data on sleep quality or other similar diagnostic instruments.

[0059] In a variant of the invention, said application may be used by said patient and / or caregiver in order to carry out the procurement of necessary medical supplies. In fact, in a specific section LEIBO. / 42e2025 of the application it is possible to indicate, through an appropriate interface, which materials are needed and then communicate them to the communication station 108, where the health service may take charge of the order.

[0060] Said management software, in a variant of the invention, is capable of organizing and planning, according to the indications of the health service, each telematic appointment for a specific patient, and is capable of indicating when an in-person visit or further diagnostic tests to be performed is necessary.

[0061] A variant of the present invention comprises a system for collecting and saving the data collected in a cloud platform, able to allow the collection of data useful for subsequent processing, such as healing images of dressings collected through said video camera 102 or data collected through said diagnostic tools. The data in question may then be accessed over time, through the management software, by healthcare personnel, in order to monitor the progress of a patient and his / her pathologies. Said data may also be processed using a data processing system based on machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms to perform a predictive analysis of the course of a specific patient’s pathology, and also to process data from multiple patients to enable specific studies on different subjects and enrich the literature relating to a given pathology.

[0062] Finally, it is clear that modifications, additions or variations that are obvious to a person skilled in the art may be made to the invention described so far, without thereby departing from the scope of protection provided by the appended claims.

Claims

LEIBO. / 42e2025Claims1. Telematic and interactive medical assistance system between patients and health services, characterized in that it comprises at least:• a communication device (101) comprising at least a video camera (102), a microphone (103), an internet connection module (104), an audio playback module (105) and a graphic interface (106) capable of making audio and video recordings and capable of connecting to an internet network, via Wi-Fi technology or via a cellular network;• a movement device (107), integral with said communication device (101), electrically actuated capable of allowing the rotation of said communication device (101) with respect to at least one of its main axes and capable of allowing the translation of said communication device (101) along at least one of its main axes capable of positioning said video camera (102) in the desired position in order to view the operations performed on a patient;• a communication station (108) comprising at least a computer (109) capable of connecting to said communication device (101) via the Internet, at least a monitor (110) capable of reproducing the images captured by said communication device (101), at least an audio playback module (105), and at least a microphone (103);• a software for managing telecommunication between health services and patients, capable of allowing telematic interaction between said communication device (101) and said communication station (108) also allowing the management of the positioning of said communication device (101) via said movement device (107); said telematic and interactive medical assistance system designed to allow telecommunication between the patient and any caregiver positioned at the home of said patient and the specialized medical personnel appointed by the health service at said communication station (108), during inspection, dressing, diagnostic, daily assistance and similar operations, also allowing said patient and said caregiver to operate with both hands at any time during each operation, while the authorized medical personnel of theLEIBO. / 42e2025 health service checks at any time the position of said communication device (101) through the use of said movement device (107) and through the control of the functionality of said communication device (101).

2. Telematic and interactive medical assistance system between patients and health services, according to the preceding claim 1, characterized in that said communication device (101) is a smartphone, comprising at least a video camera (102), a microphone (103), an internet connection module (104), an audio playback module (105) and a graphic interface (106).

3. Telematic and interactive medical assistance system between patients and health services, according to the preceding claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said movement device (107) comprises at least a gimbal capable of allowing the rotation of said communication device (101) along its three main axes.

4. Telematic and interactive medical assistance system between patients and health services, according to the preceding claim 2 and 3, characterized in that said management software interacts with said smartphone through an application capable of managing the functions of said smartphone and the movement of said gimbal, connected to said smartphone through a remote connection system such as Bluetooth technology.

5. Telematic and interactive medical assistance system between patients and health services, according to the preceding claim 4, characterized in that said application is able to manage the connection via Bluetooth technology to at least a diagnostic instrument such as a thermometer suitable for detecting body temperature, a sphygmomanometer able to detect blood pressure, a pulse oximeter able to detect blood oxygenation, a glucometer able to detect blood sugar, a heart rate monitor able to detect the heartbeat and extrapolate useful data on the quality of sleep or other similar diagnostic instruments.

6. Telematic and interactive medical assistance system between patients and health services, according to the preceding claim 4, characterized in that said application can allow said patient and / or said caregiver to manage, through a specific interface, the supply of medical materials necessary in the specific case.

7. Telematic and interactive medical assistance system between patients and health services,LEIBO. / 42e2025 according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said management software is able to organize and plan, according to the indications of the health service, each telematic appointment of a specific patient, implementing a triage system, and is able to indicate when a possible in-person visit or further diagnostic tests to be carried out are necessary.

8. Telematic and interactive medical assistance system between patients and health services, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a system for collecting and saving the data collected in a cloud platform, able to allow the collection of data useful for subsequent processing, such as healing images of dressings collected through said video camera (102) or data collected through diagnostic tools.

9. Telematic and interactive medical assistance system between patients and health services, according to the preceding claim 8, characterized in that said management software allows the health service personnel to access all the data previously collected in said cloud platform relating to each specific patient, thus allowing them to follow the status and evolution of the situation of each patient.

10. Telematic and interactive medical assistance system between patients and health services, according to the preceding claim 8, characterized in that said system for collecting and saving the data collected in a cloud platform comprises a data processing system based on machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms capable of carrying out a predictive analysis of the course of the various pathologies of the patients.

11. Telematic and interactive medical assistance system between patients and health services, according to the preceding claim 8, characterized in that it comprises a graduated instrument, comprising at least a length measurement scale and at least a color scale, capable of being placed in the same field of view of said communication device (101), said graduated instrument being capable of allowing, during the evaluation of the images captured by said video camera (102), a faithful verification of the size and color of the details framed.

Images