System and method for monitoring frequency and intensity of movement by a recumbent subject

A system for monitoring a physiological parameter of an ambulatory subject, comprising:

• a network-coupled computer with a data storage device and a data analysis means;
• a personal tracking device, operative to produce a tracking signal corresponding to the identity and location of the ambulatory subject and transmit the tracking signal to the computer;
• parameter measuring means for measuring a physiological parameter of a subject, the measuring means residing in an object or fixture in a defined area in which the ambulatory subject is present;
• signal generating means for generating a parameter signal corresponding to the physiological parameter measurement;
• means for transmitting the parameter signal from the signal generating means via the computer to a data storage device;
• and
• means for creating a data record by associating the parameter signal with the tracking signal.

A computer method for monitoring a health parameter of an ambulatory subject within a defined environment, the method comprising:

• providing a network-coupled computer with a data storage device and a data analysis means;
• providing a plurality of detectors positionable within the defined space, each member of the plurality of detectors coupled to the computer and capable of detecting a health parameter of a subject;
• measuring passively a health parameter of a subject and generating a signal corresponding to the measured parameter value;
• creating a data record by associating the signal with subject identity;
• and
• storing the data record in a record uniquely associated with the subject.

A system for passively monitoring a subject's behavioral and cognitive health status, comprising:

• a network-coupled computer with a data storage device and a data analysis means;
• a spatial monitoring device, operative to produce a signal corresponding to the identity and location of the ambulatory subject and transmit the signal to the computer;
• a passive medication compliance device, operative to produce a signal corresponding to accessing a medication by a subject and transmit the signal to the computer;
• a first interactive physiological parameter measurement device, operative to produce a signal corresponding to measurement of a physiological parameter of the subject and transmit the signal to the computer;
• a sensor embedded in an article of regular and ordinary use by a subject, operative to produce a signal corresponding to use of the article by a subject and transmit the signal to the computer;
• a nocturnal activity monitoring system, operative to produce a signal corresponding to restlessness of a subject and transmit the signal to the computer;
• and
• data analysis means for analyzing signals produced by the above system components.

A system for monitoring frequency and intensity of movement by a subject during sleep, comprising:

• a sleeping surface upon which the subject rests;
• a plurality of force sensors coupled to the surface, each force sensor being operative to develop a potential corresponding to an application of force by the subject and to communicate the potential as a data signal;
• and
• a data storage device for storing a plurality of data signals.

A method for monitoring frequency and intensity of movement by a recumbent subject, comprising:

• providing a surface upon which the subject rests;
• providing a plurality of force sensors coupled to the surface, each member of the plurality of force sensors being operative to develop a potential corresponding to an application of force to that member, the plurality of force sensors being spatially positioned such that a load applied downward on the sleeping surface is differentially sensed by each member of the plurality of force sensors;
• differentially sensing by each of the plurality of force sensors changes in force, the changes in force corresponding to movement of the subject upon the surface;
• providing the potentials, together with chronological identifiers associated therewith, as movement data to a data analysis means;
• and
• analyzing the movement data.

(New) A movement monitoring system suitable to monitor a recumbent subject, comprising:

• a resting apparatus structured to support the subject;
• a plurality of force sensors coupled to the resting apparatus and positioned to generate potentials corresponding to applications of force on the apparatus;
• a personal tracking subsystem configured to determine a subject identity from a detected identity signal corresponding to subject identity;
• a processor having a data storage device coupled thereto;
• and
• a data analyzer operative to associate the tracking signal with the potentials to form data records.

(New) A method for monitoring frequency and intensity of movement by a recumbent subject, comprising:

• providing a surface upon which the subject rests;
• providing a plurality of force sensors coupled to the surface, each member of the plurality of force sensors being operative to develop a potential corresponding to an application of force to that member, the plurality of force sensors being spatially positioned such that a load applied downward on the sleeping surface is differentially sensed by each member of the plurality of force sensors;
• differentially sensing by each of the plurality of force sensors changes in force, the changes in force corresponding to movement of the subject upon the surface;
• providing the potentials, together with chronological identifiers associated therewith, as movement data to a data analysis means;
• and
• analyzing the movement data.