HS+Systems+Design

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 * 4.1 Product Detail Design **

A prototype ready concept was developed from the combination of ideas, forms and functions of the first concept decision matrix. This concept captured the need for a base unit that had the possibility of modularity to cover most all of potential scenarios of the first generation concepts. It needed to be portable and have the ability to work in diverse scenarios. Ideally it would be a device that could operate independently at home or be a principal component of an assessment device that could be found in a public or work environment. Without guaranteed internet access and the need to connect with the health system network the device needed to be multi-dimensional in its communication capabilities. Further it had to have a range of function capabilities that would increase its applicability beyond health monitoring. The prototype is shown in Figure 4.6 and is made of 10 key components (Figure 4.7). It has the processing capacity similar to tablet computer devices. Following power up, by pressing a button on the top, left corner of the device (top, right of device in Figure 4.8), a large touch screen allows the user to complete their principle interactions. Power is derived from a rechargeable battery located in the inside, lower left corner. It is recharged when connected to a power source via the port on the bottom surface (Figure 4.6).

To complete the health testing, the slide plate located on the right side surface is moved towards the bottom of the device to expose the testing port (see Figure 4.6 and, similarly, 4.9). The user inserts their finger into the port, presses the appropriate buttons on the screen and the testing occurs. For blood pressure monitoring, an embedded blood pressure cuff within the port (Figure 4.9) is inflated by a motor, located below it, drawing air through a port on the back side of the device (Figure 4.8). Blood testing is completed by a needle and chip located on the interior part of the blood pressure cuff area that corresponds to the individual’s pad of their finger. When testing is completed, the individual retracts their finger and closes the slide plate. This initiates an internal cleaning process that involves sterilization of the blood testing area and rotating the drum containing the needles (see area immediately to the left of the area of the blood pressure cuff in Figure 4.9). All biological waste is securely retained for safe disposal via the drum cover access area on the back of the device (Figure 4.8).

Figure 4.6. Fully assembled health monitoring device.



Figure 4.7 Exploded view of health monitoring device showing all main components.


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Figure 4.8. View of back panel of the health monitoring device, showing drum cover in grey and air intake port below and to the left.



Figure 4.9. Assembled health monitoring device with screen removed to show assembled components.





Principle interaction with the device occurs via the touch screen. To embrace the individual user the visual interface is customizable. Screen shots of the device during power up are shown in Figure 4.10. Four versions are shown to demonstrate the potential for interface customization to the user.





Figure 4.10. Examples of customizable screens during device power up.

From the main screen (Figure 4.11) multiple options beyond health testing are shown. This range of capabilities was crucial to making the device have a broad base of application and usability. The user has the option of exploiting the system’s Wifi and cellular capabilities to listen to the radio, track their global position as well as provide other sources of entertainment. These options can also be used in conjunction with the health testing to provide strategies for health improvement or maintenance as well as assist in tracking progress.



Figure 4.11. Main interface screen showing options available to the user.

Device users choosing to assess their current health status will presented with options shown in Figure 4.12. The user has the ability to complete a simple health questionnaire, assess their blood pressure or heart rate. Unique to this device is the ability to complete a more complex testing of cardiovascular disease risk through the testing of a blood sample. This testing is completed with the selection of “Cardiovascular Risk Screening”. The device also has the ability to report on past testing, to track progress or reflect on previously obtained results, as well as alert the user to items of interest or concern from the health care system in reference to their results. Following testing, the user will be presented with a test specific review of their results (Figure 4.13). The results will be compared to health standards as well as provide suggestions for improvement or further action.



Figure 4.12. Health testing screen options.



Figure 4.13. Post testing review of results. A subset of test results is shown as an example. Other test result possibilities can be found in the appendix.

Previously mentioned diversity of the device allows the user to use it for entertainment and information purposes. An example of a possible interface for the customizable radio application is shown in Figure 4.14. Other applications can be added to the device once they are unlocked (see Figure 4.15). Content additions can be purchased, however as a part of an extensive user rewards program to encourage health monitoring some the content becomes available upon completion of regular testing. However the rewards program is not exclusive to device applications. Through supplier agreements via the health network rewards can include discounted cellular service, free data plan credits, as well as discounts on local attractions, and upgraded health care coverage, among others. This device also has the unique application that it can be coupled with an individual’s car to restrict operation until their regular testing has been completed. User rewards within this scenario includes discounted health premiums for their employer, if it is a vehicle used for employment.



Figure 4.14. Screen showing possible radio interface screen for using the device outside of testing



Figure 4.15. Screen showing potential of other content to be activated on the device. Activation becomes possible as a reward for successful testing.


 * 4.2 Systems and Services Detail Design**

The integration of this device within the greater health care system is shown in Figure 4.16. The device communicates out to the health system through a variety of communication methods. This capability allows the system to be utilized in a number of locations where communication infrastructure can be variable. Information is routed through to the Medical Network where it is passed along to the associated family practitioner. Upon review of the information, alerts, suggestions or general feedback can be routed back out via the Medical Network to the individual. All information travels in an encrypted format and is updated and stored in a secure data warehouse. Simultaneously during this information exchange, and if established criteria for qualification is met, the Rewards/Incentives Program will communicate with the individual to acknowledge the appreciation for the user’s continued health monitoring.



Figure 4.16. System interaction map illustrating communication paths and methods for the health monitoring system.

Due to the portable nature of the proposed concept device, it use is varied. Some people may use it as a home based system, others within their vehicle to ensure health monitoring compliance. The strength in the portability of this device, its screen size and contained capabilities is that it can also function as a central module of a public testing setup. These three scenarios and how the system interacts are shown in Figure 4.17-4.20, respectively.



Figure 4.17. Schematic illustrating the multiple usage possibilities of the health monitoring system

The user can interact with the device which is adaptable to three systems 1) Hospital Kiosk System, 2) Home System and 3) Car System



Figure 4.18. Use specific process map for the device in a hospital kiosk setup.

The device is place within the hospital kiosk. The interface in the kiosk allows the user to do the testing. The data obtained is processed by the CPU. Since the kiosk is secure the data is dumped in the hospital database inside the hospital network. At the same time the CPU dumps the data in the device's database and if there is the need, through a WiFi connection alerts the physician.



Figure 4.19. Use specific process map for device used within a home based setting.

Conceptually similar to the Hospital Kiosk System in Figure 4.3 the main difference in home use setting is that the CPU sanitizes/secures the data and through a WiFi connection dumps the data in the main database.

Figure 4.20. Usage specific scenario for the device used as a part of a car ignition lockout system.

One possibility for the device is its use in automobiles as a compliance means to ensure appropriately regular health testing. In this scenario the user places the device in the GPS stand which activates the car ignition locking system. The device determines whether it is time to do the test or not. If it is, the interface prompts the user to perform the test. Following successful completion the ignition becomes unlocked and the vehicle is able to be started. The data from the test is processed and secured by the CPU and dumped in the devices database. If there is a lack of cellular connectivity to connect to the health network system database, the collected data will be stored locally within the device until a proper connection can be secured. Upon a secure connection, such as from home or within the hospital system, the data will be dumped into the main database.