DE102024115784A1 - System for monitoring a person's physical condition in a home environment and/or for fitness recording applications - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for monitoring a person's physical condition in a domestic setting, e.g., in home care, and/or for fitness recording applications. The system comprises an implant (100) for implantation into a person, e.g., an endoprosthesis. A sensor device (10) is integrated into the implant (100). The sensor device is configured to acquire and transmit data (13) that is indicative of the person's current condition. For this purpose, the sensor device may include at least one motion sensor (11) for detecting movement and/or position of the person and/or at least one biomedical sensor (12) for acquiring a biological parameter or physiological measurement of the person. The system further comprises several receiver modules (200), each configured to receive data (13) transmitted by the sensor device (10). Furthermore, the system comprises an evaluation device (300) configured to receive data (13) from the sensor device (10) from the receiver modules (200) and to initiate an action based on an evaluation of the received data (13). The system can optionally be equipped with several additional modules. Advantageously, a system is provided that enables reliable monitoring of a person's physical condition in a domestic setting and/or for fitness recording applications.

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to a system for monitoring a person's physical condition in a domestic environment, e.g. in the home care sector, and/or for fitness recording applications.

Technical background

In an aging society, it is difficult to effectively bring innovative technology to patients. In practice, it is known, for example, in home care (the area of healthcare and support of individuals in their home environment) and during leisure activities, to record physical events such as the number of steps, pulse, sleep phases, falls, etc., using wearable devices such as wristwatches or smartphones. In an emergency situation (e.g., a fall), a notification can be sent to an emergency response center to initiate necessary rescue measures. A major disadvantage of these systems, especially for elderly patients, is the need to wear them constantly or put them on daily to detect actions that trigger intervention.

One example of this is the personal emergency response system (PERS), which, in principle, must be worn by the person concerned day and night as a necklace or bracelet to achieve true effectiveness and maximum reliability. For example, wearing such a system is advisable for the very elderly, dementia patients, or people with (mental or physical) disabilities, as it can send information to relatives or emergency services at an early stage. However, putting on the sensors, integrated into a bracelet, for example, is either impossible for the person concerned to do independently, is simply forgotten, or is considered unnecessary.

Another example is recreational sports involving fitness or rehabilitation activities, where tracking movement and strength exercises via wearables is useful, but the reproducibility of these results is highly dependent on correct use. The functionality of a wearable, such as a smartwatch, is also limited, as only a certain size and number of sensors can be integrated. Therefore, alternative technologies are needed for older patients or patients who wish to continue participating in recreational sports.

Furthermore, it is known from the prior art to integrate sensor technology into implants. For example, the DE 103 42 823 A1 An implantable prosthesis, e.g., a hip joint prosthesis, with at least one accelerometer. The accelerometer detects the movement of the prosthesis, e.g., to check its fit. Similarly, the WO 2005/007025 A2 A joint prosthesis with an integrated sensor and counter is presented, which can be used to count movements, e.g., steps, of a joint. The printed materials EP 1 586 287 A2 , EP 2 457 509 A1 , US 10,300,310 B2 and US 2002/0183629 A1 represent further state of the art in implant sensor technology, for example to integrate different biomedical sensors or motion sensors into implants.

A disadvantage of this and similar state-of-the-art technology is that the known solutions are not sufficiently adapted to the specific requirements and needs for use in the home environment and/or for the fitness sector.

The invention is therefore based on the objective of creating an improved technology to monitor a person's physical condition in a home environment and/or for fitness recording applications.

Summary of the invention

The problem is solved by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous further developments are specified in the dependent claims and the description.

A general aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for monitoring a person's physical condition, preferably in a home setting and/or for fitness recording applications (i.e., in the fitness field). The system includes an implant for implantation into a person. That is, the implant is suitable for being implanted into a person (hereinafter also referred to as the implant recipient or patient).

The implant incorporates a sensor device designed to capture and transmit data indicative of a person's current state, such as their health or movement status. The system also includes several receiver modules, each configured to receive data transmitted by the sensor device. Furthermore, the system includes an evaluation unit configured to receive data from the sensor device via the receiver modules and to initiate an action based on an evaluation of the received data. This is also referred to below as the main unit. The evaluation device can be designed as a separate unit or be functionally integrated into one of the receiver modules.

Advantageously, this system provides reliable monitoring of a person's physical condition in a home environment and/or for fitness tracking applications. The sensor device integrated into the implant offers the advantage of maintaining a constant connection with the individual. The multiple receiver modules allow for their placement at various locations within the monitoring area, such as different rooms in the implant recipient's home. This enables particularly reliable monitoring of the recipient's physical condition, as will be explained in more detail below. The evaluation unit allows for flexible responses to different situations, which will also be explained in more detail below.

In one embodiment, the system includes a deactivation device integrated into the implant, configured to irreversibly deactivate, preferably destroy, the sensor device when a predetermined deactivation condition is met. Preferably, the deactivation device is designed to non-invasively and irreversibly destroy a transmission function of the sensor device. For example, the deactivation condition may be met when the deactivation device receives a deactivation instruction or other predetermined command from the evaluation device and/or an expiration date has passed. By way of example, the implant user could enter a deactivation code to release the deactivation instruction via the evaluation device or via another mobile device that is in signal communication with it. Advantageously, the transmission of sensor data can be deactivated as needed, e.g., if it is no longer required. This improves data privacy.

Furthermore, in another embodiment, the system can be configured to transmit encrypted data between the sensor device, the receiver modules, and/or the evaluation device. This advantageously improves data protection. For this purpose, the sensor device, the receiver modules, and/or the evaluation device can be equipped with an encryption module.

In another embodiment, the system features a delivery unit integrated into the implant, which can be controlled by the evaluation device. This unit is designed to store an active ingredient, such as an antihistamine or insulin, and release it into the environment of the implant, preferably into the person's body, in response to a corresponding signal from the evaluation device. This optional module allows for optional or automated external intervention in a medical emergency. For example, the module can be filled with an active ingredient (e.g., an antihistamine) to release it in the event of anaphylactic shock, thus bridging the time until the arrival of emergency medical personnel. One possible embodiment provides for the delivery unit to have a loading interface for loading it with the active ingredient while the implant is in place, e.g., a loading interface that can be filled using a syringe. In other words, this embodiment allows the delivery unit to be loaded and unloaded externally even while the implant is in place.

In another embodiment, the system further comprises an integrated electrical energy storage device for powering the sensor device and preferably for powering other modules of the system integrated into the implant (such as the delivery unit, the deactivation device, etc.). A charging device is also provided for inductively recharging the storage device. This is an external charging device with respect to the implant. For example, the charging device can comprise an induction mat for placement on a chair or bed. This integration into everyday furniture regularly used by the implant recipient enables reliable charging and power supply of the system, thus ensuring uninterrupted functionality. Alternatively, or in addition, the charging device can comprise a portable rechargeable battery (power bar) with induction capability.

In another embodiment, the receiver modules are designed to be plugged into a standard household electrical outlet and preferably held in place there. This allows for easy installation and distribution of the receiver modules, for example, within a home environment. This enables the receiver modules to be quickly and easily distributed to ensure reliable data acquisition from the sensor device in all desired areas. Alternatively, or in addition, the receiver modules can also be battery-powered.

In a further embodiment, the sensor device comprises at least one first sensor for detecting movement and/or position of the implant and/or the person. This first The sensor is referred to below as a motion sensor. The motion sensor can, for example, include an inertial sensor, such as an accelerometer, and/or a gyroscope. The system is designed to use motion data from at least one motion sensor to determine whether a health-critical movement event, such as a fall or immobility, has occurred. Advantageously, movement of the implant, and thus movement of the implant user, can be detected. For example, steps can be counted for fitness applications, or falls can be detected.

In a potential further development, the system is trained to use movement data collected over a period of time to identify typical, e.g., repetitive, movement patterns of the implant and/or the person, as well as deviations from these patterns. A specific deviation from these typical movement patterns then contributes to determining whether a health-critical movement event, such as a fall or immobility, has occurred. For example, the system could learn typical movement patterns of the implant user over time, e.g., using machine learning methods, to better distinguish these from critical events such as falls. This would improve the system's ability to reliably detect health-critical movement events.

In another embodiment, the system is configured to derive the position and/or movement of the implant relative to the receiver modules from communication signals between the sensor device and the receiver modules. Advantageously, position and/or movement data of the sensor device, and thus of the implant or the implant holder, can also be determined from the communication signals of the receiver modules in order to, for example, determine movement patterns or the position of the implant (and thus of an implant holder) within the home environment. This improves the determination of movement data. For example, the receiver modules can be configured to derive the position and/or movement of the implant relative to the receiver modules from the signal strength and/or transit time of the signals received from the sensor device. Additionally, or alternatively, the receiver modules can be configured to generate position data and communicate with each other in order to calculate movement patterns in addition to the sensor device.

In a further embodiment, the sensor device comprises at least one second sensor for detecting a biological parameter or physiological measurement, preferably of the person. The second sensor is hereinafter referred to as a biomedical sensor. This at least one biomedical sensor can be configured to detect at least one of the following parameters: body temperature, pulse rate, glucose level, lactate level, and water content of a medium (e.g., blood) adjacent to the implant. Advantageously, the sensor device can be used to monitor biological and/or physiological parameters.

As stated above, the evaluation device is designed to initiate an action depending on an evaluation of the received data. For example, the evaluation of the received data may include determining whether a health-critical event, such as a fall or other medical emergency, has occurred.

In one embodiment, the evaluation device can be configured to initiate a predetermined sequence of actions, preferably a cascaded sequence, when a health-critical event occurs, with each health-critical event preferably having its own predetermined sequence of actions. This offers the advantage that different health-critical events can be addressed in a suitably different and adapted manner.

• - eine Kontaktaufnahme zur Person (Implantatträger),
• - eine Abfrage und/oder Auswertung von zusätzlichen Daten der Sensorvorrichtung, vorzugsweise zur Überprüfung und/oder zur genaueren Bestimmung des gesundheitskritischen Ereignisses,
• - eine Benachrichtigung einer Leitstelle oder eines Rettungsdienstes,
• - eine Benachrichtigung von Angehörigen, und
• - ein Ansteuern der Abgabeeinheit zur Abgabe des Wirkstoffs, falls eine vorbestimmte Abgabebedingung zur Abgabe des Wirkstoffs erfüllt ist.

In one embodiment, the evaluation device can be configured to initiate at least one of the following actions when a health-critical event occurs:

• - contacting the person (implant recipient),
• - a query and/or evaluation of additional data from the sensor device, preferably for verification and/or for a more precise determination of the health-critical event,
• - a notification to a control center or rescue service,
• - a notification of relatives, and
• - Activating the dispensing unit to release the active ingredient if a predetermined dispensing condition for the release of the active ingredient is met.

The evaluation device can also be designed to perform the aforementioned actions or in the event of a health-critical event. To carry out a subset of these actions sequentially in a predetermined order, e.g., in a cascaded manner. For example, an attempt can first be made to contact the person. If contact is unsuccessful, e.g., because the person does not respond, one or more of the subsequent actions can be carried out, such as notifying relatives and/or an emergency service.

Preferably, the evaluation device can be configured to query additional data from the sensor device upon the occurrence of a health-critical event, for verification and/or more precise determination of the health-critical event, e.g., to check a health status. For example, after the occurrence of a health-critical event, additional data from which the movement state and/or position of an implant recipient or their pulse can be inferred can be queried. In this case, the evaluation device transmits a corresponding query command to the sensor device via one of the receiver modules.

Advantageously, if a potentially critical event is detected, further analyses can be initiated via a cascaded chain of commands. For example, detecting a fall and querying additional sensor data (e.g., pulse) allows for a more refined assessment of the situation (e.g., informing only relatives or directly calling emergency medical services). Initially, an attempt is made to contact the implant recipient (e.g., an audible signal or a phone call). If there is no response, further actions can be initiated, such as informing relatives who can then go to the location to assess the situation.

The implant can be an endoprosthesis, such as an artificial hip or knee joint. Alternatively, the implant can also be another suitable permanent implant, such as a dental implant. In an alternative embodiment, the system may consist of only a receiver module.

In another embodiment, the evaluation device can be implemented at least partially on one or more of the receiver modules. This means that the function of the evaluation device can be implemented wholly or partially on a receiver module. However, it is also possible for the evaluation device to be implemented on a separate device, such as a smartphone, tablet computer, etc.

Furthermore, the evaluation device can be configured to send the data received from the sensor device's receiver modules to an evaluation server or a cloud computer and receive the data evaluation from there. However, the evaluation device can also be configured to perform the data evaluation itself, or partially so.

The previously described preferred embodiments and features of the invention can be combined with one another in any way.

Brief description of the characters

• 1 ein schematisches Blockdiagramm zur Illustration eines Systems zum Überwachen eines körperlichen Zustands einer Person im häuslichen Umfeld und/oder für Fitnessaufzeichnungsanwendungen gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 2A ein Implantat mit integrierter Sensorvorrichtung im Datenaustausch mit einem externen Empfängermodul gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 2B eine Illustration zum Workflow von Datenmessungen des Systems gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel; und
• 3 eine Anwendung des Systems im häuslichen Umfeld gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel.

Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show:

• 1 a schematic block diagram to illustrate a system for monitoring a person's physical condition in a home environment and/or for fitness recording applications according to an exemplary embodiment;
• 2A an implant with an integrated sensor device exchanging data with an external receiver module according to an exemplary embodiment;
• 2B an illustration of the workflow for data measurements of the system according to an exemplary implementation; and
• 3 an application of the system in a domestic environment according to an exemplary implementation.

The embodiments shown in the figures are at least partially identical, so that similar or identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals and, to avoid repetition, reference is also made to the description of the other embodiments or figures for their explanation.

Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

1 Figure 1 illustrates an example of System 1 for monitoring a person's physical condition in a home environment and/or for fitness recording applications. The system includes an implant 100 for implantation into a person. Sensor device 10 is integrated into the implant 100. This is in 2A This is exemplified by a version of the implant 100 as an endoprosthesis, here in particular in the form of an artificial hip joint. 2A Figure 10 further shows the sensor device integrated into the implant. The sensor device can comprise one or more sensors. The sensors are each configured to provide data indicative of a current state, e.g., a The current health status or current movement status of the implant recipient 2 is to be recorded and transmitted wirelessly. Due to the possibility of integrating a large number of sensors into the implant 100, different and/or redundant values regarding the status of the implant recipient 2 can be recorded, depending on the design of the sensor device.

The integration of the sensor device 10 into the implant 100 ensures that the sensor device 10 is connected to person 2 at all times. The implantation of the sensor device 10 could be performed in conjunction with a medically necessary procedure, such as the implantation of an artificial hip or knee joint, or other permanent implants. Artificial joints (endoprostheses) are now frequently used from the age of 50, which can lead to approximately one to two revision surgeries per patient over their lifespan.

Since the sensor device 10 is permanently connected to the implant carrier 2, it does not need to be actively applied. The sensor device 10 can be implanted once by a specialist, precisely aligned, and calibrated accordingly. This allows for a sensor device 10 that is securely and form-fittingly attached to the implant 100, unlike a wearable device which can be tightened arbitrarily with a wristband. A sensor that is too loose, as with a wearable device, has additional degrees of freedom and can lead to inaccurate results. A sensor that is too tight, like that of a wearable device, can cause discomfort due to prolonged wear (up to 24/7) or, due to perspiration, skin irritation, even contact allergies. The integration of the sensor into the implant solves this problem because there is no skin contact. The positioning of the sensor device 10 described above consequently generates more reproducible data. False positive events caused by incorrect positioning on the wrist or loose carrying (e.g. in a trouser pocket or handbag) are thus reduced to a minimum.

The implant 100 can integrate one or more sensors. For example, the sensor device 10 can include at least one motion sensor 11 for recording motion data, such as the movement and/or position of the implant and/or the person. The at least one motion sensor 11 can, for example, include a magnetometer, an accelerometer, a vibration sensor, and/or a gyroscope to measure the person's position or acceleration and to derive or detect corresponding events (falls, immobility, etc.). Based on this motion data, the system 100 can thus recognize whether a health-critical movement event, such as a fall or immobility, has occurred in the implant recipient 2. Furthermore, motion data for fitness applications, such as the number of steps taken, etc., can be recorded.

The sensor device 10 can, for example, further comprise at least one biomedical sensor 12 for recording a biological parameter or physiological measurement of the implant recipient. For instance, such a sensor 12 could record body temperature, pulse rate, glucose level, lactate level, and/or water content of a medium adjacent to the implant (e.g., blood) of the person. Based on such physiological measurements, data on the health status of the implant recipient can be determined. The recording of biological parameters and/or physiological measurements is advantageous for supporting telemedicine applications.

As already stated above, various approaches and solutions for integrating sensor technology into a wide range of implants are known in the prior art, including motion sensors and sensors for recording biological parameters. These established techniques can be used for integrating sensors into the Implant 100, which is why they will not be discussed in detail here.

A particular advantage of the present system 1 lies in its modular design, which allows the system to be flexibly adapted and configured for a wide variety of applications for monitoring a person's physical condition in a home environment and/or for fitness recording applications.

The system displays 100, as in 1 The figure shows several receiver modules 200, each configured to wirelessly receive data transmitted by the sensor device 10. The receiver modules 200 are also referred to here as external receiver modules because, unlike the implant 100, they are not intended for implantation in the implant carrier 2, but are located externally. The receiver modules can, for example, be distributed within the home environment of the implant carrier 2 in such a way as to ensure reliable reception of data from the sensor device within the desired area of the home.

System 1 also includes an evaluation device (main unit) 300, which is designed to The main unit 300 receives data from the sensor device via the receiver modules 200, preferably wirelessly, and initiates an action based on an evaluation of the received data. The main unit 300 can be a separate unit or functionally integrated into one of the receiver modules 200. The main unit 300 can send the received data to a cloud computer 500 or other suitable evaluation server for evaluation and receive the evaluated data back from it. In this case, an evaluation module 310 for evaluating the received data from the sensor device 10 is located on the cloud computer 500 or evaluation server. Alternatively, the main unit 300 can also evaluate the received data directly or at least partially itself. In this case, the evaluation device 300 can itself include an evaluation module 310 for evaluating the received data from the sensor device 10. The evaluation device 300 can also include an emergency call module 320, which is designed to trigger an emergency call when a health-critical situation of the implant carrier is detected.

To enable wireless data exchange, preferably bidirectional, the implant, the receiver modules 200, and the evaluation unit 300 are each equipped with a communication module 60 to establish data communication using a short-range wireless connection. For example, the short-range wireless connection can be a WLAN connection, preferably a WLAN connection based on a WLAN standard according to the IEEE 802.11 standard family. Alternatively, the short-range connection can be a Bluetooth connection, an infrared connection, or another non-cellular wireless connection. A short-range wireless connection is defined as a connection whose operation requires that the directly communicating devices—i.e., the communication device and the stationary transmitter/receiver unit that communicates wirelessly with it to establish the short-range connection—are preferably less than 20 m apart.

Advantageously, a System 1 is provided that enables reliable monitoring of a person's physical condition in a home environment and/or for fitness recording applications.

1 further illustrates that additional modules can optionally be integrated into System 1 in order to equip and configure the system for different application scenarios.

Thus, the individual system components 100, 200, 300 of system 1 can optionally be equipped with encryption modules 40, which ensure that the data exchanged wirelessly between sensor device 10, receiver modules 200 and evaluation unit 300 is transmitted in encrypted form to improve data protection.

Furthermore, a deactivation device 20 can optionally be integrated into the implant 100. The deactivation device 20 is designed to non-invasively and irreversibly deactivate, preferably destroy, the sensor device 10 when a predetermined deactivation condition is met. The deactivation device 20 can therefore also be referred to as a kill switch module. Accidental activation of the deactivation device 20 is to be prevented. This thus offers an implant recipient the possibility of permanently and irreversibly terminating the collection and transmission of personal data by the sensor device as needed, without having to remove the implant. It may be sufficient to irreversibly deactivate a data collection function or a transmission function of the sensor device. Deactivation can be achieved physically or chemically, e.g., by deliberately melting a fuse required to power the sensor device.

To trigger the deactivation device 20, the implant carrier 2 could, for example, enter a deactivation code or deactivation command via the evaluation device 300 or via another mobile device that is in signal communication with it using appropriate application software in order to trigger the deactivation condition.

Optionally, the implant 100 can also incorporate a delivery unit 30, controllable by the evaluation device 300, which is designed to store an active ingredient and, in response to a corresponding control signal from the evaluation device 300, release it into the environment of the implant, preferably into the body of person 2. For example, the delivery unit 30 can be filled with an active ingredient (e.g., an antihistamine) to release the active ingredient in the event of anaphylactic shock, thereby bridging the time until the arrival of the emergency physician. The delivery unit 30 can, for example, have a fluid-tight active ingredient container with a receiving chamber for the active ingredient. The receiving chamber preferably borders an area surrounding the implant and has a controllable delivery interface in this area, which is controlled by The control mechanism for the delivery of the active ingredient can be opened in order to release the active ingredient.

It is also conceivable that delivery unit 30 has a loading interface 31 for loading the delivery unit with the active ingredient in the implanted state, e.g., a loading interface that can be filled via a syringe. The loading interface 31 and the delivery interface can be provided by the fast interface.

The system preferably further comprises an electrical energy storage device 50 integrated into the implant for powering the sensor device and for powering other modules of the system 1 integrated into the implant (such as the delivery unit, the deactivation device, etc.). This energy storage device 50 can be inductively charged via a charging device 400. For example, the charging device 400 can comprise an induction mat for placement on a piece of furniture or on a bed.

Based on the 2B and 3 The following illustrates a workflow of data measurements of the system and an exemplary application of the system in a home environment.

As in 3 As demonstrated using the example of an apartment as a monitoring area, a receiver module 200 can be installed in each room of the implant recipient's home environment that is to be monitored. In any case, the receiver modules 200 should be positioned and distributed relative to each other according to their reception range in such a way that reliable reception is possible in all areas of the home environment where data from the sensor device 10 is to be received. The receiver modules 200 should be able to be retrofitted in homes without any technical difficulties. For example, the receiver modules can be designed so that they can be plugged into a standard electrical outlet and held in place directly there.

The receiver modules 200, distributed across several rooms, can further form a kind of evaluation network if the receiver modules are additionally configured to detect movement and/or positioning of the sensor device 10 and the implant 100 relative to the receiver modules 200. This can improve the acquisition of motion data. For example, the receiver modules can be configured to derive a position and/or movement of the implant relative to the receiver modules from the signal strength and/or transit time of the signals received by the sensor device. In addition, or alternatively, the receiver modules can be configured to generate position data and communicate with each other in order to calculate movement patterns in addition to the sensor device.

For example, movements from room to room can also be incorporated into the detection of events. The data quality can be improved by the unchanging positioning of the sensor device 10 relative to the implant 100 and its integration into an evaluation network formed by the receiver modules 200.

When the implant recipient 2 is at home, the sensor device 10 integrated into the implant 100 registers sensor data about the recipient's current state, such as movement and/or health status. The receiver modules 200, provided they are within range of the sensor device 10, receive the sensor data and forward it to the evaluation device 300. The sensor data can also be processed directly on the receiver modules 200, or on one of them, if the functionality of the evaluation device 300 is implemented there. The processing of the sensor data includes an evaluation of the sensor data, either directly on the evaluation device 300 and/or by transmitting the sensor data to a cloud computer 500, which performs the evaluation and sends it back to the evaluation device 300.

Depending on the evaluation of the received sensor data, the evaluation device (main unit) 300 can initiate one or more suitable actions, as illustrated below by example scenarios.

Example scenario 1:

The implant recipient moves from the living room to the bathroom. A receiver module 200, which also functions as an evaluation unit 300, registers this movement via sensor device 10, which includes both a pulse sensor and a motion sensor. The implant recipient remains in this room without any unusual readings from the sensor device. System 1, e.g., evaluation unit 300, now queries further possible values from sensor device 10, such as the implant recipient's position or pulse. An evaluation of the data reveals, for example, that the implant recipient has not fallen but has been motionless in the bathroom for an extended period. Evaluation unit 300 then performs the following sequence of actions, such as... 2B illustrated. This is done by means of a corresponding status message or alarm 301. This involves controlling an emergency call module 311, which is connected to a telecommunications network. Depending on the content of the status message or alarm 301, the emergency call module 310 first attempts to contact the implant recipient 311 (e.g., by triggering an acoustic signal in the recipient's home and/or making a telephone call to the recipient). If there is no response, further actions are initiated, such as informing relatives 312, who then go to the location to check on the recipient. If the evaluation of the sensor data indicates a critical health emergency, an alarm 313 can also be triggered for an emergency medical service.

The present system 1 is also suitable for applications in recreational sports, for home care, for rehabilitation after injuries and/or surgeries, as well as for clinical observation and follow-up care. The latter is illustrated by a further example scenario:

Example scenario 2:

Following successful implant revision, for example, due to a periprosthetic infection, the patient (2) is either in the clinic for follow-up care or already at home. System 1 uses sensor device 10 to measure systemic parameters at defined intervals or times. These parameters are collected and monitored as part of clinical follow-up (e.g., lactate and temperature) and transmit them to the treating physician for clinical evaluation. Depending on the measured systemic parameters, or if they deviate from typical normal values, the treating physician initiates immediate therapeutic measures in the clinic. In the case of home care applications, the patient is automatically scheduled for a detailed examination and follow-up treatment at the clinic.

The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, a multitude of variants and modifications are possible, which also make use of the inventive concept and therefore fall within the scope of protection. In particular, the invention also claims protection for the subject matter and features of the dependent claims independently of the referenced claims. In particular, the individual features of independent claim 1 are each disclosed independently of one another.

Reference symbol list

1

system

2

Person (implant recipient)

3

Living area, surveillance area

10

Sensor device

11

motion sensor

12

Biomedical sensor

13

Data

20

Deactivation device

30

Delivery unit

31

Loading interface

40

Encryption module

50

Energy storage

60

Communication module

100

Implant

101

Integration interface

200

Receiver module

300

Evaluation device (main unit)

301

Status message, alert

310

Evaluation module

311

Contacting the patient

312

Alerting relatives

313

Alerting emergency services

320

Emergency call module

400

Charging device

500

Cloud computers, evaluation servers

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 103 42 823 A1 [0005]
• WO 2005/007025 A2 [0005]
• EP 1 586 287 A2 [0005]
• EP 2 457 509 A1 [0005]
• US 10,300,310 B2 [0005]
• US 2002/0183629 A1 [0005]

Claims (19)

System (1) for monitoring a person's physical condition in a home environment and/or for fitness recording applications, comprising: an implant (100) for implantation into a person, e.g., an endoprosthesis, wherein a sensor device (10) is integrated into the implant (100) which is configured to acquire and transmit data (13) indicative of the person's current condition; multiple receiver modules (200), each configured to receive data (13) transmitted by the sensor device (10); and an evaluation device (300) configured to receive data (13) from the sensor device (10) from the receiver modules (200) and, depending on an evaluation of the received data (13), to initiate an action. System (1) according to Claim 1 , further comprising a deactivation device (20) integrated into the implant (100), which is configured to irreversibly deactivate, preferably destroy, the sensor device (10) when a predetermined deactivation condition is present. System (1) according to Claim 2 , wherein the deactivation condition is met when the deactivation device (20) receives a deactivation instruction from the evaluation device (300) and/or an expiry date has expired. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a delivery unit (30) integrated into the implant (100) and controllable by the evaluation device (300), which is designed to store an active ingredient, e.g. an antihistamine or insulin, and to release it into the environment of the implant (100), preferably into the body of the person, in response to a corresponding control by the evaluation device (300). System (1) according to Claim 4 , wherein the delivery unit (30) has a loading interface (31) for loading the delivery unit (30) with the active substance in the implanted state of the implant (100), e.g. a loading interface that can be filled via a syringe. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a storage device (50) integrated into the implant for electrical energy supply to the sensor device (10) and preferably further modules of the system (1) integrated into the implant; and a charging device (400) via which the storage device (50) can be inductively charged, wherein the charging device (400) comprises an induction mat for placement on a piece of furniture or on a bed and/or a portable rechargeable battery (power bar) with induction function. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiver modules (200) are each designed to be pluggable into a power outlet of a domestic power network and to be held there. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the system (1) is configured to transmit encrypted data between the sensor device (10), the receiver modules (200) and the evaluation device (300). System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device (10) comprises at least one motion sensor (11) for detecting movement and/or position of the implant and/or the person, for example an inertial sensor; and the system (1) is configured to determine, on the basis of motion data from the at least one motion sensor (11), whether a health-critical movement event, such as a fall or immobility, has occurred. System (1) according to Claim 9 , wherein the system (1) is designed to determine, on the basis of the movement data recorded over a period of time, typical, e.g. repetitive, movement patterns of the implant (100) and/or the person and deviations therefrom, wherein a certain deviation from the typical movement patterns is incorporated into the determination of whether a health-critical movement event, such as a fall or immobility, has occurred. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the system is configured to derive a position and/or a movement of the implant (100) relative to the receiver modules (200) from communication signals between the sensor device (10) and the receiver modules (200). System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device (10) comprises at least one biomedical sensor (12) for detecting a biological parameter or physiological measurement, preferably of the person. System (1) according to Claim 12 , wherein the at least one biomedical sensor (12) is configured to detect at least one of the following Parameters to be recorded: body temperature, pulse value, glucose value, lactate value, water content of a medium adjacent to the implant (100) of the person. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the evaluation of the received data includes a determination of whether a health-critical event has occurred. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the evaluation device (300) is configured to initiate a predetermined sequence, preferably a cascaded sequence, of actions when a health-critical event occurs, wherein preferably different health-critical events are each assigned their own predetermined sequence of actions. System according to Claim 14 or 15 , wherein the evaluation device (300) is designed to query additional data from the sensor device (10) in the event of a health-critical event in order to verify and/or determine the health-critical event more precisely. System (1) according to one of the Claims 14 until 16 , wherein the evaluation device (300) is configured to initiate at least one of the following actions upon the occurrence of a health-critical event: - contacting the person, - querying and/or evaluating additional data from the sensor device (10) to verify and/or more precisely determine the health-critical event, - notifying a control center and/or an emergency medical service, - notifying relatives, - activating a dispensing unit according to Claim 4 to release the active ingredient if a predetermined release condition for the release of the active ingredient is met. System (1) according to Claim 17 , wherein the evaluation device (300) is configured to perform several of the actions in a predetermined sequence, the sequence preferably depending on the type of health-critical event that has occurred. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the evaluation device (300) is implemented at least partially on one or more of the receiver modules (200); and/or - the evaluation device (300) is configured to send the data received from the receiver modules (200) of the sensor device (10) to an evaluation server or a cloud computer (500) and to receive the evaluation of the data from there.