VIRTUAL DOCTOR ROBOT FOR REMOTE MEDICAL CONSULTATIONS WITH IOT-INTEGRATED PATIENT MONITORING

Abstract

Virtual Doctor Robot for Remote Medical Consultations with IoTIntegrated Patient Monitoring ABSTRACT OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a Virtual Doctor Robot designed to improve remote healthcare by enabling doctors to navigate medical facilities and interact with patients in real-time. As shown in Figure 1 (100), it features a four-wheel drive, Camera (114) for live video streaming, and sensors for continuous patient monitoring, including Heart Rate (106) and Temperature (104). Doctors can control the robot and monitor patients remotely via an IoT (102)-based interface accessible on smartphones or tablets. The system supports mobility within facilities, allowing virtual consultations and immediate care. Advanced encryption ensures patient data security. This innovation enhances telemedicine by providing real-time interaction, particularly useful in emergencies, rural healthcare, and global crises. Total Number of Words in Abstract: 150 words

Specification

FORM 2
THE PATENT ACT 1970
(39 OF 1970)
The Patent Rules, 2003
PROVISIONAL/COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and rule 13)

1.TITLE OF THE INVENTION: Virtual Doctor Robot for Remote Medical Consultations with loT-Integrated Patient Monitoring

2.APPLICANTS (S)
(a) NAME: Easwari Engineering College
(b) NATIONALITY: INDIAN
(c) ADDRESS: Easwari Engineering College, Bharathi Salai, Ramapuram, Chennai - 600089

3.PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION:
PROVISIONAL
The- following- specification-describes-the invention
COMPLETE
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
4. DESCRIPTION (Description shall start from next page.) ATTACHED
5. CLAIMS (not-npplicable for-provisional specification? Claims should start with the preamble "1/we claim" on separate page)
ATTACHED
6. DATE AND SIGNATURE (to be given at the end of last page of specification) ATTACHED
7. ABSTRACT OF THE INVENTION (to be given along with complete specification on separate page)
ATTACHED
Note:
*Repeat boxes in case of more than one entry.
*To be signed by the applicant(s) or by authorized registered patent agent.
*Name of the applicant should be given in full, family name in the beginning.
*Complete address of the applicant should be given stating the postal index no./code, state and country.
*Strike out the column which is/are not applicable

DESCRIPTION:
[0001] The invention relates to the development of a virtual doctor robot that allows medical professionals to remotely navigate through a healthcare facility, interact with patients and staff, and monitor patient vitals in real-time. The robot is equipped with advanced sensors for temperature, heart rate, and pressure monitoring, and is controlled remotely via an loT interface accessible through a mobile device or tablet.

PRIOR ART AND BACKGROUND:
[0002] The field of telemedicine has experienced significant advancements in recent years. However, despite the evolution of video conferencing and patient monitoring technologies, several limitations persist in providing mobile, real-time healthcare solutions, particularly in emergency and remote healthcare settings. Previous technologies, including static telemedicine setups, primarily relied on desktop-based video calls and standalone monitoring systems that limited a doctor's capacity to move freely within a healthcare environment. These technologies often hinder the real-time observation of patients and prevent a holistic examination of the hospital environment due to their static nature.

[0003] Several patents exist in the realm of telemedicine, robotic mobility, and patient monitoring. This section compares our invention to six related, patents:

1. US11399772B2 - Mobile Robot for Remote Patient Interaction
Distinction: This patent describes a mobile robot equipped with a video conferencing system, which allows remote interaction between doctors and patients. However, it lacks sensor integration for continuous patient monitoring. Our invention is distinct as it incorporates sensors (e.g., heart rate, temperature, pressure sensors) that enable real-time monitoring of patient vitals.

2. US10812977B2 - Autonomous Hospital Robot for Patient Care
Distinction: This patent covers a hospital robot capable of assisting patients with tasks like medication delivery. While it offers autonomous navigation, it focuses more on physical assistance rather than medical consultations. Our invention is unique in its focus on enabling virtual doctor consultations combined with real-time monitoring of patient health parameters.

3. EP3102987A1 - Telepresence System with Robotic Control
Distinction: This patent discusses a telepresence system where a doctor can remotely control a robot to interact with patients. However, it is primarily limited to communication and navigation. Our invention expands on this by including loT-based patient data collection and sensor integration for monitoring vital signs remotely.

4. US10314478B2 - Remote Diagnosis Using Telemedicine Robots
Distinction: This patent covers telemedicine robots for remote diagnostics, focusing on camera systems and video feeds. While similar in its core objective, our invention stands out by providing a comprehensive solution that includes both video communication and real-time health monitoring through embedded sensors and data encryption protocols.

5. US20210274542A1 - Healthcare Robotics System with Al-based Decision Making
Distinction: This patent describes a healthcare robot that uses Al to assist in medical decision-making. However, the Al is limited to pre-programmed algorithms rather than real-time doctor input. Our invention is distinct because it emphasizes real-time doctor interaction and control over the robot, combining the doctor's expertise with the robot's mobility and monitoring capabilities.

6. W02021011567A1 - Telemedicine Robot with Automated Data Recording Distinction: This patent includes a robot for telemedicine that can record patient data during consultations. However, it does not offer autonomous navigation or sensor-based continuous monitoring like our invention. Our invention further includes autonomous movement in the hospital, allowing the doctor to observe and interact with the patient dynamically.

[0004] Additionally, the robot in our invention utilizes an loT-based control panel, accessible through a smartphone or tablet, allowing for real-time command and control over the robot's movements. This level of integration between communication, mobility, and patient monitoring in a single device distinguishes our invention from existing solutions in the field. The added layers of security and data protection provide an extra level of assurance for healthcare providers, addressing a critical gap in the prior art.

[0005] In light of these observations, our invention not only surpasses existing technologies in terms of mobility and patient interaction but also enhances patient safety and data security through its advanced encryption systems. The combination of these features makes our virtual doctor robot an innovative and vital tool for modern healthcare, particularly in emergency and rural settings where timely access to specialized care is critical.

OBJECTIVE:
[0006] The objective of the virtual doctor robot is to:
• Enable precise navigation of a mobile robot within healthcare facilities.
• Facilitate real-time communication between remote doctors and patients, as well as healthcare staff.
• Integrate various sensors (temperature, heart rate, pressure) to allow doctors to monitor patient conditions remotely.
• Provide an intuitive loT-based user interface accessible via smartphones or tablets, allowing doctors to control the robot and access patient data remotely.

SUMMARY:
[0007] The invention describes a virtual doctor robot equipped with a 4-wheel drive system for mobility, an inbuilt camera for live video transmission, and several sensors to monitor patient vital signs. The robot connects to a control panel accessible by doctors via smartphones or tablets, allowing them to navigate the hospital, interact with patients and staff, and review real-time sensor data on the patient's condition. The system also employs secure data transmission protocols to ensure the privacy of patient data.

[0008] The robot can autonomously navigate through hospital corridors and rooms, ensuring accurate movement using a control algorithm that translates doctor commands into precise wheel movements. This autonomous capability, combined with remote patient monitoring, makes the system ideal for situations requiring immediate attention, post-operative care, or when specialists are unavailable onsite.

DETAILED TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION:
[0009] The Virtual Doctor Robot for Remote Medical Consultations with IoT-Integrated Patient Monitoring focuses on developing a mobile virtual doctor robot that leverages advanced technology to facilitate remote healthcare services. At its core, the system is built around the ESP32, a powerful microcontroller that integrates both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, allowing for seamless communication and control. The robot is equipped with a motor driver that manages the speed and direction of the DC motors, enabling precise navigation within healthcare facilities through a four-wheel drive system. This mobility is crucial for the robot to maneuver around hospital rooms and corridors effectively.

DETAILED TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION:
[0009] The Virtual Doctor Robot for Remote Medical Consultations with IoT-Integrated Patient Monitoring focuses on developing a mobile virtual doctor robot that leverages advanced technology to facilitate remote healthcare services. At its core, the system is built around the ESP32, a powerful microcontroller that integrates both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, allowing for seamless communication and control. The robot is equipped with a motor driver that manages the speed and direction of the DC motors, enabling precise navigation within healthcare facilities through a four-wheel drive system. This mobility is crucial for the robot to maneuver around hospital rooms and corridors effectively.

[0011] Further enhancing the robot's functionality is a voice analyzer, which allows for the processing of voice commands, facilitating user interaction without the need for manual controls. To ensure the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive patient data, an encryption module utilizing biometric security measures is integrated into the system. This ensures that all communications and patient infonnation are securely transmitted and protected against unauthorized access.

[0012] On the software side, the project utilizes the Arduino IDE - 1.8.5 as the development environment for coding the ESP32. Accompanied by the Embedded C package, this setup provides the necessary libraries and tools to develop and optimize the embedded system. Together, these hardware and software components create a comprehensive solution aimed at revolutionizing healthcare delivery by transcending traditional barriers, enhancing accessibility, and improving patient cafe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING:

[0013] Figure 1 shows the block diagram of the virtual doctor robot. It illustrates the integration of the ESP32 microcontroller, sensors (temperature, heart rate, pressure), camera, and the 4-wheel drive system. It also includes the communication flow between the robot and the IoT-based control panel used by doctors.

[0014] The ESP32 receives commands from the doctor (via the IoT interface) to move the robot around the hospital, monitors the patient's vitals through the sensors, and streams live video through the camera. The motor driver translates these commands into movements of the DC motors, allowing the robot to navigate to different locations.

[0015] This integrated system enables the doctor to interact with patients remotely, access vital signs in real-time, and maneuver the robot throughout the hospital. It enhances telemedicine by ottering a more dynamic, mobile approach to healthcare monitoring.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 - General overview of a system
102-IoT
104 - Temperature
106 - Heart Rate
108 - Power Supply
110-ESP32
112-LCD
114 - Camera
116 - Motor Driver
118-DC Motor

CLAIM:
We Claim:

1. A system for remote medical consultation as illustrated in Figure 1(100), comprising: a. An ESP32(110) microcontroller configured to control the operations of a mobile robot;
b. A plurality of sensors including a Heart Rate (106) sensor and Temperature (104) sensor, integrated with the robot to measure patient vitals;
c. A Camera (114) connected to the ESP32(110) for live video streaming to a remote doctor;
d.
A Motor Driver (116) connected to the ESP32( 110) to control the movement of the robot through four DC Motors (118);
e. A Wi-Fi-enabled loT (102) module for transmitting sensor data and video feed to the remote doctor via a user interface.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the IoT (102) module enables real-time communication between the robot and a remote-control interface, allowing the doctor to monitor patient vitals and control the robot's movement remotely.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the robot is equipped with an LCD (112) display that provides live feedback on the patient's vital signs as monitored by the sensors.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising encryption protocols for secure transmission of patient data and live video streams between the robot and the remote interface.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the robot's movement is enabled by a 4-wheel drive system, allowing precise navigation through hospital corridors and patient rooms.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the robot's sensors are configured to send continuous updates of vital signs, allowing the doctor to monitor changes in patient conditions in real-time.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a Power Supply (108) system that provides power to all components, including the ESP32 (110) microcontroller, motors, and sensors.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the doctor interacts with the robot through a mobile or tablet-based interface, providing ease of control over video streaming, patient monitoring, and robot navigation.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising software that integrates with the hardware
components and controls the collection and processing of data from the sensors and
Camera (l 14).

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the robot is designed to enhance remote consultations by
providing doctors with real-time data and allowing for interaction with patients across
different locations.

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