SE2050540A1 - Asthma warning/prevention system and device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an asthma warning/prevention system 10 and device 13. The system 10 includes a monitoring module 16 which is configured to receive measurement data of at least one environmental parameter measured by at least one environmental monitoring arrangement 12. The monitoring module 16 utilises the measurement data in order to determine whether the measured environmental parameter (a) exceeds a current upper trigger level for a particular person 113 and, if so, to adjust the current upper trigger level for that person 113, and/or (b) falls below a current lower trigger level for the particular person 113 and, if so, to adjust the current lower trigger level for the person 113. The system 10 may include a body monitoring arrangement 14 which is configured to measure one or more respiratory, physiological and/or biological parameters of the particular person 113.

Description

ASTHMA WARNINGIPREVENTION SYSTEM AND DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION THIS invention relates to an asthma warning/prevention system and device, as well as to a computer program and storage medium for use in such a system and device.

Statistics show that there are about 300 million people worldwide suffering from asthma, with about 250 000 people dying each year due to this condition.

The most difficult part for asthma sufferers is to prevent any asthma symptoms from taking effect, since they do not know when they will reach their trigger level. This is mainly because their senses cannot measure the parameters accurately enough to predict at which point they will show any symptoms. Asthma sufferers develop their own methods to manage their asthma and through experience and constant monitoring of their own symptoms, they can realise that their health has reached the reactive or alert stage when action needs to be taken. ln some cases, the realisation may be too late, which could have life threatening consequences.

There are some existing technologies which try to address this problem. These technologies are summarised below: The PROPELLERTM app is a mobile app which provides a daily asthma forecast, tracks when and why someone have asthma symptoms and provides medication reminders.

The ASTHMA MDTM app is a mobile app which gathers anonymous data on the severity of asthma attacks, triggers, times and dates, and sends it to a data management location. The MY ASTHMA MANAGERTM app works in a similar manner.

The ASTHMA SENSETM app records asthma symptoms and triggers. lt also sends reminders on asthma medication and measurements. Furthermore, the app also allows the tracking, sharing and review of multiple accounts online with an AsthmaSense Cloud.

The so-called WINGTM system makes use of a mobile phone and a non- wearable spirometer for measuring peak flow. The system allows for the tracking of asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) symptoms.

P226583.SE.01 The so-called AIRSONIATM system makes use of a mobile phone and a digital, non-wearable stethoscope for recording breathing sounds in order to detect and measure wheeze.

The TZOATM system measures environmental parameters (e.g. air quality) in real time and sends actionable and pollution warnings to a user.

WO 2001/9243 discloses a wearable device for diagnosing a condition of a user suffering from a respiratory ailment, such as asthma. The device includes a microphone for receiving acoustic signals responsive to the user's respiration. The processor is used to analyse the signal in order to determine whether or not medical attention is needed.

US 2012/011624 describes a portable asthma detection device. The device includes a gas detection module which is configured to analyse the breathing condition of a person at any time. A smart phone is typically connected to the device for displaying the detection results. The gas detection module can be used for detecting chemical elements, certain kinds of gases and the concentration of chemical elements in the airflow. The kind of gases which could be detected includes nitric oxide and carbon dioxide.

US7850619 discloses a system which makes use of a noncontact microphone in order to help determine a set of parameters of a breathing pattern of a user. Figure 1 of the document shows an example of when this system is being worn by a user. ln one application, the airflow can be analysed to detect a characteristic of breathing during which the lungs undergo a functional change, such as when a person suffers from asthma.

EP3061391 describes a wearable electronic device, comprising: a first sensor configured to sense a movement of the electronic device; a second sensor configured to sense a biological signal for a user wearing the electronic device; and a processor configured to compute a movement value of the electronic device using the first sensor, to detect a resting state When the movement value lasts within a predetermined first threshold range during a first time period, and to configure biological information of the user based on a biological signal measured after detection of the resting state.

US 20140378777 describes a wearable device which is configured to measure one or more physiological parameters. The physiological parameters are measured through non-invasive detection of one or more analytes in blood circulating in subsurface vasculature proximate to the wearable device.

P226583.SE.01 US 20150223731 describes systems, environments, and methods which help for the support, anticipation and identification of adverse health events and/or atypical behavioural episodes, such as Autistic behaviours, epileptic seizures, heart attack, stroke, and/or narcoleptic "sleep attacks", using a portable data collection device. ln another aspect, the systems, environment, and methods described in this document support measurement of motions and vibrations associated with recurring transitory physiological states and events using a portable data collection device.

The paper entitled "Low-Power Wearable Systems for Continuous Monitoring of Environment and Health for Chronic Respiratory Disease", IEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Volume: 20, lssue: 5, Sept. 2016 (Publication date: 26 May 2016), describes low-power wearable systems for the continuous monitoring of the environment and health for a chronic respiratory disease.

US 2014/0200423 describes a pulse oximetry device that is mounted on a wrist strap and fixates an area above a distal end of the ulna with a dome shaped structure. This area is used as measuring area. The measurement is carried out by a detector positioned above the fixated area, which detects light emitted by light sources having different wave lengths that are located at a periphery of the fixated area. Hence, the reflections are measured at neither a reflection mode nor a transmission mode, but are at an angle between 20° and 160° from the emitted light. This mode, termed trans-illumination, allows achieving an excellent signal to noise ratio that for the first time enables continuous and reliable measurement of oximetry data on the wrist.

WO 2013/022911 describes a biotelemetry system for disposition on the wrist. The device of the invention may be portable, untethered and in some instances, disposable. The features of the wrist biotelemetry system make it effective in stable, chronic or emergency medical settings. This invention provides a biotelemetry device operative at, and/or which may be worn around, an extremity such as the wrist.

US 2014/0088881 describes a system, apparatus and method. The system includes a contact lens that facilitates collection and/or processing of information associated with sensed features. ln one aspect, the system can include a contact lens and an analysis component external to the contact lens. The contact lens can include a substrate; and a circuit, disposed on or within the substrate. The circuit can include: a plurality of sensors configured to sense respective features associated with a user of the contact lens; and a communication component configured to P226583.SE.01 communicate information indicative of sensed features. The analysis component can be configured to: receive the information indicative of the sensed features; and generate statistical information based, at least, on the information indicative of the sensed features.

ZA2013/00054 describes devices and methods for assessing a patient. The devices have at least one impedance measuring element functionally connected to a programmable element, programmed to analyse an impedance measurement, and to provide an assessment of the patient. Preferably the device includes electronics which aid in calibration, signal acquisition, conditioning, and filtering.

ZA2014/07172 discloses a mobile device for analysing breath samples, comprising (a) at least one mouthpiece provided with at least one inlet opening for allowing a person to respectively inhale and exhale via the mouthpiece, (b) at least one air filter connected to the mouthpiece for filtering ambient air to be inhaled by the person, and (c) at least one analysis compartment connected to the outlet opening of the mouthpiece and provided with at least one chemical trace detector. The chemical trace detector comprises: at least one semi-conducting sensor; at least heating element for heating the semi-conducting sensor; at least one processor for controlling the heating element; and a detecting circuit for detecting the change in resistance of the semi-conducting sensor which is at least partially determined by the presence of at least one chemical trace which reacts in the presence of the semi- conducting sensor.

ZA2014/01107 describes a portable integrated self-contained rechargeable arrangement with AC-DC direct current battery system mounted within an instrument case for housing a foldable keyboard, a display and plurality of medical test and treatment modules. lt optionally includes a suitable DC to AC inverter to supply AC power. The system includes at least one USB port for adding external test and treatment modules on an ad hoc basis. lt also includes full duplex data and information input, processing, output and communications interface to and from sensors, transducers, networks and other data/information generation or consumption modules, devices and subsystems. lt is also known by its three trademark names "Hospital in a box", RK Ruskat (Stylised) and SCOMET.

WO2016/123047 describes an ultrasonic communication system and method which provides a networking framework for wearable devices based on ultrasonic communications. The ultrasonic communication system and method incorporate a set of physical, data link, network and application layer functionalities that can P226583.SE.01 flexibly adapt to application and system requirements to efficiently distribute information betvveen ultrasonic wearable devices.

WO2016/126282 describes a method and technology to display 3D graphical output for a user using body sensor data and personal medical data in real time.

WO2017/11735 (Non-lnvasive Measurement of Ambulatory Blood Pressure): ln this document, systems and methods are provided in which data acquisition device detects and captures ambulatory radial arterial blood pressure in a non- invasive and continuous manner through the combined use of tonometry, accelerometry and photoplethysmography, together with the detecting and translating of Mayer waves. Transformed blood pressure data, together with motion and contextual data can be used as input for machine learning algorithms and biomathematical models which can predict the general state of health of an individual. Transformed blood pressure data, together with motion and contextual data, may be communicated via wireless communications to mobile devices and/or cloud based platforms.

US 2014/0257058 describes a system which has a sensor measuring and sensing physiological condition and generating or acquiring sensor data. A computing device processes a portion of the data and generates diagnostic data based on the sensor data. A user interface is configured for user interaction. The device receives input data from remote data resource over a network e.g. intranet. The resource comprises a medical database comprising medical and health record data. The diagnostic data is generated based on portion of user data input and user interaction with the device and the sensor. ln US 7,314,451 a method is provided for predicting an onset of an asthma attack. The method includes sensing at least one parameter of a subject without contacting or viewing the subject or clothes the subject is wearing, and predicting the onset of the asthma attack at least in part responsively to the sensed parameter. Also provided is a method for predicting an onset of an episode associated with congestive heart failure (CHF), including sensing at least one parameter of a subject without contacting or viewing the subject or clothes the subject is wearing, and predicting the onset of the episode at least in part responsively to the sensed parameter.

US 9,131,902 (Prediction and Monitoring of Clinical Episodes). ln this document an apparatus and method are described, including an apparatus for predicting an onset of a clinical episode. The apparatus includes a sensor, P226583.SE.01 configured to sense at least one parameter of a subject substantially continuously during a period having a duration of at least one hour, and a control unit, configured to predict, at least one hour prior to the onset of the clinical episode, the onset at least in part responsively to the sensed parameter.

US 9,215,980 describes a heart monitoring system for a person which includes one or more wireless nodes; and a wearable appliance in communication with the one or more wireless nodes, the appliance monitoring vital signs.

US 9,526,429 describes an apparatus, system, and method for monitoring a person suffering from a chronic medical condition, and which predicts and assesses physiological changes which could affect the care of that subject. Examples of such chronic diseases include heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and diabetes. Monitoring includes measurements of respiratory movements, which can then be analyzed for evidence of changes in respiratory rate, or for events such as hypoponeas, apneas and periodic breathing. Monitoring may be augmented by the measurement of nocturnal heart rate in conjunction with respiratory monitoring. Additional physiological measurements can also be taken such as subjective symptom data, blood pressure, blood oxygen levels and various molecular markers.

US 8,734,360 describes an apparatus and methods for use with a subject who is undergoing respiration. A motion sensor senses motion of a subject. A breathing pattern analysis unit analyzes components of the sensed motion that result from the subject's respiration. The breathing pattern analysis unit includes double- movement-respiration-cycle-pattern-identification functionality that designates respiration cycles as being double-movement-respiration cycles (DMRC's) by determining that the cycles define two subcycles. Double-movement-respiration- cycle-event-identification functionality of the breathing pattern analysis unit identifies a DMRC event by detecting that the subject has undergone a plurality of DMRC's. An output is generated that is indicative of the subject having used accessory muscles in breathing, in response to identification of the double-movement- respiration-cycle event.

US 8,734,360 describes an ambulatory medical device which has a signal receiver, configured to receive a physiologic signal, for detecting a physiologic target event or condition of a patient. A confounding event detector determines presence of a confounding event, different from the target event or condition, from at least one confounding event-bearing signal. A signal processing circuit segments the P226583.SE.01 physiologic signal into at least two segments, and adjusts at least one of the segments.

EP 2 393 422 provides a system for clinical earlier detection of changes to allow clinical intervention and improves the detection of clinical deterioration in heart failure since health assessment of the subject is determined by selectively combining respiratory features of the subject. Hence the system provides accurate, cost- effective and convenient measurement and analysis of physiological parameters. The system can measure respiratory patterns over a prolonged period of time convenient for the patient.

EP 2 923 346 describes a medical monitoring system. The medical monitoring system has a Wearable monitoring device that serves to monitor a physiological parameter of a subject. A wireless transceiver unit communicates with the Wearable monitoring device through a Wireless communication using a communication module. The wireless transceiver unit communicates a medical alert signal and an electrically embodied physiological parameter measurement communicated from the Wearable monitoring device, to a remote monitoring station through wireless communication, wire-line communication and/or optical communication.

EP 3 185 766 describes devices, systems and methods for the detection of anatomical or physiological characteristics. The system has a detection device for detecting data corresponding to anatomical or physiological characteristic and transmitting the data. A data portal device receives the data from the detection device and transmits the data. A networked or local computer system receives the data from the data portal device. The networked or local computer system generates a diagnosis related to the anatomical or physiological characteristic based on the data and provides the diagnosis as an output.

EP 3 120 758 describes a system which has a smart device paired in a communication protocol with a biomedical device. A communication hub receives communication containing a data value from the biomedical device and transmits the communication to a content server, where the content server processes the data value and stored data values to predict need for action relating to a user's medical condition. A communication link is fixed between the system and an external node, where the external node comprises a medical specialist, a piece of automated dosing equipment, and an emergency care provider.

P226583.SE.01 GB 2 425 180 describes a monitoring device which comprises sensors, a processor and a transceiver. The sensors record physiological information from user in real time. The processor processes information to derive secondary physiological information such as, rates and periodicity, and processes at least two physiological or secondary information items in real time to derive welfare indication of at least two levels including abnormal and normal. The transceiver communicates welfare indication wirelessly to a mobile communications device, which forwards this to remote monitoring station for review and assessment.

None of the above-mentioned inventions however take into account that each person's asthma triggers are unique and can be influenced by the environment to which the person was subjected to previously. ln other words, historical environmental conditions to which a person was subjected to, can have an influence on the persons' individual asthma triggers.

The lnventor wishes to address at least some of the problems mentioned above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION ln accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided an asthma warning/prevention system which includes: a monitoring module which is configured to receive measurement data of at least one environmental parameter measured by at least one environmental monitoring arrangement; utilise the measurement data of the environmental parameter in order to determine whether the measured environmental parameter exceeds a current upper trigger level for a particular person and, if so, to adjust the current upper trigger level for that person, and/or falls below a current lower trigger level for the particular person and, if so, to adjust the current lower trigger level for the person. A "module", in the context of the specification, includes an identifiable portion of code, computational or executable instructions, or a computational object to achieve a particular function, operation, processing, or procedure. A module may be implemented in software, hardware or a combination of software and hardware.

P226583.SE.01 When asthma suffers are subjected to certain unwanted environmental conditions, it can lead to an asthma attack. These environmental conditions are typically determined by measuring one or more environmental parameters. The term "environmental parameters", in this specification, refers to environmental parameters which, when measured, can provide an indication as to whether the environment is unfavourable for asthma sufferers (i.e. inducive to an asthma attack).

The monitoring module may be configured, when the measured environmental parameter exceeds the current upper trigger level for the person, to adjust the current upper trigger level to a lower level.

The monitoring module may be configured to receive measurement data of a plurality of environmental parameters measured by one or more environmental monitoring arrangements.

The monitoring module may be further configured to utilise the measurement data of the environmental parameters in order to determine, for each environmental parameter, whether the measured environmental parameter exceeds a current upper trigger level for the specific environmental parameter for the particular person and, if so, to adjust the said current upper trigger level for that person, and/or falls below a current lower trigger level for the specific environmental parameter for the particular person and, if so, to adjust the said current lower trigger level for the person.

The monitoring module may be configured to: determine when the measured environmental parameter is approaching the upper trigger level and to generate/initiate a warning message/signal in order to warn the particular person; and/or determine when the measured environmental parameter is approaching the lower trigger level and to generate/initiate a warning message/signal in order to warn the particular person.

The monitoring module may be configured to utilise a prediction algorithm (i.e. implemented in software and executed by a processor) which predicts a future value of the environmental parameter. The monitoring module may be further configured to generate/initiate a warning message/signal in order to warn the particular person when: the monitoring module predicts that the upper trigger level might be reached soon; and/or P226583.SE.01 the monitoring module predicts that the lower trigger level might be reached soon.

The system may include a database on which the current upper trigger level and/or current lower trigger level of the particular person is stored. The monitoring module may be configured to store the adjusted current upper trigger level and/or adjusted current lower trigger level on the database. Preferably, for each of a plurality of people, a current upper trigger level and/or current lower trigger level for the environmental parameter, may be stored on the database.

The monitoring module may be configured to receive measurement data from a plurality of environmental monitoring arrangements. Each environmental monitoring arrangement may be associated with a particular person whose current upper trigger level and/or current lower trigger level is/are stored on the database, and the measurement data received from each environmental monitoring arrangement may be of at least one environmental parameter measured by the said environmental monitoring arrangement. The monitoring module is then be configured to determine, for each of person, whether the measured environmental parameter, which is associated with that person, exceeds a current upper trigger level for that particular person and, if so, to adjust the said current upper trigger level and store it on the database, and/or falls below a current lower trigger level for that particular person and, if so, to adjust the said current lower trigger level and store it on the database.

The system may include the environmental monitoring arrangement. The environmental monitoring arrangement may form part of a portable device which is separate from the monitoring module. The environmental monitoring arrangement may then be configured to send measurement data of the at least one environmental parameter measured thereby, via a communication link/network, to the monitoring module.

The system may include a plurality of environmental monitoring arrangements. One or more of the environmental monitoring arrangements may be fixed at a particular location. A plurality of the environmental monitoring arrangements may be fixed at various geographic locations.

The system may include a wearable asthma warning device which is associated with the particular person and which is, in use, warn by the person.

P226583.SE.O1 11 The wearable asthma warning device may incorporate the monitoring module. ln an alternative, preferred embodiment, the wearable asthma warning device may be configured to communicate with the monitoring module via a communication link/network. The wearable asthma warning device may therefore be separate/remote from the monitoring arrangement.

The monitoring module may be configured to determine when the measured environmental parameter is approaching the current upper trigger level and to send a warning message/signal to the wearable asthma warning device, via the communication link/network. The wearable asthma warning device may be configured to warn the particular person by triggering a visual, vibratory and/or audible warning, when it receives the warning message/signal from the monitoring module.

The wearable asthma warning device may be in the form of a smart wrist band.

The environmental parameter may be any one of the following: Ozone (O3); sulfur dioxide (SO2); carbon monoxide (CO); nitrogen dioxide (NO2); particulate matter; relative humidity; temperature; smoke; pet dander; airborne viral particles; dust; and pollen.

The system may include the environmental monitoring arrangement. The environmental monitoring arrangement may include a sensor for measuring the environmental parameter. The environmental monitoring arrangement may be configured to measure a plurality of different environmental monitoring parameters. The environmental monitoring arrangement may include a plurality of sensors which are configured to measure the plurality of different environmental parameters. The environmental parameters may include any two or more of the following: Ozone (O3); sulfur dioxide (SO2); carbon monoxide (CO); nitrogen dioxide (NO2); particulate matter; relative humidity; temperature; smoke; pet dander; airborne viral particles; dust; and pollen.

The current upper trigger level may, before adjustment, be based on one or more personal factors of the particular person. The personal factors may relate to demographic data of the user. The demographic data may include the age, sex and/or race of the particular person.

The monitoring module may be configured to implement an algorithm in order to calculate the current upper trigger level based on, at least, historical measurements of the environmental parameter and/or one or more personal factors P226583.SE.O1 12 of the particular person. The monitoring module may include a processor and software which is stored on a/the database. The processor may, together with the software, be configured to implement the algorithm.

The wearable asthma warning device may include a heartrate monitor/monitoring arrangement which is configured to measure the heartrate of the person. The heartrate monitor/monitoring arrangement may be configured to send the measured heartrate to the monitoring module via a communication network. The monitoring module may be configured to warn the person, when wearing the wearable asthma warning device, when his/her heartrate is approaching an upper heart rate trigger level. For example, the monitoring module may send a warning signal/message to the wearable asthma warning device. The wearable asthma warning device may be configured to trigger/initiate/execute a visual, vibratory and/or audible warning, in order to warn the particular person.

The system may include a body monitoring arrangement which is configured to measure one or more respiratory, physiological and/or biological parameters of the particular person. The wearable asthma warning device may include the body monitoring arrangement. The body monitoring arrangement may include a mouthpiece for allowing a person to inhale and/or exhale there through. The body monitoring arrangement may be configured to measure any one or more of the following respiratory/physiological/biological parameters: air flow rate during an exhale, when the person exhales through the mouthpiece; biological oxygen saturation; heartrate; and blood pressure.

Air flow rate may be measured by a differential pressure sensor(s). More specifically, air flow rate may be measured by differential pressure measurements analysed by differential pressure transducer sensors.

The monitoring module may be configured to analyse, or determine the presence of, one or more asthma symptoms by utilising data/information on the one or more measured respiratory/physiological/biological parameters.

The monitoring module may be configured to analyse, or determine the presence of, one or more asthma symptoms by utilising data/information on the one P226583.SE.01 13 or more measured respiratory/physiological/biological parameters. The monitoring module may be configured to trigger an alert, if it determines that one or more asthma symptoms are present. The alert may be sent to the wearable asthma warning device of the particular user.

Alternatively, the body monitoring arrangement may be configured to analyse, or determine the presence of, one or more asthma symptoms by utilising data/information on the one or more measured respiratory/ physiological/biological parameters. The body monitoring arrangement may be configured to trigger an alert, if it determines that one or more asthma symptoms are present.

The monitoring module may be configured to send a request to the wearable asthma warning device of the particular person requesting the body monitoring arrangement thereof to measure the one or more respiratory/physiological/biological parameters of the person, when it determines that a measured environmental parameter exceeds its current upper trigger level for the particular person.

The monitoring module may be configured, if the body monitoring arrangement determines that no asthma symptom(s) are present, to adjust the current upper trigger level for the particular environmental parameter to a higher level, for the particular person. The monitoring module may be configured, if the body monitoring arrangement determines that an asthma symptom(s) is/are present, to adjust the current upper trigger level for the particular environmental parameter to a lower level, for the particular person.

The wearable asthma warning device may include a body or attachment arrangement for rendering the device attachable to part of a body of the person. The body part may be an arm/wrist. The attachment arrangement may therefore include a wrist band.

The wearable asthma warning device may include a communication module which is configured to provide/establish communication between the wearable asthma warning device and the monitoring module.

The device may include a communication module which is configured to provide/establish communication between the wearable asthma warning device and the monitoring module.

The communication module may be configured to send information on the measured environmental parameter; the physiological/respiratory parameter; a result of the analysis of the one or more asthma symptoms; and/or P226583.SE.O1 14 whether the current upper trigger level has been exceeded, to the monitoring module. ln accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is provided a wearable asthma warning/prevention device which includes: a monitoring module which is configured to receive measurement data of at least one environmental parameter measured by at least one environmental monitoring arrangement; and utilise the measurement data of the environmental parameter in order to determine whether the measured environmental parameter exceeds a current upper trigger level for a particular person and, if so, to adjust the current upper trigger level for the person, and/or falls below a current lower trigger level for the particular person and, if so, to adjust the current lower trigger level for the person.

The device may include the environmental monitoring arrangement which is configured to measure the environmental parameter to which the person wearing the device is subjected to.

The device may include a wristband. The device may be a smart wristband.

The device may include a body monitoring arrangement which is configured to measure one or more respiratory, physiological and/or biological parameters of the particular person wearing the device.

The device may include a mouthpiece for allowing a person to inhale and/or exhale there through. The body monitoring arrangement may be configured to measure one or more respiratory, physiological and/or biological parameters, when the person exhales through the mouthpiece. ln accordance with a third aspect of the invention there is provided a computer program which, when executed by a processor/computing device, is configured to: receive measurement information/data from at least one environmental monitoring arrangement, wherein the measurement information/data relates to at least one environmental parameter to which a particular person is subjected to; and P226583.SE.01 determine, by utilising the received information/data, whether the measured environmental parameter exceeds a current upper trigger level for the particular person and, if so, to adjust the current upper trigger level for the particular person, and/or falls below a current lower trigger level for the particular person and, if so, to adjust the current lower trigger level for the particular person. ln accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a non- transitory computer readable storage medium on which the computer program, in accordance with the third aspect of the invention, is stored. ln accordance with a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided an asthma warning/prevention device/system which includes a database and the computer program in accordance with the third aspect of the invention, which is stored on the database. ln accordance with a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a portable asthma warning apparatus/device which includes: an environmental monitoring arrangement which is configured to measure at least one environmental parameter to which a person using the device may be subjected to; and a monitoring module which is configured to utilise data from the environmental monitoring arrangement on the environmental parameter in order to determine whether the measured environmental parameter (i) exceeds a current upper trigger level for the particular person and/or (ii) falls below a current lower trigger level for the particular person, wherein the current upper trigger level and/or current lower trigger level is/are a personalised trigger level(s) which is/has been calculated/determined for the specific person. The apparatus may include a wearable device which incorporates the monitoring module. ln accordance with a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided an asthma warning/prevention system which includes: a monitoring module which is configured to receive measurement data of one or more environmental parameters; and utilise the measurement data in order to determine whether the measured environmental parameter (i) exceeds a current upper trigger level for a particular person and/or (ii) falls below a current lower trigger level for P226583.SE.01 16 the particular person, wherein the trigger level is a personalised trigger level which is/has been calculated for the particular person. ln accordance with an eight aspect of the invention there is provided a method of warning a person against a possible asthma attack or possible asthma symptoms, wherein the method includes: receiving measurement data of at least one environmental parameter to which a particular person is subjected to; utilising the measurement data of the environmental parameter in order to determine whether the measured environmental parameter exceeds a current upper trigger level for the particular person and, if so, to adjust the current upper trigger level, and/or falls below a current lower trigger level for the particular person and, if so, to adjust the current lower trigger level.

The environmental parameter may be received from an environmental monitoring arrangement which is carried/worn by the particular person.

The method may include: receiving real-time measurement data of one or more respiratory, physiological and/or biological parameters which is/are associated with the particular person; and by using a processor, determining the presence of one or more asthma symptoms by utilising the measurement data of the one or more measured respiratory/physiological/biological parameters.

The method may include, when determining that the measured environmental parameter exceeds the current upper trigger level or falls below a current lower trigger level, sending a request to a wearable device of the particular person requesting that the person use a body monitoring arrangement of the device to measure the one or more respiratory/ physiological/biological parameters.

The method may include, when no asthma symptoms are determined to be present, adjusting the current upper trigger level for the particular environmental parameter to a higher level, for the particular person.

The method may include, when one or more asthma symptoms are determined to be present, adjusting the current upper trigger level for the particular environmental parameter to a lower level, for the particular person.

P226583.SE.01 BRIEF 17 DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrams. ln the drawings: Figure1a shows a schematic layout of the asthma warning/prevention system in accordance with the invention; Figure1b shows a schematic functional layout of the system of Figure 1a.

Figure 1c shows another schematic layout of the system of Figure 1a; Figure 2a shows a graphical illustration of: a particular environmental parameter (e.g. temperature) to which a user of a conventional asthma warning device is subjected to over time; the various trigger levels for the user of the particular environmental parameter; and how a warning of the conventional asthma warning device influences the trigger levels; Figure 2b shows a graphical illustration of: a particular environmental parameter (e.g. temperature) to which a user of a wearable/portable device which forms part of the system of Figure 1a, is subjected to over time; the various trigger levels for the user of the particular environmental parameter; and how a warning/prediction of the device influences the trigger levels; Figure3 shows a graphical illustration of a particular environmental parameter to which a user of a wearable/portable device which forms part of the system of Figure 1a,is subjected to over time and how a prediction algorithm incorporated into the device can warn a user before an upper trigger level is reached; Figure 4 shows another graphical illustration of an environmental parameter in the form of ambit temperature to which a user of a wearable/portable device which forms part of the system of Figure 1a, is subjected to over time and how a prediction algorithm incorporated into the device can warn a user before an upper trigger level is reached; Figures 5a-d shows a graphical illustration of how different people may have different trigger levels for different environmental parameters; P226583.SE.01 18 Figure 6 shows a Simplified flow diagram which illustrates the general operation of the device of Figure 1a; Figure 7a shows a table which sets out an example of certain trigger limits for environmental parameters which can be measured by the device of Figure 1a; Figure 7b shows a table which sets out an example of certain limits for respiratory parameters which can be measured by the system of Figure 1a; Figure 8 shows a table which lists a number of sensors which could be used to measure different environmental, respiratory and cardiovascular parameters; Figure9 shows a schematic illustration of a localised map; Figure 10 shows a schematic illustration of a globalised map; Figure 11 shows a three-dimensional view of a wearable user device which forms part of the system; Figure 12 shows a three-dimensional, schematic view of where a person wears and uses the wearable user device shown in Figure 11; Figure13a shows a schematic layout of an alternative embodiment of the asthma warning/prevention system illustrated in Figure 1a; Figure 13b shows a schematic functional layout of the system of Figure 13a.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention relates to an asthma warning/prevention system. The system includes an asthma warning device which can typically be carried/worn by asthma sufferers. The system is typically configured to calculate personal environmental trigger levels for each individual wearing the device and which is adjusted when the individual is exposed to certain environmental parameters/conditions which exceed their associated trigger levels. ln one example, the device can be worn on a person's arm (similar to a wrist band). The device can therefore include a securing mechanism, such as a band, P226583.SE.01 19 which can wrap around a person's wrist in order to secure it. ln other words, the device may be a smart wrist band. ln Figures 1a-c, reference numeral 10 refers generally to the asthma warning/prevention system in accordance with the invention. The system 10 typically includes a central processing/monitoring station/server 11 and a plurality of wearable/portable user devices 13 which are worn/carried by different people (e.g. asthma sufferers) which form part of, or is associated with, the system 10.

The monitoring station 11 typically includes a monitoring module 16, communication module 17 and a database 19. The modules 16, 17 are implemented by a processor 15 and appropriate software which is stored on the database 19.

Each device 13 includes an environmental monitoring arrangement 12, a body monitoring arrangement 14, a communication module 18. The communication module 18 is implemented by a processor 21. ln a slight alternative embodiment, the environmental monitoring arrangement 12 may not be included in the device 13 itself and may therefore be separate therefrom. ln other words, the environmental monitoring arrangement 12 may be carried separately from the device 13 (e.g. the device 13 may be worn on the wrist of a person, while the environmental monitoring arrangement 12 may form part of a separate device which is also carried by the person). This alternative embodiment is described in more detail later on in the specification, with reference to Figures 13a&b.

As shown in Figures 11 and 12, each device 13 may be in the form of a smart wristband as illustrated. ln this example, the device 13 includes a band 50 for securing the device 13 around a person's wrist (or arm), a housing/housing portion 52, and a display screen 54 which is provided in a top/front face of the housing portion 52. The housing portion 52 typically houses the processor 21 and communication module 18. ln addition, the housing portion 52 can also house part of the body monitoring arrangement 14. The environmental monitoring arrangement 12 may also be housed in the housing portion 52.

The environmental monitoring arrangement 12 includes a plurality of sensors. Each sensor is typically configured to measure a specific environmental parameter which can potentially have an effect on an asthma sufferer's asthma condition. ln other words, the environmental monitoring arrangement 12 includes a plurality of sensors which are configured to measure a plurality of environmental parameters. The sensors of the environmental monitoring arrangement 12 can, more specifically, be configured to measure the following environmental parameters: P226583.SE.01 Ozone (O3); sulfur dioxide (802): carbon monoxide (CO); nitrogen dioxide(NO2); relative humidity; temperature; air/barometric pressure; smoke; pet dander; airborne viral particles; dust; and/or pollen.

Reference is in this regard made to Figure 8 which lists a number of sensors which could be used to measure some of the environmental parameters mentioned above.

The body monitoring arrangement 14 includes a plurality of sensors. Each sensor is typically configured to measure a specific respiratory or cardiovascular parameter which can potentially have an effect on an asthma sufferer or be indicative of an asthma condition/attack or an imminent attack. ln other words, the body monitoring arrangement 14 includes a plurality of sensors which are configured to measure a plurality of respiratory and cardiovascular parameters. The sensors of the body monitoring arrangement 14 can, more specifically, be configured to measure the following respiratory or cardiovascular parameters: air flow rate (e.g. during inhaling using a peak flow meter or spirometer device); heart rate; oxygen saturation (e.g. using an oximeter device); and/or blood pressure.

Reference is in this regard made to Figure 8 which lists a number of sensors which could be used to measure some of the respiratory or cardiovascular parameters mentioned above. lt will be noted from Figure 8 that air flow rate can be measured by differential pressure measurements analysed by differential pressure transducer sensors.

As shown in Figure 11, the device 13 includes a mouthpiece 56 into which a person 113 can blow/breath. This then allows those sensors of the body monitoring P226583.SE.01 21 arrangement 14 which require a person's breath for capturing/sensing a particular respiratory or cardiovascular parameter(s), to capture the respiratory or cardiovascular parameter(s) when a person blows/breaths into the mouthpiece 56. The mouthpiece 56 therefore forms part of the body monitoring arrangement 14.

Oxygen saturation, pulse rate and/or blood pressure can be measured on arterial blood flowing through the wrist area. This can be done by the sensors 58 shown in Figure 11, which form part of the body monitoring arrangement 14. ln this example the sensors 58 are secured to the band 50 and located opposite the display screen ln one example, the sensor used is a SFH 7060 optical sensor developed by Osram. The SFH 7060 optical sensor consists of three green LEDs, one red LED, one infrared LED and one large-format photodiode, which is optically separated from the emitters by an opaque barrier. lt works by shining light into the skin. Different amounts of this light are absorbed by blood and the surrounding tissue. The light that is not absorbed is reflected to the detector. Absorption measurements with different wavelengths are used to determine the pulse rate and the saturation level of oxygen in the blood.

Each device 13 is typically configured to send measurement data on the measured environmental parameters (measured by the environmental monitoring arrangement 12) to the monitoring station 11 via a wireless communication network 110 (e.g. a mobile telecommunication network), by using the communication module 18. ln addition, each device can also send measurement data on the measured respiratory or cardiovascular parameters to the monitoring station 11 via the wireless communication network 110. Each device 13 preferably sends the measurement data on the measured environmental parameters on a regular/continual/continuous basis to the monitoring station 11. Each device 13 may send the measurement data on the measured respiratory or cardiovascular parameters on a regular/continual/continuous basis to the monitoring station or, alternatively, upon receiving a request from the monitoring station 11.

Each device 13 includes a battery, preferably a rechargeable battery, for providing power thereto (i.e. all its components). The device 13 typically includes a socket for allowing the battery to be recharged. ln the alternative embodiment illustrated in Figures 13a&b, the environmental monitoring arrangement 12 may not be included in the device 13 itself and may therefore be separate therefrom. ln other words, the environmental monitoring arrangement 12 may be carried separately from the device 13 (e.g. the device 13 P226583.SE.01 22 may be worn on the wrist of a person, while the environmental monitoring arrangement 12 may form part of a separate device which is also carried by the person). The system 10 can include a portable power bank 120 for recharging an internal, rechargeable battery of the device. ln the example shown in Figures 12a&b, the power bank 120 and the environmental monitoring arrangement 12 may be incorporated into one portable device 122 which can be carried by a user. The portable device 122 will then also include a communication module 124 for sending measurement data on the measured environmental parameters (measured by the environmental monitoring arrangement 12) to the monitoring station 11 via a wireless communication network 110. The power bank 120 may be a solar charged power bank.

The monitoring module 16 is configured to include a personalised trigger set for each user 113 which is associated with the system 10 (i.e. each user 113 who wears/carries a device 13). The trigger sets are saved on the database 19. The trigger set typically includes one or more trigger levels for at least one of, preferably at least a plurality of, ideally each of the environmental and respiratory/cardiovascular parameters which are measured by the sensors of the monitoring arrangements 12, 14. lt will be appreciated that, for some environmental/ respiratory/cardiovascular parameters, it is important to ensure that the measurement values thereof do not exceed a certain upper/maximum limit/level. ln this case, the trigger set for a specific environmental parameter may include a maximum/alert trigger limit. Preferably, the trigger set includes an upper trigger limit as well as a maximum/alert trigger limit (which is higher than the upper trigger limit) for the particular measured environmental parameter. ln other instances, it may be important to ensure that the measurement value of the environmental parameter does not drop below a certain lower/minimum limit/level. There will however also be instances where the measurement value of an environmental/ parameter needs to stay within a certain range (i.e. lower than a maximum value and higher than a minimum value). lf the measured environmental parameters do not stay within a desired range (e.g. below an upper trigger limit or above a lower trigger limit), then the environmental condition is such that it may induce an asthma attack.

The monitoring module 22 is therefore configured to send a warning message to the device 13 of the user 113 the moment any of the triggers are triggered. The device 13 can typically include a speaker and/or vibratory feature. The speaker, P226583.SE.01 23 vibratory feature and/or display screen 54 can be used by the processor 21 of the device 13 to warn the user 113, upon receiving the warning message. ln a similar manner, upper and/or lower symptom (trigger) limits/levels are also implemented for the respiratory or cardiovascular parameters, depending on the specific parameter being measured.

The operation of the system 10 is now described in more detail with reference to Figure 1c. As mentioned, each user 113 has his own personalised trigger set derived from their individual demographic data (e.g. age, sex and race) (see block 100). lnitial testing/diagnostics can be done on each user 113 in order to establish an initial, personalised trigger set from them.

The monitoring module 16 checks on a regular/continual/continuous basis all the various environmental parameters (e.g. ozone, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, relative humidity, temperature, dust and pollen) received from each device 13 (see block 102). analysis/checks, at certain instances (see further below), the various respiratory or Furthermore, the monitoring module 22 also cardiovascular parameters (e.g. air flow rate, biological oxygen saturation, blood pressure and heart rate) (see block 104).

More specifically, the monitoring module 16 utilises an algorithm(s) 101 in order to evaluate trigger levels/limits and symptom levels/limits (see block 106) for each user 113. When an environmental parameter is measured above its trigger level for the user 113 and no asthma symptom is recorded (i.e. no symptom triggers are triggered), the level of the specific trigger level is increased. lf, however, an asthma symptom is recorded (e.g. one of the symptom trigger limits/levels are exceeded (after measurement by one of the sensors)), then the specific trigger level/limit is decreased. The reason for the decrease is that the user 113 may, as a result of the exposure to the specific environmental condition (at a particular level), now be more susceptible to future exposures to the same environmental condition. ln other words, the trigger level at which an asthma symptoms occurs, when subjected to the particular environmental condition, is now lower. The/An algorithm 101 is then also used by the processor of the device 10 to predict when an asthma attack will occur (see block 108), in light of the environmental and/or respiratory/cardiovascular measurements, and when treatment or action is needed to manage the asthma sufferer's health (see block 110).

P226583.SE.01 24 lt should be clear that whenever the trigger level/limit should be adjusted for a particular user 113, the processor updates the user's personal trigger levels/limits (see reference numeral 112) and stores it on the database 19. ln one example, when an environmental parameter is measured above its trigger level for a particular user 113, then a request is sent to the associated device 13, requesting that respiratory or cardiovascular parameters for the user 113 be measured and sent back. The device 13 then takes the required measurements by using its body monitoring arrangement 14 and sends the measurement data to the monitoring station 11. The monitoring module 16 then analyses the data in order to determine if the user 113 shows any symptoms of asthma.

As shown in Figures 5a-d, each person will have a unique set of personalised trigger levels, e.g. one for heart rate, one for temperature and one for air quality). For example, one asthma sufferer person may be more susceptible to higher ambit temperatures than another. The trigger set is effectively used as a personalised measurement tool in order to predict when the specific user 113 needs to manage their health.

The algorithm 101 also provides for the adjustment of the trigger levels according to a weighted system. The weighted system takes into account all parameters and how each parameter influences the next, in order to produce a more accurate trigger level in real time.

Physical activity, strong emotions and stress are triggers for asthma. To measure these parameters, the heart rate of the user 113 can be measured to determine the level of these triggers. ln other words, if the user's heart rate exceeds 160 bpm, for example, then it could trigger an asthma attack. The monitoring module can then implement an upper trigger level of 140 bmp to warn the user 113 in advance. Extreme temperatures can also be a trigger for asthma. Therefore, a real time measurement of the temperature is needed to monitor the level. ln these cases, heart rate data and/or temperature date can be sent regularly/continually/continuously to the monitoring station 11 for processing.

Airborne substances and air pollutants are both triggers for asthma. ln order to measure the level of these parameters, the following particles in the air should be measured: pollen, dust, pet dander, ozone, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and smoke.

The predictive nature of the device 10 will now be described more specifically in relation to Figures 3 and 4. Once a personalised trigger set is established for a P226583.SE.01 specific user 113, the algorithm can predict when the user 113 will start to show symptoms of asthma. Each trigger can have a lower, upper and alert limit and therefore establish a preventative, reactive and alert stage. The graph in Figure 4 illustrates when a user 113 is experiencing temperature change by collecting real time temperature data. Through previous data and algorithm predictions, it is predicted that the user 113 will show symptoms of asthma at the lower and upper trigger limits, and show severe asthma symptoms at the alert trigger limit.

From the real time data it shows that at point 1 (current point in time) the user 113 is experiencing an increasing temperature change. The algorithm calculates the rate at which the temperate is changing and predicts that the temperature will reach the upper trigger limit at point 2 if the temperature continues to increase at the same rate. lf the temperature reaches the upper limit, then the user 113 will in all likelihood start to show asthma symptoms.

The monitoring station 11 then sends a warning to the device 13 in order to warn the user 113 that the upper trigger limit will be reached within 10 min. At point 1, the user 113 is currently in the preventative stage and would be able to prevent symptoms of asthma, by taking action (e.g. by changing the environment or reduce physical activity). Figure 3 also illustrates this predictive nature of the device 10.

Reference is now specifically made to Figures 2a&b. ln order to prevent any asthma symptoms from occurring, the user 113 needs to know their trigger limits and be able to monitor these limits in real time. The system 10 enables the user 113 to do exactly that. The system 10 calculates a personal trigger level(s) unique to each user 113, therefore making the monitoring of trigger levels more accurate. The graphs illustrated in Figures 2a&b indicate two scenarios where a user 113 is exposed to a certain environment.

Figure 2a shows how a person will react to the exposed environment by monitoring his/her own symptoms. Figure 2b, on the other hand, shows how a person will react using the system 10. At point 1 on both graphs the person is exposed to an environment above their trigger level/limit (e.g. temperature or another environmental parameter). The prolonged exposure above this trigger level/limit can therefore have an (irreversible) negative effect on their health and the trigger level drops. This means that the person will now experience symptoms earlier than expected due to the reduced trigger level. ln Figure 2a, the user 113 is unaware of the actual trigger level at point "a" and only starts reacting close to the original trigger level at point 'b'. Therefore, the P226583.SE.01 26 exposure to the harmful environment reduces the trigger level further. ln Figure 2b, the person, through the use of the prediction algorithm, is aware of the actual trigger level (an early warning is provided by the system 10 at point 'e') and the person can then react before the trigger level is reached. As a result the trigger limit remains at the same level. Points "c" and "g" emphasise how important it is for the person to be able to monitor their trigger level. At point 'c' in Figure 2a, the person is unaware that the alert trigger limit is much lower than expected and a critical point is therefore reached earlier than expected, which may endanger the person's life. At point "g" in Figure 2b, (i.e. the same point in time as point 'c' in Figure 2a) with the same environmental conditions, the person is still not showing any symptoms and is aware of the actual trigger level.

Figure 7a shows a table which sets out an example of certain trigger limits for environmental parameters which can be measured by the system 10. Similarly, Figure 7b shows a table which sets out an example of certain limits for respiratory parameters which can be measured by the device 10. Figure 8 shows a table which lists a number of sensors which could be used to measure different environmental, respiratory and cardiovascular parameters.

Reference is now specifically made to Figure 6, which illustrates the general operational flow of the system 10. The user 113 will start by switching the device 13 on and wearing it throughout his/her daily routine. The device 13 is typically light weight, comfortable and easy to use. Once the device 13 is switched on, it starts to measure environmental parameters, as well as heart rate, in order to collect data and send it to the monitoring station 11. lnitially, an initial, personal trigger set and levels will be set up (e.g. based on initial testing/diagnostics). The system 10 allows the user 113 to monitor their environment and trigger levels in real time. The system 10 is configured to communicate the collected data in a simple and easy way (e.g. via a user interface screen on the user device 13) in order for the user 113 to understand what it means and what to do next. The device 13 can warn the user 113 when action is needed (e.g. when the user 113 is close to his/her trigger limit).

Through the communication of the warning, the user 113 will know what trigger limit is almost reached and what action to take. For example, the user interface screen can display a message that the ambit temperature is getting close to the person's personal temperature trigger limit and therefore need to go to a cooler environment. When the user 113 reaches a point where the monitoring module 16 communicates with the device 13 that more monitoring data is needed (e.g. a P226583.SE.O1 27 particular trigger level has been reached), the user 113 would then use the sensors of the body monitoring arrangement 14 to measure the respiratory/physiological parameters (some of these respiratory/physiological measurements can however be taken automatically without user input). The device 13 is configured to communicate to the user 113 (e.g. via an audible indication or the user interface screen) that the respiratory/physiological should be taken. The measured respiratory/physiological data is then sent to the monitoring station 11, which then determines whether or not the user shows any sights of asthma. lf asthma symptoms are detected, then a notification is sent to the device 13, which then communicates to the user 113 that treatment is required and/or that emergency steps are needed. lt should be noted that the one or both of the communication modules 17, 18 may be configured to send an emergency notification to a primary caregiver (or other entity, when respiratory parameters reaches alert levels. More specifically, the notification is sent to a mobile phone of the primary caregiver.

Reference is now specifically made to Figures 9 and 10, which illustrate scenarios where fixed and portable devices are used to produce a local and global map to prevent asthma. lt should be noted that the processing performed by the monitoring module 16 may, as a whole or in part, be performed by a module which is incorporated into the device 13. ln other words, the monitoring of environmental parameters may, for example, be conducted by the device 13.

Furthermore, as mentioned above, in a slight alternative embodiment, a portable device can be used which includes the power bank 120 and the environmental monitoring arrangement 12.

The device 13 may include a location module (e.g. a GPS module/function). The system 10/monitoring module 16 may be configured to utilise environmental measurements obtained from all the devices 13 of the system 10, together with the geographic locations at which the measurements were taken, in order to warn users who might be travelling through certain locations which might pose an asthma risk (based on previous measurements). ln other words, the system 10 may be configured to create a map (e.g. updated in real time) which links all the various environmental measurements which were taken by the devices 10 with the locations at which they were taken. This map can then be used to warn users against certain areas which should be avoided.

P226583.SE.01 28 lt should also be noted that the system can include a plurality of other environmental monitoring arrangements which are provided at certain fixed locations. These measurements, together with their associated locations, can be then taken into account When creating the map. When a user, for example, uses the location module of the device 13 to go to a specific place, then the location can identify possible risky areas and/or route the user in such a manner in order to avoid those risky areas, if possible. Example 1 - see Fiqure 9 a. Exercise Data is captured during a user's run in a wooded area. b. Over-exertion lmmediate physiological readings indicate that a user's heart rate has been increasing consistently. The user's trigger set is consulted and the algorithm predicts that the user's heart rate will reach the trigger limits of his/her trigger set if he/she continued at his/her current pace. The user 113 is notified via the device 13 of the imminent trigger limit and possible preventative actions. The user 113 responds and slows his/her running pace to a safer level. c. Wood fire lmmediate environmental data indicates that air quality has been steadily declining while running in a certain direction. The user's trigger set is consulted. The algorithm predicts that the air quality will degrade further to such an extent that the user 113 will have an asthma attack if they Were to continue in the same direction. A notification is issued, informing the user 113 about the dangerous air quality. The user 113 is advised to change course in order to avoid over-exposure and possible attack. The user 113 takes action immediately and changes their heading. Further environmental data indicates that the air quality is improving. d. Over-exertion lmmediate physiological readings indicate that a user's heart rate has been increasing consistently. The user's trigger set is consulted. The algorithm predicts that the user's heart rate will reach the trigger limits of their trigger set if they continued at their current pace. The user 113 is P226583.SE.01 29 notified of the imminent trigger limit and preventative actions to take. The user 113 responds and slows their running pace to a safer level. ln this example, the device 13 can utilise a built-in GPS to capture the different events on a geographic map as shown in Figure 9.

Example 2 - see Fiqure 10 a) Morning lmmediate physiological data is captured and referenced to the localised environmental data to update the user's trigger limits and maintain the user's personalised trigger set, while also indicating the user's current state of health. A notification provides information to the user 113 about existing and predicted risks on their usual route to work. The data can be captured using fixed environmental sensors which are distributed across a wide geographic area. This data can then be relayed to the monitoring station 11, which is then sent to (or accessible by) the device 13. The device 13 then uses this data, together with a built-in GPS, in order to warn a user 113 of potential risks. b) Pollen Risk Seasonal and weather data predicts an air quality risk near a nature reserve. The user 113 avoids passing down wind of the nature reserve by altering their usual route based on the notification received before leaving home. c) Traffic risk Capture environmental data of all users 113 are typically sent to a central station/processing center, which can then communicate possible risks within a particular area to other users 113. ln other words, captured environmental data is effectively logged against the geographic location of where it was captured to provide a geographic map of up-to-date/current measurements. ln the present example, a fellow user's environmental data indicates an air quality risk on the user's route, possibly indicating traffic congestion. The user's trigger set is consulted. Carbon monoxide levels are below the user's trigger limits and levels are not rising. The user 113 is not at risk and no further action is required. d) Refinery VOC risk P226583.SE.01 Environmental data indicates high levels of VOC's near the refinery.

The user's trigger set indicates a high sensitivity to VOC's. A notification provides pre-emptive information while the user 113 is on route. The user 113 takes action and alters the usual route in order to avoid the risk.

Some parameters, such as ambient temperature, the location of the user 113 and/or heart rate, can be monitored consistently/continually. Other parameters, such as parameters relating to air quality, can be monitored less frequently (e.g. at intermittent intervals). Parameters such as peak air flow can be monitored only in specific instances.

Without the awareness of actual trigger levels, an asthma sufferer will tend to live a life of uncertainty and their status of health will be a measurement of merely their symptoms, which in some cases can be too late. By using the device 10, asthma sufferers can live a higher quality of life by being able to monitor and update their personalised trigger levels at all times. Their trigger levels can be kept as high as possible for as long as possible by preventing symptoms and the degradation of asthma conditions.

The system 10 provides an asthma sufferer the ability to react to prevent any asthma symptoms from manifesting. This is done by measuring environmental parameters in order to predict when the user will show symptoms. The system 10 therefore effectively provides a proactive approach to an asthma sufferer's condition. The invention also provides an asthma sufferer the ability to react immediately through the measurement of respiratory parameters, thereby allowing a user to manage physical symptoms as soon as they appear.

Claims (10)

1. An asthma warning/prevention system which includes: a monitoring module which is configured toreceive measurement data of at least one environmental parametermeasured by at least one environmental monitoring arrangement;utilise the measurement data of the environmental parameter in orderto determine whether the measured environmental parameterexceeds a current upper trigger level for a particular personand, if so, to adjust the current upper trigger level for that person,and/orfalls below a current lower trigger level for the particularperson and, if so, to adjust the current lower trigger level for the person.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the monitoring module is configuredwhen the measured environmental parameter exceeds the currentupper trigger level for the person, to adjust the current upper trigger level to a lower level.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the monitoring module is configured toreceive measurement data of a plurality of environmental parametersmeasured by one or more environmental monitoring arrangements;utilise the measurement data of the environmental parameters in order todetermine, for each environmental parameter, whether the measuredenvironmental parameterexceeds a current upper trigger level for the specific environmentalparameter for the particular person and, if so, to adjust the said currentupper trigger level for that person, and/orfalls below a current lower trigger level for the specificenvironmental parameter for the particular person and, if so, to adjust the said current lower trigger level for the person.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the monitoring module is configured to utilise a prediction algorithm which predicts a future value of the environmental parameter P226583.SE.0132 and generate/initiate a warning message/signal in order to warn the particularperson when:the monitoring module predicts that the upper trigger level might bereached soon; and/orthe monitoring module predicts that the lower trigger level might be reached soon.

5. The system of claim 1, which includes a database on which the current uppertrigger level and/or current lower trigger level of the particular person is stored,and wherein the monitoring module is configured to store the adjusted current upper trigger level and/or adjusted current lower trigger level on the database.

6. The system of claim 1, which includes a wearable asthma warning device whichincorporates the monitoring module and which is associated with the particular person.

7. The system of claim 1, which includes a wearable asthma warning device which isworn by the person, when in use, and which is configured to communicate with the monitoring module via a communication link/network.

8. The system of claim 6 or claim 7, which includes a body monitoring arrangementwhich is configured to measure one or more respiratory, physiological and/orbiological parameters of the particular person, and wherein the device includes the body monitoring arrangement.

9. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium on which a computerprogram is stored which, when executed by a processor/computing device, isconfigured to:receive measurement information/data from at least one environmentalmonitoring arrangement, wherein the measurement information/data relates to atleast one environmental parameter to which a particular person is subjected to; anddetermine, by utilising the received information/data, whether the measuredenvironmental parameterexceeds a current upper trigger level for the particular person and, if so, to adjust the current upper trigger level for the particular person, and/or P226583.SE.0133 falls below a current lower trigger level for the particular person and, if so, to adjust the current lower trigger level for the particular person.

10. A method of warning a person against a possible asthma attack or possible5 asthma symptoms, wherein the method includes:receiving measurement data of at least one environmental parameterto which a particular person is subjected to;utilising the measurement data of the environmental parameter inorder to determine whether the measured environmental parameter10 exceeds a current upper trigger level for the particular personand, if so, to adjust the current upper trigger level, and/orfalls below a current lower trigger level for the particular person and, if so, to adjust the current lower trigger level.