CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION COORDINATION METHOD, COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT AND SYSTEM

Abstract

A cardiopulmonary resuscitation coordination method is disclosed. The method comprises: identifying a plurality of portable computing devices located within an area around a coordinator, each being associated with a respective user and comprising a communication interface and a sensor component; processing user-attribute information relating to said users; processing device-attribute information relating to the identified devices; for each sensor functionality of a plurality of sensor functionalities, the coordinator assigning a respective sensor functionality to the sensor component of at least one of the identified devices in response to the processed device-attribute information and user-attribute information; the coordinator assigning a cardiopulmonary resuscitation role to at least one of the users in response to the processed device-attribute information and user-attribute information; communicating data acquired by at least one of the sensor components assigned with a sensor functionality to the coordinator; and communicating specific cardiopulmonary resuscitation coordination guidance in response to the at least one assigned cardiopulmonary resuscitation role and the acquired data.

Claims

1. A cardiopulmonary resuscitation coordination method between a coordinator and a plurality of portable computing devices, the coordinator comprising a communication interface arranged to communicate information via a communication link, the method comprising: identifying a plurality of portable computing devices located within an area around the coordinator, said area comprising a patient to be treated, each of the plurality of portable computing devices being associated with a respective user and comprising a communication interface, arranged to communicate information via the communication link, and a sensor component arranged to acquire data of the user of said portable computing device, the patient and/or the area around the coordinator; processing user-attribute information relating to the users associated with the identified portable computing devices; processing device-attribute information relating to the identified portable computing devices; for each sensor functionality of a plurality of sensor functionalities, the coordinator assigning a respective sensor functionality of said plurality to the sensor component of at least one of the identified portable computing devices in response to the processed device-attribute information and user-attribute information; the coordinator assigning a cardiopulmonary resuscitation role to at least one of the users associated with the identified portable computing devices in response to the processed device-attribute information and user-attribute information; communicating data acquired by at least one of the sensor components assigned with a sensor functionality from the respective identified device or devices to the coordinator via the communication link; and communicating specific cardiopulmonary resuscitation coordination guidance from the coordinator to at least one of the identified devices via the communication link in response to the at least one assigned cardiopulmonary resuscitation role and the acquired data.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of processing device-attribute information comprises, for each respective sensor functionality of said plurality of sensor functionalities, extracting a respective indicator of the sensor component of the identified portable computing devices from said device-attribute information, said respective indicator being indicative of the suitability of the sensor component of the identified portable computing devices for performing said respective sensor functionality.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the step of processing device-attribute information further comprises: prioritizing, for each respective sensor functionality, the sensor components of the identified portable computing devices based on the respective extracted indicator.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said device-attribute information comprises at least one of: sensor components available on the portable computing device; battery specifications; model number information; and supported wireless communication standards.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of processing user-attribute information comprises: accessing a database of user-attribute information and extracting indicators for each of the users associated with the identified portable computing devices from said user-attribute information, said indicators being indicative of the suitability of said users for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the patient.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of processing user-attribute information further comprises: prioritizing the users based on the extracted indicators.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the step of prioritizing the users comprises: prioritizing the users using a suitability index-based decision model.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said user-attribute information comprises at least one of: medical qualification information; resuscitation experience information; medical or cardiopulmonary resuscitation training information; and physical condition or ability information.

9. The method of further claim 1 comprising the step of: capturing user-attribute information from the sensor component of an identified portable computing device, wherein said sensor component optionally comprises at least one of: a sensor for monitoring vital signs of the user associated with the identified portable computing device; and a sensor adapted to capture an indicator in the form of a response of the user associated with the identified portable computing device to one or more questions presented to the user.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of communicating cardiopulmonary resuscitation coordination guidance comprises: communicating first instructions for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation via the communication link to a first portable computing device, the user associated to the first portable computing device being a primary user; and communicating second instructions for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation via the communication link to one or more portable computing devices other than the first portable computing device, the respective user or users associated to said one or more user associated to said one or more portable computing devices being an assistant user or users for assisting to the primary user.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: the coordinator receiving sensor functionality response information from an identified portable computing device for indicating acceptance of a sensor functionality assigned to the sensor component of said identified device; processing said sensor functionality response information; and communicating adjusted cardiopulmonary resuscitation coordination guidance from the coordinator to at least one of the identified devices via the communication link in response to processed sensor functionality response information and the acquired data.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: the coordinator communicating to said identified portable computing device via the communication link sensor control commands for controlling the sensor component of said identified device.

13. The method of claim 1, further comprising: the coordinator receiving role response information from an identified portable computing device for indicating acceptance of an assigned cardiopulmonary resuscitation role in response to the cardiopulmonary resuscitation coordination guidance communicated to said identified device; processing said role response information; and communicating adjusted cardiopulmonary resuscitation coordination guidance from the coordinator to at least one of the identified devices via the communication link in response to processed role response information and the acquired data.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of portable computing devices comprises at least one of: a smartphone; a smartwatch; a tablet computer; automatic external defibrillator; and a head-mountable computing device having a display module arranged to be viewed by a wearer of the head-mountable computing device when wearing the device.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the identified portable computing devices comprises a location sensor for detecting the location of the portable computing device, and wherein the method further comprises: sending a distress signal to a remote server, said distress signal including location information indicative the detected location of the portable computing device.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein a sensor component of one or more of the plurality of portable computing devices comprises at least one of: a camera; a microphone; an accelerometer; a location sensor; a plethysmography sensor; and a sensor for monitoring at least one vital sign.

17. A computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium embodying computer program code for implementing the method of claim 1 when executed on a processor of a coordinator.

18. A cardiopulmonary resuscitation coordination system including the computer program product of claim 17, a coordinator, and a plurality of portable computing devices located within an area around the coordinator, said area comprising a patient to be treated, each of the plurality of portable computing devices being associated with a respective user and comprising a communication interface arranged to communicate information via a communication link, and a sensor component arranged to acquire data of the user of said portable computing device, the patient and/or the area around the coordinator.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] Embodiments of the invention are described in more detail and by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0052] FIG. 1 schematically depicts an embodiment of a CPR coordination system of the invention;

[0053] FIG. 2 schematically depicts an aspect of the CPR coordination system of FIG. 1 in more detail;

[0054] FIG. 3 schematically depicts another embodiment of a CPR coordination system of the invention; and

[0055] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a CPR coordination method of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0056] It should be understood that the Figures are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the Figures to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0057] In the context of the present application, a portable computing device is a computing device that may be worn or carried by a person. An example of a portable computing device is a head-mountable computing device, which comprises a device that can be worn of the head of its user and provides the user with computing functionality. Non-limiting examples of such head-mountable computing devices include smart headgear, e.g. eyeglasses, goggles, a helmet, a hat, a visor, a headband, or any other device that can be supported on or from the wearer's head, and so on. Another example of a portable computing device is a smart watch, which is a device that can be worn on the wrist of it user and provide the user with computing functionality (in addition to the normal time-keeping functionality of a watch or time-piece). Further examples of portable computing devices include mobile phones, tablet computers, personal digital assistants, and laptop personal computers. The portable computing device may be configured to perform specific computing tasks as specified in a software application (app) that may be retrieved from the Internet or another computer-readable medium.

[0058] Embodiments may be arranged to use existing sensor components, processing capabilities, data storage, and/or communication capabilities of one or more portable computing devices (such as a smart watch, smartphone or other wearable sensor platform), to build a ubiquitous network of devices from scratch and, in this manner, aid lay rescuers in the coordination of multiple laypersons during an SCA event or emergency situation.

[0059] Moreover, conventional and widely-available smart devices typically incorporate many different sensors which are suitable for the capture or assessment of physical condition, location and user indications. These include a GPS tracker, a microphone, a camera, a heartbeat detector, or a sophisticated user interface (e.g., a LCD display, AMOLED, etc.) capable of visual and audible guidance, as well as a telecommunication system which enables the alerting of emergency services. In addition, many smart devices also have additional sensors including an accelerometer, video camera and a photo-plethysmography (PPG) sensor which may be useful in the execution of the CPR workflow such as real-time feedback on the presence of vital signs. Such portable or wearable computing devices may therefore be leveraged to support a CPR coordination system, which can be used to assist lay rescuer coordination and intervention whenever or wherever an emergency situation occurs.

[0060] Thus, there may be provided a method for assessing and identifying availability and/or suitability of laypersons in the vicinity of an SCA or accident victim who may help the application of CPR. Embodiments may also assess and identify a layperson/bystander and/or their attributes that could adversely affect the delivery of effective CPR. The method also assesses and identifies availability and/or suitability of sensor components comprised in a plurality of portable computing devices identified by a coordinator in an area around said coordinator that comprises the SCA or accident victim. Using such assessment(s), the coordinator can provide better and more accurate cardiopulmonary resuscitation coordination guidance to one or more of the identified devices so that a layperson may be guided to avoid performing (but instead assist another person) so as to ensure safe and effective CPR performance.

[0061] Embodiments propose the concept of processing device-attribute information relating to the identified portable computing devices that are identified within an area around a coordinator and that comprises a patient to be treated, and user-attribute information relating to users associated with said portable computing devices. In response to the processed device-attribute information and user-attribute information, sensor functionalities are assigned to sensor components of one or more of the identified portable computing devices, and a cardiopulmonary resuscitation role can be assigned to at least one of the users associated with the identified portable computing devices. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation coordination guidance can then be communicated to at least one of the users in response to the assigned cardiopulmonary resuscitation role(s), and data acquired by the sensor components assigned with a sensor functionality.

[0062] The user-attribute information may comprise at least one of: medical qualification information; resuscitation experience information; medical training information; and physical condition information, for instance to assess if a user associated with an identified portable computing devices possesses certain attributes (such as medical training and/or CPR experience) which could help to ensure safe and/or effective CPR performance.

[0063] Medical qualification information may, for example, comprise information relating to qualifications and/or educational records of individuals such as qualification(s), level of qualification(s), length of time qualified, experience level, and the like. Resuscitation experience information may, for example, comprise information relating to individuals' past experience of applying CPR such as application frequency, time elapsed since last CPR application or training, success/failure rate, etc. Medical training information may, for example, comprise information relating to medial training or courses completed by individuals such as medical/first aid course(s) completed, level of medical/first aid course(s), time elapsed since course completion, etc. Physical condition information may, for example, comprise information relating to physical attributes of individuals such as age, weight, body mass index, fitness level, physical ability, blood pressure, physical condition(s)/illness(es), vital signs (e.g. heart rate and breathing rate), etc.

[0064] Thus, embodiments may enable rapid identification of individuals within a crowd that are trained in CPR. It may also enable the prioritization and coordination of steps taken by more than two individual lay rescuers during CPR.

[0065] As such, embodiments may help to prevent lay rescuers from being confused, overwhelmed or disagreeing as to their participation or role(s) when confronted SCA event or emergency situation with multiple bystanders or lay rescuers.

[0066] In accordance with the present invention, the obtained user-attribute information and device-attribute information is used to assign roles to users holding the portable computing devices in the vicinity of the coordinator and to assign sensor functionalities to the sensor components included in said portable computing devices, thereby building a ubiquitous network to provide CPR coordination guidance to the users so that they can deliver CPR to a patient in a collaborative manner. This task may be subdivided into smaller tasks which collectively performed achieve the complete medical task. In an example, this medical task may be divided into skill-involved tasks and supportive non-skill-involved tasks. For skill-involved tasks, the user-attribute information and device-attribute information is utilized to select users to perform the lead role (i.e., lead CPR rescuer) and the relief/support role(s) (i.e., CPR relief rescuer). User-attribute information such as medical expertise, prior CPR training, recent CPR training etc., may increase a user's likelihood of being assigned a skill-involved role. In addition, device-attribute information will also be used. For example, if the user has a Google Glass able to perform the pulse check and breathing check or if the user possesses a portable computing device with a pulse detection sensor. A user with both CPR experience and a smart device capable of performing specific sensor functionality related to CPR will be more likely to be assigned the lead or support role. For the non-skill-involved task, the user-attribute information and the device-attribute information is used to select users to perform specific roles. Non-skill-involved tasks are assigned to users who do not possess attributes indicating that they have sufficient skill needed to perform CPR, and who possess devices which have appropriate capabilities required to perform the necessary non-skill-involved tasks. For example, a non-skilled user with an outdated smartphone with very limited functionality and who is not young (e.g., over 50 years old), may be assigned to perform crowd control. A non-skilled user with an advanced smartphone may be assigned to document the scene using their device's camera and microphone. A non-skilled user who is young and has a smartphone with GPS will be assigned to retrieve an automated external defibrillator from a nearby location. A non-skilled user who is older in age and possesses a basic smartphone may be assigned to perform communication with the emergency medical service (EMS) dispatcher. In this way all of the skill-involved and non-skill-involved roles required to perform CPR may be more efficiently assigned.

[0067] FIG. 1 schematically depicts a first 20, second 30 and third 40 lay rescuers in the vicinity of a victim or patient 10 employing a CPR coordination system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The CPR coordination system comprises a head-mountable computing device 100 worn by the first lay rescuer 20, and which act as coordinator for the CPR coordination system. The head-mountable computing device 100 provides the first rescuer 20 with CPR guidance in the form of displayed instructions on a display module 106 of the head-mountable computing device 100. By way of non-limiting example, the head-mountable computing device 100 is depicted as smart glasses, but it should be understood that the head-mountable computing device 100 may take any suitable shape as previously explained. The head-mountable computing device 100 typically comprises at least one display module 106, which may be a see-through or transparent display module 106.

[0068] FIG. 2 schematically depicts an example embodiment of such a head-mountable computing device 100 in more detail. In some embodiments, the head-mountable computing device 100 may be adapted to wirelessly communicate with remote components of the CPR coordination system, as will be explained in more detail below. To this end, the head-mountable computing device 100 may include a wireless communication interface 102 for wirelessly communicating with such a remote target. Any suitable wireless communication protocol may be used for any of the wireless communication between the head-mountable computing device 100 and such remote components, e.g., an infrared link,

[0069] Zigbee, Bluetooth, a wireless local area network protocol such as in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standards, a 2G, 3G or 4G telecommunication protocol, and so on.

[0070] The head-mountable computing device 100 may optionally comprise a further wireless communication interface 104 for wirelessly communicating with a further remote system, e.g. a wireless LAN, through which the head-mountable computing device 100 may access a remote data source such as the Internet, for instance to retrieve data from a remote database as will be explained in more detail below. Alternatively, the head-mountable computing device 100 may include one wireless communication interface that is able to communicate with various remote targets. The data processor 110 may further be adapted to control wireless communication interface 102 and, if present, wireless communication interface 104.

[0071] The at least one display module 106 may be under control of a discrete display processor 108, which discrete display processor 108 may be controlled by the data processor 110, for instance receive instructions from the data processor 110 for displaying CPR coordination guidance on the at least one display module 106. Alternatively, the display processor 108 and the data processor 110 may be implemented by a single processor, e.g. a general purpose processor or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0072] In some embodiments, the head-mountable computing device 100 may be arranged to detect a user instruction and to trigger an operation in response to the detected user instruction, e.g. using at least one further sensor 118 including a motion sensor like a gyroscope or similar in case the user instruction is a head motion, or by including an outward-facing image sensor or camera to capture an image of a gesture-based instruction made by the wearer. Other suitable sensors for such gesture or motion capturing will be apparent to the skilled person.

[0073] The data processor 110 may be arranged to recognize a gesture or motion made by its wearer from the captured sensor data and to interpret the recognized gesture or motion as an instruction. Non-limiting examples of such a motion for instance include a turn or nod of the wearer's head. Non-limiting examples of such a gesture for instance include a hand or finger gesture in the field of view through the head-mountable computing device 100, which may be detected in an image captured with an outward facing image sensor 120.

[0074] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one further sensor 118 may include a sound sensor, e.g. a microphone, to detect a spoken instruction, wherein the processor 110 may be communicatively coupled to the further sensor in order to process the sensor data and detect the spoken instruction.

[0075] The at least one further sensor 118 may additionally or alternatively include an input sensor, e.g. a button or the like for facilitating the wearer of the head-mountable computing device 100 to select a user instruction from a list of options. Such list of options for instance may be displayed on a display module 106 of the head-mountable computing device 100. Such an input sensor may form part of a user interface for receiving input from the user and for communicating outputs to the user. Such a user interface may include, for example, a touchpad, a keypad, buttons, a microphone, a speaker, a display and/or other input or output devices. The data processor 110 may control at least some of the functioning of head-mountable computing device 100 based on input received through the user interface. In some embodiments, any of the at least one further sensors 118 may define or form part of the user interface.

[0076] In some embodiments, the head-mountable computing device 100 may further comprise an audio output device 114 such as a loudspeaker or the like for providing the wearer of the head-mountable computing device 100 with audio instructions, e.g. spoken instructions supplementary to the CPR coordination guidance to be displayed on the at least one display module 106. Any suitable audio output device may be used for this purpose. In some embodiments, the display module 106 and/or the audio output device 114 may define or form part of the user interface.

[0077] The head-mountable computing device 100 may further comprise a data storage device 112, e.g. for storing the CPR coordination guidance data to be communicated to the user. Any suitable type of data storage may be used, e.g. non-volatile or flash memory, PROM, EEPROM and so on.

[0078] The various components of the head-mountable computing device 100 may be integrated in the device in any suitable manner, such as integrated in a part 135 of a mounting frame of the head-mountable computing device 100 by way of non-limiting example.

[0079] FIG. 2 schematically depicts an example embodiment of the head-mountable computing device 100 in which the device comprises a single display module 106 only, which single display module 106 may be arranged to be observable by a single eye of the wearer of the head-mountable computing device 100. It should be understood that this is by way of non-limiting example only, and that it is equally feasible to provide a head-mountable computing device 100 in which prospective display modules 106 are provided for each eye of the rescuer 20. The at least one display module 106 is typically arranged such that a wearer of the head-mountable computing device 100, i.e. the rescuer, can observe an image displayed on the at least one the display module 106. Preferably, the at least one display module 106 is a see-through or transparent display module such that the wearer can observe at least a part of a field of view through the display module 106, such that the wearer can wear the head-mountable computing device 100 whilst performing CPR on the victim 10.

[0080] The at least one display module 106 may be provided in any suitable form, such as a transparent lens portion. Alternatively, the head-mountable computing device 100 may comprise a pair of such lens portions, i.e. one for each eye as explained above. The one or more transparent lens portions may be dimensioned such that substantially the entire field of view of the wearer is obtained through the one or more transparent lens portions. For instance, the at least one display module 106 may be shaped as a lens to be mounted in a frame 125 of the head-mountable computing device 100. It will be understood that the frame 125 may have any suitable shape and may be made of any suitable material, e.g. a metal, metal alloy, plastics material or combination thereof. Several components of the head-mountable computing device 100 may be mounted in the frame 125, such as in a component housing 135 forming part of the frame 125. The component housing 135 may have any suitable shape, preferably an ergonomic shape that allows the head-mountable computing device 100 to be worn by its wearer in a comfortable manner.

[0081] As also shown in FIG. 1, the CPR coordination system further comprises second 300 and third 400 portable computing devices associated with the second 30 and third 40 lay rescuers, respectively. More specifically, the second portable computing device 300 comprises a smartphone (commonly referred to as a mobile phone), and the third mobile computing device 400 comprises a smart watch.

[0082] The second portable computing device 300 may be adapted to wirelessly communicate with remote components of the CPR coordination system, similarly to the head-mountable computing device 100. To this end, the second portable computing device 300 may include a wireless communication interface for wirelessly communicating with such a remote target. Again, any suitable wireless communication protocol may be used for any of the wireless communication. The head-mountable computing device 100, as coordinator in the CPR coordination system, may optionally comprise a further wireless communication interface for wirelessly communicating with a further remote system, e.g. a wireless LAN, through which the second portable computing device 300 may access a remote data source such as the Internet, for instance to send and/or retrieve data to/from a remote database. Alternatively, the second portable computing device 300 may include one wireless communication interface that is able to communicate with various remote targets. In some embodiments, the second portable computing device 300 may be arranged to detect a user instruction and to trigger an operation in response to the detected user instruction. Alternatively or additionally, the second portable computing device 300 may include a sound sensor, e.g. a microphone, to detect a spoken instruction, wherein the second portable computing device 300 may be adapted to process the sensor data and detect the spoken instruction. The second portable computing device 300 may additionally or alternatively include an input sensor, e.g. a button or the like for facilitating the user of the second portable computing device 300 to select a user instruction from a list of options. Such an input sensor may form part of a user interface for receiving input from the user and for communicating outputs to the user. Such a user interface may include, for example, a touchpad, a keypad, buttons, a microphone, a speaker, a display and/or other input or output devices. In some embodiments, a second portable computing device 300 may further comprise an audio output device such as a loudspeaker or the like for providing the user of the second portable computing device 300 with audio instructions, e.g. spoken instructions supplementary to the CPR coordination guidance to be displayed on the at least one display module 106. Any suitable audio output device may be used for this purpose.

[0083] The second portable computing device 300 may further comprise a data storage device, e.g. for storing CPR coordination guidance data to be communicated to the user. Any suitable type of data storage may be used, e.g. non-volatile or flash memory, PROM, EEPROM and so on.

[0084] Similarly, the third portable computing device 400 may be adapted to wirelessly communicate with remote components of the CPR coordination system, similarly to the head-mountable computing device 100. To this end, the third portable computing device 400 may include a wireless communication interface for wirelessly communicating with such a remote target. Again, any suitable wireless communication protocol may be used for any of the wireless communication. The head-mountable computing device 100, as coordinator in the CPR coordination system, may optionally comprise a further wireless communication interface for wirelessly communicating with a further remote system, e.g. a wireless LAN, through which the third portable computing device 400 may access a remote data source such as the Internet, for instance to send and/or retrieve data to/from a remote database. Alternatively, the third portable computing device 400 may include one wireless communication interface that is able to communicate with various remote targets. In some embodiments, the third portable computing device 400 may be arranged to detect a user instruction and to trigger an operation in response to the detected user instruction. Alternatively or additionally, the third portable computing device 400 may include a sound sensor, e.g. a microphone, to detect a spoken instruction, wherein the third portable computing device 400 may be adapted to process the sensor data and detect the spoken instruction. The third portable computing device 400 may additionally or alternatively include an input sensor, e.g. a button or the like for facilitating the user of the third portable computing device 400 to select a user instruction from a list of options. Such an input sensor may form part of a user interface for receiving input from the user and for communicating outputs to the user. Such a user interface may include, for example, a touchpad, a keypad, buttons, a microphone, a speaker, a display and/or other input or output devices. In some embodiments, third portable computing device 400 may further comprise an audio output device such as a loudspeaker or the like for providing the user of the third portable computing device 400 with audio instructions, e.g. spoken instructions supplementary to the CPR coordination guidance to be displayed on the at least one display module 106. Any suitable audio output device may be used for this purpose.

[0085] The third portable computing device 400 may further comprise a data storage device, e.g. for storing CPR coordination guidance data to be communicated to the user. Any suitable type of data storage may be used, e.g. non-volatile or flash memory, PROM, EEPROM and so on.

[0086] In an embodiment, a sensor component included in the third portable computing device 400 may comprise an integrated sensor for detecting vital signs of its user 40. In another example, the sensor component of the third portable computing device 400 may comprise a forward facing camera 120 for capturing an image of (the face of) the victim 10, which image (or sequence of images) may be processed by the data processor 110 in order to extract vital signs information (e.g. breathing characteristics) from the image (or sequence of images), e.g. using an application from the memory for extracting vital signs information from a captured image, as is well-known per se.

[0087] Alternatively, one or more dedicated vital sign sensors may be incorporated in the sensor component of the third portable computing device 400. For example, such an external sensor may be integrated within the smart device to allow for accurate monitoring of the vital signs of the user 40. In the context of the present application, vital signs include at least one of: a breathing pattern or rhythm; blood pressure, body temperature; hear/pulse rate and a pulse rhythm. It should be understood for the avoidance of doubt that a pulse rhythm is not necessarily detected in the pulse of a user 40, but may be detected at any suitable part of the body of the user as is well-known per se. As will be explained in more detail below, data captured by the one or more sensors may be processed and used to generate CPR coordination guidance.

[0088] In an embodiment, the sensor component of at least one of the portable computing devices 100,300, 400 comprises a sensor for sensing a location of the device. Such a sensor may for instance comprise a global positioning system (GPS) unit for determining the location of the device, i.e. the location of the sensor. In an embodiment, the sensor may be integrated in the head-mountable computing device 100, for example. However, in the example of FIG. 1, the sensor is external to the head-mountable computing device 100 and is instead integrated into the third portable computing device 400 worn on the wrist of the third lay rescuer 40, such as a smart watch or the like.

[0089] As will be explained in more detail below, data captured by such a sensor can be processed and used to take account of lay rescuer's location during an SCA event or an emergency situation, thereby enabling the coordinator of the CPR coordination guidance to take appropriate action in view of a lay rescuer's location, for example.

[0090] It is not necessary for the first computing device 100 to be head-mountable computing device 100. FIG. 3 schematically depicts an alternative embodiment of a portable computing device 500 associated (e.g. used by) the first lay rescuer 20), wherein the portable computing device 500 is a smartwatch 500.

[0091] At this point it is noted that the CPR guidance system is able to be created in situ, using ubiquitous smart devices that are in the possession, e.g. worn or carried by a plurality of lay rescuers 20, 30, 40. Given the rapid proliferation of such smart devices in everyday life, this therefore means that there is an excellent chance that such a CPR coordination system according to an embodiment may be created in situ by identifying suitable sensor components thereof at the scene of a SCA event and incorporating the identified components in the CPR coordination system, e.g. by establishing wireless links between the identified portable computing and/or a remote processing resource.

[0092] This will be explained in more detail with the aid of FIG. 4, which depicts a flowchart of an example embodiment of a method 401 for providing CPR coordination guidance using an embodiment of the proposed CPR coordination system. In a preferred embodiment, the method 401 comprises a first branch 45 in which portable computing devices 300, 400 in the vicinity of a coordinator (e.g. portable computing device 100) associated with the rescuer 20 establish one or more connections with each other, and a second branch in which the CPR coordination system is used to assign sensor functionalities to the to the sensor component of at least one of the identified portable computing devices and a cardiopulmonary resuscitation role to at least one user associated with said identified portable computing devices in response to processed device-attribute information and user-attribute information. It is noted for the avoidance of doubt that the first branch 45 may be omitted from the method 401 in case of the portable computing devices 300, 400 in the vicinity of the coordinator 100 (and the rescuer 20 associated with it) communicating to a remote server or processing resource, for example.

[0093] The method 40 may start in step 402 by the discovery of a suspected victim of a SCA event by the first lay rescuer 20 wearing the head-mountable computing device 100. The first lay rescuer 20 may activate a CPR assistance mode of the head-mountable computing device 100, e.g. by providing the device 100 with a command as explained above that can be recognized by the device 100 as an instruction to activate the CPR administration mode, which may prompt the head-mountable computing device 100 to generate a first responder call to a remote server associated with emergency services in step 404, in order to direct the emergency services to the location of the victim 10. To this end, the first responder call may be an automated call comprising global positioning information, which information may be obtained from a global positioning unit within the head-mountable device 100 or a global positioning unit in communication with the head-mountable device 100, e.g. a smart device such as a smart phone or a smart watch comprising a global positioning unit, which smart device is wirelessly linked to the head-mountable device 100. Alternatively, the first responder call is generated by the first lay rescuer 20, e.g. by issuing an instruction to the head-mountable computing device 100 to generate the call.

[0094] Next, the method 40 progresses to step 406 in which the head-mountable computing device 100, as coordinator of the CPR coordination system, searches in its vicinity (i.e. within a predetermined surrounding area) which includes the victim 10 for portable computing devices having a communication interface (for communicating information to the head-mountable computing device 100 and/or a remote processing resource for example) and a sensor component (for acquiring data of the user of said portable computing device, the patient and/or the area around the coordinator). Such devices may for instance be detected by identifying a wireless signal generated by these devices or by identifying a global positioning tracking signal, e.g. a GPS tracker signal, a GRS signal, a GLONASS signal or the like. The available devices may be recognized in any suitable manner, for instance by recognizing the device type and make (product number), e.g. from an interrogation of the devices in the vicinity of the coordinator associated with the first lay rescuer 20, and comparing the identified device with a stored database of known devices with the desired functionality, or by requesting the smart devices in the vicinity of the coordinator 100 to indicate availability.

[0095] Next, in step 408 the head-mountable computing device 100 attempts to establish a wireless connection using any suitable wireless communication protocol as previously explained to the identified devices 300, 400 to be incorporated in the CPR coordination system. In step 412 it is checked if the wireless connections between the identified devices 300,400 and the head-mountable computing device 100 have been established. If for some reason some of the wireless connections have not been established, the method 401 proceeds to step 414 in which the first lay rescuer 20 is alerted that some of the wireless connections could not be established, such that the rescuer 20 can attempt to adjust the affected devices, for instance by instructing the enablement of a wireless communication mode of these devices 300,400. This may involve asking a bystander 30, 40 to activate the wireless communication mode in case the device has been provided by the bystander 30,40. The alert may be displayed on the at least one display module 106 of the head-mountable computing device 100. The method 401 then returns to step 412 to check if all devices have established a wireless communication link with the head-mountable computing device 100.

[0096] Once all devices are wirelessly connected to the head-mountable computing device 100, the method 401 proceeds to step 416 in which device-attribute information relating to the portable computing devices 300, 400 and user-attribute information relating to the users 30,40 associated with said devices 300,400 is obtained. By way of example, the user-attribute information may comprise at least one of: medical qualification information; resuscitation experience information; medical training information; and physical condition information, for instance for providing information useful for determining is certain user 30,40 is suitable or unsuitable for performing CPR. Also, the user-attribute information may enable the assessment and identification of individuals which could adversely affect the delivery of effective CPR.

[0097] The user-attribute information relating to a user may, for instance, be stored on the portable computing device used by that user. Thus, the second portable computing device 300 may store data user-attribute information relating to the second lay person 30, and the third portable computing device 400 may store data user-attribute information relating to the third lay person 40. Furthermore, additional user-attribute information about a user may be captured from one or more sensors for monitoring vital signs which are integrated in the sensor component of the user's portable computing device. This may, for instance, be accomplished by implementing a heart rate and/or breathing classification algorithm which analyses vital signs of the user.

[0098] Similarly, by way of example, the device-attribute information may comprise at least one of: sensor components available on the portable computing device, battery specifications, model number information (e.g. device age), supported wireless communication standards, and other information for determining if certain portable computing devices 300,400 are suitable or unsuitable for performing certain sensor functionalities.

[0099] Such device-attribute information and user-attribute information may be communicated to the head-mountable computing device 100 via the established wireless communication links.

[0100] Next, in step 418, the obtained device-attribute information and user-attribute information is processed, and such processing may be assisted by processing undertaken via a distributed processing environment (such as the cloud for example). Also, additional device-attribute information and/or user-attribute information may be provided from other services, e.g. medical history information stored in a database or portable computing device stored in a database such as the product certification database of the Federal Communications Commission, and taken into account by the processing. Step 418 is subdivided into two sub-steps, which may occur at the same time or one be started or finished before the other. In sub-step 418a, various types of user-attribute information, including: medical qualification information; resuscitation experience information; medical training information; CPR training information, and physical condition information may be processed by the data processor 110 to identify lay rescuers who may positively or negatively influence the delivery of effective CPR, e.g., a highly skilled medical professional, an untrained individual, a first-aid-trained individual, a person with CPR experience or training, etc. In sub-step 418b various types of device-attribute information may be processed by the data processor 110 to identify portable computing devices including sensor components which may be suitable for implementing a plurality of sensor functionalities required for providing CPR guidance.

[0101] In response to the processed user-attribute information, the method proceeds to step 420, which is again subdivided in two sub-steps that can be carried out sequentially in any order or simultaneously in parallel. In sub-step 420a the data processor 110 determines one or more indicators of the suitability of each user 20,30,40 for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the victim 10. By way of example, if user-attribute information is indicative that a user has little to no medical/first-aid knowledge or experience, an indicator may be extracted to indicate that the user is of low (or zero) suitability for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The indicator may even be indicative that such a user (e.g. a bystander) should not be permitted to intervene. Also, obtained user-attribute information may be indicative of a user's willingness or readiness to participate in CPR performance. Vital signs of the user and/or the user's indicated willingness or readiness can be accounted for when determining an indicator. Moreover, to increase the reliability of an indicator, both vital signs and user response(s) can be used together to confirm/qualify a user's indicated willingness or readiness to perform CPR. Thus, generated or extracted indicators may be based on a range of user-attribute information provided by the identified portable computing devices 300,400 and/or other user-attribute information provided by one or more databases. Such determination of indicators may be done either in part or entirely on the Cloud (e.g. via a distributed processing environment).

[0102] In sub-step 420b the data processor 110 determines, for each respective sensor functionality of said plurality of sensor functionalities, a respective indicator of the sensor component of the identified portable computing devices 300,400 indicative of the suitability of the sensor components for performing said respective sensor functionality required for the administration of CPR to the victim 10.

[0103] The method then proceeds to steps 421 and 422, which although depicted in FIG. 3 as taking place in parallel, they could alternatively be implemented sequentially in any order.

[0104] In step 421, for each sensor functionality of the plurality of sensor functionalities, the coordinator 100 assigns a respective sensor functionality of said plurality to the sensor component of at least one of the identified portable computing devices 300,400 in response to the processed device-attribute information and user-attribute information. The assigned sensor functionalities, for instance, may be based on the determined indicators. For example, for each respective sensor functionality, the respective determined indicator may be used to rank or prioritize the sensor components of the identified devices according to their suitability.

[0105] In step 422, the coordinator 100 assigns a cardiopulmonary resuscitation role is assigned to at least one of the users 30,40 associated with the identified portable computing devices 300, 400 in response to the processed device-attribute information and user-attribute information. The assigned role(s), for instance, may be based on the determined indicators. For example, the determined indicators for the users may be used to rank or prioritize the users in order of their suitability for CPR performance. This may be done using a suitability index-based decision model for example. One or more cardiopulmonary resuscitation roles may then be assigned to the users based on such ranking or prioritization, such as primary user role for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation and one or more assistant user roles for assisting the primary user. Lowest ranked/prioritized may be assigned non-CPR roles, or non-participating roles, but instead guided to a safe nearby location to await emergency services arrival (e.g. using location information obtained by a GPS tracker of the system).

[0106] The method proceeds to step 424, which is again subdivided into two sub-steps. In sub-step 424a the assigned role(s) is/are communicated to at least one of the lay rescuers 30,40 via at least one of the portable computing devices 300,400. For example, where the primary user role is assigned to the first lay rescuer 20 associated with the coordinator, the first lay rescuer 20 is instructed to perform CPR on the victim 10, whereas the second lay rescuer 30 (that is assigned an assistant role) is instructed to control the third lay rescuer 40 (e.g. by directing then to a certain location away from the scene of the SCA or accident) and await the arrival of emergency services. Similarly, in sub-step 424b the assigned sensor functionalities are communicated by the coordinator 100 to at least one of the portable computing devices 300,400.

[0107] The method then proceeds to step 426 in which it is checked if the second 30 and third 40 lay rescuers accept the communicated coordination guidance, or if the second 300 and third 400 portable computing devices accept the communicated sensor functionality for their sensor components. This for instance may be checked by prompting the second 30 and third 40 lay rescuers to indicate their acceptance of the communicated coordination guidance. For example, second lay-rescuer's reluctance to administer CPR (e.g. due to being physically tired, injured or disabled) may be indicated by the second lay-rescuer user by indicating non-acceptance of the assigned primary user role. Such indication may be made by the second lay-rescuer providing the device 300 with a response command as explained above that can be recognized by the device 300 as response information for indicating acceptance of an assigned cardiopulmonary resuscitation role and communicated to the coordinator 100. Similarly, a portable computing device 300,400 may communicate to the coordinator 100 sensor functionality response information for indicating acceptance of a sensor functionality assigned to the sensor component of said device.

[0108] If it is determined that the one or more of the lay rescuers do not accept the communication coordination guidance, or that one or more of the portable computing devices do not accept the assigned sensor functionality, the method 401 returns to step 420 wherein the data processor 110 once again determines one or more updated or adjusted indicators of the suitability of each user 30,40 for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the victim 10 and/or the suitability of the sensor component of the portable computing devices 300,400 to perform a sensor functionality. The updated indicators of the suitability may be adjusted, for example, based on the response information that was provided as a result of a user indicating non-acceptance or acceptance of an assigned cardiopulmonary resuscitation role.

[0109] If, in step 426, it is determined that the lay rescuers accept the communicated coordination guidance and that the portable computing devices accept the communicated sensor functionality for their respective sensor components, then the method proceeds to step 428 in which data acquired by at least one of the sensor components assigned with a sensor functionality is transmitted to the coordinator 100. The acquired data may relate, for example, to a vital sign of the user 30, 40 of the portable computing device, or to a vital sign of the victim 10 and/or to a hazard in the area around the coordinator 100;

[0110] Finally, the method proceeds to step 430 in which the data processor 110 triggers the communication of specific coordination guidance from the coordinator 100 to the portable computing devices 300, 400 based on the assigned cardiopulmonary resuscitation role(s) and the acquired data. For example, the guidance information is presented with CPR guidance on the at least one display module 406, which typically includes guidance regarding the tasks to be performed for an assigned role. For a primary user role, the guidance may include instructions detailing the way in which chest compressions and rescue breaths should be administered, e.g. information about the chest compression depth and frequency, information about when to administer how many rescue breaths and so on. For an assistant role, the guidance may include instructions detailing where to direct other persons to for their safety, or information about when the emergency services may be expected to arrive.

[0111] In some embodiments, the method 401 may then loop back to step 406 to perform repeated identification of portable computing devices within the vicinity (e.g. within a predetermined range) of the coordinator 100. In this manner, the method 401 may continue to seek for new users who may be better suited or positioned to one or more CPR roles and/or for devices with sensor modules better suited to perform a sensor functionality required for CPR. This may continue until the victim 10 exhibits a return to spontaneous circulation, e.g. exhibits spontaneous breathing and a pulse as detected in step 428, or until emergency services arrive on the scene to take over, upon which the method 401 may terminate by the rescuer 20 terminating CPR and placing the victim 10 in the recovery position.

[0112] At this point, it is noted that the above described embodiment of the method 401 is merely an example embodiment of this method and that several extensions thereto and/or variations thereon will be immediately apparent to the skilled person.

[0113] For example, the method 401 may be extended by the detection of a portable defibrillation device in the vicinity of the coordinator 100 and the victim 10, e.g. in the procession of one of the bystanders, which detection for instance may take place in step 406 of the method 401 by way of non-limiting example, in which case the CPR coordination method may be extended by communicating instructions for lay rescuer on how to use the defibrillation device in the CPR workflow. For instance, user instructions for using the defibrillation device may be directly transferred from the defibrillation device to the head-mountable computing device 100 for displaying on the at least one display module 106.

[0114] Other suitable extensions and variations to the above disclosed embodiments will be apparent to the skilled person.

[0115] For example, embodiments may be adapted to identify all individuals in a crowd of bystanders, wearing smart watches, who have registered their previous CPR/medical training and or prior resuscitation experience in a cloud-based database. Different roles may be assigned to bystanders in a crowd based on their level of training and experience. For instance, a lead lay responder may be assigned based on the level of CPR/medical training and prior resuscitation experience. A second individual, without training, may be assigned to contact and maintain communication with emergency services throughout the CPR process. A third individual, with CPR training, may be assigned to assist the lead rescuer in providing CPR, and to provide relief when the lead lay responder becomes fatigued. A fourth untrained individual may be assigned to locate and retrieve the nearest AED. A fifth untrained individual may be assigned to record video footage of the resuscitation process which can be transmitted later to BLS and ALS providers for documentation of the entire resuscitation process. Additional individuals in the crowd with smart watches and without CPR training may be assigned to perform crowd control duties and to ensure that a clear access route is maintained for BLS and ALS responders.

[0116] Embodiments may therefore help ensure that individuals in a crowd will not be hesitant to intervene to help a victim and will not be confused over the role that they can play in helping the victim. In so doing, the CPR workflow may be optimized as there will be no delay in intervention and no duplication of effort.

[0117] The proposed concept has the advantage that a network of portable computing device with monitoring and/or communication functions can be easily transformed into a CPR workflow coordination system, which could be used to optimize CPR delivery by a crowd of bystanders whenever or wherever an emergency situation occurs.

[0118] Aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidance method or system at least partially embodied by a portable computing device or distributed over separate entities including a portable computing device. Aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon.

[0119] Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may be utilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Such a system, apparatus or device may be accessible over any suitable network connection; for instance, the system, apparatus or device may be accessible over a network for retrieval of the computer readable program code over the network. Such a network may for instance be the Internet, a mobile communications network or the like. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage medium may include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of the present application, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0120] A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0121] Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0122] Computer program code for carrying out the methods of the present invention by execution on the processor 110 may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the C programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the processor 110 as a stand-alone software package, e.g. an app, or may be executed partly on the processor 110 and partly on a remote server. In the latter scenario, the remote server may be connected to the head-mountable computing device 100 through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer, e.g. through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider.

[0123] Aspects of the present invention are described above with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions to be executed in whole or in part on the data processor 110 of the cardiopulmonary resuscitation coordination system including portable computing device, such that the instructions create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium that can direct the cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidance system including the portable computing device to function in a particular manner.

[0124] The computer program instructions may be loaded onto the display processor 108 and/or the data processor 110 to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the display processor 108 and/or the data processor 110, to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the display processor 108 and/or the data processor 110 provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. The computer program product may form part of a cardiopulmonary resuscitation coordination system including a portable computing device, e.g. may be installed on the cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidance system.

[0125] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word comprising does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim. The word a or an preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention can be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements. In the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means can be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.