Field of invention

Present invention relates to the automated system for monitoring physical growth of human beings, more particularly it relates to an electronics system, consisting of the combination of hardware and software.

Background

One has to appreciate the global priority given to the problem of child malnutrition.

Child malnutrition is conclusively established by "Copenhagen Consensus" (an International Intellectual Professionals Endeavour backed up by United Nations) that child malnutrition is a biggest problem for all the nations worldwide. Anaemic child when grows as an Adult, he/she happens to be a liability on family, Society, Nation & and International Community as a whole. To solve this problem there are many programs which are developed nationally and internationally. To get benefits of these programs it is necessary to send data of health related details to certain organisations. Accuracy of data provides maximum benefits to the one who requires them most.

Currently at the rural level / underdeveloped areas, weighing and all other type of measuring is done manually using the existing weighing machines and other measuring instruments/ mechanisms which are inaccurate and are prone to human errors.

Deficiencies of prior art

1) Absence of accurate weighing system.

2) Human error causes inaccurate data generation of weighment. 3) Human error culminates into incorrect generation of growth grade.

4) Human indiscipline causes delay in performing a timely/periodic weighment of beneficiary.

5) Human indiscipline causes delay in data consolidation at desired levels of administration.

6) Human error leads to unscrupulous manipulation at various levels of data generation.

7) Lack of suitable gadgets to ensure height and BMI again make generated data at "Anganwadi" (Health Centre) level inconclusive and inadequate to determine the malnutrition status of beneficiaries.

8) Lack of knowledge and information among unqualified "Sevika" (concern operators) about the quality of data to determine the malnutrition level among the beneficiaries. Further, take the entire Nutrition Programme Haywire. In a nutshell the ungainful dependence on Sevika and Head Sevika to determine the malnutrition status makes the whole exercise meaningless.

9) There is no such system known which measures, records and analyses the human growth parameters simultaneously. Every parameter is recorded separately and used for various reasons; thereafter the calculations are done manually.

Object of invention

Object of the present invention is to develop a physiogrowth monitoring system, which is economical as well as sophisticated in terms of processing but simple to operate and also versatile in terms of function but nominal in key operation.

Further object of the present invention is to provide a physiogrowth monitoring system, which is accurate and informative in output but less cumbersome and user friendly in operation.

Furthermore object of present invention is to provide a physiogrowth monitoring system, which is low in energy consumption.

Yet another object of present invention is to provide a physiogrowth monitoring system, which is able to give maximum mileage of processing / generation / consolidation of beneficiary's health data but with minimum of human effort and error.

Yet another object of present invention is to provide a physiogrowth monitoring system, which is tamper proof and ensures no manipulation while generating data, thus makes it more secure.

Summary of the invention:

Present invention provides a physiogrowth monitoring system, which is electronics system works on the combination of hardware and software. The physiogrowth monitoring system facilitates the beneficiary / user as mentioned hereunder.

A) To take weight and measure height in order to make Physical Status available. B) At the same time in built 'Real Time Clock' (RTC) integration gives time and date wise DATA Status

C) Computation of physical status as obtained in (A) and (B) as per the WHO/IAP growth formulation and BMI quotient formula to generate growth grades and BMI of beneficiary.

D) Hardware Facilitates the display and storage of DATA as entered in (A), (B) ₅ (C)

The entire process can be configured in terms of INPUT and OUTPUT in the following manner:

INPUT I & II

INPUT (I):- A mere presence of a beneficiary on the platform / Baby tray of machine becomes an INPUT (I).

INPUT (II) Codification i.e. enters the CODE. Codification covers the personal information of beneficiary i.e. Name, Gender and Date Of Birth. This personal information is codified under a unique code using alphanumeric data.

In absence of unique code the process of OUTPUT can not be performed.

OUTPUT: - Out put can be configured in three categories.

Out put I: Generation of data concerning Physical status as given in (A).

Output II: Time & Date wise data status through RTC as given in (B). This data further becomes basis for the computation of data to generate the growth Grades as given in (C).

Output III: Displayed and stored Data pertaining to Physical status, BMI and Growth Grades gets transferred to PC with the help of "Reader" which facilitates seamless transfer and formation of aforesaid Data in AXIS sheet. Ultimately the generation of AXIS sheet paves the way for meaningful monitoring of growth

Accordingly the present invention provides a physiogrowth monitoring system comprising a weighing platform with strain gauge for weight measuring, a non- contact type sensor module for height measuring. The sensor module is mounted horizontally to a holding pipe attached to the trunk raised on the said platform. The out put of the said strain gauge and non contact sensor is connected to the control console module. The control console module consisting of a microprocessor with real time clock, non volatile random access memory, LCD digital display, key-board and analog to digital converter. A cartridge connectable to control console, containing codified data of beneficiaries. The personal information data is loaded in a cartridge using a reader unit consisting of a microprocessor with AD IC, Non Volatile Random Access memory, LCD display, Key Board and 9 pin connector. The said reader unit is connectable to a personal computer (PC) for transfer of data to the PC and vice versa. A power supply unit is provided to energise the strain gauge, non contact sensor and the control console module.

In an embodiment, the system is fitted with GPRS modem (inbuilt in a control console), which will enable the user to send recorded data automatically to District Office/Head office for further processing without manual intervention instantly through internet and a software provided therein. Also the system is designed to connect Solar Panel to charge the battery wherever required.

Statement of the invention

According to the present invention there is provided a physiogrowth monitoring system for monitoring physiogrowth of an human being, the system comprising: a weighing platform with strain gauge for measuring weight; a trunk extending vertically from a side portion of the platform, the trunk is capable of holding various elements thereon, the trunk having upper end portion and a lower end portion secured ✓ to the platform; a non-contact type sensor module for measuring height, the non- contact sensor module mounted on to a holding pipe horizontally attached to an upper end portion of the trunk; wherein output of the said strain gauge and the non-contact sensor module is connected to an Control Console module. The said Control Console is disposed along a portion on the trunk, wherein the cartridge which is connectable to Control Console, containing codified data of beneficiaries, loaded externally using a reader unit and P.C. The said reader unit is connectable to a personal computer for transferring data from the reader unit to the personal computer and vice versa; and a power supply unit to energise the said strain gauge, non contact sensor and the Control Console module.

Typically, wherein the Control Console having a microprocessor with Real Time Clock, Non Volatile Random Access Memory, LCD display, KeyBoard, and analog to digital converter.

Typically, wherein the reader unit comprises a microprocessor with AD IC, Non Volatile Random Access Memory, LCD display, Key Board and 9 pin connector.

Typically, wherein the said non-contact sensor module is provided with a beam guide cone and is positioned operationally opposite to the platform.

Typically, wherein the said power supply unit is disposed' juxtaposition of the platform.

Typically, wherein the said power supply unit comprises of a chargeable battery and a charging circuitry module. Typically, wherein the said power source is synchronised with control console module using a Software feature to save power by turning itself Off (Stand Alone mode) as and when there is no activity on the Platform.

Typically, wherein the Control Console and the reader unit include exclusive software based on the algorithm as herein described.

The present invention also describes the software of the Control Console and the reader unit comprises algorithm steps of:

Step 1, powering up and initialize hardware analog-digital converter, height transducer, gets date and time, displays and reads scale parameters from non-volatile memory;

Step 2, if any key is pressed, performs designated functions such as tare, sets user parameters, performs calibration etc., or if enter key is pressed then goes to display stored data (Step 7) else waits for weight on scale. If weight on scale is greater than the set value then goes to step 4;

Step 3, verify if cartridge is present. If not, requests and waits for cartridge insertion;

Step 4, requests for code value, after weight stabilizes and after obtaining Code displays the personal data and requests for confirmation. If confirmed then goes to step 2 else repeat step 3;

Step 5, stores weight and height value in non- volatile memory along with the unique code. The grading for age-weight, age-height, and height-weight as per the desired norms is computed and stored in the data block in non-volatile memory. Displays all data on the alphanumeric display; Step 6, wait for weight to be removed and after removal wait for set time delay before initializing display. Go to step 2;

Step 7, Requests code and on obtaining unique code, reads data from nonvolatile memory and displays the same. Step through data blocks in forward/backward direction based on key operations and exits on enter key being pressed.

Step 8, Go back to step 2.

Typically, wherein the said Cartridge, capable of storing personal information based on name, gender and date of birth in the form of an alphanumeric data format.

Brief description of figure

Fig. 1 shows schematic diagram of the present invention of a physiogrowth monitoring system; and

Fig. 2 shows flow chart for working of the physiogrowth monitoring system of the present invention.

Description of present invention

The foregoing objects of the invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with prior art techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention as described below in the preferred embodiment. This invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the configuration of the system and corresponding functions are explained by relevant references in numerals and letters.

Figure 1 shows a physiogrowth monitoring system (herein after referred as PGM (100)). The PGM (100) consists of weighing platform (1), a trunk (10), power supply unit (2), control console (3), non-contact type sensor module (4) (herein after referred as sensor (4)) a guide cone (5) and microprocessor (not shown). The platform assembly (1), consists of a platform, a base assembly (not shown), a strain gauge (not shown), an overload protection (not shown), and levellers (7).

The trunk (10) is extending vertically from a side portion of the platform (1). The trunk (10) is capable of holding control console (3) and the sensor (4). The control console (3) is disposed on a portion along a vertical portion of the trunk (10). In an embodiment, the control console (3) is disposed along a central portion of the trunk (10). Further, the trunk (10) includes a first portion and a second portion. The second portion has comparatively smaller cross-section area as compared to first portion. The sensor (4), is attached to a sensor holder extending horizontally form the upper most portion of the trunk (10). The sensor (4) is provided with a guide cone (5) and is positioned operationally opposite to the platform (1).

In an embodiment, the control console (3) includes a microprocessor with Real Time Clock, non volatile random access memory, LCD display and Key Board, and analog to digital converter.

In another embodiment, the PGM (100) is connectable to a reader unit. Further, the reader unit is connectable to a personal computer for transferring data from the reader unit to the personal computer and vice versa. The reader unit includes a microprocessor with AD IC, non volatile memory, LCD digital display Key Board and 9 pin connector. The control console (3) and the reader unit include software based on the algorithm as described below.

The power supply unit (2) is disposed juxtaposition of the platform. In an embodiment, the power supply unit is a chargeable battery and a charging circuitry module.

The said power source is synchronised with control console module using a software feature to save power by turning itself "Off' (that is Stand Alone mode) as and when there is no activity on the Platform.

In another embodiment, the PGM (100) includes a cartridge. The cartridge is capable of storing personal information based on Name, Gender and Date Of Birth in the form of an alphanumeric data format.

Referring now to figure 2 the control console (3) consists of microprocessor AD IC, RTC module, battery, N.V.RAM, charging circuit, LCD Digital Display, and Key Board. The control console (3) has inbuilt software program which analyses the data entered and gives the final result. While working the control console (3) is connected with the previously loaded cartridge.

The control console (3) has inbuilt software with following algorithm:

1. Power up and initialize hardware analog-digital converter, height transducer, gets date and time, displays and reads scale parameters from non-volatile memory.

2. If any key is pressed, performs designated functions such as tare, set user parameters, perform calibration etc.

3. If enter key is pressed then goes to display stored data (Step 8) else wait for weight on scale. If weight on scale is greater than set value then go to step 4. 4. Verify if cartridge is present. If not request and wait for cartridge insertion.

5. Requests for code value, after weight stabilizes and after obtaining value displays the personal data and requests for confirmation. If confirmed then go to step 4 else repeat step 3.

6. Stores weight and height value in non-volatile memory along with a code provided for each person. The grading for age-weight, age-height, and height- weight as per the desired norms is computed and stored in the data block in non-volatile memory. Displays all data on the alphanumeric display.

7. Wait for weight to be removed and after removal wait for set time delay before initializing display. Go to step 2.

8. Requests code and on obtaining code reads data from non- volatile memory and displays the same data. Steps through data blocks in forward/backward direction based on key operations and exits on enter key being pressed.

9. Go back to step 2.

The present invention of PGM (100) is to be used at places where no electricity is available, thus PGM (100) is provided with power source cum charger consisting of battery - 6 V, 4.5 AH SMPS module, Mains Cord, LED indicator, 9 pin connector, handle. The battery is rechargeable and once charged it runs for 400 to 500 weighments. System has inbuilt Real Time Clock, it provides time and date wise data status. Baby tray consists of tray, length measuring slider, length scale, vacuum plugs / tray holder.

Furthermore, present invention consists of cartridge and reader for data processing and storage. Coded data i.e. personal information of beneficiary such as Name, Gender, Date Of Birth is entered and stored in cartridge which consists of N. V. RAM, 9 Pin connector.

The reader consists of microprocessor, AD IC, N.V.RAM( Non volatile memory), LCD Digital Display, Key Board, 9 pin connectors, and Serial Port Cable. It is provided with the software necessary for the transfer of data from cartridge to the computer/Laptop and visa-versa.

Algorithm

1. Power up and initialize hardware.

2. If cartridge is not present, then the LCD digital displays "Insert" wait for cartridge to be inserted.

3. Once cartridge is inserted, displays "Ready" and wait for command from serial port.

4. Execute command, if valid displays "Done" on completion.

5. go to step 4.

System software is designed to suit customized application i.e. in the event of any change or modification in the formulation/format of growth Grade etc. System is programmable accordingly without any change in the hardware used.

Working of present invention:

Referring to figure 2 in the stepl where the first all the primary data of beneficiaries is loaded on the cartridge with the help of reader. The Personal information data loaded i.e. Name, Gender, and Date of Birth & category of beneficiary and other personal information. This personal information is codified in Unique ALPHANUMERIC form. In absence of this code for each person output can not be obtained. Along with PGM (100) this loaded cartridge is supplied to the end user.

Once the beneficiary steps on the weighing platform, system starts working. Weight input from weighing platform and height input from overhead height sensor is fed to the control console (3). These inputs are displayed as well as stored in control console module. Simultaneously same data is stored in preloaded cartridge, connected to the control console (3). As user enters the code for beneficiary using the key board provided on control console (3) all the data available on cartridge related to that particular code is displayed on Digital Display of control console (3). While data being displayed it is being analyzed with help of embedded software in Control Console Module, after complete analysis it stores and displays the result on Digital Display of control console (3).

Above said cartridge is then used for data transfer wherever and when ever it is necessary with the help of said reader.

PGM (100) remains OFF in STAND ALONE condition, when it is not subjected to any weighing activity, thereby saves on energy consumption.

Any point of time by entering Code one can scroll back and obtain Beneficiary wise entire data directly from the machine also. All the operations require only couple of keys operations. Within an hour or two data generated at a particular Anganwadi can be obtained at the Head Quarter level on PC.

According to national and international standards (LAP & WHO guidelines) malnutrition level is determined on the basis of following data

Weight to Age: - Underweight (As per IAP & WHO) Weight to Height/length - wasting (As per & WHO - World Health Organisation)

Height to Age - Stunting (As per & WHO)

BMI: - Body Mass Index is a formula to calculate a person's body weight relative height. It is useful for indirect measure of body composition, because it correlates highly with body fat. BMI correlates over 90% with fat mass densitometry. The BMI is also called Quetelet Index. BMI is thought to be a more accurate indicator of body fat content than the standard height-weight tables that have been in use.

The foregoing objects of the invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with prior art techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention described in the present embodiment.

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein; however, it is to be understood that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or matter.

The embodiments of the invention as described above and the methods disclosed herein will suggest further modification and alterations to those skilled in the art. Such further modifications and alterations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention; which is defined by the scope of the following claims.

Advantages of present invention

1) Physical status data, time and Date wise data status, computation of growth grade and BMI are generate in a computerized manner without requirement of person skilled in computers.

2) It is very easy to handle, all required data can be displayed and stored with couple of key operations only.

3) High accuracy.

4) Maintenance free. No electrical or mechanical assembly, no side effects of weather, humidity or atmospheric temperature.

5) Has low energy consumption.

6) Physical status data + personal information+ Date of weighment + Weight+ Height+ Growth Grades (stunting + Wasting + under weigh) + BMI + Formulated Date generation to suit AXIS sheet layouts. Indeed quite an optimum output. Any point of time by entering Code one can scroll back and obtain Beneficiary wise entire aforesaid data directly from the physiogrowth monitoring system (100) also.

7) Within an hour or two, data generated at particular Anganwadi can be obtained at the District office/ Head Quarter level on PC through cartridge/ GPRS internet.

8) Present invention will help Government organization/ Agencies to ensure the generation and consolidation of authentic, meaningful and speedy health data of beneficiaries which should provide flawless malnutrition status at desired level of administration in a specific time frame.