Patient Identification System

Abstract

A patient identification device is disclosed. The device includes a first sensor, a second sensor, and a processor. The first sensor may be configured to be positioned on the patient's finger. The device may include a camera. The device may include an identifier. The identifier displays a randomly generated alphanumeric code for further identification of the patient.

1 . A patient identification device comprising
 a first biometric sensor configured to sense biometric data from a patient's finger,   a second biometric sensor,   a processor coupled to the first and second biometric sensors and configured to receive signals from the first and second sensors, and   an identifier coupled to the second sensor, the identifier projecting an identification code.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the identifier is configured to display an alphanumeric code. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the identifier comprises one selected from an LCD and an LED. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to display a random code on the identifier. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a camera coupled to the processor. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the processor is configured to store photographs taken by the camera. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the second biometric sensor is configured to sense the heart rate of the patient. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the second biometric sensor is configured to sense one biometric quality selected from the group consisting of a retinal scan, voice recognition, facial recognition, pulse oximetry, and a fingerprint. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first biometric sensor is configured to sense the pulse oximetry of a patient. 
     
     
         10 . A patient identification device comprising
 a first biometric sensor configured to sense biometric data from a patient's finger,   a second biometric sensor configured to sense biometric data from the patient at a position remote from the patient's finger,   a processor coupled to the first and second biometric sensors and configured to receive signals from the first and second sensors and compare the signals, and   a storage device coupled to the processor for storing data from the first and second sensors.   
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , further comprising an identifier coupled to the second sensor, the identifier providing data for storage in the storage device. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the identifier displays an alphanumeric code randomly generated by the processor. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 12 , further comprising a camera for photographing the identifier when it is attached to the patient and displaying the alphanumeric code. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the first and second sensors are configured to simultaneously monitor the heart rate of the patient. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the first and second sensors are configured to simultaneously monitor the same biometric characteristic of the patient. 
     
     
         16 . A patient identification device comprising
 a first biometric sensor configured to sense biometric data from a patient's finger,   a second biometric sensor configured to sense biometric data from the patient at a location remote from the patient's finger,   a portable processor configured to be coupled to the first and second biometric sensors and configured to receive and store signals from the first and second sensors.   
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the portable processor comprises a personal digital assistant. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the portable processor comprises a camera. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the portable processor is configured to communicate electronically with a central repository. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 16 , further comprising an identifier configured to be coupled to one of the first and second sensors. 
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 20 , wherein the identifier is a display for displaying an alphanumeric code randomly generated by the portable processor. 
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the first sensor senses the pulse oximetry of the patient. 
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the first and second sensors are configured to simultaneously sense the same biometric characteristic of the patient.