Semiconductor diodes-based physiological measurement device with improved signal-to-noise ratio

• US 10,517,484 B2
• Filed: 07/09/2019
• Issued: 12/31/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 12/31/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Omni Medsci, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Omni Medsci, Inc.
• Inventors: Islam, Mohammed N.
• Primary Examiner(s): Rahman, Md M
• Application Number:
  US16/506,885
• Publication Number:
  US 20190328235A1
• Time in Patent Office: 175 Days
• Field of Search: 356300
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0233 Special features of optical sensors or probes classified in A61B5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0238 Optical sensor arrangements for performing transmission measurements on body tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/146 for optical coupling
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2576/02 specially adapted for a particular organ or body part
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0013 Medical image data A61B1/00011, A61B6/56, A61B8/56 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0022 Monitoring a patient using a global network, e.g. telephone networks, internet
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0075 by spectroscopy, i.e. measuring spectra, e.g. Raman spectroscopy, infrared absorption spectroscopy A61B5/0071 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0086 using infrared radiation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0088 for oral or dental tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14532 for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14546 for measuring analytes not otherwise provided for, e.g. ions, cytochromes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1455 using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4547 Evaluating teeth
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6801 specially adapted to be attached to or worn on the body surface
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7257 using Fourier transforms
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7405 using sound
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/742 using visual displays A61B5/339 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 2003/104 Monochromatic plural sources
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 2003/1208 Prism and grating
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 2003/2826 Multispectral imaging, e.g. filter imaging
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/0218 : using optical fibers
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/108 : for measurement in the infrared range
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/14 : using refracting elements, e.g. prisms G01J3/18, G01J3/26 take precedence prisms per se G02B5/04
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/1838 : Holographic gratings
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/28 : Investigating the spectrum using colour filters G01J3/51
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/2823 : Imaging spectrometer
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/42 : Absorption spectrometry; Double beam spectrometry; Flicker spectrometry; Reflection spectrometry beam switching arrangements G01J3/08
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/453 : by correlation of the amplitudes
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/38 : by using light G01M3/02 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2021/3595 : using FTIR
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2021/399 : Diode laser
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/35 : using infrared light G01N21/39 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/3563 : for analysing solids; Preparation of samples therefor
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/359 : using near infrared light
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/39 : using tunable lasers
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/85 : Investigating moving fluids or granular solids
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/88 : Investigating the presence of flaws or contamination
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/9508 : Capsules; Tablets
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2201/0221 : Portable; cableless; compact; hand-held
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2201/061 : Sources
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2201/06113 : Coherent sources; lasers
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2201/062 : LED's
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2201/08 : Optical fibres; light guides
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2201/12 : Circuits of general importance; Signal processing
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2201/129 : Using chemometrical methods
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/02 : Food
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/025 : Fruits or vegetables
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/15 : Medicinal preparations ; Physical properties thereof, e.g. dissolubility drug screening with animal cells G01N33/5008
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/442 : Resins, plastics
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/49 : Blood chemical methods for determining blood cell populations G01N33/5094; chemical analysis of blood groups or blood types G01N33/80
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 : for remote operation
• CPC Class Codes: G16Z 99/00 : Subject matter not provided for in other main groups of this subclass
• CPC Class Codes: H01S 3/0092 : Nonlinear frequency conversion, e.g. second harmonic generation [SHG] or sum- or difference-frequency generation outside the laser cavity nonlinear frequency conversion per se G02F1/35
• CPC Class Codes: H01S 3/06758 : Tandem amplifiers
• CPC Class Codes: H01S 3/302 : in an optical fibre
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 90/10 : Information and communication technologies [ICT] supporting adaptation to climate change, e.g. for weather forecasting or climate simulation

Abstract

A wearable device includes a measurement device to measure a physiological parameter adapted to be placed on a wrist or an ear of a user. A plurality of semiconductor light sources such as light emitting diodes generate corresponding output light having an initial light intensity. A receiver includes spatially separated detectors receiving reflected light from the output lights and coupled to analog to digital converters. The receiver is configured to synchronize to the semiconductor source(s). The measurement device improves signal-to-noise ratio of the output signal by increasing light intensity relative to the initial light intensity and by increasing a pulse rate. Further improvement in signal-to-noise ratio is achieved by using change detection, where the receiver compares the signals with light on and with light off.

Claims

1. A system for measuring one or more physiological parameters and for use with a smart phone or tablet, the system comprising:

a wearable device adapted to be placed on a wrist or an ear of a user, including a light source comprising a plurality of semiconductor sources that are light emitting diodes, each of the light emitting diodes configured to generate an output optical light having one or more optical wavelengths;

the wearable device comprising one or more lenses configured to receive a portion of at least one of the output optical lights and to direct a lens output light to tissue;

the wearable device further comprising a detection system configured to receive at least a portion of the lens output light reflected from the tissue and to generate an output signal having a signal-to-noise ratio, wherein the detection system is configured to be synchronized to the light source;

wherein the detection system comprises a plurality of spatially separated detectors, and wherein at least one analog to digital converter is coupled to at least one of the spatially separated detectors;

wherein a detector output from the at least one of the plurality of spatially separated detectors is coupled to an amplifier having a gain configured to improve detection sensitivity;

the smart phone or tablet comprising a wireless receiver, a wireless transmitter, a display, a speaker, a voice input module, one or more buttons or knobs, a microprocessor and a touch screen, the smart phone or tablet configured to receive and process at least a portion of the output signal, wherein the smart phone or tablet is configured to store and display the processed output signal, and wherein at least a portion of the processed output signal is configured to be transmitted over a wireless transmission link;

a cloud configured to receive over the wireless transmission link an output status comprising the at least a portion of the processed output signal, to process the received output status to generate processed data, and to store the processed data;

wherein the output signal is indicative of one or more of the physiological parameters, and the cloud is configured to store a history of at least a portion of the one or more physiological parameters over a specified period of time;

the wearable device configured to increase the signal-to-noise ratio by increasing light intensity of at least one of the plurality of semiconductor sources from an initial light intensity and by increasing a pulse rate of at least one of the plurality of semiconductor sources from an initial pulse rate; and

the detection system further configured to;

generate a first signal responsive to light received while the light emitting diodes are off,

generate a second signal responsive to light received while at least one of the light emitting diodes is on, and

increase the signal-to-noise ratio by comparing the first signal and the second signal.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the wearable device is configured to use artificial intelligence in making decisions associated with at least a portion of the output signal.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the wearable device is at least in part configured to identify an object, and to compare a property of at least some of the output signal to a threshold.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the wearable device is configured to perform pattern identification or classification based on at least a part of the output signal.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein at least one of the spatially separated detectors is located at a first distance from at least one of the light emitting diodes and at least another of the spatially separated detectors is located at a second distance from the at least one of the light emitting diodes, and the at least one of the spatially separated detectors is configured to generate a third signal responsive to light from the at least one light emitting diode and the at least another of the spatially separated detectors is configured to generate a fourth signal responsive to the light from the at least one of the light emitting diodes;

and

wherein at least one of the spatially separated detectors is located at a third distance from a first one of the light emitting diodes and at a fourth distance from a second one of the light emitting diodes, and is configured to generate a fifth signal responsive to light from the first light emitting diode and a sixth signal responsive to light from the second light emitting diode, and wherein the first distance is different from the second distance, and the third distance is different from the fourth distance.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the wearable device further comprises a reflective surface positioned to reflect at least a portion of the lens output light reflected from the tissue.

7. A system for measuring one or more physiological parameters and for use with a smart phone or tablet, the system comprising:

a wearable device adapted to be placed on a wrist or an ear of a user, and including a light source comprising a plurality of semiconductor sources, each of the semiconductor sources configured to generate an output light having one or more optical wavelengths;

the wearable device comprising one or more lenses configured to receive a portion of at least one of the output lights and to deliver a lens output light to tissue;

the wearable device further comprising a detection system configured to receive at least a portion of the lens output light reflected from the tissue and to generate an output signal having a signal-to-noise ratio, wherein the detection system is configured to be synchronized to the light source;

wherein the detection system comprises a plurality of spatially separated detectors, and wherein at least one analog to digital converter is coupled to at least one of the spatially separated detectors;

the smart phone or tablet comprising a wireless receiver, a wireless transmitter, a display, a speaker, a voice input module, one or more buttons or knobs, a microprocessor and a touch screen, the smart phone or tablet configured to receive and process at least a portion of the output signal, wherein the smart phone or tablet is configured to store and display the processed output signal, and wherein at least a portion of the processed output signal is configured to be transmitted over a wireless transmission link;

a cloud configured to receive over the wireless transmission link an output status comprising the at least a portion of the processed output signal, to process the received output status to generate processed data, and to store the processed data;

wherein the output signal is indicative of one or more of the physiological parameters;

the wearable device configured to increase the signal-to-noise ratio by increasing light intensity of at least one of the semiconductor sources from an initial light intensity and by increasing a pulse rate of at least one of the semiconductor sources from an initial pulse rate; and

the detection system further configured to;

generate a first signal responsive to light received while the semiconductor sources are off,

generate a second signal responsive to light received while at least one of the semiconductor sources is on, and

increase the signal-to-noise ratio by comparing the first signal and the second signal.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the wearable device is at least in part configured to identify an object, and a property of at least some of the output signal is compared by at least one of the wearable device, the smart phone or tablet to a threshold.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein a detector output from at least one of the plurality of spatially separated detectors is coupled to an amplifier having a gain configured to improve detection sensitivity.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the wearable device is configured to use artificial intelligence to process at least a portion of the output signal.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the artificial intelligence comprises pattern identification or classification.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the wearable device is configured to perform pattern identification or classification based on at least a part of the output signal.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein at least one of the spatially separated detectors is located at a first distance from at least one of the light emitting diodes and at least another of the spatially separated detectors is located at a second distance from the at least one of the light emitting diodes, and the at least one of the spatially separated detectors is configured to generate a third signal responsive to light from the at least one light emitting diode and the at least another of the spatially separated detectors is configured to generate a fourth signal responsive to the light from the at least one of the light emitting diodes;

and

wherein at least one of the spatially separated detectors is located at a third distance from a first one of the light emitting diodes and at a fourth distance from a second one of the light emitting diodes, and is configured to generate a fifth signal responsive to light from the first light emitting diode and a sixth signal responsive to light from the second light emitting diode, and wherein the first distance is different from the second distance, and the third distance is different from the fourth distance.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the wearable device further comprises a reflective surface positioned to reflect at least a portion of the lens output light reflected from the tissue.

15. A system for measuring one or more physiological parameters and for use with a smart phone or tablet, the system comprising:

a wearable device adapted to be placed on a wrist or an ear of a user, including a light source comprising a plurality of semiconductor sources that are light emitting diodes, each of the light emitting diodes configured to generate an output optical light having one or more optical wavelengths;

the wearable device comprising one or more lenses configured to receive a portion of at least some of the output optical light and to deliver a lens output light to tissue;

the wearable device further comprising a detection system configured to receive at least a portion of the lens output light reflected from the tissue and to generate an output signal having a signal-to-noise ratio, wherein the detection system is configured to be synchronized to the light source;

wherein the detection system comprises a plurality of spatially separated detectors, and wherein at least one analog to digital converter is coupled to at least one of the spatially separated detectors;

the smart phone or tablet comprising a wireless receiver, a wireless transmitter, a display, a microphone, a speaker, one or more buttons or knobs, a microprocessor and a touch screen, the smart phone or tablet configured to receive and process at least a portion of the output signal, wherein the smart phone or tablet is configured to store and display the processed output signal, and wherein at least a portion of the processed output signal is configured to be transmitted over a wireless transmission link;

a cloud configured to receive over the wireless transmission link an output status comprising the at least a portion of the processed output signal, to process the received output status to generate processed data, and to store the processed data;

wherein the output signal is indicative of one or more of the physiological parameters;

the wearable device configured to increase the signal-to-noise ratio by increasing light intensity of at least one of the plurality of semiconductor sources from an initial light intensity; and

the detection system further configured to;

generate a first signal responsive to light received while the light emitting diodes are off,

generate a second signal responsive to light received while at least one of the light emitting diodes is on, and

increase the signal-to-noise ratio by comparing the first signal and the second signal.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the wearable device is at least in part configured to detect an object, and a property of at least some of the output signal is compared to a threshold.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein a detector output from at least one of the plurality of spatially separated detectors is coupled to an amplifier having a gain configured to be adjusted to improve detection sensitivity.

18. The system of claim 15, wherein the wearable device is configured to use artificial intelligence in making decisions associated with at least a portion of the output signal.

19. The system of claim 18 wherein the artificial intelligence comprises a pattern matching algorithm.

20. The system of claim 18 wherein the artificial intelligence comprises spectral fingerprinting.

21. The system of claim 15, wherein the wearable device is configured to perform pattern identification or classification based on at least a part of the output signal.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the pattern identification or classification comprises a pattern matching algorithm or spectral fingerprinting.

23. The system of claim 15, wherein the wearable device further comprises a reflective surface positioned to reflect at least a portion of light reflected from the tissue.