Smart Insole for Diabetic Patients

• US 20080109183A1
• Filed: 11/06/2006
• Published: 05/08/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 11/06/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: University of Denver
• Original Assignee: University of Denver
• Inventors: Shoureshi, Rahmat A., Albert, Stephen F.
• Granted Patent: US 7,716,005 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 702/131
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 13/1281 with incorporated means for medical monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 3/34 with electrical or electronic arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 7/00 Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 7/147 for sick or disabled persons, e.g. persons having osteoarthritis or diabetes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/01 Measuring temperature of body parts ; Diagnostic temperature sensing, e.g. for malignant or inflamed tissue clinical contact thermometers G01K13/20
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 1/026 arrangements for monitoring a plurality of temperatures, e.g. by multiplexing
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 1/14 Supports; Fastening devices; Arrangements for mounting thermometers in particular locations
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 13/20 Clinical contact thermometers for use with humans or animals
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 2217/00 Temperature measurement using electric or magnetic components already present in the system to be measured

Abstract

This invention is a temperature-based smart insole capable of continuously or intermittently measuring the foot temperature of the patient at one or more locations of the foot while the insole is worn. The device provides feedback to the patient alerting the individual of risk based on his/her plantar temperatures. Benefits of this device include: its ability to free the patient from the clinical setting and increase patient'"'"'s confidence to be mobile, thus enhancing circulation while at the same time allowing the patient to self-monitor their feet.

Claims

1. A system for monitoring foot temperature comprising:

(a) a plurality of temperature sensors;

(b) an algorithm which compares the data from the temperature sensors to a signature profile, and provides a feedback value;

(c) means for communicating the feedback value; and

(d) a power source.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the means for communicating the feedback value is selected from the group consisting of:

visual indication, tactile indication, audible indication and combinations thereof.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of temperature sensors is located in a shoe, shoe insole, or sock.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a pressure sensor.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a humidity sensor.

6. The system of claim 1, comprising temperature sensors in sensing communication with different parts of the foot.

7. The system of claim 1, comprising less than 10 temperature sensors.

8. The system of claim 1, comprising more than 2 temperature sensors.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the power source is kinetic energy.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the power source is alternating or direct current.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the power source is one or more batteries.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the algorithm is a neuro-fuzzy decision making system.

13. A system for monitoring foot temperature comprising:

(a) a plurality of temperature sensors which generate a signal;

(b) a circuit means electrically connected to the plurality of temperature sensors whereby said signal is collected;

(c) a transmission means to transmit the signal;

(d) a power source electrically connected to said plurality of temperature sensors, circuit means, and transmission means;

(e) a software program that receives the transmitted signal and compares the transmitted signal to a signature profile and generates a feedback signal;

(f) a feedback means which transmits the feedback signal.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the feedback means is selected from the group consisting of:

visual indication, tactile indication, audible indication and combinations thereof.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the temperature sensors are located in a shoe, shoe insole, or sock.

16. The system of claim 13, wherein the temperature sensors are located in sensing communication with different parts of the foot.

17. The system of claim 13, comprising less than 10 temperature sensors.

18. The system of claim 13, comprising more than 2 temperature sensors.

19. The system of claim 13, further comprising a humidity sensor.

20. The system of claim 13, further comprising a pressure sensor.

21. The system of claim 13, wherein the power source is kinetic energy.

22. The system of claim 13, wherein the power source is alternating or direct current.

23. The system of claim 13, wherein the power source is one or more batteries.

24. The system of claim 13, wherein the software program includes a neuro-fuzzy decision making system.

25. A system for measuring parameters of the foot comprising:

(a) one or more sensors selected from the group consisting of;

temperature, pressure and humidity;

(b) an algorithm which uses the data from the sensors and creates a feedback value;

(c) means for communicating the feedback value; and

(d) a power source.

26. A method for monitoring foot parameters comprising:

collecting signals from one or more sensors located in sensing proximity to a patient'"'"'s foot, generating a test profile;

comparing the test profile to a signature profile;

generating a feedback signal;

communicating the feedback signal.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the sensors are selected from the group consisting of:

temperature, pressure and humidity.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein the comparing step is performed by a neuro-fuzzy decision making system.

29. The method of claim 26, wherein the communicating step is one or more of:

visual, tactile, and audible.