PHYSIOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING SYSTEMS AND METHODS

• US 20080146892A1
• Filed: 08/31/2007
• Published: 06/19/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 12/19/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Yukka Magic LLC
• Original Assignee: Valencell, Inc.
• Inventors: LeBoeuf, Steven Francis, Aumer, Michael Edward, Tucker, Jesse Berkley
• Granted Patent: US 8,157,730 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/300
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2505/07 Home care
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0242 adapted to measure environmental factors, e.g. temperature, pollution
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0219 Inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers, gyroscopes, tilt switches
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0002 Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network A61B5/07 takes precedence; transmission systems for measured values G08C; transmission H04B; transmission of digital information H04L; wireless communication networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0022 Monitoring a patient using a global network, e.g. telephone networks, internet
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0059 using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence A61B5/0093, A61B5/1455, A61B5/02416 and A61B5/0261 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02 Detecting, measuring or recording pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0205 Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular conditions and different types of body conditions, e.g. heart and respiratory condition
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02055 Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular condition and temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/021 Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels A61B5/0205 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/024 Detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate A61B5/0205, A61B5/021 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02438 with portable devices, e.g. worn by the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/026 Measuring blood flow A61B3/1233, A61B3/1241 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0816 Measuring devices for examining respiratory frequency measuring frequency of electric signals G01R23/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/087 Measuring breath flow
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/11 Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor, mobility of a limb for measuring pulse A61B5/02 ;A61B5/1038 takes precedence; motion detection to correct for motion artifacts in physiological signals A61B5/721
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1112 Global tracking of patients, e.g. by using GPS
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1117 Fall detection
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1118 Determining activity level
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/112 Gait analysis
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14539 : for measuring pH
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14542 : for measuring blood gases A61B5/14551 takes precedence
• 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 5/165 : Evaluating the state of mind, e.g. depression, anxiety
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4064 : Evaluating the brain A61B5/031, A61B5/369, A61B5/14553 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/411 : Detecting or monitoring allergy or intolerance reactions to an allergenic agent or substance
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/415 : the glands, e.g. tonsils, adenoids or thymus
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/418 : lymph vessels, ducts or nodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4812 : Detecting sleep stages or cycles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4848 : Monitoring or testing the effects of treatment, e.g. of medication
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/486 : Bio-feedback A61B5/375 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4866 : Evaluating metabolism A61B5/083 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6802 : Sensor mounted on worn items
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6803 : Head-worn items, e.g. helmets, masks, headphones or goggles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6815 : Ear
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6817 : Ear canal
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6887 : mounted on external non-worn devices, e.g. non-medical devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7207 : of noise induced by motion artifacts
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/721 : using a separate sensor to detect motion or using motion information derived from signals other than the physiological signal to be measured
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/742 : using visual displays A61B5/339 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/00 : Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions gaming systems which provide a financial reward G07F17/32
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0241 : Advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0251 : Targeted advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0269 : based on user profile or attribute
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0271 : Personalized advertisement
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 10/60 : for patient-specific data, e.g. for electronic patient records
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/63 : for local operation
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 : for remote operation
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 50/30 : for calculating health indices; for individual health risk assessment
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 90/10 : Information and communication technologies [ICT] supporting adaptation to climate change, e.g. for weather forecasting or climate simulation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/92 : Computer assisted medical diagnostics
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99943 : Generating database or data structure, e.g. via user interface

Abstract

Systems and methods for monitoring various physiological and environmental factors, as well as systems and methods for using this information for a plurality of useful purposes, are provided. Real-time, noninvasive health and environmental monitors include a plurality of compact sensors integrated within small, low-profile devices. Physiological and environmental data is collected and wirelessly transmitted into a wireless network, where the data is stored and/or processed. This information is then used to support a variety of useful methods, such as clinical trials, marketing studies, biofeedback, entertainment, and others.

Claims

1. A method of monitoring a subject, comprising:

receiving physiological and/or environmental information from the subject via a portable monitoring device associated with the subject, wherein the monitoring device has at least one physiological sensor and/or environmental sensor, wherein each physiological sensor is configured to detect and/or measure physiological information from the subject, and wherein each environmental sensor is configured to detect and/or measure environmental conditions in a vicinity of the subject; and

analyzing the received information to identify and/or predict one or more health and/or environmental issues associated with the subject.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein physiological information and/or environmental information is received and analyzed at a location geographically remote from the subject.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising communicating corrective action information to the subject in response to identifying one or more health and/or environmental problems associated with the subject.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising communicating corrective action information for the subject to a third party in response to identifying one or more health and/or environmental problems associated with the subject.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising analyzing the received information to identify and/or predict the aging rate of the subject.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising analyzing the received information to identify and/or predict environmental changes in the vicinity of the subject.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising analyzing the received information to identify and/or predict psychological and/or physiological stress for the subject.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising creating a geographical map illustrating health-related and/or environmental conditions associated with the subject.

9. A health and environmental monitoring system, comprising:

a plurality of portable monitoring devices, each comprising at least one physiological sensor and/or environmental sensor, wherein each physiological sensor is configured to detect and/or measure physiological information from a respective subject, and wherein each environmental sensor is configured to detect and/or measure environmental conditions in a vicinity of the respective subject;

a plurality of portable communication devices, wherein each communication device is in communication with a respective monitoring device and is configured to transmit data from the monitoring device to remote data storage; and

a processor configured to analyze data within the remote data storage and to identify and/or predict health and/or environmental issues associated with each subject.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the processor is configured to communicate corrective action information to each respective subject.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the processor communicates corrective action information for a subject to a third party.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the processor communicates corrective action information to each subject via the monitoring device associated with each respective subject.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein the remote data storage comprises a private portion and a public portion, wherein the private portion contains health and environmental data that is personalized for each subject, and wherein the public portion contains anonymous health and environmental data and is accessible by third parties.

14. The system of claim 9, wherein the processor is configured to identify and/or predict the aging rate of one or more subjects.

15. The system of claim 9, wherein the processor is configured to identify and/or predict environmental changes in the vicinity of one or more subjects.

16. The system of claim 9, wherein the processor is configured to identify and/or predict psychological and/or physiological stress for one or more subjects.

17. The system of claim 9, wherein the processor is configured to create a geographical map illustrating health and/or environmental conditions associated with one or more subjects.

18. The system of claim 9, wherein each monitoring device is configured to be attached to a body of a respective subject.

19. The system of claim 9, wherein one or more of the monitoring devices are each configured to be attached to an ear of a respective subject.

20. A method of delivering targeted advertising to a person, comprising:

collecting physiological and/or environmental information from a person;

selecting an advertisement for delivery to the person based upon the collected physiological and/or environmental information; and

delivering the selected advertisement to the person.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the collecting step comprises receiving physiological and/or environmental information from a monitoring device associated with the person, wherein the monitoring device includes at least one physiological sensor and/or environmental sensor, wherein each physiological sensor is configured to detect and/or measure physiological information from the person, and wherein each environmental sensor is configured to detect and/or measure environmental conditions in a vicinity of the person.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the selecting step comprises:

analyzing the received physiological and/or environmental information to identify a physiological condition of the person and/or environmental condition in a vicinity of the person; and

selecting an advertisement for a product or service related to an identified physiological and/or environmental condition.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the monitoring device is attached to a body of the person.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein the monitoring device is attached to an ear of the person.

25. The method of claim 20, wherein the delivering step comprises delivering the selected advertisement to the person via one or more of the following delivery channels:

email, postal mail, television, radio, newspaper, magazine, the internet, and outdoor advertising.

26. A system for delivering targeted advertising, comprising:

a plurality of portable monitoring devices, each comprising at least one physiological sensor and/or environmental sensor, wherein each physiological sensor is configured to detect and/or measure physiological information from a respective person, and wherein each environmental sensor is configured to detect and/or measure environmental conditions in a vicinity of a respective person; and

a remotely located advertisement selection device that receives physiological and/or environmental information from the monitoring devices, selects advertisements based upon the collected physiological and/or environmental information, and delivers selected advertisements to the monitored persons.

27. The system of claim 26, wherein the advertisement selection device receives physiological and/or environmental information from each monitoring device via a communication device associated with each respective monitoring device.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein the communication device is selected from the group consisting of PDAs, cell phones, laptop computers, and other portable telemetric devices.

29. The system of claim 27, wherein one or more of the monitoring devices communicate wirelessly with respective communication devices.

30. The system of claim 26, further comprising a database that stores the physiological and/or environmental information received from the monitoring devices.

31. The system of claim 26, wherein each monitoring device is configured to be attached to a body of a respective person.

32. The system of claim 26, wherein one or more of the monitoring devices are each configured to be attached to an ear of a respective person.

33. The system of claim 26, wherein the advertisement selection device comprises an ad server configured to deliver online advertisements.

34. The system of claim 26, wherein the advertisement selection device comprises an email server configured to deliver advertisements via email.

35. The system of claim 26, wherein the advertisement selection device is configured to communicate with a third party service that can deliver the selected advertisement via one or more of the following delivery channels:

postal mail, television, radio, newspaper, magazine, the internet, and outdoor advertising.

36. The system of claim 26, wherein the advertisement selection device is configured to select an advertisement for a product and/or service related to a physiological condition of a person.

37. The system of claim 26, wherein the advertisement selection device is configured to select an advertisement for a product and/or service related to an environmental condition in a vicinity of a person.

38. A method of supporting interpersonal relationships, comprising:

collecting physiological and/or environmental information from a monitoring device associated with a first person when the first person is in the presence of a second person, wherein the monitoring device includes at least one physiological sensor and/or environmental sensor, wherein each physiological sensor is configured to detect and/or measure physiological information from the first person, and wherein each environmental sensor is configured to detect and/or measure environmental conditions in a vicinity of the first person, and wherein the collected physiological and/or environmental information includes indicators associated with stress experienced by the first person;

determining a stress level of the first person using the collected physiological and/or environmental information; and

displaying the stress level to the first person.

39. The method of claim 38, further comprising transmitting the stress level of the first person to a third person.

40. The method of claim 38, wherein the monitoring device is attached to a body of the first person.

41. The method of claim 38, further comprising storing physiological and/or environmental information collected from the first person over a period of time.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein storing physiological and/or environmental information collected from the first person comprises transmitting collected physiological and/or environmental information to a remote storage device.

43. The method of claim 41, further comprising:

determining a stress level of the first person over the period of time; and

displaying the stress level over the period of time to the first person.

44. The method of claim 38, further comprising identifying the second person via the monitoring device.

45. The method of claim 41, further comprising:

analyzing the physiological and/or environmental information collected from the first person over the period of time to identify a source of stress; and

recommending a solution for reducing stress to the first person.

46. A system for supporting interpersonal relationships, comprising:

a portable monitoring device that collects physiological and/or environmental information from a first person when the first person is in the presence of a second person, wherein the monitoring device comprises at least one physiological sensor and/or environmental sensor, wherein each physiological sensor is configured to detect and/or measure physiological information from the first person, and wherein each environmental sensor is configured to detect and/or measure environmental conditions in a vicinity of the first person, and wherein the collected physiological and/or environmental information includes indicators associated with stress experienced by the first person; and

a processor that receives physiological and/or environmental information from the monitoring device, determines a stress level of the first person using the collected physiological and/or environmental information, and transmits and/or displays the stress level to the first person.

47. The system of claim 46, wherein the processor receives physiological and/or environmental information from the monitoring device via a communication device associated with the monitoring device.

48. The system of claim 47, wherein the communication device is selected from the group consisting of PDAs, cell phones, laptop computers, and other portable telemetric devices.

49. The system of claim 46, further comprising a database that stores the physiological and/or environmental information received from the monitoring device.

50. The system of claim 46, wherein the monitoring device is configured to be attached to a body of the first person.

51. The system of claim 46, wherein the processor is configured to transmit the stress level of the first person to a third person.

52. The system of claim 46, wherein the monitoring device is configured to identify the second person.

53. The system of claim 46, wherein the processor is configured to analyze the physiological and/or environmental information collected from the first person to identify a source of stress, and to recommend a solution for reducing stress to the first person.

54. A method of supporting interpersonal relationships, comprising:

collecting physiological and/or environmental information from a monitoring device associated with a first person, wherein the monitoring device includes at least one physiological sensor and/or environmental sensor, wherein each physiological sensor is configured to detect and/or measure physiological information from the first person, and wherein each environmental sensor is configured to detect and/or measure environmental conditions in a vicinity of the first person, and wherein the collected physiological and/or environmental information includes indicators associated with one or more moods of the first person; and

determining a mood of the first person using the collected physiological and/or environmental information.

55. The method of claim 54, further comprising communicating the mood of the first person to a second person.

56. The method of claim 55, wherein communicating the mood of the first person to a second person comprises communicating via a communication network.

57. The method of claim 54, wherein the monitoring device is attached to a body of the first person.

58. A system for supporting interpersonal relationships, comprising:

a portable monitoring device that collects physiological and/or environmental information from a first person, wherein the monitoring device comprises at least one physiological sensor and/or environmental sensor, wherein each physiological sensor is configured to detect and/or measure physiological information from the first person, and wherein each environmental sensor is configured to detect and/or measure environmental conditions in a vicinity of the first person, and wherein the collected physiological and/or environmental information includes indicators associated with a mood of the first person; and

a processor that receives physiological and/or environmental information from the monitoring device, and determines a mood of the first person using the collected physiological and/or environmental information.

59. The system of claim 58, wherein the processor receives physiological and/or environmental information from the monitoring device via a communication device associated with the monitoring device.

60. The system of claim 59, wherein the communication device is selected from the group consisting of PDAs, cell phones, laptop computers, and other portable telemetric devices.

61. The system of claim 58, further comprising a database that stores the physiological and/or environmental information received from the monitoring device.

62. The system of claim 58, wherein the processor is configured to communicate the mood of the first person to a second person.

63. A method of monitoring one or more subjects, comprising:

collecting physiological and/or environmental information from a monitoring device associated with each respective subject, wherein the monitoring device includes at least one physiological sensor and/or environmental sensor, wherein each physiological sensor is configured to detect and/or measure physiological information from a subject, and wherein each environmental sensor is configured to detect and/or measure environmental conditions in a vicinity of a subject;

storing the collected physiological and/or environmental information at a remote storage device, and

comparing the stored physiological and/or environmental information with benchmark physiological and/or environmental information to identify at least one behavioral response of the one or more subjects.

64. The method of claim 63, wherein the at least one behavioral response is a behavioral response to a product and/or service.

65. The method of claim 63, wherein the at least one behavioral response is a behavioral response to product and/or service marketing.

66. The method of claim 63, wherein the at least one behavioral response is a behavioral response to medical treatment.

67. The method of claim 63, wherein the at least one behavioral response is a behavioral response to a drug.

68. The method of claim 63, wherein each monitoring device is attached to the body of a respective subject.

69. The method of claim 63, wherein each monitoring device is attached to an ear of a respective subject.

70. A system for monitoring one or more subjects, comprising:

a plurality of portable monitoring devices, wherein each monitoring device is associated with a respective subject, wherein each monitoring device includes at least one physiological sensor and/or environmental sensor, wherein each physiological sensor is configured to collect physiological information from a subject, and wherein each environmental sensor is configured to collect environmental conditions in a vicinity of a subject; and

a processor that compares collected physiological and/or environmental information with benchmark physiological and/or environmental information to identify at least one behavioral response of the one or more subjects.

71. The system of claim 70, wherein the at least one behavioral response is a behavioral response to a product and/or service.

72. The system of claim 70, wherein the at least one behavioral response is a behavioral response to product and/or service marketing.

73. The system of claim 70, wherein the at least one behavioral response is a behavioral response to medical treatment.

74. The system of claim 70, wherein the at least one behavioral response is a behavioral response to a drug.

75. The system of claim 70, wherein each monitoring device comprises a dosimeter configured to measure a dose of a drug taken by a respective subject.

76. The system of claim 70, wherein each monitoring device is attached to the body of a respective subject.

77. The system of claim 70, wherein the processor receives physiological and/or environmental information from each monitoring device via a respective communication device associated with each monitoring device.

78. The system of claim 77, wherein the communication device is selected from the group consisting of PDAs, cell phones, laptop computers, and other portable telemetric devices.

79. The system of claim 77, wherein each monitoring device communicates wirelessly with a respective communication device.

80. The system of claim 70, further comprising a database that stores the physiological and/or environmental information received from each monitoring device.

81. The system of claim 70, wherein each monitoring device is configured to be attached to an ear of a respective person.

82. A method of monitoring patients, wherein attached to each patient is a monitoring device that includes at least one physiological sensor and/or environmental sensor, wherein each physiological sensor is configured to detect and/or measure physiological information from the patient, and wherein each environmental sensor is configured to detect and/or measure environmental conditions in a vicinity of the patient, the method comprising:

collecting physiological and/or environmental information from each patient monitoring device for each respective patient; and

analyzing the collected information to determine caloric intake, health, and physical activity of each patient.

83. The method of claim 82, wherein each monitoring device is configured to be attached to an ear of a respective patient.

84. A system for monitoring patients, comprising:

a plurality of portable monitoring devices, wherein each monitoring device is attached to a body of a respective patient, wherein each monitoring device includes at least one physiological sensor and/or environmental sensor, wherein each physiological sensor is configured to detect and/or measure physiological information from a patient, and wherein each environmental sensor is configured to detect and/or measure environmental conditions in a vicinity of a patient; and

a processor that receives physiological and/or environmental information from each monitoring device, and determines caloric intake, health, and physical activity of each patient.

85. The system of claim 84, wherein the processor receives physiological and/or environmental information from each monitoring device via a respective communication device associated with each monitoring device.

86. The system of claim 85, wherein the communication device is selected from the group consisting of PDAs, cell phones, laptop computers, and other portable telemetric devices.

87. The system of claim 85, wherein each monitoring device communicates wirelessly with a respective communication device.

88. The system of claim 84, further comprising a database that stores the physiological and/or environmental information received from each monitoring device.

89. The system of claim 84, wherein each monitoring device is configured to be attached to an ear of a respective person.

90. An entertainment system, comprising:

a gaming device; and

a plurality of portable monitoring apparatuses in communication with the gaming device, wherein each monitoring apparatus is configured to transmit physiological information and/or environmental information to the gaming device;

wherein the gaming device is configured to display physiological information and/or environmental information received from each monitoring apparatus.

91. The system of claim 90, wherein each monitoring apparatus comprises at least one physiological sensor and/or environmental sensor, wherein each physiological sensor is configured to detect and/or measure physiological information from a respective subject, and wherein each environmental sensor is configured to detect and/or measure environmental conditions in a vicinity of the respective subject.

92. An entertainment system, comprising:

a gaming device; and

a plurality of portable, wearable monitoring apparatuses in communication with the gaming device, wherein each monitoring apparatus is configured to transmit physiological information and/or environmental information wirelessly to the gaming device;

wherein the gaming device is configured to integrate into the gaming strategy physiological information and/or environmental information received from each monitoring apparatus.

93. The system of claim 92, wherein each monitoring apparatus comprises at least one physiological sensor and/or environmental sensor, wherein each physiological sensor is configured to detect and/or measure physiological information from a respective subject, and wherein each environmental sensor is configured to detect and/or measure environmental conditions in a vicinity of the respective subject.

94. The system of claim 92 wherein at least one monitoring apparatus is configured to be worn on or around the ear.

95. A method of interacting with an electronic game, comprising:

collecting physiological and/or environmental information from a monitoring device associated with a person, wherein the monitoring device includes at least one physiological sensor and/or environmental sensor, wherein each physiological sensor is configured to detect and/or measure physiological information from the person, and wherein each environmental sensor is configured to detect and/or measure environmental conditions in a vicinity of the person;

analyzing the collected information to identify one or more health and/or environmental issues associated with the person;

sending the identified one or more health and/or environmental issues to a gaming device; and

incorporating the identified one or more health and/or environmental issues into a strategy of a game executing on the gaming device.

96. The method of claim 95, further comprising creating a gaming character based on the person using the identified one or more health and/or environmental issues.

97. The method of claim 95, further comprising providing biofeedback to the person for improving at least one skill associated with the electronic game.

98. A method of monitoring a participant in an activity, comprising:

collecting physiological and/or environmental information from a monitoring device associated with a participant in an activity, wherein the monitoring device includes at least one physiological sensor and/or environmental sensor, wherein each physiological sensor is configured to detect and/or measure physiological information from the participant, and wherein each environmental sensor is configured to detect and/or measure environmental conditions in a vicinity of the participant;

analyzing the collected physiological and/or environmental information to identify one or more health-related and/or environmental issues associated with the participant; and

providing feedback to the participant, wherein the feedback is relevant to a skill utilized by the participant in the activity.