PHYSIOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS

• US 20120203081A1
• Filed: 04/16/2012
• Published: 08/09/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 12/19/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Jesse Berkley Tucker, Michael Edward Aumer, Steven Francis LeBoeuf
• Original Assignee: Jesse Berkley Tucker, Michael Edward Aumer, Steven Francis LeBoeuf
• Inventors: LeBoeuf, Steven Francis, Tucker, Jesse Berkley, Aumer, Michael Edward
• Application Number:
  US13/447,779
• Publication Number:
  US 20120203081A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/301
• 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 monitoring apparatus configured to be attached to a subject, the apparatus comprising:

at least one physiological sensor configured to obtain physiological information from the subject, wherein the physiological information comprises one or more of the following;

pulse rate information, body temperature information, breathing rate information, blood pressure information, cardiac output information, and blood gas level information;

at least one motion sensor configured to obtain subject motion information; and

at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to;

process obtained subject motion information to identify footstep information, body motion information, head motion information, jaw motion information, or swallowing information; and

analyze the processed physiological information in context with the identified type of motion to identify one or more health issues associated with the subject.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one transmitter that is configured to transmit processed physiological information to a device remotely located from the subject.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to analyze the processed physiological information in context with the identified type of motion to determine a stress level of the subject.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to process the obtained physiological information into signals that can be heard and/or viewed by the subject.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to communicate corrective action information to the subject in response to identifying one or more health issues associated with the subject.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one environmental sensor configured to obtain environmental condition information in a vicinity of the subject, and wherein the at least one processor is configured to analyze the processed physiological information to identify a correlation between the processed physiological information and obtained environmental condition information.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the environmental condition information includes information about one or more of the following in the vicinity of the subject:

volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pollution, noise, light, and temperature.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least one processor is configured to generate a health and/or environmental exposure assessment that identifies and/or predicts one or more physiological or environmental issues associated with the subject in response to identifying a correlation between the obtained physiological information and environmental condition information.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one processor is configured to communicate the health and/or environmental exposure assessment to the subject.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one processor is configured to analyze the health and/or environmental exposure assessment to identify and/or predict environmental changes in the vicinity of the subject.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one processor is configured to communicate identified and/or predicted environmental changes in the vicinity of the subject to the subject.

12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one processor is configured to analyze the health and/or environmental exposure assessment to identify and/or predict psychological and/or physiological stress for the subject.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one processor is configured to communicate identified and/or predicted psychological stress for the subject to the subject.

14. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising at least one transmitter that is configured to transmit the obtained environmental condition information to a device remotely located from the subject.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one motion sensor is an accelerometer, an acoustic sensor, a MEMS motion sensor, or a gyroscope.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the portable monitoring device is an earpiece module.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to process obtained physiological information to remove corrupted signals associated with the subject motion information from the physiological information.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, where the one or more health issues associated with the subject comprises subject vital signs information.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more health issues comprises one or more of the following:

heartbeat signatures, cardio-pulmonary health, organ health, metabolism, electrolyte type and/or concentration, physical activity, caloric intake, caloric metabolism, blood metabolite levels or ratios, blood pH level, physical and/or psychological stress levels and/or stress level indicators, drug dosage or dosimetry, physiological drug reactions, position and/or balance, body strain, neurological functioning, brain activity, cranial pressure, hydration level, physiological response to infection, blood volume, inhaled and/or exhaled breath volume, physical exertion, exhaled breath physical and/or chemical composition, the presence or identity or concentration of viruses or bacteria, foreign matter in the body, internal toxins, heavy metals in the body, anxiety, fertility, ovulation, psychological mood, sleep patterns, hunger and/or thirst, hormone type and/or concentration, cholesterol level, lipid level, blood panel, bone density, organ and/or body weight, reflex response, sexual arousal, mental and/or physical alertness, sleepiness, response to external stimuli, swallowing volume, swallowing rate, voice characteristics, allergic reactions, inflammation response, auto-immune response, mutagenic response, protein levels in the blood, water content of the blood, digestive system functioning, cellular regeneration response, and healing response.

20. A monitoring system, comprising:

at least one physiological sensor configured to obtain physiological information from a subject, wherein the physiological information comprises one or more of the following;

pulse rate information, body temperature information, breathing rate information, blood pressure information, cardiac output information, and blood gas level information;

at least one motion sensor configured to obtain subject motion information; and

at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to;

process obtained subject motion information to identify footstep information, body motion information, head motion information, jaw motion information, or swallowing information; and

analyze the processed physiological information in context with the identified type of motion to identify one or more health issues associated with the subject.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the at least one processor is configured to analyze the processed physiological information in context with the identified type of motion to determine a stress level of the subject.

22. The system of claim 20, wherein the at least one processor is configured to process the obtained physiological information into signals that can be heard and/or viewed by the subject.

23. The system of claim 20, wherein the at least one processor is configured to communicate corrective action information to the subject in response to identifying one or more health issues associated with the subject.

24. The system of claim 20, further comprising at least one environmental sensor configured to obtain environmental condition information in a vicinity of the subject, and wherein the at least one processor is configured to analyze the processed physiological information to identify a correlation between the processed physiological information and obtained environmental condition information.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the environmental condition information includes information about one or more of the following in the vicinity of the subject:

volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pollution, noise, light, and temperature.

26. The system of claim 24, wherein the at least one processor is configured to generate a health and/or environmental exposure assessment that identifies and/or predicts one or more physiological or environmental issues associated with the subject in response to identifying a correlation between the obtained physiological information and environmental condition information.

27. The system of claim 26, wherein the at least one processor is configured to communicate the health and/or environmental exposure assessment to the subject.

28. The system of claim 26, wherein the at least one processor is configured to analyze the health and/or environmental exposure assessment to identify and/or predict environmental changes in the vicinity of the subject.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein the at least one processor is configured to communicate identified and/or predicted environmental changes in the vicinity of the subject to the subject.

30. The system of claim 26, wherein the at least one processor is configured to analyze the health and/or environmental exposure assessment to identify and/or predict psychological and/or physiological stress for the subject.

31. The system of claim 30, wherein the at least one processor is configured to communicate identified and/or predicted psychological stress for the subject to the subject.

32. The system of claim 24, further comprising at least one transmitter that is configured to transmit the obtained environmental condition information to a device remotely located from the subject.

33. The system of claim 20, wherein the at least one motion sensor is an accelerometer, an acoustic sensor, a MEMS motion sensor, or a gyroscope.

34. The system of claim 20, wherein the at least one physiological sensor and at least one motion sensor are associated with an earpiece module.

35. The system of claim 20, wherein the at least one processor is configured to process obtained physiological information to remove corrupted signals associated with the subject motion information from the physiological information.

36. The system of claim 20, wherein the at least one processor is located within a wearable monitoring device.

37. The system of claim 20, wherein the at least one processor is located within a device remote from the subject.