MONITORING APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MEASURING PHYSIOLOGICAL AND/OR ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• US 20140140567A1
• Filed: 01/28/2014
• Published: 05/22/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 02/25/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Valencell, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Valencell, Inc.
• Inventors: LeBoeuf, Steven Francis, Tucker, Jesse Berkley, Aumer, Michael Edward
• Granted Patent: US 9,750,462 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 381/381
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0242 adapted to measure environmental factors, e.g. temperature, pollution
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0233 Special features of optical sensors or probes classified in A61B5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/00 Measuring for diagnostic purposes radiation diagnosis A61B6/00; diagnosis by ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves A61B8/00; Identification of persons
• 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 5/0024 for multiple sensor units attached to the patient, e.g. using a body or personal area network
• 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 5/0082 adapted for particular medical purposes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0084 for introduction into the body, e.g. by catheters A61B5/1459 takes precedence
• 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: 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 5/02405 Determining heart rate variability
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02416 using photoplethysmograph signals, e.g. generated by infrared radiation A61B5/14552 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02427 Details of sensor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02433 for infrared radiation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/026 Measuring blood flow A61B3/1233, A61B3/1241 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0261 using optical means, e.g. infrared light
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0295 : using plethysmography, i.e. measuring the variations in the volume of a body part as modified by the circulation of blood therethrough, e.g. impedance plethysmography
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0816 : Measuring devices for examining respiratory frequency measuring frequency of electric signals G01R23/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/091 : Measuring volume of inspired or expired gases, e.g. to determine lung capacity
• 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 5/1107 : Measuring contraction of parts of the body, e.g. organ, muscle apparatus for measuring work or force in general G01L
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1118 : Determining activity level
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14532 : for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1455 : using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14551 : for measuring blood gases
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/165 : Evaluating the state of mind, e.g. depression, anxiety
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/25 : Bioelectric electrodes therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/291 : for electroencephalography [EEG]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/369 : Electroencephalography [EEG] devices for psychotechnics A61B5/16
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/398 : Electrooculography [EOG], e.g. detecting nystagmus; Electroretinography [ERG]
• 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 5/4845 : Toxicology, e.g. by detection of alcohol, drug or toxic products A61B5/4848 takes precedence
• 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 5/4875 : Hydration status, fluid retention of the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4884 : inducing physiological or psychological stress, e.g. applications for stress testing
• 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 5/6819 : Nose
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6826 : Finger
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6838 : Clamps or clips
• 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 5/7214 : using signal cancellation, e.g. based on input of two identical physiological sensors spaced apart, or based on two signals derived from the same sensor, for different optical wavelengths
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7221 : Determining signal validity, reliability or quality A61B5/7207 and A61B5/7217 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7278 : Artificial waveform generation or derivation, e.g. synthesising signals from measured signals A61B5/327 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7282 : Event detection, e.g. detecting unique waveforms indicative of a medical condition A61B5/4094, A61B5/4818, A61B5/349, A61B5/0823 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/742 : using visual displays A61B5/339 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7475 : User input or interface means, e.g. keyboard, pointing device, joystick
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0001 : specially adapted for lighting devices or systems lighting or signalling on vehicles using light guides B60Q1/00; lighting devices for vehicle dashboards B60Q3/10; lighting devices for vehicle interior using light guides B60Q3/62; lighting devices mounted on the vehicle rear part using light guides F21S43/235; measuring arrangements having light conducting pointers G01D13/265; illumination of liquid crystal displays G02F1/1336; illuminated signs G09F13/00
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 : for remote operation
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/105 : Earpiece supports, e.g. ear hooks for stereophonic headphones H04R5/0335
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/1091 : Details not provided for in groups H04R1/1008 - H04R1/1083

Abstract

A monitoring apparatus includes a wearable electronic device having an audio port and a headset having at least one earbud, at least one physiological and/or environmental sensor, and circuitry that processes signals produced by the at least one physiological and/or environmental sensor and transmits the processed signals to the electronic device via the audio port. The headset may include a microphone in audio communication with the electronic device via the audio port, and the circuitry modulates audio signals produced by the microphone and signals produced by the at least one physiological and/or environmental sensor for transmission to the electronic device via the audio port. The circuitry may power the at least one physiological and/or environmental sensor via power supplied by the electronic device through the audio port and may include a processor that coordinates collection, modulation, and/or transmission of signals produced by the at least one physiological and/or environmental sensor.

Claims

1. A monitoring apparatus, comprising:

a wearable electronic device comprising an audio port; and

a headset comprising;

at least one earbud;

at least one physiological and/or environmental sensor; and

circuitry that processes signals produced by the at least one physiological and/or environmental sensor and transmits the processed signals to the electronic device via the audio port.

2. The monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electronic device comprises at least one of the following:

a cellular phone, a smartphone, a digital media player, a personal digital assistant, a watch, an armband, a medallion, and a dongle.

3. The monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the headset comprises a microphone that is in audio communication with the electronic device via the audio port, and wherein the circuitry modulates audio signals produced by the microphone and signals produced by the at least one physiological and/or environmental sensor for transmission to the electronic device via the audio port.

4. The monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the circuitry powers the at least one physiological and/or environmental sensor via power supplied by the electronic device through the audio port.

5. The monitoring apparatus of claim 3, wherein the circuitry comprises at least one of the following:

a digital-to-analog converter, an analog-to-digital converter, a processor, a memory buffer, a power conditioning circuit, signal conditioning circuitry, a voltage multiplier, and an ASIC.

6. The monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the circuitry comprises a processor that coordinates collection, modulation, and/or transmission of the signals produced by the at least one physiological and/or environmental sensor.

7. The monitoring apparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least one physiological and/or environmental sensor comprises a plurality of physiological and/or environmental sensors, and wherein the headset comprises a serial bus that connects the plurality of physiological and/or environmental sensors to the processor.

8. The monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the headset comprises at least one physiological sensor configured to monitor at least one of the following:

ECG, EEG, EOG, plethysmography sensor, heart rate, pulse rate, breathing rate, blood flow, heartbeat signatures, cardio-pulmonary health, organ health, metabolism, electrolyte type and concentration, physical activity, caloric intake, caloric metabolism, metabolomics, physical and psychological stress levels and stress level indicators, physiological and psychological response to therapy, drug dosage and activity (drug dosimetry), physiological drug reactions, drug chemistry in the body, biochemistry, position and balance, body strain, neurological functioning, brain activity, brain waves, blood pressure, cranial pressure, hydration level, auscultatory information, auscultatory signals associated with pregnancy, physiological response to infection, skin and core body temperature, eye muscle movement, blood volume, inhaled and exhaled breath volume, physical exertion, exhaled breath physical and chemical composition, the presence, identity, and concentration of viruses and bacteria, foreign matter in the body, internal toxins, heavy metals in the body, anxiety, fertility, ovulation, sex hormones, psychological mood, sleep patterns, hunger and thirst, hormone type and concentration, cholesterol, lipids, blood panel, bone density, body fat density, muscle density, organ and body weight, reflex response, sexual arousal, mental and physical alertness, sleepiness, auscultatory information, response to external stimuli, swallowing volume, swallowing rate, sickness, voice characteristics, tone, pitch, and volume of the voice, vital signs, head tilt, allergic reactions, inflammation response, autoimmune response, mutagenic response, DNA, proteins, protein levels in the blood, body hydration, water content of the blood, pheromones, internal body sounds, digestive system functioning, cellular regeneration response, healing response, and stem cell regeneration response.

9. The monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the headset comprises at least one environmental sensor configured to monitor at least one of the following:

climate, humidity, temperature, pressure, barometric pressure, pollution, automobile exhaust, soot density, airborne particle density, airborne particle size, airborne particle shape, airborne particle identity, volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), carcinogens, toxins, electromagnetic energy (optical radiation, X-rays, gamma rays, microwave radiation, terahertz radiation, ultraviolet radiation, infrared radiation, radio waves, and the like), EMF energy, atomic energy (alpha particles, beta-particles, gamma rays, and the like), gravity, light properties (such as intensity, frequency, flicker, and phase), ozone, carbon monoxide, greenhouse gases, CO2, nitrous oxide, sulfides, airborne pollution, foreign material in the air, biological particles (viruses, bacteria, and toxins), signatures from chemical weapons, wind, air turbulence, sound and acoustical energy (both human audible and inaudible), ultrasonic energy, noise pollution, human voices, animal sounds, diseases expelled from others, the exhaled breath and breath constituents of others, toxins from others, bacteria and viruses from others, pheromones from others, industrial and transportation sounds, allergens, animal hair, pollen, exhaust from engines, vapors and fumes, fuel, signatures for mineral deposits or oil deposits, snow, rain, thermal energy, hot surfaces, hot gases, solar energy, hail, ice, vibrations, traffic, the number of people in a vicinity of the user, the number of people encountered throughout the day, other earpiece module users in the vicinity of the earpiece module user, coughing and sneezing sounds from people in the vicinity of the user, and the loudness and pitch from those speaking in the vicinity of the user.

10. The monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the headset further comprises at least one sensor that measures motion noise.

11. The monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electronic device further comprises a dongle in communication with the headset and the electronic device, and wherein the dongle is configured to condition signals and/or power levels received by or transmitted to the headset.

12. The monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electronic device digitizes, demodulates, processes, or manipulates signals produced by the at least one physiological and/or environmental sensor.

13. The monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electronic device comprises a user interface, and wherein processed signals produced by the at least one physiological and/or environmental sensor can be displayed visually and/or presented audibly to the user via the user interface.

14. The monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electronic device generates a physiological assessment of a user of the monitoring apparatus from the processed signals produced by the at least one physiological and/or environmental sensor.

15. The monitoring apparatus of claim 14, wherein the physiological assessment includes calories burned by the user, VO2max of the user, and/or cardiovascular health of the user.

16. The monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electronic device comprises an audio output port, and wherein the headset comprises a speaker that is in audio communication with the electronic device via the audio output port.

17. The monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the circuitry is further configured to power at least one physiological and/or environmental sensor via the electronic device.

18. An audio headset, comprising:

at least one physiological and/or environmental sensor; and

an electronic circuit that processes signals from the at least one physiological and/or environmental sensor so that the signals can be transmitted to an electronic device via an audio port of the electronic device.

19. The audio headset of claim 18, wherein the electronic circuit is integrated into a processor and/or ASIC.

20. A method of transmitting information from at least one physiological and/or environmental sensor in an audio headset to an electronic device, the method comprising processing signals from the at least one physiological and/or environmental sensor to enable communication with the electronic device via an audio port of the electronic device, wherein the processing comprises modulating the signals via at least one of the following modulation techniques:

amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, phase modulation, phase-shift keying, frequency-shift keying, amplitude-shift keying, quadrature amplitude modulation, continuous phase modulation, wavelet modulation, trellis coded modulation, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing, or DTMF.

21. A sensor module configured to be in electrical communication with an audio headset, the sensor module comprising:

at least one physiological and/or environmental sensor; and

circuitry that conditions signals from the at least one physiological and/or environmental sensor for communication with an electronic device via an audio port of the electronic device.

22. A method of transmitting information from at least one physiological and/or environmental sensor in an audio headset to an electronic device, the method comprising processing signals from the at least one physiological and/or environmental sensor to enable communication with the electronic device via an audio port of the electronic device, wherein the processing comprises digital-to-analog conversion and/or digital modulation.