WEARABLE APPARATUS HAVING INTEGRATED PHYSIOLOGICAL AND/OR ENVIRONMENTAL SENSORS

• US 20140235967A1
• Filed: 04/29/2014
• Published: 08/21/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 12/19/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Yukka Magic LLC
• Original Assignee: Valencell, Inc.
• Inventors: LeBoeuf, Steven Francis, Tucker, Jesse Berkley, Aumer, Michael Edward
• Granted Patent: US 11,083,378 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/301
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0242 adapted to measure environmental factors, e.g. temperature, pollution
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0204 Acoustic sensors
• 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 5/0013 Medical image data A61B1/00011, A61B6/56, A61B8/56 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0015 characterised by features of the telemetry system
• 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 5/0071 by measuring fluorescence emission
• 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 5/02427 Details of sensor
• 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 5/029 Measuring or recording blood output from the heart, e.g. minute volume A61B8/065 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/031 Intracranial pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0533 Measuring galvanic skin response
• 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 5/1032 : Determining colour for diagnostic purposes measuring colour in general G01J3/46
• 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 5/1118 : Determining activity level
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/112 : Gait analysis
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1126 : using a particular sensing technique
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/12 : Audiometering
• 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 5/14551 : for measuring blood gases
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14552 : Details of sensors specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14556 : by fluorescence A61B5/14555 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1477 : non-invasive
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/222 : combined with detection or measurement of physiological parameters, e.g. heart rate
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/224 : Measuring muscular strength
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/24 : Detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof
• 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 5/4205 : Evaluating swallowing
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4227 : endocrine glands, i.e. thyroid, adrenals, hypothalamic, pituitary
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4266 : sweat secretion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4542 : Evaluating the mouth, e.g. the jaw
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4806 : Sleep evaluation A61B5/4821 takes precedence; devices for inducing sleep A61M21/02
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4812 : Detecting sleep stages or cycles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4839 : combined with drug delivery
• 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 5/4872 : Body fat
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4875 : Hydration status, fluid retention of the body
• 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 5/6816 : Ear lobe
• 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 5/7203 : for noise prevention, reduction or removal
• 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 5/7405 : using sound
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/742 : using visual displays A61B5/339 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 7/00 : Instruments for auscultation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 7/003 : Detecting lung or respiration noise
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 7/04 : Electric stethoscopes microphones, acoustic transducers therefor H04R
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2037/0007 : having means for enhancing the permeation of substances through the epidermis, e.g. using suction or depression, electric or magnetic fields, sound waves or chemical agents
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 37/00 : Other apparatus for introducing media into the body for reproduction or fertilisation A61B17/425; apparatus for iontophoresis or cataphoresis A61N1/30; Percutany, i.e. introducing medicines into the body by diffusion through the skin salt baths A61H33/04
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/325 : for iontophoresis, i.e. transfer of media in ionic state by an electromotoric force into the body electrodes for external use A61N1/0428
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 11/00 : Component parts of measuring arrangements not specially adapted for a specific variable G01D13/00, G01D15/00 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/47 : Scattering, i.e. diffuse reflection G01N21/25, G01N21/41 take precedence G01N21/55 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/59 : Transmissivity G01N21/25 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2201/021 : Special mounting in general
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2201/0612 : Laser diodes
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2201/062 : LED's
• CPC Class Codes: G10K 2210/1081 : Earphones, e.g. for telephones, ear protectors or headsets
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/63 : for local operation
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 : for remote operation
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 50/20 : for computer-aided diagnosis, e.g. based on medical expert systems
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 50/30 : for calculating health indices; for individual health risk assessment
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/1016 : Earpieces of the intra-aural type
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 25/00 : Deaf-aid sets , i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception electrical stimulation of auditory nerves to promote the auditory function A61N1/36038; optical stimulation of auditory nerves to promote the auditory function A61N5/0622
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 25/453 : electronically

Abstract

Wearable apparatus for monitoring various physiological and environmental factors are provided. Real-time, noninvasive health and environmental monitors include a plurality of compact sensors integrated within small, low-profile devices, such as earpiece modules. Physiological and environmental data is collected and wirelessly transmitted into a wireless network, where the data is stored and/or processed.

Claims

1. An apparatus adapted to be worn by a subject, the apparatus comprising:

an earpiece module;

flexible circuitry located within the earpiece module; and

at least one physiological sensor supported by the flexible circuitry, wherein the at least one physiological sensor is configured to sense physiological information from the subject, and wherein the flexible circuitry conforms to a curved shape of a portion of the earpiece module and facilitates alignment and placement of the at least one physiological sensor relative to a body of the subject.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the earpiece module comprises an earpiece fitting adapted to be positioned within an ear of the subject, wherein the flexible circuitry is located within the earpiece fitting, and wherein the flexible circuitry conforms to a curved shape of a portion of the earpiece fitting.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the earpiece module comprises an ear support adapted to secure the earpiece module to the ear of the subject, wherein the flexible circuitry is located within the ear support, and wherein the flexible circuitry conforms to a curved shape of a portion of the ear support.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the earpiece module comprises an earpiece clip adapted to clip on a portion of the ear of the subject, wherein the flexible circuitry is located within the earpiece clip, and wherein the flexible circuitry conforms to a curved shape of a portion of the earpiece clip.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the earpiece module comprises a mouthpiece, wherein the flexible circuitry is located within the mouthpiece, and wherein the flexible circuitry conforms to a curved shape of a portion of the mouthpiece.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the earpiece module comprises a pinna cover, wherein the flexible circuitry is located within the pinna cover, and wherein the flexible circuitry conforms to a curved shape of a portion of the pinna cover.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a processor configured to process signals produced by the at least one physiological sensor to produce processed signals containing physiological information of the subject.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising at least one environmental sensor supported by the flexible circuitry, wherein the at least one environmental sensor is configured to sense environmental information in a vicinity of the subject, and wherein the processor is further configured to process signals produced by the at least one environmental sensor to produce processed signals containing environmental information in a vicinity of the subject.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a transmitter responsive to the processor that is configured to transmit the processed signals to a remote device and/or portable telecommunication device.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flexible circuitry comprises piezoelectric material.

11. An earpiece module, comprising:

an earpiece fitting adapted to be positioned within an ear of a subject;

flexible circuitry located within the earpiece fitting;

at least one optical emitter supported by the flexible circuitry, wherein the at least one optical emitter is configured to direct optical energy to a region of the ear; and

at least one optical detector supported by the flexible circuitry, wherein the at least one optical detector is configured to sense absorbed, scattered, and/or reflected optical energy emanating from the ear region,

wherein the flexible circuitry conforms to a curved shape of a portion of the earpiece fitting and facilitates alignment and placement of the at least one optical emitter and the at least one optical detector relative to ear of the subject.

12. The earpiece module of claim 11, further comprising:

a processor configured to process signals produced by the at least one optical detector to produce processed signals containing physiological information of the subject; and

a transmitter responsive to the processor that is configured to transmit the processed signals to a remote device and/or portable telecommunication device.

13. The earpiece module of claim 11, further comprising at least one environmental sensor supported by the flexible circuitry, wherein the at least one environmental sensor is configured to sense environmental information in a vicinity of the subject, and wherein the processor is further configured to process signals produced by the at least one environmental sensor to produce processed signals containing environmental information in a vicinity of the subject.

14. The earpiece module of claim 11, wherein the flexible circuitry comprises piezoelectric material.

15. An earpiece module, comprising:

an earpiece fitting adapted to be positioned within an ear of a subject;

a power source;

a processor; and

a sensor module integrated within the earpiece fitting, wherein the sensor module is coupled to the power source and the processor, wherein the sensor module comprises at least one optical emitter configured to direct optical energy to a region of the ear and at least one optical detector configured to sense absorbed, scattered, and/or reflected optical energy emanating from the ear region, and wherein the processor is configured to process signals produced by the at least one optical detector to produce processed signals containing physiological information of the subject.

16. The earpiece module of claim 15, wherein the at least one optical detector comprises at least one light-emitting diode, and wherein the at least one optical detector comprises at least one solid state photodetector.

17. The earpiece module of claim 16, wherein the at least one light-emitting diode comprises at least one optical reflector to steer light towards the ear of the subject and away from the photodetector.

18. The earpiece module of claim 15, wherein the sensor module further comprises at least one optical filter configured to pass light at one or more selective wavelengths.

19. The earpiece module of claim 15, wherein the sensor module comprises at least one light guide configured to guide light from the at least one optical emitter to the ear region.

20. The earpiece module of claim 15, further comprising a secondary sensor module, wherein the secondary sensor module comprises at least one physiological and/or environmental sensor, and wherein the sensor module is responsive to the secondary sensor module.

21. The earpiece module of claim 15, wherein the sensor module comprises a plurality of physiological sensors configured to sense physiological information from the subject and/or a plurality of environmental sensors configured to sense environmental information in a vicinity of the subject.

22. The earpiece module of claim 15, wherein the processor is configured to poll the at least one optical detector in order to extend the life of the power source.

23. The earpiece module of claim 15, wherein the sensor module is directed to sense physiological information from the ear canal and/or tympanic membrane.

24. The earpiece module of claim 15, wherein the earpiece module further comprises at least one body temperature sensor configured to measure blackbody radiation emanating from the tympanic membrane.

25. The earpiece module of claim 15, wherein the earpiece module further comprises at least one footstep sensor configured to sense footstep information.