SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRESENTING PERSONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

• US 20140235968A1
• 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 10,987,005 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 5/369 : 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 5/4064 : 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. A method of presenting personal health information to a person, the method comprising:

detecting physiological information from the body of the person via at least one earpiece monitor worn by the person;

detecting motion information from the body of the person via the at least one earpiece monitor, wherein the body motion comprises footsteps, head motion, jaw motion, or swallowing;

processing the physiological and motion information via a telecommunication device in communication with the at least one earpiece monitor to generate at least one assessment of the person; and

displaying a graphical presentation of the at least one assessment via the telecommunication device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the telecommunication device is a cell phone, media player, PDA, or laptop computer, and wherein the telecommunication device is in wireless communication with the at least one earpiece monitor via one or more of the following ad-hoc wireless communication protocols:

Bluetooth®

wireless protocol, Zigbee®

wireless protocol, and Wi-Fi wireless protocol.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one earpiece monitor comprises a speaker, and further comprising presenting audio information to the person from the telecommunication device via the speaker, wherein the audio information comprises information relating to the at least one assessment.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein processing the physiological information and the motion information comprises removing motion artifacts from the physiological information.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising preprocessing the physiological information and the motion information via the at least one earpiece monitor prior to processing the physiological information and the motion information via the telecommunication device.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising detecting physiological information from the body of the person via the telecommunication device, and wherein processing the physiological and motion information via the telecommunication device to generate at least one assessment of the person comprises processing both the physiological information from the body of the person via the at least one earpiece monitor and the physiological information from the body of the person via the telecommunication device.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one assessment comprises one or more of the following types of information:

blood pressure, breathing rate, heart rate, skin temperature, galvanic skin response (sweating), muscle tension, hormone levels, cardiopulmonary functioning, neurological activity, brain wave intensity and activity, and core body temperature.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one assessment comprises biofeedback associated with one or more of the following:

learning efficiency, willful control, stress, mood, efficacy at public speaking, athletic activity or performance, teaching, and job-related activities.

9. A method of presenting personal health information to a person, the method comprising:

detecting physiological information from the body of the person and environmental exposure information in a vicinity of the person via at least one earpiece monitor worn by the person;

detecting motion information from the body of the person via the at least one earpiece monitor, wherein the body motion comprises footsteps, head motion, jaw motion, or swallowing;

processing the physiological information, environmental exposure information, and motion information via a telecommunication device in communication with the at least one earpiece monitor to generate at least one assessment of the person; and

displaying a graphical presentation of the at least one assessment via the telecommunication device.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the telecommunication device is a cell phone, media player, PDA, or laptop computer, and wherein the telecommunication device is in wireless communication with the at least one earpiece monitor via one or more of the following ad-hoc wireless communication protocols:

Bluetooth®

wireless protocol, Zigbee®

wireless protocol, and Wi-Fi wireless protocol.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the at least one earpiece monitor comprises a speaker, and further comprising presenting audio information to the person from the telecommunication device via the speaker, wherein the audio information comprises information relating to the at least one assessment.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein processing the physiological information, environmental exposure information, and motion information comprises removing motion artifacts from the physiological information and the environmental exposure information.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising preprocessing the physiological information, environmental exposure information, and the motion information via the at least one earpiece monitor prior to processing the physiological information, the environmental exposure information, and the motion information via the telecommunication device.

14. The method of claim 9, further comprising detecting physiological information from the body of the person and environmental exposure information in a vicinity of the person via the telecommunication device, and wherein processing the physiological information, the environmental exposure information, and the motion information via the telecommunication device to generate at least one assessment of the person comprises processing both the physiological information from the body of the person via the at least one earpiece monitor and the physiological information from the body of the person via the telecommunication device, and processing both the environmental exposure information via the at least one earpiece monitor and the environmental exposure information via the telecommunication device.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein the at least one assessment comprises one or more of the following types of information:

blood pressure, breathing rate, heart rate, skin temperature, galvanic skin response (sweating), muscle tension, hormone levels, cardiopulmonary functioning, neurological activity, brain wave intensity and activity, core body temperature, exposure to light intensity and/or color, external sounds, ambient temperature, and air quality.

16. The method of claim 9, wherein the at least one assessment comprises biofeedback associated with one or more of the following:

learning efficiency, willful control, stress, mood, efficacy at public speaking, athletic activity or performance, teaching, and job-related activities.

17. A system for presenting personal health information to a person, comprising:

at least one earpiece monitor comprising one or more sensors configured to detect physiological information from the body of the person and to detect motion information from the body of the person, wherein the body motion comprises footsteps, head motion, jaw motion, or swallowing; and

a telecommunications device in communication with the at least one earpiece monitor, wherein the telecommunications device is configured to process the physiological information and the motion information to generate at least one assessment of the person, and to display a graphical presentation of the at least one assessment.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the telecommunication device is a cell phone, media player, PDA, or laptop computer, and wherein the telecommunication device is in wireless communication with the at least one earpiece monitor via one or more of the following ad-hoc wireless communication protocols:

Bluetooth®

wireless protocol, Zigbee®

wireless protocol, and Wi-Fi wireless protocol.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein the at least one earpiece monitor comprises a speaker, and wherein the telecommunications device is configured to present audio information to the person via the speaker, wherein the audio information comprises information relating to the at least one assessment.

20. The system of claim 17, wherein the telecommunications device is configured to remove motion artifacts from the physiological information.

21. The system of claim 17, wherein the telecommunications device comprises one or more physiological sensors and is configured to detect physiological information from the body of the person, and wherein the telecommunications device is configured to process the physiological information and the motion information from the at least one earpiece monitor in combination with physiological information detected by the one or more sensors of the telecommunications device to generate the at least one assessment of the person.

22. The system of claim 17, wherein the telecommunications device is configured to transfer commands with the at least one earpiece monitor.

23. The system of claim 17, wherein the at least one earpiece monitor comprises one or more sensors configured to detect environmental exposure information in a vicinity of the person, and wherein the telecommunications device is further configured to process the environmental exposure information with the physiological and motion information to generate the assessment of the person.

24. The system of claim 17, wherein the at least one earpiece monitor comprises at least one optical emitter and at least one optical detector, wherein the at least one optical emitter is configured to direct optical energy to a region of the ear of the person, and wherein the at least one optical detector is configured to sense secondary optical energy emanating from the ear region.