PHYSIOLOGICAL MONITORING METHODS

• US 20140243620A1
• Filed: 05/08/2014
• Published: 08/28/2014
• 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 9,131,312 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 2560/0425 Ergonomically shaped housings A61B2560/0418 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0443 Modular apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0219 Inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers, gyroscopes, tilt switches
• 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 5/002 Monitoring the patient using a local or closed circuit, e.g. in a room or building A61B5/0017 takes 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 5/369 : Electroencephalography [EEG] devices for psychotechnics A61B5/16
• 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 5/6816 : Ear lobe
• 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 5/7207 : 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 5/7214 : 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 5/725 : using specific filters therefor, e.g. Kalman or adaptive filters A61B5/316 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 20/30 : relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 30/40 : for processing medical images, e.g. editing
• 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: H04R 1/028 : associated with devices performing functions other than acoustics, e.g. electric candles
• 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: Y02A 90/10 : Information and communication technologies [ICT] supporting adaptation to climate change, e.g. for weather forecasting or climate simulation

Abstract

A method of monitoring a subject via an earbud module includes positioning the earbud module within an ear of the subject such that a sensor region thereof matingly engages a region of the ear at the intersection of the anti tragus and acoustic meatus and is oriented in a direction away from the ear canal. Physiological information is then detected and/or measured via the optical sensor. The optical sensor includes an optical emitter and an optical detector, and detecting and/or measuring physiological information about the subject includes directing optical energy at the ear region via the optical emitter and detecting optical energy absorbed, scattered, and/or reflected by the ear region via the optical detector. Environmental information in a vicinity of the subject may be monitored via an environmental sensor associated with the earbud module and subject motion may be monitored via a motion sensor associated with the earbud module.

Claims

1. A method of monitoring a subject via an earbud module, the earbud module having a sensor region with an optical sensor, the method comprising:

positioning the earbud module within an ear of the subject such that the sensor region matingly engages a region of the ear at the intersection of the anti tragus and acoustic meatus and is oriented in a direction away from the ear canal; and

detecting and/or measuring physiological information about the subject via the optical sensor.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the optical sensor comprises an optical emitter and an optical detector, and wherein detecting and/or measuring physiological information about the subject via the optical sensor comprises directing optical energy at the ear region via the optical emitter and detecting optical energy absorbed, scattered, and/or reflected by the ear region via the optical detector.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein directing optical energy at the ear region via the optical emitter comprises directing the optical energy through an energy regulating region of the sensor region, wherein the energy regulating region comprises one or more of the following:

a lens, an optical filter, a diffuser, a frequency-conversion region, a light guide, a light blocker, and a reflector.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein detecting optical energy absorbed, scattered, and/or reflected by the ear region via the optical detector comprises detecting the optical energy absorbed, scattered, and/or reflected by the ear region through an energy regulating region of the sensor region, wherein the energy regulating region comprises one or more of the following:

a lens, an optical filter, a diffuser, a frequency-conversion region, a light guide, a light blocker, and a reflector.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the earbud module includes an environmental sensor, and wherein the method further comprises detecting and/or measuring environmental information in a vicinity of the subject via the environmental sensor.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the earbud module includes a motion sensor configured to measure motion of the subject, and wherein the method further comprises measuring motion of the subject via the motion sensor.

7. The method of claim 2, wherein the earbud module includes a signal processor and a motion sensor, and wherein the method further comprises:

measuring motion of the subject via the motion sensor; and

processing signals produced by the optical detector, via the signal processor, to selectively remove effects from subject motion.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the optical sensor comprises:

an optical emitter;

a plurality of optical detectors; and

a lens that covers the optical emitter and the plurality of optical detectors, wherein the lens comprises a region that prevents light containing physiological information from reaching at least one of the optical detectors.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein at least one portion of the lens is configured to guide light transferred from the subject to at least one of the optical detectors.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the lens is configured to focus light transferred from the subject to at least one of the optical detectors.

11. A method of monitoring a subject via an earbud module, the earbud module having a plurality of sensor regions, each sensor having an optical sensor, the method comprising:

positioning the earbud module within an ear of the subject such that each sensor region matingly engages a respective selected region of the ear; and

detecting and/or measuring physiological information about the subject from the selected ear regions via the plurality of optical sensors.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein each optical sensor comprises an optical emitter and an optical detector, and wherein detecting and/or measuring physiological information about the subject comprises directing optical energy at each ear region via a respective optical emitter and detecting optical energy absorbed, scattered, and/or reflected by each ear region via a respective optical detector.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein directing optical energy at each ear region via a respective optical emitter comprises directing the optical energy through an energy regulating region of the respective sensor region, wherein the energy regulating region comprises one or more of the following:

a lens, an optical filter, a diffuser, a frequency-conversion region, a light guide, a light blocker, and a reflector.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein detecting optical energy absorbed, scattered, and/or reflected by each ear region via a respective optical detector comprises detecting the optical energy absorbed, scattered, and/or reflected by the ear region through an energy regulating region of the respective sensor region, wherein the energy regulating region comprises one or more of the following:

a lens, an optical filter, a diffuser, a frequency-conversion region, a light guide, a light blocker, and a reflector.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the earbud module includes at least one environmental sensor, and wherein the method further comprises detecting and/or measuring environmental information in a vicinity of the subject via the at least one environmental sensor.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the earbud module includes at least one motion sensor configured to measure motion of the subject, and wherein the method further comprises measuring motion of the subject via the at least one motion sensor.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein the earbud module includes at least one signal processor and at least one motion sensor, and wherein the method further comprises:

measuring motion of the subject via the at least one motion sensor; and

processing signals produced by the plurality of optical detectors, via the at least one signal processor, to selectively remove effects from subject motion.

18. A method of monitoring a subject via an earbud module, the earbud module having at least one optical sensor, at least one motion sensor, and at least one optical sensor region, the method comprising:

positioning the earbud module within an ear of the subject such that the at least one optical sensor region matingly engages a respective selected region of the ear; and

detecting and/or measuring physiological and motion information about the subject from the selected ear region via the at least one optical sensor.