Monitoring Devices with Energy-Harvesting Power Sources

• US 20150138556A1
• Filed: 01/27/2015
• Published: 05/21/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 12/19/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Valencell, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Valencell, Inc.
• Inventors: LeBoeuf, Steven Francis, Tucker, Jesse Berkley, Aumer, Michael Edward
• Application Number:
  US14/606,454
• Publication Number:
  US 20150138556A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 356/432
• 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

An apparatus worn by a subject includes an energy-harvesting power source, at least one physiological sensor and/or at least one environmental sensor coupled to the energy-harvesting power source. The at least one physiological sensor senses physiological information from the subject and the at least one environmental sensor senses environmental information in a vicinity of the subject. The energy-harvesting power source may include one or more of the following: a solar cell module configured to collect and store solar energy, a piezoelectric device or a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device configured to collect and store energy caused by movement of the subject and/or energy emanating from an environment in which the subject is located, a thermoelectric or thermovoltaic device configured to collect and store energy caused by thermal energy or temperature gradients in an environment in which the subject is located, a cranking or winding mechanism configured to store mechanical energy.

Claims

1. An earpiece module configured to be attached to an ear of a subject, the earpiece module comprising:

an energy-harvesting power source; and

at least one sensor coupled to the energy-harvesting power source, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to sense physiological information from the subject and/or environmental information in a vicinity of the subject.

2. The earpiece module of claim 1, wherein the energy-harvesting power source comprises a solar cell module configured to collect and store solar energy.

3. The earpiece module of claim 1, wherein the energy-harvesting power source comprises a piezoelectric device or a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device configured to collect and store energy caused by movement of the subject and/or energy emanating from an environment in which the subject is located.

4. The earpiece module of claim 1, wherein the energy-harvesting power source comprises a thermoelectric or thermovoltaic device configured to collect and store energy caused by thermal energy or temperature gradients in an environment in which the subject is located.

5. The earpiece module of claim 1, wherein the energy-harvesting power source comprises a cranking or winding mechanism configured to store mechanical energy.

6. The earpiece module of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one optical emitter configured to direct optical energy to at least one region of the ear and at least one optical detector configured to sense absorbed, scattered, and/or reflected optical energy emanating from the at least one ear region.

7. The earpiece module of claim 1, further comprising at least one transmitter coupled to the energy-harvesting power source, wherein the at least one transmitter is configured to transmit signals produced by the at least one sensor to a remote device.

8. The earpiece module of claim 1, further comprising at least one processor coupled to the energy-harvesting power source, wherein the at least one processor is configured to process signals produced by the at least one sensor.

9. The earpiece module of claim 1, further comprising at least one motion sensor coupled to the energy-harvesting power source, wherein the at least one motion sensor is configured to measure subject motion.

10. An apparatus configured to be worn by a subject, the apparatus comprising:

an energy-harvesting power source; and

at least one sensor coupled to the energy-harvesting power source, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to measure pulse rate of the subject and/or to detect footsteps of the subject.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the energy-harvesting power source comprises a solar cell module configured to collect and store solar energy.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the energy-harvesting power source comprises a piezoelectric device or a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device configured to collect and store energy caused by movement of the subject and/or energy emanating from an environment in which the subject is located.

13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the energy-harvesting power source comprises a thermoelectric or thermovoltaic device configured to collect and store energy caused by thermal energy or temperature gradients in an environment in which the subject is located.

14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the energy-harvesting power source comprises a cranking or winding mechanism configured to store mechanical energy.

15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one sensor 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.

16. An apparatus configured to be worn by a subject, the apparatus comprising:

an energy-harvesting power source;

at least one physiological sensor coupled to the energy-harvesting power source, wherein the at least one physiological sensor is configured to sense physiological information from the subject; and

at least one environmental sensor coupled to the energy-harvesting power source, wherein the at least one environmental sensor is configured to sense environmental information in a vicinity of the subject.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the energy-harvesting power source comprises a solar cell module configured to collect and store solar energy.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the energy-harvesting power source comprises a piezoelectric device or a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device configured to collect and store energy caused by movement of the subject and/or energy emanating from an environment in which the subject is located.

19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the energy-harvesting power source comprises a thermoelectric or thermovoltaic device configured to collect and store energy caused by thermal energy or temperature gradients in an environment in which the subject is located.

20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the energy-harvesting power source comprises a cranking or winding mechanism configured to store mechanical energy.

21. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the at least one physiological sensor comprises at least one optical emitter configured to direct optical energy to at least one region of the body of the subject and at least one optical detector configured to sense absorbed, scattered, and/or reflected optical energy emanating from the at least one region of the body of the subject.

22. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the at least one environmental sensor is configured to sense one or more of the following types of environmental information:

climate, humidity, temperature, pressure, barometric pressure, 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, optical radiation, X-rays, gamma rays, microwave radiation, terahertz radiation, ultraviolet radiation, infrared radiation, radio waves, atomic energy alpha particles, atomic energy beta-particles, gravity, light intensity, light frequency, light flicker, light phase, ozone, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, sulfides, airborne pollution, foreign material in the air, viruses, bacteria, signatures from chemical weapons, wind, air turbulence, sound and/or acoustical energy, ultrasonic energy, noise pollution, human voices, animal sounds, diseases expelled from others, exhaled breath and/or breath constituents of others, toxins from others, pheromones from others, industrial and/or transportation sounds, allergens, animal hair, pollen, exhaust from engines, vapors and/or fumes, fuel, signatures for mineral deposits and/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 subject, coughing and/or sneezing sounds from people in the vicinity of the subject, loudness and/or pitch from those speaking in the vicinity of the subject.