DEVICE AND METHOD HAVING AUTOMATIC USER-RESPONSIVE AND USER-SPECIFIC PHYSIOLOGICAL-METER PLATFORM

• US 20150359486A1
• Filed: 07/22/2014
• Published: 12/17/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 06/12/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Physiowave, Inc. (Omron Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Physiowave, Inc. (Omron Corporation)
• Inventors: Kovacs, Gregory T., Giovangrandi, Laurent B., Darling, Robert Bruce
• Granted Patent: US 10,130,273 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0209 adapted for power saving
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2576/00 Medical imaging apparatus involving image processing or analysis A61B1/00009, A61B6/52 and A61B8/52 take precedence; image processing per se G06T; details of algorithms for analysing medical images G06T7/0012
• 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 5/024 Detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate A61B5/0205, A61B5/021 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02444 Details of sensor A61B5/02427 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0245 by using sensing means generating electric signals, i.e. ECG signals
• 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 5/0535 Impedance plethysmography for measuring blood flow A61B5/0295
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0537 Measuring body composition by impedance, e.g. tissue hydration or fat content
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1102 Ballistocardiography
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1113 Local tracking of patients, e.g. in a hospital or private home
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/25 Bioelectric electrodes therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/316 Modalities, i.e. specific diagnostic methods
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6844 Monitoring or controlling distance between sensor and tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/72 Signal processing specially adapted for physiological signals or for diagnostic purposes character recognition, recognising digital ink, document-oriented image-based pattern recognition G06V30/00; recognition or understanding of postal images G06V30/424
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/74 Details of notification to user or communication with user or patient indicating measured values G01D7/00; user input means input or output arrangements for computers G06F3/00
• CPC Class Codes: G01G 19/50 having additional measuring devices, e.g. for height
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 27/02 Measuring real or complex resistance, reactance, impedance, or other two-pole characteristics derived therefrom, e.g. time constant by measuring phase angle only G01R25/00
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 30/40 for processing medical images, e.g. editing

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a CPU and a memory circuit that has user-corresponding data stored on the memory circuit, and a platform over which a plurality of electrodes are interleaved, and configured for engaging the user. While the plurality of electrodes is concurrently contacting a limb or other extremity of the user, measurement signals are obtained from the plurality of electrodes. Based on a plurality of impedance-measurement signals being obtained from the electrodes, signals are generated that correspond to cardiovascular timings specific to the user. In such aspects of the present disclosure, pulse characteristic signals are determined based on the plurality of impedance-measurement signals and comparisons of user-obtained data are made relative to user-data profiles stored in the memory circuit.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

providing a CPU and a memory circuit with user-corresponding data stored in the memory circuit, and a platform over which a plurality of electrodes are interleaved and configured and arranged for engaging a user;

while the plurality of electrodes are concurrently contacting a limb of the user, operating circuitry configured for automatically obtaining a plurality of measurement signals from the plurality of electrodes, the circuitry having a reduced power-consumption mode of operation and at least one higher power-consumption mode of operation;

before or while obtaining a plurality of measurement signals by operating the circuitry, using a signal-sense circuit to sense wireless-signals indicative of the user approaching the platform and, in response, causing the circuitry to transition from the reduced power-consumption mode of operation and at least one higher power-consumption mode of operation;

after the circuitry is operating in the at least one higher power-consumption mode of operation, causing the CPU to access the user-corresponding data stored in the memory circuit and thereafter cause a plurality of impedance-measurement signals to be obtained by using the plurality of electrodes while they are contacting the user via the platform and, therefrom, generating signals corresponding to cardiovascular timings of the user.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the signal-sense circuit is a motion detection circuit configured and arranged to wake up the CPU and thereby cause the CPU to transition from the reduced power-consumption mode of operation and to the at least one higher power-consumption mode of operation.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the signal-sense circuit includes a passive infrared detector and a processor for evaluating whether radiation from the passive infrared detector is indicative of a human.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein in response to the CPU accessing the user-corresponding data stored in the memory circuit, the CPU selects one of a plurality of different types of user-discernible visual/audible/tactile information and presents the user-discernible visual/audible/tactile information to the user

5. The method of claim 1, wherein in response to the CPU accessing the user-corresponding data stored in the memory circuit, the CPU causes the plurality of impedance-measurement signals to be obtained.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the platform, over which the plurality of electrodes are interleaved and configured and arranged for engaging the user, is a housing enclosing a circuit configured and arranged for permitting the user to stand on the platform and visualize information at a display in the platform and under the user.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the platform, over which the plurality of electrodes are interleaved and configured and arranged for engaging the user, is a housing enclosing a circuit configured and arranged for permitting the user to stand on the platform and visualize information at a display in the platform and under the user;

and wherein in response to the CPU accessing the user-corresponding data stored in the memory circuit, the CPU selects one of a plurality of different types of user-discernible information and presents the user-discernible information to the user through the display visually.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the signal-sense circuit includes a passive infrared (PIR) circuit, and wherein the circuitry is responsive to the signal-sense circuit and to a motion detection indication provided by the CPU, whereby the CPU is programmed to assess data generated by the PIR circuit.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the signal-sense circuit includes a passive infrared (PIR) circuit, and wherein the circuitry is responsive to the signal-sense circuit and to a motion detection indication provided by the CPU, and in response to the motion detection indication, a camera is activated to capture at least one image of the user while the user is approaching the platform or while the user is on the platform.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the platform, over which the plurality of electrodes are interleaved and configured and arranged for engaging the user, is a housing enclosing a circuit configured and arranged for permitting the user to stand on the platform and communicate information between the platform to the user;

and wherein in response to the CPU accessing the user-corresponding data stored in the memory circuit, the CPU selects one of a plurality of different types of user-discernible information and presents the user-discernible information to the user through the platform audibly, by using a speaker communicatively coupled to the CPU.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the user-discernible information includes an indication that the CPU is ready to cause the plurality of impedance-measurement signals to be obtained by using the plurality of electrodes while they are contacting the user.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the platform, over which the plurality of electrodes are interleaved and configured and arranged for engaging the user, is a housing enclosing a circuit configured and arranged for permitting the user to stand on the platform and communicating information between the platform to the user;

and

wherein in response to the CPU accessing the user-corresponding data stored in the memory circuit, the CPU selects one of a plurality of different types of user-discernible information and presents the user-discernible information to the user through the platform via a foot-tactile vibration.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the user-discernible information includes an indication that the CPU is ready to cause the plurality of impedance-measurement signals to be obtained by using the plurality of electrodes while they are contacting the user.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein obtaining the plurality of impedance-measurement signals includes obtaining at least two impedance-measurement signals between one foot of the user and another location of the user.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein obtaining the plurality of impedance-measurement signals includes obtaining at least two impedance-measurement signals between one foot of the user and another location, and wherein the plurality of interleaved electrodes are connected to a CPU circuit which is configured and arranged to assess physiological attributes measured and indicated by the stored data as corresponding to the one foot.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the platform, over which the plurality of electrodes are interleaved and configured and arranged for engaging the user, is a housing enclosing a circuit and a weighing scale configured and arranged for permitting the user to stand on the platform, wherein obtaining the plurality of impedance-measurement signals includes obtaining at least two impedance-measurement signals between one foot of the user and another location of the user, and wherein the plurality of interleaved electrodes are configured to provide measurement results that indicate one or more of the following user-specific attributes as being indicative or common to the user:

foot impedance, foot length, and type of arch, and wherein one or more of the user-specific attributes are accessed, by being read or stored, in the memory circuit and identified as being specific to the user.

17. The method of claim 1, further including obtaining a signal, based on a timing reference obtained from the plurality of interleaved electrodes, that is indicative of synchronous information obtained from the user and that corresponds to information in a ballistocardiogram (BCG).

18. The method of claim 1, further including conveying modulated current between selected ones of the plurality of electrodes and wherein obtaining a plurality of impedance-measurement signals includes obtaining the impedance-measurement signals in response to the modulated current.

19. The method of claim 1, further including providing an impedance plethysmography (IPG) measurement within one foot of the user, while the one foot is engaging the electrodes.

20. An apparatus comprising:

a CPU and a memory circuit with user-corresponding data stored in the memory circuit, and a platform over which a plurality of electrodes are interleaved and configured and arranged for engaging a user, the plurality of electrodes being integrated and communicatively connected with the CPU;

circuitry configured and arranged for automatically obtaining a plurality of measurement signals from the plurality of electrodes, the circuitry having a reduced power-consumption mode of operation and at least one higher power-consumption mode of operation;

the CPU, the memory circuit and the plurality of electrodes being configured and arrange to;

while the plurality of electrodes are concurrently contacting a limb of the user, operating the circuitry and therefrom automatically obtaining the plurality of measurement signals from the plurality of electrodes;

before obtaining a plurality of measurement signals by operating the circuitry, using a signal-sense circuit to sense wireless-signals indicative of the user approaching the platform and, in response, causing the circuitry to transition from the reduced power-consumption mode of operation and at least one higher power-consumption mode of operation;

after the circuitry is operating in the at least one higher power-consumption mode of operation, causing the CPU to access the user-corresponding data stored in the memory circuit and thereafter cause a plurality of impedance-measurement signals to be obtained by using the plurality of electrodes while they are contacting the user via the platform and, therefrom, generating signals corresponding to cardiovascular timings of the user.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, further including a camera configured and arranged to be activated in response to a motion detection indication and to capture at least one image of the user while the user is on the platform, wherein the CPU is further configured and arranged to store said at least one image of the user in the memory circuit for retrieval at a later time for verification of correspondence between the user and biometric or physiological data stored as being specific to the user.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the memory circuit includes data-access to the memory circuit in response to an authorized access protocol, and wherein the CPU is further configured and arranged to permit remote access to the memory circuit by an authorized agent of medical or security personnel by using the authorized access protocol.

23. The apparatus of claim 20, further including a housing that is part of or secured to the platform, wherein the housing encloses the CPU, the memory circuit and one of more of the following:

the signal-sense circuit configured to include a passive infrared (PIR) circuit, and wherein the circuitry is responsive to the signal-sense circuit and to a motion detection indication provided by the CPU;

a camera configured and arranged to be activated in response to a motion detection indication and to capture at least one image of the user while the user is approaching the platform or while the user is on the platform;

a user-output device, in the form of one of a speaker, a display visible through the platform and a foot-tactile vibration circuit, wherein the foot-tactile vibration circuit is responsive to the CPU and wherein the user-output device is configured and arranged to communicate with the user while the user is engaging the platform;

a CPU-executable module configured and arranged for obtaining from the plurality of impedance-measurement signals measurement results that indicate one or more of the following user-specific attributes as being indicative or common to the user;

foot impedance, foot length, and type of arch, and wherein one or more of the user-specific attributes are accessed, by being read or stored, in the memory circuit and identified as being specific to the user;

a CPU-executable module configured and arranged for obtaining a signal, based on a timing reference obtained from the plurality of interleaved electrodes, that is indicative of synchronous information obtained from the user and that corresponds to information in a ballistocardiogram (BCG);

a CPU-executable module configured and arranged for conveying modulated current between selected ones of the plurality of electrodes;

a CPU-executable module configured and arranged for providing an impedance plethysmography (IPG) measurement within one foot of the user, while the one foot is engaging the electrodes.