SEGMENTED SENSOR

• US 20160262673A1
• Filed: 03/11/2015
• Published: 09/15/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 03/11/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nonin Medical Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Nonin Medical Incorporated
• Inventors: Skorich, Stefan, Kane, Brian Joseph, Prior, Matthew
• Granted Patent: US 10,342,467 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0223 Magnetic field sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0238 Optical sensor arrangements for performing transmission measurements on body tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/04 Arrangements of multiple sensors of the same type
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/146 for optical coupling
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/164 the sensor is mounted in or on a conformable substrate or carrier
• 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 5/0024 for multiple sensor units attached to the patient, e.g. using a body or personal area network
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02416 using photoplethysmograph signals, e.g. generated by infrared radiation A61B5/14552 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14552 Details of sensors specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6831 Straps, bands or harnesses
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/68335 including release sheets or liners

Abstract

A device includes a first portion, an information element, a second portion, and an encoder element. The first portion includes a planar substrate and at least one optical element coupled to the substrate. The optical element has an axis and the axis is substantially normal to the substrate. The information element sensor is coupled to the substrate. The information element sensor is configured to provide an information signal. The second portion includes a membrane configured to couple to the planar substrate. The membrane has a contact surface configured to couple with tissue. The encoder element is coupled to the membrane. The information signal corresponds to proximity of the encoder element.

Claims

1. A device comprising:

a first portion having a planar substrate and having at least one optical element coupled to the substrate, the optical element having an axis and wherein the axis is substantially normal to the substrate;

an information element sensor coupled to the substrate, the information element sensor configured to provide an information signal;

a second portion having a membrane configured to couple to the planar substrate, the membrane having a contact surface configured to couple with tissue;

an encoder element coupled to the membrane; and

wherein the information signal is encoded to indicate functionality of the at least one optical element and wherein functionality is determined based on proximity of the encoder element relative to the information element sensor.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the contact surface includes an adhesive.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the optical element is configured to emit radiation.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the optical element is configured to detect radiation.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the optical element includes at least one radiation emitter and at least one photodetector and wherein the photodetector is configured to provide a signal corresponding to oximetry.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein the encoder element includes at least one of a magnet, a capacitor plate, a metal object, and a radio frequency identification device.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein the information element sensor includes at least one of a magnet sensor, a capacitor plate, an inductor, and a radio frequency identification device reader.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein the membrane includes a mechanical alignment feature configured to engage with the planar substrate.

9. The device of claim 1 further including a wireless communication module coupled to the first portion, wherein the wireless communication module is configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote device.

10. A method comprising:

coupling an optical element to a first portion having a planar substrate, the optical element having an axis aligned substantially normal to the substrate;

coupling an information element sensor to the substrate, the information element sensor configured to provide an information signal;

configuring a second portion having a membrane to couple with the planar substrate, the membrane having an adhesive surface configured to bond with tissue;

coupling an encoder element to the membrane; and

wherein the information signal is encoded to indicate functionality of the at least one optical element and wherein functionality is determined based on proximity of the encoder element relative to the information element sensor.

11. The method of claim 10 further including configuring the optical element to emit radiation.

12. The method of claim 10 further including configuring the optical element configured to detect radiation.

13. The method of claim 10 further including configuring the optical element to provide a signal corresponding to at least one of regional oximetry, pulse oximetry, or a DC-based parameter.

14. The method of claim 10 wherein coupling the encoder element includes coupling at least one of a magnet, a capacitor plate, an inductor, and a radio frequency identification device.

15. The method of claim 10 wherein coupling the information element sensor to the substrate includes coupling at least one of a magnet sensor, a capacitance sensor, an inductance sensor, and a radio frequency identification device reader.

16. The method of claim 10 further including coupling a wireless communication module coupled to the first portion, wherein the wireless communication module is configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote device.

17. A device comprising:

a planar substrate having a contact surface and a mating surface in opposing alignment, the contact surface configured for coupling with tissue and the mating surface having a plurality of optical apertures configured to align with a plurality of optical elements of an external device, the optical apertures configured to pass optical radiation through a respective aperture of the plurality of optical apertures and between the contact surface and the mating surface; and

an encoder element coupled to the substrate, the encoder element configured to wirelessly communicate an information signal with the external device, the information signal encoded to indicate functionality of the planar substrate and external device and wherein functionality is determined based on proximity of the encoder element relative to a corresponding sensor of the external device.

18. The device of claim 17 wherein the contact surface includes an adhesive.

19. The device of claim 17 further including a strap configured to encircle a body.

20. The device of claim 17 wherein the encoder element includes a radio frequency identification tag.