Method and apparatus for signal acquisition, processing and transmission for evaluation of bodily functions

• US 6,120,460 A
• Filed: 11/02/1998
• Issued: 09/19/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 09/04/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Geelux Holdings, Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Marcio Marc Abreu
• Inventors: Abreu, Marcio Marc
• Primary Examiner(s): HINDENBURG, MAX F
• Application Number:
  US09/184,127
• Time in Patent Office: 687 Days
• Field of Search: 600/558, 600/584, 600/405, 604/17
• US Class Current: 600/558
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0219 of externally powered implanted units
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0252 using ambient temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0418 Pen-shaped housings
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0238 Optical sensor arrangements for performing transmission measurements on body tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 3/1241 specially adapted for observation of ocular blood flow, e.g. by fluorescein angiography
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 3/16 for measuring intraocular pressure, e.g. tonometers
• 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 5/01 Measuring temperature of body parts ; Diagnostic temperature sensing, e.g. for malignant or inflamed tissue clinical contact thermometers G01K13/20
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/031 Intracranial pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14532 for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14539 for measuring pH
• 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 5/14555 specially adapted for the eye fundus
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1486 using enzyme electrodes, e.g. with immobilised oxidase
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/18 for vehicle drivers or machine operators
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/411 Detecting or monitoring allergy or intolerance reactions to an allergenic agent or substance
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/416 the spleen
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/445 Evaluating skin irritation or skin trauma, e.g. rash, eczema, wound, bed sore
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4839 combined with drug delivery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6814 : Head
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6821 : Eye
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/06 : Measuring blood flow measuring volume flow in general G01F, e.g. G01F1/66, G01F1/72; measuring speed of fluids in general G01P5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/56 : Details of data transmission or power supply
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/0017 : implantable in, or in contact with, the eye, e.g. ocular inserts
• CPC Class Codes: B29D 11/00076 : enabling passage of fluids, e.g. oxygen, tears, between the area under the lens and the lens exterior
• CPC Class Codes: B29D 11/00096 : for delivering compositions, e.g. drugs to the eye
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 11/10 : Electronic devices other than hearing aids
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 7/04 : Contact lenses for the eyes disinfection or sterilisation of contact lenses A61L12/00

Abstract

Utilization of a contact device placed on the front part of the eye in order to detect physical and chemical parameters of the body as well as the non-invasive delivery of compounds according to these physical and chemical parameters, with signals preferably being transmitted continuously as electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared and the like. One of the parameters to be detected includes non-invasive blood analysis utilizing chemical changes and chemical products that are found in the front part of the eye and in the tear film. A transensor mounted in the contact device laying on the cornea or the surface of the eye is capable of evaluating and measuring physical and chemical parameters in the eye including non-invasive blood analysis. The system preferably utilizes eye lid motion and/or closure of the eye lid to activate a microminiature radio frequency sensitive transensor mounted in the contact device. The signal can be communicated by cable, but is preferably actively or passively radio telemetered to an externally placed receiver. The signal can then be processed, analyzed and stored. Several parameters can be detected including a complete non-invasive analysis of blood components, measurement of systemic and ocular blood flow, measurement of heart rate and respiratory rate, tracking operations, detection of ovulation, detection of radiation and drug effects, diagnosis of ocular and systemic disorders and the like. Other advantages are somnolence awareness, activation of devices by disabled individuals, a new drug delivery system and new therapy for ocular and neurologic disorders, and treatment of cancer in the eye or other parts of the body, and an evaluation system for the overall health status of an individual. The device quantifies non-invasively the amount of the different chemical components in the blood using a contact device with suitable electrodes and membranes laying on the surface of the eye and in direct contact with the tear film or surface of the eye, with the data being preferably transmitted utilizing radio waves, but alternatively sound waves, light waves, wire, or telephone lines can be used for transmission.

Claims

1. A contact device for placement in contact with an eye, said contact device comprising:

a contact surface for engagement with a surface of the eye,

a sensor mounted on said contact surface, said contact surface being positionable so that eye fluids encounter said sensor, said sensor generating a signal indicative of chemical parameters of a body and the eye based upon eye fluids encountered by the sensor, said signal being transmitted externally of the eye for analysis of the signal and indication of a status of certain bodily functions,

a signal transmitter mounted on said contact surface for transmitting said signal, and

an energy source for powering said signal transmitter.

2. A contact device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the signal is transmitted through the air by said signal transmitter for receipt at a remote location.

3. A contact device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensor detects glucose levels in the eye fluid.

4. A contact device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensor detects cholesterol levels in the eye fluid.

5. A contact device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensor detects oxygen levels in the eye fluid.

6. A contact device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensor detects pH levels in the eye fluid.

7. A contact device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensor detects potassium levels in the eye fluid.

8. A contact device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensor detects sodium levels in the eye fluid.

9. A contact device for placement in contact with an eye, said contact device comprising:

a contact surface for engaging a surface of the eye, and

a sensor mounted on said contact surface, said sensor being positionable under an eye lid of the eyes,

said sensor being a pressure sensor responsive to pressure intentionally imposed on said sensor by closing the eye lids for a predetermined period of time necessary to activate an electrical circuit for performing a function.

10. A contact device as claimed in claim 9, wherein a light emitting diode mounted on said contact surface is activated by intentional closure of the eye lids for a predetermined period of time.

11. A contact device for placement in contact with an eye, said contact device comprising:

a contact surface for engaging a surface of the eye,

a sensor mounted on said contact surface, said sensor producing a signal indicative of a bodily function, said signal being transmitted away from the eye for analysis and indication of a status of the bodily function, and

a heater and a storage compartment mounted on said contact surface, said storage compartment including chemicals or drugs for release upon activation of said heater based upon said signal produced by said sensor.

12. A contact device as claimed in claim 11, wherein a light source is mounted on said contact surface, and said sensor detects light emitted from the light source.

13. A contact device for placement in contact with an eye, said contact device comprising:

a contact surface for engagement with a portion of the eye, and

a sensor mounted on said contact surface, said contact surface being positionable so that bodily fluids encounter said sensor, said sensor generating a signal indicative of a property of the encountered bodily fluids, said signal being transmitted externally of the live body for analysis of the signal and indication of a status of certain bodily functions, said sensor being responsive to the eye lid when the eyelids are moved into a position caused by sleeping of the individual wearing the contact device, a signal being generated by said sensor when closing eye lids indicative of sleep, said signal being transmitted to an alarm circuit for alerting the individual of the transition of the individual to a sleep state.

14. A contact device for placement in contact with an eye, said contact device comprising:

a contact surface for engaging a surface of the eye,

a sensor mounted on said contact surface, said sensor producing a signal indicative of a bodily function, said signal being transmitted away from the eye for analysis and indication of a status of the bodily function, and

a pump for injecting an individual with medication based upon the signal generated by said sensor.

15. A contact device for placement in contact with an eye and eyelids, said contact device comprising:

opposed contact surfaces for engagement with a portion of the eye and the eyelids,

a sensor mounted on one of said contact surfaces,

a sensor selective membrane surface of said sensor for passage therethrough of fluid from the eye,

an electrode of said sensor positioned internally of said sensor selective membrane between said opposed contact surfaces,

a signal generated by said electrode indicative of a property of the fluid from the eye,

a transmitter located between said contact surfaces for transmitting said signal externally of the eye and the eye lids for analysis of the signal and indication of a status of certain bodily functions.

16. A contact device as claimed in claim 15, wherein said sensor detects glucose levels in the fluid from of the eye.

17. A contact device as claimed in claim 15, wherein said sensor detects cholesterol levels in the fluid from the eye.

18. A contact device as claimed in claim 15, wherein said sensor detects oxygen levels in the fluid from the eye.

19. A contact device as claimed in claim 15, wherein said sensor detects a temperature level in the fluid from the eye.

20. A contact device as claimed in claim 15, wherein said sensor detects potassium levels in the fluid from the eye.

21. A contact device as claimed in claim 15, wherein said sensor detects sodium levels in the fluid from the eye.

22. A contact device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the signal is transmitted through the air by said transmitter for receipt at a remote location.