Smart insole for diabetic patients

• US 7,716,005 B2
• Filed: 11/06/2006
• Issued: 05/11/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/06/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: University of Denver
• Original Assignee: University of Denver
• Inventors: Albert, Stephen F., Shoureshi, Rahmat A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Dunn; Drew A
• Assistant Examiner(s): Cherry; Stephen J
• Application Number:
  US11/556,914
• Publication Number:
  US 20080109183A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,282 Days
• Field of Search: 702/131
• US Class Current: 702/131
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 13/1281 with incorporated means for medical monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 3/34 with electrical or electronic arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 7/00 Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 7/147 for sick or disabled persons, e.g. persons having osteoarthritis or diabetes
• 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: G01K 1/026 arrangements for monitoring a plurality of temperatures, e.g. by multiplexing
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 1/14 Supports; Fastening devices; Arrangements for mounting thermometers in particular locations
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 13/20 Clinical contact thermometers for use with humans or animals
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 2217/00 Temperature measurement using electric or magnetic components already present in the system to be measured

Abstract

This invention is a temperature-based smart insole capable of continuously or intermittently measuring the foot temperature of the patient at one or more locations of the foot while the insole is worn. The device provides feedback to the patient alerting the individual of risk based on his/her plantar temperatures. Benefits of this device include: its ability to free the patient from the clinical setting and increase patient'"'"'s confidence to be mobile, thus enhancing circulation while at the same time allowing the patient to self-monitor their feet.

Claims

1. A system for monitoring foot temperature comprising:

(a) a plurality of temperature sensors located in a shoe or shoe insole, which sensors generate a spatial temperature profile of the foot;

(b) a neuro-fuzzy decision making algorithm which compares the spatial temperature profile from the temperature sensors to a signature profile, and provides a feedback value;

(c) means for communicating the feedback value; and

(d) a power source.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the means for communicating the feedback value is selected from the group consisting of:

visual indication, tactile indication, audible indication and combinations thereof.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of temperature sensors is located in a shoe, shoe insole, or sock.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a pressure sensor.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a humidity sensor.

6. The system of claim 1, comprising temperature sensors in sensing communication with different parts of the foot.

7. The system of claim 1, comprising less than 10 temperature sensors.

8. The system of claim 1, comprising more than 2 temperature sensors.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the power source is kinetic energy.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the power source is alternating or direct current.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the power source is one or more batteries.

12. A system for monitoring foot temperature comprising:

(a) a plurality of temperature sensors which generate a spatial temperature profile signal, said sensors located in a shoe or shoe insole;

(b) a circuit means electrically connected to the plurality of temperature sensors whereby said signal is collected;

(c) a transmission means to transmit the signal;

(d) a power source electrically connected to said plurality of temperature sensors, circuit means, and transmission means;

(e) a software program that includes a neuro-fuzzy decision making system that receives the transmitted signal and compares the transmitted signal to a signature profile and generates a feedback signal;

(f) a feedback means which transmits the feedback signal.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the feedback means is selected from the group consisting of:

visual indication, tactile indication, audible indication and combinations thereof.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the temperature sensors are located in a shoe, shoe insole, or sock.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein the temperature sensors are located in sensing communication with different parts of the foot.

16. The system of claim 12, comprising less than 10 temperature sensors.

17. The system of claim 12, comprising more than 2 temperature sensors.

18. The system of claim 12, further comprising a humidity sensor.

19. The system of claim 12, further comprising a pressure sensor.

20. The system of claim 12, wherein the power source is kinetic energy.

21. The system of claim 12, wherein the power source is alternating or direct current.

22. The system of claim 12, wherein the power source is one or more batteries.

23. A system for measuring parameters of the foot comprising:

(a) one or more sensors selected from the group consisting of;

temperature, pressure and humidity located in a shoe or shoe insole, wherein the one or more temperature sensors generate a spatial temperature profile of the foot;

(b) a neuro-fuzzy decision making algorithm which uses the spatial temperature profile from the sensors and creates a feedback value;

(c) means for communicating the feedback value; and

(d) a power source.

24. A method for monitoring foot parameters comprising:

providing one or more sensors located in sensing proximity to a patient'"'"'s foot;

collecting signals from said one or more sensors using a circuit means, generating a spatial temperature test profile;

comparing the test profile to a signature profile using a neuro-fuzzy decision making system;

generating a feedback signal;

communicating the feedback signal.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the sensors are selected from the group consisting of:

temperature, pressure and humidity.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein the communicating step is one or more of:

visual, tactile, and audible.