Wearable monitoring apparatus and driving method thereof

• US 8,428,683 B2
• Filed: 02/08/2010
• Issued: 04/23/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 05/22/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
• Original Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
• Inventors: Yoo, Hoi-Jun, Yoo, Jerald
• Primary Examiner(s): Cohen, Lee S
• Assistant Examiner(s): Cardinal, Erin M
• Application Number:
  US12/702,038
• Publication Number:
  US 20100298687A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,170 Days
• Field of Search: 600/372, 600/382, 600/391, 600/392, 600/301, 128/898, 439/909
• US Class Current: 600/391
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0006 ECG or EEG signals
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14532 for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/257 using adhesive means, e.g. adhesive pads or tapes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/259 using conductive adhesive means, e.g. gels
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/282 Holders for multiple electrodes for introduction into the body A61B5/287
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6831 Straps, bands or harnesses

Abstract

Disclosed are a wearable monitoring apparatus and a driving method thereof. The wearable monitoring apparatus comprises: a sensor unit for measuring a biological signal from a human body, wherein the sensor unit is adhered to a skin; and a control unit for searching a location of the sensor unit, supplying power to the sensor unit, and receiving and processing the biological signal from the sensor unit, wherein the control unit is formed to be wearable.

Claims

1. A wearable monitoring apparatus for continuously monitoring a biological signal, comprising:

a sensor unit for measuring a biological signal from a human body, wherein the sensor unit is configured to be adhered to a skin;

a control unit that transmits a searching signal for searching a location of the sensor unit;

wherein upon receiving the searching signal, the sensor unit transmits a response signal to the control unit, the response signal containing information corresponding to a type of the sensor unit;

wherein after the sensor unit transmits the response signal, the control unit supplies power to the sensor unit, and the sensor unit measures the biological signal and transmits the biological signal to the control unit; and

wherein the control unit is formed to be wearable.

2. The wearable monitoring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit comprises:

an adhesive layer having adhesion and flexibility;

an inductor that operably connects the sensor unit to the control unit by wireless means using near field coupling;

a sensing electrode for sensing the biological signal;

a sensor chip for transmitting the response signal containing the information corresponding to the type of the sensor unit to the control unit in response to receiving the searching signal from the control unit, measuring the biological signal using the sensing electrode, and transmitting the measured biological signal to the control unit; and

a molding portion formed to cover the sensor chip to prevent the sensor chip from being damaged,

wherein at least one of the inductor and the sensing electrode is formed by printing a conductive material on a fiber.

3. The wearable monitoring apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit comprises:

a plurality of inductors that operably connect the control unit to the sensor unit by wireless means using near field coupling, wherein the plurality of inductors are arrayed in a coordinate matrix pattern;

a power supply for transmitting the searching signal and supplying the power to the sensor unit; and

a network controller that;

(1) transmits the searching signal in a set coordinate order using the plurality of inductors, (2) receives the response signal from the sensor unit, (3) stores the information corresponding to the type of the sensor unit, (4) stores coordinate information of one inductor of the plurality of inductors that received the response signal, (5) supplies the power to the sensor unit in an amount that meets a set sensing cycle and power transmission strength based on the type of the sensor unit using the one inductor having received the response signal, (6) receives the biological signal measured by the sensor unit, and (7) stores the received biological signal;

wherein the network controller is connected to the plurality of inductors; and

wherein the plurality of inductors are formed by printing a conductive material on a fiber.

4. The wearable monitoring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit comprises:

an adhesive layer having adhesion and flexibility;

a first connector that operably connects the sensor unit to the control unit by wired means, wherein the first connector is capable of being attached and detached to the control unit;

a sensing electrode for sensing the biological signal;

a sensor chip for transmitting the response signal containing the information corresponding to the type of the sensor unit to the control unit in response to receiving the searching signal from the control unit, measuring the biological signal using the sensing electrode, and transmitting the measured biological signal to the control unit; and

a molding portion formed to cover the sensor chip to prevent the sensor chip from being damaged,

wherein the sensing electrode is formed by printing a conductive material on a fiber.

5. The wearable monitoring apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit comprises:

a plurality of second connectors that operably connect the control unit to the sensor unit by wired means using the first connector,

wherein the plurality of second connectors are arrayed in a coordinate matrix pattern and are capable of being attached to and detached from the sensor unit;

a power supply for providing the searching signal and power to be transmitted to the sensor unit; and

a network controller that;

(1) transmits the searching signal in a set coordinate order using the plurality of second connectors, (2) receives the response signal from the sensor unit, (3) stores the information corresponding to the type of the sensor unit, (4) stores coordinate information of one of the second connectors that received the response signal, (5) transfers the power to the sensor unit in an amount that meets a set sensing cycle and power transmission strength based on the type of the sensor unit using the one of the second connectors having received the response signal, (6) receives the biological signal measured by the sensor unit, and (7) stores the received biological signal;

wherein the network controller is connected to the plurality of second connectors.

6. The wearable monitoring apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first connector and the second connectors are configured in a form of a hook and loop fastener, a button, a zipper, or a conductive contact, and are made of a conductive material.

7. The wearable monitoring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit is devoid of a power supply.

8. A method of driving the wearable monitoring apparatus according to claim 1, comprising the steps of:

(i) the control unit automatically transmitting the searching signal to determine the location of the sensor unit;

(ii) the control unit supplying the power to the sensor unit, the sensor unit measuring the biological signal upon receiving the power; and

(iii) the sensor unit transmitting the biological signal to the control unit.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein step (i) comprises:

transmitting the searching signal in a set coordinate order using a plurality of inductors arrayed on the control unit in a coordinate matrix pattern;

checking whether the response signal containing the information corresponding to the type of the sensor unit as a response to the searching signal is received; and

storing the response signal and coordinate values of one inductor of the plurality of inductors that received the response signal when the response signal is received, and

step (ii) comprises;

recognizing the type of the sensor unit using the response signal;

supplying the power with a set sensing cycle and power transmission strength to the sensor unit using the one inductor haying received the response signal according to the type of the sensor unit; and

measuring the biological signal using the sensor unit,

wherein the sensor unit and the control unit transmit and receive data in a wireless connection manner using near field coupling to and from each other.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein step (i) further comprises transmitting the searching signal using another inductor on next coordinates after storage of the response signal and the coordinate values of the one inductor having received the response signal is terminated, and checking whether the response signal is received.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein step (ii) further comprises supplying power with different sensing cycles to respective sensor units when there are at least two types of the sensor units.

12. The method according to claim 8, wherein step (i) comprises:

transmitting the searching signal in a set coordinate order using, a plurality of connectors arrayed on the control unit in a coordinate matrix pattern;

checking whether the response signal containing the information corresponding to the type of the sensor unit as a response to the searching signal is received; and

storing the response signal and coordinate values of one connector of the plurality of connectors that received the response signal when the response signal is received, and

step (ii) comprises;

recognizing the type of the sensor unit using the response signal;

supplying the power with a set sensing cycle and power transmission strength to the sensor unit using the one connector having received the response signal according to the type of the sensor unit; and

measuring the biological signal using the sensor unit,

the sensor unit and the control unit transmitting and receiving data in a wired connection manner using the connector to and from each other.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein step (i) further comprises transmitting the searching signal using another connector on next coordinates after storage of the response signal and the coordinate values of the one connector having received the response signal is terminated, and checking whether the response signal is received.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein step (ii) further comprises supplying power with different sensing cycles to respective sensor units when there are at least two types of the sensor units.

15. The method according to claim 8, wherein step(iii) comprises:

amplifying, filtering and converting into digital data the biological signal measured by the sensor, and transmitting the digital data to the control unit; and

compressing, encrypting, and storing the digital biological signal transmitted to the control unit.

16. A sensor unit of a wearable monitoring apparatus that is configured to be adhered to a human body for measuring a biological signal, comprising:

an adhesive layer having adhesion and flexibility;

an inductor that operably connects the sensor unit to a control unit by wireless means using near field coupling, the control unit collecting the biological signal measured by the sensor unit;

a sensing electrode that measures the biological signal;

a sensor chip that transmits a response signal containing information corresponding to a type of the sensor unit to the control unit in response to the sensor unit receiving a searching signal from the control unit, receives power from the control unit to measure the biological signal using the sensing electrode, and transmits the measured biological signal to the control unit; and

a molding portion formed to cover the sensor chip to prevent the sensor chip from being damaged,

wherein at least one of the inductor and the sensing electrode is formed by printing a conductive material on a fiber.

17. The sensor unit of claim 16, further comprising the sensor unit being devoid of a power supply.

18. A sensor unit of a wearable monitoring apparatus that is configured to be adhered to a human body for measuring a biological signal, comprising:

an adhesive layer having adhesion and flexibility;

a connector that operably connects the sensor unit to a control unit by wired means, the control unit collecting the biological signal measured by the sensor unit, wherein the connector is able to be attached to and detached from the control unit;

a sensing electrode that measures the biological signal;

a sensor chip that transmits a response signal containing information corresponding to a type of the sensor unit to the control unit in response to the sensor unit receiving a searching signal from the control unit, measures the biological signal using the sensing electrode, and transmits the measured biological signal to the control unit; and

a molding portion formed to cover the sensor chip to prevent the sensor chip from being damaged,

wherein the sensing electrode is formed by printing a conductive material on a fiber.

19. A control unit of a wearable monitoring apparatus for collecting a biological signal measured by a sensor unit configured to be adhered to a human body, comprising:

a plurality of inductors that operably connects the control unit to the sensor unit by wireless means using near field coupling, wherein the plurality of inductors are arrayed in a coordinate matrix pattern;

a power supply that transmits a searching signal to the sensor unit and supplies power to the sensor unit; and

a network controller that (1);

transmits the searching signal in a set coordinate order using the plurality of inductors, (2) receives a response signal containing information corresponding to a type of the sensor unit as a response to the searching signal, (3) stores the information corresponding to the type of the sensor unit, (4) stores coordinate information of one inductor of the plurality of inductors that received the response signal, (5) supplies the power to the sensor unit in an amount that meets a set sensing cycle and power transmission strength based on the type of the sensor unit using the one inductor that received the response signal, (6) receives the biological signal measured by the sensor unit, and (7) stores the received biological signal,

wherein the network controller is connected to the plurality of inductors,

wherein the plurality of inductors are formed by printing a conductive material on a fiber.

20. A control unit of a wearable monitoring apparatus for collecting a biological signal measured by a sensor unit configured to be adhered to a human body, comprising:

a plurality of connectors for operably connecting the control unit to the sensor unit by wired means, wherein the plurality of connectors are arrayed in a coordinate matrix pattern and are capable of being attached to and detached from the sensor unit measuring the biological signal;

a power supply that transmits a searching signal to the sensor unit and supplies power to the sensor unit; and

a network controller that;

(1) transmits the searching signal in a set coordinate order using the plurality of connectors, (2) receives a response signal containing information corresponding to a type of the sensor unit as a response to the searching signal, (3) stores the information corresponding to the type of the sensor unit, (4) stores coordinate information of one connector of the plurality of connectors that received the response signal, (5) supplies power to the sensor unit in an amount that meets a set sensing cycle and power transmission strength based on the type of the sensor unit through the one connector having received the response signal, (6) receives the biological signal measured by the sensor unit, and (7) stores the received biological signal,

wherein the network controller is connected to the plurality of connectors.