WEARABLE LIGHT-GUIDING BANDS AND PATCHES FOR PHYSIOLOGICAL MONITORING

• US 20140171762A1
• Filed: 02/19/2014
• Published: 06/19/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 02/25/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Valencell, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Valencell, Inc.
• Inventors: LeBoeuf, Steven Francis, Tucker, Jesse Berkley, Aumer, Michael Edward
• Granted Patent: US 8,886,269 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/314
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0242 adapted to measure environmental factors, e.g. temperature, pollution
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0425 Ergonomically shaped housings A61B2560/0418 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0443 Modular apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0219 Inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers, gyroscopes, tilt switches
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0233 Special features of optical sensors or probes classified in A61B5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/00 Measuring for diagnostic purposes radiation diagnosis A61B6/00; diagnosis by ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves A61B8/00; Identification of persons
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0013 Medical image data A61B1/00011, A61B6/56, A61B8/56 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/002 Monitoring the patient using a local or closed circuit, e.g. in a room or building A61B5/0017 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0022 Monitoring a patient using a global network, e.g. telephone networks, internet
• 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 5/0059 using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence A61B5/0093, A61B5/1455, A61B5/02416 and A61B5/0261 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0082 adapted for particular medical purposes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0084 for introduction into the body, e.g. by catheters A61B5/1459 takes precedence
• 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 5/0205 Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular conditions and different types of body conditions, e.g. heart and respiratory condition
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02055 Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular condition and temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/021 Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels A61B5/0205 takes precedence
• 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 5/02405 Determining heart rate variability
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02416 using photoplethysmograph signals, e.g. generated by infrared radiation A61B5/14552 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02427 : Details of sensor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02433 : for infrared radiation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/026 : Measuring blood flow A61B3/1233, A61B3/1241 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0261 : using optical means, e.g. infrared light
• 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 5/0816 : Measuring devices for examining respiratory frequency measuring frequency of electric signals G01R23/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/091 : Measuring volume of inspired or expired gases, e.g. to determine lung capacity
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/11 : Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor, mobility of a limb for measuring pulse A61B5/02 ;A61B5/1038 takes precedence; motion detection to correct for motion artifacts in physiological signals A61B5/721
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1107 : Measuring contraction of parts of the body, e.g. organ, muscle apparatus for measuring work or force in general G01L
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1118 : Determining activity level
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14532 : for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1455 : using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14551 : for measuring blood gases
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/165 : Evaluating the state of mind, e.g. depression, anxiety
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/369 : Electroencephalography [EEG] devices for psychotechnics A61B5/16
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/411 : Detecting or monitoring allergy or intolerance reactions to an allergenic agent or substance
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/415 : the glands, e.g. tonsils, adenoids or thymus
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/418 : lymph vessels, ducts or nodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4812 : Detecting sleep stages or cycles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4845 : Toxicology, e.g. by detection of alcohol, drug or toxic products A61B5/4848 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4848 : Monitoring or testing the effects of treatment, e.g. of medication
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/486 : Bio-feedback A61B5/375 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4866 : Evaluating metabolism A61B5/083 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4875 : Hydration status, fluid retention of the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4884 : inducing physiological or psychological stress, e.g. applications for stress testing
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6803 : Head-worn items, e.g. helmets, masks, headphones or goggles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6815 : Ear
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6816 : Ear lobe
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6817 : Ear canal
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6819 : Nose
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6826 : Finger
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6838 : Clamps or clips
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7207 : of noise induced by motion artifacts
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/721 : using a separate sensor to detect motion or using motion information derived from signals other than the physiological signal to be measured
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7214 : using signal cancellation, e.g. based on input of two identical physiological sensors spaced apart, or based on two signals derived from the same sensor, for different optical wavelengths
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7221 : Determining signal validity, reliability or quality A61B5/7207 and A61B5/7217 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/725 : using specific filters therefor, e.g. Kalman or adaptive filters A61B5/316 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7278 : Artificial waveform generation or derivation, e.g. synthesising signals from measured signals A61B5/327 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7282 : Event detection, e.g. detecting unique waveforms indicative of a medical condition A61B5/4094, A61B5/4818, A61B5/349, A61B5/0823 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/742 : using visual displays A61B5/339 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7475 : User input or interface means, e.g. keyboard, pointing device, joystick
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0001 : specially adapted for lighting devices or systems lighting or signalling on vehicles using light guides B60Q1/00; lighting devices for vehicle dashboards B60Q3/10; lighting devices for vehicle interior using light guides B60Q3/62; lighting devices mounted on the vehicle rear part using light guides F21S43/235; measuring arrangements having light conducting pointers G01D13/265; illumination of liquid crystal displays G02F1/1336; illuminated signs G09F13/00
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/30 : relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 30/40 : for processing medical images, e.g. editing
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/63 : for local operation
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 : for remote operation
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 50/20 : for computer-aided diagnosis, e.g. based on medical expert systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/028 : associated with devices performing functions other than acoustics, e.g. electric candles
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/105 : Earpiece supports, e.g. ear hooks for stereophonic headphones H04R5/0335
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/1091 : Details not provided for in groups H04R1/1008 - H04R1/1083
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 90/10 : Information and communication technologies [ICT] supporting adaptation to climate change, e.g. for weather forecasting or climate simulation

Abstract

A monitoring device includes a band capable of encircling a portion of the body of a subject, and an optical emitter and detector attached to the band. The band includes comprises light transmissive material in optical communication with the optical emitter and optical detector and is configured to deliver light from the optical emitter to one or more locations of the body of the subject and to collect light from one or more locations of the body of the subject and deliver the collected light to the optical detector. The monitoring device may include a signal processor configured to receive and process signals produced by the optical detector, a transmitter configured to transmit signals processed by the signal processor to a remote device, and/or an optical filter.

Claims

1. A monitoring device, comprising:

a band capable of encircling a portion of the body of a subject; and

an optical emitter and an optical detector attached to the band;

wherein the band comprises light transmissive material in optical communication with the optical emitter and optical detector that is configured to deliver light from the optical emitter to one or more locations of the body of the subject and to collect light from one or more locations of the body of the subject and deliver the collected light to the optical detector.

2. The monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the portion of the body comprises a limb, a nose, an earlobe, and/or a digit.

3. The monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the band comprises first and second concentric body portions.

4. The monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the band comprises a lens region in optical communication with the optical emitter that focuses light emitted by the optical emitter and/or that collects light reflected from the body.

5. The monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the band comprises a phosphor-containing region in optical communication with the light transmissive material, wherein the phosphor-containing region receives light emitted by the optical emitter and converts at least a portion of the received light to light having a different wavelength from the received light.

6. The monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the band has an outer surface and an inner surface, and further comprising a light reflective material on at least a portion of one or both of the inner and outer surfaces.

7. The monitoring device of claim 6, further comprising a signal processor, and wherein at least a portion of light reflected by the light reflection material and detected by the optical detector is processed by the signal processor as a noise reference for attenuating motion noise from signals produced by the optical detector.

8. The monitoring device of claim 1, further comprising a signal processor configured to receive and process signals produced by the optical detector.

9. The monitoring device of claim 1, further comprising a transmitter configured to transmit signals processed by the signal processor to a remote device.

10. The monitoring device of claim 1, further comprising light blocking material positioned between the optical emitter and detector such that the optical emitter and detector are not in direct optical communication with each other.

11. The monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the band further comprises at least one optical filter configured to selectively pass at least one optical wavelength.

12. The monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the band further comprises at least one optical filter configured to selectively pass at least one optical wavelength for transmission into the body of the subject.

13. The monitoring device of claim 12, further comprising a signal processor, and wherein at least a portion of light blocked by the optical filter and detected by the optical detector is processed by the signal processor as a noise reference for attenuating motion noise from signals produced by the optical detector.

14. The monitoring device of claim 1, further comprising one or more of the following:

an accelerometer, a capacitive sensor, an inertial sensor, a mechanical sensor, an electromagnetic sensor, a thermal sensor, a nuclear radiation sensor, a biological sensor.

15. The monitoring device of claim 1, further comprising at least one accelerometer and at least one signal processor, wherein the at least one signal processer is configured to process signals from the at least one accelerometer and optical detector to attenuate motion noise from optical signals produced by the optical detector.

16. The monitoring device of claim 1, further comprising at least one accelerometer and at least one signal processor, wherein the at least one signal processor is configured to process signals from the at least one accelerometer and optical detector to measure or detect physiological information.

17. The monitoring device of claim 16, wherein the physiological information comprises at least one of the following:

heart rate, pulse rate, breathing rate, blood flow, VO₂, VO_2max, heartbeat signatures, cardio-pulmonary health, organ health, metabolism, electrolyte type and/or concentration, physical activity, caloric intake, caloric metabolism, blood metabolite levels or ratios, blood pH level, physical and/or psychological stress levels and/or stress level indicators, drug dosage and/or dosimetry, physiological drug reactions, drug chemistry, biochemistry, position and/or balance, body strain, neurological functioning, brain activity, brain waves, blood pressure, cranial pressure, hydration level, auscultatory information, auscultatory signals associated with pregnancy, physiological response to infection, skin and/or core body temperature, eye muscle movement, blood volume, inhaled and/or exhaled breath volume, physical exertion, exhaled breath physical and/or chemical composition, the presence and/or identity and/or concentration of viruses and/or bacteria, foreign matter in the body, internal toxins, heavy metals in the body, anxiety, fertility, ovulation, sex hormones, psychological mood, sleep patterns, hunger and/or thirst, hormone type and/or concentration, cholesterol, lipids, blood panel, bone density, organ and/or body weight, reflex response, sexual arousal, mental and/or physical alertness, sleepiness, auscultatory information, response to external stimuli, swallowing volume, swallowing rate, sickness, voice characteristics, voice tone, voice pitch, voice volume, vital signs, head tilt, allergic reactions, inflammation response, auto-immune response, mutagenic response, DNA, proteins, protein levels in the blood, water content of the blood, pheromones, internal body sounds, digestive system functioning, cellular regeneration response, healing response, and stem cell regeneration response.

18. A monitoring device configured to be attached to the body of a subject, comprising:

a base comprising an optical emitter and an optical detector; and

light transmissive material attached to the base, wherein the light transmissive material is in optical communication with the optical emitter and optical detector, and configured to deliver light from the optical emitter to one or more portions of the body of the subject and to collect light from one or more locations of the body of the subject and deliver the collected light to the optical detector, and wherein at least one portion of the monitoring device comprises adhesive in one or more locations that is configured to adhesively secure the device to the body of the subject.

19. The monitoring device of claim 18, further comprising an outer body portion attached to the base and to the light transmissive material, wherein the outer body portion comprises adhesive in one or more locations that is configured to adhesively secure the device to the body of the subject.

20. The monitoring device of claim 18, wherein the light transmissive material comprises a lens region in optical communication with the optical emitter that focuses light emitted by the optical emitter and/or that collects light reflected from the body.

21. The monitoring device of claim 18, wherein the light transmissive material comprises a phosphor-containing region that receives light emitted by the optical emitter and converts at least a portion of the received light to light having at least one different wavelength from the received light.

22. The monitoring device of claim 18, wherein the light transmissive material has an outer surface and an inner surface, and further comprising a light reflective material on at least a portion of one or both of the inner and outer surfaces.

23. The monitoring device of claim 18, wherein at least a portion of the reflected light detected by at least one optical detector is processed as a motion noise reference for attenuating motion noise from the optical detector signal.

24. The monitoring device of claim 18, wherein the monitoring device further comprises at least one optical filter configured to selectively pass at least one optical wavelength for transmission into the body of the subject.

25. The monitoring device of claim 24, wherein at least a portion of the light not passed by the optical filter detected by at least one optical detector is processed as a motion noise reference for attenuating motion noise from the optical detector signal.

26. The monitoring device of claim 18, wherein the base comprises a signal processor configured to receive and process signals produced by the optical detector.

27. The monitoring device of claim 18, wherein the base comprises a transmitter configured to transmit signals processed by the signal processor to a remote device.

28. The monitoring device of claim 18, further comprising light blocking material positioned between the optical emitter and detector such that the optical emitter and detector are not in direct optical communication with each other.

29. The monitoring device of claim 18, further comprising one or more of the following:

an accelerometer, a capacitive sensor, an inertial sensor, a mechanical sensor, an electromagnetic sensor, a thermal sensor, a nuclear radiation sensor, a biological sensor.

30. The monitoring device of claim 18, further comprising at least one accelerometer and at least one signal processor, wherein the at least one signal processer is configured to process signals from the at least one accelerometer and optical detector to attenuate motion noise from optical signals produced by the optical detector.

31. The monitoring device of claim 18, further comprising at least one accelerometer and at least one signal processor, wherein the at least one signal processor is configured to process signals from the at least one accelerometer and optical detector to measure or detect physiological information.

32. The monitoring device of claim 31, wherein the physiological information comprises at least one of the following:

heart rate, pulse rate, breathing rate, blood flow, VO₂, VO_2max, heartbeat signatures, cardio-pulmonary health, organ health, metabolism, electrolyte type and/or concentration, physical activity, caloric intake, caloric metabolism, blood metabolite levels or ratios, blood pH level, physical and/or psychological stress levels and/or stress level indicators, drug dosage and/or dosimetry, physiological drug reactions, drug chemistry, biochemistry, position and/or balance, body strain, neurological functioning, brain activity, brain waves, blood pressure, cranial pressure, hydration level, auscultatory information, auscultatory signals associated with pregnancy, physiological response to infection, skin and/or core body temperature, eye muscle movement, blood volume, inhaled and/or exhaled breath volume, physical exertion, exhaled breath physical and/or chemical composition, the presence and/or identity and/or concentration of viruses and/or bacteria, foreign matter in the body, internal toxins, heavy metals in the body, anxiety, fertility, ovulation, sex hormones, psychological mood, sleep patterns, hunger and/or thirst, hormone type and/or concentration, cholesterol, lipids, blood panel, bone density, organ and/or body weight, reflex response, sexual arousal, mental and/or physical alertness, sleepiness, auscultatory information, response to external stimuli, swallowing volume, swallowing rate, sickness, voice characteristics, voice tone, voice pitch, voice volume, vital signs, head tilt, allergic reactions, inflammation response, auto-immune response, mutagenic response, DNA, proteins, protein levels in the blood, water content of the blood, pheromones, internal body sounds, digestive system functioning, cellular regeneration response, healing response, and stem cell regeneration response.