PHYSIOLOGICAL MONITORING APPARATUS AND NETWORKS

• US 20140323829A1
• Filed: 07/10/2014
• Published: 10/30/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 12/19/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Valencell, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Valencell, Inc.
• Inventors: LeBoeuf, Steven Francis, Tucker, Jesse Berkley, Aumer, Michael Edward
• Application Number:
  US14/328,107
• Publication Number:
  US 20140323829A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/301
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0242 adapted to measure environmental factors, e.g. temperature, pollution
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0204 Acoustic sensors
• 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 5/0013 Medical image data A61B1/00011, A61B6/56, A61B8/56 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0015 characterised by features of the telemetry system
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0022 Monitoring a patient using a global network, e.g. telephone networks, internet
• 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 5/0071 by measuring fluorescence emission
• 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 5/02427 Details of sensor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02438 with portable devices, e.g. worn by the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/026 Measuring blood flow A61B3/1233, A61B3/1241 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/029 Measuring or recording blood output from the heart, e.g. minute volume A61B8/065 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/031 Intracranial pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0533 Measuring galvanic skin response
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0816 : Measuring devices for examining respiratory frequency measuring frequency of electric signals G01R23/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/087 : Measuring breath flow
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1032 : Determining colour for diagnostic purposes measuring colour in general G01J3/46
• 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 5/1112 : Global tracking of patients, e.g. by using GPS
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1118 : Determining activity level
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/112 : Gait analysis
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1126 : using a particular sensing technique
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/12 : Audiometering
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14539 : for measuring pH
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14542 : for measuring blood gases A61B5/14551 takes precedence
• 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 5/14551 : for measuring blood gases
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14552 : Details of sensors specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14556 : by fluorescence A61B5/14555 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1477 : non-invasive
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/222 : combined with detection or measurement of physiological parameters, e.g. heart rate
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/224 : Measuring muscular strength
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/24 : Detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/369 : Electroencephalography [EEG] devices for psychotechnics A61B5/16
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/398 : Electrooculography [EOG], e.g. detecting nystagmus; Electroretinography [ERG]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4064 : Evaluating the brain A61B5/031, A61B5/369, A61B5/14553 take precedence
• 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 5/4205 : Evaluating swallowing
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4227 : endocrine glands, i.e. thyroid, adrenals, hypothalamic, pituitary
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4266 : sweat secretion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4542 : Evaluating the mouth, e.g. the jaw
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4806 : Sleep evaluation A61B5/4821 takes precedence; devices for inducing sleep A61M21/02
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4812 : Detecting sleep stages or cycles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4839 : combined with drug delivery
• 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 5/4872 : Body fat
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4875 : Hydration status, fluid retention of the body
• 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 5/6887 : mounted on external non-worn devices, e.g. non-medical devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7203 : for noise prevention, reduction or removal
• 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 5/7405 : using sound
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/742 : using visual displays A61B5/339 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 7/00 : Instruments for auscultation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 7/003 : Detecting lung or respiration noise
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 7/04 : Electric stethoscopes microphones, acoustic transducers therefor H04R
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2037/0007 : having means for enhancing the permeation of substances through the epidermis, e.g. using suction or depression, electric or magnetic fields, sound waves or chemical agents
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 37/00 : Other apparatus for introducing media into the body for reproduction or fertilisation A61B17/425; apparatus for iontophoresis or cataphoresis A61N1/30; Percutany, i.e. introducing medicines into the body by diffusion through the skin salt baths A61H33/04
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/325 : for iontophoresis, i.e. transfer of media in ionic state by an electromotoric force into the body electrodes for external use A61N1/0428
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 11/00 : Component parts of measuring arrangements not specially adapted for a specific variable G01D13/00, G01D15/00 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/47 : Scattering, i.e. diffuse reflection G01N21/25, G01N21/41 take precedence G01N21/55 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/59 : Transmissivity G01N21/25 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2201/021 : Special mounting in general
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2201/0612 : Laser diodes
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2201/062 : LED's
• CPC Class Codes: G10K 2210/1081 : Earphones, e.g. for telephones, ear protectors or headsets
• 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: G16H 50/30 : for calculating health indices; for individual health risk assessment
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/1016 : Earpieces of the intra-aural type
• 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: H04R 25/00 : Deaf-aid sets , i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception electrical stimulation of auditory nerves to promote the auditory function A61N1/36038; optical stimulation of auditory nerves to promote the auditory function A61N5/0622
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 25/453 : electronically

Abstract

Wearable apparatus for monitoring various physiological and environmental factors are provided. Real-time, noninvasive health and environmental monitors include a plurality of compact sensors integrated within small, low-profile devices, such as earpiece modules. Physiological and environmental data is collected and wirelessly transmitted into a wireless network, where the data is stored and/or processed.

Claims

1. A network for monitoring and communicating physiological information, the network comprising:

a portable telecommunication device;

an apparatus adapted to be worn by a subject, the apparatus comprising;

a plurality of sensors configured to sense electrical, mechanical, electromagnetic, and/or acoustical information from the subject;

a transmitter responsive to the at least one processor that is configured to transmit the extracted signal to the portable telecommunication device; and

an audio speaker configured to provide audible information to the subject;

at least one processor coupled to the plurality of sensors, wherein the at least one processor is integrated within the portable telecommunication device and/or the apparatus, wherein the at least one processor is configured to process signals produced by the plurality of sensors to generate an extracted signal that comprises cleaner information about at least one of the following;

yawning, swallowing, eating, masticating, sleeping, teeth grinding, jaw movements, a change in bite, changes in speech, changes in voice, coughing, snoring, sneezing, laughing, eye muscle movements, organ functioning, cardiovascular performance, pulmonary performance, emotional states, and muscle tension; and

memory coupled to the at least one processor that is configured to store information from the plurality of sensors.

2. The network of claim 1, further comprising a remote device having at least one database, and wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit the extracted signal to the remote device for storage in the at least one database.

3. The network of claim 2, wherein the at least one processor is integrated within the portable telecommunication device and/or the apparatus and/or the remote device.

4. The network of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to be worn at the ear or head of the subject.

5. The network of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of sensors comprises an acoustical sensor.

6. The network of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one optical emitter configured to direct optical energy upon a region of a body of the subject, and wherein at least one of the plurality of sensors comprises an optical detector configured to measure optical energy absorbed, reflected, or scattered from the body region.

7. The network of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one environmental sensor configured to sense environmental information in a vicinity of the subject.

8. The network of claim 7, wherein the memory comprises an algorithm that, when executed by the at least one processor, is configured to focus the at least one processor on processing selected signals produced by the plurality of sensors and/or the at least one environmental sensor.

9. The network of claim 1, wherein the transmitter is configured to modify an algorithm stored in the memory and/or upload an algorithm to the memory.

10. The network of claim 1, wherein the network is configured to monitor at least one habit of the subject.

11. The network of claim 1, wherein the memory comprises an algorithm that, when executed by the at least one processor, is configured to identify an occurrence of a habit of the subject, to log a time when the habit occurs, and to count the number of times a day the habit has occurred.

12. The network of claim 11, wherein the algorithm is configured to monitor physiological and/or psychological stress during the occurrence of the habit.

13. The network of claim 12, wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one environmental sensor configured to sense environmental information in a vicinity of the subject, wherein the algorithm is configured to store environmental information at a time of the occurrence of the habit, and wherein the at least one processor is configured to process the stored environmental information to determine what environmental factors caused the physiological and/or psychological stress.

14. The network of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one filter coupled to the at least one processor, wherein the at least one filter is configured to clean up signals from one or more of the plurality of sensors.

15. The network of claim 1, wherein the portable telecommunication device is configured to transfer commands to the apparatus.

16. The network of claim 15, wherein at least one of the plurality of sensors is configured to be controlled, activated, or deactivated in response to a command transferred from the telecommunication device.

17. The network of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors are at least partially integrated into a sensor module.

18. The network of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to selectively remove signals from one of the plurality of sensors based on signals generated by another one of the plurality of sensors to generate the extracted signal.

19. A wearable apparatus for monitoring a habit of a subject, the apparatus comprising:

a plurality of sensors;

at least one processor coupled to the plurality of sensors, wherein the at least one processor is configured to process signals produced by the plurality of sensors; and

memory coupled to the at least one processor, wherein the memory comprises an algorithm that, when executed by the at least one processor, is configured to identify an occurrence of the habit via signals produced by the plurality of sensors, to log a time when the habit occurs, and to count the number of times a day the habit has occurred.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the algorithm, when executed by the at least one processor, is configured to monitor physiological and/or psychological stress during the occurrence of the habit.

21. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising an audio speaker configured to provide audible information to the subject.

22. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the apparatus is configured to be worn at the ear or head of the subject.

23. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein at least one of the plurality of sensors comprises an acoustical sensor.

24. An apparatus adapted to be worn near the ear or head of a subject, the apparatus comprising:

at least one sensor configured to sense electrical, mechanical, electromagnetic, and/or acoustical information from the subject;

an audio speaker configured to communicate audible information to the subject;

data storage comprising an algorithm for processing signals from the at least one sensor;

at least one processor coupled to the at least one sensor and to the data storage, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute the algorithm to process signals produced by the at least one sensor to generate processed signals containing physiological information of the subject; and

a transmitter responsive to the at least one processor that is configured to transmit the processed signals to a remote device and/or a portable telecommunication device.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the data storage comprises an algorithm that, when executed by the at least one processor, is configured to focus the at least one processor on processing selected signals produced by the at least one sensor.

26. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the at least one processor is responsive to at least one command received from a remote device to focus on processing selected signals produced by the at least one sensor.

27. The apparatus of claim 24, further comprising at least one environmental sensor configured to sense environmental information in a vicinity of the subject.

28. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the at least one sensor comprises an optical emitter configured to direct optical energy upon a region of the body of the subject and an optical detector configured to measure optical energy absorbed, reflected, or scattered from the body of the subject.

29. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a plurality of sensors, and wherein the plurality of sensors are integrated into a sensor module.

30. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a plurality of sensors, wherein at least one sensor is located near one ear of the subject and wherein at least one other sensor is located near the other ear of the subject.

31. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the transmitter comprises a wireless transmitter or a wired transmitter.

32. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the at least one signal processor is configured to process the at least one sensor signal to generate at least one extracted signal associated with at least one of the following:

yawning, swallowing, eating, masticating, sleeping, teeth grinding, jaw movements, a change in bite, changes in speech, changes in voice, coughing, snoring, sneezing, laughing, eye muscle movements, organ functioning, cardiovascular performance, pulmonary performance, emotional states, and muscle tension.