Transducer for embedded bio-sensor using body energy as a power source
First Claim
1. A bio-sensor system powered by an electro-active polymer (EAP) generator and being adapted to provide a substantially stable voltage to a sensor assembly that is implantable in a patient such that physiological Parameters thereof may be accurately measured, the bio-sensor system comprising:
- a remote transponder configured to transmit a scanner signal to an implantable on-chip transponder and to receive a data signal therefrom;
the implantable on-chip transponder in wireless communication with the remote transponder and being configured to receive the scanner signal and transmit the data signal, the on-chip transponder including;
a sensor being configured to generate a sensor signal representative of the physiological parameter of the patient;
a power supply having the EAP generator adapted to be embedded in muscle tissue of the patient and configured to generate a power signal for powering the on-chip transponder;
an analog-to-digital (A/D) assembly connected to the power supply and the sensor, the A/D assembly being configured to respectively receive the power signal and the sensor signal and generate a digital signal in response thereto;
a data processor connected to the A/D assembly and the power supply, the data processor being configured to respectively receive the power signal and the digital signal and generate a data signal in response thereto; and
a radio frequency (RE) transmitter connected to the power supply and the data processor and being configured to respectively receive the power signal and the data signal and to modulate, amplify, filter and transmit the data signal;
wherein the power supply is configured to supply a substantially non-deviating sensor reference voltage to the sensor for accurate measurement of the physiological parameter, the remote transponder being configured to receive the data signal from the RF transmitter and to extract data representative of the physiological parameter;
wherein the sensor is a glucose sensor having an electrode assembly adapted to be in fluid communication with the patient'"'"'s blood and being configured to measure a glucose level thereof;
wherein the sensor reference voltage is supplied to the electrode assembly at a substantially constant value of about positive 0.7 volts;
wherein the glucose sensor is a 2-pin glucose sensor with the electrode assembly having first and second terminals adapted to be in fluid communication with the patient'"'"'s blood, the glucose sensor further including;
a first precision resistor connected to the power supply and configured to receive the sensor reference voltage therefrom for excitation of the glucose sensor;
a first operational amplifier connected to the first precision resistor and being configured to receive the sensor reference voltage therefrom and generate a precision sensor reference voltage in response thereto;
a voltmeter connected to the first operational amplifier and the first precision resistor and being configured to monitor the precision sensor reference voltage and establish a sensor operating point, the first operational amplifier and the voltmeter cooperating to buffer the precision sensor reference voltage and apply a substantially accurate sensor reference voltage to the first terminal;
a second operational amplifier connected to the second terminal and being configured to receive current discharging therefrom in response to the accurate sensor reference voltage applied to the first terminal; and
a tunable second precision resistor connected to the second operational amplifier and cooperating therewith to generate a sensor signal that is substantially proportional to the glucose level of the patient'"'"'s blood.
16 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Provided is a bio-sensor system which utilizes radio frequency identification technology and which includes a remote transponder in wireless communication with an implantable on-chip transponder. A power supply collects alternating current voltage pulses from an electro-active polymer generator embedded in muscle tissue for generating power for the on-chip transponder. The power supply is specifically adapted to provide a stable and precise sensor reference voltage to a sensor assembly to enhance the accuracy of measurements of a physiological parameter of a patient. The remote transponder receives data representative of the physiological parameter such as glucose concentration levels. The data is processed and transmitted to the remote transponder by the on-chip transponder. The precision and stability of the sensor reference voltage is enhanced by the specific circuit architecture of a glucose sensor to allow for relatively accurate measurement of glucose concentration levels without the use of a microprocessor.
181 Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A bio-sensor system powered by an electro-active polymer (EAP) generator and being adapted to provide a substantially stable voltage to a sensor assembly that is implantable in a patient such that physiological Parameters thereof may be accurately measured, the bio-sensor system comprising:
-
a remote transponder configured to transmit a scanner signal to an implantable on-chip transponder and to receive a data signal therefrom; the implantable on-chip transponder in wireless communication with the remote transponder and being configured to receive the scanner signal and transmit the data signal, the on-chip transponder including; a sensor being configured to generate a sensor signal representative of the physiological parameter of the patient; a power supply having the EAP generator adapted to be embedded in muscle tissue of the patient and configured to generate a power signal for powering the on-chip transponder; an analog-to-digital (A/D) assembly connected to the power supply and the sensor, the A/D assembly being configured to respectively receive the power signal and the sensor signal and generate a digital signal in response thereto; a data processor connected to the A/D assembly and the power supply, the data processor being configured to respectively receive the power signal and the digital signal and generate a data signal in response thereto; and a radio frequency (RE) transmitter connected to the power supply and the data processor and being configured to respectively receive the power signal and the data signal and to modulate, amplify, filter and transmit the data signal; wherein the power supply is configured to supply a substantially non-deviating sensor reference voltage to the sensor for accurate measurement of the physiological parameter, the remote transponder being configured to receive the data signal from the RF transmitter and to extract data representative of the physiological parameter; wherein the sensor is a glucose sensor having an electrode assembly adapted to be in fluid communication with the patient'"'"'s blood and being configured to measure a glucose level thereof; wherein the sensor reference voltage is supplied to the electrode assembly at a substantially constant value of about positive 0.7 volts; wherein the glucose sensor is a 2-pin glucose sensor with the electrode assembly having first and second terminals adapted to be in fluid communication with the patient'"'"'s blood, the glucose sensor further including; a first precision resistor connected to the power supply and configured to receive the sensor reference voltage therefrom for excitation of the glucose sensor; a first operational amplifier connected to the first precision resistor and being configured to receive the sensor reference voltage therefrom and generate a precision sensor reference voltage in response thereto; a voltmeter connected to the first operational amplifier and the first precision resistor and being configured to monitor the precision sensor reference voltage and establish a sensor operating point, the first operational amplifier and the voltmeter cooperating to buffer the precision sensor reference voltage and apply a substantially accurate sensor reference voltage to the first terminal; a second operational amplifier connected to the second terminal and being configured to receive current discharging therefrom in response to the accurate sensor reference voltage applied to the first terminal; and a tunable second precision resistor connected to the second operational amplifier and cooperating therewith to generate a sensor signal that is substantially proportional to the glucose level of the patient'"'"'s blood. - View Dependent Claims (2)
-
-
3. A bio-sensor system powered by an electro-active polymer (EAP) generator and being adapted to provide a substantially stable voltage to a sensor assembly that is implantable in a patient such that physiological parameters thereof may be accurately measured, the bio-sensor system comprising:
-
a remote transponder configured to transmit a scanner signal to an implantable on-chip transponder and to receive a data signal therefrom; the implantable on-chip transponder in wireless communication with the remote transponder and configured to receive the scanner signal and to transmit the data signal, the on-chip transponder including; a sensor being configured to generate a sensor signal representative of the physiological parameter of the patient; a power supply having the EAP generator adapted to be embedded in muscle tissue of the patient and being configured to generate a power signal for powering the on-chip transponder; a radio frequency (RF) receiver configured to receive the power signal and the scanner signal and to filter, amplify and demodulate the scanner signal and generate a message signal for controlling the on-chip transponder; an analog-to-digital (A/D) assembly connected to the power supply, the RF receiver and the sensor, the A/D assembly being configured to respectively receive the power signal, the sensor signal and the message signal and generate a digital signal in response thereto; a data processor connected to the A/D assembly, the power supply and the RF receiver, the data processor being configured to respectively receive the power signal, the digital signal and the message signal and generate a data signal in response thereto; and an RF transmitter connected to the power supply, the data processor and the RF receiver and being configured to respectively receive the power signal, the data signal and the message signal and to modulate, amplify, filter and transit the data signal; wherein the power supply is configured to supply a substantially non-deviating sensor reference voltage to the sensor for accurate measurement of the physiological parameter, the remote transponder being configured to receive the data signal from the RF transmitter and to extract data representative of the physiological parameter, wherein the sensor is a glucose sensor having an electrode assembly adapted to be in fluid communication with the patient'"'"'s blood and being configured to measure a glucose level thereof; wherein the sensor reference voltage being supplied to the electrode assembly at a substantially constant value of about positive 0.7 volts; wherein the glucose sensor is a 2-pin glucose sensor with the electrode assembly having first and second terminals adapted to be in fluid communication with the patient'"'"'s blood, the glucose sensor further including; a first precision resistor connected to the power supply and configured to receive the sensor reference voltage therefrom for excitation of the glucose sensor; a first operational amplifier connected to the first precision resistor and being configured to receive the sensor reference voltage therefrom and generate a precision sensor reference voltage in response thereto; a voltmeter connected to the first operational amplifier and the first precision resistor and being configured to monitor the precision sensor reference voltage and establish a sensor operating point, the first operational amplifier and the voltmeter cooperating to buffer the precision sensor reference voltage and apply a substantially accurate sensor reference voltage to the first terminal; a second operational amplifier connected to the second terminal and being configured to receive current discharging therefrom in response to the accurate sensor reference voltage applied to the first terminal; and a tunable second precision resistor connected to the second operational amplifier and cooperating therewith to generate a sensor signal that is substantially proportional to the glucose level of the patient'"'"'s blood. - View Dependent Claims (4)
-
-
5. A bio-sensor system powered by an electro-active polymer (EAP) generator and being adapted to provide a substantially stable voltage to a sensor assembly that is implantable in a patient such that physiological parameters thereof may be accurately measured, the bio-sensor system comprising:
-
a remote transponder configured to transmit a scanner signal to an implantable on-chip transponder and to receive a data signal therefrom; the implantable on-chip transponder in wireless communication with the remote transponder and configured to receive the scanner signal and to transmit the data signal, the on-chip transponder including; a sensor being configured to generate a sensor signal representative of the physiological parameter of the patient; a power supply having the EAP generator adapted to be embedded in muscle tissue of the patient and being configured to generate a power signal for powering the on-chip transponder; a radio frequency (RF) receiver configured to receive the power signal and the scanner signal and to filter, amplify and demodulate the scanner signal and generate a message signal for controlling the on-chip transponder; an analog-to-digital (A/D) assembly connected to the power supply, the RF receiver and the sensor, the A/D assembly being configured to respectively receive the power signal, the sensor signal and the message signal and generate a digital signal in response thereto; a data processor connected to the A/D assembly, the power supply and the RF receiver, the data processor being configured to respectively receive the power signal, the digital signal and the message signal and generate a data signal in response thereto; and an RF transmitter connected to the power supply, the data processor and the RF receiver and being configured to respectively receive the power signal, the data signal and the message signal and to modulate, amplify, filter and transit the data signal; wherein the power supply is configured to supply a substantially non-deviating sensor reference voltage to the sensor for accurate measurement of the physiological parameter, the remote transponder being configured to receive the data signal from the RF transmitter and to extract data representative of the physiological parameter; wherein the A/D assembly includes; a processor-filter connected to the bio-sensor and being configured to receive the sensor signal therefrom and generate a filtered signal in response thereto; an amplifier connected to the processor-filter and being configured to receive the filtered signal therefrom and generate an amplified signal in response thereto; a voltage comparator connected to the power supply and being configured to receive the power signal therefrom and generate a normalized voltage signal in response thereto; an A/D converter connected to the amplifier and the voltage comparator and being configured to receive respective ones of the amplified signal and the normalized voltage signal therefrom and generate a converter signal in response thereto; a covert logic device connected to the A/D converter and being configured to receive the converter signal therefrom and generate a logic signal in response thereto; and a controller in two-way communication with the RF receiver and being connected to the covert logic device, the controller being configured to receive the message signal and the logic signal and to synchronize the A/D converter with the data processor for subsequent generation of the digital signal in response to the message signal and the logic signal. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7)
-
-
8. A bio-sensor system powered by an electro-active polymer (EAP) generator and being adapted to provide a substantially stable voltage to a sensor assembly that is implantable in a patient such that physiological parameters thereof may be accurately measured, the bio-sensor system comprising:
-
a remote transponder configured to transmit a scanner signal to an implantable on-chip transponder and to receive a data signal therefrom; the implantable on-chip transponder in wireless communication with the remote transponder and configured to receive the scanner signal and to transmit the data signal, the on-chip transponder including; a sensor being configured to generate a sensor signal representative of the physiological parameter of the patient; a power supply having the EAP generator adapted to be embedded in muscle tissue of the patient and being configured to generate a power signal for powering the on-chip transponder; a radio frequency (RF) receiver configured to receive the power signal and the scanner signal and to filter, amplify and demodulate the scanner signal and generate a message signal for controlling the on-chip transponder; an analog-to-digital (A/D) assembly connected to the power supply, the RF receiver and the sensor, the A/D assembly being configured to respectively receive the power signal, the sensor signal and the message signal and generate a digital signal in response thereto; a data processor connected to the A/D assembly, the power supply and the RF receiver, the data processor being configured to respectively receive the power signal, the digital signal and the message signal and generate a data signal in response thereto; and an RF transmitter connected to the power supply, the data processor and the RF receiver and being configured to respectively receive the power signal, the data signal and the message signal and to modulate, amplify, filter and transit the data signal; wherein the power supply is configured to supply a substantially non-deviating sensor reference voltage to the sensor for accurate measurement of the physiological parameter, the remote transponder being configured to receive the data signal from the RF transmitter and to extract data representative of the physiological parameter; wherein the RF transmitter includes; a data input filter connected to the data processor and being configured to receive the data signal therefrom to filter out high-frequency spectral components and generate a filtered data signal in response thereto; a modulator connected to the power supply, the RF receiver and the data input filter and being configured to receive respective ones of the message signal, the power signal and the filtered data signal therefrom and to pulse code modulate the filtered data signal by varying amplitude thereof and generating a first and second modulated signal in response thereto; a first transmitter amplifier connected to the modulator and being configured to receive the first modulated signal therefrom; a transmitter filter cooperating with the first transmitter amplifier to create a first amplified signal at a desired frequency of radio transmission; a second transmitter amplifier connected to the modulator and the first transmitter and being configured to receive respective ones of the second modulated signal and the first amplified signal therefrom and generate a second amplified signal having a desired power level for transmission to the remote transponder; a surface acoustic wave (SAW) filter connected to the second transmitter amplifier and being configured to receive the second amplified signal and remove unwanted harmonics therefrom and generate a transmitted signal in response thereto;
andan RF transmitter antenna connected to the SAW filter and being configured to radiate the transmitted signal for receipt by a receiving antenna of the remote transponder.
-
-
9. A bio-sensor system powered by an electro-active polymer (EAP) generator and being adapted to provide a substantially stable voltage to a sensor assembly that is implantable in a patient such that physiological parameters thereof may be accurately measured, the bio-sensor system comprising:
-
a remote transponder configured to transmit a scanner signal to an implantable on-chip transponder and to receive a data signal therefrom; the implantable on-chip transponder in wireless communication with the remote transponder and configured to receive the scanner signal and to transmit the data signal, the on-chip transponder including; a sensor being configured to generate a sensor signal representative of the physiological parameter of the patient; a power supply having the EAP generator adapted to be embedded in muscle tissue of the patient and being configured to generate a power signal for powering the on-chip transponder; a radio frequency (RF) receiver configured to receive the power signal and the scanner signal and to filter, amplify and demodulate the scanner signal and generate a message signal for controlling the on-chip transponder; an analog-to-digital (A/D) assembly connected to the power supply, the RF receiver and the sensor, the A/D assembly being configured to respectively receive the power signal, the sensor signal and the message signal and generate a digital signal in response thereto; a data processor connected to the A/D assembly, the power supply and the RF receiver, the data processor being configured to respectively receive the power signal, the digital signal and the message signal and generate a data signal in response thereto; and an RF transmitter connected to the power supply, the data processor and the RF receiver and being configured to respectively receive the power signal, the data signal and the message signal and to modulate, amplify, filter and transit the data signal; wherein the power supply is configured to supply a substantially non-deviating sensor reference voltage to the sensor for accurate measurement of the physiological parameter, the remote transponder being configured to receive the data signal from the RF transmitter and to extract data representative of the physiological parameter; wherein the EAP generator is configured to generate an alternating current (AC) voltage pulse during mechanical flexing of the EAP generator in response to movement of the muscle tissue within which the EAP generator is adapted to be embedded in, the power supply further including; a pulse recovery circuit connected to the EAP generator and being configured to receive the AC voltage pulse therefrom and generate a generally coarse direct voltage signal in response thereto, the pulse recovery circuit including; a rectifier being configured to receive the AC voltage pulse and allow positive current to pass through the pulse recovery circuit; and a storage device connected to the pulse recovery circuit and being configured to receive the direct voltage signal therefrom, the storage device being configured to store energy from cycles of the direct voltage signal for release as a substantially smooth DC voltage signal; a controller connected to the storage device and configured to receive the direct voltage signal therefrom and generate a battery current; a battery connected to the controller and being configured to be charged by the battery current and cooperating with the controller to generate a standby power signal and a DC voltage signal, the standby power signal being deliverable to the RF receiver; a first regulator connected to the controller and being configured to receive the DC voltage signal therefrom and generate a first voltage signal to power the A/D assembly, the data processor and the RF transmitter; a second regulator connected to the controller and being configured to receive the DC voltage signal therefrom and generate a second voltage signal to power the A/D assembly, the data processor and the RF transmitter; and a sensor reference supply connected to the controller and being configured to receive the DC voltage signal therefrom and generate a sensor reference voltage signal to power the sensor assembly. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11)
-
-
12. A bio-sensor system powered by an electro-active polymer (EAP) generator and being adapted to provide a substantially stable voltage to a sensor assembly that is implantable in a patient such that physiological parameters thereof may be accurately measured, the bio-sensor system comprising:
-
a remote transponder configured to transmit a scanner signal to an implantable on-chip transponder and to receive a data signal therefrom; the implantable on-chip transponder in wireless communication with the remote transponder and configured to receive the scanner signal and to transmit the data signal, the on-chip transponder including; a sensor being configured to generate a sensor signal representative of the physiological parameter of the patient; a power supply having the EAP generator adapted to be embedded in muscle tissue of the patient and being configured to generate a power signal for powering the on-chip transponder; a radio frequency (RF) receiver configured to receive the power signal and the scanner signal and to filter, amplify and demodulate the scanner signal and generate a message signal for controlling the on-chip transponder; an analog-to-digital (A/D) assembly connected to the power supply, the RF receiver and the sensor, the A/D assembly being configured to respectively receive the power signal, the sensor signal and the message signal and generate a digital signal in response thereto; a data processor connected to the A/D assembly, the power supply and the RF receiver, the data processor being configured to respectively receive the power signal, the digital signal and the message signal and generate a data signal in response thereto; and an RF transmitter connected to the power supply, the data processor and the RF receiver and being configured to respectively receive the power signal, the data signal and the message signal and to modulate, amplify, filter and transit the data signal; wherein the power supply is configured to supply a substantially non-deviating sensor reference voltage to the sensor for accurate measurement of the physiological parameter, the remote transponder being configured to receive the data signal from the RF transmitter and to extract data representative of the physiological parameter; wherein the RF receiver is connected to the power supply and is configured to receive the standby power signal therefrom to allow the RF receiver to detect the scanner signal, the RF receiver including; an RF receiver antenna configured to receive the scanner signal from the remote transponder; a surface acoustic wave (SAW) filter connected to the RF receiver antenna and being configured to receive the scanner signal therefrom and filter the scanner signal of unwanted signals and generate a filtered scanner signal in response thereto; a first RF amplifier connected to the SAW filter and being configured to receive the filtered scanner signal therefrom and generate a first amplified scanner signal in response thereto; a SAW delay connected to the first RF amplifier and configured to receive the first amplified scanner signal therefrom and generate a compared signal; a second RF amplifier connected to the SAW delay and being configured to receive the compared signal therefrom; a pulse generator connected in parallel to the SAW delay at the first and second RF amplifiers and cooperating therewith to generate first and second pulse signals for receipt by respective ones of the first and second RF amplifiers such that the second RF amplifier generates a second amplified RF signal; and a detector-filter connected to the second RF amplifier and being configured to receive the second amplified RF signal therefrom and generate the message signal.
-
-
13. A bio-sensor system powered by an electro-active polymer (EAP) generator and being adapted to provide a substantially stable voltage to a sensor assembly that is implantable in a patient such that physiological parameters thereof may be accurately measured, the bio-sensor system comprising:
-
a remote transponder configured to transmit a scanner signal to an implantable on-chip transponder and to receive a data signal therefrom; the implantable on-chip transponder in wireless communication with the remote transponder and configured to receive the scanner signal and to transmit the data signal, the on-chip transponder including; a sensor being configured to generate a sensor signal representative of the physiological parameter of the patient; a power supply having the EAP generator adapted to be embedded in muscle tissue of the patient and being configured to generate a power signal for powering the on-chip transponder; a radio frequency (RF) receiver configured to receive the power signal and the scanner signal and to filter, amplify and demodulate the scanner signal and generate a message signal for controlling the on-chip transponder; an analog-to-digital (A/D) assembly connected to the power supply, the RF receiver and the sensor, the A/D assembly being configured to respectively receive the power signal, the sensor signal and the message signal and generate a digital signal in response thereto; a data processor connected to the A/D assembly, the power supply and the RF receiver, the data processor being configured to respectively receive the power signal, the digital signal and the message signal and generate a data signal in response thereto; and an RF transmitter connected to the power supply, the data processor and the RF receiver and being configured to respectively receive the power signal, the data signal and the message signal and to modulate, amplify, filter and transit the data signal; wherein the power supply is configured to supply a substantially non-deviating sensor reference voltage to the sensor for accurate measurement of the physiological parameter, the remote transponder being configured to receive the data signal from the RF transmitter and to extract data representative of the physiological parameter; wherein the remote transponder includes; an oscillator configured to generate an analog signal at a predetermined frequency; an encoder connected to the oscillator and configured to receive and modulate the analog signal and generate an encoded signal in response thereto; a power transmitter connected to the encoder and configured to receive and amplify the encoded signal and generate the scanner signal; and a transmitting antenna connected to the power transmitter and configured to receive the scanner signal therefrom for radio transmission to the on-chip transponder. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
-
-
17. A method of remotely monitoring physiological parameters using a bio-sensor system comprising a remote transponder and an on-chip transponder having a sensor implantable in a patient, the on-chip transponder being powered by a power supply including an electro-active polymer (EAP) generator embedded in muscle tissue of the patient, the method comprising the steps of:
-
a. remotely generating and wirelessly transmitting a scanner signal from the remote transponder, the scanner signal containing a telemetry data request; b. receiving the scanner signal at the on-chip transponder and filtering, amplifying and demodulating the scanner signal to generate a message signal in response thereto; c. generating a power signal in response to mechanical flexing of the EAP generator due to movement of the muscle tissue within which the EAP generator is embedded; d. receiving the power signal at the sensor and sensing at least one physiological parameter of the patient and generating an analog sensor signal in response thereto; e. receiving the power signal, the analog sensor signal and the message signal at an analog-to-digital (A/D) assembly and generating a digital signal representative of the analog sensor signal; f. receiving the power signal, the message signal and the digital signal at a data processor and preparing the digital signal for modulation and generating a data signal representative of the digital signal; g. receiving the power signal, the message signal and the data signal at radio frequency (RF) transmitter and modulating, amplifying, filtering and wirelessly transmitting the data signal; and h. receiving the data signal at the remote transponder and extracting data representative of the physiological parameter of the patient. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
-
Specification