A method of generating a blood pressure estimation for a subject includes receiving real-time PPG data from a PPG sensor attached to the subject, and generating a blood pressure estimation for the subject via an adaptive predictive model using the real time PPG data. The method includes receiving a real-time measurement of blood pressure via a blood pressure monitoring device attached to the subject and, in response to receiving the real-time measurement of blood pressure, updating one or more parameters of the model in real-time to improve blood pressure estimation accuracy of the model. The method may also include detecting whether the generated blood pressure estimation is above or below a threshold and, in response to determining that the generated biometric estimation is above or below the threshold, receiving a real-time measurement of blood pressure and then updating the parameters of the model to improve blood pressure estimation accuracy of the model.
A61B 5/02 - Measuring pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
A61B 5/11 - Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor or mobility of a limb
2.
SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING BIOMETRIC ESTIMATIONS USING REAL-TIME PHOTOPLETHYSMOGRAPHY DATA
A method of generating a biometric estimation for a subject includes receiving real- time PPG data from a PPG sensor attached to the subject, and generating a biometric estimation for the subject via an adaptive predictive model using the real time PPG data. The method includes receiving a measurement of the biometric via a biometric monitoring device and, in response to receiving the measurement of the biometric, updating one or more parameters of the model in real-time to improve biometric estimation accuracy of the model. The method may also include detecting whether the generated biometric estimation is above or below a threshold and, in response to determining that the generated biometric estimation is above or below the threshold, receiving a measurement of the biometric and then updating the parameters of the model to improve biometric estimation accuracy of the model.
A method of generating a blood glucose estimation for a subject includes receiving real-time PPG data from a PPG sensor attached to the subject, and generating a blood glucose estimation for the subject via an adaptive predictive model using the real time PPG data. The method includes receiving a real-time measurement of blood glucose via a blood glucose monitoring device attached to the subject and, in response to receiving the real-time measurement of blood glucose, updating one or more parameters of the model in real-time to improve blood glucose estimation accuracy of the model. The method may also include detecting whether the generated blood glucose estimation is above or below a threshold and, in response to determining that the generated blood glucose estimation is above or below the threshold, receiving a real-time measurement of blood glucose and then updating the parameters of the model to improve blood glucose estimation accuracy of the model.
A61B 5/02 - Measuring pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
A61B 5/0205 - Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular conditions and different types of body conditions, e.g. heart and respiratory condition
A61B 5/0245 - Measuring pulse rate or heart rate using sensing means generating electric signals
A61B 5/145 - Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH-value
A61B 5/1455 - Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH-value using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
4.
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ADAPTABLE PRESENTATION OF SENSOR DATA
A method of producing subject-specific metric statistics includes collecting physiological data and meta data from a subject via a sensor system. The sensor system includes at least one sensor element, at least one signal processor, and memory in communication with the at least one signal processor. The collected data is processed via the at least one signal processor to determine a plurality of metric features from the collected data. The plurality of metric features are processed using one or more data clustering techniques via the at least one signal processor to generate at least one subject-specific metric statistic and at least one sensor metric. The at least one subject-specific metric statistic and the at least one sensor metric may be displayed via a display associated with a client device.
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes ; Identification of persons
A61B 5/02 - Measuring pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
G16H 50/00 - ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics
5.
WEARABLE BIOMETRIC WAVEFORM ANALYSIS SYSTEMS AND METHODS
A biometric waveform analysis system includes a wearable device having a sensor system and that is configured to be worn on a body of a subject, a metric output generator in communication with the sensor system, a waveform analysis engine in communication with the sensor system, and a control processor configured to control the sensor system, the metric output generator, and the waveform analysis engine. The sensor system includes one or more physiological sensors and motion sensors. The metric output generator includes logic that extracts at least one physiological parameter from the physiological data signal and extracts at least one motion parameter from the motion data signal. The waveform analysis engine includes waveform capture logic, normalization logic, contextual logic, and physiological assessment logic. The waveform capture logic receives the physiological data signal from the sensor system and separates the physiological data signal into a plurality of individual physiological waveforms.
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes ; Identification of persons
A61B 5/02 - Measuring pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
A method of identifying a best one of a plurality of photoplethysmography channels of a PPG sensor, wherein the PPG sensor includes at least one optical detector and a plurality of optical emitters that define the plurality of PPG channels, includes sensing PPG data from each of the plurality of PPG channels; processing the PPG data from each PPG channel, via the processor, to generate a plurality of PPG parameters; processing the PPG parameters, via a probabilistic model, to identify a best one io of the plurality of PPG channels.
An optical sensor module includes a housing, first and second optical emitters within the housing, and an optical detector within the housing that is positioned between the first and second optical emitters. The housing includes respective first and second windows of optically transparent material that overlie the first and second optical emitters, and also includes a third window of optically transparent material that overlies the optical detector. The third window includes opposite first and second ends and opposite first and second sides, and at least one of the first and second sides is curved inwardly. Both of the first and second sides of the third window may be curved inwardly such that the third window has an hourglass shape.
A61B 5/02 - Measuring pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes ; Identification of persons
A wearable device includes a ring-shaped housing having a central opening and defining an annular interior volume. The housing is configured to be worn within an ear of a subject such that the subject's ear canal is exposed by the central opening. At least one optical emitter and at least one optical detector are supported within the housing. The housing includes at least one window through which light can be delivered from the at least one optical emitter to the ear, and through which light from the ear can be delivered to the at least one optical detector.
A61B 5/02 - Measuring pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
A hearing aid module includes an elongated housing, an optical sensor module within the housing, an audio driver positioned within the housing adjacent the optical sensor module, and first and second light guides positioned near the audio driver. The module has a rectangular configuration with opposite first and second sides, opposite third and fourth sides, and opposite first and second ends. The first and second sides each include an opening. An ear tip is coupled to the housing first end and is configured to retain the module within the auditory canal. The first light guide guides light from an optical emitter through the opening in the housing first side and into skin of the auditory canal in a non-line of sight manner. The second light guide collects light from the skin of the auditory canal and directs the collected light to an optical detector in a non-line of sight manner.
H04R 25/02 - Deaf-aid sets adapted to be supported entirely by ear
A61B 5/02 - Measuring pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
A61B 5/1455 - Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH-value using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
A sensor head assembly includes a body member having an internal passage. An optical source is secured to the body member at a first location, and an optical detector is secured to the body member at a second location. An audio driver is secured to the body member. An ear gel configured to be inserted within an ear canal is attached to the body member and has at least a portion thereof transparent to one or more wavelengths of light. A first light guide is secured to an inner surface of the ear gel via a respective first end, and a second light guide is secured to the inner surface of the ear gel via a respective first end. A second end of the first light guide is in optical communication with the optical source, a second end of the second light guide is in optical communication with the optical detector.
H04R 25/02 - Deaf-aid sets adapted to be supported entirely by ear
A61B 5/0205 - Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular conditions and different types of body conditions, e.g. heart and respiratory condition
A61B 5/1455 - Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH-value using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
An ear gel module for an earpiece includes an ear gel having opposite inner and outer surfaces and first and second light guides each having respective opposite first and second ends. The first end of the first light guide is secured to the inner surface of the ear gel, and the first end of the second light guide is secured to the inner surface of the ear gel in adjacent spaced-apart relationship with the third light guide first end. The second ends of the first and second light guides are configured to be attached to and in optical communication with respective light guides extending from a sensor module within the earpiece when the ear gel module is attached to the earpiece.
A61B 5/02 - Measuring pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
A61B 5/1455 - Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH-value using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
G02B 6/10 - Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings of the optical waveguide type
A wearable device includes at least one physiological sensor configured to detect and/or measure physiological information from a subject over a period of time when the wearable device is worn by the subject, and a processor coupled to the sensor. The processor is configured to detect respective peaks in a physiological waveform representing the physiological information, compute probabilities for the respective peaks based on predetermined data indicative of one or more conditions, select a subset of the respective peaks based on the probabilities thereof as representing more accurate physiological information for the subject, and generate a physiological assessment of the subject based on the subset of the respective peaks that was selected. Related signal processing devices, methods of operation, and computer program products are also discussed.
Methods and apparatus for monitoring a subject are described. A monitoring device configured to be attached to a body of a subject includes a sensor that is configured to detect and/or measure physiological information from the subject and at least one motion sensor configured to detect and/or measure subject motion information. The physiological sensor and motion sensor are in communication with a processor that is configured to receive and analyze signals produced by the physiological sensor and motion sensor. The processor is configured to process motion sensor signals to identify an activity characteristic of the subject. Once an activity characteristic is identified, the processor is configured to select a noise reference in response to identification of the activity characteristic of the subject, and then process physiological sensor signals using the noise reference to generate an output signal having reduced noise relative to the physiological sensor signal, to produce physiological information about the subject.
Physiological signal processing systems include a photoplethysmograph (PPG) sensor that is configured to generate a physiological waveform, and an inertial sensor that is configured to generate a motion signal. A physiological metric extractor is configured to extract a physiological metric from the physiological waveform that is generated by the PPG sensor. The physiological metric extractor includes an averager that has an impulse response that is responsive to the strength of the motion signal. Related methods are also described.
A61B 5/1455 - Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH-value using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
15.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VARIABLE FILTER ADJUSTMENT BY HEART RATE METRIC FEEDBACK AND NOISE REFERENCE SENSOR
A physiological signal processing system/method for a physiological waveform that includes a cardiovascular signal component provides a first variable high pass filter that is responsive to the physiological waveform, and to a first corner frequency that is applied. A second variable high pass filter is responsive to a noise reference waveform from a noise reference sensor and is configured to high pass filter the noise reference waveform in response to a second corner frequency that is applied. A heart rate metric extractor is responsive to the variable high pass filters and is configured to extract a heart rate metric from the physiological waveform that is high pass filtered. A corner frequency adjuster is responsive to the heart rate metric extractor and is configured to determine the corner frequencies that are applied to the variable high pass filters, based on the heart rate metric that was extracted.
A system includes a sensor configured to sense physiological information from a subject, and a signal processor configured to process signals from the sensor into a serial data stream of physiological information and sensor performance information. An electronic device having a display is configured to receive the serial data stream and display the physiological information simultaneously with the sensor performance information via the display.
Methods and apparatus for monitoring a subject are described. A monitoring device configured to be attached to a body of a subject includes a sensor that is configured to detect and/or measure physiological information from the subject and a motion sensor configured to detect and/or measure subject motion information. The physiological sensor and motion sensor are in communication with a processor that is configured to receive and analyze signals produced by the physiological sensor and motion sensor. The processor is configured to process motion sensor signals to identify an activity characteristic of the subject. Once an activity characteristic is determined, the processor is configured to select a biometric signal extraction algorithm or circuit in response to the activity characteristic of the subject, and then process physiological sensor signals via the biometric signal extraction algorithm or circuit to produce physiological information about the subject.
Methods and apparatus are described for facilitating the extraction of cleaner biometric signals from biometric monitors. A motion reference signal is generated independently from a biometric signal and then the motion reference signal is used to remove motion artifacts from the biometric signal.
A method of controlling a biometric parameter, such as heart rate and/or breathing rate, of a subject engaged in an activity includes sensing the biometric parameter via a monitoring device worn by the subject, determining frequency characteristics of the biometric parameter, and presenting to the subject musical audio having a tempo correlated to the frequency characteristics of the biometric parameter. The tempo of the musical audio presented to the subject may be changed in order to cause a change in the biometric parameter. A method of modulating heart rate of a subject engaged in an activity includes sensing a breathing rate of the subject via a monitoring device worn by the subject, and then presenting to the subject musical audio having a tempo selected to change the breathing rate by an amount sufficient to cause a change in the heart rate.
An earpiece configured to be positioned within an ear canal of a subject includes a housing, a sensor assembly disposed within the housing, and a cover removably secured to a free end of the housing. The sensor assembly includes at least one optical emitter and at least one optical detector. The cover includes at least one light guide configured to guide light from the at least one optical emitter and/or guide light from the ear of the subject to the at least one optical detector. The cover also includes a plurality of stabilizing members extending outwardly from an outer surface of the cover adjacent the at least one light guide. The earpiece may also include at least one ear support fitting associated with the housing that is configured to stabilize the earpiece within the ear canal.
A61B 5/02 - Measuring pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
A61B 5/021 - Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels
A61B 5/1455 - Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH-value using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
An optical adapter is configured to be removably secured to a wearable monitoring device. The monitoring device includes a housing having a portion with a biometric sensor that is wearably positionable adjacent the skin of a subject. The biometric sensor includes an optical emitter and an optical detector. The optical adapter includes a base that is configured to be removably secured to the housing portion. The optical adapter includes a first light guide extending outwardly from the base that is in optical communication with the optical emitter when the base is secured to the housing portion, and a second light guide extending outwardly from the base that is in optical communication with the optical detector when the base is secured to the housing portion. The optical adapter also includes a plurality of stabilizing members extending outwardly from the base.
A61B 5/02 - Measuring pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
A61B 5/021 - Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels
A61B 5/1455 - Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH-value using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
22.
STABILIZED SENSOR MODULES AND MONITORING DEVICES INCORPORATING SAME
A sensor module includes a housing and a sensor assembly disposed within the housing. The sensor assembly includes a base having at least one energy emitter and at least one energy detector, and a guide layer overlying the base in face-to-face relationship. The guide layer has at least one protrusion extending outwardly to accommodate the at least one energy emitter, and a plurality of outwardly extending stabilizing members. The housing has at least one first opening through which the at least one protrusion extends, and a plurality of second openings through which the stabilizing members extend. Some of the stabilizing members have an outwardly extending length that is greater than an outwardly extending length of the at least one protrusion. Some of the stabilizing members are substantially cylindrical and have a circular cross-sectional profile, and some of the stabilizing members are partially cylindrical and have a partially circular cross-sectional profile.
A61B 5/02 - Measuring pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
A61B 5/021 - Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels
A61B 5/1455 - Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH-value using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
23.
METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVING SIGNAL QUALITY IN WEARABLE BIOMETRIC MONITORING DEVICES
A wearable biometric monitoring device is configured to assess the biometric signal quality of one or more sensors associated with the monitoring device, determine how the user should adjust the device to improve the biometric fit, and instruct the user to wear the biometric monitoring device a certain way. Communicating instructions to a user may include instructing the user to execute a testing regimen while wearing the biometric monitoring device. The testing regimen facilitates an estimation of a signal quality that can be used to provide feedback to the user that he/she needs to adjust the device to improve the biometric fit and the biometric signal quality.
An optical sensor module for detecting and/or measuring physiological information that can be integrated into a wearable device, such as a headset, a wristband, a ring, etc., includes a housing supporting an optical source and an optical detector. The housing overlies the optical source and optical detector and includes a first light guide comprising light transmissive material in optical communication with the optical source and a second light guide comprising light transmissive material in optical communication with the optical detector. The first and second light guides define respective first and second axial directions that are outwardly diverging. When the sensor module is in use and placed adjacent the skin of a user, light rays emanating from the optical source and directed into the skin of the user cannot overlap with light rays returning through the skin of the user.
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes ; Identification of persons
A61B 5/02 - Measuring pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
25.
PHYSIOLOGICAL MONITORING DEVICES WITH ADJUSTABLE SIGNAL ANALYSIS AND INTERROGATION POWER AND MONITORING METHODS USING SAME
A monitoring device configured to be attached to a body of a subject includes a sensor configured to detect and/or measure physiological information from the subject, and a processor coupled to the sensor that is configured to receive and analyze signals produced by the sensor. The processor is configured to change signal analysis frequency and/or sensor interrogation power in response to detecting a change in subject activity, a change in subject stress level, a change in environmental conditions, a change in time, and/or a change in location of the subject.
A monitoring device configured to be attached to a subject includes a sensor configured to detect and/or measure physiological information and a processor coupled to the sensor. The sensor includes at least one optical emitter and at least one optical detector. The processor receives and analyzes signals produced by the sensor, and the processor changes wavelength of light emitted by the at least one optical emitter in response to detecting a change in subject activity. For example, the processor instructs the at least one optical emitter to emit shorter wavelength light in response to detecting an increase in subject activity, and the processor instructs the at least one optical emitter to emit longer wavelength light in response to detecting an decrease in subject activity. Detecting a change in subject activity may include detecting a change in at least one subject vital sign and/or subject motion.
A monitoring device configured to be attached to a body of a subject includes a sensor configured to detect and/or measure physiological information from the subject, and at least one actuator that is configured to adjust the stability of the monitoring device relative to the subject body in response to the sensor detecting a change in subject activity, a change in environmental conditions, a change in time, and/or a change in location of the subject.
The methods and apparatuses presented herein determine and/or improve the quality of one or more physiological assessment parameters, e.g., response-recovery rate, based on biometric signal(s) and/or motion signal(s) respectively output by one or more biometric and/or motion sensors. The disclosed methods and apparatuses also estimate a user's stride length based on a motion signal and a determined type of user motion, e.g., walking or running. The speed of the user may then be estimated based on the estimated stride length.
A monitoring device includes a biasing element having opposite first and second end portions, an earbud attached to the biasing element first end portion, and a sensing element attached to the biasing element second end portion. The earbud has a first mass, and the sensing element has a second mass that is less than the first mass. The biasing element is configured to urge the sensing element into contact with a portion of the ear when the earbud is inserted into the ear. The biasing element decouples motion of the earbud from the sensing element. The sensing element includes at least one energy emitter configured to direct energy at a target region of the ear and at least one detector configured to detect an energy response signal from the target region or a region adjacent the target region.
A61B 5/0285 - Measuring phase velocity of blood waves
A61B 5/1455 - Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH-value using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
30.
PHYSIOLOGICAL MONITORING DEVICES HAVING SENSING ELEMENTS DECOUPLED FROM BODY MOTION
A monitoring device includes a sensor band configured to be secured around an appendage of a subject, and a sensing element movably secured to the sensor band via a biasing element. The sensor band has a first mass, and the sensing element has a second mass that is less than the first mass. The biasing element is configured to urge the sensing element into contact with a portion of the appendage, and the biasing element decouples motion of the band from the sensing element. A monitoring device includes a band that is configured to be secured around an appendage of a subject. One or more biasing elements extend outwardly from the band inner surface and are configured to contact the appendage. A sensing element is secured to the band inner surface. The one or more biasing elements decouples motion of the band from the sensing element.
A61B 5/1455 - Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH-value using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
A61B 5/0295 - Measuring blood flow 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
A61B 5/04 - Measuring bioelectric signals of the body or parts thereof
The method and apparatus disclosed herein determine a user cadence from the output of an inertial sensor mounted to or proximate the user's body. In general, the disclosed cadence measurement system determines the user cadence based on frequency measurements acquired from an inertial signal output by the inertial sensor. More particularly, a cadence measurement system determines a user cadence from an inertial signal generated by an inertial sensor, where the inertial signal comprises one or more frequency components. The cadence measurement system determines a peak frequency of the inertial signal, where the peak frequency corresponds to the frequency component of the inertial signal having the largest amplitude. After applying the peak frequency to one or more frequency threshold comparisons, the cadence measurement system determines the user cadence based on the peak frequency and the frequency threshold comparison(s).
G01C 22/00 - Measuring distance traversed on the ground by vehicles, persons, animals or other moving solid bodies, e.g. using odometers or using pedometers
32.
LIGHT-GUIDING DEVICES AND MONITORING DEVICES INCORPORATING SAME
A monitoring device configured to be attached to the ear of a person includes a base, an earbud housing extending outwardly from the base that is configured to be positioned within an ear of a subject, and a cover surrounding the earbud housing. The base includes a speaker, an optical emitter, and an optical detector. The cover includes light transmissive material that is in optical communication with the optical emitter and the optical detector and serves as a light guide to deliver light from the optical emitter into the ear canal of the subject wearing the device at one or more predetermined locations and to collect light external to the earbud housing and deliver the collected light to the optical detector.
Methods and apparatus disclosed herein use a filtering technique to improve the accuracy of the results achieved when processing data provided by a physiological sensor. The disclosed filtering technique corrects many of the accuracy problems associated with physiological sensors, particularly PPG sensors. Broadly, the filtering technique adjusts a current filtered estimate of a physiological metric as a function of a rate limit based on a comparison between an instantaneous estimate of the physiological metric and the current filtered estimate.
A61B 5/1455 - Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH-value using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
The heart rate monitor disclosed herein removes a step rate component from a measured heart rate by using one or more filtering techniques when the step rate is close to the heart rate. In general, a difference between the step rate and the heart rate is determined, and the step rate is filtered from the heart rate based on a function of the difference.
A physiological signal processing system for a physiological waveform that includes a cardiovascular signal component provides a variable high pass filter that is responsive to the physiological waveform, and that is configured to high pass filter the physiological waveform in response to a corner frequency that is applied. A heart rate metric extractor is responsive to the variable high pass filter and is configured to extract a heart rate metric from the physiological waveform that is high pass filtered. A corner frequency adjuster is responsive to the heart rate metric extractor and is configured to determine the corner frequency that is applied to the variable high pass filter, based on the heart rate metric that was extracted. Analogous methods may also be provided.
A method of determining a value of a physiological parameter for a subject at a selected state includes obtaining, via a device attached to the subject, a value of the physiological parameter of the subject at a particular time-of-day, and applying a time-dependent relationship function to the obtained physiological parameter value via a processor to determine a value of the physiological parameter at the selected state.
A61B 5/02 - Measuring pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
A61B 5/145 - Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH-value
G16H 10/60 - ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data for patient-specific data, e.g. for electronic patient records
37.
APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING PHYSIOLOGICAL DATA DURING ENVIRONMENTAL INTERFERENCE
Apparatus and methods for attenuating environmental interference are described. A wearable monitoring apparatus includes a housing configured to be attached to the body of a subject and a sensor module that includes an energy emitter that directs energy at a target region of the subject, a detector that detects an energy response signal - or physiological condition - from the subject, a filter that removes time-varying environmental interference from the energy response signal, and at least one processor that controls operations of the energy emitter, detector, and filter.
A61B 5/02 - Measuring pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
A61B 5/083 - Measuring rate of metabolism by using breath test, e.g. measuring rate of oxygen consumption
A61B 5/1455 - Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH-value using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
38.
LIGHT-GUIDING DEVICES AND MONITORING DEVICES INCORPORATING SAME
A monitoring device configured to be attached to the ear of a person includes a base, an earbud housing extending outwardly from the base that is configured to be positioned within an ear of a subject, and a cover surrounding the earbud housing. The base includes a speaker, an optical emitter, and an optical detector. The cover includes light transmissive material that is in optical communication with the optical emitter and the optical detector and serves as a light guide to deliver light from the optical emitter into the ear canal of the subject wearing the device at one or more predetermined locations and to collect light external to the earbud housing and deliver the collected light to the optical detector.
A61B 5/02 - Measuring pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
A61B 5/145 - Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH-value
A61B 5/1455 - Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH-value using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
39.
FORM-FITTED MONITORING APPARATUS FOR HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING
A monitoring apparatus includes a housing that is configured to be attached to a body of a subject. The housing includes a sensor region that is configured to contact a selected area of the body of the subject when the housing is attached to the body of the subject. The sensor region is contoured to matingly engage the selected body area. The apparatus includes at least one physiological sensor that is associated with the sensor region and that detects and/or measures physiological information from the subject and/or at least one environmental sensor associated with the sensor region that is configured to detect and/or measure environmental information. The sensor region contour stabilizes the physiological and/or environmental sensor(s) relative to the selected body area such that subject motion does not impact detection and/or measurement efforts of the sensor(s).
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes ; Identification of persons
A61B 5/02 - Measuring pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
40.
METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ASSESSING PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
Monitoring apparatus and methods are provided for assessing a physiological condition of a subject. At least two types of physiological information are detected from a subject via a portable monitoring device associated with the subject, and an assessment of a physiological condition of the subject is made using the at least two types of physiological information, wherein each type of physiological information is individually insufficient to make the physiological condition assessment. Environmental information from a vicinity of a subject also may be detected, and an assessment of a physiological condition of the subject may be made using the environmental information in combination with the physiological information. Exemplary physiological information may include subject heart rate, subject activity level, subject tympanic membrane temperature, and subject breathing rate. Exemplary environmental information may include humidity level information in the vicinity of the subject. An exemplary physiological condition assessment may be subject hydration level.
A61B 5/02 - Measuring pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
A monitoring apparatus includes a housing configured to be attached to an ear of a subject, and a plurality of electrodes supported by the housing. The electrodes are configured to at least partially contact a portion of the body of the subject when the housing is attached to the ear of the subject, and are configured to detect and/or measure at least one neurological and/or cardiopulmonary function of the subject. The housing may include one or more physiological sensors configured to detect and/or measure physiological information from the subject and/or one or more environmental sensors configured to detect and/or measure environmental conditions in a vicinity of the subject.
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.
Multi-wavelength optical apparatus includes an optical emitter, and an energy transition layer positioned adjacent to the optical emitter. The energy transition layer generates multi-wavelength electromagnetic radiation when monochromatic light from the optical emitter passes therethrough. The energy transition layer includes a plurality of luminescent films, and each film is configured to luminesce at a respective different wavelength range when monochromatic light from the optical emitter passes therethrough. The plurality of luminescent films may be arranged in contacting face-to-face relationship or may be arranged in an array. The luminescent films may include rare-earth doped oxides, phosphors, metal-doped oxides, rare-earth doped nitrides, nanostructures, and/or nanostructured films, etc. The optical emitter may be a light emitting diode (LED), a laser diode (LD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a resonant cavity light emitting diode (RCLED), and/or an edge-emitting diode (EELED).
patents
