WO2020089924A1 - Wearable apparatus for monitoring seizures - Google Patents

Wearable apparatus for monitoring seizures Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020089924A1
WO2020089924A1 PCT/IN2018/050847 IN2018050847W WO2020089924A1 WO 2020089924 A1 WO2020089924 A1 WO 2020089924A1 IN 2018050847 W IN2018050847 W IN 2018050847W WO 2020089924 A1 WO2020089924 A1 WO 2020089924A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
user
wearable apparatus
sensor
heart rate
seizure
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IN2018/050847
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Balamurugan L
Original Assignee
Balamurugan L
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Balamurugan L filed Critical Balamurugan L
Publication of WO2020089924A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020089924A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
    • A61B5/6801—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be attached to or worn on the body surface
    • A61B5/6802—Sensor mounted on worn items
    • A61B5/681—Wristwatch-type devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/0002—Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network
    • A61B5/0015—Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network characterised by features of the telemetry system
    • A61B5/0022—Monitoring a patient using a global network, e.g. telephone networks, internet
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/02—Detecting, measuring or recording 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 or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
    • A61B5/024—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate
    • A61B5/02405—Determining heart rate variability
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/02—Detecting, measuring or recording 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 or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
    • A61B5/024—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate
    • A61B5/02416—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate using photoplethysmograph signals, e.g. generated by infrared radiation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/02—Detecting, measuring or recording 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 or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
    • A61B5/024—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate
    • A61B5/02438—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate with portable devices, e.g. worn by the patient
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/103—Detecting, measuring or recording devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
    • A61B5/11—Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor, mobility of a limb
    • A61B5/1112—Global tracking of patients, e.g. by using GPS
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/40—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the nervous system
    • A61B5/4076—Diagnosing or monitoring particular conditions of the nervous system
    • A61B5/4094—Diagnosing or monitoring seizure diseases, e.g. epilepsy
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/72—Signal processing specially adapted for physiological signals or for diagnostic purposes
    • A61B5/7203—Signal processing specially adapted for physiological signals or for diagnostic purposes for noise prevention, reduction or removal
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/02—Detecting, measuring or recording 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 or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
    • A61B5/024—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate
    • A61B5/02444—Details of sensor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/103—Detecting, measuring or recording devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
    • A61B5/1032—Determining colour for diagnostic purposes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to wearable medical devices in general, and more particularly to a wearable device for detecting and monitoring seizures.
  • Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in a brain. In healthy brain, electrical and chemical signals are fired through neurons to drive the brain's ability to think, feel and send instructions to muscles. Seizures occur when this electrical system in the brain malfunctions. During seizure attack, patients may experience severe or subtle illness, which may need a medical attention. In many cases it is very important for doctors and caregivers to detect seizures, and give immediate help to a patient. At times, if seizures are not attended, such seizures can even end up as fatal to the patient.
  • Seizures may be momentary and may last only for a fraction of second to few minutes. It is important to keep a track of number of seizures the patient had for a particular period of time, so that the doctor can get insights on improvements of patient, and provide treatments in accordance with seizure condition.
  • heart rate sensors are deployed to evaluate the heart rate variation during seizure attack in addition to galvanic and electromyography sensors, so that, false positive seizure measurement values are minimized.
  • change in skin tone can creates a difference in the measurement of heart rate variation. Such difference in heart rate variation may even trigger false positive seizure measurement values.
  • a wearable apparatus for detecting and monitoring a seizure.
  • the disclosed apparatus includes a skin tone sensor, an adaptive heart rate sensor, a 9-axis inertial motion sensor, and a detection unit.
  • the skin tone sensor includes a first illumination source for emitting a first illumination, and a first photodetector for measuring reflection of the first illumination to detect a skin tone of a user.
  • the adaptive heart rate sensor includes a second illumination source that varies its wavelength through a control unit, in accordance with the measured skin tone of user.
  • the heart rate sensor further includes a second photodetector for detecting second illumination to measure heart rate variation of user.
  • the 9-axis inertial motion sensor coupled with a GPS module to track real-time positional co-ordinates of user. Further, the detection unit determines the occurrence of a seizure event by matching a pre-stored user data with acquired user data sensed through the adaptive heart rate sensor and the 9-axis inertial motion sensor.
  • the wearable apparatus may further have a transmission unit configured to send a seizure response, wherein the seizure response comprises a notification of the seizure event along with the real-time location of a user of the apparatus.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a top isometric view of an exemplary wearable apparatus for detecting and monitoring a seizure according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 2 illustrates a bottom isometric view of the exemplary wearable apparatus for detecting and monitoring a seizure according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 3 illustrates an exploded isometric view of the exemplary wearable apparatus for detecting and monitoring a seizure according to an alternate embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 4a illustrates a top view of a dial in the exemplary wearable apparatus for detecting and monitoring a seizure according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 4b illustrates a left-side view of the dial in the exemplary wearable apparatus for detecting and monitoring a seizure according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 4c illustrates a front view of the exemplary wearable apparatus for detecting and monitoring a seizure according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 5 illustrates a flow diagram illustrating exemplary transmission of information about seizure according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 6 illustrates a flowchart depicting a method of measuring seizure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • a wearable apparatus (100) is disclosed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the apparatus (100) adaptively measures seizure of user, and alerts caretaker along with information about impact of seizure attack.
  • the wearable apparatus (100) may be a non-intrusive, passive monitoring device that does not require any insertion or ingestion into human body.
  • the wearable apparatus (100) includes a first end (102), a second end (104) and a holder case (106) positioned substantially central between the first end (102) and the second end (104).
  • the first end (102) and the second end (104) may be connected to the holder case (106) through a strap (108) made up of a durable material such as, but not limited to, plastic, leather etc.
  • the strap (108) may have plurality of breather holes (110).
  • the first end (102) includes a metallic loop (103).
  • the second end (104) may have at least one metallic connector pin (116).
  • the second end (104) may have two connector pins (116).
  • the connector pin (116) is an electrode.
  • the strap (108) may have a plurality of connection apertures (118) for receiving and holding the connector pins (116) on skin of user.
  • the holder case (106) may be of any suitable size and shape such as, but not limited to, round, square, rectangular, oval, etc.
  • the holder case (106) may have arrangement for receiving and holding various sensors and other components.
  • the holder case (106) may have a first provision for power button (112), and a second provision for micro-USB charging port (114).
  • Figure 3 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the wearable apparatus (100), which shows a removable enclosure (120) for holding various components and sensors.
  • the holder case (106) may have a first slot (122) for accommodating a skin tone sensor (not shown) and a second slot (124) for accommodating an adaptive heart rate sensor (not shown).
  • the second end (104) of the apparatus (100) is inserted through the metallic loop (103) provided on the first end (102), and the connector pins (116) are engaged in the connection apertures (118) for securing the apparatus (100) on the user.
  • the apparatus (100) comprises a skin tone sensor (134).
  • the skin tone sensor (134) includes a first illumination source (136) and a first photodetector (138).
  • the first illumination source (136) illuminates first illumination on user’s skin.
  • the first photodetector (138) detects the reflection of the first illumination from the user’s skin to identify the skin tone.
  • first photodetector (138) is a CMOS imager.
  • the first illumination source (136) illuminates first illumination at more than one location on the user’s skin.
  • the first photodetector (138) detects the reflection of the first illumination from at least two locations of the user’s skin to identify the skin tone.
  • the first photodetector (138) compares melanin and hemoglobin levels in at least two different areas of the skin to identify the skin tone.
  • the skin tone sensor (134) is a color sensor such as, but not limited to, a RGB sensor.
  • the apparatus (100) comprises an adaptive heart rate sensor (132) to measure continuous heart rate variation of the user.
  • the adaptive heart rate sensor (132) includes an adaptive second illumination source and a second photodetector for measuring heart rate variability of the user.
  • the adaptive second illumination source can alter its illuminating wavelength in accordance with skin tone of the user.
  • the apparatus (100) may further include a control unit configured to alter illumination wavelength of the adaptive second illumination source, in accordance with the skin tone of the user that has been sensed by the skin tone sensor (134).
  • the control unit may alter the illumination wavelength of the second illumination source between 400nm - 700nm.
  • the control unit may alter a drive current of the second illumination source to alter the illumination wavelength of the second illumination source.
  • the second illumination source provides plurality of pulsed illuminations to increase sampling rate.
  • the second illumination source illuminates second illumination at more than one location on the user’s skin.
  • the second photodetector detects the reflection of the second illumination from at least two locations of the user’s skin to identify the heart rate.
  • the second photodetector measures blood reflection in at least two different areas of the skin at particular intervals to identify the heart rate variability.
  • the strap (108) is flexible, and long enough to be worn on user’s chest (not shown) to enhance the measurement of heart rate variability.
  • the skin sensor measures such activity, and idles out the other sensors to save power.
  • the wearable apparatus (100) further includes a 9-axis inertial motion sensor (126).
  • the 9-axis inertial motion sensor (126) may be coupled to a GPS module (128) to track real-time positional co-ordinates of the user.
  • the 9-axis inertial motion sensor (126) may be located inside the holder case (106).
  • the 9-axis inertial motion sensor (126) may include a 3-axis gyroscope, a 3-axis accelerometer, and a 3- axis magnetic compass.
  • the GPS module (128) may have an in-built antenna (130), and an external antenna that may be coupled to the metallic loop (103) provided at the first end (102) of the wearable apparatus (100).
  • the metallic loop (103) may act as an external antenna that facilitates additional signal transmission.
  • the GPS module (128) may further include a provision for an electronic subscriber identity module.
  • the electronic subscriber identity module links up with a network service provider, and enables the apparatus (100) to independently handle mobile data of such network provider without interfacing a smartphone.
  • the wearable apparatus (100) may further include a detection unit (140) configured to determine occurrence of a seizure event by matching a pre-stored user data, with acquired user data sensed through the adaptive heart rate sensor (132) and the 9-axis inertial motion sensor.
  • the pre-stored user data is stored in the apparatus (100). In other embodiment, the pre-stored user data is stored in cloud interface.
  • the wearable apparatus (100) may have a transmission unit (142) configured to send a seizure response, wherein the seizure response comprises a notification of the seizure event along with the real-time location of the user of the apparatus.
  • the wearable apparatus (100) may have an auxiliary skin conductance sensor to improve the effectiveness of the seizure detection.
  • the skin tone sensor may be connected to at least two electrodes, which were connected to user’s skin.
  • the electrodes are metallic connector pin (116), and configured to measure pulsed skin conductance of the user at pre-defined intervals.
  • the pre-defined intervals may be configured by a medical practitioner or by the user.
  • the electrodes are parallel to each other.
  • the wearable apparatus (100) may have an auxiliary control unit (146).
  • the auxiliary control unit (146) may be used to configure the wearable device (100) to connect with metallic connector pins (116). Once the connector pins (116) are coupled with the user’s skin, the apparatus (100) triggers miniature electric pulses between the electrodes, and detects the variation in electric pulses in accordance with blood flow, and then, sends the detected information to the apparatus (100) for further analysis.
  • the wearable apparatus (100) may have a micro- USB charging port (144) for recharging the apparatus (100).
  • a hinged cover may be provided to cover the micro-USB charging port (144).
  • the wearable apparatus (100) may have a control switch (148) to control functions of the apparatus (100).
  • Figure 5 illustrates a flow diagram illustrating exemplary transmission of information about seizure from the wearable apparatus (100) according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the wearable apparatus (100) may be connected to a handheld device (200) such as, but not limited to, a mobile phone, a tablet, etc.
  • the wearable apparatus (100) may be connected to the handheld device (200) using any known connection protocol, such as, but not limited to Bluetooth, Wi-Fi etc.
  • the wearable apparatus (100) may be required to establish a pairing at least once for connecting to the handheld device (200). Once the pairing is established, the wearable apparatus (100) may communicate with the handheld device (200) either at a regular interval or on detecting occurrence of a seizure.
  • the handheld device (200) may transmit information received from the wearable apparatus (100) to another predefined device or server or any other pre-defined cloud storage interface etc. through internet using Wi-Fi, or through mobile data, or through any other internet source.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart depicting a method (300) of measuring seizure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the method (300) includes the step of identifying (302) a skin tone variation of a user through a skin tone sensor (134).
  • the skin tone sensor (134) includes a first illumination source (136) and a first photodetector (138).
  • the first illumination source (136) illuminates first illumination on user’s skin.
  • the first photodetector (138) detects the reflection of the first illumination from the user’s skin to identify the skin tone.
  • the method (300) further includes the step of setting (304) an adaptive illumination wavelength for a second illumination source in accordance with the skin tone variation of the user.
  • a control unit may alter the illumination wavelength of the adaptive second illumination source, in accordance with the skin tone of the user that has been sensed by the skin tone sensor (134).
  • the method (300) includes measuring heart rate variability of the user through an adaptive heart rate sensor (132).
  • the heart rate sensor (132) may include the second illumination source and a second photodetector.
  • the second illumination source illuminates second illumination at more than one location on the user’s skin.
  • the second photodetector detects the reflection of the second illumination from at least two locations of the user’s skin to identify the heart rate.
  • the second photodetector measures blood reflection in at least two different areas of the skin at particular intervals to identify the heart rate variability.
  • the method includes tracking real-time positional co-ordinates of the user through a 9-axis inertial motion sensor (126) coupled with a GPS module (128) and at step (310), the method determines occurrence of the seizure event by matching a pre stored user data, with acquired user data sensed through the adaptive heart rate sensor (132) and the 9-axis inertial motion sensor (126).
  • the method may further include a step of transmitting (312) a seizure response through a transmission unit (142).
  • the seizure response may include a notification of the seizure event along with the real-time location of a user of the apparatus (100).

Abstract

A wearable apparatus for detecting seizures, which includes a skin tone sensor, an adaptive heart rate sensor, a 9-axis inertial motion sensor, and a detection unit. The skin tone sensor includes a first illumination source, and a first photodetector for detecting first illumination to measure skin tone of a user. The adaptive heart rate sensor includes a second illumination source that varies its wavelength through a control unit, in accordance with the measured skin tone of user. The heart rate sensor further includes a second photodetector for detecting second illumination to measure heart rate variation of user. The 9-axis inertial motion sensor coupled with a GPS module for tracking real-time positional co-ordinates of user. The detection unit 15 determines the occurrence of a seizure event by matching a pre-stored user data with acquired user data sensed through the adaptive heart rate sensor and the 9-axis inertial motion sensor.

Description

WEARABLE APPARATUS FOR MONITORING SEIZURES
Field of Invention
The present invention relates to wearable medical devices in general, and more particularly to a wearable device for detecting and monitoring seizures.
Background of the Invention
Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in a brain. In healthy brain, electrical and chemical signals are fired through neurons to drive the brain's ability to think, feel and send instructions to muscles. Seizures occur when this electrical system in the brain malfunctions. During seizure attack, patients may experience severe or subtle illness, which may need a medical attention. In many cases it is very important for doctors and caregivers to detect seizures, and give immediate help to a patient. At times, if seizures are not attended, such seizures can even end up as fatal to the patient.
Seizures may be momentary and may last only for a fraction of second to few minutes. It is important to keep a track of number of seizures the patient had for a particular period of time, so that the doctor can get insights on improvements of patient, and provide treatments in accordance with seizure condition.
Various improvements have been made in the field of detecting and monitoring seizure attacks. Most of the currently available devices detects seizure attacks using galvanic skin conductivity, or electromyography signals. However, at some environmental conditions, such as higher altitudes, patient may experience variable heart rates, which may trigger false positive seizure measurement values.
Recently, heart rate sensors are deployed to evaluate the heart rate variation during seizure attack in addition to galvanic and electromyography sensors, so that, false positive seizure measurement values are minimized. However, as patient’s skin is important factor in measuring the heart rate variation, change in skin tone can creates a difference in the measurement of heart rate variation. Such difference in heart rate variation may even trigger false positive seizure measurement values.
Few publications suggest the heart rate variation identification by interdependency with skin proximity. However, no wearable device or related publications are available that disclose regulation of heart rate sensor based on skin tone of the patient for accurately detecting and monitoring of seizures.
Hence, there is a need for a wearable device for accurately detecting and monitoring seizures.
Summary of the Invention
According to an embodiment of the invention, a wearable apparatus for detecting and monitoring a seizure is disclosed. The disclosed apparatus includes a skin tone sensor, an adaptive heart rate sensor, a 9-axis inertial motion sensor, and a detection unit. The skin tone sensor includes a first illumination source for emitting a first illumination, and a first photodetector for measuring reflection of the first illumination to detect a skin tone of a user. The adaptive heart rate sensor includes a second illumination source that varies its wavelength through a control unit, in accordance with the measured skin tone of user. The heart rate sensor further includes a second photodetector for detecting second illumination to measure heart rate variation of user. The 9-axis inertial motion sensor coupled with a GPS module to track real-time positional co-ordinates of user. Further, the detection unit determines the occurrence of a seizure event by matching a pre-stored user data with acquired user data sensed through the adaptive heart rate sensor and the 9-axis inertial motion sensor. The wearable apparatus may further have a transmission unit configured to send a seizure response, wherein the seizure response comprises a notification of the seizure event along with the real-time location of a user of the apparatus. Brief Description of the Drawings
Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from following description when read with reference to accompanying drawings:
Figure 1 illustrates a top isometric view of an exemplary wearable apparatus for detecting and monitoring a seizure according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 illustrates a bottom isometric view of the exemplary wearable apparatus for detecting and monitoring a seizure according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 3 illustrates an exploded isometric view of the exemplary wearable apparatus for detecting and monitoring a seizure according to an alternate embodiment of the invention;
Figure 4a illustrates a top view of a dial in the exemplary wearable apparatus for detecting and monitoring a seizure according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 4b illustrates a left-side view of the dial in the exemplary wearable apparatus for detecting and monitoring a seizure according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 4c illustrates a front view of the exemplary wearable apparatus for detecting and monitoring a seizure according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 5 illustrates a flow diagram illustrating exemplary transmission of information about seizure according to an embodiment of the invention; and
Figure 6 illustrates a flowchart depicting a method of measuring seizure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description provides specific details of certain embodiments of the invention illustrated in the drawings to provide a thorough understanding of those embodiments. It should be recognized, however, that the present invention can be reflected in additional embodiments and the invention may be practiced without some of the details in the following description. One skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the present invention, some of which are described below, may be incorporated into a number of systems. Structures and devices shown in the figures are illustrative of exemplary embodiments of the invention and are meant to avoid obscuring the invention. Furthermore, connections between components and/or modules within the figures are not intended to be limited to direct connections. Rather, these components and modules may be modified, re-formatted or otherwise changed by intermediary components and modules.
Referring to Figure 1, a wearable apparatus (100) is disclosed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus (100) adaptively measures seizure of user, and alerts caretaker along with information about impact of seizure attack. In an embodiment, the wearable apparatus (100) may be a non-intrusive, passive monitoring device that does not require any insertion or ingestion into human body.
Referring to Figures 1-2, the wearable apparatus (100) includes a first end (102), a second end (104) and a holder case (106) positioned substantially central between the first end (102) and the second end (104). According to an exemplary embodiment, the first end (102) and the second end (104) may be connected to the holder case (106) through a strap (108) made up of a durable material such as, but not limited to, plastic, leather etc. According to another embodiment, the strap (108) may have plurality of breather holes (110). According to yet another exemplary embodiment, the first end (102) includes a metallic loop (103).
Further, referring to Figures 1-2, the second end (104) may have at least one metallic connector pin (116). According to an embodiment, the second end (104) may have two connector pins (116). According to another embodiment, the connector pin (116) is an electrode. The strap (108) may have a plurality of connection apertures (118) for receiving and holding the connector pins (116) on skin of user. According to an embodiment, the holder case (106) may be of any suitable size and shape such as, but not limited to, round, square, rectangular, oval, etc. The holder case (106) may have arrangement for receiving and holding various sensors and other components. According to an embodiment, the holder case (106) may have a first provision for power button (112), and a second provision for micro-USB charging port (114).
Figure 3 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the wearable apparatus (100), which shows a removable enclosure (120) for holding various components and sensors. According to an embodiment, the holder case (106) may have a first slot (122) for accommodating a skin tone sensor (not shown) and a second slot (124) for accommodating an adaptive heart rate sensor (not shown). In order to secure the apparatus (100) on hand of the user, the second end (104) of the apparatus (100) is inserted through the metallic loop (103) provided on the first end (102), and the connector pins (116) are engaged in the connection apertures (118) for securing the apparatus (100) on the user.
Referring to Figures 4a-4c, the apparatus (100) comprises a skin tone sensor (134). In an embodiment, the skin tone sensor (134) includes a first illumination source (136) and a first photodetector (138). During skin tone detection, the first illumination source (136) illuminates first illumination on user’s skin. The first photodetector (138) detects the reflection of the first illumination from the user’s skin to identify the skin tone. In an embodiment, first photodetector (138) is a CMOS imager.
In an embodiment, during skin tone measurement, the first illumination source (136) illuminates first illumination at more than one location on the user’s skin. The first photodetector (138) detects the reflection of the first illumination from at least two locations of the user’s skin to identify the skin tone. Upon detecting reflection of first illumination from at least two locations of the skin, the first photodetector (138) compares melanin and hemoglobin levels in at least two different areas of the skin to identify the skin tone. In other embodiment, the skin tone sensor (134) is a color sensor such as, but not limited to, a RGB sensor.
With continued reference from Figures 4a-4c, the apparatus (100) comprises an adaptive heart rate sensor (132) to measure continuous heart rate variation of the user. The adaptive heart rate sensor (132) includes an adaptive second illumination source and a second photodetector for measuring heart rate variability of the user. According to an embodiment, the adaptive second illumination source can alter its illuminating wavelength in accordance with skin tone of the user.
The apparatus (100) may further include a control unit configured to alter illumination wavelength of the adaptive second illumination source, in accordance with the skin tone of the user that has been sensed by the skin tone sensor (134). According to an exemplary embodiment, the control unit may alter the illumination wavelength of the second illumination source between 400nm - 700nm. According to another embodiment, the control unit may alter a drive current of the second illumination source to alter the illumination wavelength of the second illumination source. In other embodiment, the second illumination source provides plurality of pulsed illuminations to increase sampling rate.
In an embodiment, during the heart rate measurement, the second illumination source illuminates second illumination at more than one location on the user’s skin. The second photodetector detects the reflection of the second illumination from at least two locations of the user’s skin to identify the heart rate. Upon detecting reflection of second illumination from at least two locations of the skin, the second photodetector measures blood reflection in at least two different areas of the skin at particular intervals to identify the heart rate variability.
In other embodiments, the strap (108) is flexible, and long enough to be worn on user’s chest (not shown) to enhance the measurement of heart rate variability. In yet other embodiments, in case if the apparatus (100) is not worn on user’s body, the skin sensor measures such activity, and idles out the other sensors to save power. With continued reference to Figures 4a-4c, the wearable apparatus (100) further includes a 9-axis inertial motion sensor (126). The 9-axis inertial motion sensor (126) may be coupled to a GPS module (128) to track real-time positional co-ordinates of the user. According to an embodiment, the 9-axis inertial motion sensor (126) may be located inside the holder case (106). According to an embodiment, the 9-axis inertial motion sensor (126) may include a 3-axis gyroscope, a 3-axis accelerometer, and a 3- axis magnetic compass. According to yet another embodiment, the GPS module (128) may have an in-built antenna (130), and an external antenna that may be coupled to the metallic loop (103) provided at the first end (102) of the wearable apparatus (100). The metallic loop (103) may act as an external antenna that facilitates additional signal transmission.
The GPS module (128) may further include a provision for an electronic subscriber identity module. The electronic subscriber identity module links up with a network service provider, and enables the apparatus (100) to independently handle mobile data of such network provider without interfacing a smartphone.
The wearable apparatus (100) may further include a detection unit (140) configured to determine occurrence of a seizure event by matching a pre-stored user data, with acquired user data sensed through the adaptive heart rate sensor (132) and the 9-axis inertial motion sensor. In an embodiment, the pre-stored user data is stored in the apparatus (100). In other embodiment, the pre-stored user data is stored in cloud interface.
Further the wearable apparatus (100) may have a transmission unit (142) configured to send a seizure response, wherein the seizure response comprises a notification of the seizure event along with the real-time location of the user of the apparatus.
According an alternative embodiment, the wearable apparatus (100) may have an auxiliary skin conductance sensor to improve the effectiveness of the seizure detection. The skin tone sensor may be connected to at least two electrodes, which were connected to user’s skin. In an embodiment, the electrodes are metallic connector pin (116), and configured to measure pulsed skin conductance of the user at pre-defined intervals. According to an embodiment, the pre-defined intervals may be configured by a medical practitioner or by the user. According to yet another embodiment, the electrodes are parallel to each other.
According yet another embodiment, the wearable apparatus (100) may have an auxiliary control unit (146). The auxiliary control unit (146) may be used to configure the wearable device (100) to connect with metallic connector pins (116). Once the connector pins (116) are coupled with the user’s skin, the apparatus (100) triggers miniature electric pulses between the electrodes, and detects the variation in electric pulses in accordance with blood flow, and then, sends the detected information to the apparatus (100) for further analysis.
According to another embodiment, the wearable apparatus (100) may have a micro- USB charging port (144) for recharging the apparatus (100). According to yet another embodiment, when the wearable apparatus (100) is not being charged, a hinged cover may be provided to cover the micro-USB charging port (144). According yet another embodiment, the wearable apparatus (100) may have a control switch (148) to control functions of the apparatus (100).
Figure 5 illustrates a flow diagram illustrating exemplary transmission of information about seizure from the wearable apparatus (100) according to an embodiment of the invention. According to an embodiment, the wearable apparatus (100) may be connected to a handheld device (200) such as, but not limited to, a mobile phone, a tablet, etc. According to an embodiment, the wearable apparatus (100) may be connected to the handheld device (200) using any known connection protocol, such as, but not limited to Bluetooth, Wi-Fi etc. According to another embodiment, the wearable apparatus (100) may be required to establish a pairing at least once for connecting to the handheld device (200). Once the pairing is established, the wearable apparatus (100) may communicate with the handheld device (200) either at a regular interval or on detecting occurrence of a seizure. According to yet another embodiment, the handheld device (200) may transmit information received from the wearable apparatus (100) to another predefined device or server or any other pre-defined cloud storage interface etc. through internet using Wi-Fi, or through mobile data, or through any other internet source.
Figure 6 illustrates a flowchart depicting a method (300) of measuring seizure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The method (300) includes the step of identifying (302) a skin tone variation of a user through a skin tone sensor (134). The skin tone sensor (134) includes a first illumination source (136) and a first photodetector (138). During skin tone detection, the first illumination source (136) illuminates first illumination on user’s skin. The first photodetector (138) detects the reflection of the first illumination from the user’s skin to identify the skin tone.
The method (300) further includes the step of setting (304) an adaptive illumination wavelength for a second illumination source in accordance with the skin tone variation of the user. According to an embodiment, a control unit may alter the illumination wavelength of the adaptive second illumination source, in accordance with the skin tone of the user that has been sensed by the skin tone sensor (134).
At step (306), the method (300) includes measuring heart rate variability of the user through an adaptive heart rate sensor (132). The heart rate sensor (132) may include the second illumination source and a second photodetector. According to an embodiment, the second illumination source illuminates second illumination at more than one location on the user’s skin. The second photodetector detects the reflection of the second illumination from at least two locations of the user’s skin to identify the heart rate. Upon detecting reflection of second illumination from at least two locations of the skin, the second photodetector measures blood reflection in at least two different areas of the skin at particular intervals to identify the heart rate variability. At step (308), the method includes tracking real-time positional co-ordinates of the user through a 9-axis inertial motion sensor (126) coupled with a GPS module (128) and at step (310), the method determines occurrence of the seizure event by matching a pre stored user data, with acquired user data sensed through the adaptive heart rate sensor (132) and the 9-axis inertial motion sensor (126).
According to yet another embodiment, the method may further include a step of transmitting (312) a seizure response through a transmission unit (142). The seizure response may include a notification of the seizure event along with the real-time location of a user of the apparatus (100).
As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the present invention may easily be produced in other specific forms without departing from its essential characteristics.

Claims

Claims
1. A wearable apparatus (100) for detecting a seizure comprising:
a skin tone sensor (134) having a first illumination source (136) and a first photodetector (138) for measuring a skin tone variation of a user ;
an adaptive heart rate sensor (132) having a second illumination source and a second photodetector for measuring heart rate variability of the user, wherein a control unit adaptively alters illumination wavelength of the second illumination source in accordance with the skin tone variation of the user;
a 9-axis inertial motion sensor (126) coupled with a GPS module (128) to track real-time positional co-ordinates of the user; and
a detection unit (140) for determining occurrence of the seizure event by matching a pre-stored user data, with acquired user data sensed through the adaptive heart rate sensor (132) and the 9-axis inertial motion sensor.
2. The wearable apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a transmission unit (142) configured to send a seizure response, wherein the seizure response comprises a notification of the seizure event along with the real-time location of a user of the apparatus.
3. The wearable apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the transmission unit (142) comprises an in-built antenna (130) positioned adjacent to the GPS module, and an external antenna that is coupled to a metallic loop, wherein the metallic loop is provided at a first end of the wearable apparatus.
4. The wearable apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wearable apparatus (100) is connected to a handheld device (200) through Bluetooth.
5. The wearable apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the GPS module (128) comprises an electronic subscriber identity module that links up with a network service provider, and enables the apparatus (100) to independently handle mobile data of such network provider without interfacing a handheld device.
6. The wearable apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit alters the wavelength of the second illumination source varying between 400 nm - 700nm.
7. The wearable apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit alters a drive current of the second illumination source to alter illuminating wavelength of the second illumination.
8. The wearable apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary skin conductance sensor to improve the effectiveness of the seizure detection.
9. The wearable apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the skin conductance sensor has at least two electrodes to measure skin conductance of the user at predefined intervals.
10. The wearable apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the electrodes are located at a second end of the wearable apparatus.
11. The wearable apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wearable apparatus (100) has a first end (102), a second end (104), and a holder case (106) integrally positioned, and substantially central between the first end (102) and the second end (104).
12. The wearable apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wearable apparatus (100) has a first end (102) and a second end (104) connected to a holder case (106) through a removable strap (108) made up of a durable material.
13. A method (300) of detecting a seizure through a wearable apparatus (100), the method (300) comprising:
identifying (302) a skin tone variation of a user through a skin tone sensor (134), wherein the skin tone sensor (134) has a first illumination source (136) and a first photodetector (138);
setting (304) an adaptive illumination wavelength for a second illumination source in accordance with the skin tone variation of the user;
measuring (306) heart rate variability of the user through an adaptive heart rate sensor (132), wherein the heart rate sensor (132) has the second illumination source and a second photodetector;
tracking (308) real-time positional co-ordinates of the user through a 9-axis inertial motion sensor (126) coupled with a GPS module (128); and
determining (310) occurrence of the seizure event by matching a pre-stored user data, with acquired user data sensed through the adaptive heart rate sensor (132) and the 9-axis inertial motion sensor (126).
14. The method (300) as claimed in claim 13, further comprising transmitting (312) a seizure response through a transmission unit (142), wherein the seizure response comprises a notification of the seizure event along with the real-time location of a user of the apparatus (100).
PCT/IN2018/050847 2018-10-31 2018-12-18 Wearable apparatus for monitoring seizures WO2020089924A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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IN201841041063 2018-10-31
IN201841041063 2018-10-31

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Citations (3)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20140142403A1 (en) * 2012-06-22 2014-05-22 Fitbit, Inc. Biometric monitoring device with heart rate measurement activated by a single user-gesture
US9602793B2 (en) * 2009-12-09 2017-03-21 Imagination Technologies Limited Skin tone detection in a digital camera
US20180153460A1 (en) * 2016-12-01 2018-06-07 Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. Methods and apparatus for monitoring epilepsy

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9602793B2 (en) * 2009-12-09 2017-03-21 Imagination Technologies Limited Skin tone detection in a digital camera
US20140142403A1 (en) * 2012-06-22 2014-05-22 Fitbit, Inc. Biometric monitoring device with heart rate measurement activated by a single user-gesture
US20180153460A1 (en) * 2016-12-01 2018-06-07 Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. Methods and apparatus for monitoring epilepsy

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