FR3121026A1 - Device for measuring a plurality of physiological parameters - Google Patents

Abstract

A measuring device (1) configured to measure a plurality of physiological parameters of a user, the measuring device comprising an oximeter (5), a thermometer (7), a stethoscope (4) and an otoscope (6). The measuring device (1) further comprises a housing (3) and a blood pressure monitor and a communication module (15) for transmitting the measured physiological parameters. The blood pressure monitor comprises a cuff (2) adapted to be attached to a wrist (P) of the user to measure a blood pressure of the user, the cuff (2) being fixed to the housing (3); The thermometer (7), the stethoscope (4) and the oximeter (5) are integrated into the case (3) and arranged in areas of said case (3) which are accessible to perform measurements without having to detach the cuff (2 ) of the user's wrist; The otoscope (6) is removably fixed to the case (3) and comprises a camera at one end (6c) of said otoscope (6). Abstract Figure: Figure 1

Description

Device for measuring a plurality of physiological parameters

This disclosure falls within the field of devices for measuring physiological parameters that can be used, for example, in the context of teleconsultations or monitoring of patients at home or at their workplace.

To date, there exist various systems or devices allowing qualified personnel or patients to measure physiological parameters themselves. The values of the physiological parameters are then transmitted to the practitioner in real time during a teleconsultation or recorded in a database in order to allow the monitoring of the evolution of these physiological parameters.

Some of the systems proposed require the presence of qualified personnel to take measurements of the various physiological parameters, the equipment proposed being not suitable for taking measurements by unqualified personnel.

Moreover, these systems include a plurality of different measuring devices, which makes them difficult to use by an unqualified person. Moreover, such systems are not easy to move from one patient to another.

For this reason, other more compact devices intended for direct use by the patient have been developed. For example, document WO2017/044638 discloses an apparatus comprising an integrated oximeter, otoscope, stethoscope and thermometer. Other physiological parameters, such as blood pressure, cannot be measured by this device. In addition, its use is not very easy since the patient must still manipulate it to place the right sensors in the right places to take the various measurements. Since the device is relatively small (about the length of an index finger), it does not have a good grip and can fall, which can damage it.

Summary

This disclosure improves the situation.

An object of the present disclosure is in particular to propose a measuring device comprising an integrated tensiometer, an oximeter, an otoscope, a stethoscope and a thermometer.

Another object of the present disclosure is to propose a device that is easy to use, allowing intuitive measurement to be taken by the patient himself.

To this end, a measuring device configured to measure a plurality of physiological parameters of a user is proposed, the measuring device comprising an oximeter, a thermometer, a stethoscope and an otoscope. The measuring device further comprises a housing and a tensiometer. The blood pressure monitor comprises a cuff suitable for being attached to a wrist of the user to measure a tension of the user, the cuff being fixed to the case. The thermometer, the stethoscope and the oximeter are integrated into the case and arranged in areas of said case which are accessible for taking measurements without having to detach the cuff from the user's wrist. The otoscope is removably attached to the housing and includes a camera at one end of said otoscope. The measuring device further comprises a communication module for transmitting the measured physiological parameters.

The features set out in the following paragraphs can optionally be implemented, independently of each other or in combination with each other:

In embodiments, the cuff is inflatable by the apparatus. The box then comprises an inflation/deflation module fluidly coupled to the cuff. The taking of measurements by the tensiometer is then entirely automatic.

In embodiments, the otoscope comprises an angled handle, the camera being located at the end of said angled handle.

In embodiments, the measuring device described above comprises a plurality of conical end pieces of different respective geometries, each comprising an optical opening and adapted to be removably fixed to the end of the bent handle.

In embodiments, the meter includes an optical code reader.

In embodiments, the optical code reader is connected to the camera of the otoscope and is configured to extract information from an optical code in an image acquired by the camera of the otoscope.

In embodiments, the optical code reader is configured to extract, from an optical code, connection information used to establish a connection with the communication module.

In some embodiments, the case is shaped to accommodate a user's finger and includes a notch defining a site for measuring the oxygen saturation level, the oximeter being placed under said notch.

In some embodiments, the box is generally parallelepipedic in shape.

In embodiments, the stethoscope is integrated on the housing such that a membrane of the stethoscope projects out of the housing and the membrane of the stethoscope and the notch are on an upper face of the housing.

In a particular embodiment, the membrane of the stethoscope and the notch are located on two opposite ends of the upper face.

In some embodiments, the thermometer is integrated on a side face of the box. Advantageously, when the case has a longitudinal direction, the thermometer is integrated into a longitudinal side face.

In embodiments, the apparatus further includes a luminous pointer adjacent to the thermometer configured to indicate to an outside observer a temperature measurement point.

In some embodiments, the otoscope can be clipped onto a side face of the case.

In some embodiments, the otoscope comprises a grip zone shaped to accommodate a palm of the hand.

In embodiments, the cuff is removably coupled to the case.

In some embodiments, the box further comprises an accelerometer making it possible to validate the measurements of all or part of the sensors.

In particular embodiments, measurement reliability indicators are transmitted with the physiological parameters.

In particular embodiments, the communication module can be configured to receive commands. These may, for example, be measurement commands sent by a practitioner during the teleconference when the latter considers that certain physiological parameters measured are not reliable by consulting the various reliability indicators transmitted.

Thus, the proposed device, which comes in the form of a blood pressure monitor with a case, allows a patient to take a plurality of measurements of physiological parameters himself without having to detach the device from his wrist. This avoids dropping the device during measurement. In addition, the oximeter, otoscope, stethoscope and thermometer are arranged so that the patient can take measurements in a simple and intuitive way. heart ; to put one of the fingers of the other hand, for example the thumb on the location provided for this purpose on the box to measure the oxygen saturation level and to move the wrist to orient the thermometer towards the patient's forehead for example. When it comes to taking images or videos of the nasal cavities, throat or ears, all you have to do is move the otoscope which is removably attached to the device case.

Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the appended drawings, in which:

Fig. 1

shows a perspective view of a device for measuring a plurality of physiological parameters according to one embodiment.

Fig. 2

shows the device in another perspective view.

Fig. 3

is a perspective view of the otoscope according to one embodiment.

Fig. 4

is a sectional view of the end of the otoscope of the .

Fig. 5

shows the device when attached to the user's wrist.

Fig. 6

shows a schematic representation of the various components of the device.

Fig. 7

illustrates the mounting of the cuff on the case according to one embodiment.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1 and 2 which show a particular embodiment of an apparatus for measuring physiological parameters of a user. The device is configured to transmit data representative of the measurements of the physiological parameters carried out by means of various sensors included in the device. These may be, for example, the values of the oxygen saturation level, temperature or blood pressure measured. It can also be audio recordings of the heart and possibly the lungs and video recordings or images of the nasal cavity, throat or ear canals. Advantageously, the physiological parameters are transmitted so that they can be consulted by a doctor during a teleconsultation or archived to allow monitoring of the evolution of the physiological parameters and subsequent consultation of the stored data. Alternatively or in addition, the device can pre-process the measurements taken, for example to reduce the amount of data transmitted and/or only transmit the results of the measurements (normal or abnormal physiological parameter measured, etc.), etc.

The measuring device 1 is in the form of a case 3 of generally parallelepipedal shape mechanically coupled to an armband 2. The armband 2 is configured to be able to be attached to the wrist of a user (see ). Optionally, the cuff 2 is inflatable and fluidly coupled to an inflation/deflation module present in the box 3. The cuff 2, the inflation/deflation module and the manometer present in the box form a tensiometer.

The apparatus 1 further comprises a stethoscope 4, an oximeter 5, an otoscope 6 and a thermometer 7 integrated into the case. As is more particularly visible on the , the stethoscope 4 comprises in this example a membrane 4a projecting out of the case 3 intended to be brought into contact with the body of the user, close to an organ to be listened to. Furthermore, the box 3 comprises in this example a recess 3c shaped to accommodate the end of a finger. For example, the user can put the end of his thumb on the recess, which is easier to achieve than with the index finger for example and allows better positioning stability during the measurement since the other fingers can then surround or lean on the wrist to stabilize the measurement. The recess 3c includes for example a notch 3d defining a site for measuring the oxygen saturation rate, the oximeter 5 being placed under the notch 3d.

The thermometer 7, the stethoscope 4 and the oximeter 5 are advantageously arranged in areas of said casing which are accessible for taking measurements without having to detach the cuff from the user's wrist.

In the embodiment described here, the stethoscope 4 and the oximeter 5 are integrated on an upper face of the case. As illustrated on the , when the cuff 2 is attached to the wrist P of the user, he only needs to place the thumb of his right hand on the recess 3c provided for this purpose to measure his oxygen saturation level and move his wrist by so as to bring the membrane 4a of the stethoscope 4 into contact with the user's body, for example at the level of the latter's heart, in order to record the sounds produced.

The thermometer 7 is preferably integrated on a side face of the box.

All the patient has to do is point their arm towards their forehead to take their temperature. In a variant embodiment, the thermometer 7 can be integrated into the upper face of the box 3. The patient must then perform an additional rotation of the wrist in order to direct the thermometer in the direction of his forehead.

In the embodiment described here, the case 3 has a longitudinal direction D oriented along the longitudinal direction of the wrist P when the cuff 2 is attached to the wrist P of the user. The thermometer 7 is then integrated on a longitudinal side face of the case.

Furthermore, the otoscope 6 is removably fixed to the box 3. For this purpose, the box 3 may include, for example, retention portions 3a, 3b shaped to retain the otoscope 6 in a removable manner. Thus, the otoscope 6 can clip onto the retention portions 3a, 3b and be easily released therefrom by applying slight pressure and slight traction, respectively. The otoscope 6 is thus easily accessible for the user. Note that the otoscope is connected by an electric cable to the control and calculation module of the box.

Advantageously, the location and integration of the various sensors on the box is optimized so as to allow intuitive and instinctive use of the device without it being necessary to explain the measurement protocol to the user.

Furthermore, the otoscope 6 is shaped to facilitate its use and handling. Indeed, as is more particularly visible on the and on the , the otoscope 6 comprises an angled handle 6a. The angled shape of the handle makes it easy to acquire images or videos of the user's throat without the need for an additional tongue depressor as is the case with conventional otoscopes. In preferred embodiments, the otoscope 6 comprises, on a part of the handle, a grip zone 6b shaped to allow a better grip of the otoscope and accommodate a palm for example. In the example described here, the grip zone 6b is a widened zone making it easier to hold the handle between the thumb and index finger of one hand of the user. Preferably, the otoscope 6 may include an end 6c intended to accommodate a conical measuring tip suitable for observing the nasal fossae or the auditory canals. A plurality of measuring tips of respective different geometries adapted to be removably fixed to this end are provided with the apparatus. An example of such a 6d conical measuring tip suitable for insertion into an adult's ear is shown in . The different geometries of the tips allow the choice of a tip adapted to the anatomy of the user, which helps to avoid injuries when using the otoscope. It will be noted that the various endpieces each comprise an optical opening adapted to the acquisition of images or videos by a camera 6e located in the corresponding end 6c of the otoscope 6. In addition, the otoscope 6 may comprise, at at this end, an integrated lighting system suitable for illuminating the anatomical zone facing the optical aperture. It may be, as shown here, on the , a transparent light guide 6f of cylindrical shape with a hollow circular section adapted to guide and receive light. LEDs (Light Emitting Diode) 6h are placed on the periphery at one end of the light guide 6f. The 6e camera is placed inside the light guide in the hollow part so that the camera lens is close to the other end of the light guide.

Furthermore, in order to guarantee compliance with the various hygiene measures during an introduction into the patient's mouth, a plastic sleeve 6g is provided, flexible in shape adapted to be inserted on the handle 6a of the otoscope 6 and be maintained on it. The sleeve is preferably transparent.

Optionally, the thermometer 7, preferably infrared, can be associated with a light pointer 8 adjacent to it. The light pointer 8 is configured to indicate to an outside observer a temperature measurement point. It may be, for example, a laser diode or an LED (Light Emitting Diode) emitting a visible color. The light pointer can be associated with a lens in order to concentrate the light power on a portion of the space. This is particularly useful for indicating, during a teleconsultation with video transmission for example, the place pointed by the user to the doctor and allowing the doctor to detect incorrect positioning of the device for taking the temperature. The luminous pointer 8 can also be used by the user to check the position of the measurement point when he takes the measurement by looking at himself in a mirror or by acquiring an image of the area comprising the measurement point, for example at the using a camera built into the device like that of the otoscope.

Furthermore, the device 1 comprises in this example three diodes 9a, 9b, 9c making it possible to display different statuses of the device making it possible to check its operating state. For example, diode 9a can be lit to indicate that the device is on, diode 9c indicate a state of charge of the battery supplying the device and diode 9c indicate a state of connection of the device to a point of access, to a terminal or to a wireless communication network for example. Thus, device 1 may not have a display screen and its use is quite intuitive.

As more particularly visible on the , the device 1 also includes a button 10 allowing the device to be switched on, preferably accessible by the user when the armband is attached to the wrist. Optionally, the device 1 can also comprise a connection port to a computer or to a power supply allowing the connection of a USB type cable connected to a computer or to a power supply. Thus, the battery of the device can easily be recharged. In addition, it is also possible to update the software of the device in this way.

The operation of the device 1 is described with reference to the .

The apparatus 1 comprises a control and calculation module 12 connected to the stethoscope 4, to the thermometer 7 and to the associated luminous pointer 8, to the oximeter 5, to the otoscope 6 and to the pressure gauge 13 and to the inflation/deflation module 14 of the tensiometer. The command and calculation module 12 is configured to command the acquisition by the sensors, to determine the values of the physiological parameters and to store the audio, video recordings and/or the images. The command and calculation module 12 therefore comprises at least one processor 12a, a random access memory 12b and a storage memory 12c in particular of the instructions implemented by the processor 12a.

The device 1 also comprises a power supply device 16 comprising for example a rechargeable battery. The battery can for example be recharged when a connection cable is plugged into the optional connection port described above.

The device 1 also comprises a communication module 15 connected to the control and calculation module 12. The communication module 15 is intended to transmit the data representative of the measurements of the physiological parameters, obtained by the control and calculation module 12, to a remote server and/or a terminal. The data can then be stored and displayed in the practitioner's terminal during the videoconference or be stored in a database in a remote server for later consultation and remote monitoring of the patient. The communication module 15 can also be intended to receive measurement commands, for example, sent by a practitioner during the teleconference. It is thus possible, when the measurements made by the user are considered incorrect, to order a new measurement that can be guided by the practitioner. Preferably, the practitioner can thus remotely control the start of the acquisition of the measurement by one or more of the sensors, after having ensured that the measurement can actually be performed by the sensor or sensors.

The communication module 15 is preferably wireless and comprises a communication interface conforming to one or more protocols such as WIFI, Bluetooth®, GPRS, LTE, 3G, 4G, 5G, or even communication protocols Internet of Things such as Sigfox® or LoRA® for example.

In addition, the communication module 15 can be configured to transmit certain data via a first communication protocol such as Bluetooth®, GPRS, LTE, 3G, 4G, 5G while other data can be transmitted via a second communication protocol. separate communication such as WIFI as described above or according to an Internet of Things protocol. It is thus possible to transmit data even when the device is not connected to a local network such as WIFI or the Internet of Things.

Advantageously, the wireless communication module 15 is capable of establishing a connection using connection information obtained by reading an optical code such as a QR code ("Quick Response code"), a code bar or whatever. The device then comprises an optical code reader connected to a camera, and configured to extract information from an optical code in an image acquired by the camera. In preferred embodiments, the camera used to acquire the image of the optical code is the camera of the otoscope 6. Thus, the camera of the otoscope 6 is, in this embodiment, implemented both to observe anatomical areas of the user and to retrieve connection information from an optical code. The camera is then chosen so as to have a suitable field of view for the acquisition of optical codes and anatomical zones considered with the same camera and the same lens. The camera fitted with its lens can for example be chosen with an angle of view of 100° and a focal length making it possible to acquire images located between 10 and 60 mm from the camera. Furthermore, the reading of an optical code can be used to configure access to a remote service, for example to a database on a server for storing measured physiological data or access to a videoconference service or other. In addition, the reading of an optical code can be used to obtain other types of information such as a device identifier or a user identifier for example and without limitation.

The optical reader can be included in the command and calculation module 12. It can then be implemented in the form of lines of code executed by the processor of the command and calculation module 12. It can also be in the form of a separate module from the command and calculation module 12. Advantageously, the wireless communication module 15 can be able to connect to a WIFI access point using an identifier and a password extracted by the optical code reader. This may be the otoscope camera or another camera built into the device housing.

It should be noted that the use of the camera of the otoscope makes it possible to simplify use since it is then sufficient for the user to point the otoscope towards the optical code, which is more practical than directing the box of the device when it includes a camera integrated into the case, particularly when the device is attached to the wrist. This avoids the integration of an additional component that must be taken into account by the user. The use of a man-machine interface to configure a connection with the communication module 15 is also avoided.

The device 1 can also include, optionally, an accelerometer 17 whose measurements can in particular be used to validate the measurements taken by one or more sensors. The accelerometer 17 can be used, when it has been calibrated appropriately, to determine the inclination of the user's forearm when measuring blood pressure. It should be noted that the inclination of the forearm is an indicator of the reliability of the blood pressure measurement since it makes it possible to check whether the device is substantially at the same height as the user's heart. Indeed, even if the user measures the blood pressure during the teleconsultation, the position of the device in relation to the heart is not necessarily visible to the practitioner, depending on the field of vision of the camera used during teleconsultation.

In this way, a first indicator of reliability of the blood pressure measurement derived from the measurements acquired by the accelerometer 17 can be transmitted together with the measurement of the blood pressure in order to allow the practitioner to evaluate the relevance of the measurement carried out. The practitioner can then ask the patient, during the videoconference, to perform this measurement again and control the device for this purpose.

Furthermore, variations in the position of the device detected using the accelerometer during the blood pressure measurement can constitute a second indicator of the reliability of the blood pressure measurement.

In addition, the accelerometer 17 can detect if the device 1 has been subjected to strong accelerations. This makes it possible to determine whether the device has been subjected to shocks or falls and to deduce that certain components or sensors may be damaged or provide erroneous values.

In a particular embodiment, the command and calculation module 12 can optionally include a microcontroller 12d configured to turn on the processor 12a when the user presses the button 10. It can also be configured to turn off the processor when the The user presses button 10 or again to put it on standby in the absence of measurement acquisition. The 12d microcontroller can also be configured to permanently power certain device components when the battery level is sufficient and perform certain tasks when the 12a processor is off. The microcontroller 12d can for example be configured to transmit and receive data through the communication module 15 when the processor 12a is off.

In a particular embodiment, the accelerometer 17 can be powered by the microcontroller 12d when the device is off. The acceleration values to which the device is subjected can then be interpreted by the microcontroller 12d and generate an alert transmitted subsequently to the processor 12a when the latter is in operation.

Furthermore, the thermometer 7 can also comprise an internal temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the thermometer and thus make it possible to validate a range of use of the thermometer. Indeed, the thermometers are validated for use in a predefined operating temperature range and the temperature values acquired by the thermometer 7 may be erroneous when the internal temperature of the thermometer is outside this range. Thus, the values measured by the thermometer can be transmitted with a measurement reliability indicator making it possible to indicate whether the internal temperature of the thermometer is within or outside the predefined operating temperature range.

Advantageously, the box 3 can be mechanically and fluidly coupled to the cuff 2 in a removable manner as more particularly visible on the .

As seen on the , the cuff 2 comprises in this example two hooks 21, two orifices 22 and a locking portion 23 comprising a threaded through hole capable of receiving a screw. The two hooks 21 are capable of cooperating with two complementary recesses 31 of the lower face of the case 3. They allow the cuff 2 to be attached to one of its ends and to guide the cuff 2 so that the two orifices 22 cooperate with two studs 32 made of rubber or other elastic material connecting the inflation/deflation module to the cuff 2. It will be noted that the orifices 22 define an air inlet orifice and an air outlet orifice of the cuff, respectively. The orifices 22 are formed in a part of the rubber cuff comprising an air circulation circuit. Thus, the introduction of the studs 32 into the orifices 22 makes it possible to place the air circulation circuit of the cuff in fluid communication with the inflation/deflation module. The locking portion 23 is then accommodated in a complementary housing 33 comprising a threaded hole into which the screw can be inserted to lock the locking portion 23 on the case 3.

Thus, the cuff 2 can be easily detached from the case 3 and be replaced. It is thus possible to remove the cuff 2 to disinfect it before transmitting it to a new user. It can also be easily replaced in the event of malfunction or wear.

This disclosure is not limited to the examples described above, solely by way of example, but it encompasses all the variants that those skilled in the art may consider within the framework of the protection sought.

Claims (10)

Measuring device (1) configured to measure a plurality of physiological parameters of a user, the measuring device comprising an oximeter (5), a thermometer (7), a stethoscope (4) and an otoscope (6), characterized in that :

• the measuring device (1) further comprises a housing (3) and a tensiometer,
• the blood pressure monitor comprises a cuff (2) capable of being attached to a wrist (P) of the user to measure the user's blood pressure, the cuff (2) being fixed to the case (3),
• the thermometer (7), the stethoscope (4) and the oximeter (5) are integrated into the case (3) and arranged in areas of said case (3) which are accessible to perform measurements without having to detach the cuff (2 ) of the wrist (P) of the user,
• the otoscope (6) is removably fixed to the case (3) and includes a camera (6e) at one end (6c) of said otoscope (6),
• the measuring device (1) further comprises a communication module (15) for transmitting the measured physiological parameters.

Measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the otoscope (6) comprises a bent handle (6a), the camera (6e) being located at the end (6c) of said bent handle (6a). Measuring apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an optical code reader. Measuring apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the optical code reader is connected to the camera (6e) of the otoscope (6) and is configured to extract information from an optical code in an image acquired by the camera (6e) of the otoscope (6). A meter according to any of claims 3 to 4, wherein the optical code reader is configured to extract, from an optical code, connection information used to establish a connection with the communication module (15 ). Measuring device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the case (3) is shaped to accommodate a finger of the user and includes a notch (3d) defining a site for measuring the saturation rate of oxygen, the oximeter (5) being placed under said notch (3d). Measuring device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the stethoscope (4) is integrated on the housing (3) so that a membrane (4a) of the stethoscope (4) projects out of the housing (3). and wherein the stethoscope membrane (4a) and the notch (3d) are on an upper side of the case (3). A measuring device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device (1) further comprises a luminous pointer (8) adjacent to the thermometer (7) configured to indicate to an outside observer a point of temperature measurement. Measuring device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the cuff (2) is detachably coupled to the housing (3). Measuring device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the box (3) further comprises an accelerometer (17) making it possible to validate the measurements of all or part of the sensors.