US20200253480A1 - Sensor platform array that moves sensor platforms to conform to the shape of the subject to be monitored - Google Patents
Sensor platform array that moves sensor platforms to conform to the shape of the subject to be monitored Download PDFInfo
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- US20200253480A1 US20200253480A1 US16/272,206 US201916272206A US2020253480A1 US 20200253480 A1 US20200253480 A1 US 20200253480A1 US 201916272206 A US201916272206 A US 201916272206A US 2020253480 A1 US2020253480 A1 US 2020253480A1
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- inflatable cell
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Classifications
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- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/0048—Detecting, measuring or recording by applying mechanical forces or stimuli
- A61B5/0053—Detecting, measuring or recording by applying mechanical forces or stimuli by applying pressure, e.g. compression, indentation, palpation, grasping, gauging
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K13/00—Seats or covers for all kinds of closets
- A47K13/24—Parts or details not covered in, or of interest apart from, groups A47K13/02 - A47K13/22, e.g. devices imparting a swinging or vibrating motion to the seats
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- 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
- A61B5/0024—Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network characterised by features of the telemetry system for multiple sensor units attached to the patient, e.g. using a body or personal area network
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- A61B5/6887—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient mounted on external non-worn devices, e.g. non-medical devices
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Definitions
- This disclosure relates to devices which collect measurements that are relative to a user's health status.
- Medical toilets collect measurements related to a user's health status while the user is depositing waste in the medical toilet.
- the user may use the medical toilet as one would use a traditional toilet except that the medical toilet collects measurements that are relevant to the user's health status.
- the measurements are collected without significantly impacting the user's daily routine.
- measurements may be taken more often with a medical toilet than would occur using other devices. This results in a more complete data set to be used to assess the user's health.
- Some medical toilets include sensors in the toilet seat because the toilet seat may come in contact with the bare skin of the legs.
- the toilet seat is a significant distance away from the vital organs of the body. More specifically, the distance between sensors in the toilet seat and the vital organs will cause a reduction in the quality of measurements collected from those organs.
- the sensor platform array may be positioned on the medical toilet such that it is behind a user seated on the medical toilet. In other words, the sensor platform array may be positioned on or behind a rear section of the toilet seat on the medical toilet. In some embodiments, the sensor platform array may be positioned on a toilet lid.
- the sensor platform array may include sensors which may collect measurements that are relevant to a user's health or well-being. These measurements may be physiological measurements.
- the sensors may be removable and exchangeable so that the compliment of sensors may be customized to each user.
- the sensor platform array may include a support structure which is in connection with one or more automated mechanical apparatus which may move the sensors so that they may be brought in physical contact with a user's head, neck, arms, torso, and other body parts.
- the automated mechanical apparatus includes a cylinder-piston assembly which may have a ball joint on the distal end of the piston.
- a sensor platform may be also be connected to the ball joint. The surface of each sensor platform on the sensor platform array may move to conform to the shape of the user so that physical contact between the sensors and the clothing or skin of the user is optimized.
- the piston may be pneumatic or hydraulic.
- the automated mechanical apparatus may include one or more inflatable cells with at least one sensor mounted thereon.
- the inflatable cell is the sensor platform.
- a pump directs gas into the one or more inflatable cell to expand it such that it extends toward a user seated on the medical toilet.
- the surface of each of the one or more inflatable cell on the sensor platform array may mold itself to conform to the shape of the user so that physical contact between the sensors and the clothing or skin of the user is optimized.
- the sensor platform array may include a conformational control system which may include one or a plurality of pressure sensors. Each pressure sensor may be in communication with the sensor platform.
- the conformation control system may further include a controller which is in electronic communication with each pressure sensor.
- the controller may include non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions for actuating a pump associated with the sensor platform array.
- the pump may direct gas into the inflatable cell causing it to extend toward a user.
- the pressure sensors may detect an increase in pressure when the sensor platform is extended far enough to contact a surface of a user.
- the pressure sensors may send a signal to the controller and the instructions may cause the controller to send a signal to the pump causing it to stop pumping gas into the inflatable cell or pneumatic piston or stop pumping liquid into the hydraulic piston. Consequently, the sensors extend enough to be flush with a surface of a user but no more.
- the controller may also include a memory to store signals the controller receives from the sensors.
- the non-transitory computer readable medium may include instructions for analyzing the signals received by the controller or stored in the memory.
- FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment of the disclosed sensor platform array.
- FIG. 1B illustrates an embodiment of the disclosed sensor platform array which is mounted on a toilet lid.
- FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a single sensor platform which includes a cylinder-piston assembly.
- FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an embodiment of a single sensor platform which includes an inflatable cell in a deflated ( FIG. 3A ) and an inflated ( FIG. 3B ) position.
- FIG. 4A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the disclosed sensor array platform including a single inflatable cell.
- FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of the sensor array platform of FIG. 4A .
- FIG. 4C illustrates a side view of the sensor array platform of FIG. 4A during use.
- FIG. 5A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the disclosed sensor array platform which includes multiple inflatable cells.
- FIG. 5B illustrates a side view of the sensor array platform of FIG. 5A .
- FIG. 5C illustrates a side view of the sensor array platform of FIG. 5A during use.
- FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the disclosed sensor platform array with the sensors in electronic connection with a controller.
- FIG. 7A illustrates an embodiment of the disclosed sensor platform array with sensors mounted on a support structure with hinged arms.
- FIG. 7B illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 4A mounted on a medical toilet with a user seated thereon.
- a sensor platform array which may support a plurality of sensors and which may be mounted on a medical toilet, in particular, on the toilet lid.
- the sensor platform may have automated mechanical apparatuses which may move the sensors so that they may be brought in physical contact with a user's head, neck, arms, torso, and other body parts.
- the surface of each sensor platform on the sensor platform array may move to conform to the shape of the user so that physical contact between the sensors and the clothing or skin of the user is optimized.
- the sensor platform array includes a support panel and a plurality of sensor-inflatable cell assemblies.
- the sensor-inflatable cell assemblies may be mounted on the support panel.
- Each of the sensor-inflatable cell assemblies may include one or more inflatable cells.
- One or more sensors may be mounted on each of the one or more inflatable cells.
- the one or more sensors may collect measurements which are relevant to a user's health and well-being. These measurements may include physiological measurements.
- the sensors may include one or more of the following list: a stethoscope, an ultrasound probe, an echocardiogram probe, a temperature sensor, a durometer, an electrocardiogram lead, and a ballistocardiography sensor.
- the one or more sensors may include pressure sensors which send a signal to a controller when the sensor detects an increase in pressure.
- the sensors and/or the sensor-inflatable cell assemblies may be removable and exchangeable. Accordingly, the sensors may be customized to meet a user's individual needs at any given time.
- the sensor platform array includes a gas pump.
- the gas pump may be in fluid connection with the at least one inflatable cell to provide gas which inflates the at least one inflatable cell.
- the gas pump may supply gas to inflate each inflatable cell.
- the sensor platform array may include a conformation control system which may include one or a plurality of pressure sensors. Each pressure sensor may be in communication with the inflatable cell within one of the plurality of sensor-inflatable cell assemblies.
- the conformation control system may further include a controller which is in electronic communication with each pressure sensor.
- the controller may include non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions for actuating a pump associated with the sensor platform array. The pump may direct gas into the inflatable cells causing them to extend toward a user. Eventually, the pressure sensors may detect an increase in pressure when the inflatable cell is extended far enough to contact a surface of a user.
- the pressure sensors may send a signal to the controller and the instructions may cause the controller to send a signal to the pump to stop pumping gas into the inflatable cell associated with the pressure sensors which sent the signal.
- the sensor platform array includes a single inflatable cell mounted on a support panel.
- One or a plurality of sensors may be disposed on the inflatable cell.
- the sensors may collect measurements which are relevant to a user's health and well-being. These measurements may include physiological measurements.
- the sensors may include one or more of the following list: a stethoscope, an ultrasound probe, an echocardiogram probe, a temperature sensor, a durometer, an electrocardiogram lead, and a ballistocardiography sensor.
- the one or more sensors may include pressure sensors which send a signal to a controller when the sensor detects an increase in pressure.
- the sensors may be removable and exchangeable. Accordingly, the sensors may be customized to meet a user's individual needs at any given time. In some embodiments, this sensor platform array may be mounted on a toilet lid.
- This embodiment may also include a gas pump.
- the gas pump may be in fluid connection with the single inflatable cell to provide gas which inflates the single inflatable cell.
- This embodiment may also include a conformational control system, similar to that described in the embodiment that comprises multiple sensor-inflatable cell assemblies.
- the conformation control system which may include one or a plurality of pressure sensors. Each pressure sensor may be in communication with the single inflatable cell.
- the conformation control system may further include a controller which is in electronic communication with each pressure sensor.
- the controller may include non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions for actuating a pump associated with the sensor platform array.
- the pump may direct gas into the inflatable cell causing it to extend toward a user.
- the pressure sensors may detect an increase in pressure when the inflatable cell is extended far enough to contact a surface of a user.
- the pressure sensors may send a signal to the controller and the instructions may cause the controller to send a signal to the pump to stop pumping gas into the inflatable cell.
- Some embodiments include a support panel as described elsewhere herein with a plurality of cylinder-piston assemblies in connection with the support panel.
- the support panel may extend vertically above the toilet bowl and be positioned such that the support panel is behind a user seated on the toilet seat of the medical toilet.
- Each cylinder-piston assembly may include a piston within a cylinder.
- the piston may be hydraulic or it may be pneumatic.
- a ball joint may be positioned on a distal end of the piston relative to the support panel.
- the ball joint may also be in connection with a sensor platform.
- the sensor platform may rotate on the ball joint so that the sensor platform may be flush with a surface of a user.
- One or more sensors may be positioned on the sensor platform.
- This embodiment may also include a conformation control system comprising a controller.
- One or more of the sensors may be a pressure sensor which sends a signal to the controller when the pressure sensor experiences an increase in pressure. This may occur when the sensor platform and sensor contact a surface of a user.
- the controller may include non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions for actuating a device which causes the piston to extend toward the user.
- the device may be a gas pump.
- the gas pump may direct gas to the cylinder-piston assemblies causing them to extend toward a user.
- the device may pump liquid into the cylinder-piston assemblies.
- the pressure sensors may detect an increase in pressure when the sensor platform is extended far enough to contact a surface of a user.
- the pressure sensors may send a signal to the controller and the instructions may cause the controller to send a signal to the device causing it to stop extending the piston.
- the instructions cause the gas pump to stop pumping gas into the cylinder-piston assembly associated with the pressure sensor which sent the signal.
- the instructions cause the pump to stop pumping liquid into the cylinder-piston assembly associated with the pressure sensor which sent the signal.
- any of the embodiments disclosed herein may include at least one bendable arm which may extend from the support panel.
- Each bendable arm may include at least one hinge which enables the arm to bend and wrap around a user seated on a toilet on which the sensor platform array is mounted.
- Each bendable arm may include at least one sensor which may collect measurements which are relevant to a user's health and well-being. These measurements may include physiological measurements.
- the sensors may include one or more of the following list: a stethoscope, an ultrasound probe, an echocardiogram probe, a temperature sensor, a durometer, an electrocardiogram lead, and a ballistocardiography sensor. Examples of measurements which may be collected from the ventral (front) of a user's body include heart rate, electrocardiogram measurements, ultrasound imaging of vital organs, bowel sounds, heart rate, heart rhythm, breath analysis, and body or skin temperature.
- any of the embodiments disclosed herein may include a controller which is in electrical communication with the sensor, the one or more sensor-inflatable cell assemblies, or the cylinder-piston arrays.
- the controller may include a memory on which signals produced by the sensors may be stored for later use.
- the controller may include non-transitory computer readable media which comprises instructions for creating an analysis of the signals received by the sensors or stored in the memory.
- FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment of a sensor platform array which is positioned on a medical toilet.
- the medical toilet includes toilet seat 130 and base 140 .
- the sensor platform array is positioned behind toilet seat 130 like a toilet lid in the raised (vertical) position although a traditional toilet lid is absent.
- the sensor platform array includes sensor platforms 110 a , 110 b , 110 c , 110 d , 110 e , 110 f , 110 h , and 110 i which may be individually controlled and moved to conform to the surface of the user.
- Sensor platforms 110 a - i are mounted on support structure 160 that may include mechanized joints that aid in moving the sensor platforms to the surface of the user.
- Each of sensor platforms 110 a - i may include a means for independent movement as disclosed herein.
- One or more of a plurality of sensors which may collect measurements relevant to a user's health and well-being may be mounted on each of sensor platforms 110 a - i.
- FIG. 1B illustrates the sensor platform array of FIG. 1A on the medical toilet.
- the embodiment of FIG. 1B includes toilet lid 130 on which the sensor platform array is mounted.
- support structure 160 is directly or indirectly in contact with toilet lid 130 to connect the sensor platform array to toilet lid 130 .
- FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a single sensor platform as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B that may be extended and retracted to move to and from the surface of the user, for example, the user's back.
- Cylinder 210 is connected to support structure 160 and extends outward from support structure 160 toward a user seated on a toilet seat.
- Piston 220 is inserted within cylinder 210 forming a cylinder-piston assembly. Piston 220 may move horizontally through cylinder 210 toward and away from a user who is seated on a toilet as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B .
- Ball joint 230 is positioned between piston 220 and sensor platform 110 a and connected to both.
- Ball joint 230 aids conformance of sensor platform 110 a to the surface of the user by enabling sensor platform 110 a to rotate on ball joint 230 . This rotation may place sensor platform 110 a flush with a surface of a user.
- the cylinder-piston assembly may be hydraulic and in others it may be pneumatic.
- FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an embodiment of a single sensor platform as illustrated in FIG. 1 that may be extended and retracted to move towards and away from the surface of the user.
- cylinder 220 is connected to and extends from support structure 160 .
- Inflatable cell 310 within cylinder 220 is shown deflated in FIG. 3A and inflated in FIG. 3B .
- Pump 170 moves gas through conduit 180 and into inflatable cell 310 causing inflatable cell 310 to inflate as shown in FIG. 3B .
- inflatable cell 310 When inflatable cell 310 is deflated as shown in FIG. 3A , it retracts into cylinder 220 .
- Inflatable cell 310 is in connection with ball joint 230 which, in turn, is in connection with sensor platform 110 a .
- Sensor platform 110 a extends proportionally as inflatable cell 310 is inflated and moves outward and away from support structure 160 .
- FIG. 3B inflatable cell 310 is fully inflated and, consequently, sensor platform 110 a is fully extended.
- inflatable cell 310 may be partially inflated in which case sensor platform 110 a may be partially extended.
- sensor platform 110 a may rotate on ball joint 230 which enables sensor platform 110 a to conform to rest flush with a surface of a user.
- FIG. 4A illustrates a front view of yet another embodiment of the disclosed sensor platform array.
- Inflatable cell 410 is mounted on support structure 160 .
- This embodiment includes a single inflatable cell on which are mounted a plurality of sensors (sensors 420 a - i ).
- sensors 420 a - i may be a pressure sensor which senses when inflatable cell 410 comes in contact with a surface of a user.
- the pressure sensor(s) detect a change in pressure, they may send a signal to a controller which may be in electronic communication with the pressure sensor(s).
- the controller may then send a signal to a pump, similar to that shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B , which supplies gas to inflatable cell 410 .
- the signal from the controller may deactivate the pump causing it to cease to provide gas to inflatable cell 410 .
- this embodiment is mounted on toilet lid 150 by adhering support structure 160 to toilet lid 150 .
- Toilet lid 150 is mounted on a toilet which includes toilet seat 130 .
- FIG. 4B shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 4A in which inflatable cell 410 is fully inflated.
- FIG. 4C shows the same view as FIG. 4C except that user 470 is seated on toilet seat 130 .
- Inflatable cell 410 is inflated to the point that it is flush with the back of user 470 all along the user' dorsal torso.
- Each of sensors 420 a - i is also flush with the back of user 470 enabling each sensor to collect a measurement which may be relevant to the health and well-being of user 470 .
- FIGS. 5A-C illustrate yet another embodiment of the disclosed sensor platform array.
- FIG. 5A illustrates a front view of an embodiment which includes support structure 160 which is similar to that shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B .
- Support structure 160 is mounted on toilet lid 150 .
- Inflatable cells 510 a - i are mounted on support structure 160 .
- One of sensors 520 a - i is mounted on each of inflatable cells 510 a - i . Consequently, inflatable cells 510 a - i each function as a sensor platform.
- This embodiment may include a pump and a conduit as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B and which provides gas to inflate each of inflatable cells 510 a - i.
- FIG. 5B shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 5A .
- Inflatable cells 510 a - i are inflated and thus sensors 520 a - i are extended toward the front of the toilet.
- FIG. 5C shows the same view as FIG. 5B with user 470 seated on toilet seat 130 .
- Inflatable cells 510 a - i are inflated to the level necessary to place sensors 520 a - i flush with the back of user 470 .
- inflatable cells 510 a and 510 b are inflated to a lesser extent than inflatable cells 510 f and 510 g.
- FIG. 6 illustrates the sensor platform array similar to that show in FIG. 4A .
- Electrical wires 610 a - i connect sensors 420 a - i to controller 620 . More or more of sensors 420 a - i may be a pressure sensor.
- sensors 420 a - i may be a pressure sensor.
- controller 620 may interpret the rise in pressure as contact with a user's body. Controller 620 may then signal a pump which provides gas to inflatable cell 410 to stop pumping gas into inflatable cell 410 .
- Inflatable cell 410 which, in this embodiment, functions as the sensor platform, ceases to extend toward the user.
- FIG. 7A illustrates an embodiment of the disclosed sensor platform array which includes sensor platforms 110 a - i and support structure 160 . These are substantially the same as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B . Also included in the embodiment of FIG. 7A are arms 710 , 720 , and 730 which extend outward from support structure 160 . Sensor platform 110 j is positioned on the distal end of arm 710 , furthest from support structure 160 . Similarly, sensor platform 110 k is positioned on the distal end of arm 720 and sensor platform 110 l is positioned on the distal end of arm 730 .
- Arm 710 includes hinges 740 a and 740 b
- arm 720 includes hinges 740 c and 740 d
- arm 730 includes hinges 740 e and 740 f .
- Each of arms 710 , 720 , and 730 bend at their respective hinges enabling the arms to wrap around user 470 as shown in FIG. 7B .
- User 470 is shown seated on toilet seat 130 in FIG. 7B .
- Arms 710 , 720 , and 730 bend through hinges 740 a - f and wrap around the torso of user 470 .
- Sensor platforms 110 j , 110 k , and 110 l are disposed on the chest and abdomen of user 470 .
- Sensor platform 110 j may support a sensor which collects measurements from a user's heart, for example, a stethoscope.
- Sensor platforms 110 k and 110 l may support sensors which collect measurements from a user's intestine or other abdominal organs.
- sensor platform 110 l may support an ultrasound probe which may collect images of the user's abdominal organs.
- Sensor platform 110 l may support a stethoscope which may detect bowel sounds or a temperature sensor which may detect skin temperature.
- cell pressure sensors 110 a - 1 may monitor body movement through detection in changes in pressure. Small movements may be detected which may be used to collect measurements which may be relevant to a user's health and well-being. For example, small body movements may arise from heart beat and blood flow (ballistocardiography), breathing, and peristaltic contraction of the intestine. Larger movements may also be detected and used to detect other events related to health and wellness, for example, coughing, muscle spasms, tremors, and other events involving musculoskeletal movement.
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Abstract
Description
- This disclosure relates to devices which collect measurements that are relative to a user's health status.
- Nearly everyone uses the toilet multiple times per day. Medical toilets collect measurements related to a user's health status while the user is depositing waste in the medical toilet. The user may use the medical toilet as one would use a traditional toilet except that the medical toilet collects measurements that are relevant to the user's health status. The measurements are collected without significantly impacting the user's daily routine. In addition, measurements may be taken more often with a medical toilet than would occur using other devices. This results in a more complete data set to be used to assess the user's health.
- Some medical toilets include sensors in the toilet seat because the toilet seat may come in contact with the bare skin of the legs. However, for purposes of collecting health related measurements, the toilet seat is a significant distance away from the vital organs of the body. More specifically, the distance between sensors in the toilet seat and the vital organs will cause a reduction in the quality of measurements collected from those organs.
- Unfortunately, the vital organs, many of which are located in the torso, are often the precise areas that are useful to monitor for purposes of tracking a user's health. Therefore, from a medical sensing perspective, it would be valuable to also have sensors placed on one or more of the back, torso, and neck because those areas are close to the heart, lungs, stomach, throat, and intestines. However, it would be inconvenient, difficult, or even impossible for the toilet user to place sensors on his or her own back, neck, and torso. Furthermore, it would be inconvenient, and defeat the purpose of having automated sensors on a toilet, to require another person to place the sensors on the user. Thus, there is a need for an automated, mechanized system for back, torso, and neck sensor placement.
- We disclose a sensor platform array which may be used on a medical toilet. The sensor platform array may be positioned on the medical toilet such that it is behind a user seated on the medical toilet. In other words, the sensor platform array may be positioned on or behind a rear section of the toilet seat on the medical toilet. In some embodiments, the sensor platform array may be positioned on a toilet lid.
- The sensor platform array may include sensors which may collect measurements that are relevant to a user's health or well-being. These measurements may be physiological measurements. The sensors may be removable and exchangeable so that the compliment of sensors may be customized to each user. The sensor platform array may include a support structure which is in connection with one or more automated mechanical apparatus which may move the sensors so that they may be brought in physical contact with a user's head, neck, arms, torso, and other body parts.
- In some embodiments, the automated mechanical apparatus includes a cylinder-piston assembly which may have a ball joint on the distal end of the piston. A sensor platform may be also be connected to the ball joint. The surface of each sensor platform on the sensor platform array may move to conform to the shape of the user so that physical contact between the sensors and the clothing or skin of the user is optimized. In some embodiments, the piston may be pneumatic or hydraulic.
- Alternatively, the automated mechanical apparatus may include one or more inflatable cells with at least one sensor mounted thereon. In these embodiments, the inflatable cell is the sensor platform. A pump directs gas into the one or more inflatable cell to expand it such that it extends toward a user seated on the medical toilet. The surface of each of the one or more inflatable cell on the sensor platform array may mold itself to conform to the shape of the user so that physical contact between the sensors and the clothing or skin of the user is optimized.
- The sensor platform array may include a conformational control system which may include one or a plurality of pressure sensors. Each pressure sensor may be in communication with the sensor platform. The conformation control system may further include a controller which is in electronic communication with each pressure sensor. The controller may include non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions for actuating a pump associated with the sensor platform array. The pump may direct gas into the inflatable cell causing it to extend toward a user. Eventually, the pressure sensors may detect an increase in pressure when the sensor platform is extended far enough to contact a surface of a user. Upon detecting the increase in pressure, the pressure sensors may send a signal to the controller and the instructions may cause the controller to send a signal to the pump causing it to stop pumping gas into the inflatable cell or pneumatic piston or stop pumping liquid into the hydraulic piston. Consequently, the sensors extend enough to be flush with a surface of a user but no more.
- The controller may also include a memory to store signals the controller receives from the sensors. The non-transitory computer readable medium may include instructions for analyzing the signals received by the controller or stored in the memory.
- In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment of the disclosed sensor platform array. -
FIG. 1B illustrates an embodiment of the disclosed sensor platform array which is mounted on a toilet lid. -
FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a single sensor platform which includes a cylinder-piston assembly. -
FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an embodiment of a single sensor platform which includes an inflatable cell in a deflated (FIG. 3A ) and an inflated (FIG. 3B ) position. -
FIG. 4A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the disclosed sensor array platform including a single inflatable cell. -
FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of the sensor array platform ofFIG. 4A . -
FIG. 4C illustrates a side view of the sensor array platform ofFIG. 4A during use. -
FIG. 5A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the disclosed sensor array platform which includes multiple inflatable cells. -
FIG. 5B illustrates a side view of the sensor array platform ofFIG. 5A . -
FIG. 5C illustrates a side view of the sensor array platform ofFIG. 5A during use. -
FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the disclosed sensor platform array with the sensors in electronic connection with a controller. -
FIG. 7A illustrates an embodiment of the disclosed sensor platform array with sensors mounted on a support structure with hinged arms. -
FIG. 7B illustrates the embodiment ofFIG. 4A mounted on a medical toilet with a user seated thereon. - The following terms and phrases have the meanings indicated below, unless otherwise provided herein. This disclosure may employ other terms and phrases not expressly defined herein. Such other terms and phrases shall have the meanings that they would possess within the context of this disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. In some instances, a term or phrase may be defined in the singular or plural. In such instances, it is understood that any term in the singular may include its plural counterpart and vice versa, unless expressly indicated to the contrary.
- As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to “a substituent” encompasses a single substituent as well as two or more substituents, and the like.
- As used herein, “for example,” “for instance,” “such as,” or “including” are meant to introduce examples that further clarify more general subject matter. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, such examples are provided only as an aid for understanding embodiments illustrated in the present disclosure, and are not meant to be limiting in any fashion. Nor do these phrases indicate any kind of preference for the disclosed embodiment.
- While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings, which will herein be described in detail, several specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principals of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the illustrated embodiments.
- We disclose a sensor platform array which may support a plurality of sensors and which may be mounted on a medical toilet, in particular, on the toilet lid. The sensor platform may have automated mechanical apparatuses which may move the sensors so that they may be brought in physical contact with a user's head, neck, arms, torso, and other body parts. The surface of each sensor platform on the sensor platform array may move to conform to the shape of the user so that physical contact between the sensors and the clothing or skin of the user is optimized.
- In some embodiments, the sensor platform array includes a support panel and a plurality of sensor-inflatable cell assemblies. The sensor-inflatable cell assemblies may be mounted on the support panel. Each of the sensor-inflatable cell assemblies may include one or more inflatable cells. One or more sensors may be mounted on each of the one or more inflatable cells. The one or more sensors may collect measurements which are relevant to a user's health and well-being. These measurements may include physiological measurements. For example, the sensors may include one or more of the following list: a stethoscope, an ultrasound probe, an echocardiogram probe, a temperature sensor, a durometer, an electrocardiogram lead, and a ballistocardiography sensor. The one or more sensors may include pressure sensors which send a signal to a controller when the sensor detects an increase in pressure. In some embodiments, the sensors and/or the sensor-inflatable cell assemblies may be removable and exchangeable. Accordingly, the sensors may be customized to meet a user's individual needs at any given time.
- In some embodiments, the sensor platform array includes a gas pump. The gas pump may be in fluid connection with the at least one inflatable cell to provide gas which inflates the at least one inflatable cell. In embodiments which include a plurality of sensor-inflatable cell assemblies, the gas pump may supply gas to inflate each inflatable cell.
- In some embodiments, the sensor platform array may include a conformation control system which may include one or a plurality of pressure sensors. Each pressure sensor may be in communication with the inflatable cell within one of the plurality of sensor-inflatable cell assemblies. The conformation control system may further include a controller which is in electronic communication with each pressure sensor. The controller may include non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions for actuating a pump associated with the sensor platform array. The pump may direct gas into the inflatable cells causing them to extend toward a user. Eventually, the pressure sensors may detect an increase in pressure when the inflatable cell is extended far enough to contact a surface of a user. The pressure sensors may send a signal to the controller and the instructions may cause the controller to send a signal to the pump to stop pumping gas into the inflatable cell associated with the pressure sensors which sent the signal.
- In some embodiments, the sensor platform array includes a single inflatable cell mounted on a support panel. One or a plurality of sensors may be disposed on the inflatable cell. As with the embodiment described above, the sensors may collect measurements which are relevant to a user's health and well-being. These measurements may include physiological measurements. For example, the sensors may include one or more of the following list: a stethoscope, an ultrasound probe, an echocardiogram probe, a temperature sensor, a durometer, an electrocardiogram lead, and a ballistocardiography sensor. The one or more sensors may include pressure sensors which send a signal to a controller when the sensor detects an increase in pressure. In some embodiments, the sensors may be removable and exchangeable. Accordingly, the sensors may be customized to meet a user's individual needs at any given time. In some embodiments, this sensor platform array may be mounted on a toilet lid.
- This embodiment may also include a gas pump. The gas pump may be in fluid connection with the single inflatable cell to provide gas which inflates the single inflatable cell.
- This embodiment may also include a conformational control system, similar to that described in the embodiment that comprises multiple sensor-inflatable cell assemblies. The conformation control system which may include one or a plurality of pressure sensors. Each pressure sensor may be in communication with the single inflatable cell. The conformation control system may further include a controller which is in electronic communication with each pressure sensor. The controller may include non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions for actuating a pump associated with the sensor platform array. The pump may direct gas into the inflatable cell causing it to extend toward a user. Eventually, the pressure sensors may detect an increase in pressure when the inflatable cell is extended far enough to contact a surface of a user. The pressure sensors may send a signal to the controller and the instructions may cause the controller to send a signal to the pump to stop pumping gas into the inflatable cell.
- Some embodiments include a support panel as described elsewhere herein with a plurality of cylinder-piston assemblies in connection with the support panel. The support panel may extend vertically above the toilet bowl and be positioned such that the support panel is behind a user seated on the toilet seat of the medical toilet. Each cylinder-piston assembly may include a piston within a cylinder. The piston may be hydraulic or it may be pneumatic. A ball joint may be positioned on a distal end of the piston relative to the support panel. The ball joint may also be in connection with a sensor platform. The sensor platform may rotate on the ball joint so that the sensor platform may be flush with a surface of a user. One or more sensors may be positioned on the sensor platform.
- This embodiment may also include a conformation control system comprising a controller. One or more of the sensors may be a pressure sensor which sends a signal to the controller when the pressure sensor experiences an increase in pressure. This may occur when the sensor platform and sensor contact a surface of a user. The controller may include non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions for actuating a device which causes the piston to extend toward the user. For example, in embodiments which include a pneumatic piston, the device may be a gas pump. The gas pump may direct gas to the cylinder-piston assemblies causing them to extend toward a user. In embodiments which include a hydraulic piston, the device may pump liquid into the cylinder-piston assemblies. Eventually, the pressure sensors may detect an increase in pressure when the sensor platform is extended far enough to contact a surface of a user. The pressure sensors may send a signal to the controller and the instructions may cause the controller to send a signal to the device causing it to stop extending the piston. In the example of the pneumatic piston, the instructions cause the gas pump to stop pumping gas into the cylinder-piston assembly associated with the pressure sensor which sent the signal. In the example of the hydraulic piston, the instructions cause the pump to stop pumping liquid into the cylinder-piston assembly associated with the pressure sensor which sent the signal.
- Any of the embodiments disclosed herein may include at least one bendable arm which may extend from the support panel. Each bendable arm may include at least one hinge which enables the arm to bend and wrap around a user seated on a toilet on which the sensor platform array is mounted. Each bendable arm may include at least one sensor which may collect measurements which are relevant to a user's health and well-being. These measurements may include physiological measurements. For example, the sensors may include one or more of the following list: a stethoscope, an ultrasound probe, an echocardiogram probe, a temperature sensor, a durometer, an electrocardiogram lead, and a ballistocardiography sensor. Examples of measurements which may be collected from the ventral (front) of a user's body include heart rate, electrocardiogram measurements, ultrasound imaging of vital organs, bowel sounds, heart rate, heart rhythm, breath analysis, and body or skin temperature.
- Any of the embodiments disclosed herein, may include a controller which is in electrical communication with the sensor, the one or more sensor-inflatable cell assemblies, or the cylinder-piston arrays. The controller may include a memory on which signals produced by the sensors may be stored for later use. The controller may include non-transitory computer readable media which comprises instructions for creating an analysis of the signals received by the sensors or stored in the memory.
- Referring now to the drawings,
FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment of a sensor platform array which is positioned on a medical toilet. The medical toilet includestoilet seat 130 andbase 140. In this embodiment, the sensor platform array is positioned behindtoilet seat 130 like a toilet lid in the raised (vertical) position although a traditional toilet lid is absent. The sensor platform array includessensor platforms support structure 160 that may include mechanized joints that aid in moving the sensor platforms to the surface of the user. Each of sensor platforms 110 a-i may include a means for independent movement as disclosed herein. One or more of a plurality of sensors which may collect measurements relevant to a user's health and well-being may be mounted on each of sensor platforms 110 a-i. -
FIG. 1B illustrates the sensor platform array ofFIG. 1A on the medical toilet. The embodiment ofFIG. 1B includestoilet lid 130 on which the sensor platform array is mounted. In this embodiment,support structure 160 is directly or indirectly in contact withtoilet lid 130 to connect the sensor platform array totoilet lid 130. -
FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a single sensor platform as illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1B that may be extended and retracted to move to and from the surface of the user, for example, the user's back.Cylinder 210 is connected to supportstructure 160 and extends outward fromsupport structure 160 toward a user seated on a toilet seat.Piston 220 is inserted withincylinder 210 forming a cylinder-piston assembly.Piston 220 may move horizontally throughcylinder 210 toward and away from a user who is seated on a toilet as shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B .Ball joint 230 is positioned betweenpiston 220 andsensor platform 110 a and connected to both. Ball joint 230 aids conformance ofsensor platform 110 a to the surface of the user by enablingsensor platform 110 a to rotate on ball joint 230. This rotation may placesensor platform 110 a flush with a surface of a user. In some embodiments, the cylinder-piston assembly may be hydraulic and in others it may be pneumatic. -
FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an embodiment of a single sensor platform as illustrated inFIG. 1 that may be extended and retracted to move towards and away from the surface of the user. Similar to the embodiment ofFIG. 2 ,cylinder 220 is connected to and extends fromsupport structure 160.Inflatable cell 310 withincylinder 220 is shown deflated inFIG. 3A and inflated inFIG. 3B . Pump 170 moves gas throughconduit 180 and intoinflatable cell 310 causinginflatable cell 310 to inflate as shown inFIG. 3B . Wheninflatable cell 310 is deflated as shown inFIG. 3A , it retracts intocylinder 220. Asinflatable cell 310 is filled with gas, it extends outward fromcylinder 220.Inflatable cell 310 is in connection with ball joint 230 which, in turn, is in connection withsensor platform 110 a.Sensor platform 110 a extends proportionally asinflatable cell 310 is inflated and moves outward and away fromsupport structure 160. InFIG. 3B ,inflatable cell 310 is fully inflated and, consequently,sensor platform 110 a is fully extended. Alternatively,inflatable cell 310 may be partially inflated in whichcase sensor platform 110 a may be partially extended. As in the embodiment ofFIG. 2 ,sensor platform 110 a may rotate on ball joint 230 which enablessensor platform 110 a to conform to rest flush with a surface of a user. -
FIG. 4A illustrates a front view of yet another embodiment of the disclosed sensor platform array.Inflatable cell 410 is mounted onsupport structure 160. This embodiment includes a single inflatable cell on which are mounted a plurality of sensors (sensors 420 a-i). One or more of sensors 420 a-i may be a pressure sensor which senses wheninflatable cell 410 comes in contact with a surface of a user. When the pressure sensor(s) detect a change in pressure, they may send a signal to a controller which may be in electronic communication with the pressure sensor(s). The controller may then send a signal to a pump, similar to that shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B , which supplies gas toinflatable cell 410. The signal from the controller may deactivate the pump causing it to cease to provide gas toinflatable cell 410. - As shown in
FIGS. 4A-C , this embodiment is mounted ontoilet lid 150 by adheringsupport structure 160 totoilet lid 150.Toilet lid 150 is mounted on a toilet which includestoilet seat 130. -
FIG. 4B shows a side view of the embodiment ofFIG. 4A in whichinflatable cell 410 is fully inflated.FIG. 4C shows the same view asFIG. 4C except thatuser 470 is seated ontoilet seat 130.Inflatable cell 410 is inflated to the point that it is flush with the back ofuser 470 all along the user' dorsal torso. Each of sensors 420 a-i is also flush with the back ofuser 470 enabling each sensor to collect a measurement which may be relevant to the health and well-being ofuser 470. -
FIGS. 5A-C illustrate yet another embodiment of the disclosed sensor platform array.FIG. 5A illustrates a front view of an embodiment which includessupport structure 160 which is similar to that shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B .Support structure 160 is mounted ontoilet lid 150. Inflatable cells 510 a-i are mounted onsupport structure 160. One of sensors 520 a-i is mounted on each of inflatable cells 510 a-i. Consequently, inflatable cells 510 a-i each function as a sensor platform. This embodiment may include a pump and a conduit as shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B and which provides gas to inflate each of inflatable cells 510 a-i. -
FIG. 5B shows a side view of the embodiment ofFIG. 5A . Inflatable cells 510 a-i are inflated and thus sensors 520 a-i are extended toward the front of the toilet.FIG. 5C shows the same view asFIG. 5B withuser 470 seated ontoilet seat 130. Inflatable cells 510 a-i are inflated to the level necessary to place sensors 520 a-i flush with the back ofuser 470. For example,inflatable cells inflatable cells -
FIG. 6 illustrates the sensor platform array similar to that show inFIG. 4A . Electrical wires 610 a-i connect sensors 420 a-i tocontroller 620. More or more of sensors 420 a-i may be a pressure sensor. Wheninflatable cell 410 and, consequently, the one or more pressure sensor, comes in contact with a surface on a user, the rise in pressure may be communicated tocontroller 620. Non-transitory computer readable medium on controller 20 may interpret the rise in pressure as contact with a user's body.Controller 620 may then signal a pump which provides gas toinflatable cell 410 to stop pumping gas intoinflatable cell 410.Inflatable cell 410, which, in this embodiment, functions as the sensor platform, ceases to extend toward the user. -
FIG. 7A illustrates an embodiment of the disclosed sensor platform array which includes sensor platforms 110 a-i andsupport structure 160. These are substantially the same as shown in the embodiment ofFIGS. 1A and 1B . Also included in the embodiment ofFIG. 7A arearms support structure 160.Sensor platform 110 j is positioned on the distal end ofarm 710, furthest fromsupport structure 160. Similarly,sensor platform 110 k is positioned on the distal end ofarm 720 and sensor platform 110 l is positioned on the distal end ofarm 730.Arm 710 includeshinges arm 720 includeshinges 740 c and 740 d, andarm 730 includeshinges arms user 470 as shown inFIG. 7B .User 470 is shown seated ontoilet seat 130 inFIG. 7B .Arms user 470.Sensor platforms user 470.Sensor platform 110 j may support a sensor which collects measurements from a user's heart, for example, a stethoscope.Sensor platforms 110 k and 110 l may support sensors which collect measurements from a user's intestine or other abdominal organs. For example, sensor platform 110 l may support an ultrasound probe which may collect images of the user's abdominal organs. Sensor platform 110 l may support a stethoscope which may detect bowel sounds or a temperature sensor which may detect skin temperature. - In some embodiments, cell pressure sensors 110 a-1 may monitor body movement through detection in changes in pressure. Small movements may be detected which may be used to collect measurements which may be relevant to a user's health and well-being. For example, small body movements may arise from heart beat and blood flow (ballistocardiography), breathing, and peristaltic contraction of the intestine. Larger movements may also be detected and used to detect other events related to health and wellness, for example, coughing, muscle spasms, tremors, and other events involving musculoskeletal movement.
- While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described above, it is to be understood that the disclosure provided is not limited to the precise configuration, steps, and components disclosed. Various modifications, changes, and variations apparent to those of skill in the art may be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and systems disclosed, with the aid of the present disclosure.
- Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can use the preceding description to utilize the present disclosure to its fullest extent. The examples and embodiments disclosed herein are to be construed as merely illustrative and exemplary and not a limitation of the scope of the present disclosure in any way. It will be apparent to those having skill in the art that changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the disclosure herein.
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