WO2017207957A1 - Écouteur et système de surveillance - Google Patents

Écouteur et système de surveillance Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2017207957A1
WO2017207957A1 PCT/GB2017/051125 GB2017051125W WO2017207957A1 WO 2017207957 A1 WO2017207957 A1 WO 2017207957A1 GB 2017051125 W GB2017051125 W GB 2017051125W WO 2017207957 A1 WO2017207957 A1 WO 2017207957A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
earpiece
user
ear
radiation
circuitry
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2017/051125
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Alexandra Sorina MOSS
James Robert LYNN
Robert James FINEAN
Original Assignee
Canaria Limted
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 Canaria Limted filed Critical Canaria Limted
Publication of WO2017207957A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017207957A1/fr
Priority to AU2018101872A priority Critical patent/AU2018101872A4/en

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • A61B5/02416—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate using photoplethysmograph signals, e.g. generated by infrared radiation
    • A61B5/02427—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
    • A61B5/02—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
    • A61B5/145—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissue
    • A61B5/1455—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissue using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
    • A61B5/14551—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissue using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters for measuring blood gases
    • 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
    • A61B5/6803—Head-worn items, e.g. helmets, masks, headphones or goggles
    • 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
    • A61B5/6813—Specially adapted to be attached to a specific body part
    • A61B5/6814—Head
    • A61B5/6815—Ear
    • 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
    • A61B5/6813—Specially adapted to be attached to a specific body part
    • A61B5/6814—Head
    • A61B5/6815—Ear
    • A61B5/6816—Ear lobe
    • 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
    • A61B5/683—Means for maintaining contact with the body
    • 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
    • A61B5/7225—Details of analog processing, e.g. isolation amplifier, gain or sensitivity adjustment, filtering, baseline or drift compensation
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R1/10—Earpieces; Attachments therefor ; Earphones; Monophonic headphones
    • H04R1/1008—Earpieces of the supra-aural or circum-aural type
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B2560/00—Constructional details of operational features of apparatus; Accessories for medical measuring apparatus
    • A61B2560/02—Operational features
    • A61B2560/0204—Operational features of power management
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B2560/00—Constructional details of operational features of apparatus; Accessories for medical measuring apparatus
    • A61B2560/02—Operational features
    • A61B2560/0242—Operational features adapted to measure environmental factors, e.g. temperature, pollution
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B2560/00—Constructional details of operational features of apparatus; Accessories for medical measuring apparatus
    • A61B2560/04—Constructional details of apparatus
    • A61B2560/0406—Constructional details of apparatus specially shaped apparatus housings
    • A61B2560/0425—Ergonomically shaped housings
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B2560/00—Constructional details of operational features of apparatus; Accessories for medical measuring apparatus
    • A61B2560/04—Constructional details of apparatus
    • A61B2560/0443—Modular apparatus
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B2560/00—Constructional details of operational features of apparatus; Accessories for medical measuring apparatus
    • A61B2560/04—Constructional details of apparatus
    • A61B2560/0456—Apparatus provided with a docking unit
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B2560/00—Constructional details of operational features of apparatus; Accessories for medical measuring apparatus
    • A61B2560/04—Constructional details of apparatus
    • A61B2560/0462—Apparatus with built-in sensors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B2562/00—Details of sensors; Constructional details of sensor housings or probes; Accessories for sensors
    • A61B2562/02—Details of sensors specially adapted for in-vivo measurements
    • A61B2562/0233—Special features of optical sensors or probes classified in A61B5/00
    • 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
    • A61B5/7271—Specific aspects of physiological measurement analysis
    • A61B5/7275—Determining trends in physiological measurement data; Predicting development of a medical condition based on physiological measurements, e.g. determining a risk factor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/74—Details of notification to user or communication with user or patient ; user input means
    • A61B5/7405—Details of notification to user or communication with user or patient ; user input means using sound
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/74—Details of notification to user or communication with user or patient ; user input means
    • A61B5/746—Alarms related to a physiological condition, e.g. details of setting alarm thresholds or avoiding false alarms

Definitions

  • FIGS. 4a and 4b show schematically an example circuit for use with an earpiece
  • FIG. 7 shows schematically an example of a monitoring system
  • the earpiece and the monitoring system described herein were inspired by the current limitations of wearable space technologies. Cumbersome clothing not only has the problem of interfering with daily movements, but is also susceptible to solar radiation when microchips are incorporated into fabrics. When researching the lives of astronauts, the inventors surprisingly realised that there was one area of the body that had been ignored by designers: that imperceptibly small space behind the concha of the ear and the neck.
  • the earpiece in such examples can be mounted behind the concha of the ear, so that the earpiece lies between the back or rear side of the ear and the head of the user. With appropriate attachment, this allows the earpiece to be worn comfortably for long periods of time, for example allowing real time monitoring of a biometric characteristic of a user, such as a blood oxygen saturation level, a pulse rate or a respiratory rate, continuously for hours, days, weeks or months at a time. This can be beneficial in a space environment, in which it is desirable to constantly monitor the health of astronauts.
  • a biometric characteristic of a user such as a blood oxygen saturation level, a pulse rate or a respiratory rate
  • the earpiece is mountable behind the ear of the user, the earpiece is protected between the ear and the head of the user and thus may remain secure throughout a variety of activities of the user such as during exercise, while sleeping or even during a spacewalk.
  • the mounting of the earpiece behind the ear of the user means that the user can wear in-ear headphone buds, glasses, over- ear headphones or in-ear hearing aids at the same time as the earpiece. This means that the user can wear the earpiece without altering their usual activities, such as listening to music or receiving commands via headphones.
  • the head benefits from central blood circulation, which allows a more reliable measurement of biometric characteristics, such as blood oxygen saturation level, pulse rate or respiratory rate, to be taken than other regions of the body.
  • biometric characteristics such as blood oxygen saturation level, pulse rate or respiratory rate
  • the body shuts down the blood supply to the hands, making measurements of biometric characteristics based on a pulse oximetry on the finger or wrist less reliable than measurements taken behind the ear.
  • measurements taken by the earpiece in examples described herein may be more accurate than with other devices that take measurements from different body locations.
  • Measurements taken by the earpiece may also suffer from lower noise than measurements taken elsewhere on the body because humans naturally keep their heads in a relatively stable or constant position, to protect the brain and to ensure a relatively stable field of view.
  • the charging apparatus may be arranged to wirelessly charge the power source of the earpiece, allowing for easy recharging of the earpiece, for example without having to take the earpiece off. This may simplify charging of the earpiece in space, as astronauts may be able to charge the earpiece without having to take off helmets or other space apparel.
  • the monitoring system includes a vital signs monitor and carbon dioxide alarm designed to be worn constantly by astronauts. It detects specific levels of gas in the air and oxygen levels in the blood. In space, this solves the problem of alerting astronauts to carbon dioxide pockets. It also gives researchers an accurate picture of biometrics.
  • Low power, internet of things technology enables a pulse oximeter, wirelessly rechargeable battery and Bluetooth transmitter to be fitted in the earpiece.
  • a mission patch contains the carbon dioxide detector and transmits wireless power to the earpiece. Different mission patches will detect different gases, for example in the military and emergency services, mountaineering, tunnels and mines. In hospitals, the earpiece on its own can be used to gather vitals for all patients.
  • This example monitoring system is a life-saver for wearers and those who benefit from the research it enables.
  • the example monitoring system is designed for space: it provides comfortable, unobtrusive biomedical and CO2 monitoring of vitals in a package designed to last in space.
  • the monitoring system includes a vital signs monitor, with earthbound applications in medicine, mining and tunneling industries, mountaineering, and the armed forces.
  • the patch may therefore be considered to be a charging apparatus for charging a power source of a biometric monitoring device such as the earpiece.
  • the patch in examples has a power source, such as wireless power source, and a datalink with the earpiece, which may be a wireless datalink.
  • a suitable sensor for use as a CO2 monitor is the K-30 sensor, available from C02Meter, 131 Business Center Drive, Ormond Beach, FL 32174 USA.
  • the example monitoring system is primarily designed for use on long-haul space missions, aboard space stations, and for commercial use in space hotels. As well as this, the example monitoring system has a bounty of life-saving earth-bound applications.
  • Hazardous gases such as CO2 or other gases, remain a huge problem for mining industries and tunneling, and the introduction of the example monitoring system provides a solution for the reduction of casualties.
  • Use in hospitals offers the ability for doctors to monitor whole wards of patients constantly, allowing them the opportunity to respond to critical warning signs earlier; this is especially critical for cardiac arrests, strokes and Intensive Care Units. Mountaineers require blood oxygen readings regularly when facing the pitfalls of changing altitude levels.
  • Military applications in war- zones are vast, counteracting chemical warfare as well as keeping tabs on soldiers' vital signs.
  • the inventors installed a combined Bluetooth and processor system on chip.
  • the chip for example a Nordic Semiconductor nRF52832 pulses an infrared light emitting diode (IR LED) into the blood vessels behind the wearer's ear.
  • IR LED infrared light emitting diode
  • the reflected signals from this diode are then picked up by an IR detector, where changes in light intensity are converted to a varying voltage signal.
  • This signal is then amplified by an Op-amp, operating in non-inverting amplification mode, and fed into an input on the nRF52831.
  • the signal is sampled by the nRF52831 and temporarily stored in memory before being transferred via BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) to the user's smartphone or to central medical server.
  • BLE Bluetooth Low Energy
  • An example of circuitry for use with this particular example monitoring system is provided in FIGS. 4a, 4b and 5.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates schematically an example earpiece 100 in plan view, with some of the internal components visible. Other internal components of the earpiece 100 are omitted, for clarity.
  • the earpiece 100 of FIG. 1 is mountable behind the ear of a user, as described further below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.
  • An earpiece is for example an item or article that is designed or otherwise arranged to be attached, applied or supported by the ear. For example, the earpiece may be entirely supported by the ear when mounted behind the ear.
  • the circuitry in this example also includes a processor 110 such as the Nordic Semiconductor nRF52832 chip, although other processors are possible in other examples.
  • the power source 106 is arranged to supply power to the circuitry.
  • the power source 106, the radiation source and detector 108 and the processor 110 in the example of FIG. 1 are each connected to or form part of a printed circuit board 112, which for example has a trapezoidal shape (as can be seen further in FIG. 5), which allows the printed circuit board 112 to be mounted securely within the casing 102.
  • the connections between the components of the earpiece 100 are not illustrated in FIG. 1, for clarity, but are described further below with reference to FIGS. 4a, 4b and 5.
  • the earpiece 100 may for example have a first portion and a second portion narrower than the first portion, the power source 106 located in the first portion (which is the wider portion).
  • the power source 106 located in the first portion (which is the wider portion).
  • at least part of the circuitry which in this example includes the radiation source and detector 108 and the processor 110, may be located in the second portion.
  • the power source 106 may be heavier, more massive or larger than the circuitry or than other components of the earpiece 100.
  • the power source 106 may be the most massive and/or the largest of the components of the earpiece 100.
  • the space or cavity within the casing 102 can be used most effectively, minimising the overall size of the earpiece 100. This can improve the comfort of the earpiece 100 for the user, as slimmer or smaller earpieces 100 may fit behind the ear more comfortably than larger or heavier earpieces.
  • first end 116 of the earpiece 100 or a region of the earpiece 100 including the first end 116 may be configured to be mounted adjacent to, in contact with or facing an upper portion of the ear, for example corresponding with a rear surface of the helix of the ear.
  • second end 118 of the earpiece or a region of the earpiece 100 including the second end 118 may be configured to be mounted adjacent to a lobe of the ear.
  • the first attachment element 120 may also or alternatively have a shape to avoid pinching, clamping or other pressure on the ear of the user.
  • the first attachment element 120 may have a shape to hook over an upper portion of the ear, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
  • Such a shape may be a curved shape, which may curve towards and around the upper portion of the ear.
  • the wireless power receiver 132 may receive power from a charging apparatus, which may be plugged into mains power for example.
  • a charging apparatus which may be plugged into mains power for example.
  • the charging apparatus may be attached or coupled to a headboard of a hospital bed or placed on a bedside table close to the patient's bed.
  • the charging apparatus may include a relatively large power capacity, such as a few thousand miUiampere hours (mAh), allowing the monitoring system of the earpiece 100 and the charging apparatus to be used away from mains power for a relatively long time.
  • the left side of the example circuit 130 also includes a radiation source 136 configured to emit radiation of at least one predetermined wavelength and a radiation detector 138 configured to detect radiation of the at least one predetermined wavelength, although in other examples the circuitry may include a plurality of radiation sources and/or a plurality of radiation detectors. Together, the radiation source 136 and the radiation detector 138 form part of circuitry for measuring a biometric characteristic of a user, such as a blood oxygen saturation level, a pulse rate or a respiratory rate.
  • a biometric characteristic of a user such as a blood oxygen saturation level, a pulse rate or a respiratory rate.
  • the radiation detector 138 is configured to detect radiation emitted from the radiation source 136 incident on the user and reflected back from the user to the radiation detector 138.
  • the radiation source 136 in examples emits radiation with a pulsed or time-varying intensity, and may for example emit pulsed radiation at a plurality of different frequencies. For example, the radiation source 136 may alternately emit radiation within two different frequency bands.
  • the intensity of the radiation detected by the radiation detector 138 for example depends on the blood volume and the concentration of oxy-haemoglobin in the blood.
  • the haemoglobin in the blood has a different absorptivity depending on whether it is bound to oxygen or not and on the wavelength of radiation. Accordingly, the oxygenation of the blood can be determined from the intensity of the radiation detected by the radiation detector 138.
  • the pulse rate and the respiratory rate of the user can also be determined from the intensity of the radiation detected by the radiation detector 138, as discussed further below.
  • Measuring the biometric characteristic of the user may include detecting radiation reflected from a portion of a head of the user substantially behind a lower half of the ear of the user, with the earpiece 100 mounted behind the ear of the user.
  • the circuitry itself may be located such that it is adjacent to this portion of the head, with the earpiece 100 mounted behind the ear of the user, for example with the transmissive portion 140, the radiation source 136 and/or the radiation detector 138 also located adjacent to this portion of the head.
  • the respiratory rate of the user may also be determined or estimated from the output of the radiation detector 138, for example the intensity of the radiation detected by the radiation detector 138, as the skilled person will appreciate.
  • the audible alarm may be sounded for example where the respiratory rate of the user is above 30 breaths per minute.
  • the audible alarm may be sounded where the temperature is measured to be over 39 degrees Celsius.
  • the thresholds at which the audible alarm is sounded may be configurable, for example by a user, or the thresholds may be predetermined or preset.
  • the circuitry of the earpiece may be configured to predict future medical events based on the measurement data.
  • the circuitry may be configured to generate a predicted likelihood of onset of a medical condition, such as a stroke or a heart attack, based on the measurement data.
  • Likelihood predictions such as this may be made based on processing of the measurement data using the at least one processor of the earpiece, which may implement any suitable algorithm for predicting medical events or the onset, start or escalation of medical conditions based on biometric characteristics such as blood oxygen saturation level, pulse rate, respiratory rate, vigilance level, head acceleration and/or temperature.
  • FIGS. 6a to 6d show some examples of different earpieces 200, 300, 400, 500.
  • Features of FIGS. 6a to 6d similar to corresponding features of FIG. 1 are labelled with the same reference numerals but incremented by 100, 200, 300 and 400 respectively; corresponding descriptions are to be taken to apply.
  • solid elements are shown with dotted shading.
  • the monitoring system may include an environmental sensor arranged to measure at least one environmental characteristic.
  • the at least one environmental characteristic comprises at least one of: a proportion of particulate matter in a gas sample; a pollen level; a radiation level; an ambient light level; or a noise level.
  • Particulate matter may for example me microscopic solid or liquid matter suspended in the gas sample such as air or an ambient gas.
  • the radiation level may be for example the level, proportion or quantity of harmful radiation such as gamma radiation or particle radiation such as alpha radiation, beta radiation or neutron radiation, which may be measured using a Geiger counter, for example.
  • the pulse oximetry integrated circuits 162a, 162b in this example also amplify and sample the outputs of the two photosensors 166a, 166b, although in other examples the amplification and/or sampling may be performed using separate components or amplification and/or sampling may be omitted.
  • the sensing circuit 160 is controlled similarly to the example circuit 130 of FIGS. 4a and 4b by at least one processor 172, which in this example is a nRF52832 chip.
  • the at least one processor 172 in this example is connected to an audible alarm 174, in this example an onboard buzzer, for alerting the user for example in dependence on the measurement data or on the predicted likelihood discussed above.
  • FIG. 10 shows an earpiece 600, which may have a casing 602 similar to the casing 102 of the earpiece 100.
  • the earpiece 600 of FIG. 10 may also include a first attachment element and/or a second attachment element similar to or the same as the first attachment element and/or the second attachment element of the earpieces 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 of any of FIG. 1 or FIGS. 6a, 6b, 6c or 6d.
  • the example earpiece 600 of FIG. 10 is illustrated in an orientation suitable for mounting behind an ear of a user. In other words, the upper end of the earpiece 600 would correspond with the upper ear and the lower end of the earpiece 600 would correspond with the lobe of the ear, with the earpiece 600 mounted behind the ear.
  • FIG. 10 in addition to the sensing circuit 160 of FIG. 8, further components are shown, including connectors 176 for connecting a power source, which may be similar to the power source described above with reference to FIG. 1. Accordingly, in this example, the power source would be located in an upper portion or upper half of the earpiece 600, such that the earpiece 600 remains stably positioned behind the ear of the user.
  • a power source which may be similar to the power source described above with reference to FIG. 1. Accordingly, in this example, the power source would be located in an upper portion or upper half of the earpiece 600, such that the earpiece 600 remains stably positioned behind the ear of the user.
  • a monitoring system comprising:
  • a biometric monitoring device comprising:
  • biometric characteristic is at least one of: a heart rate or a blood oxygen saturation level of the user.
  • the maximum current during charging is 1.5 amps (A) and the output potential is 4.20 volts (V), 4.35 V, 4.40 V.
  • the input power may be received from a "receiver coil" placed between pins AC1 and AC2 as shown in FIG. 4a.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Cardiology (AREA)
  • Physiology (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Spectroscopy & Molecular Physics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Artificial Intelligence (AREA)
  • Computer Vision & Pattern Recognition (AREA)
  • Psychiatry (AREA)
  • Measuring Pulse, Heart Rate, Blood Pressure Or Blood Flow (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un écouteur pouvant être monté derrière l'oreille d'un utilisateur. L'écouteur comprend un boîtier et, disposé à l'intérieur du boîtier, une source d'alimentation et des ensembles de circuits permettant de mesurer une caractéristique biométrique de l'utilisateur à l'aide d'une oxymétrie de pouls par réflectance. La source d'alimentation est conçue pour fournir de l'énergie aux ensembles de circuits. D'autres exemples concernent un système de surveillance comprenant un écouteur pouvant être monté derrière l'oreille d'un utilisateur et un appareil de charge destiné à charger une source d'alimentation de l'écouteur.
PCT/GB2017/051125 2016-06-03 2017-04-21 Écouteur et système de surveillance WO2017207957A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2018101872A AU2018101872A4 (en) 2016-06-03 2018-11-30 Earpiece and monitoring system

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201662345184P 2016-06-03 2016-06-03
US62/345,184 2016-06-03

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
AU2018101872A Division AU2018101872A4 (en) 2016-06-03 2018-11-30 Earpiece and monitoring system

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2017207957A1 true WO2017207957A1 (fr) 2017-12-07

Family

ID=58772926

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2017/051125 WO2017207957A1 (fr) 2016-06-03 2017-04-21 Écouteur et système de surveillance

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2017207957A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2022087651A1 (fr) * 2020-10-30 2022-05-05 Canaria Technologies Pty Ltd Surveillance de sujet

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080165017A1 (en) * 2005-07-28 2008-07-10 Hippoc Ltd. Ear-mounted biosensor
US20080200774A1 (en) * 2007-02-16 2008-08-21 Hongyue Luo Wearable Mini-size Intelligent Healthcare System
US20080234600A1 (en) * 2004-03-04 2008-09-25 Leon Thomas Lee Marsh Hydration Monitor
US20100113948A1 (en) * 2007-03-15 2010-05-06 Imperial Innovations Limited Heart rate measurement
US20140135596A1 (en) * 2009-02-25 2014-05-15 Valencell, Inc. Form-fitted monitoring apparatus for health and enviornmental monitoring
US20160081562A1 (en) * 2014-09-24 2016-03-24 Pelletric Llc System and method for measuring vital signs

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080234600A1 (en) * 2004-03-04 2008-09-25 Leon Thomas Lee Marsh Hydration Monitor
US20080165017A1 (en) * 2005-07-28 2008-07-10 Hippoc Ltd. Ear-mounted biosensor
US20080200774A1 (en) * 2007-02-16 2008-08-21 Hongyue Luo Wearable Mini-size Intelligent Healthcare System
US20100113948A1 (en) * 2007-03-15 2010-05-06 Imperial Innovations Limited Heart rate measurement
US20140135596A1 (en) * 2009-02-25 2014-05-15 Valencell, Inc. Form-fitted monitoring apparatus for health and enviornmental monitoring
US20160081562A1 (en) * 2014-09-24 2016-03-24 Pelletric Llc System and method for measuring vital signs

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2022087651A1 (fr) * 2020-10-30 2022-05-05 Canaria Technologies Pty Ltd Surveillance de sujet

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20220054086A1 (en) Stabilized sensor modules and monitoring devices incorporating same
US9129500B2 (en) Apparatus for monitoring the condition of an operator and related system and method
US20190216395A1 (en) Methods and systems for vital signs monitoring with ear piece
US10559220B2 (en) Systems and methods for creating a neural network to provide personalized recommendations using activity monitoring devices with biometric sensors
US10251603B2 (en) Systems and methods for vital signs monitoring with ear piece
US20150130613A1 (en) Selectively available information storage and communications system
US20200121258A1 (en) Wearable device for non-invasive administration of continuous blood pressure monitoring without cuffing
US20140378853A1 (en) Universal wearable limb band mounting, powering and providing an antenna for, diverse physiological sensors and monitors
JP2017516539A (ja) モジュール型センサープラットフォームを有する調整可能なウェアラブルシステム
WO2014116942A2 (fr) Dispositifs de surveillance physiologique ayant des éléments de détection découplés d'un mouvement de corps
CN209529110U (zh) 一种生命体征实时监测手环
US10667731B2 (en) Human performance oxygen sensor
US20160174898A1 (en) Physiological parameters monitoring system
ES2800296T3 (es) Aparato de medida/seguimiento de signos vitales
AU2018101872A4 (en) Earpiece and monitoring system
WO2017207957A1 (fr) Écouteur et système de surveillance
US20170027515A1 (en) Non-Invasive Continuous Monitoring of Physiological Parameters
US20210064897A1 (en) Biometric monitoring and protective device
CN211270775U (zh) 耳夹式血氧检测器
TW202121120A (zh) 穿戴式姿態監控裝置及姿態監控方法
US20240103285A1 (en) Integrated health sensors
US11950039B2 (en) Ringed-shaped biometric earpiece
WO2023200902A2 (fr) Capteur de contrainte physiologique
CN211459079U (zh) 一种成人心血管疾病发病预警手环设备
Dementyev et al. 135-hour-battery-life skin temperature monitoring system using a Bluetooth cellular phone

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 17726015

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 17726015

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1