Health monitoring with 3D printed sensors
Inventors
Mogford, Jonathan • Church, Kenneth H.
Assignees
Publication Number
US-10926136-B1
Publication Date
2021-02-23
Expiration Date
2037-07-28
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Abstract
A personalized device for therapeutic training includes a therapeutic device body, electronic circuitry integrated into the therapeutic device body wherein the electronic circuitry comprises at least one sensor. The therapeutic device body is personalized for use by a patient through sizing and shaping the therapeutic device based on measurements of the patient and 3D printing at least a portion of the therapeutic device body and at least a portion of the electronic circuitry to make the personalized device both electrically and mechanically functional.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a personalized device for therapeutic training, which includes a therapeutic device body and integrated electronic circuitry containing at least one sensor. The device is customized for each patient by sizing and shaping it according to the patient's measurements, and by utilizing 3D printing to fabricate at least part of both the device body and the electronic circuitry, thus ensuring that the device is both electrically and mechanically functional. The 3D model for the device, generated from individual patient measurements, also defines the optimal placement and size of the sensors to suit the patient.
This innovation addresses the significant challenges in physical, occupational, and other therapeutic regimens, where there is often a lack of objective, measurable feedback for both patients and therapists, limited access and adherence to therapy, and insufficient data for personalized monitoring and improvement. Current therapeutic methods, such as oro-motor training and physical therapy with therapist guidance, provide only open-ended feedback, which can lead to decreased patient motivation, lower compliance, and suboptimal rehabilitation outcomes.
The personalized device may take forms such as a mouth piece, brace, bandage, or wrap, and can include features like wireless communication, motion inducers, medication dispensers, and secure data handling. It enables closed-loop feedback by transmitting quantified biophysical data from sensors to control boxes, databases, or video game interfaces, thus supporting individualized health monitoring, training, rehabilitation, and even medication dispensing. The system leverages real-time feedback, data mining, and personalized device fabrication to improve the efficacy, engagement, and tracking of therapeutic processes.
Claims Coverage
The patent encompasses four independent claims, each introducing inventive features centered around personalized, sensor-integrated therapeutic devices, 3D modeling and printing for patient-specific fit, and integration with video game interfaces and therapeutic data analysis.
Personalized 3D printed therapeutic training device with integrated sensors and video game interface
A system consisting of: - A therapeutic device body personalized for a patient using a three dimensional model derived from patient measurements, which defines device size, shape, and sensor positioning and size. - Electronic circuitry integrated into the device body with at least one sensor. - At least a portion of both the device body and electronic circuitry being 3D printed to create both electrical and mechanical functionality. - Operative communication of sensor data to a video game, where data from at least one sensor is used as input for therapeutic training.
Method for manufacturing and using a personalized sensor-integrated therapeutic device with video game input
A method comprising: 1. Acquiring measurements of a patient for proper sizing and shaping of a therapeutic device. 2. Constructing a 3D model defining device fit, size, sensor placement, and sensor size according to those measurements. 3. Manufacturing the device with a 3D printed body and integrated electronic circuitry with sensors. 4. Acquiring data from those sensors during use. 5. Using the sensor data as input to control a video game for therapy purposes.
Method of tracking and comparing therapeutic training using an intelligent personalized sensor system
A method including: - Obtaining data-mined results from oro-motor training, physical therapy, or real-time medication release. - Using a personalized 3D printed and electrically/mechanically functional oro-motor mouth piece for data acquisition. - Providing visual feedback and instruction in the form of a game with quantitative information.
Method for performing therapy using a personalized sensor device with video game integration
A method involving: - Acquiring patient measurements for device sizing/shaping. - Manufacturing a personalized therapeutic training device with a 3D printed body and integrated electronic circuitry containing at least one sensor. - Acquiring data from the sensor during therapy. - Using the acquired sensor data as input for a video game.
In summary, the inventive features claim a system and methods for creating and using customized therapeutic training devices, where device physical parameters and sensor integration are tailored to the individual via 3D modeling and printing, and where sensor-derived data serve as interactive feedback, including real-time integration with video game platforms to facilitate personalized therapy and engagement.
Stated Advantages
Enables individualized health monitoring, physical rehabilitation, and training by personalizing devices using patient-specific data and 3D printing.
Facilitates objective measurement of patient performance, supporting evidence-based therapy, improved patient engagement, and compliance.
Allows for real-time and continuous recording and feedback of biophysical data to both patients and healthcare providers.
Supports data mining and database building for enhanced therapy personalization, evidence-based reimbursement, and comparison to population-level data.
Improves patient motivation and compliance through integration of video-game based and visual feedback modalities.
Enables wireless and secure communication of therapeutic data, including options for passive and low-power operation.
Personalized fit and embedded functionality reduce discomfort and encourage sustained therapeutic engagement.
Documented Applications
Personalized oro-motor training for oral rehabilitation, particularly for conditions like cerebral palsy or delayed oral motor development.
Physical rehabilitation for musculoskeletal injuries using custom-fit braces and feedback systems for joints such as knee, wrist, ankle, neck, and others.
Use of personalized wraps or bandages for targeted therapeutic motion, medication dispensing, and sensor-enabled monitoring.
Patient health self-monitoring for personalized training, physical rehabilitation, and injury avoidance due to improper or excessive motion or exertion.
Objective outcome recording and data sharing for healthcare providers, payers, and evidence-based reimbursement systems.
Game-based therapeutic training where sensor data is used as input for interactive games to increase engagement and adherence.
Real-time feedback for both patients and healthcare providers during therapy sessions, enabling optimized therapy adjustment.
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