Physiological monitoring apparatus
Inventors
LeBoeuf, Steven Francis • Tucker, Jesse Berkley • Aumer, Michael Edward
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11350831-B2
Publication Date
2022-06-07
Expiration Date
Abstract
An earpiece module includes a physiological sensor, an external energy sensor, a transceiver, a communication module, a data storage component, and a power source. The communication module includes a microphone, a speaker, and a signal processor. The signal processor processes audio information received from a remote source via the transceiver and communicates the processed audio information to a subject via the speaker. The signal processor processes information in real time from the physiological sensor and the external energy sensor, and the signal processor provides biofeedback to the subject based on signals produced by the physiological sensor. The data storage component includes a plurality of algorithms. At least one algorithm focuses processing resources on extracting physiological information from the physiological sensor, at least one algorithm is configured to be modified or uploaded wirelessly via the transceiver, and at least one algorithm is a compression/decompression (CODEC) algorithm.
Core Innovation
The invention provides an earpiece module configured to be worn at an ear of a subject. The earpiece module includes at least one physiological sensor configured to monitor subject pulse rate, wherein the physiological sensor comprises a reflectance pulse oximeter, and at least one external energy sensor configured to monitor temperature, sound, or light in an environment external to the ear of the subject.
The earpiece module further includes a transceiver configured to wirelessly transmit and receive data, and a communication module comprising a microphone, a speaker, and at least one signal processor. The signal processor processes audio information received from a remote source via the transceiver and communicates the processed audio information to the subject via the speaker, and processes information in real time from the physiological sensor and the external energy sensor.
The signal processor is configured to provide biofeedback to the subject based on signals produced by the physiological sensor, and the earpiece module includes a data storage component comprising a plurality of algorithms utilized by the signal processor. At least one algorithm focuses processing resources on extracting physiological information from the physiological sensor, at least one algorithm is configured to be modified or uploaded wirelessly via the transceiver, and at least one algorithm is a compression/decompression (CODEC) algorithm.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim identifies four inventive features: wearable earpiece physiological sensing, external environment energy sensing, real-time communication and biofeedback processing, and algorithm storage with wireless modification.
Wearable earpiece with physiological pulse-rate sensing
An earpiece module configured to be worn at an ear of a subject, including at least one physiological sensor configured to monitor subject pulse rate, wherein the at least one physiological sensor comprises a reflectance pulse oximeter.
External environment energy sensing
At least one external energy sensor configured to monitor temperature, sound, or light in an environment external to the ear of the subject.
Wireless transceiver for transmit and receive data
A transceiver configured to wirelessly transmit and receive data.
Real-time communication and biofeedback processing with remote audio
A communication module comprising a microphone, a speaker, and at least one signal processor, wherein the at least one signal processor is configured to process audio information received from a remote source via the transceiver and to communicate the processed audio information to the subject via the speaker; wherein the at least one signal processor is configured to process information in real time from the at least one physiological sensor and the at least one external energy sensor; and wherein the at least one signal processor is configured to provide biofeedback to the subject based on signals produced by the at least one physiological sensor.
Algorithm storage with physiological-information extraction and wireless modification
A data storage component comprising a plurality of algorithms configured to be utilized by the at least one signal processor, wherein at least one algorithm is configured to focus processing resources on extracting physiological information from the at least one physiological sensor, wherein at least one algorithm is configured to be modified or uploaded wirelessly via the transceiver, and wherein at least one algorithm is a compression/decompression (CODEC) algorithm.
The coverage centers on a wearable earpiece module that integrates reflectance pulse oximetry for pulse-rate monitoring, external energy sensing, real-time signal processing for remote audio and biofeedback, and a data storage component holding multiple algorithms including a compression/decompression (CODEC) algorithm with wireless modification or upload.
Stated Advantages
Provides biofeedback to the subject based on signals produced by the physiological sensor.
Enables real-time processing of information from the at least one physiological sensor and the at least one external energy sensor.
Allows processing resources to be focused on extracting physiological information.
Supports wirelessly modifying or uploading algorithms, including a compression/decompression (CODEC) algorithm.
Processes audio information received from a remote source and communicates the processed audio information to the subject via the speaker.
Documented Applications
Real-time, noninvasive health and environmental monitoring using a wearable earpiece module with wireless transmission and biofeedback.
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