Near-infrared spectroscopy systems and methods
Inventors
ALLEN, Jared Dale • GOLDBACH, Bretton Robert • HABIB, Areej • STROHMAIER, JASON MICHAEL • BOUTWELL, Ryan Casey
Assignees
Publication Number
US-11974843-B2
Publication Date
2024-05-07
Expiration Date
2042-04-04
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Abstract
A near-infrared spectroscopy system comprises a substrate, a light source emitting a set of wavelengths, an optical detector detecting the set of wavelengths, a processor in electronic communication with the light source bank and/or the optical detector, and a memory device in electronic communication with the processor. The light source bank, optical detector, processor, and memory device are mounted on the substrate, and a battery is in electronic communication with at least one of these components. Program instructions direct the processor to calculate an oxygenation level, compare that oxygenation level to a predetermined threshold, and optionally, activate a feedback device. A method of detecting an oxygenation level comprises mounting the system in a wearable article, calculating a baseline oxygenation level, regularly executing the program instructions to calculate the oxygenation level, and activating the feedback device.
Core Innovation
The invention is a near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) system integrated on a substrate that includes a first light source bank emitting a set of red or near-infrared wavelengths, an optical detector mounted on the substrate detecting the emitted wavelengths at a certain distance, a processor communicating with these components, a non-transient memory device storing program instructions, and a battery powering at least one of these components. The program instructions direct the system to select wavelengths and distances based on input parameters, process signals from the optical detector to calculate oxygenation levels, compare these levels to predetermined thresholds, and optionally activate feedback devices or store data.
The system may also include a second light source bank emitting a second set of wavelengths, additional optical detectors, movable mounts to adjust distances between light sources and detectors, and shielding devices to protect it from electromagnetic or ambient light interference. The substrate can be flexible or have both rigid and flexible portions to conform to a mammal's skull or body surface. The invention further comprises methods of use in wearable articles, such as helmets or clothing, for real-time oxygenation monitoring with feedback activation and potential inflatable devices adjusting to oxygenation levels.
Claims Coverage
The patent claims include multiple inventive features centered around an integrated near-infrared spectroscopy system and methods for oxygenation level detection.
Integrated near-infrared spectroscopy system on a substrate
A NIRS system with a substrate mounting a first light source bank emitting red or near-infrared wavelengths, an optical detector detecting the first set of wavelengths at a first distance, a processor and non-transient memory device in electronic communication and mounted on the substrate, a battery providing power, and program instructions directing selection of wavelengths and distances based on input parameters, processing signals to calculate oxygenation level, comparing to a threshold, filtering signals, activating feedback devices, and storing data.
Inclusion of a second light source bank and detection capabilities
The system further comprises a second light source bank emitting a second set of wavelengths, with the optical detector capable of detecting both sets of wavelengths at specified distances, processor communication with all sources and detectors, battery communication, and program instructions to select wavelengths and distances based on input parameters.
Battery communication via connector and assembly structure
The battery is connected electronically via a connector to at least one of the light source banks, optical detector, processor, and memory device. The system may include a first assembly with the substrate, light source banks, optical detector, processor, and memory device, and a second assembly comprising the battery.
Movable optical detector feature
The optical detector can be movably mounted to the substrate with program instructions to adjust its distance from light source banks based on input parameters.
Flexible and conforming substrate design
The substrate can be flexible and configured to conform to at least a portion of a mammal’s skull or body surface, and may include both rigid and flexible portions.
Defined predetermined oxygenation threshold range
The predetermined threshold of the oxygenation level is defined as ranging from about 50% to about 100% oxygen.
Shielding and accelerometer features
The system may include a shielding device over the substrate and an accelerometer mounted thereon, with program instructions to modify feedback based on measured velocity changes.
Inflatable wearable device integration
The system can include an inflatable wearable device and program instructions to adjust the inflation level when oxygenation level differs from predetermined thresholds.
Use of a rigid substrate and wavelength ranges
The substrate can be rigid, with light source wavelengths within about 660 nm to 940 nm, and source-to-detector distances specified from about 0.8 cm to 4.5 cm.
The claims comprehensively cover integrated NIRS systems on flexible or rigid substrates with multiple light sources, movable detectors, onboard processing and memory, rechargeable batteries, and program instructions enabling adaptive wavelength and distance selection, oxygenation calculation, feedback activation, and wearable applications including inflatable devices and shielding.
Stated Advantages
The system’s integration into a wearable, flexible substrate enhances portability and allows use outside traditional clinical or laboratory settings.
The inclusion of onboard processing, memory, and power enables standalone, fully wearable devices improving wearability and utility compared to semi-ambulatory systems.
Adaptive selection of wavelengths and detector distances based on input parameters optimizes measurement accuracy.
Inclusion of feedback devices allows near-real-time alerts to users for timely adjustments to maintain oxygenation within desired thresholds.
Movable detectors and shielding improve measurement precision and reduce interference from motion or ambient light.
Networking multiple independent NIRS systems provides comprehensive, multipoint physiological monitoring across body areas or multiple individuals.
Documented Applications
Wearable articles such as helmets, hats, body suits, arm or leg coverings, and foot coverings incorporating the NIRS system for continuous oxygenation monitoring.
Inflatable wearable devices adjusting pressure in response to detected oxygenation levels to maintain or improve tissue oxygenation.
Integration with oxygenation devices such as oxygen tanks or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) devices for automatic adjustment based on oxygenation measurements.
Population health monitoring using multiple NIRS systems networked across individuals to detect group physiological changes or early health threats.
Use in closed-loop systems providing autonomous feedback or adjustments guided by real-time physiological data.
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