Physiological monitoring devices having sensing elements decoupled from body motion
Inventors
Just, Steven Matthew • Tucker, Jesse Berkley • Splinter, Robert • LeBoeuf, Steven Francis
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12076126-B2
Publication Date
2024-09-03
Expiration Date
Abstract
A monitoring device configured to be attached within a portion of an ear of a subject includes an elastomeric arm having opposite first and second end portions. A sensing element is located at the elastomeric arm second end portion and includes at least one energy emitter configured to direct energy at a target region of the ear and at least one detector configured to detect an energy response signal from the target region or a region adjacent the target region. The monitoring device is configured such that the elastomeric arm first end portion engages the ear at a first location within the ear and such that the elastomeric arm resiliently bends such that a surface of the sensing element is urged into contact with the ear at a second location within the ear.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an electronic device that performs physiological monitoring using a sensing element positioned at a desired location on a user’s appendage or finger. A band is configured to be secured around the finger or worn around an appendage, with an inner surface facing the finger in a worn position. The device includes a plurality of biasing elements protruding from the band, each biasing element configured to contact the finger or appendage and urge intimate sensor-to-skin contact at a target region.
In the physiological monitoring device, the sensing element is positioned within a biasing element and includes an energy emitter and an energy detector. The energy emitter directs energy at the finger or directs optical energy through the biasing element to a region of the appendage, and the energy detector detects a response to the emitted energy. In certain configurations, the sensing element includes an optical emitter and a window positioned over the optical emitter such that light passes through the window.
The invention further provides stability and decoupling from movement by arranging the sensing element relative to the biasing elements so it is maintained at an intended location. Biasing elements protrude and define arcuate surfaces configured to contact the appendage, and optional components can include light guides for delivering light and receiving an optical energy response signal with physiological information, as well as wireless communication to convey the received data to a remote device.
Claims Coverage
The partial content includes three independent claims, each defining a wearable electronic or monitoring device with a band, a plurality of biasing elements that contact an appendage or finger, and a sensing element that emits energy and detects a response, including optical configurations.
Finger-worn band with radially protruding biasing elements and emitter/detector sensing
An electronic device comprising a band configured to be secured around a finger of a user; a plurality of biasing elements extending radially away from an inside surface of the band in spaced apart relationship, each biasing element protruding from the inside surface and configured to contact the finger; a sensing element positioned within a biasing element, the sensing element comprising an energy emitter configured to direct energy at the finger and an energy detector configured to detect a response to the emitted energy; and a processor communicatively coupled to the sensing element and configured to receive data from the energy detector.
Appendage band with arcuate biasing elements directing optical energy through a biasing element to a region
A monitoring device comprising a band configured to be worn around an appendage of a user; a plurality of biasing elements protruding from the band, each biasing element defining an arcuate surface configured to contact the appendage of the user; and a sensing element positioned at least partially within a first biasing element and directing optical energy through the first biasing element and to a region of the appendage of the user.
Removably coupled finger band with protruded biasing elements and optical emitter with window
A monitoring device comprising a band configured to be removably coupled to a finger, the band defining an inner surface facing the finger in a worn position; a plurality of biasing elements, each biasing element defining a protruded portion of the inner surface; a sensing element at least partially positioned in a first biasing element, the sensing element comprising an optical emitter configured to direct light to a target region of the finger; and a window positioned over the optical emitter and through which light from the optical emitter passes.
Across the independent claims, the core coverage is a wearable band with biasing elements that contact a finger or appendage, where a sensing element is positioned within a biasing element and directs energy, including optical energy, to a target region while detecting a response. A processor receives detector data, and the optical configurations include a window over an optical emitter and a sensing element directing optical energy through a biasing element.
Stated Advantages
Improved signal quality and comfort by urging sensor-to-skin contact and stabilizing the sensing element against motion artifacts.
Documented Applications
Physiological monitoring using photoplethysmography (PPG) via an ear- or appendage-worn monitoring device with a low-mass sensing element decoupled from bulk motion.
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