Wearable device with physiological parameters monitoring
Inventors
Al-Ali, Ammar • Scruggs, Stephen • Priddell, Richard
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12336796-B2
Publication Date
2025-06-24
Expiration Date
2042-07-12
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Abstract
An optical physiological sensor can be integrated into a wearable device and can comprise a substrate having an optical center, a first emitter group of light emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned adjacent to the optical center of the substrate and spaced at an offset from the optical center, a second emitter group of LEDs positioned adjacent to the optical center of the substrate at an offset to the optical center and spaced at an offset from the optical center opposite the first emitter group of LEDs relative to the optical center, and a plurality of detectors arranged in a spatial configuration that surrounds the first and the second emitter group. Each of the plurality of detectors can be positioned on the substrate a same distance away from the optical center of the substrate.
Core Innovation
The invention provides an optical physiological sensor integrated into a wearable device, such as a wrist-worn health monitoring device. The sensor comprises a substrate with an optical center, two emitter groups of light emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned on either side of the center, and a plurality of detectors arranged in an annulus around the emitter groups, all at an equal distance from the optical center. A light barrier construct is provided to define separate chambers isolating the emitter groups from each other and from the detectors.
The sensor design enables measurement of physiological parameters, including pulse rate, oxygen saturation, hydration status, and other health metrics, through light transmission and detection at sparse capillary bed locations such as the wrist, which are typically challenging for accurate readings. The configuration includes mirrored emitter arrangements across a centerline, optimized optical paths, and precise geometric relationships among emitters, detectors, and barriers to maximize signal integrity and minimize noise or cross-talk between chambers.
A primary problem solved by the invention is the limited accuracy and convenience of conventional pulse oximetry sensors when used at sites with fewer capillaries, like the wrist, and during motion. Existing sensors require placement at dense capillary beds (e.g., fingers or ears) and are unreliable during daily activities. This invention's sensor configuration, chamber isolation, and optical symmetry address these concerns, offering robust physiological monitoring in a consumer-friendly wearable form factor suitable for everyday use.
Claims Coverage
There are two independent inventive features described in the claims.
Annular detector configuration with mirroring emitter groups and optical isolation
An optical physiological sensor comprises: - A substrate having an optical center. - A first emitter group of LEDs positioned adjacent to and offset from the optical center. - A second emitter group of LEDs positioned opposite the first emitter group relative to the optical center. - A plurality of detectors arranged in an annular spatial configuration, each detector placed at a uniform distance from the optical center, with the annulus radius being less than 6.75 mm. - A light barrier construct defining a first emitter chamber housing the first emitter group and a second emitter chamber housing the second emitter group, optically isolating the two emitter groups from each other. The arrangement allows for mirrored emitter placement and minimized optical cross-talk, facilitating physiological measurements at the wrist.
Optical sensor with a narrow light barrier and mirrored emitter arrangements
An optical physiological sensor comprises: - A substrate with an optical center. - A first emitter group and a second emitter group of LEDs, each positioned on opposite sides of the optical center. - A plurality of detectors arranged in a surrounding spatial (including annular) configuration, all equidistant from the optical center. - A light barrier construct that defines and isolates first and second emitter chambers, with a light barrier having a width less than 1.40 mm to minimize chamber separation. Additional inventive features in dependent claims include annular spatial configuration, maximum light barrier height at the optical center, mirrored emitter arrangement across a centerline, semi-annular reference and negative electrodes surrounding the detectors, detector groups housed in isolated chambers, and emitter groups configured to emit specified wavelengths for physiological measurements.
The inventive features are focused on a wearable optical physiological sensor with a centralized mirrored LED emitter arrangement, annularly disposed detectors, and an optically isolating barrier structure, enabling accurate physiological parameter measurement at locations such as the wrist.
Stated Advantages
Enables measurement of pulse oximetry and other physiological parameters at sparse capillary bed locations, such as the wrist, which are typically challenging for conventional sensors.
Provides improved signal strength and reduced noise through optical chamber isolation with a light barrier construct.
Offers robust physiological measurements during daily motion and routines, making the device suitable for everyday and sporting activities outside of healthcare facilities.
Improves wearer comfort and measurement accuracy by employing a convex sensor surface that enhances skin contact and optical coupling.
Documented Applications
Wrist-worn health monitoring device for measuring physiological parameters including pulse rate, oxygen saturation, hydration status, respiratory rate, glucose, and other health-related metrics.
Integration with wearable watches and consumer health devices to enable continuous or spot-check monitoring of parameters during normal activities or sporting events.
Medical monitoring in clinical or hospital settings, including continuous trend and alarm generation for patient physiological data.
Communication with external devices such as bedside monitors, smartphones, tablets, and electronic medical record systems for remote data display and health management.
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