Event dosimeter device and methods thereof
Inventors
Borkholder, David A. • Kovacs, Gregory T. A. • Rogers, Jeffrey
Assignees
Rochester Institute of Technology • Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency DARPA
Publication Number
US-9668689-B2
Publication Date
2017-06-06
Expiration Date
2032-02-10
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Abstract
A method including a dosimetry device having at least one sensor in a housing and a dosimetry processing device with a memory. The dosimtery processing device is coupled to the at least one sensor in the housing. The dosimetry processing device is configured to execute programmed instructions stored in the memory comprising: obtaining readings from the sensor; storing the readings; conducting an analysis of the stored readings to determine an injury risk assessment; and outputting at least one of the conducted analysis of the determined injury risk assessment or the stored readings.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an event dosimeter device comprising at least one sensor housed within a housing and a dosimetry processing device with memory. This processing device is configured to obtain readings from the sensor, store those readings, analyze the stored data to determine an injury risk assessment, and output either the analysis or the stored readings. The device can include sensors such as pressure sensors and inertial measurement units, and may additionally incorporate a global positioning system (GPS) to record location data related to events.
The disclosed method involves securing one or more dosimetry devices to locations on an object (such as a person or equipment), obtaining sensor readings of physical phenomena like acceleration or pressure perturbations caused by events such as explosions or blasts, storing these readings along with optional location data, analyzing the data in real time to assess injury risk, and outputting the analysis or data for purposes such as triage. The device may utilize stored thresholds adjusted by personal and aggregate medical history data to tailor injury risk assessments for individuals.
The problem addressed by this invention is the lack of a widely deployed system to dose exposure to explosive blasts, particularly for military personnel. Traumatic brain injury from explosive blasts is difficult to detect immediately and varies due to explosion nature, physical configurations, and human responses. An effective dosimeter system deployed broadly is needed to collect sufficient data to enable real-time injury risk evaluations to guide triage and improve understanding of injury mechanisms.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes one independent claim focusing on a method incorporating tailored injury threshold dosimetry devices providing real-time injury risk assessments and guiding medical treatment.
Personalized injury threshold determination and assessment
The method provides a device with sensors that obtain parametric signals derived from acceleration or pressure readings during an identified event. It utilizes personal medical history data, aggregate medical history data, and parametric data to tailor and store an individualized injury threshold prior to the identified event. Real-time injury risk assessment determines if parametric signals exceed this stored threshold.
Real-time injury risk indication and medical guidance
The method provides human-perceivable indicia corresponding to the injury risk assessment on request and guides medical treatment of the person when the individualized injury threshold is exceeded.
The claims cover a personalized dosimetry method that integrates sensor data, individual and aggregate medical history for tailored injury thresholds, real-time risk assessment, user notifications, and medical treatment guidance based on exceedance of thresholds.
Stated Advantages
Provides a more effective and efficient event monitoring dosimetry apparatus.
Captures event data from explosions, blasts, blows, or other events for real-time information and analysis, including injury risk assessments.
Enables real-time injury risk assessment to guide triage immediately post event.
Supports capturing detailed event data to better understand mechanisms of traumatic brain injuries and other injuries.
Disposable design allows multiple devices per person, improving data quality and enabling product updates.
Documented Applications
Military applications including helmet mounted, helmet strap mounted, worn on the torso, mounted within vehicle cabins, on vehicle exteriors, and on buildings.
Sporting activities using mounting within helmets, helmet straps, headbands, caps, and uniforms.
Daily activities including mounting to helmets used for bicycles and motorcycles.
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