NL2013095B1 - Method and device for measuring a health status of a user. - Google Patents
Method and device for measuring a health status of a user. Download PDFInfo
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- NL2013095B1 NL2013095B1 NL2013095A NL2013095A NL2013095B1 NL 2013095 B1 NL2013095 B1 NL 2013095B1 NL 2013095 A NL2013095 A NL 2013095A NL 2013095 A NL2013095 A NL 2013095A NL 2013095 B1 NL2013095 B1 NL 2013095B1
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 46
- 230000003862 health status Effects 0.000 title abstract description 15
- 210000000707 wrist Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 97
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 claims description 55
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/02—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the cardiovascular system, e.g. pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow
- A61B5/021—Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels
- A61B5/022—Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels by applying pressure to close blood vessels, e.g. against the skin; Ophthalmodynamometers
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/145—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration or pH-value ; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid or cerebral tissue
- A61B5/1455—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration or pH-value ; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid or cerebral tissue using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Medical Informatics (AREA)
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- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
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- Surgery (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physiology (AREA)
- Ophthalmology & Optometry (AREA)
- Spectroscopy & Molecular Physics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Measurement Of The Respiration, Hearing Ability, Form, And Blood Characteristics Of Living Organisms (AREA)
- Measuring Pulse, Heart Rate, Blood Pressure Or Blood Flow (AREA)
Abstract
Method and device for measuring a health status, to be worn on a wrist of a user. The device includes a securing band, at least one light source having a light emitting surface and at least one light receiver having a light receiving surface. The at least one light source and the at least one light receiver are arranged on the securing band of the device such that when worn, the at least one light emitting surface and the at least one light receiving surface substantially abut against the palmar side of the wrist of the user. The device further includes a pressing element projecting towards the side of the securing band facing the wrist such that the light emitting surface and/or the light receiving surface is pressed into the skin of the wrist.
Description
Title: Method and device for measuring a health status of a user
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to a wrist worn device and a method for measuring a health status of a user. The health status may include a general fitness and/or compliance to an exercise schedule.
BACKGROUND
Wrist worn devices for measuring a health status of a user are known in the art. Unfortunately, such devices may be unreliable in measurement of physiological parameters, and sometimes therefore report a health status that does not correspond to that of the user. These problems can be exacerbated while attempting to measure a health status of a user during exercise and/or before or after exercise and during movements of the skin, body and arms in general. The effect of the exercises, skin, body fluids and body and body part movements on the measurements is for many known devices today that these are not rehable and are largely influenced by (motion) artefacts.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a more rehable device and method for measuring a health status of a user. Thereto, according to the invention a device for measuring a health status is provided. The device, to be worn on a wrist or forearm of a user, includes, a securing band, at least one fight source having a fight emitting surface and at least one fight receiver having a fight receiving surface; wherein the at least one fight source and the at least one fight receiver are arranged on the securing band of the device such that when worn, the at least one hght emitting surface and the at least one fight receiving surface substantially abut against the palmar side of the wrist of the user. According to an aspect of the invention, the device further includes a pressing element, projecting towards the side of the securing band facing the wrist or forearm, such that the light emitting surface and/or the light receiving surface is pressed into the skin of the wrist. The light emitting surface and/or the light receiving surface can e.g. be positioned on the top of the pressing element.
The pressing element provides the advantage that the hght emitting surface(s) and/or the light receiving surface(s) can be pressed into the skin of the wrist. This allows for better coupling of light into the wrist and/or out of the wrist. Better coupling of light can improve a signal to noise ratio and/or a signal intensity. Also, the pressing element aids in preventing the light emitting surface(s) and/or the light receiving surface(s) from sliding across the skin and from detaching from the skin during movement.
The pressing element can be a passive element, such as a solid element or a resilient element, such as a foam element or a spring element or a combination of both. Hence, the pressing element requires no power, but still allows for an increased force pressing the hght emitting surface(s) and/or the light receiving surface(s) into the skin, either via manual adjustment of the band of the wrist worn device and or the adjustment of the pressing element itself in one or more direction. The pressing element can have a domed shape, such as a e.g rounded, pyramidal shape; a hemisperical shape; a semioval shape; a, e.g. rounded, lozenge shape, a cylindrical shape or combinations of one the shapes mentioned above. The pressing force of the pressing element can be adjustable, e.g. by use of a selected one of a set of interchangeable pressing elements, e.g. having different heights, spring constants, etc. The pressing force of the pressing element can also be adjustable by use of a selected one of a set of interchangeable resilient elements in the pressing elements. The pressing force of the pressing element can also be adjustable by mechanical adjustment of the pressing element, e.g. of a height of the pressing element, such as by telescopic action (e.g. screw thread). Finally the pressing force of the pressing element can also be adjustable by adjustment of the band of the wrist-worm device in a more tightened or loosened fashion.
The positioning of the pressing element within the device can be such that, when worn, the pressing element is positioned to be top of one or both of the main arteries, in the wrist. These locations are free from tendons so that the pressing force is extra effective.
According to an aspect of the invention, the pressing element is, at least partially, interposed between the securing band and the light emitting surface and/or the light receiving surface. The light emitting surface and/or the light receiving surface are mounted on a carrier, and the pressing element can be, at least partially, interposed between the securing band and the carrier. The pressing element can be included in a tunnel. The tunnel can be part of the securing band. It is also possible that the tunnel is attached to the securing band, preferably on the side facing the skin.
According to an aspect of the invention, the pressing element can be movably interposed between the securing band and the light emitting surface and/or the light receiving surface. The pressing element can also be, at least partially, movably interposed between the securing band and the carrier. The pressing element can be movably interposed between walls of the tunnel, or between a wall of the tunnel and the securing band. The pressing element being movably interposed allows the pressing element to be positioned in a circumferential and/or axial direction of the securing band. Hence, the pressing element can be positioned to an optimum position, e.g. directly over an artery. Optionally, the pressing element is slidingly interposed. Thereto, the surface of the pressing element and/or a surface of the securing band, carrier and/or tunnel facing the pressing element can have a low friction to enable easy sliding.
According to an aspect of the invention, the pressing element has a positioning means projecting outside the securing band, when worn, to allow positioning and re-positioning of the pressing element. The positioning means can be a lever extending beyond a side of the securing band, and/or extending radially through the securing band.
According to an aspect of the invention, the securing band includes a stretchable material enabling a tight securing and delivering a force pressing the pressing element into the skin of the wrist. Hence the pressing element projecting towards the skin can effectively pressed into the skin by an elastic force generated by the securing band. The securing band may comprise a stretchable foam material which is permeable to water vapour and gasses, allowing ventilation of the skin. Optionally the foam material on the wrist side is covered with a material allowing absorption of moisture. Alternatively, or additionally, a part of the securing band that is positioned against the back of the wrist has a higher stiffness and/or lower resilience than the part of the securing band that is positioned against the inner side of the wrist. This may help in providing an effective pressing force on the pressing element.
According to an aspect, the device further includes a control unit arranged for determining a health status, such as a physiological parameter, such as heart rate, heart rate variability, heart rate recovery and/or oxygen saturation, from a signal representative of an amount of light received by the light receiver.
When measuring the oxygen saturation, the so called Sp02 value, it is preferred to minimise the optical path lengths for irradiating the wrist and for detecting the radiation from the wrist. Minimising such path lengths helps minimise the effect of movement artefacts on the determination of the oxygen saturation. Preferably, (only) hght emitting surfaces and light receiving surfaces that are in close proximity to one another are used for determining the oxygen saturation, e.g. neighbouring hght emitting surfaces and light receiving surfaces. When multiple hght emitting surfaces and multiple hght receiving surfaces are used in the device, it may be preferred to not activate all light emitting surfaces at the same time, but to activate the hght emitting surfaces in groups or one at a time, so as to minimise the effect of hght receiving surfaces receiving hght emitted by far away hght emitting surfaces.
Another method to achieve this controhed optical path is to manually block the hght emitters, which are not in the proximity of the hght receiving surface intended for the oxygen saturation determination, e.g. via use of a tunnel shaped element in the band which can cover part of the hght emitting surfaces or via use of separate slab of material which can be folded over the hght emitting surfaces which have to be covered.
According to an aspect, the hght sources are Light Emitting Diodes, LEDs, and the hght receivers are Photodiodes, PDs. The LEDs and PDs can be mounted on the carrier, wherein the carrier can be a flexprint. Optionally, the carrier can be bent with the LED’s and/or PDs on the convex side. Such bent carrier can be included in a cylindrical or dome shaped plastic enclosure. Such enclosure can e.g. be moulded with the carrier included in the mould.
It is possible that the PDs are positioned on a semi cylindrical surface and that the LEDs are positioned on the same position or lower than the PDs, e.g. moulded inside the semi cylindrical part.
According to an aspect, the hght emitting surface(s) and the hght receiving surface(s) is(are) separated by a non-transparent hght blocker. Each hght emitting surface may be circumscribed by a hght blocker, each hght receiving surface may be circumscribed by a hght blocker. The hght blocker may e.g. be a black or grey plastic material. This helps in preventing direct radiation from a hght emitting surface entering a hght receiving surface, without travelling through the skin of the user first.
According to an aspect, the hght emitting surface(s) and the hght receiving surface(s) is(are) received in one or more elastic frames, preferably of hght blocking material.
According to an aspect, the light emitting surface(s) and the light receiving surface(s) can be covered by a transparent cover enabling light to be emitted and received. These transparent covers can be separated from each other by non-transparent light blocking materials, and are all arranged on a domed or cylindrical shape to enable sufficient light coupling in the skin of the wrist of the user.
According to an aspect, the device further includes a wireless communication unit arranged for communicating with a communications device, such as smart phone with a display.
According to an aspect, the securing band is provided with woven, knitted and/or embroidered electrical connection threads connecting the at least one light source and at least one hght receiver with the control unit.
According to an aspect, the at least one hght source includes an optical fiber for guiding hght towards the skin of the user and/or wherein the at least one hght receiver includes an optical fiber for guiding hght from the skin of the user. The optical fiber can be woven in, knitted in and/or embroidered on the securing band. At least a section of the optical fiber positioned to mechanically touch the skin of the user has optionally been treated to allow hght to couple out and/or in.
According to an aspect, the processing unit is arranged to detect whether the device is properly worn at the wrist on the basis of the received hght signal.
According to an aspect, the device further includes an accelerometer arranged for detecting the amount of movement of the wrist of the user.
According to an aspect, the processing unit is arranged for determining the blood composition of the user (hemoglobine, hematocrite value) for medical purposes such as blood deficiencies after chemo treatment and/or radiation therapy, blood loss after birth or accidents, infections with tropical diseases such as Denque, dehydration etc.
The invention also relates to a method for measuring a health status of a user is provided comprising the steps of: providing a device worn on an arm, e.g. a wrist, of the user, wherein the device includes, a securing band or strap, at least one light source having a light emitting surface and at least one light receiver having a light receiving surface. The at least one light source and the at least one light receiver are arranged on the securing band of the device such that when worn, the at least one light emitting surface and the at least one light receiving surface substantially abut against the palmar side of the wrist of the user, e.g. on top of one or both of the main arteries (radial and ulnar artery) within the wrist, or on a higher position on the underarm or upper arm. The method can include performing a measurement session including; emitting light in a wavelength range by the at least one light source for a predetermined amount of time; producing a received light signal by the at least one light receiver corresponding to a received intensity of light received at the at least one light receiver; defining an amphtude of the received fight signal (pulsating due to the blood pulsation) to be maximised by using a static force pressing the at least one fight emitting surface and/or at least one fight receiving surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the palmar side of the user’s wrist, e.g. positioned on top of at least one of main arteries, being the ulnar and radial arteries. This static force pressing is achieved via the application of a raised part. The raised part can optionally be a deformable part, such as a deformable foam and/or plastic part, or an element with at least one raised area. This raised area on the deformable element will ensure that the fight emitting and fight receiving surface will be pressed into the skin directly on top of one or both of the main arteries in the wrist (ulnar or radial artery). These areas of the wrist are deformable and not rigid due to absence of tendons in these areas, and can be compressed with the raised area(s). The fight emitting and receiving surfaces are positioned on top of the areas where most fight reflection of the arteries can be expected. In this way the radiative flux into the palmar side of the wrist and/or the radiative flux out of the palmar side of the wrist is controlled in a static way. The position of the static pressing element can be varied in the securing band in the longitudinal and circumferential direction of the arm/wrist to adjust the measurement position to the personal physical dimensions of the arm and/or wrist. The adjustment of the static force pressing element in the band can be automatically, in a self seeking manner, as explained below, or can be done via manual adjustment and shifting in one or two directions by the user himself. When the user puts on the band a first heart rate measurement can be being carried out via the light emitting and light receiving surfaces. The results of the measurement, e.g. the physiological heart rate or other vital signs signal, can be visualized at a screen on the band, on a separate smartphone app, or via an audio and or light signal. Optionally, an indication is presented to the user to instruct the user to adjust the position and or shape of the static pressing element in a certain direction or to(wards) a certain position, so as to achieve a better signal, e.g. higher amplitude or better signal to noise ratio, for the next measurements.
Optionally, the wrist worn device includes one or more light sources and light receivers which can be pressed on the skin more tightly or loosely via a passive spring system which is tightened, compressed or loosened when the band is fastened to the skin. This system can be made into a controllable actuator when it’s coupled to a mechanism which tightens the band more or less based upon received light and possibly other sensor signals. The improving of the signal can also be achieved via the use of a static force pressing mechanism which has an adjustable pressing force in a direction perpendicular to the centre of the wrist, e.g. via a screw thread or piston system or an inflatable air balloon system pressing on the fight emitter and light receiver.
The improvement of the signal can also be achieved via the use of at least two sets of light emitting surfaces and light receiving surfaces, one set positioned and pressed into the skin area directly on top of the radial artery on the thumb side and one set near the ulnar artery on the little finger side.
The improving of the signal can also be achieved via the use of a static force pressing mechanism which is adjustable in force perpendicular to the centre of the wrist, automatically in a self seeking manner, when the user puts on the strap, band with the light emitting and light receiving elements on his arm, more specifically on the inner side of his wrist. A static pressing element, which is fitted in the strap/band, can be arranged to be able to slide along the inner circumference of the band/strap during fastening. The element can be equipped with at least one raised area containing the at least one light emitter and light receiver, which will be pushed into the tendonless area of the skin on the left side or right side of the inner wrist area, almost directly on top of one of the two main arteries. The heart rate, oxygen saturation and/or other biometric or physiologic parameters can thus be measured. The static pressing on the fight emitting and fight receiving surfaces of the measurement system will ensure that the transport of fight into the skin and arm is enhanced as well as the reception of the non-absorbed, reflected fight by the fight receiving surface. Secondly, the fight emitting and fight-receiving surfaces will by this also be closer positioned to the radial and/or ulnar artery, without interference from tendons, ligaments and wrist-bones.
The improving of the signal can also be achieved via the use of at least two sets of fight emitting and fight receiving surfaces, one positioned and pressed into the skin area directly on top of the radial artery on the thumb side and one near the ulnar artery on the little finger side.
The improving of the signal can also be achieved via the use of at least four or more sets of fight emitting and fight receiving surfaces, two or more sets being positioned and pressed into the skin area directly on top of the radial artery on the thumb side and two or more sets near the ulnar artery on the little finger side.
The improving of the signal can also be achieved via the use of a set with at least three or more light emitting surfaces per light receiving surface/sensor, positioned and pressed into the skin area directly on top of the radial artery on the thumb side and the ulnar artery on the little finger side.
The improving of the signal can also be achieved via the use of a set with at least two or three or more light emitting surfaces per fight receiving surface/sensor, positioned and pressed into the skin area directly on top of the radial artery on the thumb side and the ulnar artery on the little finger side, integrated in a plastic moulded part together with the fight receiving surface(s). The moulded part can be spherically or cylindrical shaped on the skin side, realizing here the previously mentioned raised area. The moulded part can have a flatter and flange shaped contour on the side facing the band, to allow easy sliding and repositioning in the band to achieve a better measurement signal.
Additionally, it will be appreciated that a health status can include a general fitness, heart rate measurement and derivates thereof such as heart rate variability value which is directly related to levels of stress, heart rate recovery rate value which is related to a general fitness or physical health condition, the oxygen saturation rate within the blood which can be measured by using two fight sources with different wavelengths, the respiration rate on basis of the periodic fluctuation of the heart rate signal, the C02 saturation rate in veins, arteries and in other blood vessels, the blood pressure and/or a compliance to an exercise schedule of a user.
Optionally, the improving of the signal includes decreasing the force manually via adjustment of the position and/or shape of the static pressing element or via manual adjustment of the force pressing on the fight emitting and fight receiving surfaces, to achieve an optimum in the amplitude of the pulsating signal. It has been found that when the pressure increases, from zero, between skin and the light emitting and light receiving surfaces, that the amplitude of the received light signal, the radiative flux out of the palmar side of the wrist, increases up to a certain maximum of the amplitude, and then starts decreasing again. The optimum of the pressure level can be found by increasing and decreasing the force pressing on the at least one light emitting surface and/or the at least one light receiving surface.
Optionally, the method further includes controlling the amplitude of the received light signal to maximise the amplitude of the pulsating component of the light signal by controlling an emitted intensity of light emitted by the at least one light source. It is conceivable that in order to better control the amplitude of the received light signal, that in addition to the static pressing force, the emitted intensity of light emitted by the at least one light source is controlled. The emitted intensity of light emitted by the at least one light source can be measured as radiant emittance or radiant excitance measured as power per unit area radiated by a surface.
Optionally, the method includes determining the amplitude of the pulsating light signal by measuring the received light signal during a predetermined period, and determining the amplitude value on the basis of the measured received light signal during the predetermined period.
Optionally, the step of determining the amplitude of the pulsating signal is performed at the start of the measurement session. In this way the amplitude of the pulsating signal corresponds to the conditions present at the beginning of the measurement session.
Optionally the method further includes determining whether the controlling mechanism should be manually adjusted based upon the received light signal, based upon the amplitude of the received light signal more in particular, and based upon one or more received additional sensor signals (pressure sensor, accelerometer sensors, additional light signals from a different wavelength received by the light receiver etc.) or based on a received light signal from an addition light source with a wavelength which is not able to penetrate the skin deeply and which will more clearly show movement of the light source and the light receiver on the skin (e.g. blue and/or green LED-light).
Optionally, the method further includes determining the amount of manual adjustment of position and shape and or adjustment of pressing force of the static control mechanism based upon the received light signal, based upon the received light signal and one or more additional sensor signals (pressure sensor, accelerometer sensors, additional light signals from a different wavelength received by the light receiver etc.), or based on a received light signal from an addition light source with a wavelength which is not able to penetrate the skin deeply and which will show more clearly movement of light source and light receiver on the skin (e.g. blue and/or green LED-light).
Optionally, the method further includes a separate set of light emitter and light receiving surfaces on the outside of the band of the wrist worn device, on which the user can place one of it’s fingers to perform a separate measurement of heart rate and oxygen saturation in a defined tissue volume with a known and limited optical path length and illuminated tissue volume. This additional measurement method with the same device requires a separate action of the user but can be applied to validate, compare and or calibrate the heart rate and/or oxygen saturation measurements which have been determined with the light emitting and receiving surfaces on the inside of the wrist. The user can get an instruction to perform this separate measurement via the display of the wrist worn device and/or the smart phone with application software.
Optionally, the method further includes determining the user’s heart rate and/or related health parameters such as heart rate variability (is a measure for stress) and heart rate recovery (indication of physical condition) and oxygen saturation on the basis of the received light signal based on time and/or frequency domain analysis. The high frequency component of the received light signal may also be used.
Optionally, the method further includes performing a first measurement session wherein the light emitted by the at least one light source is in a first wavelength range and performing a second measurement session wherein the light emitted by the at least one light source is in a second wavelength range. Using fight in a first wavelength range followed by light in a second wavelength range allows for additional health indicators to be determined.
Optionally, the step of performing a measurement session further includes a step of calculating a perfusion index value on the basis of the received light signals of two light sources or two fight wavelengths of e.g. 600-660 nm and 880-940 nm. Optionally, the method further includes determining the user’s saturation of peripheral oxygen level, Sp02, on the basis of a ratio of the perfusion index value calculated in the first measurement session and the perfusion index value calculated in the second measurement session, and optionally on the basis of a value of a control signal of the control unit for controlling the force and/or emitted intensity. Here the oxygen saturation of the user’s blood and changes in the blood volume in the skin are monitored. The changing absorbance at each of the wavelengths is measured allowing the absorbance due to the pulsing of the blood to be determined. The wrist worn device can act as a plethysmograph, and a photoplethysmogram may be produced and displayed.
The perfusion index valve can be calculated on the basis of a ratio of a high frequency component and a low frequency component of the received fight signals.
Optionally, the at least one fight source includes a plurality of fight sources and at least one fight receiver includes a plurality of fight receivers, arranged around the circumference of the arm, e.g. wrist, or around part of the circumference of the arm, e.g. wrist, perpendicular to the arm or parallel to the arm or in both or more directions.
Providing a plurality of light sources and a plurality of light receivers allows for different possibihties of emitting light. Furthermore, with a plurality of receivers the received light signal can be produced in different ways.
Optionally, the step of producing the received light signal at the at least one light receiver includes averaging the received light signals produced at a subset of the plurality of light receivers. Through averaging a more reliable received light signal can be produced.
Optionally, the step of producing the received light signal at the at least one light receiver includes selecting an optimum received light signal produced at one of the light receivers. In this way a received light signal is produced at more than one of the hght receivers, and the optimum received light signal is selected. Optionally, the optimum received hght signal is selected on the basis of an alternating signal (AC) to static signal (DC) ratio, determining the best AC/DC ratio to be able to distinguish the heart rate as first primary parameter for health measurement and derivatives thereof (HRV and Heart Rate Recovery) and e.g. using the received AC/DC signal to determine oxygen saturation, dehydration or other parameters.
Optionally, the step of producing the received hght signal at the at least one hght receiver includes selecting the best and second best received signal produced at two of the hght receivers. Additionally, the best and second best received signal may be combined for example by averaging.
Optionally, the method further includes detecting a movement of the user, and or the presence of skin against the measurement device on the basis of the received hght signals. Detecting a movement of the user and/or presence of skin against the measurement device can be used to determine the amount or level of artefacts influencing the received signal, can be used to determine if a user is following a prescribed exercise regime, and/or if a user is moving enough to achieve a given health status.
Optionally, the method further comprises a step of selecting the at least one light source from the plurality of light sources and selecting the at least one light receiver from the plurality of light receivers, wherein the step of selecting comprises; for each light source of the plurality of hght sources emitting hght in a wavelength range for a predetermined amount of time; producing at each hght receiver a received hght signal corresponding to the hght received at that hght receiver individually from each hght source; separating each received hght signal into a high frequency component and a low frequency component; calculating for each received hght signal a perfusion index value on the basis of a ratio of the high frequency component and the low frequency component, and selecting a hght source and hght receiver combination having the highest perfusion index value as the at least one hght source and the at least one hght receiver.
It has been shown that selecting the hght source and hght receiver combination having the highest perfusion index (or AC/DC ratio) value provides an improved received hght signal. Different filtering possibilities exist for separating each received hght signal into a high frequency component and a low frequency component. The cut-off values frequencies may be based on the lowest expected heart rate and/or the highest expected heart rate.
OptionaUy, the method includes selecting a subset of hght sources of the plurality of hght sources and a subset of hght receivers of the plurality of hght receivers having the highest perfusion index values as the at least one hght source and the at least one hght receiver. In this way methods of producing the received hght signal on the basis of more than one hght source and hght receiver combination can also be performed.
Optionally, the step of selecting is performed for a first wavelength range and a second wavelength range and optionally a third and optionally fourth wavelength range. It is conceivable that different light source and fight receiver combinations are ideal for the first wavelength range and the second wavelength range. It can be advantageous to determine the fight source and fight receiver combination independently.
Optionally and preferably, (only) fight emitting surfaces and fight receiving surfaces that are in close proximity to one another are used for determining the oxygen saturation, e.g. neighbouring fight emitting surfaces and fight receiving surfaces. When multiple fight emitting surfaces and multiple fight receiving surfaces are used in the device, it may be preferred to not activate all fight emitting surfaces at the same time, but to activate the fight emitting surfaces in groups around in close proximity to a fight receiving surface or one at a time, to limit and diminish the optical path and illuminated tissue volume, and by this to minimise the effect of fight receiving surfaces receiving fight emitted by far away fight emitting surfaces. This will enhance the accuracy and reproducibility of the oxygen saturation measurement.
Optionally, the method further comprises a step of displaying on a display associated with the wrist worn device an instruction instructing and advising the user to perform a predetermined exercise; performing a measurement session while the user performs the predetermined exercise; and storing a result of the measurement session, wherein the result preferably includes the user’s heart rate and/or saturation of peripheral oxygen level and/or ability to recover the user’s heart rate at a normal, nonexercising level, for example heart rate recovery.
In this way, an indication of the user’s health can be determined while performing a predetermined exercise. The display may be included in or on the wrist worn device. Additionally, or alternatively, the display may be included in an external device, such as a smart phone device, that is communicatively connected with the wrist worn device, wired or wirelessly.
Optionally, the method further comprises, measuring the general fitness of the user on the basis of the measurement session and/or previous measurement sessions; displaying an indication of the general fitness and/or health of the user. In this way, the user and/or a health advisor can quickly determine an indication of the user’s general fitness.
Preferably a graphical representation of a person having a general fitness corresponding to the general fitness of the user is displayed. For example if it is determined that the general fitness of the user is poor, the displayed graphical representation of the person may have his hands on his knees and be breathe heavily. On the other hand if the general fitness of the user is good, the displayed graphical representation of the person may be performing jumping jacks, or be jogging in place. Or, on the other hand if the oxygen saturation value and or heart rate recovery rate of the user is good, the displayed graphical presentation of the person may be moving faster than if the oxygen saturation value and or heart rate recovery rate of the user is less good, giving an indication of a lower general fitness or deteriorating health condition resulting in a slower movement of the graphical presentation of the person.
Optionally, the graphical representation moves and is coloured corresponding to the general fitness of the user and/or compliance to the exercise schedule. For example, if the general fitness of the user and exercise compliance is determined to be poor, the displayed graphical representation may be coloured orange to red and or moving slowly in the display. Similarly, if the general fitness of the user and/or exercise compliance is determined to be improving, the displayed graphical representation may be coloured orange green and/or moving a bit faster in the display than the displayed graphical presentation in red, representing a status of low exercise compliance, low oxygen saturation values or not improving heart rate parameters.
Similarly, if the general fitness of the user and/or exercise compliance is determined to be good, the displayed graphical representation may be coloured green and or moving even faster in the display.
Optionally, the graphical representation moves and or is coloured and shaped corresponding to the Body Mass Index of the user and/or his/her compliance to the exercise schedule.
Optionally, the wrist worn device further including a wireless communication unit arranged for communicating with a communications device, such as a smart phone, with display. In this way, the wrist worn device can take advantage of the smart phone’s processing power, display capabilities, and user interface, e.g. via combined use with a smart phone application (app).
Optionally, the securing band is provided with woven, knitted and/or embroidered electrical connection threads connecting the at least one fight source and at least one light receiver with the control unit. Retaining the electrical connection threads in the securing band allows the control unit to be placed remotely from the at least one light emitting surface and at least one light receiving surface and can be adjusted more easily to the dimensions and different wrist circumferences of various users. This is advantageous as the at least one light receiving surface substantially abut against the palmar side of the wrist of a user.
Optionally, the at least one light source includes an optical fiber for guiding light towards the skin of the user and/or wherein the at least one fight receiver includes an optical fiber for guiding fight from the skin of the user. Advantageously, the at least one fight source and/or the at least one fight receiver may be remote from the skin of the user on palmar side of the wrist.
Optionally, the optical fiber is woven in, knitted in and/or embroidered on the securing band. Optionally, the optical fiber of is included in the securing band such that the ends of the fibers are mechanically touching the skin of the user. In this way the band holds the end of the fibers in position for guiding light towards and/or away from the skin of the user.
Optionally, at least a section of the optical is fiber positioned to mechanically touch the skin of the user has been treated to allow fight to couple out and/or in.
Optionally, the wrist worn device includes a plurality of static force pressing elements and a plurality of fight sources having a plurality of fight emitting surfaces and a plurality of fight receivers having a plurality of fight receiving surfaces wherein each static force pressing element is arranged for exerting a force on one fight emitting surface and/or one fight receiving surface pushing these surfaces more on and/or into the skin of wrist preferably positioned in the areas of the skin on top or above the position of the radial and or ulnar artery.
Optionally, the fight emitting surface of the at least one fight source and/or the fight receiving surface of the at least one fight receiver is covered with a transparent soft polymer cover, preferably spherically shaped or thicker and protruding above the fight emitter and receiver surfaces and surrounded with an elastic frame, of fight blocking non transparent polymer material, separating the fight emitting surfaces from the fight receiving surfaces.
In this way the fight emitted from the fight emitting surface is directed substantially towards the skin of the user. Stray fight emitted from the fight emitting surface is prevented from interfering with other emitting surfaces and from entering the fight receiving surface without traveling through the user. Therefore, crosstalk between fight sources and fight receivers is reduced substantially. Also ambient light can be blocked by this method, combined with the mechanical force applied by the fastened securing band and the static force pressing element integrated or being part of the securing band.
OptionaUy, the cover is cylindrical or spherically shaped and is arranged to be pressed inwardly of the palmar part of the wrist by adjusting the securing band and/or the static force pressing element, preferably on top of the radial and or ulnar artery. A spherically or cylindrically shaped cover improves the coupling of light emitted from the light emitting surface into the user, and improves the capture of light traveling out of the user and into the light receiving surface.
OptionaUy, the processing unit is arranged to detect whether the device is properly worn, or even worn at ah, at the wrist on the basis of the received light signal. When the device is worn properly, an expected received light signal can be determined. On the basis of this signal, it can be determined if the received light signal corresponds to a properly worn device.
OptionaUy, the wrist worn device further includes an accelerometer arranged for detecting the amount of movement of the wrist of the user and or the device on the wrist of the user and gives an indication of physical activity of the body of the user. This may provide an indication of the amount of everyday movement of the user. Additionally, or alternatively, this may provide an indication of a user’s compliance to an exercise program or schedule. Furthermore, the output signal of the accelerometer may be provided to the processing unit and/or the control unit for taking the amount of movement of the wrist of the user into account when determining the amplitude envelope control band and/or controlling the force.
OptionaUy, the processing unit is arranged for determining the blood composition of the user (haemoglobin, haematocrit, water, plasma value) for medical purposes such as blood deficiencies after chemo treatment and/or radiation therapy, blood losses after birth or accidents, infections with tropical diseases such as Denque.
Further, according to the invention a system including a wrist worn device according to the invention including a communication unit for wired or wireless communication and a communications device such as a display on the wrist worn device and or a smart phone with a display.
It will be appreciated that features described with regard to one of the method according to the invention, the device according to the invention and the system according to the invention are considered to be disclosed for the remaining categories.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be further elucidated by means of non-limiting examples referring to the drawings, in which
Fig. 1 shows a schematic top view of a wrist worn device according to the invention;
Figs. 2a, 2b, and 2c show a schematic side view of a part of a wrist worn device according to the invention with an exemplary static force pressing element;
Fig. 2d shows an example of a tunnel shaped element on the inside of the securing band.
Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a system according to the invention including a wrist worn device and a communications device;
Fig. 4 shows the system according to the invention displaying an indication of the general fitness and/or health of a user; and
Fig. 5 shows the system according to the invention displaying an indication of the general fitness and/or health of a user;
Fig 6 shows an alternative shape and mounting method for a static force pressing element with moulded deformable polymer spring parts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Fig. 1 shows a schematic top view of a wrist worn device 1 according to the invention, and Figs. 2a-2c show a schematic side view, in cross section, in the part of the band strap in which the sensor system (light emitting and receiving surfaces is positioned during use).
The wrist worn device includes a securing band 2, a processing unit 4, an integrated or separate wireless communications unit 6, a light emitting and light receiving unit or sensor element 8 positioned on top of one or both of the main arteries, Ar, Au, in the wrist W and a static pressing element 9. In this example, the device 1 includes three light sources each having a light emitting surface 12. In this example, the device 1 also includes three light receivers having each a light receiving surface 16. The light emitting surfaces 12 and the light receiving surfaces 16 are arranged on the inside of the securing band 2 of the wrist worn device 1 such that when worn the at least one light emitting surface 12 and the at least one light receiving surface 16 substantially abut against the palmar side of the wrist of a user, preferably at the side of the wrist where the ulnar artery Au and/or radial artery Ar are located. Additionally in this embodiment the light emitting surfaces 12 and the light receiving surfaces 16 are separated by a non-transparent light blocker 13. Furthermore, in this example the light emitting surfaces 12 and the light receiving surfaces 16 are received in an elastic frame 10 and 14, respectively, of light blocking material. Finally a spherically shaped partly transparent polymer cover 26 can be provided, which enhance the pressing into the skin and the light coupling and which can have non-transparent light blocking segments between the LEDs and PDs.
In this example, the static pressing element 9 is made from a deformable, compressible material. The static pressing element 9 is mounted in a tunnel shaped pocket 11 (see fig 2d) of the securing band 2, which can either be in the longitudinal direction of the securing band or in the width direction or both.
The static pressing element 9, can be made of foam, a deformable plastic moulded part, a spring element, a spacer fabric or 3D-textile element or the like. The pressing element 9 has a raised area 9A which presses underneath the sensor element 8 with the fight emitter 12 and fight receiver 16 so that these are pushed into the skin on top of the ulnar artery Au and/or radial artery Ar. The position of this static pressing element 9 and thus also it’s raised area 9A can be varied by shifting/sfiding the pressing element 9 inside the tunnel shaped part 11 of the securing band 2. The sliding can be done manually after having performed the first signal amplitude measurement, either via sliding the static pressing element 9 from the inside of the band 2 via pulling and or pushing, via the outside via an integrated sliding handle 13 (see fig 2c) or automatically in a self-seeking manner. For this last embodiment the static force pressing element 9 can have a low friction smooth surface that enables easy automatic sliding inside the tunnel 11.
In this example, the tunnel is made of a polymer and/or textile material and has a larger elasticity and elongation capacity on the inside, skin side, than on the outside, in order to force the static pressing element 9 with it’s raised area 9A to press the fight emitting surface 12 and fight receiving surface 16 into the skin. The static pressing element 9 is arranged for exerting a force on the fight emitting surfaces and fight receiving surfaces in a direction substantially perpendicular to the palmar side of the user’s wrist.
The static force pressing element 9 can also have the shape of a rectangular, square or oval shaped part (24) with flanges (22) which can be mounted in a deformable stretchable pocket (11) on the inside of the securing band 2 (see fig 6). This part 24 has one or two or more raised areas which can be lowered in height via compression enabling by this a higher pressing force to the skin when the hght emitting and light receiving surfaces 12, 16 are mounted above this part on the inside of the securing band.
The securing band or strap can include one or more sections of stretchable textile materials and or polymer materials enabling a tight securing and delivering an initial pressing force for the actuators and light emitting and hght receiving surfaces. The entire circumference of the securing band or strap can also be made of such material.
The securing band or strap can include a stretchable foam material which is permeable to water vapour, sweat and gasses, allowing ventilation of the skin. Such foam material can on the side abutting the arm or wrist be covered with a textile material allowing absorption and uptake of sweat, regulating the microclimate and preventing allergic reactions. The entire circumference of the securing band or strap can also be made of such foam material. This foam material can be coated with a stretchable textile material enabling a high comfort and easy moisture uptake from the skin
The securing band or strap further can comprise one or more sections, or be completely made, of stretchable material textile and or polymer materials enabhng a tight securing and delivering an initial pressing force for the static force pressing element and hght emitting and hght receiving surfaces.
The securing band or strap further can comprise a stretchable foam material which is permeable to water vapour and gasses, allowing ventilation of the skin. The foam material can on the arm or wrist side be covered with a fine textile material allowing absorption and uptake of sweat, regulating the microclimate and allergic reactions.
The light receivers 16 are arranged for producing a received fight signal corresponding to a received intensity of the light received at the at least one light receiving surface 16. The processing unit 4 is arranged for determining an amplitude of the received light signal.
During a measurement session the amplitude of the received fight signal can be increased by varying the position of the static force pressing element and or the selection of the most appropriate fight emitting surface and fight receiving surface. Measurements derived from a received fight signal where the amplitude of the received fight signal has a distinctive value in which the AC part of the heart pulsating can be clearly discriminated from the DC part including the motion artefacts in this DC-part of the signal. By this the signals during a measurement session are more reliable. In this example, a user’s heart rate and heart rate variability are determined on the basis of the received fight signal.
Additionally, in this example the three fight emitting sources are each capable of emitting fight in a first wavelength range and a second wavelength range. In this example, each fight source comprises a first LED capable of emitting fight in a first wavelength range of 600-660 nm and a second LED capable of emitting fight in a second wavelength range of 880-940 nm, or in wavelengths, which are capable of detection of other gases, solids or liquids in the blood (e.g. 700-900 nm for CO2)
By performing a first measurement session wherein the fight emitted by the three fight sources in the first wavelength range and performing a second measurement session wherein the fight emitted by the three fight sources is in the second wavelength range additional health indicators such as the user’s saturation of peripheral oxygen level, Sp02, can be determined. This is determined on the basis of a ratio of the perfusion index value (AC/DC value) calculated in the first measurement session and the perfusion index value calculated in the second measurement session.
In this example, prior to performing a measurement session a selection step is performed. In the selection step a light source and light receiver combination is selected. For each light source of the three light sources, light is emitted in a wavelength range for a predetermined amount of time. A received light signal is produced at each of the light receivers. The processing unit 4 separates each received light signal into a high frequency component and a low frequency component using filters with cut-off frequency values that are based on the lowest expected heart rate and the highest expected heart rate. A perfusion index value is calculated for each received light signal by the processing unit 4 on the basis of a ratio of the high frequency component and the low frequency component. The steps are repeated for each fight source, and the fight source and fight receiver combination having the highest perfusion index value is selected. It is possible that after this selection the non-selected fight sources are switched off to reduce power consumption. A system 100 including a wrist worn device 1 and a communications device 50 is shown in Fig. 3. The communications device 50 includes a display 52, e.g. a touch screen display, which gives information, feedback and instructions to the user. A software application running on the processing unit 4 or the communications device 50 can also be used to define, start and install measurement sessions. In this example the display 52 is associated with the wrist worn device. Additionally both the communications device 50 and the wrist worn device 1 include a communication unit, not pictured, through which the devices are able to communicate with each other. In this example the communications device 50 can for instance be a smart phone device with a touch screen display.
With the system 100, a user can monitor his general fitness. In addition, a user and/or a health advisor can monitor a user’s compliance to a selected exercise schedule. For example, in Fig. 4, an exercise instruction 54 appears on the display 52 of the communications device 50. For example, the instruction 54 instructs the user to perform e.g. twenty knee bendings (so called squats). During the exercise a measurement session is performed. Preferably, a measurement session is performed prior to starting the exercise and, e.g. at predefined intervals, after the exercise is completed. It is possible that the wrist worn device 1 concludes that the exercise is completed on the basis of at least one of an amount of movement determined on the basis of the received light signal, an amount of movement determined by an accelerometer of the wrist worn device, and a measured elapsed time interval.
In this case during each measurement session the user’s heart rate, heart rate variability, heart rate recovery and oxygen saturation, Sp02, is measured. On the basis of these measurements recorded during different measurement sessions, an indication of a user’s general fitness indication of the user’s health is determined.
On the display 52 of communications device 50 associated with the wrist worn device 1, an indication 56 of the general fitness of the user is displayed. The indication 56 may relate to the general fitness just measured during the exercise. Additionally, or alternatively, the indication 56 may relate to a general fitness measured on the basis of the measurement session and one or more previous measurement sessions, for example measurement sessions taken over the previous week or month.
In this example, the indication 56 is a graphical representation of a person having a general fitness corresponding to the general fitness of the user. In Fig. 4, the measured general fitness of the user is poor. Therefore a graphical representation 56 of a person having a poor general fitness is shown. In this example, the graphical representation 56 is of an overweight person. Additionally, in the case that the graphical representation 56 of the person is animated, the animation can represent the general fitness of the user, e.g. graphical representation 56 of the person can be animated to be breathing heavily.
In Fig. 5, the measured general fitness of the user is good. Therefore a graphical representation 56 of a person having a good general fitness is shown. The graphical representation 56 is of healthy person of normal build. Additionally, in the case that the graphical representation 56 of the person is animated, the graphical representation 56 of the person can e.g. be running in place.
The indication 56 of a general fitness of the user can also be measured on the basis of measurement session initiated in response to an amount of movement being detected by the accelerometers provided, not pictured, in the wrist worn device. The amount of movement and the measured health status are recorded in the wrist worn device 1 and/or the communications device 50. In this way a measure of compliance to an exercise schedule is measured. For example, the schedule might require that the user performs 30 minutes of exercise a day at or above the users target heart rate. In the case of Fig. 5, the user has achieved a 90 % compliance. In the example of Fig. 5 this is displayed as a text 58, including an encouraging comment, on display 52 of the communications device 50, or a changing colour of the graphical presentation of a person or higher moving speed of the graphical presentation of a person.
In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made therein without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. For the purpose of clarity and a concise description features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, alternative embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described in these separate embodiments are also envisaged.
However, other modifications, variations, and alternatives are also possible. The specifications, drawings and examples are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than in a restrictive sense.
For the purpose of clarity and a concise description features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention may include embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described.
In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence of other features or steps than those fisted in a claim.
Furthermore, the words ‘a’ and ‘an’ shall not be construed as limited to ‘only one’, but instead are used to mean ‘at least one’, and do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.
Claims (44)
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2013095A NL2013095B1 (en) | 2014-06-30 | 2014-06-30 | Method and device for measuring a health status of a user. |
| PCT/NL2015/050467 WO2016003268A2 (en) | 2014-06-30 | 2015-06-26 | Method and device for measuring a health status and physiological parameters of an user at rest and under movement |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2013095A NL2013095B1 (en) | 2014-06-30 | 2014-06-30 | Method and device for measuring a health status of a user. |
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| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| NL2013095B1 true NL2013095B1 (en) | 2016-07-11 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2013095A NL2013095B1 (en) | 2014-06-30 | 2014-06-30 | Method and device for measuring a health status of a user. |
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| NL (1) | NL2013095B1 (en) |
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| US20030212335A1 (en) * | 2002-03-02 | 2003-11-13 | Huang Herb H. | Pulse diagnostic system |
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