U.S. patent application number 13/845682 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-22 for equine wireless physiological monitoring system.
This patent application is currently assigned to DR. ANDREW H. ELSER, V.M.D., P.C.. The applicant listed for this patent is DR. ANDREW H. ELSER, V.M.D., P.C.. Invention is credited to Andrew H. ELSER.
Application Number | 20130217980 13/845682 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36337295 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130217980 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ELSER; Andrew H. |
August 22, 2013 |
EQUINE WIRELESS PHYSIOLOGICAL MONITORING SYSTEM
Abstract
An accelerometer senses equine respiratory structural
vibrations. The accelerometer includes a sensing surface configured
to be attached to one of hair, skin, bone, ligament, cartilage, and
other tissue of a horse. The accelerometer is responsive to
respiratory structural vibrations of the horse and outputs a signal
corresponding to the respiratory structural vibrations.
Inventors: |
ELSER; Andrew H.; (West
Chester, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DR. ANDREW H. ELSER, V.M.D., P.C.; |
|
|
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
DR. ANDREW H. ELSER, V.M.D.,
P.C.
Lewisville
PA
|
Family ID: |
36337295 |
Appl. No.: |
13/845682 |
Filed: |
March 18, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11273678 |
Nov 14, 2005 |
8398560 |
|
|
13845682 |
|
|
|
|
60627215 |
Nov 12, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
600/301 ;
600/483; 600/484; 600/509; 600/529; 600/595 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 29/005 20130101;
A61B 5/087 20130101; A61B 5/0488 20130101; A61B 2503/40 20130101;
A61B 5/0205 20130101; A61B 5/1112 20130101; A61B 5/0476 20130101;
A61B 5/0809 20130101; A61B 5/082 20130101; A61B 5/0408 20130101;
A61B 5/08 20130101; A61B 5/14539 20130101; A61B 5/0245 20130101;
A61B 5/01 20130101; A61B 5/0496 20130101; A61B 5/112 20130101; A61B
5/0013 20130101; A61D 99/00 20130101; A61B 5/0059 20130101; A61B
7/003 20130101; A61B 5/03 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/301 ;
600/529; 600/595; 600/509; 600/484; 600/483 |
International
Class: |
A61D 99/00 20060101
A61D099/00; A61B 7/00 20060101 A61B007/00; A61B 5/0488 20060101
A61B005/0488; A61B 5/0476 20060101 A61B005/0476; A61B 5/00 20060101
A61B005/00; A61B 5/08 20060101 A61B005/08; A61B 5/03 20060101
A61B005/03; A61B 5/087 20060101 A61B005/087; A61B 5/145 20060101
A61B005/145; A61B 5/01 20060101 A61B005/01; A61B 5/0408 20060101
A61B005/0408; A61B 5/0496 20060101 A61B005/0496 |
Claims
1. An equine physiological monitoring system for monitoring
interactions of physiological events of an exercising horse, the
system comprising: (a) a first sensor configured to be mounted
proximate to the horse so as to move with the horse, the first
sensor outputting detected first sensor data and being at least one
of a respiratory detection sensor, a motion sensor, an
electrocardiogram (ECG), or a speed sensor; and (b) a second sensor
configured to be mounted proximate to the horse so as to move with
the horse, the second sensor outputting detected second sensor
data, wherein the detected first and second data are both
synchronized with respect to time.
2. The equine physiological monitoring system of claim 1, wherein
the first sensor is a respiratory detection sensor outputting
detected respiratory data and the second sensor is an imaging
sensor outputting detected image data.
3. The equine physiological monitoring system of claim 2, further
comprising an electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode configuration set
configured to be mounted proximate to the horse so as to move with
the horse, the ECG electrode configuration set detecting and
outputting detected cardiac data of the horse, wherein the detected
cardiac data is synchronized with respect to time with the
respiratory data and the image data.
4. The equine physiological monitoring system of claim 3, further
comprising a speed sensor configured to be mounted proximate to the
horse so as to move with the horse, the speed sensor outputting
detected speed data, wherein the detected speed data is
synchronized with respect to time with the respiratory data, the
image data. and the cardiac data.
5. The equine physiological monitoring system of claim 4, further
comprising a motion sensor configured to be mounted proximate to
the horse so as to move with the horse, the motion sensor
outputting detected motion data in multi-dimensional space, wherein
the detected motion data is synchronized with respect to time with
the respiratory data, the image data, the cardiac data, and the
speed data.
6. The equine physiological monitoring system of claim 5, wherein
the motion sensor includes at least one of a lateral-axis angular
rate sensor, a longitudinal-axis angular rate sensor, a
vertical-axis angular rate sensor, or an accelerometer.
7. The equine physiological monitoring system of claim 2, wherein
the respiratory sensor is at least one of a microphone or a
respiratory vibration accelerometer.
8. The equine physiological monitoring system of claim 1, wherein
the first sensor is a speed sensor outputting detected speed data
and the second sensor is an imaging sensor outputting detected
image data.
9. The equine physiological monitoring system of claim 8, wherein
the speed sensor includes a global positioning system (GPS)
receiver receiving GPS data from GPS satellites.
10. The equine physiological monitoring system of claim 8, further
comprising an electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode configuration set
configured to be mounted proximate to the horse so as to move with
the horse, the ECG electrode configuration set detecting and
outputting detected cardiac data of the horse, wherein the detected
cardiac data is synchronized with respect to time with the speed
data and the image data.
11. The equine physiological monitoring system of claim 1, wherein
the first sensor is a motion sensor outputting detected motion data
in multi-dimensional space and the second sensor is an imaging
sensor outputting detected image data.
12. The equine physiological monitoring system of claim 11, wherein
the motion sensor includes at least one of a lateral-axis angular
rate sensor, a longitudinal-axis angular rate sensor, a
vertical-axis angular rate sensor, or an accelerometer.
13. The equine physiological monitoring system of claim 11, further
comprising an electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode configuration set
configured to be mounted proximate to the horse so as to move with
the horse, the ECG electrode configuration set detecting and
outputting detected cardiac data of the horse, wherein the detected
cardiac data is synchronized with respect to time with the motion
data and the image data.
14. The equine physiological monitoring system of claim 1, further
comprising a controller having a memory, the detected first sensor
data and second sensor data being sent to the controller to be at
least temporarily stored in the memory.
15. The equine physiological monitoring system of claim 14, wherein
the memory is mounted to the horse.
16. The equine physiological monitoring system of claim 1, further
comprising one of a trend display and a computer that wirelessly
receives the detected first sensor data and second sensor data and
displays the received first sensor data and the second sensor data
synchronized with respect to time.
17. The equine physiological monitoring system of claim 1, wherein
the second sensor is one of a lateral-axis angular rate sensor, a
longitudinal-axis angular rate sensor, a vertical-axis angular rate
sensor, an accelerometer, a speed sensor, an electrocardiogram
(ECG) electrode configuration set, an electromyography (EMG) sensor
configuration set, an electroencephalograph (EEG) sensor
configuration set, an electrooculogram (EOG) sensor configuration
set, an impedance pneumogram (ZPG) sensor configuration set, a
pressure sensor, a gas flow sensor, a gas detection sensor, a pH
sensor, a temperature sensor, an imaging sensor, an optical sensor,
or a blood constituent sensor.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/273,678, filed on Nov. 14, 2005,
entitled "Equine Wireless Physiological Monitoring System,"
currently pending, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/627,215, filed on Nov. 12, 2004, entitled
"Equine Wireless Physiological Monitoring System," the entire
contents of all of which are incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus and procedure
to identify the interactions between the respiratory, locomotor,
and cardiovascular systems of the exercising horse. The present
invention relates to an equine physiological monitoring system, and
more particularly, to a portable wireless equine physiological
monitoring system and a method for using the equine physiological
monitoring system.
[0003] Evaluating the interrelationships between the respiratory,
locomotor, and cardiovascular systems is valuable in the
understanding of equine exercise physiology. In order to study
these relationships suitable devices and methods are needed to
first detect the individual functions such that the combined
functions and relationships can be assessed. It is desirable for
these devices and methods to be usable and adaptable to a wide
variety of conditions under which the exercising horse may be
placed.
[0004] It is desirable therefore to design a system of suitable
devices, communication and methods of using said system devices and
communication simultaneously such that interrelationships of the
respiratory, locomotor, and cardiovascular systems of the
exercising horse can be accurately studied. To assist in this
assessment, it is desirable to provide an accelerometer that senses
equine respiratory structural vibrations. It is also desirable to
provide an equine motion sensor utilizing angular rate and
accelerometer sensors to detect equine locomotion.
[0005] Further, it is desirable to provide a wireless system
disposed on a horse or proximate to the horse that is configured to
monitor equine physiological systems. It is also desired that the
system presents the data suitable for the study of the
physiological interactions of the exercising horse.
[0006] Moreover, it is desirable to provide a wireless equine
physiological monitoring system for monitoring interactions of
physiological events of an exercising horse. It is desirable to
provide a wireless equine physiological monitoring system for
monitoring interactions of physiological events of an exercising
horse such as electrocardiographic data, respiratory data, motion
data, speed or the like. Even further, it is desirable to provide
an equine physiological monitoring system for monitoring
interactions of physiological events of an exercising horse that
collects or stores data which is synchronized with respect to
time.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Briefly stated the present invention comprises an
accelerometer that senses equine respiratory structural vibrations.
The accelerometer includes a sensing surface configured to be
attached to one of hair, skin, bone, ligament, cartilage, and other
tissue of a horse. The accelerometer is responsive to respiratory
structural vibrations of the horse and outputs a signal
corresponding to the respiratory structural vibrations.
[0008] The present invention also comprises a motion sensor that
senses equine motion in multi-dimensional space. The motion sensor
includes at least one angular rate sensor and at least one
accelerometer. The at least one angular rate sensor and the at
least one accelerometer are configured to be mounted proximate to a
horse so as to move with the horse. The at least on angular rate
sensor detects angular rotation data relative to a first-axis. The
at least one accelerometer is mounted proximate to the at least one
angular rate sensor and is configured to output multi-dimensional
motion data of the horse.
[0009] The present invention also comprises a speed sensor that
senses equine speed. The speed sensor includes an accelerometer
that detects acceleration and deceleration in a longitudinal-axis
of a horse and a lateral-axis angular rate sensor configured to be
mounted proximate to the accelerometer. The longitudinal-axis is
defined through a length of the horse as measured between the
cranial and the caudal aspects of the horse. The accelerometer is
configured to be mounted proximate to the horse. The lateral-axis
angular rate sensor detects angular rotation data relative to the
lateral-axis of the horse. The lateral-axis being defined through a
width of the body of the horse as measured between the right and
left lateral sides of the horse.
[0010] The present invention also comprises a speed sensor that
senses equine speed. The speed sensor includes a global positioning
system (GPS) receiver that receives GPS data from GPS satellites.
The GPS receiver updates GPS data at least once per second. The GPS
receiver is configured to be mounted proximate to a horse so as to
move with the horse. The GPS receiver is configured to perform at
least one of outputting data proportional to speed and calculating
speed of the horse from the updated GPS data.
[0011] The present invention also comprises a speed sensor that
senses equine speed. The speed sensor includes at least one Doppler
transceiver that transmits an electromagnetic signal and receives a
reflected or transponded version of the electromagnetic signal. The
at least one Doppler transceiver is configured to be mounted
proximate to a horse so as to move with the horse. The at least one
Doppler transceiver is configured to perform at least one of
outputting data proportional to speed and calculating speed of the
horse based on the difference in time/frequency between the
transmitted and received electromagnetic signal.
[0012] The present invention also comprises a wireless equine
physiological monitoring system that includes a respiratory sensor
and a memory. The respiratory sensor is configured to be mounted
proximate to a horse. The respiratory sensor detects respiratory
data of the horse and outputs the detected respiratory data of the
horse. The memory at least temporarily stores the detected
respiratory data. The detected respiratory data is synchronized
with respect to time.
[0013] The present invention also comprises a wireless equine
physiological monitoring system. The wireless equine physiological
monitoring system includes a respiratory detection sensor
configured to be mounted proximate to a horse and a memory
configured to be mounted proximate to the horse. The respiratory
detection sensor detects and outputs detected respiratory data. The
memory at least temporarily stores the detected respiratory data of
the horse. The detected respiratory data is synchronized with
respect to real time. The wireless equine physiological monitoring
system also includes a real time trend display that wirelessly
receives the detected respiratory data. The trend display displays
the detected respiratory data with respect to time as the detected
respiratory data is received.
[0014] The present invention also comprises a wireless equine
physiological monitoring system. The wireless equine physiological
monitoring system includes a speed sensor configured to be mounted
proximate to a horse. The speed sensor detects and outputs detected
speed data of the horse. The wireless equine physiological
monitoring system also includes a real-time trend display that
wirelessly receives the detected speed data. The trend display
displays the detected speed data with respect to time as the
detected speed data is received.
[0015] The present invention also comprises a wireless equine
physiological monitoring system. The wireless equine physiological
monitoring system includes a single-axis angular rate sensor
configured to be mounted proximate to a horse so as to move with
the horse. The single-axis angular rate sensor detects and outputs
angular rotation data relative to the single-axis. The single-axis
is one of a lateral-axis, a vertical-axis and a longitudinal-axis.
The lateral-axis is defined through a width of the body of the
horse as measured between the right and left lateral sides of the
horse, the vertical-axis is defined through a height of the body of
the horse as measured between the dorsal and ventral aspects of the
horse and the longitudinal-axis is defined through a length of the
horse as measured between the cranial and the caudal aspects of the
horse. The wireless equine physiological monitoring system also
includes a real-time trend display that wirelessly receives the
detected angular rotation data relative to the single-axis. The
trend display displays the detected angular rotation data relative
to the single-axis with respect to time as the detected angular
rotation data relative to the single-axis is received.
[0016] The present invention also comprises a wireless equine
physiological monitoring system. The wireless equine physiological
monitoring system includes a respiratory detection sensor and a
second sensor, each configured to be mounted proximate to the
horse. The respiratory detection sensor detects and outputs
detected respiratory data. The second sensor detects and outputs
detected second sensor data. The second sensor is at least one of a
lateral-axis angular rate sensor, a longitudinal-axis angular rate
sensor, a vertical-axis angular rate sensor, an accelerometer, a
speed sensor, an electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode configuration
set, an electromyography (EMG) sensor configuration set. an
electroencephalograph (EEG) sensor configuration set,
electrooculogram (EOG) sensor configuration set, an impedance
pneumogram (ZPG) sensor configuration set, a pressure sensor, a gas
flow sensor, a gas detection sensor, a pH sensor, a temperature
sensor, an imaging sensor, an optical sensor and a blood
constituent sensor. The wireless equine physiological monitoring
system also includes one of a trend display and a computer that
wirelessly receives the detected respiratory data and the detected
second sensor data. The respective one of the trend display and the
computer displays at least one of the detected respiratory data and
the detected second sensor data. The detected respiratory data and
the detected second sensor data are synchronized with respect to
real time.
[0017] The present invention also comprises a wireless equine
physiological monitoring system. The wireless equine physiological
monitoring system includes a speed sensor and a second sensor, each
configured to be mounted proximate to the horse. The speed sensor
detects and outputs at least one of detected raw data for
calculating speed and calculated speed data. The second sensor
detects and outputs detected second sensor data. The second sensor
is at least one of a lateral-axis angular rate sensor, a
longitudinal-axis angular rate sensor, a vertical-axis angular rate
sensor, an accelerometer, a respiratory detection sensor, an ECG
electrode configuration set, an EMG sensor configuration set, an
EEG sensor configuration set, EOG sensor configuration set, a ZPG
sensor configuration set, a pressure sensor, a gas flow sensor, a
gas detection sensor, a pH sensor, a temperature sensor, an imaging
sensor, an optical sensor and a blood constituent sensor. The
wireless equine physiological monitoring system also includes one
of a trend display and a computer that wirelessly receives the
detected second sensor data and at least one of detected raw data
for calculating instantaneous speed and calculated instantaneous
speed data. The respective one of the trend display and the
computer displays the detected second sensor data and at least one
of the detected raw data for calculating instantaneous speed and
the calculated instantaneous speed data. The second sensor data and
at least one of the detected raw data for calculating instantaneous
speed and the calculated instantaneous speed data are synchronized
with respect to time.
[0018] The present invention also comprises an equine physiological
monitoring system. The equine physiological monitoring system
includes a portable controller having a memory, a lateral-axis
angular rate sensor, a vertical-axis angular rate sensor, an ECG
electrode configuration set and a respiratory detection sensor. All
of the devices are configured to be mounted proximate to a horse so
as to move with the horse. The lateral-axis angular rate sensor is
in communication with the controller and sends the controller
detected angular rotation data relative to the lateral-axis. The
vertical-axis angular rate sensor is in communication with the
controller and sends the controller detected angular rotation data
relative to the vertical-axis. The ECG electrode configuration set
is in communication with the controller and sends the controller
detected ECG data. The respiratory detection sensor is in
communication with the controller and sends the controller detected
respiratory data. The memory at least temporarily stores the
detected angular rotation data relative to the lateral-axis, the
detected angular rotation data relative to the vertical-axis, the
detected ECG data and the detected respiratory data. The detected
angular rotation data relative to the lateral-axis, the detected
angular rotation data relative to the vertical-axis, the detected
ECG data and the detected respiratory data are synchronized with
respect to time.
[0019] The present invention also comprises a method of monitoring
physiological data of an exercising horse. The method includes
mounting a sensing surface of an accelerometer directly to one of
hair and skin of a horse. The accelerometer detects respiratory
structural vibration data. The horse is exercised. The respiratory
structural vibration data is stored, at least temporarily, in a
memory.
[0020] The present invention also comprises a method of monitoring
physiological data of an exercising horse. The method includes
mounting a sensing surface of an accelerometer directly to one of
hair and skin of a horse. The accelerometer detects respiratory
structural vibration data. The horse is exercised. The respiratory
structural vibration data is converted to a corresponding signal
and the corresponding signal is wirelessly transmitted. The
wirelessly transmitted corresponding signal is received at an audio
generating device. The detected respiratory structural vibration
data is stored, at least temporarily, in a memory. The audio
generating device emits audible sound in real time based on the
corresponding signal.
[0021] The present invention also comprises a method of monitoring
interactions of physiological events of an exercising horse. The
method includes placing a respiratory detection sensor and a second
sensor proximate to the horse so as to move with the horse. The
respiratory detection sensor detects and outputs detected
respiratory data. The second sensor detects and outputs detected
second sensor data. The second sensor is at least one of a
lateral-axis angular rate sensor, a longitudinal-axis angular rate
sensor, a vertical-axis angular rate sensor, an accelerometer, a
speed sensor, an ECG electrode configuration set, an EMG sensor
configuration set, an EEG sensor configuration set, EOG sensor
configuration set, a ZPG sensor configuration set, a pressure
sensor, a gas flow sensor, a gas detection sensor, a pH sensor, a
temperature sensor, an imaging sensor, an optical sensor and a
blood constituent sensor. The method further includes wirelessly
receiving, at one of a trend display and a computer, the detected
respiratory data and the detected second sensor data and
displaying, on one of the trend display and the computer, the
detected respiratory data and the detected second sensor data. The
detected respiratory data and the detected second sensor data are
synchronized with respect to time.
[0022] The present invention also comprises a method of monitoring
interactions of physiological events of an exercising horse. The
method includes placing a speed sensor and a second sensor
proximate to the horse so as to move with the horse. The speed
sensor detects and outputs at least one of detected raw data for
calculating instantaneous speed and calculated instantaneous speed
data. The second sensor detects and outputs detected second sensor
data. The second sensor is at least one of a lateral-axis angular
rate sensor, a longitudinal-axis angular rate sensor, a
vertical-axis angular rate sensor, an accelerometer, a respiratory
detection sensor, an ECG electrode configuration set, an EMG sensor
configuration set, an EEG sensor configuration set, EOG sensor
configuration set, a ZPG sensor configuration set, a pressure
sensor, a gas flow sensor, a gas detection sensor, a pH sensor, a
temperature sensor, an imaging sensor, an optical sensor and a
blood constituent sensor. The method further includes wirelessly
receiving, at one of a trend display and a computer, the detected
second sensor data and at least one of detected raw data for
calculating instantaneous speed and calculated instantaneous speed
data and simultaneously displaying, on one of the trend display and
the computer, the detected second sensor data and at least one of
detected raw data for calculating instantaneous speed and
calculated instantaneous speed data. The detected respiratory data
and the detected second sensor data are synchronized with respect
to time
[0023] The present invention also comprises a method of monitoring
interactions of physiological events of an exercising horse. The
method includes mounting a lateral-axis angular rate sensor, a
vertical-axis angular rate sensor and a speed sensor proximate to
the horse so as to move with the horse. The lateral-axis angular
rate sensor detects angular rotation data relative to the
lateral-axis. The vertical-axis angular rate sensor detects angular
rotation data relative to the vertical-axis. The speed sensor
detects speed data of the horse. The method further includes
mounting an electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode configuration set
directly to the horse and mounting a sensing surface of a
respiratory detection transducer directly to one of hair and skin
of the horse. The ECG electrode configuration set detects ECG data.
The respiratory detection transducer detects respiratory data. The
method further includes exercising the horse and receiving, at one
of a trend display and a computer, the detected angular rotation
data relative to the lateral-axis, the detected angular rotation
data relative to the vertical-axis, the detected speed data, the
detected ECG data and the detected respiratory data. The method
further includes displaying, on one of the trend display and the
computer, the detected angular rotation data relative to the
lateral-axis, the detected angular rotation data relative to the
vertical-axis, the detected speed data, the detected ECG data and
the detected respiratory data. The detected angular rotation data
relative to the lateral-axis, the detected angular rotation data
relative to the detected vertical-axis, the detected speed data,
the detected ECG data and the detected respiratory data are
synchronized with respect to time.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be
better understood when read in conjunction with the appended
drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are
shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It
should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to
the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
[0025] In the drawings:
[0026] FIG. 1 a perspective view of a horse having a wireless
equine physiological monitoring system in accordance with the
preferred embodiments of the present invention mounted thereon;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a horse having the wireless
equine physiological monitoring system in accordance with the
preferred embodiments of the present invention mounted thereon with
a saddle pad with an on-board computer/controller mounted within
the saddle pad;
[0028] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a horse having the
wireless equine physiological monitoring system in accordance with
the preferred embodiments of the present invention mounted thereon
with a an on-board computer/controller exposed;
[0029] FIG. 4 is an enlarged side elevational view of a horse
showing a speed accelerometer and mounting position therefor;
[0030] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram depicting a wireless equine
physiological monitoring system in accordance with a first
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram depicting a wireless
equine physiological monitoring system in accordance with a second
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram depicting a wireless
equine physiological monitoring system in accordance with a third
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram depicting a respiratory
structural vibration accelerometer control circuit in accordance
with preferred embodiments of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of one possible implementation of
the wireless monitoring system of FIG. 5;
[0035] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a sensing surface of a
first respiratory vibration accelerometer/sensor in accordance with
the preferred embodiments of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 11 is a top view of a second respiratory vibration
accelerometer/sensor in accordance with the preferred embodiments
of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a sensing surface of the
second respiratory vibration accelerometer/sensor of FIG. 11;
[0038] FIG. 13 is perspective view of a combined lateral-axis and
vertical-axis angular rate sensors in accordance with the preferred
embodiments of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a GPS antenna for use with
various preferred embodiments of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a radio antenna enclosure
in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present
invention;
[0041] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a dual-antenna splitting
device in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present
invention, shown with two GPS antennas attached;
[0042] FIG. 17 is a top plan view of a dual-electrode
electrocardiogram sensor in accordance with the preferred
embodiments of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a wireless sensor
transmitter attached to the respiratory vibration
accelerometer/sensor of FIG. 11;
[0044] FIG. 19 is a bottom plan view of a speed accelerometer and
associated circuitry in accordance with the preferred embodiments
of the present invention;
[0045] FIGS. 20A-20E are screen shots of a trend display with a
plurality of sensor trends synchronized in real time in accordance
with preferred embodiments of the present invention;
[0046] FIGS. 21A-21B are screen shots of a trend display having an
angular-rate motion sensor trends synchronized in time in
accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present
invention;
[0047] FIGS. 22A-22D are screen shots of a trend display having
angular-rate motion sensor trends, an accelerometer respiratory
sensor trend and an electrocardiogram sensor trend synchronized in
time in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present
invention;
[0048] FIG. 23 is a prior art side elevational rendering of a head
and neck of a horse depicting anatomical regions;
[0049] FIG. 24 is a prior art side elevational rendering of a skull
of a horse showing locations of major bones of the skull;
[0050] FIG. 25 is a prior art dorsal (top-down) rendering of a
skull of a horse showing locations of major bones of the skull;
and
[0051] FIG. 26 is a prior art ventral (bottom-up) rendering of a
skull of a horse showing locations of major bones of the skull.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0052] Certain terminology is used in the following description for
convenience only and is not limiting. The words "right," and
"left," "lower," and "upper" designate directions in the drawings
to which reference is made. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly"
refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the
geometric center of the object discussed and designated parts
thereof. The terminology includes the words above specifically
mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.
Additionally, the words "a" and "an," as used in the claims and in
the corresponding portions of the Specification, means "at least
one."
[0053] For frame of reference, as used herein, FIG. 1 shows that a
horse 500 has a cranial aspect 520, a caudal aspect 522, a left
lateral side 524, a right lateral side 526, a dorsal aspect (top)
528 and a ventral aspect (bottom) 530. In three-dimensional space
(X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis), the horse 500 will be referenced as
having a longitudinal-axis (X-axis), a lateral-axis (Y-axis) and a
vertical-axis (Z-axis). The longitudinal-axis is defined through a
length of the horse 500 as measured between the cranial and the
caudal aspects 520, 522 of the horse 500. The lateral-axis is
defined through a width of the body of the horse 500 as measured
between the right and left lateral sides 524, 526 of the horse 500.
The vertical-axis is defined through a height of the body of the
horse 500 as measured between the dorsal aspect 528 and the ventral
aspect 530 of the horse 500. This frame of reference establishing
longitudinal, lateral and vertical axes (X, Y, Z) is relative and
should not be construed as limiting. Any labels or orientations of
(imaginary) axes may be utilized without departing from the present
invention. In other words, tilting, shifting or rotating an axis or
the frame of reference with respect to a horse 500 or ground is
still within the scope of the invention. The horse 500 also
includes a chest region 529 (FIG. 1). The locomotor system of the
Horse 500 includes at least the musculoskeletal, neural and viscera
systems.
[0054] FIG. 23 shows a prior art rendering of a head 518 and neck
517 of a horse 500 depicting anatomical regions. The anatomical
regions include a maxillary region, a mandibular region, a
masseteric region, a hyoid region, a laryngeal region, a tracheal
region, a nasal region, a frontal region, an orbital region, a
supraorbital region, a temporal region, a parietal region and a
parotid region. Generally, the aforementioned regions correspond to
the bone(s) and/or cartilage(s) in that region, underneath the hair
and skin of the horse 500. FIGS. 24-26 are prior art renderings of
a skull 519 of a horse 500 showing locations of major bones 501-515
of the skull 519. The skull 519 includes the following bones
501-515: inciscive 501, nasal 502, maxilla 503, lacrimal 504,
zygomatic 505, mandible 506, frontal 507, parietal 508,
interparietal 509, temporal 510 (petrous and tympanic parts),
temporal 510a (squamous part), occipital 511, vomer 512, sphenoid
513, pterygoid 514 and palatine 515.
[0055] Referring to the drawings in detail, FIGS. 1-5 show an
equine physiological monitoring system 50 in accordance with a
first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The equine
physiological monitoring system 50 includes an on-board data
acquisition control circuit 160 and a plurality of sensors 100,
101, 113, 114, 115, 116, 119, 120, 121, 128, 129, 130, 140, 165.
FIG. 1 shows the placement of the equine physiological monitoring
system 50 on a horse 500 with the location of each of the sensors
100 (FIGS. 11-12), 101, 113, 114, 115, 116, 119, 120, 121, 128,
129, 130, 140 (FIGS. 5-7), 165 (FIGS. 5 and 9).
[0056] The equine physiological monitoring system 50 is designed to
be worn by the horse 500 while it is exercising with a rider 540
(phantom in FIG. 2), or while pulling a vehicle (not shown) such as
a sulky or unencumbered by either. Alternately, components of the
on-board data acquisition control circuit 160 and some or part of
the plurality of sensors 100, 101, 113, 114, 115, 116, 119, 120,
121, 128, 129, 130, 140, 165, etc., can be worn by the rider/driver
540 or carried in a vehicle that the horse 500 is pulling. It is
contemplated that the rider/driver 540 of the horse 500 may also be
monitored while monitoring the horse 500 to document and/or observe
the interactions between the rider/driver/vehicle and the horse
500.
[0057] It may also be desired that only the sensors 100, 101, 113,
114, 115, 116, 119, 120, 121, 128, 129, 130, 140, 165 are attached
to the horse 500 and that all data is sent wirelessly to the
on-board data acquisition control circuit 160, a remote host
computer 200 or a trend display 202 (e.g., a laptop computer 200
running trending software that forms the trend display 202). For
example, each of the plurality of sensors 100, 101, 113, 114, 115,
116, 119, 120, 121, 128, 129, 130, 140, 165 can be configured to
have a wireless transmitter 104 (see e.g., FIG. 18) that transmits
electromagnetic signals such as radiofrequency (RF) waves, Infrared
(IR) or the like. Wirelessly transmitting sensor data may be less
obtrusive on the horse 500 being monitored, even if the data is
only wirelessly transmitted from the sensors 100, 101, 113, 114,
115, 116, 119, 120, 121, 128, 129, 130, 140, 165 to the on-board
data acquisition control circuit 160.
[0058] The equine physiological monitoring system 50 includes one
or more of a respiratory detection sensor 100, 101, a kinematic and
kinetic motion sensor 113, an electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode
configuration set 128, 129 and a speed sensor 130, 165. The equine
physiological monitoring system 50 may also include a second sensor
140 (FIG. 5) configured to be mounted proximate to the horse 500.
The second sensor 140 detects and outputs detected second sensor
data. The second sensor 140 is at least one of a lateral-axis
angular rate sensor 115, a longitudinal-axis angular rate sensor
114, a vertical-axis angular rate sensor 116, an accelerometer 119,
120, 121, a speed sensor 130, 165, (140), an ECG electrode
configuration set 128, 129 (FIG. 17), an electromyography (EMG)
sensor configuration set, an electroencephalograph (EEG) sensor
configuration set, electrooculogram (EOG) sensor configuration set,
an impedance pneumogram (ZPG) sensor configuration set, a pressure
sensor, a gas flow sensor, a gas detection sensor, a pH sensor, a
temperature sensor, an imaging sensor, an optical sensor and a
blood constituent sensor.
[0059] The wireless equine physiological monitoring system 50 also
includes the real-time trend display 202 (FIGS. 20A-20E, 21A-21B,
and 22A-22D) that wirelessly receives the detected data from one or
more of the sensors 100, 101, 113, 114, 115, 116, 119, 120, 121,
128, 129, 130, 140, 165. The trend display 202 displays the
detected data with respect to time as the detected data is received
(i.e., real-time trending). The detected respiratory data may also
be stored (i.e., data-logging) in the on-board data acquisition
control circuit 160 and/or at the host computer 200 and/or on a
storage device for later review and analysis (i.e., historical
trending). The trend display 202 may be a chart recorder. The
recorder may be a paper chart recorder or a virtual chart recorder.
The trend display 202 may be graphically displayed through a video
display or a projector. The video display may be a liquid crystal
display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, a cathode-ray
tube (CRT) display and a plasma screen display.
[0060] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram depicting the wireless equine
physiological monitoring system 50. The wireless equine
physiological monitoring system 50 includes an enclosure 53 which
houses the on-board data acquisition control circuit 160. The
on-board data acquisition control circuit 160 includes an on-board
computer/controller 60, a data acquisition (DAQ) system or card 164
(FIG. 9), a global positioning system (GPS) receiver board 165
(FIG. 9), a transmitter or transceiver 64 and a battery or other
power source BT1. An external antenna A1 is coupled to the
transceiver 64. FIG. 15 shows an enclosure 65 for the antenna A1.
The on-board computer 60 may include a microprocessor, a memory
storage device 168, random access memory (RAM) and typical
connections such as keyboard, mouse, monitor, universal serial bus
(USB), communications port and a network connection.
[0061] A prototype of the monitoring system 50 utilized a
DAQCard-AI 16E-4 commercially available from National Instruments,
Austin, Tex., connected to a model number PCM 9570 computer
commercially from Advantech, Irvine, Calif. The DAQ card 164
includes signal conditioning circuitry for receiving a variety of
different analog and/or digital signals at a plurality of different
voltage and/or current levels. The DAQ card 164 may multiplex the
signals through an analog to digital (A/D) converter and utilize
serial, parallel, USB, Ethernet or any other communication medium
to communicate the data acquired to the on-board
computer/controller 60. These components are disposed in an
enclosure 53, which can be situated in or on the saddle pad 47, a
girth 44, a harness on the horse 500, a rider/driver 540, a cart.
remotely or the like. Of course, a more simplified on-board data
acquisition control circuit 160 or a dedicated local data logger
may be used instead.
[0062] Preferably, the on-board data acquisition control circuit
160 has a clock X1 in either the DAQ card 164 or the on-board
computer/controller 60 in order to synchronize acquired data with
respect to time. Preferably, the clock X1 is a real time clock that
can be calibrated and/or synchronized with another external clock,
as necessary. Preferably, all data collected, displayed and/or
stored is synchronized with respect to time. Preferably, the
on-board data acquisition control circuit 160 has a real time clock
X1 and the data is synchronized with respect to real time so that
the data can be analyzed based on time events and/or can be
synchronized with real time data from other sources.
[0063] As shown in FIGS. 6-7, a dedicated control circuit 260, 360
can incorporate all of the functionality of the aforementioned DAQ
card 164 and on-board computer/controller 60, and more, on one or
more printed circuit boards (PCBs).
[0064] Each of the plurality of sensors 100, 101, 113, 114, 115,
116, 119, 120, 121, 128, 129, 130, 140, 165 are shown being coupled
to the DAQ card 164, and the DAQ card 164 being coupled to the
on-board computer/controller 60. However, one or more of the
plurality of sensors 100, 101, 113, 114, 115, 116, 119, 120, 121,
128, 129, 130, 140, 165 may be directly coupled to the on-board
computer/controller 60. Preferably, each of the plurality of
sensors 100, 101, 113, 114, 115, 116, 128, 129, 130, 140 has a
built-in or a close-coupled wireless transmitter 104 (see FIG. 18)
for sending data to the on-board data acquisition control circuit
160 wirelessly.
[0065] For example, one or more sensors 100, 101, 113, 114, 115,
116, 128, 129, 130, 140 can be configured to transmit a wireless
signal such as an IR, RF, Bluetooth or the like, using a wireless
transmitter 104. Bluetooth is the registered trademark of Bluetooth
SIG, Inc., Bellevue, Wash. Reducing the hard-wired connections
between the sensors 100, 101, 113, 114, 115, 116, 128, 129, 130,
140 and the DAQ card 164 and on-board computer/controller 60 and/or
eliminating the on-board data acquisition control circuit 160 makes
it somewhat less intrusive on the subject horse 500 that is being
monitored. Additionally, wirelessly transmitting sensor data makes
it possible to monitor a horse 500, in real time, while the horse
500 is exercising.
[0066] The memory storage device 168 for the on-board data
acquisition control circuit 160 may be a floppy disk drive, a CD
read only memory (ROM) player/recorder, a tape player, a DVD
player/recorder, a flash memory device such as a flash random
access memory (flash-RAM) drive, a removable flash RAM or the like.
The memory storage device 168 for the on-board data acquisition
control circuit 160 may alternatively be a USB flash memory device
(i.e., a USB memory key or a memory stick).
[0067] Optionally, the on-board data acquisition control circuit
160 also has input/output capability for video, wireless data I/O
(e.g., WiFi), parallel, serial and multi-channel outputs. The
on-board data acquisition control circuit 160 may receive data from
video cameras, scanning devices or other more intelligent or
complicated equipment in addition to and in conjunction with the
sensor data.
[0068] Alternatively. the on-board data acquisition control circuit
160 may be implemented by a software program for a conventional
personal digital assistant (PDA) that has wireless transmit/receive
capabilities such as IR, Bluetooth, RF or the like. The PDA can be
placed in a pouch on a saddle pad 47 or could be carried by a
rider/driver 540 or held on the side-lines as the horse 500 is
exercising. For example, the rider/driver 540 may wear a belt or
backpack 49 for storing the on-board data acquisition control
circuit 160.
[0069] The respiratory detection sensor 100 (FIGS. 11-12), 101
(FIGS. 1-3 and 10) may be a microphone or an accelerometer. A
microphone is an electroacoustic transducer that responds to sound
waves (acoustical waves) and outputs a corresponding electrical
wave. An accelerometer 100, 101 senses an inertial reaction of a
proof mass for measuring linear or angular acceleration. An
accelerometer 100, 101 can detect and measure vibrations of a
generally elastic or semi-elastic solid.
[0070] Preferably, the respiratory detection sensor 100, 101 is a
respiratory vibration accelerometer 100, 101 that is responsive to
equine respiratory structural vibrations.
[0071] FIG. 10 shows a first respiratory vibration accelerometer
101 in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present
invention. The first respiratory vibration accelerometer 101 is a
piezoelectric accelerometer such as a piezoelectric crystal or a
piezoelectric film accelerometer. The first respiratory vibration
accelerometer 101 has a sensing surface 103 configured to be
attached to one of hair, skin, bone, ligament, cartilage, and other
tissue of a horse 500, such that the attachment is nearly an
integral part of the hair, skin bone, ligament, cartilage, and
other tissue. Preferably, the respiratory vibration accelerometer
101 includes an internal seismic mass or proof mass (not shown)
that acts on a small element of piezo-polymeric film (not shown).
The first respiratory vibration accelerometer 101 has lead wires
for supply V+, output OUT and ground GND. Preferably, the
respiratory vibration accelerometer 101 has a wide frequency
response, good phase response and a relatively wide dynamic range.
Preferably, the respiratory vibration accelerometer 101 has a
frequency range of less than 2 Hz to about 20 KHz.
[0072] The raw voltage output from respiratory vibration
accelerometer 100, 101 can be converted to engineering units by its
calibration factor to read in mV/g, where g is approximately 9.8
meters/second-second (s.sup.2). Thus, the data can be quantified as
the accelerations of the structures being sensed. Additionally,
velocities and displacements of respiratory structural signals can
be ascertained. From these data one may gain insights into the
kinetics, kinematics, time functions, shapes, sizes or the like of
respiratory structures. Preferably, data sensed by respiratory
vibration accelerometer 100, 101 contains information relating to
other body systems, e.g., the mechanics and locomotion of the horse
500 and cardiovascular events such as a cardiac rhythm and rate.
These data can be separated from the parent data and their
influences and interactions established.
[0073] The respiratory vibration accelerometer 100, 101 can be used
in the study of varying ground and climatic conditions, genotypes,
phenotypes, feeding and training strategies, influences of riders
540, drivers, or unencumbered by either, riding, driving equipment
and training aids, pharmacological agents, medical and
developmental histories, shoeing, metabolic, physiologic and
psychological states, and intra and inter species communications
and vocalizations.
[0074] FIGS. 11-12 show a second respiratory vibration
accelerometer 100 in accordance with the preferred embodiments of
the present invention. Preferably, the vibration transducer 100 is
an accelerometer such as a moving coil/mass-spring. Preferably, the
accelerometer 100 is lightweight (e.g., about 13 grams). One
preferred accelerometer is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,461,193
(Schertler), the contents of which are incorporated by reference
herein. The respiratory vibration accelerometer 100 includes a
sensing surface 102 configured to be attached to one of hair, skin,
bone, ligament, cartilage, and other tissue of a horse 500. The
output from respiratory vibration accelerometer 100 can be
quantified in a similar fashion as respiratory vibration
accelerometer 101.
[0075] Other types of respiratory vibration accelerometers 100, 101
such as other configurations of a moving mass-spring accelerometer,
a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometer, a
micro-machined silicon accelerometer, another variety piezoelectric
accelerometer, a potentiometric accelerometer, a linear variable
differential transformer (LVDT) accelerometer, a fiber-optic
accelerometer, a variable reluctance accelerometer and a variable
capacitance accelerometer or the like can also be used for the same
purpose.
[0076] Preferably, the sensing surface 102, 103 of the respiratory
vibration accelerometer 100, 101 is affixed or attached using
temporary adhesive, such as product number 34-3376 commercially
available from National Starch and Chemical Co., Salisbury, N.C.,
directly to the skin overlying the nasal bones 502 of the horse 500
(i.e., the nasal region in FIG. 23). It is also anticipated that
the respiratory vibration accelerometer 100, 101 can be bonded to
the skin and/or hair using a liquid suture such as
N-butlycyanoacrylate or Close commercially available from B. Braun
Medical, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. or other similar liquid suture
product. It is important during the fixation process that the
sensing surface 102, 103 of the respiratory vibration accelerometer
100, 101 be tightly adhered to the skin or hair of the horse 500,
preferably without any air or liquid interface, such that the
sensing surface 102, 103 of the respiratory vibration accelerometer
100, 101 is at least partially in direct contact with the skin or
hair of the horse 500. This is accomplished by first removing any
excessive hair with clippers and then prepping the desired area
with alcohol to remove loose hair and debris. Next, the adhesive is
applied to the outer circumference of the sensing surface 102, 103
of the respiratory vibration accelerometer 100, 101 which is then
pressed onto the desired recording area. Thus, the respiratory
vibration accelerometer 100, 101 is intimately attached to the hair
or skin of the horse 500 so as to become a nearly integral
component. The respiratory vibration accelerometer 100, 101 is
responsive to respiratory structural vibrations of the horse 500
and outputs a signal corresponding to the respiratory structural
vibrations.
[0077] The respiratory vibration accelerometer 100, 101 is
preferably adhered, glued, epoxied or bonded directly to one of
hair, skin, bone, ligament, cartilage, and other tissue of a horse
500. But, the respiratory vibration accelerometer 100, 101 may be
mechanically coupled to one of hair, skin, bone, ligament,
cartilage, and other tissue of a horse 500 or mechanically held in
direct contact with one of hair, skin, bone, ligament, cartilage,
and other tissue of a horse 500 without departing from the
invention. It is contemplated that the respiratory vibration
accelerometer 100, 101 can be attached directly to bone, cartilage
or ligaments of the horse 500 by, for example, surgical
implantation or the like.
[0078] In one embodiment, the sensing surface 102, 103 of the
respiratory vibration accelerometer 100, 101 is adhered, glued,
epoxied or bonded directly to attached to one of hair, skin, bone,
ligament, cartilage, and other tissue of a horse 500 to create a
vacuum condition between the sensing surface 102, 103 of the
respiratory vibration accelerometer 100, 101 and the respective one
of hair, skin, bone, ligament, cartilage, and other tissue of the
horse 500.
[0079] It is further contemplated that the respiratory vibration
accelerometer 100, 101 can be mounted inside the head 518 of the
horse 500.
[0080] Preferably, the nasal region is chosen because respiratory
structural vibrations readily pass into the nasal bones 502
underlying the skin and through the skin in this area and thus are
detected quite easily by the respiratory vibration accelerometer
100, 101. Other sites of attachment for the respiratory vibration
accelerometer 100, 101 include, but are not limited to, the hair
and/or skin overlying the nasal turbinates, the larynx, the
trachea, maxillary region, the masseteric region, the hyoid region
(i.e., the ventral portion of the hyoid apparatus), the laryngeal
region, the tracheal region, the frontal region, the orbital
region, the supraorbital region, the chest region 529, the temporal
region, the parietal region, the parotid region, or the like. These
alternate sites of attachment also allow for the detection of
different types and levels of vibrations. Further, respiratory
vibration accelerometers 100, 101 configured in different ways can
also enhance the detection of types and levels of vibrations. Thus,
as the horse 500 exercises, the respiratory structural vibrations
are sensed by the respiratory vibration accelerometer 100, 101 and
the resulting electrical impulses pass via a cable or wirelessly to
the DAQ card 164.
[0081] FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of an accelerometer
control circuit 110 in accordance with preferred embodiments of the
present invention. The accelerometer control circuit 110 includes a
battery or other power source BT2, an amplifier U20 and suitable
biasing components, such as resistors and capacitors, for supplying
a voltage signal to the respiratory vibration accelerometer 101, if
necessary, and for receiving a data signal from the respiratory
vibration accelerometer 101 in order to send data. The
accelerometer control circuit 110 is particularly designed for the
respiratory vibration accelerometer 101, but a similar
accelerometer control circuit 110 can be utilized for the
respiratory vibration accelerometer 100. The primary difference
between the first respiratory vibration accelerometer 100 and the
second respiratory vibration accelerometer 101 is that the second
respiratory vibration accelerometer 101 requires supply power V+
while the first respiratory vibration accelerometer 100 does
not.
[0082] Optionally, the accelerometer control circuit 110 includes a
wireless transmitter 112 configured to transmit data. Preferably,
the wireless transmitter 112 is configured to transmit frequencies
as low as a few hertz (Hz). Sensing, recording and storing
frequencies in the less than or equal to 2 Hz to 200 Hz range is of
interest in order to fully appreciate respiratory structural
vibrations. Generally, commercially available wireless
transmitter/receiver units and recording units are not designed to
address these frequencies in an accurate manner, if at all.
Preferably, the various embodiments of the present invention
accurately sense, record and store respiratory vibration data from
less than or equal to 2 Hz to greater than or equal to 10 kHz.
[0083] The respiratory vibration accelerometer 100, 101 may be
hardwired or wired directly to the control circuit 160 or the
control circuit 160 may include an optional wireless receiver 162
for receiving data wirelessly from the optional wireless
transmitter 112 of the respiratory vibration accelerometer control
circuit 110. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 18, the respiratory
vibration accelerometer 100, 101 can be attached to a wireless
transmitter 104, affixed directly to the horse 500 by glue,
adhesive, or the like or affixed by a clip and/or strap to a mane
of the horse, a bridle, a halter 48 or other device of the horse
500, with a corresponding wireless receiver. The corresponding
receiver is electrically connected to the DAQ card 164. This
arrangement negates the need for cable to be strung from the
respiratory vibration accelerometer 100, 101 on the head 518 of the
horse 500 along the neck 517 to the DAQ card 164. It is anticipated
that other types of wireless transmitters/receiver combinations
using any frequency and any communication protocol that is
minimally susceptible to noise can be used for the same
purpose.
[0084] FIGS. 1 and 13 show the motion sensor 113 that senses equine
motion in multi-dimensional space (X, Y, Z). The kinematic and
kinetic motion sensor 113 includes at least one angular rate sensor
114, 115, 116 and at least one accelerometer 119, 120, 121. The at
least one angular rate sensor 114, 115, 116 and the at least one
accelerometer 119, 120, 121 are configured to be mounted proximate
to a horse 500 so as to move with the horse 500. The at least one
angular rate sensor 114, 115, 116 detects angular rotation data
relative to a first-axis. The at least one accelerometer 119, 120,
121 is mounted proximate to the at least one angular rate sensor
114. 115, 116 and is generally orthogonal to the first-axis.
Preferably, the motion sensor 113 includes a first-axis angular
rate sensor 114, a second-axis angular rate sensor 115 and the
third-axis angular rate sensor 116 and a first accelerometer 119, a
second accelerometer 120 and a third accelerometer 121,
respectively. The first-axis angular rate sensor 114, the
second-axis angular rate sensor 115 and the third-axis angular rate
sensor 116 and the first accelerometer 119, the second
accelerometer 120 and the third accelerometer 121 are all
configured to be mounted proximate to the horse 500 so as to move
with the horse 500. The first-axis angular rate sensor 114 detects
angular rotation data relative to the first-axis, and the first
accelerometer 119 is mounted proximate to the first-axis angular
rate sensor 114 and is disposed orthogonal to the first-axis. The
second-axis angular rate sensor 115 detects angular rotation data
relative to the second-axis, and the second accelerometer 120 is
mounted proximate to the second-axis angular rate sensor 115 and is
disposed orthogonal to the second-axis. The third-axis angular rate
sensor 116 detects angular rotation data relative to the
third-axis, and the third accelerometer 121 is mounted proximate to
the third-axis angular rate sensor 116 and is disposed orthogonal
to the third-axis.
[0085] The first-axis is one of the lateral-axis, the vertical-axis
and the longitudinal-axis, the second-axis is one of the other of
the lateral-axis, the vertical-axis and the longitudinal-axis and
the third-axis is the remaining one of the other of the
lateral-axis, the vertical-axis and the longitudinal-axis. The
kinematic and kinetic motion sensor 113 could be implemented with
only one of the first-axis angular rate sensor 114, the second-axis
angular rate sensor 115 and third-axis angular rate sensor 116.
Thus, the angular rate sensors 114, 115, 116 are mounted mutually
orthogonal to each other. Optionally, additional angular rate
sensors 114, 115, 116 and/or additional accelerometers 119, 120,
121 can be provided in the motion sensor 113 that are aligned with
other axes. The motion sensor 113 may be implemented with other
sensor technologies in addition to or in replacement of angular
rate sensors 114, 115, 116 and/or accelerometers 119, 120, 121.
[0086] The motion sensor 113 that includes at least one of an
angular rate sensor 114, 115, 116 and at least one accelerometer
119, 120, 121, as described in the various embodiments herein,
senses phase shifts of the respiratory locomotor coupling
relationship exhibited by the exercising horse 500. The
accelerometer(s) 119, 120, 121 within the motion sensor 113 allows
for the estimation of the metabolic energy expenditure that occurs
during the respiratory locomotor phase shifts. Further, the various
configurations of the angular rate sensors 114, 115, 116 and
accelerometers 119, 120, 121 sense the variations in movements of
the horse 500 due to respiratory mechanics, metabolic energy
expenditure, speed of movement, cardiovascular events or the like.
The motion sensor 113 is configured to output multi-dimensional
motion data of the horse 500.
[0087] The motion sensor 113 can be used in the study of varying
ground and climatic conditions, genotypes, phenotypes, feeding and
training strategies, influences of riders 540, drivers, or
unencumbered by either, riding, driving equipment and training
aids, pharmacological agents, medical and developmental histories,
shoeing, metabolic, physiologic and psychological states, and intra
and inter species communications and vocalizations.
[0088] The trend display 202 displays the detected angular rotation
data relative to at least one of the first-axis, the second-axis
and the third-axis rotation data with respect to time as the
detected angular rotation data relative to the single-axis is
received (i.e., real-time trending). The detected angular rotation
data relative to at least one of the first-axis, the second-axis
and the third-axis rotation data with respect to time may also be
stored in the on-board data acquisition control circuit 160 and/or
at the host computer 200 and/or on a storage device 168, 206 for
later review and analysis (i.e., historical trending).
[0089] Preferably, the kinematic and kinetic motion sensor 113 is
enclosed within a small enclosure 117 that is then mounted onto a
girth 44 (i.e., a strap overlying the ventral side 530 of the horse
500). This area is chosen because it is in the central plane, and
close to the center of mass of the horse 500. The kinematic and
kinetic motion sensor 113 may also be mounted or affixed directly
to the hair or skin of the horse 500. However, the kinematic and
kinetic motion sensor 113 can be mounted in other locations on or
near the horse 500 without departing from the present invention.
The signals generated by the angular rate sensors 114, 115, 116 and
the accelerometers 119, 120, 121 pass by cable to the DAQ card 164
and then to the on-board computer/controller 60. Optionally, a
wireless transmitter is built into the kinematic and kinetic motion
sensor 113 enabling the kinematic and kinetic motion sensor 113 to
communicate data wirelessly to the on-board data acquisition
control circuit 160 and/or to the host computer 200 and/or to the
trend display 202.
[0090] Real time viewing of the graphed signals allows the observer
to immediately discern basic locomotor parameters that help in
elucidating the interrelationships among body systems of the horse
500. For example, for each gait type and stride, there is a unique
and distinct rotation of the horse 500 around the lateral-axis
(pitch) that is detected by the "Y" sensor 114, 115, 116. From the
waveform that is generated one can deduce the gait (i.e., walk,
trot, pace, canter or gallop), the stride frequency and phase of
the stride (i.e., stance or suspension). The "Z" sensor 114, 115,
116 measures the distinct rotations of a gait type and stride
around the vertical-axis (yaw) the waveform from which strengthens
the deduction of type of gait, stride frequency, and is
particularly useful in determining gait phase (i.e., right versus
left lead for canter and gallop or right versus left diagonal for
the trot). With these types of basic observations and more
extensive analysis, one can better appreciate the synergies that
exist in the exercising horse 500.
[0091] The ECG electrode configuration set 128, 129 includes at
least two self-adhering electrodes 128, 129 such as product number
664 commercially available from Uni-Patch, Wabasha Minn. The ECG
electrode configuration set 128, 129 may include a plurality of
electrodes 128, 129. The ECG electrode configuration set 128, 129
is used for obtaining the electrocardiogram. The ECG electrodes
128, 129 are configured in a Base-Apex lead system, which is the
most common method of recording exercising ECGs of horses 500.
There are many other types of ECG electrodes that can be used for
the same purpose. As shown in FIG. 1, the ECG electrodes 128, 129
are situated under the saddle pad 47 and a girth 44, next to the
skin and held in place by adhesive. Prior to placement, the
electrode attachment sites on the horse 500 are prepped with
alcohol to remove debris that could interfere with detection of the
ECG. The electrical signals generated by the ECG electrodes 128,
129 pass via cable to the data acquisition board (DAQ) 164 and then
to the on-board computer/controller 60.
[0092] Any number of additional ECG electrodes 128, 129 can be
utilized without departing from the present invention. It is
anticipated that more than two electrodes 128, 129 are used to
record the ECG waveform. The ECG is used to detect cardiac rhythm
and rate. Further, use of the time synchronization function of the
system allows for precise comparison of cardiac data with the
respiratory locomotor events and speed. For example, some types of
cardiac arrhythmias can change respiratory and locomotor patterns
of exercising horses 500. In addition, some cardiac rhythm
disturbances may only occur at a particular speed or metabolic
state.
[0093] The equine physiological monitoring system 50 also includes
a speed sensor 130 that senses equine speed. The speed sensor or
transducer 130 (FIG. 19) is, in one embodiment, an accelerometer
132 that detects acceleration and deceleration in a
longitudinal-axis of a horse 500. The speed sensor 130 is
configured to be mounted proximate to the horse 500. Preferably,
the speed sensor 130 is mounted in the longitudinal-axis on one of
the lateral sides 524, 526 of the horse 500 and is firmly adhered
to the skin/hair of the horse 500 with temporary adhesive. The
speed sensor 130 is connected by cable to the DAQ card 164. Thus,
the speed sensor 130 is used to measure the overall accelerations
and decelerations of the horse 500 in the horizontal plane.
Preferably, the speed sensor 130 yields a positive signal output
when the horse 500 is moving in the forward direction. When the
acceleration signal is integrated over time (i.e., mathematical
integral) it yields the speed of the horse 500. Optionally. a
lateral-axis angular rate sensor 134 is mounted proximate to the
speed accelerometer 130. The lateral-axis angular rate sensor 134
detects angular rotation data relative to the lateral-axis of the
horse 500. The lateral-axis angular rate sensor 134 provides
compensation for slippage in placement or changes in orientation of
the speed accelerometer 132 with respect to the horse 500 and
relative to the ground.
[0094] An alternative method of obtaining the speed of the horse
500 utilizes Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. The system
includes a GPS receiver board 165 (FIG. 9) incorporated into the
enclosure 53 with its output signal cable attached to the data
acquisition board (not shown). The GPS receiver board 165 receives
GPS data from GPS satellites. The GPS receiver board 165 updates
GPS data more than once per second. Preferably, the GPS receiver
board 165 updates at least five (5) times per second. The GPS
receiver board 165 is configured to perform at least one of
outputting data proportional to speed and calculating speed of the
horse 500 from the updated GPS data. Thus, the GPS receiver board
165 may itself calculate speed from the received GPS data, or the
GPS receiver board 165 may simply output raw data from which the
speed can be calculated by the on-board data acquisition control
circuit 160 or by the remote host computer 200, for example.
[0095] Since it is known from high speed video filming of running
horses 500 that speed fluctuations within a single stride can be as
much as five (5) miles per hour (MPH) or greater, frequent updates
of a GPS system is desirable in order to more accurately measure
stride components, respiratory, locomotor and cardiac events. A GPS
receiver board 165 (FIG. 9) may be an "Invicta 210" commercially
available from Raven Industries, Sioux Falls, S.D. The GPS antenna
166 is mounted on the top back portion of the saddle pad 47.
Alternatively, the GPS antenna 166 can be mounted in other
locations such as other parts of the horse 500 or on the rider 540
or on the cart/sulky or the like. The Invicta GPS receiver board
165 outputs a signal that is proportional to speed ten (10) times
per second (i.e., about 45 Hz per mile per hour). There are other
manufacturers of GPS boards that update more than once per second.
FIG. 16 shows a dual-antenna splitting device 167 in accordance
with the preferred embodiments of the present invention, having two
GPS antennas 165 attached thereto for improving reception.
[0096] An alternative method of obtaining the speed of the horse
500 utilizes at least one Doppler transceiver that transmits an
electromagnetic signal and receives a reflected or transponded
version of the electromagnetic signal. The electromagnetic signal
may be a radar signal, a microwave signal, an infrared signal or
the like. The signal may also be an ultrasonic signal without
departing from the invention. The Doppler transceiver is configured
to be mounted proximate to a horse 500 so as to move with the horse
500. The Doppler transceiver is configured to perform one of
outputting data proportional to speed and calculating speed of the
horse 500 based on the difference in time/frequency between the
transmitted and received electromagnetic signal. Preferably, at
least one compensation transceiver is mounted in conjunction with
the Doppler transceiver. The compensation transceiver also
transmits an electromagnetic signal and receives a reflected or
transponded version of the electromagnetic signal. The compensation
transceiver is configured to mount in an opposite orientation as
compared to the Doppler transceiver, and the compensation
transceiver is configured to compensate the Doppler transceiver for
uneven surface conditions and/or movements of the horse 500 based
on the difference in time/frequency between the transmitted and
received electromagnetic signal.
[0097] The resulting data that is generated from the respiratory
vibration accelerometer 100, 101, the motion sensor 113, the ECG
electrode configuration set 128, 129, and the speed accelerometer
130 (and/or the GPS receiver board 165) are collected and stored in
the memory 168 of the on-board data acquisition control circuit
160. In the first preferred embodiment, this data acquisition
process as well as all subsequent processes are performed using a
commercial software program such as LABVIEW 6.x, commercially
available from National Instruments, Austin, Tex. Other software
packages and display or trending techniques can be utilized. For
example, dedicated paper or paperless (virtual) chart recorders or
dedicated displays in general may be used in lieu of or in addition
to, a host computer 200. Preferably, each data point displayed or
logged is time synchronized, so as to permit an overall analysis of
what happens or happened at any given point in time (i.e., real
time or historical look back). Custom control and/or display
software can also be utilized as a user interface without departing
from the present invention.
[0098] Simultaneously to the data being stored or logged in the
memory 168 of the on-board data acquisition control circuit 160,
the data is also transmitted via the transceiver 64 by radio
signal. For example, the transceiver can be a product number
AIR-LMC352, commercially available from Cisco Systems, San Jose,
Calif. The transceiver 64 is connected to the on-board
computer/controller 60 and transmits data via an antenna(s) A1 to
the host computer 200 which also has a similar transceiver coupled
thereto. This host computer 200 is located within data sending and
receiving range of the on-board data acquisition control circuit
160 mounted on the horse 500. Preferably, the radio system operates
in a frequency range of about 900 Hz to about 5.8 gigahertz (GHz).
However, it is anticipated that other types of radios and or
frequency ranges can be used for the same purpose. The subsequent
received data is displayed in real time, or approximately real time
depending on the sampling rate, such that one can observe the
exercise events as they occur (i.e., real-time trending). Some data
transformation is performed during the real time observation such
that data viewed has some interpretable value or auditory output or
the like. For instance, the GPS data proportional to speed is
converted to speed. The data is also written as a single file to a
hard drive or other memory storage device of the host computer 200.
The data may be written as a plurality of separate files in
combination or by the particular variable being trended. The host
computer 200 also utilizes the LABVIEW software to display the
data, i.e., thereby forming a trend display 202 (FIGS. 20A-20E.
21A-21B, and 22A-22D).
[0099] The host computer 200 may utilize other software packages
commercially available or custom written for the application in
order to display the data as a trend, via indicators, bar graphs,
data tables or the like. The software may include scaling for
variable ranges, units, resolution, alarming, high and low limits
or the like. The software may include the ability to overlay
multiple variables on the same trend or to display multiple
variables on separate trend axes on the same screen (e.g., FIGS.
20A-20E, 21A-21B, and 22A-22D) aligned in time. The stored data
file may be in a conventional tabular format, in a database or in a
comma-separated-variable (csv) format or the like, which can be
imported into a spreadsheet or other data handling software package
for manipulation and analysis.
[0100] At the conclusion of an exercise event. the enclosure 53,
located on the horse 500 is removed, and the data file located in
the memory 168 of the on-board data acquisition control circuit 160
is transferred to the host computer 200 or to another backup memory
device (i.e., as an historical or data logged file). The data file
that resides on the host computer 200 collected via the
transceivers 64 can be compared to the data file transferred from
the on-board computer/controller 60 to check for missing data that
may have resulted from a malfunction of the wireless communication
link and/or the computers 60, 200. The redundant saving of data
files helps to ensure that an exercise event does not have to be
repeated due to data loss.
[0101] FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram depicting a control
circuit 260 mounted on a printed circuit PCB in accordance with a
second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The control
circuit 260 includes a controller U1, a memory U2, an A/D converter
U3, a clock X1 and a transmitter or transceiver TX/RX. The
controller U1 may be a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an
application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or the like. The
controller U1 may include built-in A/D and D/A conversion as well,
in addition to or in lieu of the A/D converter U3. The A/D
converter U3 has a digital resolution such as 8-24 bit resolution.
The control circuit 260 may include a multiplexer U4 for
multiplexing a plurality of signals to a single-channel A/D
converter U3. Optionally, the A/D converter U3 is a multi-channel
A/D chip with built in multiplexing.
[0102] The respiratory vibration accelerometer 100, 101 may be
hardwired to the control circuit 260 or the control circuit 260 may
include an optional wireless receiver 262 for receiving data
wirelessly from the optional wireless transmitter 112 of the
respiratory vibration accelerometer control circuit 110.
[0103] The control circuit 260 may optionally include a built in
GPS chipset such that a separate GPS receiver board 165 is not
needed. Likewise, the control circuit 260 may optionally include a
transmitter or transceiver chip set (e.g., a wireless Ethernet
circuit) such that an external transceiver 64 is not needed. The
memory U2 may be a flash-RAM chip or a removable flash-RAM card.
The control circuit 260 may be implemented on a plurality of
printed circuit boards PCBs and/or daughter boards.
[0104] FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram depicting a control
circuit 360 mounted on a printed circuit PCB in accordance with a
third preferred embodiment of the present invention. The control
circuit 360 is similar to the control circuit 260. The control
circuit 360 includes a first controller U1, a second controller
U10, a first memory U2, a second memory U12, a first A/D converter
U3, a second A/D converter U13, a first clock X1, a second clock X2
and a transmitter or transceiver TX/RX. Preferably, the first and
second clocks X1, X2 are real time clocks. The controllers U1 and
U10 may be a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an application
specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or the like. The controllers U1
and U10 may include built-in A/D and D/A conversion as well, in
addition to or in lieu of the A/D converters U3 and U13. The A/D
converters U3 and U13 have a digital resolution such as 8-24 bit
resolution. The control circuit 360 may include a multiplexer U4
for multiplexing a plurality of signals to a single-channel A/D
converter U3. Optionally, the A/D converter U3 is a multi-channel
A/D chip with built in multiplexing. The first A/D converter U3 may
have a first resolution, such as 16-bit resolution, and the second
A/D converter U13 may have a second resolution, such as 24-bit
resolution. The first controller U1 is coupled to the second
controller U10 by a communication bus such as a serial bus, a
parallel bus, a USB, an inter-integrated circuit (I.sup.2C) bus or
the like, in order for the second controller U10 to communicate
and/or exchange data with the first controller U1.
[0105] The second controller U10, the second memory U12, the second
clock X2 and the second A/D converter U13 are dedicated to
monitoring the respiratory vibration accelerometer 100, 101. Since
the respiratory vibration data has a wide range of frequencies, a
higher resolution A/D converter U13 may be desirable along with a
dedicated controller U10 to continuously monitor the signal with
higher sampling rates than other signals. The respiratory vibration
accelerometer 100, 101 may be hardwired to the control circuit 360
or the control circuit 360 may include an optional wireless
receiver 362 for receiving data wirelessly from the optional
wireless transmitter 112 of the respiratory vibration accelerometer
control circuit 110. Alternately, both controllers U1, U10 are
linked to the same real time clock X1, X2.
[0106] The control circuit 360 may optionally include a built in
GPS chipset such that a separate GPS receiver board 165 is not
needed. Likewise, the control circuit 360 may optionally include a
transmitter or transceiver chip set (e.g., a wireless Ethernet
circuit) such that an external transceiver 64 is not needed. The
memory U2 and U12 may be a flash-RAM chip or a removable flash-RAM
card.
[0107] In one configuration, the equine physiological monitoring
system 50 includes a portable computer/controller 60, U1, having a
memory U2, a lateral-axis angular rate sensor 115, a vertical-axis
angular rate sensor 116, a speed sensor 130, 165, an ECG electrode
configuration set 128, 129 and a respiratory detection sensor 100,
101. All of the devices are configured to be mounted proximate to a
horse 500 so as to move with the horse 500. The lateral-axis
angular rate sensor 115 is in communication with the
computer/controller 60, U1 and sends the computer/controller 60, U1
detected angular rotation data relative to the lateral-axis. The
vertical-axis angular rate sensor 116 is in communication with the
computer/controller 60, U1 and sends the computer/controller 60, U1
detected angular rotation data relative to the vertical-axis. The
speed sensor 130, 165 is in communication with the
computer/controller 60, U1 and sends the computer/controller 60, U1
detected speed data of the horse 500. The ECG electrode
configuration set 128, 129 is in communication with the
computer/controller 60, U1 and sends the computer/controller 60, U1
detected ECG data. The respiratory detection sensor 100, 101 is in
communication with the computer/controller 60, U1 and sends the
computer/controller 60, U1 detected respiratory data. The memory
168, U2 at least temporarily stores the detected angular rotation
data relative to the lateral-axis, the detected angular rotation
data relative to the vertical-axis, the detected speed data, the
detected ECG data and the detected respiratory data. Preferably,
all of the detected data is synchronized with respect to time as it
is acquired and/or stored. Preferably, all of the detected data is
synchronized with respect to real time. The synchronized data
stored in the memory 168, U2, U12 can be simultaneously viewed in
real time or later as an historical trend.
[0108] In another configuration, the wireless equine physiological
monitoring system 50 includes a respiratory detection sensor 100.
101 and a second sensor 140, each mounted proximate to the horse
500 so as to move with the horse 500 while the horse 500 is
exercising over ground (i.e., in a natural environment such as in a
field or on a track). In this configuration, the respiratory
detection sensor 100, 101 may be a microphone or any other
respiratory sensor, and need not be limited to a respiratory
vibration accelerometer. The respiratory detection sensor 100, 101
detects and outputs detected respiratory data while the horse 500
is exercising. The second sensor 140 detects and outputs detected
second sensor data. The second sensor 140 is at least one of a
lateral-axis angular rate sensor 114, 115, 116, a longitudinal-axis
angular rate sensor 114, 115, 116, a vertical-axis angular rate
sensor 114, 115, 116, an accelerometer 119, 120, 121, a speed
sensor 130, 165, an ECG electrode configuration set 128. 129, an
EMG sensor configuration set, an EEG sensor configuration set, EOG
sensor configuration set, an ZPG sensor configuration set, a
pressure sensor, a gas flow sensor, a gas detection sensor, a pH
sensor, a temperature sensor, an imaging sensor, an optical sensor
and a blood constituent sensor. The trend display 202 or the host
computer 200 functioning as a trend display 202 wirelessly receives
the detected respiratory data and the detected second sensor data.
The trend display 202 or the host computer 200 functioning as a
trend display 202 simultaneously displays the detected respiratory
data and the detected second sensor data. The displayed data is
synchronized with respect to time (i.e., a real-time trend).
Preferably, the displayed data is synchronized with respect to real
time. Additionally, at least some portions of the respiratory data
can be converted and simultaneously outputted as an audible signal
in real time while displaying other data that is synchronized with
respect to time.
[0109] In another configuration, the wireless equine physiological
monitoring system 50 includes a speed sensor 130, 165 and the
second sensor 140, each mounted proximate to the horse so as to
move with the horse 500. The speed sensor 130. 165 detects and
outputs at least one of detected raw data for calculating speed and
calculated speed data. The second sensor 140 detects and outputs
detected second sensor data. The trend display 202 or the host
computer 200 functioning as a trend display 202 wirelessly receives
the calculated speed data and the detected second sensor data. The
trend display 202 or the host computer 200 functioning as a trend
display 202 simultaneously displays the calculated speed data and
the detected second sensor data. The simultaneously displayed data
is synchronized with respect to time (i.e., a real-time trend).
Preferably, all of the displayed data is synchronized with respect
to real time.
[0110] Alternately, the wireless equine physiological monitoring
system 50 includes a speed sensor (not shown in detail) that
monitors the speed of the horse 500 remotely from the horse 500 and
transmits the remotely acquired speed data to the host computer 200
and/or to the on-board control circuit 160, 260, 360. The remote
speed monitoring may be performed using one or more of Doppler
radar, transponder-based Doppler speed determination,
pseudolite-based Doppler speed determination, optical ground
pattern recognition, continuous or pulsed sonar, cellular telephone
triangulation, cellular telephone time-lapse, radio-direction
finder with distance measuring equipment (DME), very high frequency
(VHF) omni-directional ranging with DME, Rayleigh fading, Doppler
multi-path spreading, pseudolite triangulation and ranging,
anemometer, light direction and ranging (LIDAR), optical tracking,
optical DME, RF ranging and triangulation, stopwatch/chronograph or
the like. Preferably, the remotely acquired speed data is also
synchronized with respect to time and the various clocks X1 are
able to be synchronized with respect to each other. Preferably, all
of the data is synchronized with respect to real time.
[0111] In another configuration, the wireless equine physiological
monitoring system 50 includes a single-axis angular rate sensor
114, 115, 116 mounted proximate to a horse 500 so as to move with
the horse 500. The single-axis angular rate sensor 114, 115, 116
detects and outputs angular rotation data relative to the
single-axis. The trend display 202 or the host computer 200
functioning as a trend display 202 wirelessly receives the detected
angular rotation data relative to the single-axis. The trend
display 202 or the host computer 200 functioning as a trend display
202 displays the detected angular rotation data relative to the
single-axis with respect to time as the detected angular rotation
data relative to the single-axis is received (i.e., a real-time
trend).
[0112] In another configuration, the respiratory vibration
accelerometer 100, 101 is attached to one of hair, skin, bone,
ligament, cartilage, and other tissue of a horse 500, so that the
respiratory vibration accelerometer 100, 101 detects respiratory
structural vibration data. Either a transceiver (not shown) sends
the respiratory structural vibration data to the
computer/controller 60 or the transceiver (not shown) sends the
data to the host computer 200. Either the on-board
computer/controller 60 or the transceiver 64 converts the
respiratory structural vibration data to a corresponding signal and
wirelessly transmits the corresponding signal to a receiving
device. The wirelessly transmitted data is received at an audio
generating device such as a host computer 200 having a speaker 201
or a simple hand-held radio (e.g., a walkie-talkie) having a
speaker (not shown). The detected respiratory structural vibration
data is stored at the on-board data acquisition control circuit 160
and/or the host computer 200 while the audio generating device
simultaneously emits audible sound, in real time, based on the
corresponding signal. This allows an observer to "listen" to
portions of the respiratory data (i.e., within the audible range)
while observing other trends or observing the exercising horse or
the like, while still being able to store the respiratory data for
later retrieval and historical analysis.
[0113] It is contemplated that the on-board data acquisition
control circuit 160 can be a conventional MP3 player/recorder that
receives a signal input, performs analog to digital conversion
(A/D) and stores the received signal in a compressed data file. It
is also contemplated that the on-board data acquisition control
circuit 160 can be a commercially available data logger such as a
DI-710 Data Logger commercially available from Dataq Instruments,
Inc., Akron, Ohio.
[0114] FIGS. 20A-20E show a condensed five (5) second display of
the output from multiple sensors 128, 129, 115, 116, 100, 101, 130,
165 while a horse 500 is trotting. Any combination of graphs or
trends may be simultaneously displayed on the trend display 202
without departing from the invention. Preferably the trends are all
time synchronized so that particular events can be detected easily.
Preferably, the trends are all time synchronized in real time.
However, the trends can also be displayed singly and/or only
historically.
[0115] FIG. 20A shows ECG data with a normal rhythm (no
arrhythmias) and a calculated heart rate of 60 beats per minute
(BPM) being displayed on the trend display 202. FIG. 20B shows data
from the lateral-axis and vertical axis angular rate sensors 115,
116 which is also displayed on the trend display 202. This trend
display gives an indication that respiration and locomotion are out
of phase as well as how the horse 500 is modulating the stiffness
of its body and limbs. Further, data from the lateral axis sensor
115 demonstrates that the horse 500 is taking seven (7) strides per
five (5) seconds (i.e., 1.4 strides per second), and data from the
vertical axis angular rate sensor 116 confirms the stride rate and
also demonstrates which diagonal the horse 500 is exhibiting. FIG.
20C shows data from the respiratory vibration accelerometer 100,
101 being displayed on the trend display 202. These data represent
accelerations of the respiratory structural changes that are
occurring during exercise and the potential influences of the
locomotor and cardiovascular systems on these structures. In
addition, the respiratory structural vibrations can be used to
ascertain the overall as well as the inspiratory and expiratory
respiratory segments and any irregularities thereof. FIGS. 20D-20E
shows data from either the speed accelerometer 130 or GPS receiver
board 165, raw and/or integrated data, being displayed on the trend
display 202. The voltage output shown in FIG. 20D is converted to
acceleration (feet/second.sup.2) using the manufacturer's
specifications and then calculating the first integral which yields
speed in feet per second (ft/sec) indicated by the line labeled
"integrated" on the trend of FIG. 20D. It can be appreciated that
one can ascertain the speed of the horse 500. These speed
measurements can be used to evaluate cardiac rhythm and rate at
various speeds as well as at what speeds respiratory locomotor
events are occurring. In addition, these speed measurements are
used to calculate various respiratory locomotor variables. A basic
example is the calculation of stride length by the formula:
Stride length=speed/stride frequency
The raw GPS signal output shown on the bottom trend of FIG. 20E can
be used for the same purpose as the speed accelerometer data. In
this case the signal is first converted to speed by the
formula:
45 Hz=1 MPH
[0116] thus, yielding a speed measurement every 0.1 seconds based
on the update rate of GPS receiver 165 of at least 10 times per
second. It is anticipated that other models of GPS receiver 165
and/or manufacturers will have different methods of outputting
speed measurements.
[0117] It is desirable to identify at what speed a particular
physiological event occurs. For example, it is of interest to know
if an arrhythmia occurs when the horse 500 exceeds 25.5 MPH or that
the horse 500 has a respiratory locomotor phase shift when the
horse 500 exceeds 30.2 MPH or the like. This is especially true if
the identified physiological event is relatively repeatable for a
given horse 500.
[0118] Preferably, the data is all synchronized with respect to
time to permit a user to more easily identify interactions between
the monitored physiological data. Preferably, the data is
synchronized with respect to time as the data is acquired and
stored or acquired and transmitted. Preferably, all of the data is
synchronized with respect to real time.
[0119] FIGS. 21A-21B show a 2.5 second time period to illustrate
use of the angular rate sensors 114, 115, 116 to determine stride
frequency and basic components of the trotting stride of a horse
500. FIG. 21A shows data from the lateral-axis angular rate sensor
115 which clearly demonstrates four (4) strides per 2.5 seconds,
thus a stride frequency of 1.6 strides per second. FIG. 21B shows
data from the vertical-axis angular rate sensor 116 which confirms
the stride frequency and also identifies which diagonal the horse
500 is exhibiting during each half of the stride. Rotation of the
sensor in the negative direction signifies that the left front leg
and right rear leg are moving forward. Thus, by convention, the
horse 500 is said to be exhibiting the "left diagonal" likewise as
the sensor rotates in the positive direction the right front leg
and the left rear leg are moving forward thus by convention the
horse 500 would be exhibiting the "right diagonal". In addition,
the suspension and stance phases that occur during each diagonal of
the trotting stride are noted. In addition, this horse 500 is
exhibiting a locomotion disorder.
[0120] FIGS. 22A-22D show a 2.5 second display of a horse 500
galloping. FIG. 22A shows data from the lateral-axis angular rate
sensor 114, 115, 116 demonstrating that the stride frequency is 5
strides per 2.5 seconds, or 2 strides per second. FIG. 22B shows
data from the vertical-axis angular rate sensor 116 that confirms
the gallop frequency of 2 strides per second and also identifies by
its phase shift relative to the lateral-axis angular rate sensor
114, 115, 116 waveform that the horse 500 is on its left lead. If
the horse 500 were on its right lead then the major stride
components exhibited by the vertical-axis angular rate sensor 114,
115, 116 would be shifted to the left. The respiratory
accelerometer 100, 101 sensor output charted in FIG. 22C shows that
the overall respiratory cycle is synchronized in a 1:1 ratio with
the overall gallop cycle and that the inspiratory and expiratory
portions of respiration occur during specific phases of the gallop
stride cycle, i.e., that inspiration mainly occurs during the
suspension phase of the stride and that expiration mainly occurs
during the stance phase of the stride. FIG. 22D shows an ECG signal
of 5 beats per 2.5 seconds yields a heart rate of 120 BPM. Because
the trace is an ECG signal and not just a heart rate monitor, it is
possible to discern that there are no arrhythmias present in this
trace.
[0121] The data can be displayed with respect to the time domain,
the frequency domain and their amplitudes and/or a combination of
the time domain and the frequency domain and amplitudes. Converting
sensor data between the time domain and the frequency domain and
vice-versa is within the scope of the present invention.
[0122] The above examples illustrate how one can obtain
simultaneous information regarding the respiratory, locomotive, and
cardiovascular systems of the exercising horse 500 in order to
assist in observing their interactions during exercise events of
the horse 500. Those skilled in the art can appreciate that with
further analysis, one can study the interactions of the
physiological and biometric systems of the exercising horse 500.
Further, this method allows those skilled in the art, such as an
equine veterinarian, to identify and analyze differences,
irregularities and abnormalities within and between each of the
systems of a single horse 500 or multiple horses 500.
[0123] The equine physiological monitoring system 50 can be used in
the study of varying ground and climatic conditions, genotypes,
phenotypes, feeding and training strategies, influences of riders
540, drivers, or unencumbered by either, riding, driving equipment
and training aids, pharmacological agents, medical and
developmental histories, shoeing, metabolic, physiologic and
psychological states, and intra and inter species communications
and vocalizations.
[0124] While the present invention has been described with respect
to horses 500, embodiments of the present invention are also
equally applicable with other animals such as camels, dogs,
elephants or the like.
[0125] From the foregoing, it can be seen that the present
invention comprises a portable wireless equine physiological
monitoring system and a method for using the equine physiological
monitoring system. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above
without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is
understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the
particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover
modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention
as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *